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supported project:

The Tidal Exchange

Artist / Org:
Arts OutWest, South East Arts & Narra Bukulla

The Tidal Exchange carries artists between the Central West and South East Arts regions of NSW. This exchange is hosted at The Squatter's Cottage, Portland and Narra Bukulla, Tanja. 

The Exchange is supported by South East Arts and Arts OutWest.

Commenced:

Project type:

2026

Artist In Residence, Artist Exchange

The Squatter’s Cottage sits within The Foundations precinct in Portland, NSW

The Squatter’s Cottage sits within The Foundations precinct in Portland, NSW

About the residencies


Narra Bukulla, Tanja (Far South Coast, NSW) 


Narra Bukulla is a privately-owned property adjacent to Mimosa Rocks National Park, south of Bermagui on the Far South Coast of NSW. It provides artists with a large studio in a remote, bush setting. The artist workspace / studio at Narra Bukulla is peaceful with high ceilings, large, long walls and an open floor space with roller-door access.


Within a secluded forest of spotted gums, the artist studio is a short drive to pristine beaches. The property has an established collection of site specific artworks created by family, friends and by commission. The ethos of the hosting family (who reside on the property) reflects four generations of passionate creativity and innovation in the arts, scientific research and architecture, all fostering sustainability initiatives.

 

Artist accommodation is provided locally nearby. The living quarters are rudimentary, with partial-wheelchair access.  Artists must bring a willingness to engage with outdoor environments — including the presence of wildlife such as snakes and spiders — and a sense of adaptability and openness to the experience are important.  

 

The Squatter’s Cottage, Portland (Central Tablelands, NSW)


Portland, NSW is a charming small village lost in time. Located in Central West NSW between Bathurst and Lithgow, it was known as the “The Town that Built Sydney”. 


The Squatter’s Cottage sits within The Portland Foundations precinct – once a huge cement works. The quarries are now lakes and the large estate is lined with informal bushwalks and the gracious industrial buildings are aged. 


It has been named ‘The Squat’ or ‘The Squatter’s Cottage’ as it is a largely unrenovated basic cottage. It leans into “art squat” subculture of making art in spaces and places that are vacant and affordable.  It is not a purpose-built studio/accommodation residency. 


T. C. Overson, the first AIR program National Art School prize recipient and later AIR program coordinator, expressed “It’s a simple old place, yet full of character.” Many have found it to be the perfect space for a self-directed creative retreat. One resident has quipped “it is a step up from camping”!


Originally the building was the first Bank of New South Wales in the town. The studio was the bank and the attached cottage was the manager’s home. Many of the original features are still observable in the layers of time. 


Who can apply


In 2026 the exchange is open to First Nations artists only. Artists from the following Local Government Areas are eligible to apply:  

  • Snowy Monaro

  • Eurobodalla

  • Bega Valley  

  • Bathurst

  • Blayney

  • Cabonne

  • Cowra

  • Forbes

  • Lachlan

  • Lithgow

  • Mid-Western

  • Oberon

  • Orange

  • Parkes

  • Weddin

How to apply 


  • Expressions of Interest are now open.

  • Applications close at 5pm, June 5

  • Complete the EOI form and submit online.


Enquiries:


You are welcome to get in touch with your local Regional Arts Development Orginisation to discuss your application before submitting:





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