Bando “Dark Matter 2027”

photo access, the ACT and region’s centre for contemporary photography, film and video and media arts, invites artists at all stages of their careers to apply for the Dark Matter residency. The residency offers a supported opportunity for four artists to produce new photo‑media work that incorporates darkroom‑based or other alternative processes. Applicants may be Canberra‑based or interstate, with a particular encouragement for artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQIA+ and people with lived experience of disability. The program is partially supported and includes a residency stipend to cover materials and research/development activities, a travel stipend for interstate residents, an ILFORD Photo materials stipend, a photo access workshop voucher, and free and extended access to the photo access darkroom (including chemicals). Technical and conceptual mentoring from staff, members and tutor faculty is provided, along with media and online content promotion. Residents will also have the opportunity to present their outcomes in a curated photo access gallery exhibition, supported by artist support packages such as e‑invitations, a room catalogue, promotion, media communications, gallery staffing, security and a catered opening. Additional benefits include free membership with Megalo Print Studio, access to its facilities for screen printing, intaglio, lithography and relief printing, WHS inductions, and technical assistance. The residency is expected to run between February and December 2027, with applications closing on 5 October 2026. All applications must be submitted online via the application form; flexible formats are accepted upon request by emailing [email protected] at least one week prior to the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome by mid‑October 2026.

Residency stipend, travel stipend for interstate residents, ILFORD Photo materials stipend, workshop voucher, free and extended access to the photo access darkroom (including chemicals), technical and conceptual mentoring and support, media and online content promotion, curated exhibition opportunity, free membership with Megalo Print Studio, WHS inductions, technical assistance

Open to artists at all stages; encouraged applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQIA+, people with lived experience of disability; Canberra-based or interstate applicants