An innovative new program from the Albanese Labor Government will place artists at the heart of some of our most treasured natural and cultural heritage sites.

The Albanese Labor Government has announced the 3 recipients of the inaugural Australian World Heritage Residency Program.

Delivered by Creative Australia, artists will develop and deepen their practice by partnering with communities and site partners to celebrate Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. 

The three successful applicants are:

• Artist Jonathan Jones - will live on Wiradyuri Country within the Gardens of Stone National Park in the Greater Blue Mountains for 21 days alongside elders and environmentalists to learn about the site and the issues faced by the changing climate from both a Wiradyuri and Western science perspective. Reflecting on familial cultural connections to the region and its uniqueness, Jonathan’s residency will include the creative production of nature tracks and a series of free public talks.
• Writing collective Science Write Now - will take 8 writers to the Wet Tropics of Queensland for an 11-day residency to engage with the local environments and cultures for their 2027 planned edition “The Hot Wet North”. Writers will work on their commissioned pieces throughout the residency and present their written works at an event in Cairns on the last night.
• Bidjara artist Michael Cook - will develop a new creative project on K’gari in Queensland over a year-long residency. Drawing on his own knowledge of place and working closely with the Butchulla people, Michael will examine the early contact with the First Fleet and subsequent aftermath of colonisation on the island to culminate in a new photographic series.  

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the residencies were a way for artists to explore some of the great areas of Australia. 

“This program is a new way for artists and collectives to experience some of the most unique natural landscapes in the world.

“By experiencing these magical locations first-hand and living alongside local communities, artists can go on to create works that celebrate and capture these awe-inspiring places.”

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said Australia was home to incredible sites, right across the country.

“Australia is proudly home to 21 properties on the World Heritage List. These sites showcase Australia’s natural and historic significance and deep First Nations culture and history. The diversity of these projects will help tell our unique national story,” Minister Watt said.

“The Albanese Government is strongly committed to World Heritage, and we will ensure these outstanding places are protected and preserved for future generations.”

Chief Executive Officer of Creative Australia, Adrian Collette, said 

“Australia’s World Heritage sites are places of extraordinary natural and cultural significance. This program invites artists to immerse themselves in these remarkable landscapes and communities, forging deep connections and shaping stories that will resonate with audiences across Australia and the world.

The new program has been developed as part of Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, as well as with state and territory governments where the World Heritage sites are located.

Further information about the program and the successful recipients can be found here.