Trans-Tasman Dance Residency 2026 EOI

Dancehouse (Naarm / Melbourne) and Wellesley Studios (Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland) are offering reciprocal two-week dance residencies in 2026 as part of their ongoing Trans-Tasman Dance Exchange programme (2025–2027).

Each year, one New Zealand dance artist is hosted at Dancehouse in Melbourne, and one Australian dance artist is hosted at Wellesley Studios in Auckland. The residencies are designed to build creative relationships, networks, and collaborations across the Tasman.

What the New Zealand artist receives:

• Up to 2 weeks of studio space at Dancehouse
• Stipend of NZD $1,400 per week
• Per diems of NZD $500 per week
• NZD $700 flight contribution
• NZD $250 airport transfer contribution
• NZD $2,000 accommodation allowance

What the Australian artist receives:

• Up to 2 weeks of studio space at Wellesley Studios
• Stipend of AUD $1,300 per week
• Per diems of AUD $476.46 per week
• Return international flight between Auckland and Melbourne
• 2 weeks of accommodation
• Free attendance at Independance classes
• Airport transfers

Residencies are not required to be project- or outcomes-focused, but artists should have a clear purpose and approach. Each resident is expected to offer a workshop, masterclass, or exchange opportunity for local artists, and a sharing or showing at the end of the residency.

The timing of the residency is proposed by the artist based on availability, with residencies likely starting from February 2026. Artists are encouraged to leverage the residency alongside tours, festivals, or other local opportunities in the host city.

Eligibility:

• Open to practising independent choreographers with a strong track record
• All dance forms and practices welcome
• Must be resident in your home country for at least one year before applying
• Multiple artists may apply together, but financial support covers only one artist per residency
• No provision for additional domestic travel outside Auckland or Melbourne
• Australian artists with a confirmed Dancehouse presentation in 2026 or 2027 are not eligible for the Wellesley Studios residency

How to apply:

Submit one Expression of Interest via an online Airtable form (no account required). Include your contact information, bio, preferred dates, and a YOUR RESIDENCY proposal as either a 2-page document (Word or PDF) or a link to a 5-minute video (Vimeo, YouTube, or WeTransfer). No budget is required.

Key dates:

• EOIs open: Monday 8 September 2025
• EOIs close: 5pm (Melbourne time) Friday 10 October 2025
• Outcomes advised by: 7 November 2025
• Residencies undertaken: throughout 2026

Questions?

Efren Pamilacan, Programme Manager, Dancehouse: +61 3 9347 2860

Shona McCullagh, Creative Producer – Residencies, Wellesley Studios: +64 27 277 9326