Bunurong Fieldwork Residency

McClelland, 2023–24

The Bunurong Fieldwork Residency at McClelland enabled four First Nations artists to reside in McClelland’s studio cottage over a period of six to twelve weeks each, developing detailed concept proposals for a permanent site-specific public artwork. While in residence, each artist or team of artists was supported by McClelland to engage with Bunurong history, culture and community.

Accommodation, artist and travel fees, and a stipend were provided for four artists: Robert Fielding (Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara, APY Lands, South Australia), Amala Groom (Wiradyuri, New South Wales), Caleb Nichols-Mansell (Lutruwita, Tasmania), Steaphan Paton (Gunai, Monero, Victoria).

Developed and facilitated by McClelland and Simon Lawrie in consultation with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC), the residency entailed workshops with the selected artists enabling opportunities for skills development in public art and collaborative, cross-cultural practices.

This project was supported by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Service Stream, and has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Photo Mitch Pelns-Ross