Arts & Cultural Exchange announces new on-Country artist residency program

Phoebe Blogg Published September 8, 2026 at 5.30am (AWST)

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Artists and creatives invloved in the Arts & Cultural Exchange new on-Country artist residency program. (Image: supplied)

Arts & Cultural Exchange has officially unveiled Seed to Sky, the first on-Country artist residency launched by ACE's youth collective Still Growing.

Delivered in partnership with BigCi, on the edge of Wollemi National Park on Dharug Country, the inaugural residency takes place across September 2-12.

Seed to Sky brings together Dharug artists Billy Bain, Jess Tobin, Mason Browne and Chloe Webb for ten days of creative development, cultural exchange, reflection and connection to Country.

Supported by Dharug Knowledge Holders and mentors Aunty Julie Jones Webb, Aunty Leanne Tobin, Peta Strachan and Uncle Chris Tobin, the artists will be invited to spend time developing their practice.

"Still Growing began with young people and a belief that when you create the right conditions, give people space and surround them with community, incredible things can grow," said ACE First Nations Advisor, Akala Newman.

"Seed to Sky is the next chapter of that journey, a platform for everyone at every stage and residency that creates the conditions for genuine growth."

Co-curated by ACE's First Nations team advisor Akala Newman and producer Tannika Keaton, the residency is made possible through the Create NSW Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Program and marks the beginning of a longer-term vision for Still Growing; "creating opportunities for artists and communities to come together, connect with Country and grow through ongoing relationships rather than one-off encounters".

At the heart of Seed to Sky is a partnership between communities. BigCi, established and run byRae and Yuri Bolotin alongside their son Daniel, as an independent, artist-run, not-for-profit residency program supporting artists' professional development and creative projects whilst ensuring and honouring Dharug custodianship.

Seed to Sky is the first of a series of future Still Growing residencies on Country, continuing to build opportunities for artists, cultural leadership and communities to connect, create and grow together. (Image: supplied)

Rather than treating Country as simply the backdrop to an artist residency, Seed to Sky places connection, care and custodianship at the centre of the experience.

"BigCi is a place for artists to slow down, listen and connect deeply with Country. We're delighted to see Seed to Sky bring artists, Elders and community together in this way," said BigCi Artistic Director, Rae Bolotin.

"For us, being on Dharug Country comes with a responsibility to listen, learn and build relationships with its custodians. Seed to Sky is a beautiful opportunity for those relationships to deepen through art, culture and time together."

The residency follows a three-part journey: Planting seeds, Taking root, and Reaching for the sky.

The residency will also create opportunities for intergenerational exchange, with Dharug Knowledge Holders and mentors sharing time and conversations with the artists throughout their stay.

The inaugural residency will culminate in Seed to Sky: A Gathering — Open Studio & Community Yarn on Saturday, September 12. Family, friends and community will be invited to join the artists and mentors for an afternoon of conversation, creative exchange and connection.

Seed to Sky is also the first of a series of future Still Growing residencies on Country, continuing to build opportunities for artists, cultural leadership and communities to connect, create and grow together.