CRAWL INTO THE COCOON
What happens when artists crawl into a cocoon for three months? A little creative chaos, a few unexpected connections and, hopefully, something wonderful emerging at the other end.
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
THIS WET SEASON, Darwin Visual Arts (DVA) invites creatives to hunker down, experiment, and see what takes shape with a brand-new Creative Residency Program, with applications now open.
From December to the end of February, DVA’s gallery transforms into a hive of creative activity, with multiple working studios bringing artists together under one roof. Think less hibernation, more collaboration – with plenty of room for ideas to get messy, grow legs, and take flight.
Leading the program is Gallery Coordinator Heather Bradbury, who joins DVA after running Kapi Art Studio and Gallery in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. With a passion for mentoring, community connection, and creative experimentation, she’s keen to see what Darwin’s artists can dream up when given the space, time, and company to explore.
“I think it would be lovely to get a range of different creative mediums of people. It’s open to anyone, really. It could be someone who’s just writing – it doesn’t have to be a painter,” she says.
That’s right – you don’t need a paintbrush, a perfectly formed concept, or even a rough plan. DVA’s residency is an invitation to follow your curiosity, test an idea, or simply make space for your practice to evolve.
“The main idea is that it’s Wet season. People often stay at home and things close down, but DVA has this building and we want to use all the rooms,” Bradbury says.
And why do it alone when you can create alongside others? The cocoon concept is all about giving artists room to retreat into their work while staying connected to a wider creative community.
“Often, when something comes out of a cocoon, it’s been a bit messy or muddy. I think someone said that when they’re in the cocoon, they go into a bit of a mush and it’s helpful to be around others,” Bradbury says.
“You often see cocoons hanging together, so I think it’s really important that you’re with others so you can bounce ideas off. Then the beautiful thing that comes out of that is something quite amazing at the end. It’s surprising, often even to the person that’s in the cocoon.”
That sense of connection is a big part of the appeal behind this artist callout from DVA. Throughout the three-month residency, participants receive guidance, personalised feedback, and a sounding board as their ideas develop.
The residency also gives participating artists the opportunity to share their practice through an interview and online artist profile, with an optional exhibition at the end of the three months. It’s a chance not only to make work, but to share the journey behind it.
And for those thinking, that sounds great, but does my idea fit? – Bradbury’s advice is simple – start a conversation.
“Let’s talk, because if you email me and say, ‘I’m doing this weird thing,’ once I talk to them, I can understand it more and can fit it in with this. I love to actually see people first.”
DVA welcomes proposals from emerging and established artists, including solo, collaborative and group exhibitions, pop-up shows, and submissions from curators and community groups.
Whether you’re an emerging artist itching to try something new, an established creative ready for a shake-up, or someone whose practice doesn’t fit neatly into a box, there’s room to grow.
Forget waiting for inspiration to strike. Step into the cocoon, meet your creative neighbours and see what emerges. Apply now!
Cocoon Creative Residency
WHEN DEC 2026 - FEB 2027
AT DARWIN VISUAL ARTS
INFO darwinvisualarts.com.au
Header, inset and thumbnail: Heather Bradbury, 'Eternity', 2018, oil on canvas, 90x151cm
