Writers, artists, musicians … creatives from around the globe are offered access to:

• An historic and inspiring place in which to work.
• A studio space which includes a desk, chair and internet access. Note: Studio Spaces (except the Music Studio) are quiet work areas.
• A Communal Space separate from the studio spaces for meals, conversations, and phone calls. 

Select either a one week block or one day a week for four weeks.

Other opportunities available on site:

• offer your original creations for sale at the arts trading store
• propose a live event or workshop for 2023 

You select either a one week block (Monday to Friday) 

or one day a week (Mon-Thurs) for four weeks (more suitable to local creatives). 

Residencies are subsidised.

Valued at $500 they are only $110 (including GST) for Hunter-based* creatives.

If you live outside the Hunter, a sliding fee scale from $150 to $250 will be charged for a whole residency. The factors determining the fee charged include artist’s situation and location and will be discussed and agreed in the application process. 

Fees are used to cover utilities, services, and maintenance. 

*Hunter region: City of Newcastle, City of Maitland, Port Stephens LGA, City of Cessnock, Singleton LGA, Muswellbrook Shire, Upper Hunter Shire, Dungog Shire, City of Lake Macquarie.

Lighthouse Arts is unique partnership between a small not-for-profit organisation, local and state government. City of Newcastle provided the start-up funds and Port Authority NSW are the current landowners. Lighthouse Arts operates under a license agreement and development application. 

Our aim is to build a strong and vibrant arts community at Nobbys-Whibayganba. Join us to help build this community.

Creatives from all over the world are invited to apply.

Priority will be given to applicants whose circumstances have been adversely affected by COVID-19.

We encourage submissions from cultural practitioners who prioritise honesty, fairness, trust, accountability and respect when engaging with Lighthouse Arts.

True ‘wet areas’ are not currently available. Painters, ceramicists and sculptors are encouraged to use the residency to create smaller works/studies. Oil painting is not permitted.  

Any damage to the site must be paid for by the artist.

This is not a soundproofed studio, however, recordings can be made using the supplied equipment.

This studio is located in a building separate from the other Studio Spaces and is for rehearsing, composing, collaborating.  We welcome solo players, duos and trios. We welcome bands but you cannot play at high volume.

Equipment is supplied – ask us what is available. 

We aim to be inclusive of all creatives. Some facts to know: the site is isolated and access is challenging. It is a 500m level walk from the carpark to the white gate then a 200m ramp to the cottages, with a steep incline towards the end of this ramp, however, we can provide golf cart transport. If you feel you may have an issue with access please indicate this on the form or contact us via lighthousearts@hunterwriterscentre.org so we can plan together how best to provide assistance. 

If your application is successful, you will be sent a handbook plus the terms and conditions about use of the space including the work health and safety plan.

We reserve the right to update, change or replace any part of these notices by posting updates and/or changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes.