Information for Applicants

Applications for studios are invited from committed ceramic arts practitioners. Applications from artists working in other media may be considered but preference is given to potters and ceramicists. Tenancy periods for artists working in other media should be discussed with the Watson Art Centre (WAC) managers and may not be the same as periods offered to potters and ceramicists. A high degree of professionalism and commitment to studio practice are expected from tenants to maximise the benefit and use of the studios. Tenants are also expected to become full members of Canberra Potters’ Society (and to remain so whilst tenants) and to participate in Society activities and actively contribute to the community and artistic vibrancy of the centre.

About Canberra Potters/Watson Arts Centre

Canberra Potters’ Society is a not-for-profit organisation supported by the ACT Government. It manages Watson Arts Centre, which is an ACT Government arts facility. Apart from the Society’s workshops, gallery, shop and other spaces, the Centre has studios providing affordable space for emerging and established ceramic artists.

The objectives of the Society are to:

1. Promote excellence and innovation in ceramics—foster and facilitate contact between people interested in ceramics; promote the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of information on ceramics; mount selected exhibitions of members’ work;
2. Foster appreciation of handcrafted ceramics in the broader community—conduct classes; mount exhibitions; participate in public art activities;
3. Encourage the professional development of its members—provide support and facilitate the professional development of members who are working as potters; provide facilities for members to exhibit and sell their work; run specialist workshops for skills development;
4. Be a key part of the national network of ceramic organisations.

About the Studios

The purpose-built studios were erected in 2011. Each studio is accessed via an electronic keycard and is equipped with a back-to-base alarm as part of the WAC security system. The studios are unfurnished but do contain shelving, wedging table and sinks. Heaters are also supplied. The studios open onto shared and common space and between studios 4 and 5 is a deck area that is a common usage area.

Studios may be accessed 24 hours a day 7 days a week. There is no 3-phase power supplied to any of the studios, and kilns are not permitted in the studio areas. Tenants provide their own equipment, furniture and tools.

Before applying for a studio it’s recommended that an appointment be made with the CEO to discuss your studio needs, studio availability and to view the studios and facilities.

Applications for shared tenancy may be considered at the discretion of the managers.

Length of Tenancy

Licence Agreements

In 2020 studio rent is $275 per calendar month (inc. GST). This includes a component for a reasonable amount of studio electricity usage per month. Extension of licence agreements are granted only in special circumstances and are at the discretion of the managers. Requests for licence variation must be submitted to the CEO for approval at least one month before the licence termination date.

Shorter terms (ie less than one year) may be considered at the discretion of the managers.

Kiln Use

When applying for a studio, potential tenants will need to address their kiln requirements. Canberra Potters has a number of electric and gas kilns but the electric kilns are heavily used with a large amount of firing being of student work for which a quick turn-around is expected. It may be necessary for kiln needs to be discussed with the Technical Manager before submitting a studio application.

Insurance

It is a requirement that all tenants maintain public liability insurance during their tenancy such as that available with membership of the Australian Ceramics Association, which offers affordable cover for public, product and tenant liability. A current certificate of currency must be supplied that will be kept on file.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed by a panel and may include Board members, staff or Canberra Potters members. Artists applying for space or who have pending applications will be excluded from participating on the selection panel.

Before a studio space can be awarded applicants may be invited to attend an interview with the panel.

If applying for shared tenancy, acceptance will depend on tenant compatibility with practice and studio use.

Applications are approved by the CEO upon recommendation by the selection panel. Compliant with our head-licence agreement all studio tenants must be approved by ArtsACT. Applicants will be notified of the outcome. Selection decisions are final and cannot be negotiated.

Successful applicants may not be offered a studio immediately if there is a waiting list. Applications received when there is no current vacancies will be kept on file and reviewed when vacancies occur. Applicants may be asked for updated applications at time of review.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria (max 500 words per criteria):

1. Demonstrated dedicated art practice—Including a current artistic C.V. applicants are to  provide images of recent work, details such as relevant studies or training, years of art practice, exhibition history, awards, prizes, sales and commissions.
2. Commitment to an on-going arts practice—As evidenced by the applicant’s Statement of Intent, for example plans for exhibitions, new bodies of work, areas of continuing development, grant proposals, directions for art practice over next two years.
3. Commitment to frequent and active use—Provide a statement of intended weekly usage of studio. Other commitments (employment, travel plans or study) that may influence the applicant’s use of the studio.
4. Compatibility of art practice with the WAC/CPS community—Any aspects of the applicant’s art practice that may adversely affect other WAC/CPS users.
5. Willingness to participate and contribute to WAC/CPS community—Stated willingness to participate in WAC/CPS activities and contribute artwork and time to annual CPS Members exhibition and Open Day.
6. Demonstrated need for studio at WAC—As evidenced by reference to the adequacy of the applicant’s present working situation and the specific benefit of a studio within WAC, clear statement of space requirements, other specific requirements, cost considerations.

Required Information

When preparing your application you will be required to provide the following documentation:

• A completed application form (see below)

• A current artistic curriculum vitae (up to two pages).

• A written statement addressing each of the six selection criteria.

• Examples of work produced in the last two years. Up to 6 digital images may be supplied.

• The name and contact details of two referees.

Submitting your application

Online applications may be submitted below.

Enquiries

If you would like to discuss the application process or have any questions regarding the studios please contact us on 02 6241 1670 or via email.