Bayside City Council is now seeking high quality applications from people active in the arts sector, including artists, writers, composers, filmmakers, sculptors, performers, designers etc. to apply for the Billilla Artists Studio Program.
The Program offers free studio space to artists from Victoria and Bayside. The program supports artists from diverse practices and across career stages. Located on the grounds of the historic Billilla Gardens in Brighton, the program provides an opportunity for artists to connect with the Bayside community through public programs as well as develop their practice without the financial pressure of paying studio rent.
The vision of the Bayside Arts, Culture and Libraries Strategy 2023-2027 is for Bayside City Council to offer inspiring, creative, artistic and cultural experiences for its community and visitors to enjoy. The Billilla Artists Studio Program supports Council’s strategic vision to:
- Activate Billilla as a place for culture and creativity.
- Provide opportunities for local artists to develop their practice and contribute to programs.
- Develop and deliver annual plan for cultural programs and events.
This initiative also aligns with the Bayside 2050 Community Vision of ‘Nurturing Creativity’, and creating an environment where creativity is encouraged and celebrated. This includes establishing formal and informal spaces that foster creative endeavours, promote celebration and bring people together in creative pursuits
Council has embarked on a staged, long-term program of restoration and activation of Billilla Mansion. The program includes a series of considered heritage and amenity upgrades to create accessible, engaging and well-maintained spaces for the community to enjoy in the future. There may be works conducted on site during the 2026 Studio Program, including the upgrading of the outdoor amenities, as well as regular public events and private functions.
About
Five outbuildings at the rear of the historical Billilla Mansion have been converted into basic studios with access from 8am to 10pm seven days a week. The 2026 Studio Program will run from January to December 2026. Successful artists will enter into a lease agreement with Council for the period of the tenancy.
While the workspaces are fit for purpose there is no heating/air-conditioning and there is limited insulation against heat and cold; all studios have power and lighting. The studios take their name from prominent artists who lived and worked in the Bayside area.
The gardens surrounding the mansion are open to the public.
Beckett Studio (named after tonalist painter, Clarice Beckett)
This studio consists of 3 small adjoining rooms. The space measures 9m x 2.5m and includes a sink and running water. Suitable for painters working on a small to medium scale.
Grainger Studio (named after composer and artist, Percy Grainger)
Dimensions 3.5 m x 3.5 m and includes a sink and running water. Suitable for composers and musicians and most types of practices excluding large scale work.
Marshall Studio (named after writer, Alan Marshall)
Dimensions 3.5 m x 3.5m. Most suited to writers and/or playwrights as has no running water or sink.
Parr Studio (named after sculptor, Lenton Parr)
Dimensions 5.3m x 5.4m and includes use of the fenced yard making it suitable for large scale work. There is a sink and running water. Hot work is not permitted on site.
Tayler Studio (named after architect, Lloyd Tayler)
Dimensions 5.2m x 3.7 m including a small storage area. Located in a standalone building, has a sink and running water. Limited natural light but suitable for most practices including larger scale works.
For more information and to apply for the 2026 Billilla Artists Studio Program please visit: bayside.vic.gov.au/billilla-artists-studio-program-applications-now-open-2026
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