“I find that the artmaking allows a kind of navigation through existence – from the quiet every day to the pressing issues of our times. They are all part of being here.”
-Suzi Lyon
The Stardust Residency was instigated in honour of artist and educator Suzi Lyon who was born in New Zealand but lived a large part of her creative and insightful life in Mparntwe.
Suzi’s was a recipient of the Watch This Space 2018 Lofty Award and subsequently held what was to be her final exhibition, Travels on a distant star, at WTS in 2020. In her artist’s statement, she wrote:
We are ‘survivors of immeasurable events’, ‘small wet miracles’.
So wrote the poet and astronomer, Rebecca Elson.
And so we travel, immeasurably distant, immeasurably mysterious.
But there is a sensation that holds me like iron, that we are the stars.
So in this I am, my own brief miniscule miracle of magical, gritty self, this is how I can be, of the stars, of this distant star
An exhibition of artworks from Suzi’s estate plus contributions from fellow artists and friends was held to raise funds for a residency program to be hosted by WTS in her memory.
The Stardust Residency provides a studio space for up to 8 weeks during August/September and is supported with a $2000 artist fee.
In the spirit of creativity and inclusivity, which Suzi championed, and in recognition of her heritage, the Stardust Residency is open to any artist, residing in Aotearoa (New Zealand) or Australia, at any stage of their career or creative aspiration, working in any media.
WTS can support artists applying for funding for relevant expenses – e.g. funding for additional travel costs.
In keeping with both Suzi’s practice and WTS vision, The Stardust Residency supports inspired experimentation, artistic expression, critical thinking and community conversation.
Applications close: midnight Wednesday 7 May
Successful applicant notified: Wednesday 14 May
Residency commences: August
Eligible artists can apply to the Stardust Residency Program by sending a PDF with your responses to the application prompts to wts@wts.org.au
See https://www.wts.org.au/stardust-residency-2025 for more information & access to the application guide.
Images of Stardust Residency 2024 Artist Tilda Mae Clarke during their open studio, captured by Esther Bridget Joy.
For more information click here
