Focus Asia: Residency, Commission, Acquisition

Overview
Information session
Eligibility
Selection Criteria
Key dates
Apply
FAQs
Contact

Overview

The inaugural ACMI, Parramatta Artists Studios (PAS) and Playking Foundation Focus Asia: Residency, Commission, Acquisition supports one artist from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and/or Laos to create a new work that integrates performance and moving image art practice.

The selected artist will receive $70,000 AUD to undertake a 3-month residency at Parramatta Artists Studios in 2026 to develop the proposed work, followed by its premiere at ACMI in 2027. The commissioned artwork will then be acquired into ACMI’s collection to be preserved for future generations.

With three commissioning partners, Focus Asia represents a unique and exciting collaboration designed to strengthen relationships between artists and creative communities across the Asia Pacific, Western Sydney and Melbourne.

Proposals will be assessed on the conceptual rigour and feasibility of the artwork, and the applicant’s history of successfully developing ambitious moving image artworks with a performance component. Focus Asia prioritises proposals that build sustainable, ethical creative partnerships and foster lasting connections with local communities and practices.

The successful project will be selected by representatives from ACMI and Parramatta Artists Studios, with expert advice from an independent artist.

Information session

6pm AEST Thursday 16 October 2025

Hosted by ACMI and Parramatta Artists Studios.

Eligibility:

1. Nationals of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and/or Laos
   Nationals or permanent residents of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and/or Laos.
   
2. Established artists (10+ years of practice) demonstrating performance and moving image practices.
   This may include artists working across film, video, content creation, videogames, VR, AR and/or audience interactive work.

Selection Criteria:

Applications will be evaluated against the following three interrelated criteria, with the weighting reflected against each:

1. Conceptually rigorous, relevant, and exciting new ideas (40%)
   We’re looking for bold, cross-disciplinary proposals that push the boundaries of performance and screen media. Projects should be artist-led, and don’t need to be conceptually or thematically limited by Parramatta Artists Studios or ACMI’s previous works. Proposals should be based on solid research and awareness of context, combining clear ideas with creative experimentation. The final work might draw on different forms, challenge conventions, and bring fresh perspectives to digital and hybrid practice.
   
2. Career growth and track record (30%)
   We want to understand that you can deliver ambitious projects, demonstrated by a strong track record of past exhibitions, commissions, screenings, or performances. Your application should show how this residency and commission will help you take the next step in your career, including future growth opportunities, international engagement goals and ways to expand the impact of your work.
   
3. Feasibility and impact (30%)
   We’re looking for projects with clear timelines, realistic budgets, and identified technical requirements, alongside contingency planning. Just as important is the potential for your work to connect with local communities and/or enrich ACMI’s collection, engage diverse audiences, and make a lasting impact beyond its first presentation.

Key dates:

• Applications open: Friday, 12 September 2025
• Information Session: Thursday, 16 October 2025 (6pm AEST)
• Applications close: Monday, 10 November 2025 (5pm AEST)
• Shortlisted interviews: Week commencing 1 December 2025
• Successful applicant notified: Week commencing 8 December 2025

Apply

Complete the Online Form and supporting materials

FAQs:

• What exactly does the recipient receive?
  1. Residency: 3-month residency at Parramatta Artists Studios from June to August 2026 including studio space at PAS Granville and access to accommodation. The residency also provides curatorial support, peer learning in an interdisciplinary and intergenerational studio environment, professional development and mentorship.
  2. Project Budget: Total $70,000 AUD paid in instalments upon signing of contract and delivery of the acquisitive commission.
  3. Travel and Accommodation: Two round-trip flights to Australia, which will be managed by ACMI, to facilitate the residency and exhibition. Accommodation and per diems will also be provided.
  4. Exhibition at ACMI: A dedicated 1-year solo exhibition of the commissioned work in ACMI’s world-class exhibition spaces, supported by the museum’s curatorial, production and technical expertise. Work commissioned through the Focus Asia will enter into the ACMI collection.
  5. Community Engagement: Identification and facilitation of local collaborative, professional and community relationships, and introduction to new audiences in Western Sydney and Melbourne.
  6. Publication and Public Programs: Multilingual publication; workshops; and an artist talk with support from Parramatta Artists Studios.
  
• What should I include in the budget?
  Your budget should realistically reflect the costs of completing the project and paying all contributors appropriately, including materials, production and artist fees for the principal and collaborating artists.
  
• What should I not include in the budget?
  Any costs covered by ACMI and PAS should not be included such as:
  - Exhibition presentation expenses, such as standard audiovisual equipment and gallery fixtures
  - Residency expenses such as travel, accommodation and per diems
  - Arts training, study or conferences
  
• How much should I budget to pay myself?
  The artist fee is not fixed, but you should take into account the scale of the project, the amount of time spent developing the work, and the number of collaborators you will be taking on as part of the project. We recommend using the National Association for Visual Arts (NAVA) fee schedule as a guide.
  
• Are artist collectives eligible to apply?
  No, this opportunity is for one independent artist only. You can, however, budget for collaborators within your application.
  
• Can I live in my studio during my residency?
  The successful applicant will have access to an offsite 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in Parramatta with easy access to public transport. The working studio at PAS is non-residential, to which you will have 24/7 access.
  
• Does my artistic practice count as performance or moving image?
  Focus Asia is open to artists with a diverse range of creative practices. Relevant artistic portfolios can include work across film, television, video art, media arts, content creation, videogames, VR, AR, theatre, and audience interactive work.
  
• Does the Work have to debut at ACMI?
  Yes. The Work will premiere at ACMI’s Gallery 2 in September 2027, and must not have been exhibited elsewhere during its development.
  
• What does Gallery 2 at ACMI look like?
  See images below for both galleries.
  
• How many proposals can I submit?
  Applicants may only submit one proposal. You can, however, submit one application as the principal artist and be included as a collaborator on another artist’s proposal.
  
• Can I get feedback on a project idea before I submit it?
  ACMI’s curators can provide general advice on a project idea, but they will not read full applications before they are submitted. Decisions regarding shortlisted artists and selected artists are at the discretion of the panel.
  
• Will I receive feedback regarding my application if unsuccessful?
  We understand the importance of feedback to career development and growth, however, due to the high volume of applications we are unable to provide feedback customised to every applicant. We will provide general feedback on the Focus Asia round as a whole, suggestions for what makes a strong application, as well as considerations for future rounds.