Montsalvat, in Eltham, Victoria is an arts village and artist community spanning ninety years of continuous creative practice. Established in 1934, Montsalvat has fostered a deeply connected creative community and provided thousands of artists, musicians, writers, philosophers, poets and makers with the time, space and support to further their artistic practice.
Once a private semi-rural retreat for artists, Montsalvat has evolved into a public hub of creative opportunity; a place where art is made and taught as well as exhibited and performed. We offer art classes, studio spaces and short-term residencies to a wide variety of experienced and aspiring artists, alongside numerous events and private function facilities across three dozen unique, Heritage- listed buildings and 5ha of stunning grounds.
Creative Project Residencies
Montsalvat is establishing 6 Project Spaces available for short-term residences to better support the diverse needs of our artistic community. These are clustered around the Great Hall and other iconic buildings constructed in the 30s and 40s.
The first two of these revitalised spaces are now available for dedicated, project-based use. We are looking for expressions of interest from emerging or established creative practitioners.
These studios are suited to project-oriented work and those seeking a period of focus for their practice.
In support of socialising and collaboration all studios are connected to shared amenities and other bookable spaces (for classes, seminars etc).
The two spaces are:
The Writing Room – a beautiful, boutique space suitable for 1-2 artists, situated in one of Montsalvat’s most picturesque locations.
The Poolside Tower – an absolute unique writing and making space with views of both Monsalvat’s Poolside area and the sweeping grounds – an inspiring space for dedicated creative focus.
We are open to expressions of interest from artists of any discipline looking for project space of up to six months duration. Selection will be guided by our four Creative Program objectives:
Community Build and support a community of artists and makers at Montsalvat who productively use the grounds and facilities on a regular basis, who meet together and support each other in their creative pursuits.
Diversity Build a diverse creative community who engage with Montsalvat across different art forms, age groups and cultural backgrounds and experiences.
Expanded practice Expand our definition of arts practice to encompass a broader creative industries definition in line with the State Government.
Artist-led program Prioritise the production and making of art as a key driver to building a creative community who is invested in Montsalvat. Support a creative program to be drawn from this community, not imposed on it.
For further information on either space, please contact: montsalvat@montsalvat.com.au
More project and making spaces will become available in the next three months.
Exhibit at Montsalvat!
Call for Expressions of Interest: Montsalvat welcomes creatives to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 2025 July – December exhibition program.
Image Credits
(HERO) The Great Hall at Montsalvat – Photography by Nikola Janev
Jean-Paul Zilliacus in his studio – Field of Vision Photography
Amanda Grant’s Studio at Montsalvat – Photographed by Selby Dalton
The Cottage Studio – Photographed by Selby Dalton
Life Drawing in the Barn Gallery at Montsalvat – Photography unknown
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