Dear Artists and Creatives,
We’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the Narra Bukulla Artist in local-Residence (AIR) 2025! This is your chance to immerse yourself in nature, create in an inspiring environment, and bring your artistic dreams to life. Information and Applications at https://sculpturebermagui.org.au/residency/ , Thanks to Sculpture Bermagui for their support of the Artist Program at Narra Bukulla.
Why Apply?
- Location, Location, Location! Nestled in Tanja, NSW, on a stunning bush property, Narra Bukulla is surrounded by the breathtaking Mimosa Rocks National Park and just a short walk from Bithry Inlet beach.
- Open to All Artists: Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, performance artist – we welcome artists from all disciplines.
- Financial Support: The successful applicant will receive a $2500 stipend to help fuel their creative projects.
- Duration: Enjoy two months of dedicated artistic time from October 20 to December 20, 2025.
Imagine yourself working in a vast, artist-designed studio, surrounded by the beauty of spotted gums and the vibrant sounds of nature. Marina Ely and her family are eager to host your creative journey at Narra Bukulla.
Narra Bukulla has a family history of making art here and down the road, by Bithry Inlet (before the family donated it to NPWS). Marina’s Grandfather, father, mother and many family friends have all made major works as a result of their time here (Sir Roy Grounds, Marr Grounds, Bonita Ely, Sandy Edwards, Nigel Lendon, and many more!). Marina is proud to continue this Legacy through the AIR at Narra Bukulla.
Image captions:
- Artist Studio floor-plan, to scale, at Narra Bukulla
- Narra Bukulla dam, Sir Roy Grounds sculpture in foreground, Peter “Beatle” Collins sculpture “The Wave” in background
- Bithry Inlet, Mimosa Rock National Park. Marina Ely and Marr Grounds’ “bum seat” in silhouette
- Marr Grounds’ “black stump” sculptures at Narra Bukulla
We are proud to share that our inaugural AIR 2024 program was a resounding success! Artist Margaret Seymour produced several stunning new works during her time with us, culminating in a captivating exhibition during Sculpture Bermagui 2025. Her immersive display created an unforgettable experience for all who visited.
As Margaret beautifully stated, “It’s wonderful to have a studio space and focus time to work on things that I’ve been thinking about for a number of years. At home, I have a very small space that I can work in so I can’t really leave things around and contemplate them. But down on Narra Bukulla with the beautiful studio and surrounded by the natural bush, I’ve been constantly inspired and able to expand the process”
(Margaret Seymour, 17 Dec. 2024. Interview with Eddie Williams, ABC South East NSW radio. Recorded by Marina Ely)
Accessibility considerations
The Artist studio and local, nearby accommodation are both in rural and isolated locations, with unsealed and uneven roads for access. We must emphasise the remoteness of the property. It requires that you have your own car (or hire one) and feel comfortable living isolated in a bush setting.
Please see the to-scale floorplan and consider the following: access to the property and all the roads on the property are unsealed roads; studio access is via an electrically opening roller-door (3m wide); door-ways have small steps with short ramps; external concrete slab adjoins internal concrete slab via small step (4cm high, 27cm length ramp); 880mm wide bathroom door; the bathroom includes a toilet with 480mm seat height and 720 depth to wall; cistern and flush height 840mm; a ceiling shower rose plus a wall-mounted, hand-held shower with tap positioned 1200mm high; door handles & light switches at 1050mm high; kitchen bench & sink 900 high with 800mm knee/toe clearance; stove shelf 850mm high with 820 knee/toe clearance.
Assistance and Guide dogs are very welcome. A companion dog resides on the property with Marina and her family. Contained within a fenced garden and well trained. Tick are very common, please ensure any dog is treated beforehand to prevent tick paralysis.
Please contact Marina if you have any queries.
We can’t wait to see your creativity flourish at Narra Bukulla!
All the best,
Marina Ely (she/her)
Artist Program Manager
Contact: 0428 995 671 , me2penders@gmail.com
For more information click here
