Current Program Overview (2023-2024)

The new Garambi Baanj/Laughing Waters Cultural Precinct Residency Program commenced in 2021, with inaugural program participants including Senior Elder of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji clan, Aunty Henrietta Marrie AM and acclaimed arts executive and director, Rhoda Roberts AO, with InPlace hosting conversations on Country.

Alongside this the multidisciplinary project ‘Escarpment’ entered its second year of research and development. Escarpment involves a cohort of contemporary artists working in partnership with Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Dave Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Annette Xiberras, and Senior Botanist at the The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), David Cameron. This multi-year project has been co-conceived by local artist, Siri Hayes, and InPlace Director, Eugene Howard, with the project being creatively produced and supported by InPlace through the InPlace Commissions Stream. Participating artists include Zena Cumpston (Barkandji), and Aboubakar Fofana (Mali/France).

Residencies and co-commissions in partnership with InPlace’s suite of Industry Partners have to-date included: Dancehouse’s ‘On Residence’ program in partnership with sector partners including Bundanon; the Woi-wurrung Language Project which endeavours to foreground Woi Wurrung language, being delivered in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Endangered Indigenous Languages practitioner and Wurundjeri artist, Brooke Wandin; FAMILI group residencies; ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and Footscray Community Arts.

The 2023-2024 program sees a series of new direct commissions and co-commissions undertaking extended residencies at the Garambi Baanj/Laughing Waters Cultural Precinct, in addition to national competitive quick response open call residencies to respond to sector demand and unique opportunities as they arise, as well as the continuation of our multi-year projects and community workshops.