Creative residency program – Caroline Simpson Library

Let the home become your muse and be inspired by the unique collection of the Caroline Simpson Library, located in the heart of Sydney’s Macquarie Street precinct on Gadigal Country. 

Museums of History NSW is inviting applications from cultural practitioners and creatives to participate in the Caroline Simpson Library Creative Residency program, commencing in February 2026.

About

The Caroline Simpson Library Creative Residency program offers time, space and access to a unique collection located in the heart of Sydney’s Macquarie Street precinct on Gadigal Country. Be inspired by vibrant wallpapers, fabrics and floorcoverings; browse servant manuals, architectural pattern books and trade catalogues; hum along to domestic sheet music; listen to oral histories; or sift through letters and photographs that bring the home to life. 

This multidisciplinary, non-residential program provides creatives with ten months of fully subsidised studio access at The Mint, encouraging exploration of the nearby Caroline Simpson Library Collection – a rich resource dedicated to the history of houses, interiors, gardens and domestic life – to inspire new work, collaboration and creative exchange.

Eligibility

The program is open to all NSW-based creative practitioners aged 18 and over at any stage of their career who are enthusiastic about the opportunity to engage with the Caroline Simpson Library and Research Collection to develop new work.

Benefits

• Fully subsidised studio space in Macquarie Street in the heart of Sydney 
• Available five days a week from 7.30am to 5pm for a period of ten months (closed weekends and public holidays)
• Paid participation in public programs (subject to negotiation)
• Access to the Caroline Simpson Library and Research Collection
• Access to Museums of History NSW staff expertise 

Requirements

Residents are required to fulfil the following obligations during the residency period:

• Be onsite a minimum of two days every week 
• Be willing to participate in other public program activities as negotiated
• Promote the residency and related activities
• Be available to meet with Museums of History NSW staff and guests as negotiated
• Participate in a monthly studio meeting for the duration of the residency
• Develop a site-specific creative outcome for public enjoyment, such as a public program, display, or digital project 

Limitations

The studio at The Mint is set within a publicly accessible heritage site on Macquarie Street, Sydney. Due to the operational requirements and heritage nature of the property, constraints apply to its use.

The following are not permitted:

• Overnight stays
• Ceramics, woodwork or metalwork
• Amplified noise or music
• Smoking or vaping
• Open flames
• Drones
• Recording of persons onsite, unless written consent has been obtained

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted online and must include:

• a covering letter (no more than 2 pages) or short video (no more than 2 minutes) outlining:
  • how the residency will benefit your creative or cultural practice
  • proposed output/s from your residency (eg program, display, or digital project)
  • the public good that will come from your residency
  • your previous public engagement experience, such as workshops, talks or performances 
• examples of previous work (no more than 6 pages)
• a CV outlining professional experience and 2 letters of support (no more than 4 pages in total)
• evidence of public liability insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Further questions?

For further information about the program, please contact Kristina.Stankovski@mhnsw.au.