The City of Stirling has announced six local artists for its 2026 artist in residence program, chosen from a record number of applicants. Now in its fourth year, the program provides artists with studio space to develop their practice while activating community spaces and engaging residents.
Artists and Locations
From July 20 to September 27, the artists will work across five studios in community facilities in Scarborough, Tuart Hill, and Watermans Bay. The cohort represents diverse practices including painting, ceramics, oral storytelling, photography, multidisciplinary arts, and paper sculpture.
Ceramic artist May Kee Cheah will be based at the Scarborough Community Centre, joined by Claire Davenhall and Amanda Kendle, who will explore storytelling through sound and visual arts. Painter Sheree Dohnt will take up residence at the Courtyard Studio at Osborne Community Hub in Tuart Hill, focusing on women's experiences in her work. Paper artist Rebecca Ryan and ceramic artist Jenni Vacca will be at the Mount Flora Regional Museum in Watermans Bay.
Mayor's Remarks
Stirling mayor Mark Irwin attributed the record interest to the city's strong support of the arts. “Artists add colour and creativity to our community, and we’re lucky to have so many talented artists wanting to undertake a residency in the city of Stirling,” he said. “The artist in residence program is an opportunity for the community to engage with artists as they work and get involved in the creative process.”
Themes and Activities
The artists will explore themes of memory, place, and lived experiences through material-based work, storytelling, and site-responsive projects. They will host workshops and an open studio day, culminating in a public exhibition of works created during their residencies. For more information, visit the City of Stirling website at stirling.wa.gov.au.
