IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TARRAWARRA MUSEUM OF ART

Composer in Residence Program - Expressions of Interest now open

In partnership with TarraWarra Museum of Art, the Composer in Residence Program is an opportunity for a selected composer to create a new 20-minute ensemble work for an Australian Art Orchestra string quartet incorporating elements of improvisation, and inspired by the exhibited and archived works on site at TarraWarra Museum Art. The work will be premiered in a concert at TarraWarra Museum’s Eva and Marc Besen Centre.

The residency emphasises process, reflection, and deep engagement with place, offering both the time and space for creative development within TarraWarra’s unique natural and cultural setting. The composer has access to works at the Museum created by some of Australia's most celebrated modern and contemporary visual artists, and the opportunity to stay at on-site accommodation on the property on Wurundjeri Country for up to two weeks. This is a $5,000 commission that also involves the opportunity for creative development mentoring with AAO Artistic Director Aaron Choulai and creative development sessions with the Australian Art Orchestra ensemble.

TarraWarra Museum of Art is an intimate museum with big ideas, a place to discover the new and unexpected. Visitors can explore modern, contemporary, iconic and original artworks up close and immerse themselves in Australian art, architecture, First Nations culture and Country. Established in 2003, the Museum and its collection of 600 artworks were gifted to Australia by philanthropists, the late Eva Besen AO and Marc Besen AC.

Both AAO and TarraWarra Museum have a strong history of commissioning new work by contemporary Australian artists. This partnership enables cross-pollination of artistic practice, bringing visual arts and music ever closer, which strengthens the foundations and community of our artistic nation.

Expressions of Interest are open until Sunday 24 May 2026, 11.59pm.

The Composer In Residence 2026 Program is made possible through the support of Tarawarra Museum of Art, The Robert Salzer Foundation, and an anonymous donor.

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