MONASH UNIVERSITY PRATO CENTRE VISUAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Monash University is one of the leading research universities in the world and is committed to
improving the human condition by advancing knowledge and fostering creativity. The Monash
University Prato Centre Visual Residency Program highlights the University’s commitment to
contemporary art, design and architecture and to building an international profile in creative
practice and research.
The Monash University Prato Centre (MUPC) provides a strategic European base for international
research and collaborations. As a multi‐functional academic centre that actively engages with the
local community, it facilitates links between Australia and the wider European scene.
Monash Art Design & Architecture (MADA) is an integrative centre for creative production and
cultural enrichment. As the University’s authority on visual culture, MADA’s practice-based
research contributes to the physical and cultural sustainability of our communities.
The MUPC Visual Residency Program offers established and emerging creative practitioners the
opportunity to incubate new ideas, undertake research, and engage with local institutions and
industry.
BACKGROUND
Officially opened in September 2001, the Monash Prato Centre occupies the ground and first
floors of the elegant 18th century Palazzo Vai in the historic centre of Prato, an ancient Tuscan city
traditionally renowned for its textile industry. The Prato Centre is a hub for Monash University’s
activities in Europe, providing a location for regular contact between the University and its
European partners, including the Scuola Comunale di Musica ‘Giuseppe Verdi’ and the University
of Florence.
The MUPC Visual Residency Program is particularly interesting from a number of cultural
perspectives and can offer an endless array of activities for inspiration, education and professional
development. Prato’s proximity to Tuscan historic sites such as Siena and Pisa (Medieval religious,
intellectual, educational and arts centres) and Florence (Renaissance economic, religious,
intellectual and arts centre) makes it a highly attractive location for a visual residency program.
Other major cities in Italy are also within convenient reach such as Venice (Venice Biennale),
Bologna, Rome and Milan. Prato is an interesting and challenging location in and of itself from the
perspective of migration studies, cultural studies, inter‐cultural communication, and historic and
contemporary economic relations and interactions. Prato is also home to the Luigi Pecci Centre for
Contemporary Art, the Textile Museum, Renaissance art collections, and it is close to Fattoria Celle
in Pistoia, home of the important Gori Collection of site-specific contemporary artworks.
The MUPC Visual Residency Program accepts applications from independent visual practitioners.
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AIMS
 To provide opportunities for creative practitioners to sustain and deepen their practice &
research
 To offer and encourage engagement with local institutions and industry
 To provide access to significant collections, exhibitions, colleagues and practitioners in Europe
 To encourage independent artistic thinking, experimentation and practice
 To provide a place where creative practitioners can concentrate on their work, free from the
distractions and duties of daily life
RESIDENCY CONDITIONS
Duration
3 months (1 September – 30 November 2016, subject to variation)
Value
 approx. AUD $29,000
Inclusions

Return economy airfare up to the value of $2,5001

Contribution to further travel, living expenses, materials and/or production costs to the value of
$8,0002

Serviced apartment in Palazzo Vai (single or double occupancy)

Private studio
 approx. 40 square metres
 Abundant natural light
 White-clad walls that can be hung on
 Power points
 Wi-fi
 Access to PC and Mac computer labs including printing facilities
 Access to fax and photocopier via the administrative offices
Notes: Studio is not suitable for major construction as there are no workshops or hand tools.
The heritage-listed parquetry floor can be covered for minor works.

Some general costs associated with exhibition and public presentation, e.g., promotional
material, professional translation services, refreshments

Travel insurance for the period of the residency, which will be provided by Monash University’s
Insurance Agent.

Administrative assistance with permits for transport of artworks

MUPC offers professional liaison support for interactions with the local community, but
applicants should be in a position to undertake their residency in a largely self‐directed
capacity.
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Airfares will be reimbursed on the production of receipts.
Payable either as contractor arrangement from invoice (with ABN) to Monash for a ‘residency fee’ or as
reimbursement of receipted travel expenses, if the former, any taxes payable are the responsibility of the resident.
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All other services, materials and expenses, including transport of artworks, private phone
arrangements, laundry, tools, etc. must be covered by the resident.
It is the responsibility of the resident to inform themselves of visa requirements for Italy and to
make any necessary arrangements.
Expectation of the practitioner
 Give an initial public presentation either about existing work and/or the research to be
undertaken during the Residency
 Engage with the Monash Faculty of Art Design & Architecture’s semester programs
 Public engagement opportunity, eg. workshop, lecture, exhibition (of works produced during
the residency, works in progress, or existing work).
 Acknowledge the support of the residency: Monash University logo, MADA and MUPC
acknowledgement must appear on all publicity material resulting from the residency.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Normally candidates will be selected through a competitive application process. The selection
committee will comprise the Dean of MADA, the Head of the Department of Fine Arts, the
Director of the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA), the Chair (or nominee) of the Prato
Centre Board, and the Director of the Prato Centre. The selection committee reserves the right
to appoint by direct nomination.
Applications are accepted from individuals with a track record of professional practice and
public presentation in their field. The residency is aimed at Australian practitioners. On occasion
residencies may be awarded to international practitioners. Residency applications are assessed
on the merit of their proposal, in relation to the aims and objectives of the residency program,
and the potential benefits to the applicant and the wider community. Decisions are also subject
to the availability of the studio.
Timeline 2016
July 2015 - Applications open
Mid-September 2015- Applications close
15 December 2015- Announcement of successful applicant
How to apply
Complete the application form which includes:
 Proposal/project description (e.g., research, developing a body of work in Prato) (max. 400
words)
 Requirements, e.g.,
o Does your project require any special services (local project management, equipment,
etc.)?
o Are you planning to use very heavy or unusually large materials, specific power tools or
toxic materials (such as resin)?
 If you have or will be applying for additional external funding to support your residency, please
indicate whether the proposed funding (or independent financial support) has been approved.
 CV (max. 1 x A4 page)
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
Visual portfolio: 10 digital images in PowerPoint, or video works or excerpts (up to 8 minutes)
Applications should be addressed to:
Monash University Prato Centre Visual Residency Program
Monash Art Design & Architecture
900 Dandenong Road
Caulfield VIC 3145, Australia
Email: pratoresidency@monash.edu
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