Arts Residencies in Merri-bek

Coburg Court House Residency Program 2025

Expressions of Interest for our 2025 Coburg Court House Residency Program are now closed.

About Coburg Court House

The Coburg Court House is a dedicated arts space located at 1A Main St, Coburg (next to the old Coburg Police Station). It is managed by Arts Merri-bek.

Originally built in 1929, the building long served as a courthouse before becoming a community facility. In 2024 it began its legacy as a venue for creative development.

It is a highly versatile rehearsal space for emerging, mid-career and professional artists. The space features high ceilings, heating/cooling system, accessible entrance, large windows with curtains and 1 accessible unisex bathroom. It is centrally located within close distance of Coburg Station.

Photos and more information about the space are available on our Coburg halls and meeting rooms page.

About the Residency Program
The Coburg Court House Arts Residency is open to performers, theatre-makers and/or dancers to occupy the venue for up to three months to develop a new or existing work, with an expectation of high usage during the time allocated. 

Arts Merri-bek will provide the space for free for up to three-months. 

Applications are now open for the 2025 residency program. Applications close 5pm Thursday 12 December 2024.

For more information on how to apply, please see our Coburg Courthouse Residency 2025 Guidelines.

Who Can Apply? 
Applications are welcome from performing artists of all disciplines who reside in Merri-bek City Council.

Assessment Criteria 
Applications will be assessed and selected based on the following criteria: 

  • Performing artists who live, work or study in Merri-bek.
  • A clearly articulated creative brief demonstrating strong artistic practice.
  • Demonstrated need for the rehearsal space.
  • Priority will be given to artists who identify as a member of Merri-bek's Human Rights Priority groups.

To Apply 

  • Complete the application form available here
  • Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 12 December 2025

For further information, please contact arts@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Community Venues

We have several community venues that may be suitable for your arts-based activities.

We're trialling not-for-profit rates for artists until June 2025 for Council's community venues. 

See the list of venues on our Spaces for arts activities page.