New photographer residency opens applications in NSW

NSW photographers are invited to apply for a new artist residency that takes place during the 2026 Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival, with the focus on developing a personal project rather than documenting the event.

Called Long Exposure, the Photographer in Residence program will give one photographer up to four nights' accommodation at Little Valley Summerhouse, an off-grid retreat in the Wollombi Valley, during the festival's quieter midweek period.

Rather than asking applicants to produce festival coverage, the residency is designed to encourage photographers to explore a new direction in their practice.

"We're not looking for a record of the festival," says program lead Euan Wilcox. "We're looking for photographers who want to use this week as a genuine catalyst – to try a direction they've been putting off, work in a style they've never had the right environment to explore, or challenge themselves in ways their regular practice doesn't allow."

The residency is open to photographers working in any genre, with selection based on the strength of each applicant's proposed project rather than their photographic style.

Held from 12–27 September, the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival features more than 180 sculptures displayed throughout the historic villages of Wollombi and Laguna. Long Exposure is scheduled during the festival's midweek period, giving participants the opportunity to explore the exhibition with fewer visitors and greater access to participating artists.

In addition to the main residency, a small group of visiting photographers will be invited to take part across the festival's three weekends, with behind-the-scenes access and introductions to artists provided by Visit Wollombi.

Applications are open now and close on 7 August 2026, with the successful resident photographer to be announced on 10 August.

For more information or to apply, visit longexposure.netlify.app.