Applications Open for Creative Studio Space

Ignite Studios, located adjacent to the Northern Rivers Community Gallery and Gallery Café, has one creative studio available for medium or long-term lease.⁠
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Light-filled, with wooden floors and utilising the original living areas of the beautifully restored and heritage-listed former Ballina Fire Station, the available studio is 14ms, and fully secure with lockable doors, air conditioning, and 24-hour access. Rent is $130 per week. ⁠
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We are currently accepting applications from creative practitioners of all disciplines from across the region and will consider a 6- or 12-month lease arrangement.⁠

Applications close 1 March 2026 for a studio term commencing early April.
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For more information or to apply, visit nrcgballina.com.au, or contact our Creative Programs Producer Ella Millard on 02 6681 0530.⁠
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Photo of @mayracastro_art in her studio by @kateholmesphotographer

Applications Open for 2026 Artist Residencies

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) has launched a call for applications for its 2026 Self-Funded Artist Residency Program, located at Ignite Studios, in Ballina, NSW.

Open to creatives from all disciplines, the residency program provides individual artists with subsidised studio space and accommodation for a period of two to eight weeks, for a self-directed residency to expand their practice, undertake research, and/or develop new work.

Located in the old living quarters of the heritage-listed former Ballina Fire Station, and adjacent to NRCG and the Ballina Gallery Cafe, the residency comprises a light-filled working studio and self-contained bedsit accommodation.

The residency is located in the heart of Ballina’s CBD, within walking distance of local shops, amenities and the beautiful Richmond River, and a short drive to the unspoiled beaches of Ballina. Explore the nearby coastline of Evans Head, Lennox Head and Byron Bay, as well as vibrant hinterland villages, hiking trails, waterfalls, and other iconic destinations of the Northern Rivers region.

Residencies are available for period between 2 and 8 weeks, for a cost of $300 per week. Applications close 31 January 2026, and applicants will be notified by the end of February.

For more information about the residency, or to apply visit nrcgballina.com.au or phone the Gallery on 02 6681 0530.

New exhibitions open Thursday 16 October

Experimental art, wild paint, colours and camera obscura photographs on show. 

Northern Rivers Community Gallery presents four dynamic, experimental and connected exhibitions running from 16 October until 7 December.

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September Exhibitions open Thursday 21 August. 

Myths, Magic and Molecules on show this September at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents four new exhibitions this September, with a focus on the mythology of the Scottish Highlands, the magic of mixed-media sculptural ceramics, molecular drawings and the marvellous power of community arts.

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