Meet the new Nillumbik Artists in Residence for 2025-26
Published on 07 August 2025
We are proud to announce four exceptional creatives who will soon take up residencies as part of the Nillumbik Artist in Residence Program for 2025-26.
The popular program offers unique opportunities for artists to immerse themselves in the Shire’s natural and cultural landscape, while developing new work and engaging with the local community.
Residencies will take place across four locations: Edendale Community Environment Farm, Baldessin Studio, Banyule Nillumbik Tech School, and Eltham Library in partnership with Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL).
Mayor John Dumaresq said that Nillumbik’s Artist in Residence Program continues to support diverse and exciting artistic practices that reflect our community’s rich cultural fabric.
“These residencies provide artists with the time, space and resources to grow their practice, while also creating opportunities for residents to connect with artwork that reflects the spirit of our Shire,” he said.
“We’re proud to support our local creatives. The unique stories they tell through their work becomes part of our cultural heritage. We look forward to seeing the creative outcomes that emerge from these residencies in the year ahead.”
Dr Tamara Jordan - Edendale Community Environment Farm
A passionate visual storyteller, art educator and wildlife carer, Eltham-based Dr Tamara Jordan will use her residency to develop a new children’s book exploring themes of coexistence, conservation and sustainability. Inspired by her experience as a wildlife carer, Tamara’s creative process will include research into sustainable gardening practices at Edendale. Her goal is to inspire young readers with stories that raise awareness of environmental and wildlife welfare issues, while offering practical ideas for positive change.
Brendan Huntley - Baldessin Studio
Brendan Huntley is an acclaimed painter, sculptor and lyricist in the punk band Eddy Current Suppression Ring, whose work explores themes of the human psyche, connection and community. With more than two decades of exhibitions across Australia and internationally, including at the National Gallery of Victoria, Museum of Contemporary Art and Heide Museum of Modern Art, Brendan brings a wealth of experience to his residency. He will spend his time at Baldessin experimenting with new printmaking techniques, particularly using the Albion relief press and intaglio processes with aquatints.
Teneille Clerke - Eltham Library (YPRL)
Writer, artist and performer Teneille Clerke returns to her Nillumbik roots to take up the Writer in Residence role at Eltham Library. Her multidisciplinary practice has seen her work published, exhibited and broadcast across Australia. During the residency, Teneille will work on a memoir exploring themes of intergenerational trauma, survival and identity. Blending dark humour and vivid, sensory prose, her work promises to offer a powerful and nuanced voice to complex personal and social experiences.
Katie Stackhouse - Banyule Nillumbik Tech School
Through sculpture, installation and public art, Katie Stackhouse explores the intersections of time, ecology and human interaction with place. With a strong focus on material and site-based research, Katie’s residency at the Tech School will allow her to integrate digital media and technical processes into her sculptural practice. Katie looks forward to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art-making while involving the community in conversations about ecology and innovation.
For more information about the Artist in Residence Program, visit:
nillumbik.vic.gov.au/AIR