fab is an artist-led studio complex located in Kent Town.
The Helpmann Academy / fab Studio Residency provides a 12-month rent-free shared studio space to two eligible emerging South Australian artists. This unique residency program provides artists with the crucial time, space, support, and freedom to both create new work and develop their careers.
The Helpmann Academy is incredibly proud of our long-term partnership with George Street Studios and delighted to continue the partnership with a renewed incarnation of the program at fab in 2025, following on from the success in 2024.
“Since coming through the Helpmann Studio Residency at George Street Studios in 2018, I have transformed my practice as an artist and maker, and a large part of that is owing to the generous community and mentors at the studio. Continuing this residency at our new studio and workshop space fab in Kent Town, I’m keen to share that experience and to create an inclusive space for emerging artists in an active workshop environment”. – Nat Penney, fab co-director
This opportunity is open to eligible emerging creatives, including visual artists, craftspeople, furniture makers, designer-makers, and more.
Join us on a studio tour on February 19 at 4:00pm to view the facilities, meet the fab Studio artists and ask any questions. RSVP to fabworkshop@outlook.com.
The Helpmann Academy / fab Studio Residency offers:
- 12-month rent-free studio space, from March 2025—March 2026
- A shared studio space for two artists of approximately 37m² and features 24/7 access, plus shared kitchen
- Access and training to use on-site machinery, tools and equipment including: drill press, metal band saw, metal cold saw, timber drop saw, MIG welders, oxy-acetylene brazing, handheld angle grinders, handheld pipe polishers, metal linisher and burnisher, painting spray booth
- Utilities (electricity, internet, water) included
- City fringe location, on King William Street, Kent Town
- Technical assistance
- Exposure to a community of active creative practitioners
- Shared connections to a network of suppliers and services (materials and industrial fabrication)
- The opportunity to exhibit in The Gallery – St Peters Town Hall during SALA 2025
The inaugural recipients of the fab Studio Residency program 2024 were emerging artists Tiarnie Edwards, Cameron Longshaw, and Chelsie Morey.
“The fab studio residency opportunity through Helpmann Academy comes within a pivotal time between my academic and artistic journey as a practicing artist. It has given me the space to continuing creating within a creative community I know will nurture my practice to continue to grow.” – Tiarnie Edwards
Please note that the fab Studio Residency does NOT include insurance for theft of belongings to individuals. Each resident is required to have Public Liability insurance before induction. We recommend Public Liability insurance be organised through Guildhouse, or the National Association of Visual Arts (NAVA) – you can speak with these organisations to organise additional coverage to insure activities including the use of an open flame and business insurance to cover belongings.
KEY DATES
Applications close on Sunday 9 March 2025 at 11:59pm ACST
For activity occurring between 24 March 2025 and 24 March 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Helpmann Academy (08) 7089 0720 / info@helpmannacademy.com.au
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Images: (1) Inside fab by Brianna Speight (2) Tiarnie Edwards by Sam Roberts (2) Twin Dreams, OUTLAWS, 2023 by Tiarnie Edwards. Image courtesy of the artist (3) Cameron Longshaw by Sam Roberts (4) A Thousand Points of View by Cameron Longshaw. Image courtesy of the artist.