Artist in School

AiR is an Artist in Residence program located within the grounds of Bondi Public School.

The Margaret Whitlam Studio is a free non-residential studio space that comprises the entire floor of a school building (approx 100 sq metres) featuring views over the Bondi district including Bondi Beach.

The AiR program is the initiative of parents who were keen to establish an ongoing and fulfilling relationship with the arts.

It creates an opportunity for a practising professional artist to work with young people (5-12 years) at a heritage public school in Bondi.

The main benefit for the school is that students and teachers can meet and observe an artist at work and participate in collaborative projects. Students have the opportunity to learn about the artistic process including vision, application, dedication and technique.

The Artist in Residency enriches the school’s program of activities in the broadest sense, not just in the Arts, but by bringing new cultural perspectives into the local community and School’s learning environment.

It is a cutting edge initiative in public education and highlights the special place that Bondi Public School plays in the local community.

In return, the BPS AiR program offers a number of benefits to the artist including: 

• free studio space 
• fan opportunity to produce new work 
• collaboration with a different community and environment 
• professional development 
• prestige and publicity 
• mentoring opportunities 
• working collaboratively with young people 
• an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the educational and cultural development of the Bondi community.