Bonsai Artist in Residence

A close image of a small bonsai in a pot, with orange and yellow autumnal folliage
Bonsai AIR_SL

Are you an experienced Australian Bonsai or Penjing Artist?

The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia (NBPCA), located at the National Arboretum Canberra, invites members of the Australian bonsai community to apply for our Artist in Residence program.

The Artist in Residence program is a 3–5 day annual opportunity for Australian bonsai artists to exchange ideas with NBPCA curators and volunteers, share their skills through public workshops or presentations, engage with the national bonsai community, and gain insight into maintaining the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia, with one residency offered each Spring and Autumn.

Successful applicants will have the exciting opportunity to share their bonsai expertise in a collaborative and inspiring environment. Working alongside NBPCA staff and volunteers they will demonstrate techniques on Collection trees and lead engaging workshops, talks, and other educational activities. Participants will help enrich the visitor experience, contribute to promotional and media initiatives celebrating the program, and play a meaningful role in showcasing bonsai practice within Australia’s national collection. There may also be an opportunity to create an article or testimonial with the NBPCA to further highlight the program’s impact and support future initiatives.


For more information and to submit your Expression of Interest, visit: Expressions of Interest.pdf [opens in new window]


KEY DATES:

Expressions of interest close date: 30/06/2026
Artist in Residence decisions advised by: 31/07/2026
The program’s first residency dates begin from September 2026.

Proudly supported by the Bonsai Trust Fund.

Date

Submissions close: 30 June 2026

Price

Free to enter

Accessibility

The NBPCA values and welcomes all members of the bonsai community and embraces people of diverse abilities and experience. The collection is housed in a wheelchair‑accessible venue where assistance animals are permitted.

Contacts

02 6207 8484
arboretum@act.gov.au