Public art throughout Parramatta's streets, laneways and parks paints only a small picture of the diverse arts offering in the area.
Whether you are interested in a matinee at Riverside Theatres, scoping out commissioned public art around town, participating in a performance or workshop from Parramatta Artists' Studios, taking a self-guided heritage art trail walk or visiting the Female Orphan School and Margaret Whitlam Galleries, there is something to intrigue all visitors and locals alike.
Parramatta Artists' Studios
(Back to top)About Parramatta Artists Studios
Parramatta Artists’ Studios (PAS) is the energetic home for creative production in Western Sydney. We empower and equip artists to build thriving and sustainable creative lives. We nurture ideas and experimentation, supporting artists to take risks. We work to establish and strengthen peer and professional communities in the contemporary art sector.
We have supported hundreds of artists since opening in 2006 and have a growing community of alumni who are at the forefront of contemporary artistic practice in Australia.
Through our supported studio facilities in Granville (upcoming) and Rydalmere, as well as our digital residencies, we offer studio tenancies, residencies, career development opportunities and community-connected programs. These programs connect artists with Parramatta’s wider communities and contribute to its vibrant culture.
About the Rydalmere Studios
Parramatta Artists’ Studios Rydalmere is situated on the land of the Burramattagal clan of the Dharug people.
The 104ha Rydalmere industrial precinct is located three kilometres from the Parramatta CBD and adjoins the Western Sydney University (WSU) Parramatta campus.
The precinct is characterised by industrial and business uses ranging from panel beaters to tile manufacturers and a specialist hobby store. Further relevant businesses located nearby on Victoria Road include a hardware store, tools supplier and electronics retailer.
Studio location: 22 Mary Parade, Rydalmere.
2023-2025 Rydalmere Studio applications are now open
(Back to top)Parramatta Artistss’ Studios is inviting mid-career artists to apply for our two year studio residency program in Rydalmere.
Key dates
- Applications open – Thursday 19 January 2023
- Applications close – Tuesday 28 February 2023, midnight AEDT
- Applicants notified – Monday 27 March 2023
WorldPride commission: ‘Slippery Directions’ by Nadia Odlum
(Back to top)Parramatta Artists’ Studios and artist Nadia Odlum present Slippery Directions, a new artwork that playfully pushes against the boundaries of urban space using co-opted construction signage designed in collaboration with Parramatta communities. Take a walk through Parramatta Square and interpret for yourself new meaning of space via the signs and symbols.
When: Tuesday 14 February until Friday 3 March, 9am to 5pm
Where: Parramatta Square
Testing Grounds: a collaborative lab between artists and writers applications are now open
(Back to top)Parramatta Artists' Studios and The Writing and Society Research Centre at the Western Sydney University have teamed up to create a new collaborative laboratory encouraging writers and artists in other forms to learn, play, experiment and create with each other.
This exciting program provides a space for cross-artform collaboration between writers and artists working in fields such as visual arts, dance and video. Over two intensive days, participants will hear from a number of speakers who are creating dynamic works in the field of cross-artform collaboration.
Schedule and Proposed Dates
- Callout closes- 5 March 2023, midnight (AEDT)
- Applicants notified - late March 2023
- Workshop Day 1 - Friday 28 April 9:00AM - 6:00PM
- Workshop Day 2 - Saturday 29 April 10:00AM - 6:00PM
- Reflection meeting - Thursday 15 June 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Work by Liam Benson, 5 cards, commissioned by Parramatta Artists' Studios. Photo by Jacquie Manning.
2022 Studio Artists
(Back to top)The Parramatta Artists' Studios Rydalmere 2021 - 2022 artists are Tarik Ahlip, Linda Brescia, Felicity Castagna, Chris Dolman, Heath Franco, Paul Greedy and Nadia Odlum.
2021-2022 Studio Artists, Rydalmere (L-R): Paul Greedy, Nadia Odlum, Heath Franco, Linda Brescia, Felicity Castagna, Chris Dolman and Tarik Ahlip. Photo by Jacque Manning.
Contact us
(Back to top)Parramatta Artists' Studios is open for events, activities and by appointment only. Contact our team:
Phone: (02) 9806 5230
Email: studios@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
Address: 22 Mary Parade, Rydalmere 2116
Stay Connected
(Back to top)Subscribe to our e-newsletters:
- PAS e-newsletter - for up-to-date information about events, workshops, PAS artist news and studio application rounds
- WEAVE Parramatta e-newsletter - a monthly workshop in traditional, contemporary and experimental practices in weaving, textile and fibre art
- School Holiday e-newsletter - for information on our school holiday workshops led by professional artists for ages 5 to 12 years
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