Are you the next Creative in Residence at The Gladstone?

In partnership with Greystar, FB IDEAs are excited to announce that Expressions of Interest are now open for the Gladstone Creative in Residence program.  

Following Romulus Folio Gallery as the inaugural Creative in Residence at The Gladstone, this next creative residency from July to December 2026 is an opportunity for a new creative, or creative group, to access rare rent-free creative space and engage with the community.  In exchange for free rent, we are looking for creatives to activate the space in a way that builds connection with residents and the general public, and showcases the diversity of creative talent in Fishermans Bend.

Located on the ground floor of The Gladstone, a groundbreaking residential development in Fishermans Bend, the program offers a unique opportunity to showcase your talent, experiment, innovate, and connect with the local community— with the support of 200m² of rent-free retail space for up to 6 months and promotional support through The Gladstone and FB IDEAs networks. 

FB IDEAs General Manager Kate Spencer says: “Affordable creative space in Fishermans Bend, and surrounding areas of inner Melbourne, is in short supply and high demand. By unlocking and facilitating short term access to spaces like The Gladstone, we aim to remove barriers for a diversity of creatives and innovators to experiment and build their practise in Fishermans Bend.  We want to show the future vision for Fishermans Bend in action - a thriving place and collaborative community that showcases environmental sustainability, liveability, connectivity, diversity and innovation.”

With high ceilings and a backdrop of modern painted graphics, it’s a light-filled space for creating, displaying, performing and selling your creative work.  Whether you're envisioning performances, installations,  exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, pop-up retail or something completely unique, this space is yours to transform.

What’s on Offer?

This residency is more than just a space to create - it’s a platform to connect with The Gladstone’s residents and the growing community in Fishermans Bend. With free access to the space for up to six months, creatives can focus on their craft while engaging with local residents and the community.

The space offers maximum visibility, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that showcase your work to passersby and residents alike, 24/7. And with its location in the heart of Fishermans Bend’s Montague precinct, this space is surrounded by one of Melbourne’s most vibrant suburbs, a melting pot of historic beauty, contemporary chic and village charm. It is just moments from Melbourne CBD, accessible by public transport (5 mins from the tram (#109 or #96), Kirrip Park is nearby along with a range of great coffee and food options.

What we are looking for?

In exchange for free rent of the space, we are looking for creatives to activate the space in a way that engages with residents and the general public.  The space is large enough to be divided into a space for creative workspace at the back (suitable for a group of 4 to 6 creatives working in a communal area) and a public-facing gallery / event / retail space at the front that is directly adjacent to The Gladstone Lobby and Concierge.   

Key Information:

Location:

• The Gladstone Creative in Residence space is located on the ground floor, next to Lobby B at The Gladstone, at 15-85 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne, 3205.

Duration & Access Times:  

• The space is available for an initial 3 month period from July 2026 onwards. 

• Subject to agreement by Greystar and FB IDEAs, the residency may be extended up to a maximum 6 months in total. 

• Access to the space is during The Gladstone Concierge hours which are 8am to 8pm daily.

• Public access hours within 8am to 8pm daily, would be managed by the selected Creative in Residence.

Features & Facilities:

• 4+m high ceilings

• Secure, lockable space

• Natural light

• Well lit at night

• Highly visible space, adjacent to the main Lobby & Concierge for The Gladstone

• Accessible by public transport

• Wheelchair access 

• Toilets nearby

• Goods lift 

Expression of Interest Process:  

• The EoI process will close at midnight Sunday 31 May 2026.

• All Expressions of Interest must be submitted via the online form below.

• Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview the week of 8 to 12 June.

• All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by 26 June 2026, or earlier.

Selection Criteria:  

• All expressions of interest will be considered in line with FB IDEAs’ broader project assessment criteria found here:  https://www.fbideas.org/project-eoi

• Priority will be given to creatives who live, work or have a connection to Fishermans Bend and the City of Port Philip.

Other Information:

• This opportunity is open to individuals, groups and organisations.  However, the space will be managed via a single Sub-License Agreement with FB IDEAs, so for group applications we will require a single point of contact and single entity/person to take legal responsibility and sign the Sub-License Agreement. 

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a site visit, please contact info@fbideas.org