Brushtales Arts Residency
For a week, you can have it all — the time, space, guidance and support to immerse yourself in your writing, music, art, or other focus. Disconnect from the obligations of the outside world, lean in to the surrounding peace and stillness, and let your creativity flow in your own private studio.
Nestled in the tranquility of the Australian bush, the Brushtales Arts Residency offers a self-contained modern cabin for creators — of all kinds — seeking inspiration and focus. Along with the private live-in studio, the residency includes meals, coaching support, and the opportunity to share your skills through a workshop.
Good to know
Residency weeks are offered 3–4 times a year
There is a commitment of $20 to apply
Successful applicants are chosen based on the merit of their submissions
If selected, you have access to the Brushtales Arts Residency free of charge
Dates for your residency week are agreed once you are selected
Residencies for small groups are possible; please contact Jess to discuss before you apply
The current round of applications closes on 30 September 2026.
Brushtales Arts Residency is located in Rocky River 2372, northern NSW.
Past residents
Athena Law 2026 (author)
Jemma Pollari 2026 (author)
Dr Alicia Lane 2026 (visual artist)
Cathryn DeVries 2025 (author)
I want you to know how special it was to spend time at your beautiful place and how grateful I am for all of the support, yummy food, etc that you gave me during my stay. Much appreciated, and the time and space for making art in such a beautiful setting was bliss.
— Dr Alicia Lane
Thank you again for a wonderful week. It was so nice to stay out there and to get the time and space to get so much done. I loved doing the workshop.
— Jemma Pollari
As part of the residency you receive:
advice and tools from your host Jess, an experienced writers’ coach, to refine your work, boost your creativity, and tackle cheeky obstacles
breakfast and lunch at the cabin, plus home-cooked dinners shared with Jess and her family and other guests*
an opportunity to deepen your practice by delivering a workshop to members of the local community
plenty of time to yourself to soak up the peaceful surroundings, beautiful walks, refreshing dips in the river, and the friendly cows and other local wildlife.
* our meals are typically vegan-ish and mostly gluten-free. We can cater to most dietary requirements. If you want to bring your own non-vegan favourites that’s absolutely fine.
Your host
Jess lives over the hill, out of sight but not too far if needed. She facilitates retreats and workshops for private groups, universities and corporate groups, and draws on 20+ years of working with non-fiction writers and other creators — including medical researchers, rebel poets, maritime lawyers, sailing instructors, anthropologists and archaeologists, entrepreneurs, technologists, artists and activists, TV show producers and Michelin-star chefs.
Jess is offering this residency because she loves artistic growth and creation, and believes it makes the world a better place. She knows what it’s like to just need some time to focus, and wants to share this beautiful space with you to do just that.