Threads of
Belonging

Register to exhibit

We want to invite you to be part of Threads of Belonging, Woodleigh School’s inaugural art exhibition and the launch of our first-ever Resident Artist Program. This is the first initiative of its kind to be hosted by a school in Australia. This exhibition celebrates the role of The Arts in our everyday lives and how it helps us connect and belong.

Artists, alumni and community members from across Australia are coming together to contribute works that explore the theme Threads of Belonging: the invisible lines that tie us to people, places and moments.

In a time when funding cuts have deeply impacted artists and the art culture, especially here on the Mornington Peninsula, here is an opportunity for us to act, stand together and create something meaningful. All works will be exhibited anonymously and sold at a uniform price, allowing the art to speak for itself. Artist identities will be revealed only after the work is sold.

All artworks will be displayed anonymously and sold at the same price point of $100. From students through to working artists, everyone will display and sell their works as peers, and buyers purchase works without bias. 

Once your registration has been received, we’ll send your artist pack directly to your nominated address.

We hope you’ll join us in bringing together this powerful exhibition. Your voice matters and we can’t wait to see what you create.

Kind regards,
Sophie Perez & Emma Cleine
Curators, Threads of Belonging

Resident Artist Bursary Application

We invite you to apply for Woodleigh School’s inaugural Resident Artist Program, a key part of our upcoming Threads of Belonging exhibition. This is the first initiative of its kind to be hosted by a school in Australia, and we’d love you to be part of it.

One artist will receive a $10,000 bursary to support a 10-day residency at Woodleigh School, where they will engage with students, staff and the wider community through their creative practice and collaboration.

To be eligible, you will:

• Participate in the Threads of Belonging exhibition (opening 6 February 2026 at the Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery).
• Submit a formal application for the Resident Artist Program.

All proceeds from the art exhibition will directly support the Resident Artist Program. Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Residency Details

The selected Resident Artist will:

• Spend 10 school days (9am–4pm) working onsite in the Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery.
• At the end of your tenure, deliver one evening talk for families, staff and the community.
• During your tenure, run one 2-hour workshop.
• Donate one small artwork to the Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery’s Permanent Collection.
• Share your time on social media

Bursary Coverage

The $10,000 bursary may be used for:

• Travel and accommodation
• Meals and materials
• Local transport
• Any other costs associated with the residency

Eligibility

• Open to artists aged 18+ (excluding current Woodleigh students)
• Must hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC)
• Must comply with Woodleigh’s Child Safety Policy 

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to be part of the voice the Arts as a whole, needs and inspire the next generation alongside receiving a much-needed bursary

How to Apply

Submit your 200-word proposal responding to the theme Threads of Belonging via the form on this page by the close of business on Monday 19 January 2026.

We look forward to receiving your application and seeing how you interpret Threads of Belonging.

Kind regards,
Sophie Perez & Emma Cleine
Curators, Threads of Belonging