Welcome to Threads.
Woodleigh School's Anonymous Art Exhibition and Resident Artist Program.
Threads of Belonging is an exhibition that invites artists from across Australia to donate newly created A5 works, exhibited anonymously and the opportunity to apply for a $10,000 residency. Threads celebrates creativity, community and connection in an Arts Education setting.
Tell me more.
How can I be a part of Threads of Belonging 2027?
First things first, join our Threads Mailing List to be notified when registration dates are released. Artists, alumni and community members from across Australia, we invite you all to come together to contribute works exploring the theme, Threads of Belonging: the invisible lines that tie us to people, places and moments.
2027 Exhibiting Artist Registration Information
Registrations will open Term 4, 2026. Join our Threads Mailing List to stay in the loop.
Why participate?
More like, why not participate?
Exhibit alongside other brilliant artists.
Support a cause that champions creative education, community connection and culture.
Be eligible to apply for Woodleigh’s $10,000 Resident Artist Bursary.
Help build a permanent collection at Woodleigh School that reflects diverse voices and stories.
What will you receive once you've registered?
Three A5 cards (you may use 1, 2 or all 3).
Prepaid return postage.
A digital tile to share the invitation for participation with your network
What is your role as a registered artist?
Create your artwork(s) in response to the theme Threads of Belonging. Any medium accepted.
Complete the information on the back of each piece.
Return your work by the due date (to be determined)
Tell everyone!
Come to the Opening and celebrate with us.
Be very pleased with yourself that the sale of all works - yours included - will support future Art Education Programs at Woodleigh School.
All artworks will be displayed anonymously in the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery and sold at the one price point of $150. Buyers purchase works without bias.
How do I register?
Details for Threads 2027 will be released soon. Please join our Mailing List to ensure you receive application details in plenty of time!
2027 Artist Bursary Application Information
The Woodleigh School Artist Bursary is a significant part of Threads of Belonging.
Registrations will open Term 4, 2026, join our Threads Mailing List to stay in the loop.
One selected exhibiting artist will receive a $10,000 bursary to support a 10-day residency at Woodleigh School in 2027. The selected Artist in Residence will engage with students, staff and the wider community through creative practice and collaboration.
Artists from across Australia will be invited to apply during Term 4 of 2026. Specific dates will be announced soon.
What does the selected Artist in Residence do?
Spend ten school days working onsite in Woodleigh’s Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery.
Deliver one evening talk for families, staff and the community.
Run one 2-hour workshop.
Donate one small artwork for Woodleigh’s Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery’s Permanent Collection.
What does the Bursary cover?
Travel and accommodation.
Meals and materials.
Local transport.
Any other costs associated with the residency.
Am I eligible?
The Arists Bursary is open to all artists aged 18+ (excluding current students invited to exhibit)
Must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC)
Must comply with Woodleigh’s Child Safety Policy.
How do I apply?
Details for Threads 2027 will be released soon. Please join our Mailing List to ensure you receive application details in plenty of time!
Threads Opening, February 2026
Join our Threads Mailing List
Whole School
Threads of Belonging is a new Woodleigh initiative that brings Australian creatives together in conversation to strengthen Arts Education and reaffirm its value. So how did the inaugural event go?
Continue Reading
Whole School
An exhibition that brings artists and students together to push for change - and you’re invited.
Continue ReadingTerms and Conditions
Eligibility to Exhibit
- Open to artists aged 18 and over, *with the exception of invited, current Woodleigh students.
Eligibility to Apply for Resident Artist Bursary
- Be over 18
A valid Working with Children Check is required. - Artists must comply with Woodleigh’s Child Safety Policy
Residency Requirements
- The selected artist must commit to:
- A 10-day onsite residency (9 am – 4 pm) at Woodleigh School.
- Be available for students to interact and observe your art practice
- Deliver a talk for families, staff and the community.
- One 2-hour workshop.
- Donation of one (small) artwork to Woodleigh’s Permanent Collection, Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery.
Exhibition Participation
- To qualify for the bursary, the artist must participate in the Threads of Belonging exhibition, opening 2027
- All work must remain A5 in size
- Any medium accepted
- The exhibited work must respond to the theme and be suitable for public display.
- Woodleigh School reserves the right to exclude works deemed inappropriate or incomplete.
Bursary Use
- The $10,000 bursary may be used for:
- Travel and accommodation
- Meals and materials
- Transport
- Other residency-related expenses
- Artists are responsible for managing their own budget and insurance.
Intellectual Property & Promotion
- Artists retain copyright of all works.
- By participating, artists permit Woodleigh School to use images of their work for promotional purposes
- Woodleigh will credit the artist wherever possible.
Artwork Handling
- Artists are responsible for ensuring their work is delivered in finished condition.
- Unsold works will be put on Woodleigh’s school website for sale
Privacy & Data Use
- Personal information collected during the application process will be used solely for programme administration and promotion.
General
- Participation in the programme implies acceptance of these terms.
FAQs
How do I purchase an artwork?
In person at the Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery, Woodleigh School Senior Campus. First-come, first-served – no preorders. No exceptions. All remaining works will be available to purchase online (here) after the exhibition.
Do you sell framed artworks?
No, however, we recommend Southern Bouy framers.
Are there any presales?
First in, no reservations. In person/gallery only until the exhibition closes!
Can I apply for the bursary without exhibiting?
No, unfortunately not. But why not just exhibit, too.
Can I participate in the Threads of Belonging exhibition without applying for the bursary?
Yes, you certainly can.
Who can be an artist?
Everyone is welcome to participate as an artist in the Threads of Belonging Exhibition, regardless of experience and age.
How do artists sign up to participate? Registration forms are on this page.
Does it cost money to participate?
No
What type of artworks are accepted?
Original works only, any technique and medium, variety is what we want.
Sculptures?
If they fit the A5 dimension, then yes.
What happens to unsold works?
They will be available to everyone to purchase via our website.
Do artists receive any payment?
No, all artworks are a donation (and we thank you endlessly). Profits are donated in whole to the Resident Artist Program, supporting the creative culture at Woodleigh School and the Mornington Peninsula community.
How are artworks displayed?
All works will be displayed physically in our in-person gallery for the duration of the exhibition, during school hours and weekends. After the exhibition, the remaining works will be for sale on Woodleigh’s school website.
How is the Resident Artist selected?An invited panel of judges will be responsible for choosing the Resident Artist in response to the proposal submitted.