We are inviting applications for our first program – a Thinker in Residence!
The Thinker in Residence will:
- Explore an idea or many ideas at Part of Things in Barmera;
- Have access to Part of Things and its resources for four weeks/one month (July, August, September or October);
- Share their ideas/thoughts/learning on the Part of Things blog (here) or elsewhere as negotiated;
- If appropriate, host an event with the public to share what they’ve explored;
- Have access to a creative producer throughout the month in residence to explore pathways for their ideas beyond the residency;
- Be paid a once-off $500 honorarium fee.
Eligibility/Selection Criteria:
- Applicants must currently reside in the Riverland;
- Applicants must be aged over 18 but we otherwise welcome applications from across the age spectrum;
- We are looking for interesting, quirky, clever and intriguing ideas, use your application to show us who you are;
- We do not require applicants to be uber-positive about the Riverland in their applications or as Thinkers in Residence but we are looking for people who are engaged in the future of the Riverland and who genuinely want to make new and interesting things happen.
What kind of ideas can the Thinker in Residence explore?
We are especially interested in ideas that reimagine the Riverland now and for the future. That could be in any field – community, arts, small business, agriculture, disability, tourism. As this is a completely new initiative, at this stage we are very open to all kinds of applications and pitches for what you would like to spend a month thinking about!
What kind of space is Part of Things?
Part of Things is a new space and currently interested in building networks and connections with and between young professionals. Our team are all young professionals ourselves and we are interested in the ‘churn’ of this demographic in the Riverland – the constant coming and going and how difficult it can be to retain young professionals in our region. We want to connect with our peers to develop allies, networks, friendships and everything in between. We are doing this by exploring quirky creative projects, events and activities that offer a place to ‘find your people’. We especially encourage applications from young professionals but ANYONE (18+) is welcome and encouraged to apply to our Thinker in Residence program.
Physically the space itself is a small set of three main rooms (plus kitchen and toilet facilities) above the Soldiers Memorial Hall in Barmera, and part of the Bonney Theatre Complex. The space is quirky itself and has an interesting history, it is however only accessible via a set of stairs, making it an unwelcoming and inaccessible space for many of our community. We invite Thinkers in Residence to respond to the space and its challenges in creative and clever ways.
What will the Thinker in Residence actually do?
The Thinker in Residence will self-determine how they use the time and space in residence. This could include a weekly meet and greet with the public, hosting debates, writing one day a week, making an event or anything else that encourages exploring ideas. The Thinker in Residence might base themselves at Part of Things every day during their month, or just once during their month in residence. As above, our only expectation is that the Thinker in Residence shares their learning/ideas/experience in some format towards the end of their residency. Some Thinkers may have big ambitious (YES) ideas they want to explore well beyond a single month – the month as Thinker at Part of Things is time to take the first steps.
Why is the fee so small?
Part of Things is a small and independent initiative by other Riverlanders. It’s being boot-strapped by personal employment income and has no external funding or investment. We’ve love to offer a big big old fat fee but just don’t have the resources. Maybe one of our Thinkers in Residence will explore income generating strategies for Part of Things to grow future programs?
APPLY HERE to be one of four Thinkers in Residence in 2019.
Want to have a look inside Part of Things for some inspiration? We’re not officially open to the public yet, but happy to organise 1:1 walk-throughs for anyone wanting to apply for this program or otherwise get involved with Part of Things. Call Alysha Herrmann on 041 626 7391 or email helloATpartofthingsDOTorg to arrange a time.
Part of Things 