A unique artist in residence program set in a restored vintage bus in a backyard in inner city Newcastle. Artists of any discipline with a passion for creating work with a strong social, health or community focus (often referred to as arts health field) will be offered a 3 week residency in The Backyard Bus. The residency includes free accommodation in a semi-self contained restored vintage bus (almost complete!), access to the main house for kitchen and bathroom facilities, free wifi, 24 hour access to a studio space 1.2 km away (in Peppertown Cafe Artist Studios in Mayfield) and use of a lovely bike to access the studio and the cultural and industrial inspirational delights of inner-city Newcastle. Artists will be required to contribute something 'back' to the community during the residency such as a workshop, lecture etc.(partnerships are currently being established with key stakeholders in the area (uni, galleries etc) to facilitate this). 3 residencies will be offered in 2013.

The selection panel for applicants includes: Myself (details above), Dr Nasir Warfa (mental health professor at London Uni - in process of setting up world's first Masters program in Mental Health and Creative Arts), Ms Justine Potter (arts administrator with 20+ years of experience and local guru) and Ms Amy Vee (award winning folk artist who is an advocate for the role music and creativity plays in mental health and wellbeing).

The nexus between creativity and social and emotional wellbeing at the individual and collective level is my greatest passion - I am self funding this initiative because I have been blessed with a unique space and want to see it used to further work in this arena. The link between the artists and the community is a vital component of the residency and will ensure many more benefit from an investment by Awesome.

No other residency in Australia focuses on the arts health field and many residencies have a fee attached for artists. This will be free of charge.