CALLOUT: ANCHER POINTS 2026

Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the ANCHER POINTS 2026: Emerging Artist Program, to be held over five days between June – August 2026. 

This is the third iteration of Ancher Points—a two-part program inspired by the creative legacy of Gerald and Margo Lewers, offers emerging artists from Greater Western Sydney many of the tools and skills needed to transition into professional practice. 

The first part of the program is a unique 5-day intensive delivered across June, July and August 2026 at Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery. Incorporating workshops and exhibition viewings, the program introduces participants to the business of being an artist through guided, interactive activities and peer-to-peer learning with leading industry professionals, while fostering meaningful connections across Greater Western Sydney. 

Part two of Ancher Points provides opportunities to expand on and activate the learnings from phase one. Participants will be eligible to apply for exhibition, internship and residency opportunities that bring their ideas to life, including a solo exhibition at Penrith Regional Gallery and an artist residency with program partner CEMENTA Festival. 

HOW TO APPLY  

This unique professional development opportunity is limited to 10 participants, with up to 2 positions allocated for First Nations artists.  

To be eligible to apply: 

• Artists must be 18+ years old.
• Greater Western Sydney based (lives, works, or can demonstrate a strong connection to Greater Western Sydney).
• Be an emerging artist (defined as someone in the early stages of their professional art career, typically within the first 5-10 years of practice).
• Availability to attend the program dates : 

Tuesday 9 June 2026

Wednesday 24 June 2026

Thursday 9 July 2026

Friday 24 July 2026

Saturday 8 August 2026 

All program delivery expenses, including workshop and materials costs and catering expenses, will be covered if selected for this program. 

Submission Criteria: 

Submission Criteria Applicants are required to submit as part of your application: 

1. Examples of your artwork (maximum 10 pages)
2. Artist Biography (up to 200 words)
3. Artist Statement (up to 200 words)
4. A short explanation of why they’d like to participate in the program (up to 200 words)
5. A portrait photo (that will be used for publicity purposes if you are successful)

To apply, simply fill out an application form and submit it by 11:59 PM AEST, Wednesday, 20 May 2026. 

After the application is submitted:  Successful applicants will be selected by a panel of staff members from Penrith Performing & Visual Arts, based on their eligibility and merit.All applicants will be notified of the outcome via email by 5pm, Friday, 29 May 2026. 

Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery acknowledges that online forms and application systems are not accessible for everyone. For all enquiries and to discuss alternate methods of applying, please email Leahlani Johnson, Public Programs Coordinator, Penrith Regional Gallery, at leahlani.johnson@ppandva.com.au.