CoLAB: Composer Residency
Supported by
& Ezekiel Solomon AM
About the program
The CoLAB Composer Residency at Bundanon offers a composer selected through Omega Ensemble’s CoLAB: Composer Accelerator Program the opportunity to undertake a two-week immersive residency at Bundanon, NSW.
Set within a tranquil bushland setting on the South Coast of New South Wales, Bundanon provides an ideal environment for creative focus, exploration of craft, and artistic renewal.
This residency is designed to support early-to-mid career Australian composers aged 21 and over who have demonstrated artistic excellence, ambition, and a commitment to innovation.
As an extension of Omega Ensemble’s CoLAB program and Bundanon’s Residency program, the residency is a partnership between both organisations aimed at deepening the investment in Australia’s next generation of musical creators, providing vital time, space and resources to cultivate new ideas and discover their artistic voice.
Eligibility
One residency is awarded each year through participation in the CoLAB: Composer Accelerator Program.
The residency recognises creative risk-taking, professional growth and artistic excellence.
Learn more about Bundanon creative development options here and read more about the 2027 residency here.
-
Early-to-mid 2026 - Residency recipient announced
Mid-2026 - Residency takes place in coordination with Bundanon scheduling
End 2026 - 2027 EOI applications open
-
In addition to the eligibility criteria for participation in the CoLAB program, the only additional criteria is that a composer has successfully completed the program.
As all participants have already undergone a competitive application and assessment process to be accepted into the CoLAB program, there is no further application process or requirements.
The recipient will be selected internally by Omega Ensemble’s Artistic Team based on ongoing feedback from the CoLAB mentors and observed outcomes.
At the conclusion of the program, selection will consider the following:
Demonstrated originality and high-level compositional skill throughout the CoLAB program and in previous work.
Evident commitment to creative and career development, including self-initiated activity or independent opportunities.
Willingness to take risks, respond to feedback, and engage generously with collaborators.
Readiness for meaningful creative and professional benefits at this career stage.
Reflecting the principles of innovation, artistic development, and sector contribution.
Selection will also consider the composer’s broader portfolio, notable activities beyond the program, and where appropriate, any equity-based factors such as barriers to access or opportunity.
-
The selected composer will receive:
Two (2) week residency at Bundanon, NSW including studio accommodation and access to workspaces.
$5,000 stipend to support living costs, travel, and materials.
Optional online check-in with a mentor or Omega Ensemble Artistic Director during the residency.
Promotion through Omega Ensemble’s channels.
-
There is no expectation to complete finished work during the residency.
Pre-residency: Participate in a pre-residency meeting to discuss broad focus and outcomes of the residency.
During residency: A composer is expected to engage deeply with their practice and proposed area of focus, including compositional writing. However, outcomes will not be directly measured.
Post-residency: Participate in a reflection and testimonial (written or video) on their experience and outcomes.
Optional: Participate in Bundanon’s public performance program, where suitable and practically feasible.
-
For further information on the program, please contact our team.
2026 Recipient
PHOTOGRAPHER: STEVEN SIEWERT
Together with Bundanon and Ezekiel Solomon AM, we’re so excited to announce that Oliver Cameron is the 2026 Recipient of the Omega Ensemble CoLAB Composer Residency. Read more below about this brilliant artist and this wonderful new residency partnership with Bundanon below.