Testimonials

Arts Residencies

“When you think of arts residencies, you think of Eliza - she is arguably the world authority on the subject. When we opened our arts residency program BigCi in the Blue Mountains, Eliza helped us grow our capacity and place on the international stage. She is passionate, dedicated and has helped countless arts residency operators and artists to make their dreams a reality.”

— BigCi, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia

“The Cité Internationale des arts is the largest arts residency program in the world and a member of Res Artis. Under Eliza’s leadership, Res Artis became an essential network and her dedication to arts, artists, and art residencies is unmatched”

“ARC - Artists at Risk Connection works to defend and advance the right to artistic freedom worldwide and ensure that artists and cultural workers can live and create without fear. We had the pleasure of working closely with Eliza during her tenure as Executive Director of Res Artis, where she was a vital partner in our shared efforts to support artists at risk. Her leadership was instrumental in mobilizing the global arts residency sector to offer emergency humanitarian residencies for artists and cultural workers from Ukraine. She also played a key role in developing and curating resources for creatives facing threats worldwide, helping to strengthen the capacity of arts residency networks to respond in times of crisis. In today’s increasingly fragmented and volatile context, Eliza’s leadership and commitment to artists at risk have never been more vital”

Artists

“I had the pleasure of working with Eliza Dawson during my Asialink Arts residency in Indonesia in 2016. Eliza brought professionalism, care, and cultural sensitivity to every stage of the process. These qualities were essential for navigating the complexities of international residencies. Her deep commitment to artists and the broader field of cultural exchange is clear, and she approaches even the most challenging contexts with clarity, and grace. Her contribution to the arts, particularly through the lens of global collaboration, is both vital and inspiring. It was such a pleasure to work with her.”

— Tony Albert, Artist, Girramay/Kuku Yalanji/Yidinji, NSW, Australia

“Artistic and cultural exchange is central to our process and perfectly aligns with the ethos of arts residencies. The idea of artists and non-arts communities working together to develop a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures, traditions and practices is transformative and empowering. Snuff Puppets has witnessed Eliza’s knowledge of the arts residencies field and experienced the life-changing impact a residency can have on both the participating artists and the local communities involved.””

— Snuff Puppets, VIC, Australia

“There are very few people in the world with the in-depth knowledge about arts residencies that Eliza Dawson possesses. I was fortunate enough to work with her when I served on a selection panel at Asialink. Eliza has been instrumental in fostering people to people connections by supporting countless artists in undertaking international residencies across her roles - whether at Asialink, Res Artis or as an independent consultant. Her quiet but considered work has enabled artists like me to build meaningful relationships, expand our creative practices, and engage deeply with diverse communities across international borders””

— Chi Vu, Writer and Director, Regional VIC, Australia

Clients

“Eliza Dawson is an asset to every organisation she joins. I have seen first-hand Eliza’s ability to amplify underrepresented voices, innovate through a creative and strategic mindset, and achieve results, as a former Board member of Res Artis and client of her new consultancy business, . Her knowledge straddles local/global and arts/non-arts sectors. Eliza is an accomplished leader who thrives from working collaboratively, partnering and co-creating. Eliza has a strong work ethic and excellent reputation globally”

— Australian Tapestry Workshop, VIC, Australia

“I collaborated with Eliza for 7 years through Res Artis and Gertrude Contemporary’s shared project spaces in Collingwood. Eliza is an expert at connecting local independent artists and organisations, both locally and internationally. Through aligned exhibitions and presentations, and by inviting Eliza to serve on the selection panel for Gertrude residency opportunities, I witnessed her deep knowledge of the creative industries and her ability to prioritise capacity building across the sector. She is a strategic thinker, great networker, and inspiring cultural leader who would be an asset to any organisation.”

— Gertrude Contemporary, VIC, Australia

“The workshop was fabulous in every way. Eliza was so interesting to listen to and her wealth of knowledge evident. I came away inspired, hopeful and encouraged to research more about residencies.”

— Anonymous, Wyndham Council workshop participant, VIC, Australia

“I have known Eliza for more than a decade now through her dedicated work in inter-cultural understanding and creative and cultural exchange. Eliza organised the Asia Australia Europe Creative Residencies Network Meeting in Melbourne in 2014 which I attended, two Res Artis conferences in Japan and has frequently engaged with AIR Network Japan, of which I am Secretary General. In 2025 Eliza gave a lecture to my students on international creative exchange. We all benefited from her strong leadership, deep insights and compassionate nature. She understands the region and builds meaningful projects and partnerships that leave a legacy.”