TheySwarm, hosted by TextaQueen, is a studio, peer-mentoring artist residency and covid-safer event space for diverse and disabled artists in a shopfront on Johnston Street, Collingwood, Narrm. 

The inaugural residency in 2024 hosted Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha (read about their time here). 2026 welcomes Raju Rage for a residency and collaborative project with TextaQueen funded by Creative Australia and British Council. 

TheySwarm hosts Riff Raff Reading Room, open-by-appointment first full weekends of the month starting 7 & 8 March 2026.

Please read our  Best Practices Agreement here  before booking for and/or visiting TheySwarm. 

TheySwarm Access Information

The studio/gallery space and bathroom is step free with permanent ramps (no hand rails) at a safe incline.

This studio/gallery space is accessible for wheelchairs but the bathroom is not *yet* accessible for wheelchairs. Please contact for plans and photos of current set-up.

Thanks to City of Yarra, MatchLab and everyone who donated to the Australian Cultural Fund campaign towards the access renovations we have been able to do. We are working towards an accessible bathroom as soon as we can. 

TheySwarm is a COVID-safer and COVID- realist space.

Masks are required – bring your own or N95s and hand sanitiser provided. Two-three air purifiers operate in the main space, one in bathroom + UV. Please do not attend in-person if unwell.

Low scent, low stimulation environment. Please be fragrance-free. Lounge chairs, sofa, ergonomic chairs with no hand rests and other seating. Two cats and a chihuahua live but won’t be in public areas unless requested! 

How to get here

152 Johnston Street Collingwood VIC 3066 – put ‘Collingwood’ in your Maps app else you may be directed to 152 in Fitzroy.

Ring buzzer on panel for entry, door will slide open, please enter quietly.

Public transport: Buses 200 and 207, alight at Palmer St/Johnston St, Stop ID 852.

For additional buses along Hoddle St, alight at Johnston St/Hoddle St, Stop ID 934.

Tram no. 86, alight at Johnston St/Smith St #19, Stop ID 6052.

Train Mernda or Hurstbridge, alight Victoria Park Station (wheelchair accessible), Stop ID 14332.

Parking: 2 hour free parking is available along Johnston St. All-day paid parking is available on Wellington St