The Conservatory of Care is an artist in residence project embracing elements of socially engaged art, community cultural development and collaborative experiences. It seeks to build relationships with humans and non-humans through site-specific art activities.

The first Conservatory of Care took place on Dharawal country as part of the 2022 Wollongong City Council Artward – Artist in Residence program. The artist worked alongside Bushcare volunteers, encouraging collaboration through participation and reciprocity. The volunteers worked hand to heart caring for country and the artist worked hand to heart making artworks specifically for the carers. The project formed part of Janine’s interdisciplinary research with the School of Arts, English and Media and the School of Geography and Sustainable Communities at the University of Wollongong.