Lanson Place Parliament Gardens Is Giving a Creator-in-Residence the Keys to the City, with Applications Closing Tomorrow
This six-month creator residency is up for grabs, offering curated stays and storytelling opportunities that capture the best of Melbourne.
Opened in 2024, Lanson Place Parliament Gardens was the international hotelier's first Australian venture, revamping the heritage-protected 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works with an impressive $80-million renovation. But instead of locking down a booking, those who fancy their creative skills are invited to experience the hotel and its surrounds in a completely new way — The Keys to Melbourne.
This creator-in-residence programme will see one lucky guest embark on an editorial partnership with Lanson Place, moving beyond traditional influencer marketing for something a little more in-depth. With applications closing on Wednesday, April 1, there's still just enough time to submit your proposal.
So, how does this six-month residence work? Returning to the hotel each month for a curated stay, the creator will capture Melbourne through numerous lenses, from everyday work routines to winter rituals and cultural experiences. The result? A detailed portrait of what makes Melbourne such an enriching place to live.
"This is not about a single stay or a one-off post," said Louise Osborne, Director of Sales and Marketing at Lanson Place Parliament Gardens. "We're creating something with depth, a creative partnership that reflects how people actually experience Melbourne. It's about returning, discovering, and building a relationship with the city over time."
Working with Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, the creator is tasked with producing a series of Melbourne city guides, cultural diaries and edits that highlight the best happenings across town. Think hidden wine bars, major festivals and neighbourhood dining — each captured with Lanson Place at the heart of the action.
Ready to enter? The Keys to Melbourne creator residence is open to Australian residents aged 18 and over. To apply, just simply a piece of content that explains why you love Melbourne, why you're the best fit for the job and how you would tell the city's story across six stays. The winner will be announced in April 2026, with the first stay happening soon after.
View this post on Instagram
Applications for Lanson Place Parliament Gardens' The Key to Melbourne programme are open until Wednesday, April 1. Head to Instagram for more information.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
- The 27 Best Day Spas in Melbourne for 2026
- The Ten Best Beach Camping Spots in Victoria
- Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Melbourne's CBD
- The 25 Best Chinese Restaurants in Melbourne for 2025
- The 16 Best Swimming Holes Near Melbourne
- CP Picks: Aussie Summer Essentials — The Things We're Packing, Wearing and Using All Season Long