Nine artists got the unique chance to exchange their ideas and share their hometowns with one another as part of the inaugural Residencies Around the Region exchange (RARe). 

The journey started in April when Orana Arts first put out an expression of interest for artists who would like to join the statewide initiative.

"It addresses the ability to network in with other artists and build those relationships with other artists outside of your own silo and to then extend these networks," Orana Arts CEO Alicia Leggett said.

Each of the artists got the chance to visit one of the other participant's homes.

Tina Pech from Baradine was one of the artists who joined the program. "I was interested in trying some more residencies and I thought that was a good way to go about it."

Ms Pech has been doing various art forms ever since she can remember. At the moment, she is focussing on fibre textiles. 

In July, Ms Pech drove nine hours down to the South Coast to visit Anna Glynn. 

Writer Helena Pastor from Armidale came out to visit Ms Pech in her home for four days. 

Anna Glynn looking towards her house and studio on the South Coast. Photo: supplied.

"We had a lot of discussions around process and digital maps like how we map out our thoughts.

"We had a brainstorming session where we explained to each other what our ideas were, what the exhibition entailed, and then came up with a list of things that we need to think about." 

 The residency was also a chance for artists to show each other what their hometown had to offer. 

"Walking was a nice way to get to the feel for a place - the conversation flows while you are going for a walk." 

Ms Pech decided to join the residency program after participating in the Ironbark Arts Residency last year. 

Coonabarabran artist Alison Reynolds joined the exchange from the Western Plains area. 

The exchanges continued to run until October. 

"I would definitely put my hand up again," Ms Pech said.

Ms Leggett said this was not the last RARe program and hopes to extend it in the following years. 

"Everyone wanted to do it again."