News & MediaTNA STUFF
TNA’s Creative State Submission
Last month, the Victorian Government opened a public consultation for the state’s next creative industries strategy, Creative State “3”. This will guide investment for the three years between 2025-28. Read TNA’s submission on behalf of the performing arts sector.
TNA ANZSCO Round 4 Consultation Submission
The Australian Bureau of Statistics are reviewing ANZSCO, the list of occupations in Australia and NZ. Our sector has had some wins with new occupations to be added. TNA made another submission in response to recently proposed draft classifications.
Directors in TYA Exchange 2025 Representative: Luke Kerridge
TNA is thrilled to announce Luke Kerridge as the Australian delegate for the Directors in TYA Exchange 2025 in Germany. Luke, along with directors from all over the world, will travel to Hamburg for the exchange.
1 Oct – Arts Northern Rivers (ANR) Dance & Physical Theatre: CATCH UP
TNA and Arts Northern Rivers are hosting a free Dance & Physical Theatre CATCH UP in Mullumbimby. Our Co-CEO Josh and Program Director Steph will be speaking to the Independent Dance Sector Report, and ANR’s Dance Sector Uplift Report. We’ll also hear from Critical Path, NORPA, and more.
16 Oct – Sydney Dance Sector Gathering
TNA, Dance Makers Collective and GUTS Dance are holding an in-person Sydney Dance Sector Gathering at Sydney Dance Company. Together, we will priortise recommendations and actions from our Independent Dance Sector Report. Register your attendance by 13 Oct.
August Behind the Scenes Podcast with James Jackson
Sue Giles provides this month’s TNA update on happenings in the performance with/for/by young people sector. James Jackson from Bloomshed chats about re-creating and satirising classic texts. He also explains how the ensemble devise in the rehearsal room. Listen to the interview.
NATIONAL STUFF
5–8 Sept – Experimental and Emerging Arts Gathering: Vitalstatistix Adhocracy 2024 (SA)
Vitalstatistix’s national sector meeting is taking place. There will be conversations and updates facilitated by artists and arts workers.
6 Sept – National Theatre of Parramatta and NIDA’s Page to Stage Playwriting EOIs (NSW)
Year-long intensive course and mentorship for playwrights in Western Sydney. The program includes script and story development, mentorship, and an industry reading at the end. It costs $500 per participant; financial scholarships are available.
9 Sept – Create NSW’s Regional Arts Touring Grants for Individuals/Groups
$5,000–$120,000 for artists and groups touring work across regional NSW.
10 Sept – Adelaide Fringe 2025 Fund Grants
Up to $5,000 for artists, producers, and collectives. It can be used to support the development, staging, or marketing at Fringe. You can also use it to cover access costs. Or, for regional and remote touring costs during the season. There is a separate stream for First Nations Grants.
10 Sept – Ian Potter Cultural Trust Emerging Artist Grants
Up to $15,000 to support emerging and early-career artists take up professional development opportunities, usually overseas.
13 Sept – Pitch New Works ISPA 2025 New York Congress
Present your performing arts project to a group of global performing arts professionals. Participants have secured project support and touring opportunities from presenting. It costs $50 USD to submit.
13 Sept – Crossroad Arts’ C.R.U.S.H Workshop Regional Scholarships (QLD)
Three days of workshops on contemporary movement, performance, and theatre making in Mackay. $2,000 scholarships for regional artists with disabilities or who are D/deaf. They can use the funds to travel, stay in accommodation, and attend C.R.U.S.H.
16 Sept – 2025 Moosehead Award Applications
Funds comedians who are Australian permanent residents to put on new shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Moosehead will cover the registration fee and the first $3,000 of the venue rental. It will also pay $2,500 in creative support and up to $2,000 for accommodation for those outside Melbourne.
17 Sept – City of Sydney Creative Live/ Work Spaces EOIs (NSW)
The City of Sydney is leasing cheaper one-bedroom live/work apartments in Darlinghurst. For artists and creative practitioners to live and work at below market rental.
24 Sept – Darwin Fringe 2025 Artist Info Session (Online)
Explains how artists can be involved in Darwin Fringe, with Q&A. Interstate and international artists are welcome.
19 & 26 Sept – Contemporary Asian Australian Performance Longhouse Panel Discussions (NSW)
On 19 Sept: with Sydney Theatre Company on the evolving nature of Asian Australian storytelling on our stages. Tickets: $12. On 26 Sept: with the National Theatre of Paramatta on authenticity. What does it really mean? Tickets: $15.
27 Sept – Community Climate Change Action Grants (TAS)
Grants between $2,000–$20,000. For Tasmanian projects that improve knowledge of climate change and build community resilience.
30 Sept – 2025 Signature Leadership Program Scholarships (WA)
Scholarships for a 10-month program for senior leaders. Open to those working in small-medium, not-for-profit organisations, small businesses or sole traders.
30 Sept – NAB Foundation Community Grants
Grants of up to $25,000 for local projects. They must help communities withstand and recover from natural disasters. Projects could be workshops that help communities prepare for a natural disaster. Or programs that enhance community connection after a natural disaster.
October – Mental Health Month Training
The Arts Wellbeing Collective is offering workshops during Mental Health Month in October. For leaders and decision makers: Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces, online on 16 &17 Oct. Tickets from $150. For all creative industry workers: Mental Health First Aid, self-guided learning followed by two online sessions on 30 & 31 Oct. Tickets are $350.
1 Oct – Creative Australia’s International Engagement Fund
Grants between $5,000–$30,000. For artists to undertake creative collaboration and development, knowledge-sharing, and exchange. Artists must have confirmed international partners.
7 Oct – Arts SA Major Projects Funding for Triennial Projects (SA)
Up to $120,000 over three years for the creation and presentation of new work. For individual artists and groups and unfunded arts orgs. The grant supports all stages of development and presentation.
7 Oct – Arts SA Projects Funding for Independent Artists and Groups (SA)
Funding that supports independent artists and groups in creating and presenting new works.
8 Oct – Arts Access Victoria’s The Gathering at Alter State
Arts Access Victoria’s monthly forum for Deaf and Disabled artists. October’s meeting will be held during Alter State, a disability-led festival. In person at Arts Centre Melbourne, and on Zoom.
8 Oct – Chamber of Arts and Culture WA’s Arts Equity Summit: Balancing the Scales on Gender Disparities (WA)
Full-day summit addressing gendered financial inequality in the arts. The keynote speaker will be Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, Executive Director at The Blue Room Theatre. Sessions include a workshop on how to conduct an organisational audit. $70 for indie members, $165 for non-members.
9 Oct – WA’s Arts Activities in Regional Communities Funding (WA)
Up to $60,000 for projects that boost arts and culture in regional WA.
11 Oct – Chamber Made’s Deep Dive Mentorship 2025 EOIs
Paid mentorship for an emerging artist, with established artist Roslyn Oades. This can be in person in North Melbourne or online. The mentee will receive $1,000.
21 Nov – Accessible Arts Creative Access Workshop (Online)
For artists interested in embedding access in the creation of new work. $105 per person.
6 Nov – 2025 ANAT Synapse Residency
Open to artists whose work engages with science and/or technology. Research organisations host successful artists to undertake a period of creative research and practice. ANAT provides an artist fee of $4,400 per month and up to $3,500 towards the project.
Perform at Sydney Streets EOIs
EOIs are open year-round for local performers to perform in Sydney Streets. These are one-day special events that run across Saturdays in Sydney’s local neighbourhoods.
Arts Industry Council of South Australia ‘Understanding Cultural Safety’ Recording
AICSA’s recent workshop on Cultural Safety, with speakers Esther Anatolitis, Nara Wilson, and Dr. Ruth De Souza. It is now available as an online recording.
Creative Australia’s Governance Hub
Provides resources, support and opportunities for better practice governance in arts and culture. There are guides on Developing a Climate Change Policy, talks on ‘Succession Planning: Who are the Board Members of the Future’, and more.
VICTORIAN STUFF
7 Sept–12 Sept – Fusion Theatre’s Free Inclusive Theatre Workshops
Free workshops for people passionate about creating inclusive theatre. There are sessions for children, youth, and adults. Held at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre in Dandenong.
11 Sept – Pride Events and Festivals Fund 2024-25
Creative Victoria is providing grants of up to $25,000 for LGBTIQA+ events in Victoria.
11 & 18 Sept – MILKE’s The Producer Lab Workshops
On 11 Sept: a workshop for emerging producers on the producer and artist working relationship, and a workshop for established producers on taking work worldwide. Cost: $66. On 18 Sept: an online workshop on Excel upskilling for theatre producers. Cost: $33.
13 Sept – Creative Access Collective: The Artistic Intelligence Symposium EOIs
D/deaf and D/disabled BIPoC creatives are invited to co-design Creative Access. This is an ecology that combines creativity, accessibility, authenticity, and wellness. The Symposium will take place in October, as part of Alter State. To take part, you will need to submit an EOI.
15 Sept – City of Melbourne Grant Panel External Assessors EOIs
Review and assess City of Melbourne Arts Grants for 2024–2028. Panel members are paid $250 to $1,500 per round. Access and childcare costs are covered.
15 Sept – Footscray Community Arts Tarnuk–ut baany
Provides First Nations mentorship and seed funding to the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives. Participants receive $5,000 to develop work and are paired with mentors who share creative practice.
25 Sept – La Mama Connect: Have Your Say
In light of recent funding decisions, La Mama will temporarily close its doors in 2025. La Mama is holding a Community Forum. This is for the community to share their needs, hopes, and aspirations for La Mama’s future.
25 Sept – Response Training for Stage Managers, Producers and Directors
The Arts Wellbeing Collective is running a one-time session aimed specifically for producers, directors and stage managers. Responding to Mental Distress introduces them to mental health situations they may encounter on the job. Tickets start from $95.
2–13 Oct – Alter State 2024
The program includes a free two-day symposium with keynotes and discussions highlighting Deaf and Disabled artists. There are lots of workshops and professional development. Caroline Bowditch is holding a masterclass in Improvisation in Performance.
13 Oct – GLOBE Victoria Grants and Scholarship
Grants for the Victorian LGBTIQ community: A $1,000 scholarship for individuals in education or early careers, and $2,000 for those who contribute to the community.
Renew Williamstown EOIs
The Renew Williamstown project is offering artists free or cheap spaces in Williamstown to revive vacant areas. EOIs are reviewed on a rolling basis.
VAPAC Equity Action Plan 2024–2027
The Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres have released their Equity Action Plan. It provides clear, measurable, and meaningful outcomes that will drive their work over the coming years.
Next Wave Secures Brunswick Mechanic Institute
Next Wave’s tenancy will be extended for another nine years until July 2034. Next Wave will be launching new initiatives soon, as part of their Next Wave Strategic Plan 2025–2034.
ASSITEJ STUFF (Youth Arts & Young Audiences)
6 Sept – Signal Young Creatives Lab 2025 EOIs
Funding between $5,000–$8,000 to bring a creative project to life. For creatives aged 18–25.
8 Sept – Carclew Project and Development Grants 2025 (SA)
$10,000 grants for individuals 26 and younger to develop/present work. Or to help participation in the arts for children and young people. For organisations, there are $20,000 grants. This is to support artistic projects for, by and with children and young people. Up to $10,000 is available for youth art orgs looking to grow their business, or change their business model. Applications for all grants close 8 Sept.
15 Sept – 31st Festival of Ecological Theatre for Children and Youth Applications
Calling performances for children and youth to present in the Festival. On 20–24 August in Bačka Palanka, Serbia. The Festival pays performers a fee and provides accommodation. It does not cover travel expenses.
18 & 25 Sept – Dead Puppet Society Shadow Puppetry Workshops (QLD)
Hosting a series of free shadow puppetry workshops for people aged 6–17 at Ipswich libraries.
20 Sept – Ansvar’s Community Education Program Grants
Grants of up to $50,000 for programs that support disadvantaged Australians aged 25 and under. Programs should empower and educate, or rehabilitate and train at-risk youths.
22 Sept – Propel Youth Arts WA Propel Launchpad (WA)
Mentorship and funding for WA artists aged 12–26 with a project. Participants receive $5,000 towards creative development, up to $2,500 for mentorship, and $1,500 towards presentation and promotion.
23 Sept – Victorian Office for Youth’s Engage! 2025-27 Grants (VIC)
Funds projects that inspire young Victorians to pursue their goals. Grants between $60,000–$180,000 are available over three years.
25 Sept – Bright Generations “Générations Lumineuses” Professional Exchange Applications
ASSITEJ France is calling for applications to take part in a programme of meetings, events, and exchanges in 2025. The event aims to promote international exchanges and cooperation, as well as highlight new advocacy for creativity for children and youth.
30 Sept – Creative Victoria’s FReeZA 2025-27 Grants (VIC)
Provides orgs and not-for-profits up to $120,000 of funding over three years. To help young people to lead and deliver safe, youth-friendly events for Victorians aged 12–25.
CAPT STUFF (CIRCUS AND PHYSICAL THEATRE)
12 Sept – Showcase Victoria CaPT Professional Development Series
Showcase Victoria is putting on monthly professional development sessions for the CaPT sector. September’s session is ‘Unlocking Partnership Models in the Circus Industry’. November’s session is ‘Understanding Community Engaged Practice’.
18 Sept – Circus Vulcana’s Body Code in Conversation
Join Circus Vulcana and researchers at QUT to discuss AI, disability inclusion, and performing arts. The conversation will contribute to Vulcana’s performance project, Body Code, in 2025.
Women’s Circus Open Training
A reminder that Women’s Circus offers free open training for current training members and circus professionals. The schedule for September and October is available.
TNA IS READING, WATCHING, LISTENING & LEARNING
TNA has decided to share a few resources every month in the E-News. We think these are resources that speak to issues relevant to the sector. They are worthwhile to engage with, both in small and large ways.
Read: Australian stand-up comedians are looking out for their mental health in a demanding industry, by Scout Boxall in ABC News
Watch: The danger of a single story with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in TED.
Listen: How We Show Up with Mia Birdsong in Upstream.
Learn: The Intercultural Framework by Mark Yettica-Paulson in Super Native Unlimited.
INDUSTRY GOSS
- Cj Fraser-Bell has stepped down as Artistic Associate at Brown’s Mart. Sophia Hall will be stepping down as CEO at Brown’s Mart, following the launch of the company’s 2025 program in November.
- Mitchell Butel will be stepping down as Artistic Director at State Theatre Company SA to take up the position of Artistic Director at Sydney Theatre Company.
- Bebe Oliver has been appointed the new CEO/Artistic Director of Blak & Bright.
- Maggie Oster has been appointed Production and Venue Manager at Vitalstatistix.
- Rachael Adamson is the new Emerging Producer at National Theatre of Parramatta.
- Ali Bendall has been appointed the new Festival Director at Short+Sweet Sydney.
- Sue Hunt AM has stepped down as Chair at Auspicious Arts Projects. Suzanne Daley has been appointed the new Chair.
- Emma Ireland has been appointed Festival Director at Bendigo Pride Festival.
Events and Venue Manager, Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre (NT). Apply now.
Industry Development Manager, The Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VIC). Apply by 6 Sept .
Venue Planning Manager, Arts Centre Melbourne (VIC). Apply by 8 Sept.
Board Members (Voluntary), Chamber of Arts and Culture WA (WA). Nominations close 13 Sept.
Board of Directors (Voluntary), The Substation (VIC). EOIs by 15 Sept.
Marketing Coordinator, BlakDance (QLD). Apply by 15 Sept.
Head of Market Development, PAC Australia (WA). Apply by 16 Sept.
Cultural Community Development Officer, cohealth (VIC). Apply by 23 Sept.
Marketing Manager, Burrinja (VIC). Apply by 22 Sept.
Deputy Production Manager, Ensemble Theatre (NSW). Apply by 23 Sept.
General Manager, Melbourne Writers Festival (VIC). Apply by 23 Sept.
First Nations Lead, Regional Arts Australia (Remote). Apply by 23 Sept.
Head of Marketing and Partnerships, Melbourne Writers Festival (VIC). Apply by 23 Sept.
Technical Manager, Ensemble Theatre (NSW). Apply by 23 Sept.