ASSITEJ International Update

Sue Giles, President of ASSITEJ International, gives us a February update, which includes a recap on ASSITEJ International, and why TNA is involved. TNA has 167 members who are part of ASSITEJ Australia through their work and connections in the children and young people’s arts sector. In the update, Sue also outlines Generations Luminese, the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering upcoming in Marseille in March, and current initiatives on creating cultural equity. 

TNA STUFF

Federal Advocacy
TNA continues to advocate for the CYPA sector, pushing for much needed policy focus and investment from the Federal Government. Half of our recommendations focus on better arts access for children, and support for emerging professional creatives.

Youth Dance Australia
TNA helps to convene the Youth Dance Australia committee, which connects youth dance companies and their supporters. Sign up to the YDA contact list to receive updates, including on the next Australian Youth Dance Festival (AYDF).

NATIONAL STUFF

21 Feb – Theatre Royal Future Stages (TAS)
Free program for Year 10–12 students with a strong interest in the performing arts. Experience productions and participate in discussions and workshops at Theatre Royal.

5 March – Blackbird Foundation Protostars
$1,000 for young people aged 18-25 to work on their passion projects. 

10 March – Windmill Little Board EOIs (SA)
Young people in Year Levels 5–10 can join weekly sessions. These sessions focus on theatre making, productions, and art as activism. They are led by Windmill staff, artists, and the Big Board. Little Board Members are not paid.

11 March – Windmill Indie-Mill EOIs (SA)
For SA independent theatre-makers to develop an idea for young audiences and present an informal showing. Each team member, of up to six people max, will receive $1,500 per person/per week, a props and costume budget, two weeks studio space, technical, production and dramaturgical support.

17 March – Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Backing the Future Fund (NSW & QLD)
$50,000 for early-stage projects that support rural and regional young people aged 12–30. Applicants must be individuals or groups of individuals across NSW and QLD. Registered charities or orgs are ineligible.

17 March – City of Melbourne’s ArtPlay New Ideas Lab 
Up to $20,000 and venue/development space for creative projects where children and/or families will be the co-creators of the work.

19 March – Regional Arts WA Next Level Fellowships (WA)
$8,000 to support creative activity and professional development for one year. For regional WA young artists and arts workers aged 18–26.

6 April – Carclew Project and Development Grants for Individuals
Up to $10,000 for artists up to 26 years old for the development and/or presentation of work, or for projects which enable participation in the arts for children and young people.

30 April – The FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant
$10,000 for communities across Australia to adopt, adapt and act on the ideas generated at the Heywire Regional Youth Summit. To address issues that matter to remote, rural and regional youth.

INTERNATIONAL STUFF

23 Feb – Hi PerformanCZ Visitors’ Program Call Out 2025 (Prague)
For dramaturges, artistic directors, and performing arts professionals to take part in the program in May. Selected participants receive free accommodation, local transport, and access to performances and workshops.

20 March – World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
‘World Day’ is a global ASSITEJ International campaign, to promote and celebrate children’s entitlement to theatre, performance and the arts, wherever they are. Read President of ASSITEJ International, Sue Giles’ ‘World Day’ message. Download the ‘World Day’ Toolkit. 

31 March – 2nd Maas Foundation International Theatre Festival 2025 (Lahore)
For performances for young audiences to present at the Festival in October. Selected participants receive free accommodation, meals, and local transport. 

ASSITEJ Newsletter
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