ASSITEJ International

Update from Sue Giles, President of ASSITEJ International
In June’s update, Sue talks about work with the Wanderlust Festival in Mongolia. The festival had an international touring team from 14 different countries, reaching 36,700 children across 9 days in the Bulgan province. 

25 June – ASSITEJ International Online Session on Regional Cooperation 
Session focusing on collaboration between regions. For those interested in CYPA practices and projects happening in Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal and East Africa. 25 June, Thursday, 5pm Eastern Time.  

29 June – TAMASJA-ASSITEJ Indonesia Wanderlust Festival 2026 Callout
For artists to present and/or collaborate with Wanderlust Festival. On 23–30 August in Central Kalimantan. Bring an existing artistic idea that can be further developed with the community of Central Kalimantan, or present performances for children and young audiences through tours to schools and community spaces. Accommodation, meals, and ground transport is provided.

25 August – International Norwegian ASSITEJ Festival 2027 Callout 
Present work in Osla in 2027. The theme for the festival is ‘Who Cares’? They are seeking work for audiences aged 0–19 that resonate with the theme. The festival is striving to cover travel, accommodation and an artistic fee for the productions that are selected to perform.

ASSITEJ World Congress 2027 in Korea 
This map shows the applications from around the world, to perform at the ASSITEJ World Congress 2027 in Korea. There are 32 applications from Australia.  

TNA Stuff

9 July – Directors in TYA EOIs: International Exchange with ASSITEJ 
The next Directors in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) Exchange will take place 23–30 May 2027 in Cologne, Germany.  The program is open to directors working in the TYA sector. The 2027 theme is ‘Creating Common Spaces’. ASSITEJ Germany and COMEDIA Theatre Cologne will cover accommodation, catering, cultural events and leisure activities. TNA is selecting the Australian representative through an EOI process. 

National Cultural Policy: CYPA Advisory Submission 
TNA’s CYPA Advisory members for 2026-27 are Sue Giles, Lesley Graham, Sam Wannan, Fiona MacDonald and Zoe Scrogings. They have put in a submission to the recent National Cultural Policy consultation process. TNA’s CYPA Advisory submission focused on the CYPA sector, as well as the right of children and young people to engage in arts and culture. 

Tax time Tips for Indies 
TNA has written an article to assist indies in the performing arts at tax time. Includes ATO’s guide on deductible expenses, making personal contributions to your superannuation, as well as information on income averaging. 

National Stuff

6 July – Canberra Youth Theatre Emerging Playwright Commission 
Commission of $17,700 to create a brand-new, full-length work. The playwright receives dramaturgical support, creative development workshops with an ensemble, as well as a staged reading. Works must be at least 60 minutes and written to be performed by actors aged 7–25. 

14–17 July – Louder than Words: A Barking Gecko Arts Workshop (WA)
Theatre-making workshop for young people aged 13–17. Create and perform original work built around things that actually matter to you. Cost: $396.

Youth InterACT Scholarships 
Funding to help young people attend events, courses and activities; as well as represent ACT in events. For young people aged 12–25. $500 for individuals or $1,500 for groups. Applications are assessed once a month until funding runs out.  

7 September – Arts Tasmania Funding for Youth Arts Orgs
Up to $80,000 for organisations to deliver activities that actively engage young people, aged 0–25 years. Develop their creative skills and enhance their social health and wellbeing. 

ARACY Young and Wise Survey 
ARACY works to make sure that the voices of young people help to shape policy. Their survey seeks to find out the issues that matter most to young people. Open to young people aged 8–25.  

International Stuff

31 July – The LEGO Foundation Fellowship 
Research funding of $300,000 USD over three years. Open to early and mid-career researchers who have received their PhD within the past ten years. Proposals should seek to understand how children thrive through one of three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; or children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world.