ASSITEJ INTERNATIONAL

Reflections on an ASSITEJ Membership
Since the world congress in 2024, ASSITEJ International has welcomed 8 new members: ASSITEJ Burundi, Ghana, Greece, Indonesia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Senegal, and Slovakia. President of ASSITEJ International, Sue Giles, reflects on the benefits of membership in a global community. 

ASSITEJ International Update
President Sue Giles also gives an update on the ASSITEJ work and opportunities happening around the world, such as the Regional Cooperation Program. This has given funding to two projects in countries where theatre and performance for children is just beginning. Sue highlights the potential for exchange with festivals and projects coming out of Asia, and events happening in the upcoming months. 

TNA STUFF

Listen to Behind the Scenes
In October, Amrit Gill gives an update on TNA’s advocacy in AI and copyright, the National Disability Code of Practice, National Cultural Policy Inquiry, NSW’s Cultural Tax Reform Summit and circus insurance. Our TNA member of the month is Jamie Lewis! Jamie chats about Melbourne Fringe work Sincere Apologies, representing creative team (and TNA members) Dan Koop, David Williams and Ros Oades. 

NATIONAL STUFF

APAM Registrations
Registrations are now open for the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM). This event showcases Australian and New Zealand contemporary dance, theatre, experimental and emerging arts. 23–27 February 2026, Boorloo/Perth.

20 Oct – Arts Access Victoria Stella Young Award
Recognises a young disabled artist aged 16–30 for their impact on disability activism and culture through their artistic practice. The artist receives $3,000.

20 Oct – Vulcana Circus Open House EOIs (QLD)
For young performers to present works at Vulcana’s cabaret. Open to artists aged 20 and under.

24 Oct – Youth Affairs Council Victoria HEY Grants (VIC)
Funding for youth-led projects that will support LGBTIQA+ peers. For LGBTIQA+ young people under 25. Funding is also available for services to improve support for LGBTIQA+ young people.

26 Oct – Office for Youth Youth Advisory Group 2026
For young people aged 12–25 to join the 2026 Youth Advisory Groups. Youth Advisory Groups support young people to connect with government. In 2026, there are Advisory Groups for Mental Health, First Nations, and more.

11 Nov – Creative Australia First Nations Arts & Culture Project Fund
$10,000 to $20,000 for Australian First Nations artists or arts workers aged 18–35. Supports creative practice and career development.

The University of Melbourne is Testing a Wellbeing Informed Performance Skills Inventory
The Centre for Wellbeing Science’s inventory aims to help young people develop personalised performance plans. People aged 18–30 can receive a personal performance profile that highlights the mental skills and practices that they are strongest in, and the ones that they could develop further.

NSW Government’s Active and Creative Kids Vouchers 
NSW has vouchers to help families with eligible school-aged children pay for sport, creative or cultural activities. Vouchers can be used at many circus and dance schools. Orgs can register to be a participating provider.  

INTERNATIONAL STUFF

25 Oct – ASSITEJ Cuba Online Gathering for Researchers & Creators in the Performing Arts 
Online gathering in November dedicated to exchange in theatre created for, with, and about adolescents. The call for paper presentations and lectures close this month.

31 Oct – Wanderlust in Asia Theatre Festival
Present theatre for children and young people in a nomadic touring festival across Mongolia. Productions should have easy-to-travel stage setup. The festival provides domestic travel within Mongolia, accommodation and meals.

11 Nov – International Solo Dance Theatre Festival Stuttgart
For solo works to compete at the festival in Germany. It awards works which are new, original, and display unusual achievement. Dancers must be 30 years or under. Accommodation and a subsidy toward travel costs are provided. Winners receive prize money.

15 Nov – Novi Sad Theatre Festival 2026 Call Out
Present work for children and young people at Novi Sad Theatre Festival in Serbia. The festival provides accommodation and food, and travel expenses up to 2,000 EUR.

ASSITEJ Newsletter
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