VIPI

VICTORIAN INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS INITIATIVE (VIPI)

VIPI supports independent producers, and through them, independent artists and companies in the performing arts in Victoria.

VIPI OBJECTIVES

Through supporting independent producers, this initiative aims to:

  • Improve career and development opportunities for independent producers to increase their numbers and capacities, and the sustainability of independent producing practices;
  • Increase the number of Victorian-based independent artists and companies who are working with independent producers;
  • Improve the sustainable practice of Victorian-based independent artists and companies, locally and globally;
  • Build the diversity of independent producers working in Victoria, both the diversity of representation (e.g. First Peoples, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, People of Colour, Deaf and Disabled and people based regionally) and the diversity of practice / curation;
  • Increase the reputation of Victoria and Victorian producers – internationally and nationally; and
  • Increase the amount of work represented by Victorian producers through market development opportunities.

Since November 2019, TNA's VIPI program has:

  • Run three rounds of the Producers Mentorship Program
  • Run two rounds of the Unlocking Capacity program (in partnership with Creative Victoria)
  • Provided one program of coaching for 20 artists
  • Delivered 15 information sessions and Salon workshops
  • Launched TNA’s Independent Producers Database.

We have also announced the eight participants of Producers Mentorship Program Round 3, who will begin the 12 month program formally in January 2022. The third Round of Unlocking Capacity will open in November 2022, with activity to start after March 2022.

Read the bios of the 31 participants of the Producers Mentorship Program and the Unlocking Capacity cohorts. 21 of these participants identify from one or more of our target groups: First Nations people, people of colour, Deaf and Disabled people or people based regionally. In addition to these producers (paid an ongoing grant or salary for the program), we have paid fees to over 40 other artists and arts workers as part of the VIPI program.

VIPI PROGRAM

VIPI is made up of three core components:

  • The Unlocking Capacity Grant
A multi-year grant of up to $35,000 per annum for a maximum of three years for independent producers of performing arts who have a minimum three years of experience and who dedicate at least 50% of their time to their independent producing practice. Noting the significant impacts the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had, applicants can apply based on their work history pre-pandemic. Recipients will need to demonstrate how the grant will support their independent producing practice and provide professional support of Victorian-based independent artists and independent companies.
  • The Producers Mentorship Program
The Producers Mentorship Program suits people who already have some producing experience in the performing arts and want to be part of a group learning environment to explore new models of independent producing. There will be bespoke relationships in pairs or small groups, along with monthly group sessions with all participants.
  • The Salon Series

The Salon Series will bring together groups of people already involved in VIPI and provide an access point to VIPI for those outside of the program. The Salon Series will include professional development sessions, networking and peer learning for the independent performing arts sector. The series will respond to the most urgent skill requirements and provide a forum for conversations that the sector needs to be engaging in.

The program also includes coaching sessions: free one-on-one support for artists with an experienced producer to discuss career planning, business planning, work-life balance support or networking advice.

Salon Series events will commence in November 2019 and run regularly until 2022.

More Info

General VIPI FAQs
Producers Mentoring Program FAQs
Unlocking Capacity FAQs

VIPI NEWS

TNA’s Producing Fundamentals Program Announced!

4 July 2023

Held at the Melbourne Fringe Common Rooms, Producing Fundamentals is a full-day professional development, networking event for VIC-based indie producers. This is an opportunity for you to connect with peers, refresh and develop your producing practice, and hear from established …

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TNA’s Producing Fundamentals Returns to the Fringe Common Rooms

13 June 2023

Last year, TNA hosted a two-day series of workshops and networking events for independent producers, as part of the Victorian Independent Producers’ Initiative (VIPI). This year, TNA will be running this again, over one day at the Fringe Common Rooms, …

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Events & Gatherings

VIPI Salon: Facilitating Conflict Within Working Relationships with Kate Sulan

6 April 2023

When: Tuesday, 23 May 11:00am–1.30pm AEST (including lunch)Where: TNA Office, G5/152 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006  TNA is running a series of salons, professional skills development and networking events for Victorian-based independent performing arts producers.   Our first one for the year …

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Events & Gatherings

Victorian Independent Producers Initiative (VIPI) Video – Producing Fundamentals

31 July 2022

Over two days in July, TNA hosted a series of in-person workshops and networking events for emerging independent performing arts producers and artists at the Melbourne Fringe Common Rooms. Cobie O, our videographer, was able to capture what those two days looked like, and what they meant to our emerging artists and producers.

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Events & Gatherings

Speaker Bios at TNA’s Producing Fundamentals

15 June 2022

Over two days, TNA will be hosting a series of in-person workshops and networking events for emerging independent performing arts producers and artists at the Fringe Common Rooms.

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Events & Gatherings

EOI: Artist x Producer Coaching Breakfast

8 June 2022

Over two days, TNA will be hosting a series of in-person workshops and networking events for emerging independent performing arts producers and artists at the Fringe Common Rooms. Part of this includes an Artist x Producer Coaching Breakfast.

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