This May ASSITEJ Bulletin includes national and international updates from the youth arts sector.
TNA STUFF
17–22 May – Bibu Festival – Next Week!
Bibu is an international festival of theatre, dance, and circus performances for children and young people together with a wide range of seminars, debates, workshops, and other performing arts-related surprises. While the festival is taking place on the ground in Sweden there is also an extensive online program to engage with. Full access is €40 (~$60). Individual sessions are €10 (~$14).
TNA has put together a guide and itinerary for Australians – come join us!
How to Vote (Well)
TNA continues to advocate on behalf of the performance with/for/by young people sector, particularly in the lead up to the Federal election. We are calling for all parties and candidates to commit to the development of a National Cultural Plan.
We encourage you to send candidates your electorate’s arts and culture PDF that has been prepared by the Australia Council. Make sure you vote well by finding out who your candidates are before heading to the ballot box.
NATIONAL STUFF
12 May – Australian Youth Dance Festival (AYDF) EOIs
AYDF is looking for youth dancers to work with industry professionals in a week-long program from 3–8 July in Melbourne. Program includes professional practice, skills development workshops, performance making, development of sector literacy, and studio-based sharing. Cost is $270.
13 May – Please Stand Auditions Call Out (VIC)
Please Stand is a new work by Lara Thoms and Samara Hersch being presented at two major festivals in Europe in Aug 2022. They are looking for 18–25-year-olds interested in contemporary performance, theatre, politics, activism, and an opportunity to speak their truth to large international audiences. Paid opportunity: approx. $1,000 a week. Rehearsals/tour will be from 18 July–1 Sept. Submit your EOI.
22 May – Theatre Council Tasmania Scholarships (TAS)
Four scholarships available offering financial support for young Tasmanians to further their professional theatre training. $2,500 each for students studying a Theatre and Performance major as part of a BA at the University of Tasmania. $5,000 each for students studying in states/territories outside of Tasmania.
1 July – Carclew Fellowships
Offers $10,000 for professional development to emerging artists and arts workers aged 26 years or under. A minimum of one Fellowship will be awarded to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant.
18–20 July – ATYP’s Youth Performing Arts Summit
Companies and organisations, from, and connected to, the youth performing arts will connect again in this three-day event in Sydney; to share stories, concerns and solutions, as we all navigate our fast changing world. Info and registrations on website. $300-$400pp, travel subsidies available.
INTERNATIONAL STUFF
ASSITEJ Japan – World Congress Report
The report of the 21st ASSITEJ World Congress will give you insights in the scope of this groundbreaking event made during COVID lockdowns.
ASSITEJ Update
The ASSITEJ organisation has received two major grants from the European Union, allowing a shift from voluntary to paid staff roles, and an increase in activity.
The war in Ukraine has had a massive impact on the ASSITEJ community, not only those immediately involved but the global network, as we consider the effects of war and conflict on children and artists everywhere, and the role of theatre and performance in recovery and resilience. ASSITEJ is working to support the sharing of knowledge and training in this area.
We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering at the Bibu Festival!
Sue Giles AM
President, ASSITEJ International