TNA STUFF

VPAF – Save the Date!
A reminder that our Victorian Performing Arts Forum is happening this year! Open to all Victorian artists and companies in the performing arts. Reconnect with the sector and with TNA. Save the date: Friday, 29 May. Registrations will open in the next few weeks.

Designers Database
We are refreshing and expanding TNA’s Designers Database. It is now open to any designer working in live performance.

Policy Database 
TNA is refreshing our Policy Database. We are looking for a range of policies on: independent board member sitting fees, childcare, child safety, workplace health and safety, equity, disability and inclusion, sustainability, leave (particularly those that go beyond minimum legislation), curatorial and programming frameworks, AI, privacy and data management, code of conducts, and more. Having a robust pool of documents encourages us to consider what best practice looks like in our sector and helps other orgs in developing their own.

TNA Membership
Love our monthly E-News, and want to engage more deeply in TNA’s advocacy and sector development work? TNA membership is open to individuals and organisations. Fees begin from as little as $36/year for individuals and tiered by turnover for organisations. If fees are a barrier or you have questions, chat with us yuhui@tna.org.au. 

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NATIONAL STUFF

7 April – Studio1 East Coast Connect w/ Lucy Guerin Inc. Secondment (QLD)
One-week secondment for an emerging artist to join work in development in Melbourne. Studio1 will pay for flights and an honorarium.

8 April – PAC Australia The National Presenter Outlook
Online session exploring current trends in presenting and programming. Plus, an info session for artists and producers applying for APAX.

10 April – Pride Foundation Australia Large Grants
Up to $20,000 for projects that support LGBTQIA+ people who have been forcibly displaced and are residing in Australia. Projects could include initiatives for community development, education, health and wellbeing, and more.

10 April – NAIDOC Week Grants (QLD)
Up to $2,500 for communities and orgs to hold events as part of NAIDOC Week. Events must be co-designed with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

12 April – Desert Fringe Festival Applications
For artists and producers interested in presenting at Desert Fringe in July. There are no registration fees. Artists can also register to be part of the Artist Industry Workshop Series. The series is for artists who do not plan to present a show but would like to access professional development.

13 April – National Regional Arts Fellowship 2026
$20,000 for regional artists and arts workers. To support creative practice or professional development, with a focus on sustainability. $10,000 for early-career artists.

13 April – Queensland Arts Project Fund
Up to $70,000 for orgs and $20,000 for artists to develop and present new work. Additional funding of up to $10,000 for artists and audiences with disability.

13 April – Hayes Theatre Co Showlab 2026
For early to mid-career writers and performers. Present excerpts from your project to a panel of industry professionals. Hosted and moderated by the Co-Artistic Directors of Hayes Theatre Co.

14 April – International Travel Fund: Market Development
Between $5,000 and $20,000 to travel to key international market development platforms and gatherings.

15 April – Brand X and New Annual Petite Suite EOIs
For artists working across site-responsive, interactive and devised performance. Create seven-minute experiences for intimate audiences in hotel rooms in Newcastle. Each residency includes accommodation, a $1,500 artist fee, $350 stipend, $81/day living away from home allowance, and dinner. Non-local artists may receive additional support.

15 April – The Green Circle Meeting #1
Arts on Tour and Theatre Green Book Australia’s initiative supports orgs to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Meetings are quarterly with a rotating host. The first meeting is happening this month. Open to artists and companies.

19 April – Arts and Screen Employment Pathways Pilot Program
Funding for organisations with experience in disability access and the Australian arts to deliver temporary employment placements. The Program will match early to mid-career d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers with host organisations. Artists access temporary paid job placements of up to 12 months.

19 April – SANDPIT at Studio1 (QLD)
Creative play sessions for performance and experimental artists. Hone your tools in collaboration.

21 April – APAX Arts Market 2026 Applications
APAX returns to Meanjin this year. Artists and companies can present pitches, showcase performances, provide company updates and mini labs.

22 April – Sydney Opera House DanceRites 2026
The national First Nations dance competition is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community dance groups. There is a total prize pool of $50,000. The winning group receives $25,000.

22 April – In Her Name Creative Industries Scholarship
$10,000 for women aged 18–35 from refugee or migrant backgrounds to Australia. Funding can be used for creative or professional development. The recipient also receives mentorship.

24 April – Ausdance ACT Masterclasses with Victorian State Ballet (ACT)
Two community workshops for juniors and seniors consisting of classical ballet barre and centre work. Cost: $45, for Ausdance ACT Members: $30.

24 April – Aurizon Community Giving Fund (WA, SA, QLD, NSW, NT)
Up to $20,000 for not-for-profits with projects working in specific locations. Projects should help communities in health and wellbeing, community safety, environment or education.

27 April – Accessible Arts Ripple: Disability and Culturally Diverse Internship (NSW & ACT)
For deaf and/or disabled CaLD and POC artists. Undertake a paid internship, one-on-one mentorship and professional development. Internships in orgs include Performing Lines, UTP, APRA AMCOS, and more. There is an online info session on the 14 April.

27 April – Performance Space Queer Development Program
Two-week professional development for queer performance artists. Includes a five-day workshop intensive at PACT Centre and the chance to share new work. Artists receive $1,000. Interstate and regional artists can apply for a travel bursary. Participants may also be considered for the Stephen Cummins Residency. This is an additional two-week supported period to further develop work.

29 April–6 May – Ausdance ACT Australian Dance Week
A week of dance workshops and classes held by local member dance artists and studios working with Ausdance ACT.

1 May – Arts and Disability Network Australia Communities of Practice EOIs
ADNA is starting two new Communities of Practice. Artists and orgs can join. The communities will help identify challenges, exchange knowledge, and problem solve. The NDIS Arts and Disability Community of Practice shares strategies working with NDIS funding. The Creative Access Community of Practice will focus on making the arts more accessible. Groups will meet quarterly online.

5 May – Touring Queensland Fund
Up to $100,000 to support touring for QLD orgs and artists within the state. Touring itineraries must include at least three locations. An additional $10,000 is available to support the participation of people with disability or who are d/Deaf as artists or as audiences.

10 May – Qantas Regional Grants 
Funding for communities and projects seeking to contribute positively to their regional community. Recipients can receive marketing support, flights and cash.

11 & 18 May – PAC Australia Training Programs
The Tour Producer Training is for producers, artists and companies familiar with the current national touring landscape. Hone your skills in national tour development. The Presenter Training Program is for presenters new to their role. Applications for both programs close in May.

12 May – Australian World Heritage Residency
$50,000 for artists to visit Australian World Heritage Sites and work towards a public reflection on their learnings.

12 May – Writing Australia Delivery Partner: Playwriting Services
Service organisations can apply for up to $250,000 per year for a total of $750,000 over three years. This Delivery Partnership will provide national services to Australian playwrights, supporting the development of Australian playwrights and plays.

13 May – Australia-Korea Foundation 2026/2027 Grants
Between $50,000 and $150,000 for projects that increase public awareness of Australia in Korea, and of Korea in Australia. Develop partnerships, collaborations and people-to-people links.

24 May – Consultations for A New National Cultural Policy
The Australian Government is developing a new National Cultural Policy to shape the future direction of the creative and cultural sector. Building on Revive, the new policy will address gaps and provide a clear framework. It will continue to be structured around the five pillars: First Nations First, A Place for Every Story, Centrality of the Artist, Strong Cultural Infrastructure, and Engaging the Audience. Read the public consultation paper and provide feedback in a written submission. TNA will send members an advocacy bulletin with further guidance in the coming weeks, including TNA’s submission and advocacy points.

2 June – AusArt Day Micro Grants
Up to $5,000 for artists and $10,000 for small-medium orgs to create digital content for your AusArt Day fundraising campaign.

16 July – APAX First Base Applications 
Session for artists and producers planning on attending APAX, new to touring or looking to grow their reach. Test-drive your pitch one-on-one with a presenter.

Arts House Disability and Inclusion Plan Resources
Arts House has released an update on the implementation of their Disability and Inclusion Plan. This includes new resources for sound and lighting designers and a guide to relaxed performances.

Arts and Disability Network Consultations
Sarah-Mace Dennis, National Director of ADNA, is currently running one-on-one consultations with artists, arts workers and orgs. Share your practice and ideas on how ADNA can best support the communities they work with.

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VICTORIAN STUFF

9 April – Naomi Milgrom Foundation The Flush Project EOIs
Seeking proposals and ideas from artists and designers. The brief is to transform the most intimate of reflective personal space: the toilet cubicle.

11–12 April – Universal Studios Singapore Melbourne Auditions
Universal Studios Singapore are holding in-person auditions in Melbourne. For dancers, actors, and performers to join their entertainment team. Register now.

12 April – Speak Percussion’s Bespoke Artist Program 2026–27 EOIs 
Two-year professional development program for early to mid-career composers, musicians, sound/performance artists and arts workers. Focuses on career sustainability in three areas: business, career, and artistic leadership.

12 April – Regional Arts Victoria Connecting Places Directory 
RAV is building a menu of touring shows and artists great for smaller, community-run venues. The list will be published on RAV’s website and shared directly with their Community Presenter network. Submit your show to be included.

15 April – Back to Back Theatre Teacher Professional Development 2026
Workshop for teaching artists and educators interested in inclusive practice. Explore Back to Back Theatre’s creative process with practical tools. Work alongside the company’s ensemble.

15 April – Creative Brimbank Bowery Theatre Residencies 2026-27
Up to $10,000 for mid-career and established artists and up to $5,000 for young and emerging artists. Make and present new work in the Bowery Theatre with and for the Brimbank community.

15 April – LGI Workshop: Teaching Accessible Dance w/ Caroline Bowditch
On practical approaches to teaching dance in accessible and inclusive ways. Cost: $20.

16 April – Creative Victoria Creative Projects Fund
Between $10,000 and $30,000 for Victorian creatives, collectives and organisations. Undertake projects and professional development opportunities.

16 April – Platform Arts Pecha Kucha Night
For artists from across Western Regional Victoria to share their practice. Connect with the broader arts community.

16 April – Fringe Festival at Gasworks EOIs
For artists to present at Gasworks as part of Melbourne Fringe. Performances should have a runtime of 1 hour and can be setup and taken down within 20 minutes.

17 April – Multicultural Festivals and Event Programs
Up to $50,000 for community orgs to hold multicultural festivals and events for Victorians.

18–19 April – LGI and Dancehouse Out of Bounds 2026
Dance artists share excerpts of works-in-progress with peers and practitioners.

19 April – Melbourne Fringe Emerging Playwrights Lab
$5,000 for emerging playwrights to develop a new written work for live performance. Playwrights also receive bespoke one-on-one mentorship, a masterclass series, and peer exchange. The program ends with a staged reading during Melbourne Fringe.

20 April – Substation Foundations: Arts Development Program EOIs
One-on-one mentorship for artists to develop their projects. Includes a one-day workshop looking at how arts orgs operate, and what helps a project succeed. Led by Very Creative Producer.

21 April – Melbourne Fringe Fair 2026 Artists & Venues Speed Dating
For artists to meet, greet and seat with some of the independent venues registering for Melbourne Fringe 2026. Register your attendance.

23 April – Melbourne Fringe Grants/Funds 2026
The Access Fund contributes $500–$3,000 to help artists remove barriers to participation for d/Deaf, Disabled and neurodivergent audiences. The Ralph Mclean Microgrants reduces barriers that make it difficult for artists to participate in Melbourne Fringe. Support can be waived event listing participation fees, and/or covering small upfront artist costs. 

23 April – Melbourne Fringe Club Fringe Commissions 2026
For Victorian artists to pitch their own Club Fringe event for Melbourne Fringe 2026. Receive $3,000, free venue hire with tech and bar included, and 100% of ticket profits.

24 April – Arts Merri-bek In the Making
For performing artists to share works in progress with peers and mentors at Next Wave. Receive tailored feedback and connect with fellow programmed artists. Facilitated by theatre-maker Liv Satchell.

27 April – Artist Producer Looking for Performing Arts Manager
Emma Bathgate is looking for a performing arts manager to manage her projects. The manager should be skilled in live performance management, negotiating artist contracts and associated costs in performance bookings. $45 p/h. Contact via Emma’s website.

8 May – City of Melbourne Connected Neighbourhood Small Grants
Up to $2,000 for community leaders and not-for-profits. Increase community participation, connection, equity, diversity and inclusion. Projects should focus on vulnerable and/or local communities/neighbourhoods within the City of Melbourne.

29 May – Monash University Performing Arts Centres (MPAC) Commission 2027
$7,500 and a two-week residency for artists. Develop a ‘proof of concept’ proposal for further commissioning and development within the MPAC program.

Kingston Arts Performing Arts Development Program: Magnify
Project funding of up to $5,000 and in-kind venue access to create, develop, and present new work. Applications close the 15^th of every month.

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CYPA STUFF (Children, Young People and the Arts)

9 April – Shopfront ArtsLab: Overflow Industry Networking Event
Networking event for emerging artists during Shopfront’s festival. Shopfront’s core team will be there to chat about pathways, projects, and building your practice.

14 April – La Mama Emerge 2026 EOIs (VIC)
Professional development workshops for emerging theatre-makers aged 18–26. The program ends with a fully supported public outcome at La Mama’s Hope Punk Climate Festival.

21–23 April – Carclew Theatre Mash (SA)
Three-day collaborative theatre workshop for teens aged 13–18. The workshop culminates in a live presentation crafted by the group. Cost: $60.

29 April – ATYP National Studio
One-week residency for young playwrights aged 18–26. Develop a short script for performers aged 14–17. Take part in masterclasses and workshop new ideas. Travel costs for interstate applicants, accommodation and meals provided.

1 May – ASSITEJ World Congress Korea 2027
The ASSITEJ World Congress is happening in Seoul next year. Companies and artists can present work for, with, and by children and young people. See the Australia-Korea Foundation Grants in the ‘National’ section of this E-News.

12 May – Carclew Project and Development Grants
Up to $10,000 for artists aged under 26 to develop or present new work. And for projects which enable participation in the arts for children and young people.

31 May – NXT Gen ARTS Grants (NT)
Up to $10,000 for artists aged 18–25 to undertake a work placement with an NT arts org. The host org receives $3,000.

6 July – Canberra Youth Theatre Emerging Playwright Commission
$17,700 commission for an emerging playwright to create a new full-length work. The winner receives dramaturgical support and creative development. This culminates in a staged reading of the work. Works must be written to be performed by actors aged 7 to 25.

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CAPT STUFF (Circus & Physical Theatre)

Hand to Hand Academy Short Courses
Warehouse Circus has acquired the registered training organisation, Hand to Hand Academy. The school teaches accredited courses in performing arts and are running short courses in Acting (Mime, Meisner Method, and Movement). They are accepting EOIs for RIIWHS204E Safe Working at Heights accreditation.

NICA’s Artist Residency Program 2026 EOIs
NICA is offering free training space for independent circus artists and groups to develop new works. Successful artists receive two weeks’ access to half of the Sidney Myer space. There are six time periods, with the first one starting from July.

20 April–29 June – Women’s Circus Wellbeing Workshop for Carers
Free 10-week program for carers to focus on their own health and wellbeing. Sessions use gentle movement, circus-inspired activities, and creative play.

National Circus Festival 2027
Spaghetti Circus has announced that they are postponing the National Circus Festival to 2027. The new dates are: 26–30 September 2027 for the Training Program, and 1–3 October 2027 for the Festival weekend. In 2026, Spaghetti Circus will still deliver a range of performances, training programs, and community events across the region. 

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INDUSTRY GOSS

• Kylie McRae has been appointed Executive Director & co-CEO at Lucy Guerin Inc.
• Founder and Co-Artistic Director Eugene Ughetti is stepping down at Speak Percussion. Kaylie Melville has been appointed the new Artistic Director.
• Dancenorth Australia will farewell its co-Artistic Directors, Kyle Page and Amber Haines in 2027.
• Tim Stitz has stepped into the role of Executive Producer at Windmill Theatre.
• Darwin Festival has announced that 2026 will mark the final festival curated by Artistic Director Kate Fell.
• Estelle Conley will be stepping down as Senior Producer at Lucy Guerin Inc to take up the new role as Engagement Coordinator and Event Producer at RMIT.
• Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela will conclude his tenure with Sydney Dance Company in 2028.
• Co3’s inaugural Artistic Director, Raewyn Hill, will be stepping down at the conclusion of her term in December 2026.
• Patrick McCarthy will be stepping down as Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement at Creative Workplaces, Creative Australia. 
• Tess Walsh has finished up as Operations Manager at Circus Nexus.
• Elyssia Wilson-Heti has been appointed Senior Creative Producer at Multicultural Arts Victoria.
• Jess Smart is CircusWA’s new Training Program Manager.

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POSITIONS VACANT

Administration & Operations Manager(Parental Leave Cover), Performing Lines (NSW). Apply by 12 April.
Technician, Lighting, Arts Centre Melbourne (VIC). Apply by 13 April.
Senior Technician, Staging, Arts Centre Melbourne (VIC). Apply by 13 April.
Ticketing Services Officer, Monash University Performing Arts Centres (VIC). Apply by 15 April.
Artistic Director, Darwin Festival (NT). Apply by 17 April.

Manager (Facilities & Resources), National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) (VIC). Apply by 19 April.
Marketing and Development Officer – Student Theatre, The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (VIC). Apply by 19 April.
Head of Music Performance, NIDA (NSW). Apply by 20 April.
VAPAC Board members (Voluntary), the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VIC). EOIs by 1 May.