Check out the TNA August E-News below, with national and Victorian arts news, industry goss, and current positions vacant. Make sure you sign up to receive the E-News in your inbox by using the form at the bottom of the page.

TNA STUFF

Recruiting Program Producer
TNA farewells and warmly thanks Rani Pramesti, who has done an incredible job of co-designing and implementing the first two years of the successful Victorian Independent Producers Initiative. TNA is now recruiting a new Program Producer to work with us, leading VIPI and other sector development initiatives. Applications close 23 Aug.

TNA Recommends Arts Law Resources
Arts Law has several useful information sheets available to the sector. This one on Defamation Law states that ‘To be defamatory, the material has to be published (communicated by any means – written, orally, pictorially) to at least one person other than the plaintiff. The intention of the publisher does not matter – liability for defamation can arise from errors. Everyone involved in the publication is potentially liable and each, all, or some can be sued.’  

S2M Executive Leader Meetups
TNA is hosting a number of small, informal, online gatherings for executive leaders of small to medium arts organisations. This is an opportunity to see each other once again, share struggles, challenges, solutions and ideas. We invite you to attend one of the state meetups, and/or a national meetup. VIC meetups (VIC orgs only): 23 Aug,  NSW meetups (NSW orgs only) in partnership with Theatre Network NSW: 11 Aug, National meetups: 9 & 20 Aug. RSVP via TryBooking.

APAM Darwin Gathering – Neighbourhood Online and Drinks in Person
Due to Covid-19, the APAM Gathering at Darwin Festival has moved fully online. TNA’s Neighbourhood session (ATF#3) will be a one-hour online meeting and an in-person networking function in Darwin for those in town. More info here. Also keep your eye on the ATF website for more information about the remaining 2 events in our Australian Theatre Forum 2021 Deconstructed.

NATIONAL STUFF

COVID-19 Disaster Payments (NSW, VIC, SA)
Those who have lost work because of the NSW, VIC and SA lockdowns are entitled to claim $375 per week if they’ve lost less than 20 hours of work, and $600 per week if they’ve lost more than 20 hours of work; with variations in NSW depending on the time period. NSW has also announced a Performing Arts Covid-19 Support package to provide financial support to performing arts venues, producers and promoters affected. Funding amount per performance depends on ticket price, the number of tickets available for sale, and the public health order at the time.

Changes to Playing Australia: Regional Performing Arts Touring Fund
Significant changes and a revised application process to Australia Council’s Regional Performing Arts Touring Fund. Practical preparation of tours will now be undertaken after approval of an application. Applicants will initially provide a proposal that demonstrates rationale, likely audience interest and commitments from presenters but won’t need to provide a fully confirmed tour plan. Multi-year investments have also been re-introduced.

Australia Council’s Digital Culture Strategy
The four-year Digital Culture Strategy for Australia Council includes a dedicated First Nations digital program, and focused digital literacy and skills development initiatives.

Extra $7M for Regional Arts Tourism Package
The government has announced a Regional Arts Tourism package with $5m invested in Regional Arts Funding, $2.4m invested in the Festivals program, and $3m invested in community arts. Further details of funding programs will be released through the Funding and Support page.

6 Aug – ACT Natimuk’s Creative Lab Grants
$5000 grants to give artists the opportunity to explore an idea or develop their creative practice in the small, vibrant township of Natimuk. The grant aims to connect artists with Natimuk, and work as part of Natiumuk’s arts community.

7 Aug – Performance Space Live Dreams Artist EOIs (NSW or online)
Present works-in-progress as part of the Liveworks festival in October. Artists will receive $300, feedback from a live and industry audience, access to space with full technical inventory.

9–13 Aug – Not-For-Profit Finance Week Webinars
Free webinars hosted by Commonwealth Bank. On 9 Aug: Questions your board should be asking about the finances, on 11 Aug: The Not-for-Profit Balance Sheet – focusing on sustainability, on 13 Aug: Design Thinking – measuring the impact for your not-for-profit.

13 Aug – CAAP Artist Lab (SA)
An opportunity for South Australian-based artists with a performance-related practice, and who identify as Asian Australian to expand creative practice, network, and work directly with partner companies.

16 Aug – Red Tree Theatre x Jopuka Commission (NSW)
Offers a successful playwright or writing team $7,500 to develop a 70–90 minute script suitable to be performed by young people aged 11–16. Work will be staged in The Red Tree Theatre in mid 2022 by Jopuka as a co-production. Applications close 16 Aug.

16 Aug – Midsumma Pathways Mentorship Program
9-month funded program for LGBTQIA+ emerging artists with disability to develop their artistic practices. Includes access to professional mentoring, group workshops and contact with arts industry representatives. Open to interstate applicants – travel/accommodation funding may be arranged for any in-person events.

21 Aug – ‘Where to Next…?’ Flying Arts’ Mid-Career Workshop (QLD)
Intensive for mid-career artists and arts workers to examine their career, work with an industry career mentor among peers, and redefine work goals and tasks for the next few years. Tickets: $175 for Flying Arts members, $200 for non-members.

23 Aug – Accessible Arts and Sydney Olympic Park Artist-In-Residence Program (NSW & ACT)
4-week residency for NSW and ACT artists with disability or who are d/Deaf to undertake research, development or for the creation of new work at the heritage-listed Newington Armory. Residents will receive self-catering accommodation and a small stipend of $150 per week.

23 Aug – Artform Festivals and Events Sponsorship (NSW)
Supports festivals and events that celebrate, develop and engage the city’s communities. Funding available up to $30,000 per year, for a 1-year program or a program of up to 3 years.

25 Aug – Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
Multi-year funding between $10,000–$60,000 available for projects that promote Australia’s cultural and creative industries overseas; establish networks; and support ongoing collaborations and exchange.

26 Aug – Saison Online Research Residency 2021/2022 (Japan)
Supports creative research for international dance/performance/interdisciplinary artists, with aims to build an international network and facilitate mutual understanding. Online residency from 10 Nov 2021–10 Feb 2022. Grant: 350,000 yen. 5 international artists will be selected, including a Japanese artist. Applications close 26 Aug, Japan Standard Time.

7 Sept – Australia Council’s Arts Projects & Fellowships
Individuals and groups can apply for grants up to $50,000 from Australia Council to fund projects or activities that benefit the arts sector and wider public. Fellowships of $80,000 are also available to support outstanding, established artists’ creative activity and professional development for a period of up to two years.

7 Sept – Australia Council’s National Arts & Disability Award
Celebrates the significant contribution of artists with disability to the vibrancy of Australian arts. Established Artist Award: $50,000; Young Artist Award: $20,000. All nominations must be made by third parties.

24 Sept – Sharp Short Dance 2021 Submissions
For emerging dancers aged 21 years and under to present live and digital works at Sharp Short Dance 2021. Live works will perform in front of an industry panel of judges and live audience. Prize opportunities and Australian dance company secondments on offer. Digital works will be presented throughout the festival, with winning works awarded up to $500.

30 Sept – NIDA’s MFA Cultural Leadership Course 2022 (NSW & online)
Course designed specifically for those already active in the cultural sector, who aspire to facilitate resilient, new leadership models. Part-time online learning and face-to-face intensives at NIDA in Sydney. Applications close 30 Sept.

AWESOME Festival Artist Applications (WA)
Applications open to present at a contemporary arts festival for children and young people aged 0–12 years in WA. Looking for quality arts experiences across a range of art forms. Include weekly sell-off fee and costs in EOI.

ActNow Theatre First Nations Actors Call Out (WA)
ActNow is looking for emerging and established First Nations actors to work in their award-winning programs. Register your interest.

Emily’s List – Arts and Culture Federal Budget 2021
A budget response article, focusing on how the arts and culture federal budget severely impacts women in arts.

International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Online Series 
ISPA has launched their new content platform, including their podcast series ‘Meditations On’, featuring interviews with global industry leaders addressing challenges in the arts. Upcoming on Aug 18: a joint program series with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, featuring ‘Public Healing’, a continued conversation on the unique place the arts holds in the public imagination to heal.

A New Approach: ‘How arts, culture and creativity impact economic outcomes’
A helpful factsheet when applying for arts funding on the importance of the arts on the economy. Highlights: creative activity contributed to 6.4% of GDP and 8.1% of the total workforce in Australia in 2016–17.

QL2 Dance Curated Residencies (QLD)
Residents receive free access to theatre or studio spaces to develop and present new work. There is no cash component paid to Residents. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project with the Artistic Director before formally applying.

Artist 2 Artist Brand X Online Sessions
A series of professional development programs now on-demand. From managing your creative practice, to presenting on camera, programs are designed to equip artists with the practical skills needed to work as a freelance multidisciplinary professional. Tickets from $5.

VICTORIAN STUFF

9 Aug – ‘Futuropolis’ Performance EOIs
Testing Ground is seeking performances suitable for a bar/cabaret context and roving performances for ‘Futuropolis’, a three-night event in Oct. Inspired by world expos/trade fairs in a local context. Performers will be paid $500 for one performance per night.

10 Aug – Melbourne Pride Regional Grants
Regional Activation Grants of up to $10,000 are available for artists based in remote/regional Victoria to encourage involvement in Melbourne Pride 2021 – a large-scale, one-day street festival in December. Submit proposals by 10 Aug.

12 Aug–26 Aug – Ausdance ‘Inside Dance’ Series
Dedicated series of professional development seminars for everyone in the dance industry, particularly small business owners and operators. Covers changes and updates in WorkSafe and Superannuation from experts in each field. Free for Ausdance members, $20 per session, or $33 for all sessions.

15 Aug – La Mama’s Explorations 2022 Applications
La Mama are looking for works in development as part of their annual Explorations season. Each Exploration gets three nights in the space to explore their practice, a modest production budget, and 80% of the box office. Season dates: 21 Mar–24 Apr and 7 Nov–11 Dec. To apply or for further information, please send your proposal to Caitlin Dullard (caitlin@lamama.com.au) by 15 Aug.

15 Aug – MPavilion 2021 Program EOIs
Present work at MPavilion, a civic space in Queen Victoria Gardens. Proposals should align to monthly themes: Nov: Island Life; Dec: That Which Makes Things Visible; Jan: Vacation, Location, Staycation; Feb: Rituals: Marking Life. Financial support is by a case-by-case basis, include proposed budgets if projects aren’t self-funded.

23 Aug – Darebin Arts Speakeasy 2022 Presentations and Developments
Seeking artists to present or develop works at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre and Darebin Arts Centre. Developments will have access to space and a limited number of $2,000 stipends. Presentations will have access to rehearsal space, venue, and a package including artist fees, staffing, access services and marketing support.

27 Aug – Frankston Artist Project Grants
Up to $5,000 funding for local artists to work on a creative project that results in a public outcome within the municipality by 30 June 2022. ⁠Applications close 27 Aug.

30 Aug – South Side Festival EOIs
$5,000 artist commissions available for works to be presented at Frankston City Council’s South Side Festival. No creative restraints or parameters.

31 Aug – Artists with Disability in Greater Dandenong Film Participation (Unpaid)
‘Who Are They’, a documentary film project, is seeking artists with disability based in Greater Dandenong to feature in the film. Interviews will focus on the artist’s life and their art. Register your interest by the end of August.

5 Sept – Melbourne Fringe Civic Commission
A new annual commission of $100K offered to a Victorian artist or collective to create a major public artwork for the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Open to all disciplines, but must respond to three provocations: participation, place, and design. Online Q&A session on 9 Aug. Applications for 2022 commission close 5 Sept.

6 Sept – City of Port Phillip Cultural Development Fund
Supports local artists, groups or arts-related organisations to develop creative projects that engage the City of Port Phillip’s community. Up to $12,000 funding available per project.

16 Sept – Creative Ventures Program
Two years of funding to micro to small creative organisations, businesses and collectives, as part of Creative Victoria’s Creative State strategy. Applications will be accepted for requests from $70,000 to $100,000 per year over two years. Applications open 12 Aug and close 16 Sept.

24 Sept – TheatreWorks Call Out
Paid and supported opportunity for all First Nations creatives, writers, devisors and storytellers to present in First Stories Festival 2022, a week-long program which aims to empower emerging writers and storytellers find their voice in their own way.

27 Sept ­– Midsumma Festival Artist Registrations
Presenting artists and producers can attend workshops, access industry support and receive ticket sales. Registration fees from $195, but a 50% discount applies for the first 70 events to finalise their registration before 13 Sept. Registrations close 27 Sept.

Twosixty Public Programs EOIs
Opportunities for artists to bring their ideas and projects to Twosixty, a free public space in Brunswick – in collaboration with These Are The Projects We Do Together and Moreland City Council. Proposals that explore connections within the public space are encouraged.

Alter State – Arts and Disability Festival
Arts Centre Melbourne and Arts Access Victoria have announced Alter State, a festival to celebrate contemporary disability arts. Deaf and Disabled artists will be able to use this platform to tell stories informed by their own lived experience of disability. Event details will be released in Sept; the main event is to be held in Sept next year.

ASSITEJ STUFF – YOUTH ARTS & YOUNG AUDIENCES

12 Aug – Murray Mallee Fairfax Youth Initiative (VIC)
Online storytelling mentorship for people aged 13–25 living in the Murray Mallee. Participants will receive mentorship from professionals working in theatre, film and comedy.

12 Aug – MTC’s Betty Amsden Youth Scholarship Course (VIC)
An intensive week of drama workshops for Victorian students 14–16 with limited access to the arts. All meals are provided, and accommodation is available for a limited number of students from regional Victoria. Students are nominated by a teacher at their school; nominations close 12 Aug.

22 Aug – Ahead of the Curve Commissions (VIC)
As part of Multicultural Arts Victoria’s Diaspora’s platform, commissions are open for emerging artists of colour aged 15–35 in Melbourne to create new digital artworks that respond to social challenges, including COVID-19. Tiered commissions from $750 to $7,000, with workshops, networking, mentoring, production and administrative assistance provided.

23 Aug – IPAY CultureCrew Virtual Festival – Kindling Proposals
Submit proposals for ‘Kindling’ sessions at the CultureCrew Festival – a global gathering around youth-selected performing arts. Kindling sessions include guest speakers, participatory workshops, and kitchen table-style open dialogues. This year’s theme: Young People as Collaborators.

1 Sept – Carclew Project Grants
Early career artists aged 26 years or under can apply for up to $10,000 for arts projects with a tangible outcome and/or skills and career development. Organisations can apply for up to $20,000 for projects that are developed for, by and with children and young people aged 26 years and under.

7 Sept ­– Artwork Competition Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Inviting 12–18-year-olds across Australia to submit the new creative icon, illustration, image to be the face of the Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns Program, a national development program for teens. $2,000 cash prize. Submit your entry by 7 Sept.

CIRCUS & PHYSICAL THEATRE (CaPT) STUFF

18 Aug ­– Circus Oz – Young Punk Creative Lab
Free masterclass workshop for circus, variety and physical artists with a focus on narrative and screen. At the end, participants’ work may be considered for involvement in the larger feature film project with selected works being professionally filmed after the workshop.

29 Aug – Flying Fruit Fly’s Under Construction Residency Program 
To support emerging and established artists develop and perform original new physical theatre and circus works. Seed funding of $3,000 cash and in-kind support up to $5,000. Up to two weeks’ access to the Flying Fruit Fly Circus rehearsal facilities and equipment, free accommodation, mentorship, and basic technical support for a work-in-progress showing. Applications close 29 Aug.

30 Aug – NICA Auditions
Study a Bachelor of Circus Arts or Certificate IV in Circus Arts in 2022. Entry into the course requires an application via Swinburne University of Technology, followed by an audition, interview and medical assessment. Video auditions are accepted, due to Covid-19 restrictions. More info here.

National Circus Festival Rescheduled
New dates have been announced. National Training Program: 26–29 Sept 2022. Festival Weekend: 30 Sept –2 Oct 2022.

INDUSTRY GOSS

• Jeremy Smith has been appointed the new Senior Producer at Performing Lines WA, after stepping down as General Manager at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.
• Cessalee Stovall has joined Malthouse Theatre as the new Equity & Inclusion Manager.
• Matt Wilson has stepped down as General Manager of Placemakers GC.
• Clare Watson will be stepping down as Co-CEO and Artistic Director at Black Swan at the end of 2021.
• Rachel Kent has been announced as the new CEO of Bundanon Trust. Rachel steps down as the Chief Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
• Rhen Soggee has been appointed the Co-CEO and Executive Director of ActNow Theatre, where they were previously the General Manager and International Producer.
• Force Majeure has announced Ghenoa Gela and Liesel Zink as their inaugural Associate Artists.
• Suzanne Cotter has been appointed the new Director at Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Her role will commence in January 2022.
• Darren Cooper has been appointed Operations Manager at Gasworks.
• Sean Pardy will be stepping down in his role as Artistic Director of Brown’s Mart in October.
• Danyon De Buell is stepping down as Creative Producer at Riverland Youth Theatre. Fleur Kilpatrick has been appointed the new Creative Producer.
• Ausdance ACT has welcomed new board members Sarah Berenson, Jodi Hammondand Alex Dennison.
• Jenny Ryssenbeek is stepping back from her role as Executive Director of VAPAC to the role of Programs & Membership Manager.
• PACT announced the appointment of Justine Shih Pearson to the new position of CEO and Executive Director.
• Junction Arts Festival has appointed Paul Selwyn Norton as its new Festival Director. Norton will replace outgoing Artistic Director, Greg Clarke, and Executive Producer, Frith Mabin from 2022 onwards. Norton leaves as CEO & Director of STRUT Dance.
• Jala Adolphus has been appointed Manager of Projects and Development at Asialink Arts.
• Art Byron, a new festival to be held in October this year, has announced Janine Collins as Chair, Karla Dickens as Creative Director, and Lisa Cowan as CEO.
• Yvette Walker joins Miriki Performing Arts as Executive Director.
• Luke Harriman has been appointed as General Manager of Performing Arts Connections Australia.
• Rowenna Dunn has been appointed Manager at the West Gippsland Arts Centre.
• Craig McMaster has been appointed the new Director of Riverside Theatres, replacing outgoing Director Robert Love.
• Arts Industry Council of South Australia has announced the appointment of Jessica Alice as Chair.
• Australia Council for the Arts has released their current Pool of Peers list for 2021–2024.

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