News & MediaTNA STUFF
Submission to the Inquiry into the Cultural and Creative Industries in Victoria
The Victorian Government initiated an inquiry to assess the impact of Revive on Victoria’s arts and cultural industries. TNA has made a submission that highlights the slow investment and uneven funding from the Victorian Government. We call upon the Victorian Government to adequately resource Creative Victoria.
Listen to Vision Australia’s ‘Behind the Scenes’
Our TNA member of the month for ‘Behind the Scenes’ is producer and theatre-maker Jeremy Goldstein. Jeremy chats about their personal and professional journey behind ‘Truth to Power Cafe’, which just enjoyed a sold-out season at Theatre Works as part of Midsumma. Co-CEO Josh talks about how members can advocate for the arts in the lead-up to this year’s Federal Elections.
5 March – TNA Webinar: Airtable for Arts Organisations (TNA Members Only)
We’re holding a free webinar for our members introducing Airtable. Airtable is a flexible, easy-to-use database and CRM tool. It helps streamline operations, manage contacts, and track projects. Led by Co-CEO Josh, and arts sector Airtable guru, Simon Bedford.
NATIONAL STUFF
10 Feb – The Mill Residencies (SA)
Multiple residencies are on offer for SA artists. $6,000 honorarium and two weeks’ space to develop and show work. There is one for performing artists, one for dance/movement artists, and one for First Nations dance artists.
10 Feb – Performing Lines x PICA Studio Boosters (WA)
For WA artists in multidisciplinary and contemporary performance to start new projects or develop works in progress. $5,000, two weeks’ studio space, with auspicing and project guidance.
12 Feb – Canberra Theatre Centre and Merrigong Theatre Company’s Industry Gathering
Join this industry event on Creative Wellbeing in Practice. Features Bonnie Curtis from Merrigong Theatre Company. Bonnie will discuss MERRIGONGX, the company’s artist wellbeing program. She’ll explain what it means to have a creative practice focused on wellbeing and artists.
16 Feb – APRA AMCOS Art Music Fund
$7,500 commissions for musical compositions. The fund supports musical styles including theatrical, operatic, and choreographed music.
17 Feb – Create Exchange Webinars
Create NSW is running webinars for independent artists over February–April. On 17 Feb, grant recipients share their tips for writing a great application.
17 Feb – Bonnie Curtis Projects Auditions (NSW)
Seeking female-identifying NSW dancers to join the company for the premiere of their new work, ‘GIRLS GONE WILD’. Auditions will take place on 23 Feb.
17 Feb – Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
Up to $60,000 for projects that tell Australian stories, amplify First Nations voices, and build cultural connections overseas.
18 & 19 Feb – General Auditions for The Street Theatre (ACT)
Holding general auditions for ACT actors to meet the company and Artistic Director, Caroline Stacey.
20 Feb – NAIDOC 2025 Local Grants
Funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and orgs holding local NAIDOC Week activities on 6–13 July this year.
21 Feb–23 May – NAVA x Utp Area Coded Series
Free online series led by Western Sydney artists. Four sessions explore artists’ unique career journeys: Pre-Emerging, Emerging, Mid-Career, and Established.
23 Feb – Accessible Arts Next Level Creative Mentorship (NSW & SA)
For NSW or SA artists who are d/Deaf or with a disability. $3,000 in project funding and mentorship within a leading performing arts org to develop a new project. Partner orgs include Australian Dance Theatre, Belvoir, Windmill Theatre Company, and many more.
23 Feb – The National Regional Arts Fellowship
For regional artists and arts workers. $20,000 Fellowship for creative practice or professional development with a focus on sustainability. $10,000 for early-stage practitioners who have had less access to funding.
26 Feb – Creative Plus Business Auspicing Webinar
Free webinar on auspicing. It will cover the different kinds of arrangements, legal and financial considerations, pitfalls and best practice.
28 Feb – Regional Arts Australia Assessors EOIs
For artists, arts workers, and industry experts to join the national Assessor Pool. You may be invited to assess applications to funding programs. Assessors are paid.
3 March – The Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund Create Grants
$20,000 for writers to write their second book. Includes writing for performance (plays only).
4 March – Playing Australia Project Investment
Supports organisations to undertake performing arts tours to regional and remote communities. There is no limit on the amount that can be requested. Touring activity must be confirmed.
4 March – Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups
Up to $50,000 for a range of activities and projects, national and international, across all art forms.
5 March – Arts NT Arts Projects Grants (NT)
For NT artists or orgs. $30,000 to develop, present, promote or tour your art. $15,000 if you are an early career artist.
7 March – Pitch New Works ISPA 2025 Lugano Congress
Present at the International Society for Performing Arts Congress at Lugano, Switzerland. Projects from Switzerland and the surrounding region will be prioritised, but anyone can apply. $50 USD registration fee.
9 March – Darwin Fringe Applications
For shows who want to present in any venue as part of Darwin Fringe. Registration starts at $100, but you can apply for a fee waiver.
9 March – Dancehouse Trans-Tasman Dance Exchange 2025–2027
2-week residency exchange between Wellesley Studios in Auckland and Dancehouse in Melbourne. Each org will host an independent dance artist from the other country. Stipend, support for travel and accommodation, and mentorship provided. EOIs open 9 Feb.
11 March – City of Sydney Creative Grants
$10,000 to $50,000 for one year or over three years for projects that contribute to Sydney’s cultural life.
17 March – Create NSW Arts and Cultural Funding (NSW)
Two opportunities closing soon. Creative Industries Connectivity Grants offer up to $50,000 for collaboration between the arts and cultural sector and broader creative industries. Regional Arts Touring offers up to $120,000 to tour arts and cultural work across regional NSW.
23 March – Arts Centre Melbourne Frank Van Straten Fellowship 2025
$15,000 for a Fellow to undertake research in the Australian Performing Arts Collection.
1 May – Churchill Fellowship
For Australians to travel overseas for four to eight weeks. They must learn about a topic or issue that they are passionate about that will benefit their community. There are some information sessions being held in February.
Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) Partial Scholarships
For individuals in underrepresented groups to complete the ICDA Diploma of Governance at a subsidised rate.
The Democracy Cycle 2025 Commissions (USA)
$30,000 to create a new work on democracy’s promise, practice, and flaws. An additional $30,000 provided to support the project’s development process (research, readings, workshops etc.). There will be a webinar in February on the application process.
VICTORIAN STUFF
Audience Atlas Victoria
Creative Victoria has released a resource for artists and arts organisations. It shows the latest data on Victorian audiences and their interest in arts and cultural experiences. 5.08 million adults in Victoria are interested in arts and culture. This makes Victoria’s culture market larger, by percentage, than those in NZ, Sweden, New York City, and the UK.
10 Feb – Geelong Arts Centre Creative Engine Grants
For artists looking to develop new work. Ignition grants provide $5,000 and in-kind studio access for early-stage projects. Jump Start grants give $3,000 and in-kind studio access for ideas that need more exploration. Artists can also apply solely for in-kind studio access and co-working space.
10 Feb – Wit Incorporated Script Callout
Looking for play scripts to bring to life. Scripts must be unpublished and suitable for stage performance.
13–14 Feb – A Climate for Art Symposium
Build relationships and grow your vocabulary on how culture impacts the climate crisis. Speakers include Kate Sulan, Jacina Leong, Angharad Wynne-Jones, and TNA’s Erica McCalman. Tiered registration starting from $11.
13 Feb – Creative Victoria Creative Projects Fund
Grants to develop new work and undertake professional development. $5,000 for creatives who haven’t received a Creative Victoria grant before. $10,000 to $20,000 to creatives with a proven track record. Applications to the First Peoples stream has been extended until 20 Feb.
13 Feb – Dancehouse ‘Excursion’
One-day performance, workshop and forum into Rosalind Crisp’s dance practice. For all dance experience levels. $30.
17 Feb – Equity Trustees Small Grants
Victorian organisations can apply for up to $25,000. To strengthen community resilience in response to social, economic, and environmental changes. Areas of interest include children and young people and diverse communities.
21 Feb–5 March – Asia TOPA Process Lab Artist Workshops/Talks
During Asia TOPA, there will be in-person workshops for creative practitioners. On 26 Feb, Hip Hop Dance Foundations with Cypher Culture. On 27 Feb, William Yang in conversation with Tessa Leong. On 5 March, Peroveta Harmonies with Australian Art Orchestra and Tatana Village Choir. $25 per session.
28 Feb – Merri-bek City Council Community Strengthening Grants
Up to $7,000 for community groups to work on projects that enhance the local community. To address areas such as: social inclusion, community participation, environmental sustainability, and more.
3 March – City of Brimbank Bowery Theatre Residencies
Create and showcase new work at the Bowery Theatre for the Brimbank community. Young and emerging artists can receive up to $5,000. Established artists can get $10,000. 50/50 box office split for ticketed shows. Technical and marketing support is included.
21 March – State Library Victoria Kerri Hall Fellowship for Performing Arts
$15,000 along with desk space and access to collections. For creatives, artists, and writers from regional Victoria in theatre and performing arts. Research can focus on any topic. Join the online info session with Arts Access Victoria on 25 Feb. You can also attend an in-person session on 26 Feb.
CYPA STUFF (Children, Young People, and the Arts)
10 Feb – 2025 PYT Ensemble Applications (NSW)
For emerging Western Sydney artists aged 18–28 to join the PYT Ensemble. Ensemble members gain free access to theatre spaces, weekly workshops, masterclasses, and mentorships. A select group of members will be invited to join the PYT Company in the second half of the year.
14 Feb – Young and Wise Launch Webinar
Launching a report that shares insights from young Australians. It looks at issues that impact their lives and their hopes for a better future.
21 Feb – Theatre Royal Future Stages (TAS)
Free program for Year 10–12 students with a strong interest in the performing arts. Experience productions and participate in discussions and workshops at Theatre Royal.
10 March – Windmill Little Board EOIs (SA)
Young people in Year Levels 5–10 can join weekly sessions. These sessions focus on theatre making, productions, and art as activism. They are led by Windmill staff, artists, and the Big Board. Little Board Members are not paid.
11 March – Windmill Indie-Mill EOIs (SA)
For SA independent theatre-makers to develop an idea for young audiences and present an informal showing. Each team member, of up to six people max, will receive $1,500 per person/per week, a props and costume budget, two weeks studio space, technical, production and dramaturgical support.
17 March – Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Backing the Future Fund (NSW & QLD)
$50,000 for early-stage projects that support rural and regional young people aged 12–30. Applicants must be individuals or groups of individuals across NSW and QLD. Registered charities or orgs are ineligible.
19 March – Regional Arts WA Next Level Fellowships (WA)
$8,000 to support creative activity and professional development for one year. For regional WA young artists and arts workers aged 18–26.
30 April – The FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant
$10,000 for communities across Australia to adopt, adapt and act on the ideas generated at the Heywire Regional Youth Summit. To address issues that matter to remote, rural and regional youth.
CAPT STUFF (Circus and Physical Theatre)
31 March – Gasworks Circus Showcase EOIs
A platform for circus performers to develop innovative acts for presentation. Ends with a live showcase on stage, featuring feedback from industry experts.
24–27 April – Adelaide Juggling Convention
Four days of workshops in juggling and spinning. Early bird passes available until 24 March for $160.
26 Sept–5 Oct – The Canberra Circus Festival
Youth circus training for young artists. The festival features circus acts, a circus market, and a street showcase. There are spaces available in the big-top for artists. Venue split 60:40, artists’ way for small companies, 50:50 for emerging artist shows. Get in touch with artistic_director@warehousecircus.org.au.
INDUSTRY GOSS
- Matthew Lutton will step down from his role as Artistic Director at Malthouse Theatre at the end of March.
- Tara Robertson has been appointed the new Artistic Director of DRILL.
- Charlotte Kenny has been appointed the new Business Manager at CircusWA.
- Tamara Gazzard will be stepping down as Executive Director at Tantrum in April.
- Stacey Baldwin is Producer at Windmill Theatre.
- Karla Conway has stepped down as Artistic Director at HotHouse Theatre.
- Catherine Jones joins Sophie Travers in co-leadership as Co-Director-CEO of Australian Tapestry Workshop.
- Kate Kelly is the new Industry Development Manager at VAPAC.
- Viviana Sacchero has joined Australian Dance Theatre in the newly created role of Executive Producer.
- Cheryl Leavy has been appointed General Manager at Blak & Bright, alongside Phoebe Grainer as the new Program Coordinator.
- Queensland Ballet has announced Ivan Gil-Ortega will step into the role of Artistic Director from February this year.
- Fiona Allan is stepping down as CEO at Opera Australia.
- Daisy Sanders has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of Stompin.
Front of House Services Coordinator, NIDA (NSW). Apply by 9 Feb.
Corporate Sponsorship Manager, NIDA (NSW). Apply by 12 Feb.
Marketing and Development Officer – Student Theatre, The University of Melbourne Student Union (VIC). Apply by 16 Feb.
Executive Director, Tantrum Youth Arts (NSW). Apply by 20 Feb.
Coordinator Festivals and Events, City of Yarra (VIC). Apply by 21 Feb.
Executive Officer, Creative Australia (NSW). Apply by 27 Feb.
General Manager, Artback NT (NT). Apply by 28 Feb.
Disability Programs Manager, Creative Australia (NSW). Apply by 5 March.
Coach, Circus Nexus (VIC). Email resume to info@circusnexus.com.au.