TNA STUFF
TNA’s 2025–26 Federal Pre-Budget Submission
We have made several recommendations to the Federal Government for strategic investment and tax reform. Submit your Pre-Budget submission before January 31.
Key Sector Reports from 2024 Summarised by TNA
We’ve written a few summaries of key sector reports released last year. This includes a two-page summary on Australia’s Cultural and Creative Sector Reports, published by The Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research. A five-page summary on the Not-for-Profit (NFP) Sector Development Blueprint. And with the new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, TNA has created a summary table that outlines the new classification structure for occupations relevant to the performing arts.
NATIONAL STUFF
Asia TOPA Exchange Delegate EOIs
Three-day program and networking for artistic directors, programmers, and artists in the sector. Delegates can access discounted tickets and accommodation during the festival. The Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts is on 20 Feb–10 March in Melbourne. Exchange EOIs are reviewed on a rolling basis during January.
19 Jan – Metro Arts Performance EOIs
Up to $20,000 for artists and collectives to present contemporary works. Artists also receive in-kind support and rehearsal space.
20 Jan – DirtyFeet Choreographic Lab (NSW)
Two-week lab for NSW emerging choreographers to test their ideas and develop new work. Participants are paid $2,400 and mentorship is provided.
22 Jan – General Auditions for Sydney Actors (NSW)
Belvoir St Theatre, Ensemble Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company are holding General Auditions in February. Actors can connect with artistic teams to be considered for their programs.
23 Jan – Australian Network for Art & Technology (ANAT) SPECTRA 2025 ‘Reciprocity’ EOIs
ANAT seeks performances, conversations, and experiences for its flagship triennial event in October. For artists whose work intersects with science and/or technology.
24 Jan – Chamber Made Orange House by the Sea Residency
Residency for mid-career women, trans, non-binary, or gender-diverse artists. Work should sit at the intersections of performance, sound and music. Three weeks’ accommodation in Mornington Peninsula. A $3,000 stipend and child-care costs are provided.
24 Jan – Spare Parts Puppet Theatre Artist-in-Residence 2025 (WA)
$3,000 and a two-week residency for independent puppetry artists. Their projects must embrace exploration and experimentation. WA artists will be prioritised.
25 Jan – Tracks Dance Choreolab 2025 Applications (NT)
10-week program for artists with experience in dance or movement. To develop choreographic skills and create short dance works with Tracks. The course costs $300, but scholarship places are available.
31 Jan – Powerhouse Paramatta Galang Residency (Paris)
3-month residency in Paris for two First Nations creative practitioners in Australia. Travel, accommodation, food, and per diems are provided.
31 Jan – Merrigong Theatre Company ‘Made from Scratch’ Artist EOIs (NSW)
For artists to test new ideas in front of a live audience. The multi-artform performance night will be happening over 2025. One is upcoming in March.
3 Feb – Artback NT Performing Arts Development and Touring EOIs (NT)
Artback NT are supporting NT artists who are looking to develop a show. They will help artists obtain funding, provide upskilling, and administrative support.
3 Feb – Eastern Riverina Arts Country Arts Support Program (NSW)
Providing $750 for individual projects or professional development. For groups, $3,000 for a project or collaboration in the Eastern Riverna Arts region.
3 & 17 Feb – Create Exchange Webinars
Create NSW is running webinars for independent artists over February–April. On 3 Feb is the business of creativity. On 17 Feb, grant recipients share their tips for writing a great application.
4 Feb – Creative Australia International Travel Fund
Up to $20,000 to support travel to key market development events, cultural exchange platforms and gatherings.
6 Feb – Performance Space Experimental Choreographic Lab and Residency (NSW)
Two opportunities on offer: a two-week lab for a small group of NSW artists to explore their work together. Participants are paid. The residency gives an artist $8,000, travel and accommodation for two weeks.
6 Feb – Performance Space Queer Development Program
Two-week- professional development for queer performance making, culminating in a public showcase. $700 bursary for participation. Interstate/regional artists can apply for a travel bursary. Artists applying for the program can also apply for an additional two-week residency, and $5,000 support.
7 Feb – Healthy Tasmania Community Grants (TAS)
$1,500 for TAS groups and individuals to host local, neighbourly activities as part of Neighbours Every Day.
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.
Arts ACT Arts Activities 2025 Funding (ACT)
Up to $50,000 for activities that develop and promote arts, culture, and the creative industry.
Arts Tasmania Cultural and Creative Industries Expert Register EOIs (TAS)
Join Arts Tasmania’s register of expert peers. Peers assess applications and put forward funding recommendations. Assessors are paid.
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.
Institute of Community Directors Australia Resources
The ICDA has a few resources for Boards. They include help sheets on dealing with difficult board members, navigating key documents, and a Board self-assessment tool.
Digital Culture Compass (UK)
A free toolkit to help orgs plan digital technology use in their activities. There are charters, wayfinders and trackers to prompt and assess your digital activity.
VICTORIAN STUFF
17 Jan – ‘Truth to Power Café’ at Theatre Works EOIs
Take part in a socially engaged theatre project on 5–6 Feb. Participants can speak their truth to power, be it personal, professional, or political. Participants are paid. EOIs close at midnight.
31 Jan – Showcase Victoria Producer and Artists EOIs
For artists and producers to be part of the 2025 program. Showcase Victoria will be held on 20–21 May at The Round.
1 Feb – Forest Collective’s Queer Sound Exchange at Abbotsford Convent
Networking event for LGBTQIA+ community and allies who are sound makers, musicians and composers. Part of Midsumma.
6 Feb – Vic Gov’s Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants Program 2024-26
Up to $150,000 for First Peoples, multi-cultural or multi-faith community orgs to deliver community-led responses to racism.
6 Feb – Creative Victoria Audience Atlas Victoria Launch
Online event to launch a comprehensive report on the Victorian culture market. The report looks at trends over five years. It provides insights into audience attitudes, motivations, and behaviours.
10 Feb – Geelong Arts Centre Creative Engine Grants
For local 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 – Emerging Writers Festival 2025 Artist EOIs
EWF returns 11–18 September this year. They are accepting applications for writers, artists, and performers to take part in the festival.
10 Feb – Wit Incorporated Script Callout
Looking for play scripts to bring to life. Scripts must be unpublished and suitable for stage performance.
13 Feb – Creative Victoria Creative Projects Fund
Grants for Victorian creatives to develop new work and undertake professional development. $5,000 to creatives at any career level who haven’t received a Creative Victoria grant before. $10,000 to $20,000 to creatives with a proven track record.
CYPA STUFF (Children, Young People, and the Arts)
22 Jan – Adelaide Fringe For Kids EOIs
‘Fringe for Kids’ showcases acts for or by kids. Looking for performers/acts in various art forms. Includes circus, drag, dance, music, magic, and comedy. Performers are paid $100 per show.
3 Feb – ASSITEJ Turkey Bursa International Theatre Festival for Children and Youth
For performances to present at the festival held from 1–6 April 2025 in Bursa, Turkey.
The program includes talks and workshops. Accommodation and meals are provided.
6 Feb – Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People Grants (WA)
Funding for WA artists and orgs to support the wellbeing of young people. Projects should engage young people in creative activities. They should be sustained and encourage agency, creativity, connection, and resilience.
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.
31 March – ASSITEJ International ‘Cradle of Creativity’ 2026 (South Africa)
For performances to present at the international theatre festival in South Africa. Performances should suit different developmental stages for those aged 0–20.
CAPT STUFF (Circus and Physical Theatre)
Women’s Circus Open Training in January
Free open training is available for circus professionals and training members for the rest of the month.
31 Jan – Performing Lines Circus and Physical Theatre Victorian Residency (VIC)
A residency for Victorian-based circus and physical theatre makers. They should have a new idea for a performance work that they want to develop. It covers travel, accommodation, catering, and a $500 stipend per artist or team.
TNA IS EXPLORING
In January, we’re looking at stories that ask us to be attentive. As Dr. Paul Callaghan says, ‘I don’t see many people living the best story possible…but the busiest story possible.’
- Listen: How to Follow the Dreaming Path with Dr. Paul Callaghan on The Imperfects.
- Read: In Dark Times, I Sought Out the Turmoil of Caravaggio’s Paintings by Teju Cole in The New York Times.
INDUSTRY GOSS
- Tim Stitz will depart from his role as Executive Producer and Co-CEO at Back to Back Theatre in mid-2025.
- Julie Waddington has stepped down as Execute Producer at DRILL.
- Suellen Maunder is stepping down as Artistic Director and CEO at JUTE Theatre Company.
- Steph Cox is stepping down as Executive Director at Women’s Circus.
- Eric Lassen has been appointed CEO of Live Performance Australia.
- Zoe Davies has stepped down as Business Manager at Sydney Fringe.
- Peta Sloley has stepped down as Producer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
- Artistic Director Robin Davidson, and Creative Producer Ben Drysdale will be stepping down from their CEO roles at Rebus Theatre.
- After more than a decade at the helm of Gasworks Arts Park, Tamara Jungwirth has stepped down as Director and CEO.
- Karla Conway is moving on from her role as Artistic Director at HotHouse Theatre. Fiona Elliott has been appointed producer at HotHouse Theatre.
- Ilana Russell will be stepping down from the role of Artistic Director and Co-CEO at Platform Arts at the end of February.
- Elizabeth Rogers has been appointed Artistic Director, and Yvette Walker as General Manager at Brown’s Mart.
- Lynda de Koning has moved into a new role with PAC Australia as General Manager.
- The Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC) has appointed Kate Kelly as their new Industry Development Manager.
- Nikki Ralston has been appointed Manager at Creative Futures Fund at Creative Australia.
- Bonnie Leigh-Dodds has stepped down as Communications Advisor at Arts Centre Melbourne to take up the role of Content Manager at Creative Australia.
Board member (Voluntary), Circus Nexus (VIC). Rolling deadline.
CEO, Music Victoria (VIC). Apply by 19 Jan.
Senior Producer (Curated Program), Melbourne Fringe (VIC). Apply by 21 Jan.
Technician, Student Theatre, The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (VIC). Apply by 21 Jan.
Events Producer, PAC Australia (WA). Apply by 22 Jan.
Producer, Programming, PAC Australia (WA). Apply by 22 Jan.
Emerging Producer Internship (Paid), State Opera South Australia and Country Arts SA (SA). Apply by 24 Jan.
CEO/General Manager, Rebus Theatre (ACT). Apply by 25 Jan.
General Manager, pvi collective (WA). Apply by 30 Jan.
Social Circus Program Manager, Women’s Circus (VIC). Apply by 30 Jan.
Senior Producer, Creative Learning, Arts Centre Melbourne (VIC). Apply by 30 Jan.
Programs Assistant, Eastern Riverina Arts (NSW). Apply by 3 Feb.
Visitor Services Coordinator, The Substation (VIC). Apply by 4 Feb.
Accounts Payable/Administration Assistant, Auspicious Arts Projects (VIC). Apply by 5 Feb.
Technical Stage Managers/Production Casuals, Melbourne International Comedy Festival (VIC). Apply by 7 Feb.
Executive Director, Eastern Riverina Arts (NSW). Apply by 10 Feb.
Senior Producer, Performing Lines (WA). Apply by 12 Feb.
Marketing Coordinator, Performing Lines (NSW/VIC). Apply by 16 Feb.