News & MediaTNA STUFF
Vale Chris Thompson (11 March 1959–1 January 2026)
Theatre Network Australia is deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Thompson, a founding member and former Board member, whose vision, generosity and commitment helped shape our organisation from its earliest days. Chris’s passion and accomplishments in theatre and screen have left an enduring legacy across the creative sector. In recent years Chris has used his Vision Australia radio show Behind the Scenes to profile the work of TNA, independent performing artists and arts organisations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Chris’s family, friends and colleagues, and honour his remarkable contribution to Australian arts.
NATIONAL STUFF
15 Jan – Arts Projects for Organisations (WA)
Between $5,000 and $80,000 funding for arts orgs. This can support creative development, arts and creative business development. Or to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.
21 Jan – Tasmanian Community Fund Centre of Social Impact Grant (Launceston)
Training program for community and not-for-profit org leaders. Leaders should be interested in learning about governance, social impact, and systems and tools to drive change.
29 Jan – WA Dance Teacher Networking Forum
Free forum on child safety in dance in WA, research in wellbeing for dancers, and more. Hosted by Ausdance WA and Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport.
30 Jan – Dirty Feet Choreographic Lab 2026 (NSW)
For emerging choreographers to explore their creative practice. Choreographers get two weeks of supported development, studio space at Critical Path, mentorship, and $2,400.
1 Feb – Harvard Club of Australia Ferris Family Fellowship Program 2026
For not-for-profit leaders to attend a seven-day course at Harvard Business School. The course is on Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management. The award of $20,000 covers the course fees, accommodation, meals and travel to/from Boston.
2 Feb – Chamber Made Orange House Residency EOIs
For mid-career women and gender diverse artists working at the intersection of performance, sound and music. Comes with three weeks accommodation at Dromana (VIC), a $3,000 stipend, and mentorship.
2 Feb – CreateSA Professional Development Grants
Up to $15,000 for artists and arts workers to undertake skills development and training.
2 Feb – CreateSA Market Development Grants
Up to $15,000 for artists and orgs. For travel to national and international markets, art fairs, events, festivals or meetings.
3 Feb – Arts Business: First Nations Development Fund
Between $10,000 to $50,000 for First Nations artists, groups and orgs. To build sustainable business practices.
4 Feb – State Library NSW Early Career Writer Award
Up to $10,000 for a woman or non-binary writer in the early stages of their career. Their debut work must have been professionally produced, staged or screened in the last five years.
6 Feb – Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
Up to $60,000 for international projects. To tell Australian stories and amplify First Nations voices. Build cultural understanding and connections overseas.
9 Feb – artsACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program
Between $3,000 and $15,000 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and groups. Self-determined programs can include creating and presenting work, undertaking professional development, and more.
9–28 Feb – STRUT Dance Perth Moves Workshop Series
A three-week program of deep-dive movement workshops. There are also morning classes led by APAM dance artists. Drop-in sessions start from $35.
10 Feb – Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) Registrations
Registrations for APAM close next month. The industry event showcases Australian and New Zealand contemporary dance, theatre, experimental and emerging arts. 23–27 February, Boorloo/Perth.
11 Feb – Brand X The Flying Nun Performance Program EOIs (NSW)
Present as part of The Flying Nun’s programmed season. Projects receive $2,600, one week in the venue, a two-night performance run, and majority box office take.
12 Feb – Ministerial Advisory Committee for the Arts (MACA) EOIs (NT)
EOIs are open to join MACA. Committee members provide advice to the Minister of Arts on the design, implementation, and evaluation of arts programs in NT. Members are not renumerated for their time.
16 Feb – APRA AMCOS Art Music Fund
Up to $7,500 for art music composers to have new works performed. Musical works include theatrical, operatic and choreographed music.
16 Feb – PAC Australia Training Programs 2026
PAC Australia have announced their suite of training programs for 2026. Applications for the Presenter Development and Presenter Training Program are open.
20 Feb–22 March – Adelaide Fringe Community Fund
Fringe tickets are available for community and school groups experiencing disadvantage.
23 Feb – Arts Queensland Cultural Tourism Fund (QLD)
Up to $160,000 over two years for QLD orgs or groups. Develop and present new programming initiatives within festivals and events. Attract audiences and drive regional growth.
3 March – Playing Australia Project Investment
Funding for performing arts tours to reach regional and remote communities.
17 March – First Nations Arts d/Deaf and/or Disabilities Project Fund
$5,000 to $10,000 to support projects and professional development. Open to d/Deaf and/or disabled First Nations artists and arts workers.
26 March – Performing Lines TAS Sector Day
Performing Lines TAS has announced their Sector Day on 26 March at Moonah Arts Centre. Guest speakers include Jade Lillie and Lee Casey, consultants on TLPX, a new peak body for live performance in TAS.
The Chamber of Arts and Culture WA Strategic Plan 2026/2027–2029/30
CACWA have announced their new Strategic Plan 2026/27–2029/30. The Strategic Plan has three main goals: a valued sector, a strong sector, and sustainable representation.
VICTORIAN STUFF
30 Jan – Malthouse Artist Development Program
Placements are available for early-career artists with experience in Directing, Lighting Design, Set and/or Costume Design, Sound Design, and Writing. Participants receive $4,000 stipend. Designers and directors will assist a creative on a production. Writers will be mentored.
9 Feb – City of Melbourne Community Inclusion Grants
Between $1,000 and $20,000 for not-for-profit community orgs. Deliver projects that support diverse communities. Projects could increase community connection, inclusion, access and participation.
Schizy Inc Rad Cactus Open Mic, Comedy Workshops and Neurovision Ensemble EOIs
For performers with diverse/complex mental health. Perform in Rad Cactus Open Mic, as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Neurovision is for singers/dancers to perform in a sensory friendly Eurovision. Schizy Inc is also running comedy workshops in March 2026. EOIs to heidi@schizy.org.
Green Room Awards Judging Panels EOIs
Join the Green Room Awards Judging Panels. Panellists see registered shows across the year. They meet at the end of the year to decide on recipients.
CYPA STUFF (Children, Young People and the Arts)
18 Jan – ZiguZajg Festival 2026
Present at Malta’s international arts festival for children and young people in November. Work should be aimed at audiences aged 0–16.
22 Jan – DRILL Gamer Choreographic Lab 2 (TAS)
Week-long creative development in TAS for early career artists and street dancers under 30. The lab will focus on gaming as a cultural movement. Cost: $120.
23 Jan – Perth Festival Future Arts Leader Mentorship (Paid)
Paid mentorship for a WA young artist aged 25 or under interested in creating theatre for young audiences. Part-time across the festival period, totalling four weeks. Mentee is paid $1,300 per week.
26 Jan – Youth Week Tasmania (TAS)
Up to $2,000 for orgs to deliver Youth Week Tasmania events, activities or projects.
3 Feb – The Martin Bequest Travelling Scholarships
$50,000 for young artists aged 21–35 to study and develop their practice overseas/interstate. In 2026, the scholarships support acting, instrumental music, painting and poetry.
9 Feb–30 March – NORPA Young Makers Collective (NSW)
Weekly theatre workshops, for ages 12–15 and 16–19. Workshops will cover improvisation, movement, and devised theatre-making. Run by professionals including NORPA’s Artistic Director. Early bird tickets start at $175.
14 Feb – Orsolina28 Art Foundation Call for Creation
Three-week residency in Italy for choreographers under the age of 35 to develop an original work. At the end of the residency, there will be an informal work-in-progress presentation. Artists receive 1,300 EUR, access to a studio, meals and accommodation, and ground transport.
20 Feb – Regional Arts WA Next Gen Arts (WA)
Up to $5,000 for regional artists to deliver engaging arts activities for young people aged 12–18.
Kids Access All Area Vouchers (Regional WA)
Children aged 5–15 can attend arts and cultural events using subsided vouchers. If you are a venue or service provider, you can register as an approved provider.
CAPT STUFF (Circus & Physical Theatre)
17 Jan – Circus Centre Melbourne Open Day (VIC)
Australia’s National Youth Circus is starting circus classes for all ages at Circus Centre Melbourne. Open Day is a chance to explore circus. Drop in to try aerials, juggling, tumbling, hula hoops, acrobalance and more.
19 Jan – NICA Gathering: ‘The Fringe Touring Season’ (VIC)
NICA is running relaxed sector gatherings for NICA alumni, students, and the wider circus network. The first gathering is for anyone with a show heading out on the 2026 Fringe circuit or thinking about it in the future. RSVP to nfrijia@nica.collarts.edu.au.
20 Jan – Flipside Circus Chinese Pole Masterclass (QLD)
One-day intensive on the fundamentals of Chinese Pole artistry. Led by Flipside’s Head of Circus, Jian Nie. For young artists aged 8–17 years. Cost: $160.
First Nations Open Training (VIC)
Na Djinang Circus and Circus Centre Melbourne is running a weekly, free program. For consistent access to foundational circus skills and physical preparation for mob.
INDUSTRY GOSS
- Nicholas Tee has been appointed the Executive Producer at The Substation.
- Rosie Dennis is the new Executive Director at Arts Northern Rivers, commencing mid-February.
- Alison Harvey has been appointed Executive Director and Co-CEO at Polyglot.
- Anthea Williams is the new Associate Artistic Director at Griffin Theatre Company.
- Maddie Korn has stepped down as Executive Producer at The Unconformity. Jacqueline Dortmans is their new Executive Producer.
- Melbourne Fringe Creative Director and CEO Simon Abrahams is taking 12 months of parental leave. During his leave, Head of Programming Danny Delahunty will step into the role of Acting Creative Director/CEO for 2026. Miranda Borman will take on additional responsibilities as Deputy CEO, working closely with Executive Director Marline Zaibak. Eilysh Toose will step into the role of Head of Programs and Projects during Delahunty’s secondment. Harriet Wallace-Mead will move into the Senior Producer role. Simon will return to Melbourne Fringe in early 2027.
- Amy Rayner will be stepping into the role of General Manager at DRILL.
- Priyanka Martin has stepped down as Producer at Carriageworks to take up the role of Production Manager at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, at Opera Australia.
POSITIONS VACANT
Executive Director, Theatre Kimberley (WA). Rolling applications.
Chief Executive Officer, Adelaide Fringe (SA). Apply by 16 Jan.
Finance Officer, Adelaide Fringe (SA). Apply by 16 Jan.
Events and Technical Production Officer, The University of Melbourne Student Union, UMSU (VIC). Apply by 18 Jan.
Events Production Officer, The University of Melbourne Student Union, UMSU (VIC). Apply by 18 Jan.
Development Manager, Australian Dance Theatre (SA). Apply by 19 Jan.
Public Art Officer, City of Kingston (VIC). Apply by 22 Jan.
Front of House and Volunteer Manager, PAC Australia (WA). Apply by 23 Jan.
Producer, DreamBIG, Adelaide Festival Centre (SA). Apply by 23 Jan.
Production Coordinator, Union House Theatre, The University of Melbourne Student Union, UMSU (VIC). Apply by 26 Jan.
Education and Engagement Coordinator, Adelaide Festival Centre (SA). Apply by 26 Jan.
Creative Producer, Arena Theatre Company (VIC). Apply by 27 Jan.
Fundraising & Impact Coordinator, Arena Theatre Company (VIC). Apply by 27 Jan.
Producer, Essence Theatre Productions (VIC). Apply by 4 Feb.
Philanthropic Support Professional, Essence Theatre Productions (VIC). Apply by 4 Feb.
Marketing Project Manager, Essence Theatre Productions (VIC). Apply by 4 Feb.
Executive Leadership, Theatre Works (VIC). EOIs by mid-Feb.