Check out the TNA May 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

Crisis Cash for Artists
One-off emergency payments of $1,000 to support independent artists in the performing arts who have been significantly affected by COVID-19 and do not have access to a financial safety net. Creative Partnerships Australia has pledged matched funding of up to $110,000. Support this initiative by becoming a Champion Company or donating. Request support as an artist.

Industry Roundtable on COVID-19 issues
TNA participates in a fortnightly industry roundtable hosted by the Office for the Arts (DITRDC) and the Australia Council for the Arts, with 17 other national arts peak bodies. We use this forum to advocate for the specific needs of the small to medium and independent sectors. We are making it clear that there will be no return to ‘normal’ and working on how inequalities in the arts might be addressed. Read more about our advocacy. 

JobKeeper for Sole Traders
We would like to encourage independent artists who are sole traders to consider applying for JobKeeper. (Note: You can’t be employed part-time by another entity, however casual employment is ok). The basic test may prove an obstacle for many independent artists whose income fluctuates throughout the year, but ATO has now determined alternative tests where there is not an appropriate relevant comparison period. ATO has also made a legislative instrument to deal with new businesses in operation for less than a year. You have until 31 May 2020 to enrol for JobKeeper to be back-paid for April. Read our bulletin for indies.

VIPI Producers Mentorship Program Recipients (Round 1)
The Victorian Independent Producers Initiative (VIPI) Producers Mentorship Program supports early and mid-career independent producers to deliver a work plan with the support of mentors. The first cohort is Efren Pamilacan (mentored by Marcia Ferguson and Freya Waterson), Joshua Francis (mentored by Nilgün Güven-Bouras), and Natasha Phillips and Naomi Velaphi (mentored by Erin Milne).

NATIONAL STUFF

Adelaide Fringe: Artist registrations are open for FringeVIEW
FringeVIEW is on now and runs until 31 May. Free to register and no additional fees apply, 100% of ticket sales will go directly to artists. Make art, monetise work and reach your audience in the age of social distancing.

8 May – NT Regional Arts Fund quick response grants
Up to $2,000 for individuals or $4,000 for organisations to assist regional artists, arts organisations and communities to take up professional development or small project opportunities. Closes 8 May. Apply now.

8 May – Peggy Glanville-Hicks Commissions
10 x $1000 available to create online works. Open to artists from diverse music and sound art practices; as well as producers, audio engineers, software programmers, writers and commentators. Eligible outcomes include new content for online learning, articles, live streams, recorded performances, stories on Australian music. Closes 8 May. Apply now.

10 May – National Assistance Program for the Arts
$1.4 million will be distributed in one-off grants of $1,000 to artists and arts workers experiencing hardship – on the basis of need, experience and talent. Closes 10 May. Apply.

10 May – Adelaide Fringe Quick Response Grants
Approximately 30 grants ranging from $1,500 – $2,000 are available to help SA artists and producers to create work and find new ways of connecting with audiences. Apply by 10 May. Read more.

11 May – Free flu vaccinations for Brisbane-based arts workers
The Actors’ & Entertainers’ Benevolent Fund QLD is offering free flu shots for up to 100 people. 11 May, 10.45am – 3.00pm, Una Prentice Chambers, Brisbane. Bookings essential. 

12 May – FLOCK #18 hosted by PICA
Join a playful intervention deconstructing our spaces of isolation (primarily our homes), followed by a conversation on how artists and organisations can work together. Free, 12 May, 1 – 4pm. Register.

13 May – Online professional development
A series of workshops by Making it in Moreland, on ways artists can survive, adapt and recover from COVID-19. First workshop: financial wellbeing and literacy, 13 May, 10am – 12pm. Free, bookings essential.

14 to 28 May – Heaps of Playwriting Australia opportunities
Ignition provides commissioning fee of $16,000 and stipend of $9,000 to 7 playwrights. Closes 16 May.  | Max Afford Playwrights Award awards $30,000 to young playwrights between ages 18 to 40. Due 28 May. | Erin Thomas Playwright Fund supports 6 emerging regional playwrights. Due 31 May. | Rapid Fire is open to CALD playwrights, providing support for one-day workshop/analysis of a new play. Due 19 May. | Duologue supports midcareer and established playwrights over 8 months. Due 14 May.

14 May – Contemporary Asian Australian Performance (CAAP) Longhouse Gathering
Discuss the current challenges and future of Asian Australian performance. Free, online, 14 May, 6 – 7pm AEST. Read more. The survey on what the Longhouse program should look like in 2020 is still open.

15 May – Australia Council First Nations’ Roundtables
Connect, share and put forward ideas on how to navigate this COVID-19 period from a First Nations perspective. Free event, runs weekly, next online roundtable is on 15 May. More info. OPEN TO NON FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE AS OBSERVERS.

15 May – Transurban Community Grants
Up to $5,000 for projects bringing social and environmental benefits to communities in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane near Transurban’s roads. Closes 15 May. More info.

19 May – Create NSW new COVID-19 funding initiatives
New support programs for the small to medium arts sector including Creative Koori Digital Initiative, Digitise Initiative, Health and Wellbeing Initiative and Regenerate Regional Event Initiative. Applications close 19 May.

24 May – Metro Arts Call for Proposals: New Projects for New Times
Support for QLD based artists to create works, to be presented in and around Metro Arts’ new home at West Village in late 2020. Works should respond to the community’s current circumstances and to Metro’s new site. Support includes artist fees of up to $5,000. Due 24 May. Read more.

24 May – Coffs Harbour City Council Arts and Cultural Grants
$2,000 – $7,000 to support projects located within the Coffs Harbour area. Closes 24 May. More info.

25 May – Vitalstatistix Adhocracy 2020 Call Out
This national experimental arts hothouse is scheduled for 3 – 6 Sep. Selected projects receive a fee regardless of whether event proceeds. Simplified application process for 2020. Due 25 May. Read more. 

30 May – After Dark: Creative Streets Program
Artists and organisations can apply for $500 – $10,000 for projects that add night-time vibrancy to the streets of Maitland. Closes 30 May. More info.

31 May – JobKeeper Updates
Deadline to enrol extended to 31 May, to be back-paid for Apr. Details of alternative test also now available – eg. If you have a new business, been on leave, and/or usually have fluctuating turnover across any given year (most arts businesses). More info.

31 May – National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) Open Days / Zoom
NTofP is looking to meet arts professionals (performers, designers, creatives) from Western Sydney to do auditions and talk ideas, which may lead to commissions and paid opportunities. Open Days on 1 & 2 Jul (possibly via Zoom). Applications close 31 May. More info.

4 Jun – Creative Partnerships Awards: Call for Nominations
Categories include: Art Leadership, Business Leadership, Emerging Philanthropy Leadership or Philanthropy Leadership. Close 4 Jun. More info.

30 Jun – NSW Northern Beaches Council Arts and Creativity Grants
Up to $5,000 for Individual Creative Projects, up to $10,000 for Creative Community Projects and Creative Industry Innovation Projects. More info.

italk Studios seeks indigenous voice artists
Scripts to be recorded are primarily in English with the opportunity for language translations on a project-by-project basis. Ideally, artists are able to work and record remotely from home. Contact Mallory. Find out about italk Studios.

Keeping Connected: internet access for artists
One-off payments of $210 to artists who have no internet access or are at risk of losing online access. A new Arts Front action started by the Every Voice Foundation. Contact Anne Dunn to apply or donate.

Artist Relief Fund WA
Support for local artists and arts workers affected by COVID-19 and other disasters. Donate or Apply for help. 

Red Cross Emergency Relief and Casework Support
Funds for people on temporary visas affected by COVID-19. Covers food, medicine and crisis accommodation costs. Assistance prioritizes people who are vulnerable and with urgent needs.

COVID-19 National Funding Platform
Not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to register their COVID-19-related funding needs so that philanthropic funders can understand the granting opportunities available and respond to the critical needs of the sector. More info.

Patternmakers: tracking audience sentiment in era of COVID-19
This research will provide insights for programming, marketing, fundraising and operations to inform critical decision-making and planning over the coming months. Get in touch if your organisation is keen to be involved.

COVID-19 Racism Survey Preliminary Findings
If you have been directly affected by #CoronaRacism please participate in the Coronavirus Racism Incident Report Survey developed by the Asian Australian Alliance, Diversity Arts Australia and Democracy in Colour. Read their Preliminary findings here.

PACA Survey and Preview Data on COVID-19 Impact
Initial information shows that 30% of venues are presenting virtual events and, of those, 62% have never delivered online content before. 70% of these activities are free. 31% are offering remote learning/professional development for staff.  The Venues Survey may still be completed.

Legal advice about social security and Centrelink matters
NSW residents can access free legal advice and representation (including for appeals) from the Welfare Rights Centre.

My Business Health: COVID-19
A free tool to help small businesses navigate the support available. Provided by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

Key Government Opportunities for NFPs during COVID-19
Social Ventures Australia (SVA) Guide collates the key opportunities for not-for-profits and charities available as a result of Australian Government announcements.

Advice for Distressed Organisations from Turnaround Experts
Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has a free webinar which covers short term finance, restructuring, turnaround best practice and safe harbour changes etc.

Australia Institute’s ‘Economics of a Pandemic’ Webinar Series
Videos from previous webinars include ‘Inequality in a Pandemic: Progressive solutions to the economic crisis’, ‘After the crisis: Why snapback is not good enough’ and ‘The role of arts and artists in rescuing the economy’.

VICTORIAN STUFF

Creative Victoria – Strategic Investment Fund in response to COVID-19
Non-government arts organisations funded by Creative Victoria (primarily through the Organisations Investment Program) will receive additional financial assistance. Creative Victoria will contact all eligible organisations directly. Read more. 

Support package for public sector workers
Casual public sector workers (who are ineligible for JobKeeper) can access their usual fortnightly payments of up to $1500 up until the end of Sep, provided they are happy to be redeployed. Available to workers regardless of age, length of service, and whether they are an Australian Citizen or not, but does NOT include local government workers. Read more.

1 Jun – Creative Victoria’s Sustaining Creative Workers Initiative
Quick-response funding for those who have been impacted by COVID-19. Up to $5,000 for individuals (independents, sole traders, freelancers), up to $10,000 for collectives/micro-orgs, up to $2,500 additional access funding. 4 streams available: for first peoples, metro/outer metro, deaf and disabled, and regional. Open until 1 Jun, or when funding pool is exhausted.

11 and 18 May – Melbourne Fringe: Money for Art (Microgrants and Commissions)
XS Open is a public art commission providing $10,000 to create an experimental work for children in the City of Maribyrnong, closes 11 May. ShowSupport ($2,500) matches artists to private donors, closes 18 May. Jewel Box Grants ($1,500) commissions creatives of colour, closes 18 May.

13 May – Darebin Arts Speakeasy Development Applications
Artists are given a stipend of $1,000 – $2,000 to develop new works. Access to Speakeasy spaces can be negotiated when venues re-open and will be subject to availability. Projects being developed through online platforms may be supported but online outcomes are not expected. Due 13 May. Read more.

17 May – Chunky Move Call for Proposals: Solitude 1
Solitude 1 is a curatorially guided home-based research/ development opportunity for independent dance artists. Work undertaken may be realised as part of a new Chunky Move work. 10 successful applicants will be provided with a $6,000 fee. Must be Victoria-based. Apply by 17 May.

22 May – Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) Shelter Commissions EOI
Paid opportunity for 40 diverse artists to reflect on and respond to this unique time in which we find ourselves confined to our own homes. Works will be released on the MAV website and social media throughout winter. $400 development fee + $100 licensing fee. EOIs close 22 May. Read more.

25 May – Arts House EOI: Housewarming Commissions
Seeking site-responsive works from any artform that represent the diversity of contemporary Australia. This includes short performances (3-7 minutes long) and installations that can be readily installed across the Arts House site. Up to $5,000 per project. Apps close 25 May.

Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC) offers digital services for artists with disability
ArtLife (usually held at FCAC) is now offering a range of digital services, free ipad rental, as well as one-on-one project consultations for artists who are unable to access online workshops. Open to new participants, NDIS charges apply.

Showcase Victoria Update – Event cancelled
Showcase Victoria will not move to an online model this year due to limited programming opportunities. Artists and Producers of the 2020 program will be offered a place at the 2021 event, and have their work profiled on a new-look website to which venues and programmers can refer. Read full statement.

ASSITEJ STUFF – YOUTH ARTS & YOUNG AUDIENCES

8 May – National Young Writers’ Festival Artist Callout
The festival seeks ideas for workshops, panels, readings, roundtables, performances, or discussions. Artist fee of $60 per event, $200 for workshops. Festival will take place digitally in Oct (dates TBC) and the theme is THE RAUCOUS TWENTIES, reflecting on the parallels between the social and political upheaval of the 1920s and today. Due 8 May. Apply now.

11 May – ATYP Foundation Commissions
Foundation Commissions offer writers of all ages the chance to write 2 original plays: one to be performed by 10-13 year olds, and the other by 14-17 year olds. Successful applicants will receive full commission and dramaturgical support. Production to be staged at ATYP in 2021 (Junior Commission) or 2022 (Senior Commission). Due 11 May. More info.

15 May – SIGNAL EOIs for Screen and Sound Commissions
Offering up to 8 screen and sound artists (aged 16 to 25) the opportunity to develop new works for the digital realm. Includes a commissioning fee of $1,000. Due 15 May. Read more.

1 Jun – Creative writing competition for young women
The House that Dan Built and Psychiatry, Philosophy & Arts are calling for 400-1,000 word articles written by young women aged 12-25 who have a creative practice. 10 entries will be published and paid $100. Deadline is 1 Jun. More info.

CIRCUS & PHYSICAL THEATRE (CaPT) STUFF

TNA Circus/Entertainment Rigging Report 2019/20
TNA in collaboration with our CaPT Advisory Group conducted a Circus/Entertainment Rigging Survey in 2019. It gauged the need for Circus-specific rigging accreditation, and received responses from riggers, circus artists, programmers, presenters and venue managers. Read the report. 

20 May – Flying Fruit Fly Circus Initiative: Make Our Way Out
A special initiative committing resources worth $25,000 to develop up to 3 new circus works from established Australian circus and physical theatre artists. Apply by 20 May. Read more.

28 May – Circostrada CS LAB#5 
Discuss how to support our teams in these unprecedented times and explore ways to instigate lasting change in our organisations and the Circus Arts sector. Lab dates 3 – 5 Jun. Free, registration deadline 28 May. More info.

INDUSTRY GOSS

• Lissa Twomey has stepped down as Executive Director, Major Performing Arts and National Engagement of Australia Council. She has taken up the role of Executive Director at Bangarra Dance Theatre.
• Dancehouse farewells Artistic Director Angela Conquet.
• Julian Hobba takes up role of Executive Director at State Theatre Company South Australia, having stepped down from his role as Executive Director of The Blue Room Theatre. Katt Osborne has stepped down from the Board of Blue Room to take on the role of Acting Executive Director.
• Premier Gladys Berejiklian replaces Don Harwin as the new NSW Arts Minister.
• CEO and Creative Director of Metro Arts Jo Thomas is winner of both the 2020 Telstra Business Woman of the Year Award for Queensland, and state winner of the category of For Purpose and Social Enterprise.
• Annette Shun Wah has been appointed Artistic Director of OzAsia Festival 2021- 2023, in addition to continuing in her existing role as Executive Producer of Contemporary Asian Australian Performance (CAAP).
• Tony Grybowski is Acting Executive Producer at Back to Back Theatre.

POSITIONS VACANT

Executive Director, Blue Room Theatre (WA). Apply by 11 May.
Strategic Advisor, Country Arts SA. Apply by 11 May.
Voiceworks Designer, Express Media (VIC). Apply by 11 May.
Events Operation Manager, Vivid Sydney (NSW). Apply by 18 May.
Media & Communications Officer, Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (ACT). Apply by 22 May.
Program Producer – Children and Families, National Gallery of Australia (ACT). Apply by 24 May.
State Manager NT, Creative Partnerships Australia (NT). Apply by 29 May.
Fundraising Manager, The Humour Foundation (NSW). Apply by 29 May.
Executive Producer/ Co-CEO, Back to Back Theatre (VIC). Apply by 31 May.
CEO, Barkly Regional Arts (NT). Apply by 5 Jun.
Curator, Vivid Sydney (NSW). Apply by 21 Jun.

CONTACT US