TNA STUFF
Listen to Vision Australia’s Behind the Scenes
We give an overview of what the Federal Election means for the arts. This includes the arts policies and likely paths of each major party. Bina Bhattacharya from PYT Fairfield is the TNA member of the month! Bina talks about PYT Fairfield’s work in Western Sydney to rebalance an inequitable artistic landscape.
NATIONAL STUFF
Arts and Disability Network Australia (ADNA)
ADNA is a consortium formed by the Arts and Disability State Peak bodies in response to Creative Australia’s call for a National Arts and Disability Delivery Partner. The newly established group will deliver disability arts services across the sector.
12 May – The Arts and Culture Trust’s Artist in Residence Program (WA)
Supports Western Australian artists and theatre-makers who are developing works. Access rehearsal and performance spaces. Receive technical and marketing support to showcase your work.
12 May – Create Exchange ‘Tax Basics for Creatives’ Webinar
Free workshop covering the basics of how tax works. Including how creative tax rulings can help creative practitioners in the tax world. Presented by Monica Davidson at Creative Plus Business.
12 May – Touring Queensland Fund
Up to $100,000 for tour-ready performances to tour across Queensland.
13 May – ‘To Get Funding, Be Fundable and Findable’ Workshop
Part of Creative Australia’s online Knowledge Series on arts fundraising. Led by Kevin Brown of Mighty Ally.
15 May – Goethe Institut International Coproduction Fund (Germany)
Funds co-productions worldwide that grow out of collaboration and dialogue. For works in music, dance, theatre and performance art.
15 May – Access Ideas and Insights: ‘The Neurodiversity Paradigm in Theatre’
Free panel discussion on how neurodivergent perspectives are reshaping theatre. In person at Bell Shakespeare and online.
16 May – International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Fellowship 2026
For mid-career leaders in the performing arts, who are committed to increasing the global connectivity of the industry. Fellows get a one-year membership, a full pass, and a travel subsidy for the 2026 ISPA New York Congress, plus more.
16 May – Study NSW Sponsorship Program EOIs
Up to $30,000 for orgs to run activities. They must enhance the international student experience and promote NSW as a leading study destination.
23 May – Bundanon’s Artists in Residence 2026
Up to three weeks’ residency in Bundanon in NSW. The residency is free, but artists are responsible for their own travel, catering, equipment, and material costs.
24 May – Merrigong X Artists Program CO/MINGLING (NSW)
Event for dancers, movers, and musicians to network, improvise, collaborate and exchange ideas. At Wollongong Town Hall.
25 May – Griffin Lookout EOIs
For early-career theatre-makers to present their productions at Griffin Theatre. Receive $7,500 for production costs, 70% of box office sales, and artistic and producing support.
30 May – Creative Workplaces Discussion Paper
Creative Workplaces have released a discussion paper on issues related to work arrangements and pay. They want artists, arts workers and organisations to respond to their questions online.
31 May – Prague Quadrennial (PQ) Callout
For papers and flash talks to be presented at PQ online symposium in September. PQ is the largest festival in the world for performance design.
1 June – Climate Action Network Australia Small Grants
Up to $10,000 to campaign, advocate or organise to reduce climate pollution and advance climate justice.
2 June – Green House National Artists Residency at HotHouse Theatre
Three-week residency for performing artists to develop new work or expand their practice. Supported residencies provide a $1,000 stipend for travel/living expenses. All residences offer accommodation and in-kind studio space.
3 June – Creative Australia Fellowships
$80,000 to support outstanding, established artists’ and arts workers’ activity and professional development for one to two years.
3 June – Creative Australia Australian World Heritage Residency
Residencies offer $50,000 grants for on-site work with a confirmed Field Partner at a World Heritage Site in Australia.
3 June – Playing Australia Project Investment
For organisations to undertake performing arts tours to reach regional and remote communities.
28-30 June – Inner West Council’s Creative Toolbox (NSW)
Three-day symposium to equip artists and professionals with tools for resilient creative careers. With 25+ expert-led sessions, conversations, and workshops In Marrickville Library and Town Hall. Register now for priority access.
Diversity Arts Australia – How to be Anti-Racist in the Arts
A national campaign empowering artists and orgs to take action against racism. Resources include a Racial Literacy Quiz, a digital Resource Hub, and free community-led training.
Hey Mate Resources
Hey Mate delivers mental health and wellness support to the creative industries. They have a free blog with articles including Touring and Mental Health: How to Build Resilience On and Off the Road, and How to Choose the Right EAP Provider for Your Organisation.
VICTORIAN STUFF
9 May – Showcase Victoria 2025
The event connecting artists/producers and venues is on 20–21 May. Featuring excerpts of works, pitching sessions, and networking. Registration for the two days start from $238.50 and close 9 May.
16 May – Gasworks x Melbourne Writers Theatre Script Lab EOIs
Free playwriting program from June–August. For writers dedicated to developing and presenting their work. Completed scripts ready for presentation will be shared at Showcase Nights.
17 May – Technical Toolbox Day Workshops
Free workshops for technicians working in the industry. Sessions include: Time Management, Navigating Identity and Re-defining Resilience in the Arts; and Great (Production) Expectations. At Chunky Move.
19 May – Geelong Arts Centre Creative Engine Launchpad
For artists to develop and present new works in development at The Open House Theatre. Artists receive $1,000 for production costs, access to rehearsal space, marketing and technical support, and 100% of box office sales.
26–29 May – MILKE The Producer Lab Workshops
Online workshops in May for producers. Topics include: Planning a Regional or Festival Tour, Producer Contracts, and Pitch Like a Pro.
30 May – Auspicious Arts Financial Management Seminars for Artistic Directors EOIs
A series of half-day seminars presented by John Paxinos on Budgeting, Cashflow, and The Balance Sheet. For those in artistic management roles who do not have formal accounting training. Auspicious Arts is covering the cost of the seminars, but you need to submit an EOI.
2 June – Frankston City Council South Side Festival EOIs
Two streams to present at the Festival in 2026. $25,000 for a creative project that will actively engage a large part of the Frankston municipality in VIC. $25,000 for a local artist or org to present at the Festival.
6 June – Melbourne Fringe 2025
Registrations are open to present at Melbourne Fringe. Fringe is running an informal Q&A on 13 May. They’re also holding drop-in sessions. Get real-time support for your registration from 23 May–2 June.
9 June – City of Melbourne Annual Arts Grants and Residencies
Offering grants and studio space for artists and orgs. Up to $20,000 for one-off arts projects. Projects must have a public outcome online or in the Melbourne municipality. Residencies include a $5,000 stipend.
Community Venues for Artist Trial
Merri-bek City Council is testing not-for-profit rates for artists to rent community venues. The trial runs until June 2025.
CYPA STUFF (Children, Young People, and the Arts)
6 May–10 June – PYT Fairfield Masterclasses (NSW)
Two six-week masterclasses. One on Acting Craft and Critique, led by PYT’s Director Jacqueline Hornjik. One on Writing Long Form for the Stage and Screen, led by Bina Bhattacharya. Cost: $90.
16 May – Youth Off the Streets National Scholarships
$6,000 for educational or training goals in academia, trade, performing arts, and more. For students aged 16–21 who have a clear need for financial assistance.
20 May – Arts Centre Melbourne Sensorium Theatre Masterclass (VIC)
Masterclass on multi-sensory engagement for artists and arts workers. Aimed at those working with children, including those with disabilities. Tickets are $20–$40.
CAPT STUFF (Circus and Physical Theatre)
11 May – Circus Nexus Mentoring Program EOIs (VIC)
For circus professionals interested in being mentors for young people and emerging artists.
14 May – Circus Nexus Company Residency EOIs (VIC)
For artists/companies to develop a circus work for children aged 5–12. The residency provides $5,000, in-kind venue and technical support.
BETA CIRCUS Shared Stages Resource (EU)
A comprehensive guide to participatory circus. Gathers important insights, methods, and a guide for creating participatory circus practices.
NICA Artist Residency
Offering two weeks of free access for CaPT artists to develop a new work in NICA’s space. Applications will be accepted until spots are filled in each term.
INDUSTRY GOSS
- Matthew Lutton OAM has been appointed as Artistic Director for Adelaide Festival 2026-2028.
- Louise Bezzina is the new CEO/Artistic Director at Brisbane Powerhouse.
- Tania Hudson is stepping down as CEO at Chamber of Arts and Culture WA.
- Kerri Glasscock is stepping down as CEO and Festival Director of Sydney Fringe.
- Min Collie-Holmes has been appointed Director of Programming, and Saffron Benner has been appointed Head of Artistic Development at Queensland Theatre.
- Xavier O’Shannessy has finished up as Producer at Terrapin.
- Christopher Wade is the new Dance Development Facilitator at FLING.
Artistic Director/Co-CEO, Malthouse Theatre (VIC). Apply now.
Senior Producer, Griffin Theatre Company (NSW). Apply by 4 May.
Stage Managers (Casual), Melbourne Recital Centre (VIC). Apply by 4 May.
Artistic Leadership, HotHouse Theatre (VIC). EOIs by 5 May.
Technical Lead, Union House Theatre, UMSU (VIC). Apply by 7 May.
Executive Director, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company (WA). Apply by 9 May.
Cyber Security Manager, Creative Australia (NSW). Apply by 12 May.
Project Manager (Operations), NIDA (NSW). Apply by 20 May.
Board Directors (Voluntary), Women’s Circus (VIC). Apply by 28 May.