TNA STUFF

Victorian CaPT Funding
From 2023–2024, TNA will be partnering with the Australia Council to deliver three capacity building initiatives for the Circus and Physical Theatre sector in Victoria and beyond, developed in direct response to TNA’s consultation. Find out more on our website.

12 Oct – How to Vote Well
TNA is holding an online event to explain how the two Houses of state government work, preferencing, voting above or below the line, and how to do some research before voting day with guest speaker Bill Browne from the Australia Institute. Wednesday 12 Oct, 12–1pm AEDT.

13 Oct – Regional Victorian Performing Arts Forum
We are thrilled to be hosting our first regional in-person gathering since 2019 – at Ballarat Mining Exchange, in partnership with Mining Exchange and the City of Ballarat. Registrations are free but essential – join us and our regional colleagues for a chat and a bite to eat. Thursday 13 Oct, 12:30pm–4pm AEDT.

24 Oct – TNA is Hiring: Three New CaPT Roles!
To support our capacity building initiatives, we are recruiting for three new roles in the TNA team: Senior Producer – CAPT (0.8 FTE), Program Producer – CIPI (0.4 FTE), Program Producer – First Nations Circle (0.2 FTE). All close 24 Oct. Combined applications welcome.  

24 Oct – New South Wales Performing Arts Forum (NSW) Open Now
TNA is partnering with Theatre Network NSW, Performance Space and Carriageworks to host an in-person sector gathering during Liveworks Festival of Experimental Art for companies and independents. 3–5pm AEDT, then drinks, Monday 24 Oct, Elston Room, Carriageworks. Limited places, register here.

27 Oct – Speed Briefing on TNA’s 2022 Indie Survey Report
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT reports on the working trends of independent artists and creatives in the performing arts in Australia. Following a recent survey which drew 297 valid responses, we are now excited to share our top-level findings and observations at a speed briefing. Thursday 27 Oct, 12.30–1pm AEDT, online on Zoom. If you have access needs, please let us know by 24 Oct. The full report will be released immediately following the event. 

NATIONAL STUFF

3 Oct – Platform Arts Creative Program 2023 EOIs
Four separate programs: LAB is a 12-month supported residency with $5,000 for development, YOOKAPA is a development opportunity for First Nations creatives based in Victoria, the Performance Program supports experimentation, creative developments, one-off presentations or touring, and Public Programs is for artists to deliver talks, workshops and events at Platform, or offsite. LAB, Performance and Public are open to artists Australia-wide.

3 Oct – Artsbridge Funding
Up to $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups in TAS to travel for opportunities, and to bring professionals to TAS.

3 Oct – Aboriginal Arts Mentoring Scheme (TAS)
Supports mentorships up to $10,000 for young Tasmanian Aboriginal artists with an established Tasmanian Aboriginal artist, and/or Tasmanian arts organisation.
 
5 Oct – Festivals Australia Grant
Projects can include but are not limited to a parade, performance, workshop, installation or exhibition. For projects commencing from Feb 2023.

October Business Month (NT)
A month-long program to support NT-based businesses, delivered by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade. Free and paid sessions including: Digital Transformation, Giving First Nations Job Candidates the Tools to Succeed, Resilient Leadership, Why is Liveability so Crucial to the Territory, and more.

11 Oct – Australia Council Digital Fellowship Program
Six-month program from Jan–June 2023 bringing practitioners based in AU and Aotearoa New Zealand together to co-develop their digital practice; with in-person gathering, mentoring, online gathering, and $10,000 funding per participant to collaborate, develop or present their practice.

11 October – Australia Council Playing Australia 
Funding for regional and remote touring. Please note there have been changes recently introduced which may alter your approach to applying for Playing Australia.

11 Oct – Governance Training for Individuals
Delivered by Australia Council with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) for
individuals who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, CALD, based regionally or remotely, people with a disability, aged 25 and under working in the arts and creative industries outside of organisations. Individuals must have no prior board director experience. Fully subsidised spots are available.  

18 Oct – Sync Leadership Online Program
To develop leadership for those with disability and/or who are d/Deaf in arts, culture, heritage and media, co-founded by UK’s Sarah Pickthall and Jo Verrent.

19 Oct – APAM’s I Wanna Go: Building your international connections
A free, online workshop series for First Nations artists and producers. October’s workshop is on international engagement and First Nations global exchange, with key leaders from Turtle Island/North America, Aotearoa/NZ, First Nations Taiwan.

20 Oct – Bad, Better and Beyond Best Practice: Rethinking Arts Governance (SA)
Arts Industry Council SA is hosting a day on arts governance with Kate Larsen. Sessions include Bad News Boards, on broken’ arts and not-for-profit governance models; Boards Doing Better; and Doing Better Than Boards. Online and in-person. $20 each, or free for AICSA members.   

28 Oct – Flying Fruit Fly Circus: Under Construction Residencies (VIC and National)
For artists in AU to develop and perform original new physical theatre and circus works. Seed funding of $3,000, two weeks access to rehearsal facilities and free accommodation. Victorian artists and collectives can access an additional $5,000 seed funding, and an opportunity to be considered for a $20,000 commission.

14 Feb 2023 – Australia Council’s Four-Year Investments for Organisations (2025-2028)
Funding of $100,000–$520,000 p/a open to eligible organisations that develop, create and/or present artistic programs. Applications will be reviewed by Industry Advisors rather than Peer Assessors. Service organisations now funded through a separate stream.

Beyond Blue – New Access for Small Business Owners
A free and confidential mental health coaching program for small business owners, including sole traders.

BlakDance – Dana Warana Digital EOI
A program that brings together artists, producers and presenters who are interested in supporting First Nations choreographers to create, present and tour more productions.

A Statement from the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA
The Chair of CACWA has announced that the organisation is undertaking an urgent and comprehensive review of its purpose and operating model. The review will explore options for a more sustainable business model. ‘If the Chamber is to continue as the sector’s peak body,’ Phil Thick said, ‘there must be a significant change in how it is funded and operates.’

Bump Out Sydney
A small initiative that finds new homes for used theatre sets, costumes, props and paraphernalia in the pursuit of a more sustainable theatre ecosystem.

Free Hot at Canberra Coworking Space (ACT)
Fifty Acres has additional hot desking space, with access to all amenities which they are offering to not-for-profit clients and networks. Available through until March 2023, at no cost.

VICTORIAN STUFF

3 Oct – Premiere at Gasworks
Offers artists assistance to present new and original works with reduced venue hire rates, discounted staffing rates, free rehearsal space, marketing and graphic design support and advice on production design and technical aspects of their show.

3 Oct – Arts Wellbeing Collective’s Mental Health Matinee 
Two webinars as part of Alter State: a panel discussion with the Collective’s Lived Experience Advisory Group; and panellists from Women’s Circus discuss the intersections of disability, wellbeing, and self-care.

6–8 Oct – Arts Access Australia: Meeting Place Forum
A three-day, disability-led forum during Alter State, for arts professionals and emerging artists in the arts and disability sectors. In-person in Melbourne and online. Tiered pricing from $100–$400 for the three days.

12 & 27 Oct – Ausdance Vic: Inside Dance Series
Professional development seminars for dance artists. Upcoming: Mental Health Toolkit with Philippa Ziegenhardt on 12 Oct, and Branding and Self-Promotion are not Dirty Words with Cameron Macdonald on 27 Oct. $33 per session for non-members.

20 Oct – Arts House Artist Opportunities 2023
The Warehouse Residency is a disability-led 3-month residency, providing $25,000 for creative fees and $4,000 access for experimental projects presented at North Melbourne Town Hall. CultureLAB provides up to $20,000 to develop a project.

15 Oct – Fringe Parade ‘March for the Arts’
Fringe is asking artists, audiences, alumni and arts-lovers to march for the arts in its historic extravaganza. Anyone can register to be a part of the Parade as an individual or a group, or by building a float. Those interested in creating a float, who need extra cash can apply for a grant of up to $1,000.

17 Oct – Bluestone Church Arts Space Residency Program 2023
Two residencies in Maribyrnong. The Creative Development Program supports artists with in-kind access to the space to creatively develop a new work over two weeks. The Supported Season Program supports a new performance season of one to three weeks’ duration. Artists receive a stipend of $5,000, a 70:30 box office split, and a technician for up to eight hours.

18 Oct – Aboriginal Creative Residency at Boyd Studios – Any Artform
12-month residency for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and small creative businesses to advance their practice through the provision of studio space, facilities and a $5,000 grant. The residency is for creative development and no public outcome is required.

27 Oct – Dancehouse – Now Pieces Curators EOIs
For lead curators to work with Kevin Jeynes on the full 12-month program, and for guest curators to take-up single Now Pieces events. Curators are paid a fee and are provided with a budget to be managed in consultation with Dancehouse.

18–19 Nov – Hi-Viz Satellites 2022: Modes of Making
A 2-day hybrid program in-person in Bendigo and Singapore and online, delivered by Chamber Made and Punctum. For women, non-binary and gender-diverse artists working across the fields of performance, sound and music to exchange ideas and form new networks.

ASSITEJ STUFF – Youth Arts & Young Audiences

5 Oct – Australian Government Youth Steering Committee
The Australian Government wants your help to change the way that government and young people work together. The Youth Steering Committee will include 15 young people between the age of 12 and 25. You don’t need any previous experience to apply. Closes 5 Oct.

23 Oct – ASSITEJ Asia Coffee Session
An informal online gathering for theatre for young audiences colleagues, around the topic of inclusive & accessible international festivals/gatherings. Oct 23, 6:30pm – 8:00pm AEDT. Click here for the meeting link, passcode 349769.

28 Oct – Resident Artist 2023 Canberra Youth Theatre (ACT)
Year-long incubator for early career theatre-makers based in ACT aged 18-25 who are passionate about creating new works. A stipend of $5,000, mentorship and professional development, and $1,000 for professional development costs provided.

6 Nov ­– Red Stitch Random Acts of Theatre
Offers people aged 16–24 a free season pass. If successful, you are expected to attend every show. Red Stitch is also accepting donations for Random Acts.  

10 Nov – Creativity in Conversation: Free Artist Talk at Sydney Opera House (NSW)
Featuring the artists and creators of RAIN, an immersive performance for babies and their carers, who will discuss the creative process, connecting with audiences, and making theatre that places relationships at the heart.

15 Nov – Norwegian ASSITEJ Festival Open Call
The festival, 12-16 Sep 2023, is calling for performing arts productions for the young audience between the ages of 0-19 and contributions to the professional program. Submissions close 15 Nov.

Shape Arts Access Victoria’s Programs for Young People – Survey
AAV is asking young people 17–25 what their ideal arts programs or events would be. All responses are presented anonymously.

CIRCUS AND PHYSICAL THEATRE (CAPT) STUFF

TNA’s Behind the Scenes Podcast (September)
Circus artist/ performer and Unusualist, Mitch Jones, chats about his process of creating performances.

28 Nov – Circus WA Youth Auditions
Open to all young people 10–21 keen to pursue an experience in circus and physical theatre performing. Register before the end of November, auditions will be held in early December.

Flying Fruit Fly Circus Announces New Venue
The Fruities have announced that their Albury facility will be expanded to include a new custom circus space, the Borderville Studio Theatre. Construction is expected to be completed in September 2023. 

INDUSTRY GOSS

• Adelaide arts industry manager Gillian Mercer has joined the Australia Council for the Arts as Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships.
• Tom Dickins has stepped down as Producer of Education, Development and Family programs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He is taking up the role of Creative Producer of The Channel at Arts Centre Melbourne.
• Sasha Zahra has been appointed Creative Producer at Patch Theatre.
• Congratulations to PAC’s Impact Award Winners for 2022, including TNA member ActNow Theatre.
• Shopfront Arts Co-op has appointed Creative Director Natalie Rose to the joint role of Co-Chief Executive Officer, joining Executive Director/CEO Daniel Potter in the leadership of the organisation.
• Jo Porter has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at RAV, taking the reins from Joe Toohey. Jo will take up the role of CEO in early November 2022.      
• Peter Knight and Rosemary Willink are stepping down, respectively, as Artistic Director and Executive Producer, of Australian Art Orchestra at the end of the year.
• Melbourne Fringe has announced three new appointments to its core staff: Peta Duncan as Program Coordinator at Deadly Fringe; Ebony Addinsall as Head of Marketing, and Toby Sullivan as General Manager.
• Dr Amanda Morris has been appointed Director of Charles Darwin University’s new Academy of the Arts.
• Kim de Kretser has been appointed the new Managing Director at Melbourne-based organisation, Experimenta. 

VALE

Vale Uncle Jack Charles
It is with great sadness that we farewell Uncle Jack Charles, who passed away on 13 Sept. Uncle Jack Charles was a revered Aboriginal elder, actor, musician, activist, a Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Taungurung survivor of the Stolen Generations. From running his one-man show Jack Charles Vs The Crown, to co-founding Nindethana, Melbourne’s first Aboriginal-led theatre group, Uncle Jack Charles was crucial in bringing the stories of First Peoples to the stage. We remember Uncle Jack in great story-telling mode with Rhoda Roberts at our Australian Theatre Forum in Sydney 2015. A State Funeral Service on 18 Oct at 2pm at Hamer Hall will be held to honour and celebrate the life, legacy and service of Uncle Jack Charles. Vale, Uncle Jack.

Vale Shirley McKechnie
TNA joins the Australian dance community in mourning the loss of the indelible, Shirley McKechnie AO, who throughout her life remained a seminal figure of Australian dance as an educator, researcher, and advocate. Born in Melbourne in 1926, Shirley was Australia’s leading dance-educator, thanks to her pioneering work founding one of Australia’s first contemporary dance schools (Beaumaris School of Modern Ballet) in 1955, one of the nation’s earliest contemporary dance touring companies (Contemporary Dance Theatre of Melbourne) in 1963, and established Australia’s first Bachelor of Dance degree at Rusden State College. She was also the driving force behind some of Australia’s most enduring dance organisations, having founded both the Australian Association for Dance Education (Ausdance) in 1977 and the first professional education company in Australia (Tasdance) in 1981.

POSITIONS VACANT

Chairperson (Voluntary), Access2Arts (SA). Apply now.
Creative Producer, Arts House (VIC). Apply by 2 Oct.
CTC Program Manager, Creative Learning and Young Audiences, Canberra Theatre Centre (ACT). Apply by 3 Oct.
Executive Director, Australian Art Orchestra (VIC). Apply by 3 Oct.
Artistic Director/s, Australian Art Orchestra (VIC). Apply by 3 Oct.
Digital Production Manager, APAM (VIC – can be interstate). Apply by 5 Oct.
Artistic Director, Windmill Theatre Company (SA). Apply by 7 Oct.
Creative Producer, Ballarat International Foto Biennale (VIC). Apply by 9 Oct.
Australian Cultural Fund Manager, Creative Partnerships Australia (VIC). Apply by 10 Oct.
Manager, Community Engagement, Bangarra (NSW). Apply by 10 Oct.

Production and Operations Coordinator, Chunky Move (VIC). Apply by 10 Oct.
Artistic Director, Performance Space (NSW). Apply by 16 Oct.
Head of Venue Management, Monkey Baa Theatre Company (NSW). Apply by 17 Oct.
Team Manager, Creative Communities, Townsville City Council (QLD). Apply by 23 Oct.
Company Director, Tracks Dance (NT). Apply by 24 Oct.
Senior Producer, Circus and Physical Theatre (0.8 FTE), TNA (VIC). Apply by 24 Oct.
Program Producer, CIPI, CaPT Producers Independent Initiative (0.4FTE), TNA (VIC). Apply by 24 Oct.
Program Producer, First Nations Circle (0.2FTE), TNA (VIC). Apply by 24 Oct.
Board Members (Voluntary), ActNow Theatre (SA). Apply by 28 Oct.