TNA STUFF
Nicole Beyer to Finish at TNA in December
TNA’s Executive Director, Nicole Beyer, will step down in December, after nearly 15 years in the role. Read the full media release.
13–15 Sep — Register Now: Australian Performing Arts Forum (APAF) Digital Program
This year’s APAF Digital Program features a curated selection of livestreams, networking opportunities, and workshops facilitated by Kate Sulan. Don’t miss the keynote conversation with independent UK artist and choreographer Maxine Doyle (Punchdrunk)! Join this three-day national conversation from anywhere. Registration starts at $26 for TNA indie members.
25 Sep — Scholarships for Diverse New Riggers (VIC)
In response to the lack of diversity in circus rigging detailed in the 2020 rigging report, TNA is providing scholarships to support two aspiring CaPT riggers in Victoria to complete a Certificate III in Rigging.
9 Oct — Advanced and Regional Riggers Upgrade Program (VIC)
This initiative is for experienced intermediate riggers in Victoria who wish to upgrade to advanced levels, as well as riggers living in regional areas with limited access to government funded initiatives.
Behind the Scenes Podcasts
In August’s episode, Sanja Simić, Curator of the 2023 APAF, updates on TNA’s national gathering in Brisbane next week. Sukhjit Khalsa, the new Executive Director of Blue Room Theatre, shares her vision for Western Australia’s home of independent theatre and performance. Then, in September, Sanja and APAF Associate Producer Emily Coleman chat about the process of curating APAF.
TNA’s Submission to the Office for Youth
TNA has collaborated with members of the sector to create this submission to the Office for Youth’s new Federal Youth Engagement Strategy. We will be working to ensure that the arts are represented.
NATIONAL STUFF
8 Sep — EOIs for Ensemble Theatre Sandra Bates Director’s Awards
Successful applicants will be offered a paid position as Assistant Director, working on two of Ensemble Theatre’s mainstage productions and Ensemble Development projects in 2024.
11 Sep — EOIs for CAAP Artist Lab (SA)
Contemporary Asian Australian Performance and OzAsia Festival are running a professional development program led by performance maker Valerie Berry.
15 Sep — PAC Australia’s Tour Producer Training
For independent producers, artists or companies looking to gain skills in developing their own tours through five online sessions from October to December.
15 Sep — 2024 Moosehead Award
This grant provides financial support to artists putting on shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, covering expenses such as venue costs, registration fees, payments for creative collaborators, and accommodation for those based outside Melbourne.
15 Sep — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australia-Japan Foundation Grant Program
$10,000 to $50,000 grants to expand links between Australia and Japan through programs and partnerships that align with the Australian Government’s priorities, promoting a contemporary and positive image of Australia.
15 Sep — Proposals for the Performance Programme for Tanzmesse 2024
Internationale Tanzmesse invites professional contemporary dance artists, companies, professionals and organisations to submit proposals for the 2024 Performance Programme.
17 Sep — Helpmann Academy’s Creative Investment Fellowships
Up to $10,000 funding for emerging artists or collectives to undertake ambitious projects and professional development.
19 Sep — Creative Australia’s International Engagement Fund
Funding from $5,000 to $30,000 for creative collaboration and development, cultural exchange, and reciprocal activities.
19 Sep — Creative Australia’s International Travel Fund
Funding from $5,000 to $20,000 to support travel costs associated with attending key market development and cultural exchange platforms and gatherings.
19 Sep — Creative Australia’s International Touring and Presentation Fund
Funding from $5,000 to $50,000 to support international touring, showcasing and presentation opportunities.
19 Sep — Creative Australia’s Governance Training Courses
Courses for individuals and organisations covering governance, risk, strategy, and finance, offered in partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
19 Sep — Ready to Raise: Free Fundraising Webinar with Martin Paul
Free online session exploring why fundraising matters and what organisations need to do to make their fundraising efforts thrive. 19 September, 10am to 12pm AEST.
22 Sep — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Foundation Australia-Korea Foundation Grant Program
$10,000 to $50,000 grants for projects or activities that advance Australia’s engagement with Korea, including exchanges, partnerships, and other collaborations.
24 Sep — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s National Foundation for Australia-China Relations Grant Program
$100,000 to $500,000 grants to develop, promote and strengthen understanding and engagement between Australia and China, including business and community stakeholders, in support of Australia’s national interests.
24 Sep – EOIs for ActNow Theatre’s Arts Pathway Program (First Nations People only)
Free four-day workshop from 10–13 October. Explore your creativity, build creative skills, and gain insights into the performing arts industry. No experience necessary. Grants available for participants from regional South Australia to cover travel costs.
25 Sep – EOIs for CAAP Longhouse: Works-in-Progress (NSW)
A platform for Asian Australian artists to test out works in development. Submissions are welcome from both emerging artists and experienced artists .
2 Oct — EOIs for Premiere at Gasworks
Stage a new and original work with Gasworks Arts Park’s assistance, including financial subsidies, marketing support, and venue hire help.
2 Oct — Arts Tasmania’s Artsbridge Program (TAS)
Funding available for Tasmanian individuals and groups travelling within and outside Tasmania, as well as for those bringing professionals into Tasmania.
5 Oct — Open Call for The Saison Foundation’s 2024 International Program
Grants and/or priority use of space at Morishita Studio in Tokyo, including studios and guest rooms, for international theatre and dance collaboration projects with not-for-profit contemporary Japanese performing artists and/or companies.
6 Oct — EOIs for Pride Foundation Australia’s Grant
Grants of up to $20,000 for projects with a focus on LGBTQIA+ refugees and people seeking asylum.
10 Oct — Nominations for First Nations Arts and Culture Awards 2024
The Red Ochre Award honours lifetime achievement by two senior artists, each receiving $50,000. The Dreaming Award recognises two emerging First Nations artists, each with $20,000. The First Nations Emerging Career Development Award of $10,000 is for the professional development of two First Nations artists or arts workers.
17 Oct — Accessible Arts’ Free Online Access Rider Workshop with Michelle Teear
This online session provides an overview of Access Riders, how to write them, what to ask for, and the kind of language to use. 17 October, 10am to 11am AEDT. Limited spots available.
24 Oct — Request for Tender: Delivery of the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) 2025 to 2030
Creative Australia seeks the services of an organisation or consortium to develop, deliver and evaluate APAM from 2025 to 2030. Tender information here.
15 Dec — Scene Theatre’s National Playwriting Competition
Individuals aged 60 and over can submit a 15 to 20-minute stage play on any topic for a chance to be showcased at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct in March 2024.
Little Phil Foundation’s Nonprofit Technology Grant
Grants of up to $1,000 are available to eligible non-profit organisations to procure digital technology.
Participate in Production Personnel Industry Snapshot Survey
Conducted by Elucidate Consulting, in collaboration with VAPAC, this survey aims to capture the experiences of independent and freelance production practitioners in the arts, events and festivals industries. Help provide data for industry and peak bodies with government to address sector skills and personnel shortages.
APAM Gathering at RISING – Report Now Available
The summary report from the APAM Gathering at RISING Melbourne provides high-level results and learnings from the hybrid event held in June, attended by over 540 participants online and in-person.
Workforce Development Roundtable for First Nations Performing Arts
A national gathering to discuss priorities for First Nations skills and workforce development in our industry took place in June. Check out the three-minute showreel and the initial discussion paper here.
Creative Workplaces Council
The Australian Government’s Minister for the Arts announced the inaugural members of the Creative Workplaces Council, which will inform and support the operation of Creative Workplaces.
Support Act and THIS WAY UP’s Free Online Tools to Tame the Mind
Free, evidence-based online treatment programs for Australian music industry workers, providing step-by-step strategies for managing stress, anxiety and low mood.
Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners
A free and confidential mental health coaching program providing small business owners, including sole traders, with the support they need.
VICTORIAN STUFF
Sick Pay Guarantee for Arts and Creative Industries
The Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee has expanded to include arts workers. Check your eligibilityand sign up on the Service Victoria website ASAP, as workers must register to receive a payment. The number of hours a worker can claim per year depends on their registration date.
10 Sep — City of Port Phillip’s Love My Place Grants Program
Up to $15,000 funding for projects that activate public spaces within the City of Port Phillip through events, public art, and installations.
27 Sep — Merri-bek City Council’s Flourish Arts Grants Program
Apply for funding for projects in 2024: up to $5,000 for individual artists and $10,000 for arts organisation.
17 Oct — Making Space Infrastructure Funding
Grants from $50,000 to $100,000 to improve accessibility in Victorian creative workspaces and venues. Open to organisations and collectives that are Deaf and Disability led or show a commitment to disability leadership.
Facilitator Needed for Schizy Inc Theatre Collective’s ‘all is quiet’ Project (Paid Gig)
Schizy Inc is looking for a theatre dramaturg/director skilled in working with neurodivergent and Disabled communities for a creative development of a short devised unspoken work featuring 6 artists at Ross House, Melbourne. Contact Heidi Everett at admin@schizy.org.
ASSITEJ STUFF – Youth Arts & Young Audiences
TNA Youth Arts Chairs’ Network
36 Chairs and Board members have joined TNA’s Youth Arts Chairs’ Network. The group will be meeting online three times in October and November, with a focus on learning about the national sector context and best practice governance. Contact TNA if you would like to join.
Open Call for the 21st ASSITEJ World Congress ‘Voices of a New World’
The 21st ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival for children and young people will be held in Havana, Cuba, from 24 May to 1 June 2024. Submissions are open for the Professional Exchange Programme (by 15 Sep) and Conference Papers (by 13 Oct).
Participate in Research: Developing and Sustaining Relationships of Care with Young People
University of Melbourne PhD Candidate seeks theatre improvisers with over 5 years’ experience working with young people, including facilitators, leaders, collaborators, teachers, directors, or others. Contact Catherine Ryan at catheriner2@student.unimelb.edu.au or 0419 102 516.
Child Protection Policy Template
The Institute of Community Directors has a free policy bank with templates you can access. Law firm Maddocks have updated their Child Protection Policy in the bank that you can download and use.
CIRCUS AND PHYSICAL THEATRE (CAPT) STUFF
10 Sep — Waterways Meet and Play Workshops (QLD)
Free workshops for young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 10-25 who are keen to develop circus skills and tell stories on stage. The workshops will be held between 10 September to 26 November. No previous circus experience is required to apply.
20-22 Sep – FRESH (Audio Livestreams)
FRESH 2023 – The International Event for the Development of Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Arts will be livestreaming audio across the three days of this event. Tune in between 10am and 1pm CEST on September 20, 21 and 22 to listen to the keynotes, artistic talks and roundtables of the program.
19-20 Oct — Australian Circus Summit ‘The Moving State of Circus’ (VIC)
Bookings are now open for this two-day conference presented by NICA, which aims to enable conversations to challenge and inspire. The program includes panel discussions, presentations, Q&A sessions, and keynote speakers.
TNA’s Rigging Scholarships and Programs (VIC)
TNA is offering scholarships to support two aspiring CaPT riggers in Victoria to complete a Certificate III in Rigging (apply by 25 Sep) and programs for experienced intermediate riggers in Victoria and/or riggers living in regional areas (apply by 9 Oct).
Leaps and Bounds: APAM x Honey Pot CaPT Event
APAM and Adelaide Fringe’s International Arts Marketplace Honey Pot will present a special platform event for Australian CaPT artists in February 2024. The two-day event is designed to foster new connections, collaborations, and tour development, featuring pitch sessions for visiting festivals and presenters, along with a program of exchange, roundtables, and networking. Stay tuned for details and pitch EOIs opening in September.
INDUSTRY GOSS
- The Australia Council Board of Creative Australia welcomes the following appointments: Robert Morgan (Chair), Professor Wesley Enoch AM (Deputy Chair), Adrian Collette AM, Caroline Bowditch, Alexandra Dimos, Stephen Found, Rosheen Garnon, Amanda Jackes, Dr Lindy Lee, Christine Simpson Stokes AM, Courtney Stewart, Kitty Taylor, Philip Watkins, and Caroline Wood AM.
- Jo Thomas has been appointed as CEO of ARTRAGE and is stepping down as CEO & Artistic Director at Metro Arts.
- Robbie Carmellotti is stepping down as General Manager of Ausdance VIC.
- Pieta Farrell has been appointed as the new Executive Producer at Melt OPEN.
- Penny Harpham is stepping down as CEO/Executive Director of Western Edge.
- Melenie Stevenson has been appointed as Industry Development Manager at the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC), moving from NICA.
- Sarah Neal is stepping down as Executive Producer & Co-CEO of Malthouse Theatre.
- Ro Bright is finishing up as Executive Director of Snuff Puppets. Sarah Houbolthas been appointed as the new General Manager.
- Will Dawson is stepping down as Deputy CEO of Melbourne Fringe Festival.
- Eugene Ughetti has been appointed as the new Artistic Director at Canberra International Music Festival.
- Michael Kennedy has stepped down as Marketing Manager of Performing Lines and is now Producer at Biennale of Sydney.
- Charlotte Kenny has finished up as Group Studios Manager at Charcoalblue. Tessa Bagshaw has been appointed as the new Studio Administrator.
- Gail Power has stepped down as Manager of Arts & Culture for Boroondara Arts Centre. Betty Genovezos is the new Interim Manager.
- Simon Clarke has finished up as Coordinator Arts and Culture at Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
- Darren Braund has been appointed as a new Board member at Country Arts SA.
- Reena Costello, Deb Hughes and Dearna Newchurch have been appointed the new Board members at Patch Theatre.
- Lena Nahlous and Siobhán McGeown have been appointed the new Board Directors at Monkey Baa.
POSITIONS VACANT
Talent Agent, Patrick Management (VIC). Apply by 28 Sep.
Artistic Director, Queensland Ballet (QLD). Apply by 30 Sep.
Festival Director, Nati Frinj Biennale Festival (VIC). Apply by 30 Sep.
Producer, Circa (QLD). Apply by 1 Oct.