News & MediaTNV STUFF
Going National – Our New Name: Theatre Network Australia
As you know, we have been undertaking significant national work since 2009, and the last seven months in particular has demonstrated our commitment to strengthening the entire sector, not just in Victoria. As a result, we are excited to announce that we are changing our name to Theatre Network Australia (TNA). We will continue to work on the legalities and re-branding over the coming months, but from 2016, we will start to refer to ourselves as TNA. Thank you for your support.
2016 Membership is now open – support our work
Your financial membership allows us to continue working to strengthen and connect the performing arts sector. There are lots of benefits, and you know that we work hard for you! In 2016, we are pleased to offer a 30% discount on our target membership fees. Prices start at $23.10 for individuals. Sign up as a 2016 financial member. See who is already a member here.
Advocacy Update – We need some action before year end!
As you are aware, the sector had a small win with the return of some funds to the Australia Council. But there is still work to be done. With ArtsPeak, we are calling for the government to:
- Implement Senate Inquiry Recommendations – in particular the full restoration of funds to the Australia Council.
- Release a Binding Public Statement to Secure Australia Council’s Future.
- Position the Arts Centrally to the Innovation Agenda.
- Prevent Further Damage to the Arts by Providing Transitional Funding for 2016.
Please write to your local MP and Minister Fifield and share on social media. #freethearts
NATIONAL STUFF
Catalyst – indies in groups of three can be auspiced
The new arts and funding program, Catalyst, is now accepting applications from organisations. Submissions can be made anytime and will be assessed on a quarterly basis. Though not open to individuals, groups of three are eligible to pitch arts and cultural projects if they are being auspiced. We suggest calling the Catalyst hotline prior to writing your submission. Read the FAQ and program guidelines.
Senate Report into arts funding changes online now
Following months of sector consultation, the Senate Report on the Impact of the 2014 and 2015 Commonwealth Budget decisions on the Arts is now available to read online. Of note are the recommendations that echo the passionate witness accounts at the national hearings. We thank the senators for their commitment and attention throughout the process, and of course, all of the artists and representatives who spoke on behalf of the sector. View the report here.
22 Jan – Playwriting Australia: New Play Development
Playwriting Australia is now inviting submissions of unproduced drafts at any stage of development with a view to providing a crucial and timely investment in the work through the New Development Program. In 2016, three different streams will be offered: Long Form, Rapid Fire and National Script Workshop. Submissions close 5pm 22 January 2016. More info.
18 Dec – Call for submissions – 2016 Performance Studies International Conference (PSi #22)
The PSi #22 conference will be held in Melbourne from 6 – 9 July 2016. Keynote speakers include Richard Frankland, Bruno Latour, Rebecca Schneider and Peta Tait. The committee is calling for papers that address the 2016 theme of ‘Performance Climates’. Submission deadline is Friday 18 December 2015. Membership and Registration will open in January 2016. Read more.
2016 Australia Council Awards
The Australia Council for the Arts is calling for 2016 Award nominations that recognise outstanding achievement and significant contribution by individuals across seven art forms. For more information on the categories and previous winners, visit the AusCo website.
VICTORIAN STUFF
20 Dec – Creative Industries Report – Feedback welcome
Following months of sector consultation, Minister Martin Foley has received the report by the Creative Industries Taskforce. There are 42 specific initiatives in the report, and they are seeking feedback by Sunday 20 December. Send your feedback to us as well!. Thank you for your energy throughout this process. We hope it leads to greater support for the small to medium and independent sectors. Read the report and provide feedback.
Green Room Awards Judging Panels – EOIs now open
The Green Room Awards Association is looking to fill vacancies on its judging panels for 2016. Panelists are required to see shows and attend panel meetings as well as have a good sense of responsibility and confidentiality. Please note that EOIs do not guarantee an invtitation to join a panel. Previous EOI applicants remain on the list. Submit an EOI here.
Advice in all forms – A to Z of Arts Management by Ann Tonks
Whether it’s advice on how to be a good arts manager or how to be an effective non-profit board, Ann Tonks (ex-Executive Director of Melbourne Theatre Company and ex-TNV Board member) can help. This month, Tilde University Press has published her A to Z of Arts Management and she’s available as a consultant to work with Boards and CEOs on everything from strategic planning processes to organisational reviews. For more details see: www.anntonks.com.au
Organisations Investment Program (OIP) – Changes Announced
Minister Martin Foley has announced a new-look OIP program with the main change being the removal of categories (developing, established and lead orgs). Arts and cultural organisations across Victoria will now be able to apply for four-year goverment grants (previously three years) under a new investment program. The minimum threshold for grants will rise, from $40,000 to $60,000 per year and is available to not-for-profit, legally constituted organisations that deliver professional arts, cultural or sector development programs in Victoria. The 2017-2020 round of the Organisations Investment Program will open for applications in March 2016. Read more here.
YPAA & ASSITEJ AUSTRALIA UPDATE
In January 2016, twenty two Australians will head to Montreal, Canada for the IPAY (International Performing Arts for Youth) conference and showcase. Arena, CDP, Grin and Tonic, Insite Arts, Monkey Baa, Nic Clark, the paperboats, Patch, Polyglot, Queensland Theatre Company, Slingsby, Spare Parts, Terrapin, The Last Great Hunt, and Windmill all have delegates attending. Visit the IPAY website.
In February, at APAM, there will be a specific session for invited delegates called ZOOM-IN: On Performance for Young Audience. “APAM’s ZOOM-IN sessions provide a fun, focused environment for sector-specific facilitated conversation” Check out the APAM website.
The international theatre festival “Starke Stücke” (1 – 11 March 2016) for young audiences, is teaming up with the Mousonturm and the Theaterhaus Frankfurt to offer a multi-level international residency programme on the subject of theatre for a young audience. Read more here.
ON THE EDGE, ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering, Birmingham, UK 2 – 9 July 2016, will feature performances by up to 18 companies from the UK, Ireland, and across the world. More info.
Remember the ASSITEJ congress will be held in South Africa in 2017 – this will be an extraordinary event and a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with African artists. Visit the ASSITEJ website.
INTERNATIONAL STUFF
27 Jan – Australia Council announces New York residency programs – EOIs now open
The Australia Council is offering two new exciting residency programs hosted by leading arts institutions in New York: Dance and Music at Omi International Arts Centre, and emerging and experimental arts at The Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Residency EOIs close on 27 January 2016 and are announced in early March. Read more here.
29 Jan – 2016 Brighton Fringe – Registrations now open
Brighton Fringe is England’s largest arts festival. The 2016 festival will run from 6 May – 5 June. Registrations for this open-access festival are now open and will close on January 29. Note that every year for the last three years, Brighton Fringe has been granted permit free status for international acts, but do read the Overseas Guide before you register. More info.
INDUSTRY GOSS
- Leticia Cáceres finishes as Artistic Associate of Melbourne Theatre Company.
- Kate Cherry to finish as Artistic Director of Black Swan State Theatre Company at the end of 2016.
- Jane Haley announced as CEO of Tasmanian arts festival, Ten Days on the Island.
- Anne-Marie Heath to finish up as General Manager of Sydney Recital Hall.
- Teena Munn has commenced her role as International Programming Manager of Circus Oz.
- Aneke McCulloch takes on Strategic Planning and Projects Coordinator role at City of Melbourne.
- Natalie De Vito will finish her role as Executive Director of Junction Arts Festival in early 2016.
- Art Play founder, Simon Spain, has concluded his time as Team Leader.
- Therese Kaitler commences as the PR Coordinator of Gasworks Arts Park.
- Colm O’Callaghan has been announced as Executive Producer of Force Majeure.
- Paul Lambeth has concluded his time as Director of Arts Mildura Festival.
- Two independent not-for-profits dedicated to community arts – Creating Australia (Sydney) and The Cultural Development Network (Melbourne) – will merge to improve efficiency and provide joint programs to the sector.
POSITIONS VACANT
Production and Technical Manager, Dancehouse. Apps close 15 Dec.
Artistic Associate, Belvoir. Apps close 15 Dec.
Development Manager, Dancehouse. Apps close 15 Dec.
Manager Evaluation, Australia Council for the Arts. Apps close 17 January.
Head of NIDA Open and NIDA Corporate, National Institute of Dramatic Art. Apps close 21 Dec.
Writer – Strategy and Advocacy, Australia Council for the Arts. Apps close 17 January.
Spiegeltent Producer, Circus Oz. Apps close 5 January.
Circus Program Manager, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus. Apps close 8 Jan.
Relationship Manager – Theatre, Arts Council England. Apps close 8 Jan.
It’s been a very big year for everyone. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday break and hope it is a chance to rest and recharge. Our office is closed from 23 December 2015 – 27 January 2016. If you need us during that time, email us and we’ll check in when we can. Bethany, Kath and Nicole.
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Compiled by Bethany Simons, Theatre Network Victoria
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