New work - theatre

New work grants support one-off projects that result in the creation of new contemporary theatre work. This can include a new production of an existing text.

Closing date: 1 June 2008
Decisions advised: October 2008
Projects may start: 1 November 2008

and

Closing date: 15 November 2008
Decisions advised: March 2009
Projects may start: 1 April 2009

About this category

There are three types of new work grants:

Creative development - supports the development stages of a new work, such as research, creative development workshops or commissioning a writer
Production - supports a public performance of a new work and any stages leading up to it, where a presenting partner has already committed to the project
Young artists initiative - supports either the creative development or production of a new work. These grants are supported through the Australian Government’s young and emerging artists initiative.

Applications for production grants must have a presenting partner involved in the project. A presenting partner is defined as anyone able to provide or raise the resources needed to present the work to the public, and could include (among others) venues, festivals, other theatre companies, local governments, museums or independent producers.

Applications for young artists initiative grants may be from individuals or groups where:

All of the key creative roles such as writer, director, animateur and main devisor are held by artists who are up to and including 26 years of age
The project involves a majority of artists who are up to and including 26 years of age
The total amount requested is $15,000 or less.

Please note that young artists Initiative grants will not fund the young artists’ costs of larger projects that mainly involve experienced artists. The entire project must be driven by young artists.

Who is eligible to apply?

New work grants are open to individuals and organisations. To be eligible, you must meet the general eligibility requirements.

All new work - production applicants will need to provide documentation of a presenting partner’s commitment and contribution to the project. Applications without such documentation will be ineligible.

What are the selection criteria?

Applications will be selected that best meet the following selection criteria:

An artistic rationale for the activity as a vital contribution to the development of high quality contemporary theatre
Artistic or professional skills appropriate to the activity
Contribution to the diversity of Australian theatre
Good planning and effective use of resources.

In assessing new work - production applications against the last criterion, the theatre board will take into account the presenting partner’s level of support. In doing so, it recognises that work with unconventional presentation requirements or in some geographical areas may have more limited choices in presenting partners, and the board will assess the degree of support with this in mind.