2023 Call For Proposals: Creative Development Program

In 2023, Metro Arts will continue to support the creative development of new contemporary works. The creative development program will feature works by early-career through to established performing arts practitioners. The program will emphasise quality contemporary practice that demonstrates innovation, experimentation, and critical engagement.

For us, the contemporary works we are looking for are new, ambitious and rule-breaking, by artists taking risks, creating, developing, and experimenting. Typically, we do not program traditional arts disciplines unless there is something that makes it fresh and exciting. Perhaps it’s genre bending/crossing and reimagined. Perhaps it’s an artform not typically envisioned in a theatre setting. Some artists Metro Arts have worked with in the past to create and premiere new contemporary work include Counterpilot, Pink Matter, Eve Klein and Taitu’uga Kitch Wesche.

The 2023 Call for Proposals does not invite applications for Metro Arts’ Performance Presentation Program. We are currently only seeking proposals for the Creative Development Program.

WHAT DO YOU RECEIVE?

We offer artists the opportunity to try out new ideas, new ways of working and new collaborations. The emphasis is on PROCESS rather than outcome – it’s about giving artists a space in which to experiment.

You will receive:

• A cash investment from Metro Arts of up to $5,000.00 (depending on the scale of the work).
• Time and space to experiment unreservedly with contemporary arts practice. You will have access to one of Metro Arts’ studios for up to 2 weeks (depending on the scale of the work).
• Venue-standard technical equipment. If you have specific or extensive requirements for your development, please consider this in your proposal.
• Creative mentoring and consultation with Metro Arts staff and other potential mentors – this will involve meeting with staff prior, during and post creative development.
• Industry links to develop pathways for your work, to audiences and market;
• The option to hold a private work-in-progress showing.

Metro Arts is committed to engaging with a diverse range of artists within our programs and encourages applications from members of the creative community across spectrums of ability, age, race, gender identity and sexual orientation. Metro Arts operates under a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and has officially adopted the “Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts” which can be viewed here: https://australiacouncil.gov.au/investment-anddevelopment/protocols-and-resources/protocols-for-using-first-nations-cultural-and-intellectualproperty-in-the-arts/

Metro Arts is seeking contemporary performance makers who are brave and curious. Artists who are open to collaboration and conversation, who will dedicate their time and commitment to the project, including pre and post project tasks, are favourably considered.

Metro Arts actively supports artists and uses public funds from Brisbane City Council, Arts Queensland and the Australia Council for the Arts. Metro Arts is responsible for ensuring these funds have maximum reach and impact and as such your commitment and dedication to the project is crucial.

Through seed funding and collaborations, we aim for dialogue between artists and audiences creating a hub for innovation and independent practice. We do not support work as part of under-graduate university study but will consider collaborations as part of post-graduate studies.

Interstate artists are welcome to apply, however please consider that Metro Arts may not be responsible for the costs associated with travel and accommodation if successful.

You may be wondering why we are strictly seeking applications for Creative Developments, and not presentation-ready productions like previous years.

In the past, the Metro Arts Performance Program has comprised of a combination of works from Call for Proposal applications, past creative development showings, and new works from artists with a standing relationship with Metro Arts. With the last few years of rescheduling and postponements of presentations due to COVID and weather events, we have previous presentation agreements in place which we need to honour.

While we may not be able to program your work in 2023, there remain opportunities available for Venue Hire in both our New Benner Theatre, and Studio spaces. We aim to keep our hire rates discounted and affordable for artists, so please reach out to bianca@metroarts.com.au if you would like more information.