Open Studio is a creative development residency supporting emerging artists in the ACT who need space to create new work, develop ideas, or rehearse projects.
We are committed to providing support and space for a new generation of artists to develop their artistic practice. Open Studio is an artist-centred initiative that is development-focussed, allowing you to focus on process rather than outcome, no matter what stage your project may be at. We want to help it grow.
Artists will have free access to our rehearsal studio – either spread-out over several weeks, or used in intense bursts, depending on what’s most effective for you and your project.
Open Studio artists will receive:
- Free access to our rehearsal studio and meeting room.
- Mentorship and support to help you in your creative process, in whatever way works for you.
- Opportunities to connect with a community of creative collaborators, present works-in-progress, and receive feedback.
- Access to our professional networks across Australia.
- Support from Canberra Youth Theatre staff to develop your professional career pathways.
Open Studio supports a new generation of artists to collaborate, develop projects, and take the next steps in their creative careers.
Program Details
Location
Open Studio residencies take place at Canberra Youth Theatre’s rehearsal studio at Gorman Arts Centre (B-Block, Batman Street, Braddon ACT).
What’s Included:
- Dedicated rehearsal studio space for your allocated time
- Access to venue facilities, meeting rooms, and workspaces
- Mentoring from Canberra Youth Theatre staff
- Support with funding applications and grant writing
- Sector networking opportunities and introductions
- Flexible scheduling around your other commitments
What We Don’t Provide:
- Artist fees
- Funding (though we’ll help you apply for it)
- Guaranteed presentation opportunities
- Constant supervision
Eligibility
- Emerging artists based in the ACT and surrounding regions aged 16-25.
- Projects led by, or with a majority of, artists aged 25 years and under are eligible to apply;
- Applicants outside of this age range will only be considered if they are developing work that is made for or with young people (under 18).
How to Apply
Submit your EOI through our online form.
In preparing your application, you will need to compile the following:
- Your biography as an artist, and/or your group, and other collaborators.
- Information about your proposed project, including what you want to explore, and how you will use the time, space and support on offer.
- A proposed schedule and brief project plan.
- Your goals for the future, and how this project and our support can assist you.
Our staff are available to provide advice and support throughout the application process. We encourage you to email us at info@canberrayouththeatre.com.au if you have questions regarding the program.
Application Process
- An application is submitted via our EOI form by the artist or collective.
- We will endeavour to respond via email within 3 weeks.
- Short-listed applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss the details of their project.
- Applicants will then be notified of the outcome of their application.
- Successful applicants will then be invited to begin their residency with a consultation session with Canberra Youth Theatre to identify the goals and timeline for the project.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed by Canberra Youth Theatre staff using the following criteria:
- The project is led by artist/s aged 25 and under OR the project is developing work for young people (under 18).
- Clear articulation of the project proposal.
- Artistic merit of the project – preference will be given to projects that are a new work, or demonstrate creative ambition, rather than, for instance, staging a well-known play in a familiar style.
- Strength and viability of the proposal.
- Potential impact of the residency on the career or practice of the artist/s.
- How your idea aligns with the values of Canberra Youth Theatre.
FAQs
“I had never designed or led a creative development before. There were lots of accessibility considerations for this work, and this was a real opportunity for growth for me as an artist and writer. I also have accessibility needs myself, so by doing this at Canberra Youth Theatre where I already feel comfortable, it was a great training ground for me to build up confidence in myself as a lead artist. It was very heart warming for me to connect with other incredibly passionate and generous neurodivergent artists, it very much filled my cup. Strengthening community through collaboration is a core pillar of my artistic practice, and the Open Studio Program has supported me in providing a space for the young artists involved in the development of my work to connect, create and be heard. Accessibility was a huge consideration in creating a safe and welcoming development space, and that was equally valued by Canberra Youth Theatre.”
Thea Jade
Open Studio Artist
Open Studio is generously supported by Liv Hewson and The Jeremy Spencer Broom Legacy.
