CRACKED
CALLING ALL VICTORIAN BASED ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ARTISTS, COLLECTIVES & ARTS ORGANISATIONS WORKING IN EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE AND EXPERIMENTAL DANCE
CRACKED is a self-determined platform that seeds new experimental works by First Nations artists, grounded in long-term development and led by the artists themselves.
Six Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists from Victoria will be supported to create and present a 20-minute excerpt of new experimental work. These excerpts will be presented as two distinct triple-bill showings under the two specific genres of experimental theatre and experimental dance at YIRRAMBOI Festival 2027.
Selected artists will receive a $10,000 fee, alongside mentorship from leading First Nations practitioners, rehearsal space, technical support, and industry connections.
YIRRAMBOI have a strong commitment to d/Deaf, Disabled, neurodivergent, and regional artists.
Expressions of Interest close July 2026 AEST.
WHY NOW?
Since 2017, YIRRAMBOI has commissioned and supported First Nations artists to create and present new work, and in doing so, has witnessed the ongoing constraints placed on practices that sit outside narrow, outdated expectations of what First Nations art should be. There is a clear and urgent need for platforms that hold space for experimentation, risk, and works in progress.
This program responds directly to that need, centring self-determination by resourcing artists to test ideas, challenge form, and expand their practice on their own terms. With CRACKED, YIRRAMBOI offers a culturally grounded and trusted context for this work, where artists can explore freely and audiences are invited to engage with the breadth and complexity of First Nations expression.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists based in Victoria
- Independent artists, collectives, community groups or arts organisations
- Artists working with a producer or with experience in producing their own projects
Artists who have previously been awarded a YIRRAMBOI Commission are eligible to apply.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You can submit an Expression of Interest in the format that is easiest for you. You can submit the following formats through the SmartyGrants EOI system:
- Written
- Video
- Auslan
- Audio
Other methods of submitting include a phone call or online meeting that is transcribed by us. If you prefer to submit this way, please contact Sherene Stewart, Artistic Director on sherene.stewart@melbourne.vic.gov.au or 0455 659 959.
If your project is shortlisted, you will be invited to pitch your project to the selection panel in person or online.
WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY?
The types of questions asked in the expression of interest include:
- A title and summary for your project
- A brief bio of the artist or group applying
- A creative development timeline including any previous and planned developments.
- A budget showing how you will use the $10,000 fee including artist fees, production costs and accessibility considerations.
- Examples of your previous work
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your submission, please contact Sherene Stewart, Artistic Director on sherene.stewart@melbourne.vic.gov.au or 0455 659 959.