We’ve got $40K to give to a Deaf or Disabled artist to bring their next project to life

Melbourne Fringe is committed to embedding best-practice accessibility right at the centre of the independent arts sector and today we’re putting our money where our mission statement is.

We’ve teamed up with the legends at Chunky Move to offer a whopping $40k commission to for the development and presentation of a brand-new art project (I like it, Picasso) for the 2023 Melbourne Fringe Festival.

We’re looking for someone who champions access to the arts, and needs access to some cash to continue doing so.

This commission opportunity is for an experienced dance or movement artist (someone a little bit more advanced than your average nut-busher) who identifies as Deaf or Disabled to create a brand-new work. The work should respond to the creative provocation of ‘Radical Access’ and be a force for increased accessibility in the arts sector.

And if $40k isn’t enough for you (hey big spender!), the successful recipient will also score studio space at Chunky Move, artistic direction from industry legends, and $5.5k of extra funds to make your project more accessible for you and for your audience. As far as prizes go, sure beats the meat tray at your local Keno Pub.

The first stage of the application process closes on 22 January 2023 and in addition to written applications, we’re also accepting applications submitted as video or audio files.

This commission is part of our game-changing social change project, Radical Access. Previous recipients include roya the destroya & Eliza Hull and Raina Peterson who presented stunning dance works at the 2022 Festival.

So if you’ve got dollar signs in your eyes and access on your mind, get your people to contact our people (there’s a Jotform).

Head on over to our Fringe Fund page to get all the juicy details.