Live Program

Sound Check the System!, Powered by Honey Trap Sound System, Firstdraft Sydney, 2022. Photo: Jacquie Manning

Firstdraft’s Live Events and Public Programs engage our community and activate our spaces through transformative on-site and online experiences.

Does your practice or idea not fit within an exhibition format? Does it deal with live and/or interactive performance, digital engagement, sound, music, multimedia, food, community engagement and/or workshops? Firstdraft is looking for programs that engage the community and activate either our physical space or online space. It could be a one-off event, or exist over multiple nights. 

We want to hear how we can support these types of practices through ideas, big or small, that provide moments to share our spaces with others. Proposals can include curated performance evenings or more discrete activations of space over multiple days.

We understand that some projects are time sensitive and respond to community need so applications for our live events and public programs operate on a rolling EOI basis with no strict deadline. However, we ask you to submit your applications with sufficient advance notice. Applications for large scale projects (involving multiple performers or components) are required at least 6-8 weeks prior to the proposed start date.

If the proposed program is open to children, you will need a Working With Children Check prior to delivering your project.

Successful applicants will receive:

• up to $1,000 producer or curator/s fee based on scale of event;

• up to $2,500 in artist/s fees per event in line with NAVA codes;

• in-kind and financial production support to produce the event across any of Firstdraft’s spaces and courtyard, alongside the current Firstdraft exhibitions (scope to be determined in consultation with the Firstdraft team);

• access to Firstdraft’s equipment and resources;

• marketing and communications support, including professional documentation;

• professional event production and invigilation.

How to apply?

• Prepare all the information prior to commencing the application form

• The application form supports file uploads up to 10MB

• Complete the application form and enter any information or details requested about you or any collaborators/participants included in your proposal.

key dates

Callout opens Friday 12 April 2024 5:00PM

Online information session #1

Wednesday 24 April 2024 6:30PM 

register here

Online information session #2 (auslan interpreted)

Friday 26 April 2024 6:30pm

register here

Open all year round

Applicants will be notified in 2-3 weeks of submission

helpful links