PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Arts North West provides professional development workshops as well as individual advice to arts workers, creatives, councils, businesses and arts and cultural organisations in our region. We can:

Review funding applications
Suggest funding sources and opportunities
Auspice grants
Provide tips on project management, planning, budgets, partners
Assist with logistics planning – insurance, branding, business plans
Advise on promotion and marketing
Art handling and installation

For more information contact our Executive Director.

Seeding Storytellers

A note-taking training program for First Nations screenwriters.

What’s the opportunity?

Seeding Storytellers is a note-taking training program for emerging First Nations Screenwriters, supported by Screenrights Cultural Fund, and delivered by Screenworks in partnership with the Australian Writers’ Guild.

Designed to provide the appropriate professional development required for the role of a note-taker, Seeding Storytellers will help set up emerging First Nations Screenwriters for the best chance of success in their careers.

A writer’s journey into the industry is far from linear and the variety of roles a writer takes on in their early career, with the appropriate training, benefits their creativity. Note-taking is a fundamental entry point in a writer’s creative pathway and a key skill in the professional development of early career writers. Awareness of the procedures and etiquette in writers’ rooms are an important part in understanding the administrative aspects of building a story for screen.

Tell me more!

Following the close of applications on February 28 2025, Seeding Storytellers will be delivered to selected participants as a series of three day-long online workshops on the 3rd, 10th and 17th of May 2025. These will be run and delivered by highly-experienced, working writers Sara Khan, Catherine Kelleher and Terence McCarthy. Covering note-taking, script coordinating and the basics of a writers’ room, participants will learn in a culturally safe, supported environment and come away with the skills required to find work as a note-taker in the film and television industry.

Program Manager Sara Khan, a proud Wailwan, Gomeroi and Pakistani woman and writer on HEARTBREAK HIGH, says, “For First Nations People, our stories and perspectives are invaluable to the writers room. How we utilise and share these for creative purposes requires protections. Providing First Nations writers with the essential skills for note-taking will seed the growth for more visibility and representation of First Nations People in writers’ rooms.”

Catherine Kelleher, an experienced writer-director and recently the Scripted Development Executive at SBS, will be responsible for the note-taker training workshop and resources. While at SBS, Catherine advised on how to facilitate culturally appropriate working environments.

Terence McCarthy, a writer, development executive, script department manager and script editor with fifteen years’ experience in the Australian and US film and television industries, will be responsible for script coordinator training.

At the conclusion of the program, participants will be supported by Screenworks to seek work as note-takers. They will also be showcased to the screen industry via the AWG Pathways website. The Pathways First Break tab is a permanent resource for industry looking for talented new writers who have valuable skills to offer in writers’ rooms.

Who can apply?

Applications for Seeding Storytellers are open to emerging and early-career First Nations Screenwriters until February 28, 2025.

To apply, applicants will need to complete the application form below, including a current CV and a sample of their work.

For any questions, or help submitting your application, please get in touch with us:

(e) info@screenworks.com.au
(p) 02 6681 1188

National Regional Arts Fellowships

THE NATIONAL REGIONAL ARTS FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE PRACTICE

**OPENING JANUARY, 2025**
Expressions of Interest for the 2025 National Regional Arts Fellowship Program will be opening on 20 January 2025. Guidelines, FAQ’s and application forms will be available online from 9am, 20 January 2025.

Key Dates
Expressions of Interest open: 20 January 2025, 9am AEDT
Expressions of Interest close: 23 February 2025, 11:59pm AEDT

About this Opportunity
Two streams of fellowships will be available, with a total funding pool of $120,000.

1. Creative & Professional Development
Funding per recipient: $20,000
Total fellowships available: 5

The Creative & Professional Development Fellowship provides $20,000 to regional artists and arts workers to support creative practice or professional development, with a focus on sustainability. At least one Creative & Professional Development Fellowship will be awarded to an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander applicant, and at least one will be awarded to a d/Deaf applicant and/or an applicant with lived experience of disability.

2. Early Career Development
Funding per recipient: $10,000
Total fellowships available: 2

The Early Career Development Fellowship provides $10,000 to regional artists and arts workers who are in the early stages of their practice or career and have had less access to funding opportunities. It supports the development of creative practice or professional development opportunities, with a focus on sustainability. At least one Early Career Development Fellowship will be awarded to an applicant who is under 25 years of age.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL REGIONAL ARTS FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM

The program is contemporary, flexible and relevant to artists practicing, working and living in regional, rural and remote Australia. It is designed as an applicant-led approach, addressing the needs of the individual in that time and place; offering a guaranteed income (for a short period) for an artist/ practitioner to develop their work, skills and networks or research.

The fellowships value best practice, build connection, generate exchange and strengthen that national network of regional artists and communities.

Free Event - Wellbeing Through Art

Join us in person or online for Wellbeing Through Art, presented by Accessible Arts and the Art Gallery of New South Wales in celebration of NSW Women’s Week 2025. Learn from:

Em Rusciano: Writer, Singer, Comedian and Podcaster
Hiromi Tango: Contemporary Artist
Bec Charlwood: Comedian
Jane Miskovic-Wheatley: Clinicial Psycologist
Beatrice Gralton: Art Gallery of NSW, Senior Curator

Explore the myriad benefits of art in this engaging discussion of health, wellbeing and diverse creative expression.

Wellbeing Through Art

Wednesday 5 March, 6pm - 8pm (in person and online)

Networking 8pm – 9pm (in person only)

This event will be Auslan interpreted, captioned and is wheelchair accessible.

Book Now

Accessible Arts is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW. This event is proudly funded by Women NSW as part of NSW Government.

CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS ONLINE

Upcoming Workshops & Webinars for Creatives

We’re excited to share a range of online workshops and webinars designed to help creative professionals enhance their skills and grow their businesses. Here's what's coming up:

Time Management for Creatives
February 25, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Juggling multiple projects? This workshop covers practical time management strategies tailored to creatives, helping you find balance and manage your workload more effectively.
All About Auspicing
February 26, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Learn the ins and outs of auspicing, a process where one organization provides support or sponsorship to another. This free webinar is ideal for anyone interested in how auspicing can benefit your practice or business.
Creative’s Guide To Marketing
February 27, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Discover marketing strategies that focus on building meaningful relationships and crafting campaigns that work for creative professionals, arts organizations, and businesses.
Future Planning for Creatives
March 4, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This workshop breaks down business and strategic planning, tailored to creative practitioners and arts businesses, to help you think ahead and set clear goals for the future.
Creative’s Guide to Branding
March 6, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Learn how to create and build a strong, compelling brand for your creative business or practice, helping you stand out in a competitive market.
Creative’s Guide to Websites
March 13, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Need a website for your creative business? This workshop will guide you through the basics, from design to layout, including tips on DIY and professional approaches.

These workshops are perfect for creatives looking to level up their business skills and grow their practice. Don’t miss out — join up for these insightful sessions!

Find out more at https://creativeplusbusiness.com/workshop-calendar/

⭐ Free Mentoring Sessions for Aboriginal Artists and Arts Workers

Elevate Your Creative Practice with Expert Guidance

Are you an Aboriginal Artist or Arts Worker from Regional NSW looking to elevate your practice? Thanks to the support of Create NSW, Outback Arts and Mara Mara we are excited to offer 20 FREE mentoring sessions with Lorrayne Fishenden, valued at $140 each. This unique opportunity is part of the Dhurrali Project, dedicated to empowering and supporting Aboriginal creatives.

About the Mentoring Sessions

These sessions are designed to provide personalised guidance, deep insights into the arts landscape, and strategic advice to help you grow and succeed in your creative endeavors. Each participant can benefit from up to three sessions, ensuring a tailored and impactful experience.

Meet Your Mentor: Lorrayne Fishenden

Lorrayne Fishenden is a well known leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in community development, Aboriginal arts advocacy, and business management. Lorrayne has been a pivotal advocate for Aboriginal artists and communities across regional NSW. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cultural development make her an inspiring mentor for this program.

What's Included

Each free mentoring session includes:

Personalised guidance and support from Lorrayne Fishenden
Insights into the Aboriginal arts landscape
Strategies for growth and recognition in your field
Expert advice on sustainable business practices

How to Book

Use this link https://LorrayneFishenden2Rivers.as.me/?appointmentType=65864844 to schedule a time. Don’t forget to fill in the quick questionnaire that will help Lorrayne prepare for your meeting. Remember, spots are limited, so don't miss this opportunity to take your art to new heights!

Important Information

Each session is valued at $140
Up to 3 sessions per participant
Limited to 20 sessions total

Join us in this exciting initiative to celebrate Aboriginal voices, cultivate creativity, and build a vibrant community of artists committed to sharing their stories with the world.

Apply now and embark on a transformative creative journey!

⭐ Business Connect – Free business support for Creative Industries

Did you know Service NSW Business Connect offers free, independent, tailored business advice for NSW businesses (including sole traders with an ABN)? Business Connect advisors, including specialist creative experts can provide you up to 8 hours of free, tailored business advice in one-on-one sessions more.

Current Creative opportunities

⭐ 2025 Sculpture Acquisition Prize - Ceramic break sculpture park

An acquisition prize of $12,000.00

The winning sculpture will form part of the permanent display at Ceramic Break Sculpture Park. The Park offers guests an art experience with a difference in rural NSW. The goal of the contest is to diversify the park’s collection.

Apply now >>>

⭐ Screen NSW - Charlie’s Working Space, LA!

Screen NSW, in partnership with Australians in Film (AiF), offers NSW screen practitioners the opportunity to secure access to a dedicated co-working space at Charlie's in Los Angeles. The one free creative workspace is available for NSW based screen practitioners visiting LA to conduct business, collaborate, and network.

Successful applicants to Charlie’s will receive access to:

One desk and a writers' room with whiteboards and screens
Wi-Fi
An equipped kitchen
AiF staff.

Charlie’s is located in the Writer’s Building at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood.

⭐ Screen Australia – Industry Partnerships

This program aims to create opportunities through new, original and inclusive approaches to the industry that will expand networks and grow the Australian industry. Screen Australia will consider funding a portion of a total activity budget up to a cap of $30,000 per activity/activities conducted by an organization over the financial year.

⭐ Screen Australia – International Marketing Support: Festivals and Awards

This program aims to support the promotion of Australian content and talent at the key international festivals and awards events, enabling the enhancement of international marketing strategies in conjunction with other partners. Screen Australia will contribute to the promotional budget for eligible events generally up to $20,000 for feature films and television series and $10,000 for short films. The level of funding will be determined by a film’s individual international marketing strategy as evidenced by a comprehensive plan and budget, produced by either the sales agent or producer. Festival screenings must be the title’s world or international premiere.

⭐ Screen Australia – Distribution Support: P&A Plus

This program aims to enhance the distribution and marketing of quality Australian films across traditional and alternative release platforms. Funding can be sought to support the traditional theatrical ANZ release of completed feature films that have an established local distributor attached, or for alternative release campaigns in certain circumstances

⭐ Screen Australia – First Nations Program: Sector Development (Internships)

This program aims to assist the career development of talented screen content makers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. Internships assist practitioners whose careers would benefit from an attachment to a person, production or organisation. This program is designed to assist the career development of talented filmmakers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. This is not an entry-level scheme. An internship may take many forms and involve features, documentaries, animation, interactive digital media, TV drama or comedy series