Please note: Some of the content on this page was published prior to the launch of Creative Australia and references the Australia Council. Read more.

Createch: Digital Enterprise Program

We’re funding expert coaching in digital disruption for creative enterprises and cultural organisations, in partnership with industry leaders REMIX.

Image by Tim Cheeseman

About the program

We are collaborating with REMIX Summits to fund 20 hours of consultancy support for a cohort of creative enterprises and cultural organisations. The program will help scale an innovation project or creative business. The project must be fully-digital or hybrid.

We are seeking creative businesses and organisations with an existing track record who would benefit from consulting and support from experienced creative entrepreneurs and industry specialists.

The goal of this program is to provide access to REMIX’s consulting to give you the highest likelihood of success. Outcomes will be tailored to your needs, but may include:

  • introductions to potential investors
  • introductions to potential partners and collaborators who can help your idea grow more quickly
  • expert advice and strategic reviews to identify challenges and opportunities
  • planning for investment
  • planning your technical or product roadmap
  • global trend analysis and insights to assist your project development
  • coaching and strategic advice around the development of your project presentation

In addition to 20-hours of bespoke consulting, participants will become part of a unique peer community made up of Australia’s leading creative innovators. You will also attend REMIX Summit Perth on 14-15 September 2023 to network and exchange with peers.

You will receive digital REMIX resources, and your innovation project will be promoted globally in the special REMIX Digital Showcase, where you will be invited to give a 10-15 minute presentation introducing your work. The showcase will be cross-promoted by REMIX to help grow the audience for your innovation project.

REMIX has worked with some of the world’s greatest cultural institutions, technologists, funding bodies and creative businesses to apply its global market intelligence. It helps clients respond to disruptive new trends – redefining services, rethinking business models and creative experiences to find innovative ways to unlock additional revenue streams and engage new audiences. Clients have included Tate, the National Gallery (UK), State Library Victoria, ACMI, Melbourne Arts Precinct, Saatchi Gallery, and the Houses of Parliament (UK).

For further information and case studies please see www.remixsummits.com/agency/.

This opportunity is open to arts-aligned/creative industries organisations, groups and individuals.

We are seeking creative businesses, organisations and individuals based in Australia that have:

  1. A proven track record with further potential for growth and/or impact

Your project or organisation is getting traction: you can point to its positive reception and early growth or your expertise in a particular area. Now you are ready to grow it to the next level, for example through investment, introductions, strategic planning or advanced tech support.

  1. A digital or hybrid innovation that reimagines how the arts are experienced or supported

You are a disrupter with an ability to imagine new opportunities for the arts sector, whether fully digital or hybrid. Innovations may come from the use of technology, for example immersive experiences using projection or free-roam VR; or innovations offering new or improved digital access to culture (e.g., new aggregation models, new creative platforms, gamification, creator economy, hybrid online/offline experiences, new digital content, or new distribution channels). We’re also open to digital innovations that directly support the arts but don’t have a creative end product, for example, new models for creative retail, funding or networks.

Applications will be reviewed by staff and industry advisors. Your application will be based on merit, response to the selection criteria below, and in line with our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Your application will be assessed on the:

  • viability of the proposed project;
  • timeliness and relevance of the consulting opportunity to scale your project;
  • potential impact your project will have on the creative sector.

Learn more about how we assess your application.

​​To apply, you will need to answer the following questions:

  • ​Project title.
  • ​Project description.
  • How your project is getting traction. Describe how you have had a positive reception and early growth and why this opportunity is timely in terms of supporting the scaling of your project.
  • ​Describe how you have been a disrupter with an ability to imagine new opportunities for the arts sector, whether fully digital or hybrid.
  • ​Describe the potential impact of your project on the creative sector​.

A ‘project’ in this context can be a standalone creative enterprise or a program/business unit within a cultural organisation. It can be either for-profit or non-profit but must be digital or hybrid. It should be innovative in driving new audiences and/or revenues, and already be (or have the longer-term potential to become) financially sustainable. If it operates within a cultural organisation, at least one staff member should be assigned to the project as a component of their job function (so we have a clear lead to work with on the program).

A ‘disrupter’ is free from traditional assumptions about how creative and cultural experiences and content should look. They are the first to ask, ‘Why does it have to be done this way?’ and instead champion innovative new models and approaches. Disrupters forge their own paths, inventing bold new ways of engaging the general public with cultural content and experiences.

Some examples of potential ‘impacts’ are:

  • To set new standards for what digital and hybrid experiences look like in the creative sector
  • To create strategies, tools or platforms that other organisations could also benefit from
  • To redefine how audiences regard or engage with the creative and cultural sectors; rethinking audience demand, consumption and involvement.

“CreaTech is where creativity meets technology. It brings together creative skills and emerging technologies to create new ways of engaging audiences and to inspire business growth and investment.” – Creative Industries Council UK

​​The consultancy will be delivered online.

​Participants will:

  • Receive 20-hours of bespoke consulting delivered by REMIX co-founders Peter Tullin & Simon Cronshaw.
  • Attend two online cohort workshops with other participants featuring presentations from digital innovators and disruptors

​1) Orientation Workshop: 14 August 2023

​2) Mid-Point Workshop: 28 September 2023

  • Have access to digital REMIX resources including talks and courses
  • Attend Perth REMIX on 14-15 September 2023 for a series of talks, workshops and opportunities for peer-to-peer networking
  • Receive coaching and support to develop a Digital Showcase for their project
  • Benefit from global promotion of their project via a special REMIX Digital Showcase
  • Become part of a unique peer community made up of Australia’s leading creative innovators​

Please email digital@creative.gov.au if you would like more information.

Arts leadership

Key dates

Applications open: Tuesday 16 May, 2023.

Closing date: Tuesday 4 July 2023, 3pm AEST.

Please note: 

To apply you must be registered in our application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application approximately four weeks after the closing date. 


For any questions or further information about the Digital Culture Program please email digital@creative.gov.au or call 02 9215 9036.

Related Links

Digital Skills Program – Workshop

A workshop designed for practitioners seeking technical support, wanting to brainstorm lingering ideas or looking to explore new possibilities.

Image credit: Rémi Chauvin

About the workshop

The Australia Council is pleased to announce the Digital Skills Program Digital Arts Workshop on Tuesday 23 May. 

The Digital Skills Program is a series of workshops, seminars and intensives that focus on using digital and emerging technologies to develop creative practice. 

As part of this program we’re offering 25-30 artists and digital practitioners the opportunity to engage with digital producers and technologists. This intimate workshop will allow for a focused discussion on specific challenges and projects amongst peers.  

This workshop is designed for practitioners who may be seeking technical support, wanting to brainstorm lingering ideas, or looking to explore new possibilities. It is designed to energise, inspire and encourage a digital mindset in artists and organisations. 

We invite you to submit your questions and digital dilemmas for the panel to brainstorm with you.  

Susie Anderson’s professional career spans 10 years and arts organisations in both Melbourne, Sydney and London and includes Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Etsy Australia and RMIT University. She is based in Naarm and currently works within the Museums & Collections department of The University of Melbourne, creating digital experiences and strategy for Buxton Contemporary, Science Gallery Melbourne, The Ian Potter Museum of Art and Grainger Museum.

Akil Ahamat is a Sri Lankan Malay artist, filmmaker and arts worker currently based on Ngunnawal & Ngambri land. Akil’s work across video, sound, performance and installation considers the physical and social isolation of online experience and its effects in configuring contemporary subjectivity. Among their research influences, they draw especially on the use of ASMR in online spaces as a self-administered therapeutic tool, translating its restorative effects into intimate audio experiences.

Akil has most recently exhibited physically at Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West, Monash University Museum of Art, Institute of Modern Art and Artspace and produced online works for 4a Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Parramatta Artist’s Studios and Sydney Review of Books.

Cara Stewart is a Creative Producer with over a decade of experience in digital storytelling, large-scale installations, and performance at leading cultural organisations such as MoMA PS1, Performa, Red Bull Music Academy, Guggenheim, Brooklyn Museum, Sydney Biennale and the Powerhouse Museum. 

Arts leadership

Key dates

Expressions of interest close: Tuesday 16 May, 2023 at 3pm AEST.

Workshop date: Tuesday 23 May, 12–1:30pm (AEST) on Zoom.


For any questions or further information about the Digital Culture Program please email digital@creative.gov.au or call 02 9215 9036.

Related Links

Digital Specialist-in-Residence

This program provides arts organisations with access to a specialist to help them develop their digital capacity and pilot a new digitally led project.

Danny Brookes, Cityguide.

Online Information Sessions

Watch our regionally-focused online Information Session to find out more about the program and how it can help your organisation.

Focus on Western Australia

Watch here or below.

Focus on regional, remote and Tasmania

Watch here or below.

 

About the program

This program evolves and replaces the Digital Strategist-in-Residence initiative, embedding learnings from our program evaluations over the last two years to incorporate new elements and include an additional piloting phase.

The Digital Specialist-in-Residence program provides arts organisations with access to a specialist who will help them develop their digital capacity and pilot a new digitally led project. The program also provides $3000 seed funding to assist in prototyping or piloting your digitally led project (granted after a successful pitch of your project).

Over a period of fourteen weeks, the specialist will work with your organisation to:

  • review your current digital capabilities
  • identify areas for digital improvement
  • interview and engage with key internal stakeholders
  • explore new opportunities to expand digital activities
  • develop a digital project tailored to the values, people and context of your organisation
  • pilot program and evaluate learnings

 

The program is delivered in four phases. Your organisation will work with the specialist to complete the following:

  1. Assess: the specialist will guide you through a process to identify the organisation’s current level of digital maturity.
  2. Ideate: a process of ideation and investigation to identify digital challenges and opportunities for your organisation.
  3. Develop: Develop your flagship project, model program or prototype product.
  4. Pilot & Refine: Launch project, evaluate early learnings, present findings.

The Digital Specialist-in-Residence will connect and collaborate with key members of your team. The program will involve facilitated sessions and self-directed tasks.

There is a one week pre-program period of onboarding and program orientation, after which the specialist will be available for one day a week over fourteen weeks. There is a small seed grant for each organisation to go towards piloting their project.

Each organisation must nominate a minimum of two team members (one in a leadership position) who will work closely with the digital specialist over the fourteen weeks, and continue the work on completion of the residency.

The commitment of both time and staff members to lead on this work is essential to make the residency a success.  Organisations should ensure their digital champions can dedicate one day each week for the length of the program.

There will also be five compulsory online sessions with the cohort of participating organisations to provide an opportunity to connect and share experiences and knowledge and hear from industry experts.

This program provides $3000 seed funding to assist in prototyping or piloting your digitally led project (granted after a successful pitch of your project). Your Digital Specialist will provide support in ideating your digitally led project.

You will be required to complete an acquittal report at the conclusion of the program.

The Digital Specialist-in-Residence program is open to Australian arts organisations.

The program invites a diverse range of organisations to apply, and the opportunity is open to applicants from any:

  • art form or area of practice
  • scale or size of organisation
  • location in Australia, however organisations in regional or remote locations are particularly encouraged to apply
  • main activity, including performing, producing, service or collecting
  • existing level of digital readiness or capability.

Your organisation will be matched with an appropriate specialist from our group of creative technologists based on your needs and opportunities.

You are eligible to apply whether or not your organisation currently receives funding from the Creative Australia.

Please note this program requires a commitment of eight hours a week over the fourteen-week period.

Applicants who submitted in an earlier round are invited to apply again.

Organisations who have participated in the Digital Strategist-in-Residence program are ineligible.  

This program has identified positions for two First Nations organisations.

Please read our FAQs before commencing your application.

Applications will be reviewed by staff and industry advisors. Your application will be based on merit, response to the selection criteria below, and in line with Creative Australia’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Selection Criteria:

  • timeliness and relevance of the program to your organisation
  • drive and motivation of team members to collaborate and experiment with diverse ways of learning and innovation
  • commitment to exploring and implementing digital solutions for the arts sector.
  • Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview following submission of an application.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview following submission of an application.

Read about how your application will be assessed here.

Creative Australia encourages applications from people who identify as First Nations, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability and people living in regional and remote areas.

We actively work with individuals to support access needs – including childcare, cultural practices, financial and/or learning access needs as required. We encourage applicants to contact us via phone or email to discuss this further. 

Arts leadership

Key dates

Applications closed

Residency dates: Monday 4 March – Friday 14 June 2024 (with one date-flexible break week for Easter)

To apply you must be registered in our application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in early January 2024.


For any questions or further information about the Digital Culture Program please email digital@creative.gov.au or call 02 9215 9036.

This program provides arts organisations with access to a specialist to help them develop their digital capacity and pilot a new digitally led project.

Related Links

Additional information

Once you submit your application, we will send you an email acknowledging receipt of your application.

After you submit your application, we first check it meets the eligibility criteria for the grant or opportunity to which you are applying.

You will be notified of the outcome of your application in early January 2024.

For FAQs relating to the grants model, please click here.

Please contact the Artists Services team.

Once all applications have been assessed, you will be contacted about the outcome of your application. If you have been successful, you will also be sent an agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Phase 1: Program onboarding and introduction

  • Introduction to your Digital Specialist
  • Providing your specialist with information about your organisation
  • Introduction to program and program materials

Program Overview’ Cohort workshop (120 minutes online, date TBC)

 

Phase 2: Assess

Your specialist will guide you through a process to identify the organisation’s current digital capacity.

‘Ideate’ Cohort workshop (120 minutes online, date TBC)

 

Phase 3: Ideate

A process of ideation and investigation to identify digital challenges and opportunities for your organisation. This will include workshops with internal and external stakeholders.

‘How to Pitch’ Cohort workshop (120 minutes online, date TBC)

 

Phase 4: Develop

Identify, test and develop your flagship project, model program or prototype product. Seed funding is released. ‘Organisations Pitch Projects’ Cohort workshop (120 minutes online, date TBC)

 

Phase 5: Pilot & Refine  

Launch project, evaluate early learnings, present findings. Put in place tracking and evaluation frameworks. 

‘Organisations Present Learnings’ Cohort workshop (120 minutes online, date TBC)  

Our digital specialists are a diverse group of creative technologists and digital consultants with a broad range of experience across digital technologies, capacities and roles. Specialists will be located across Australia and are selected based on their:

  • knowledge of the arts and creative industry
  • experience with digital transformation
  • commitment to digital inclusion, cultural competency and accessibility.

Organisations will be matched with specialists based on the individual needs and priority areas.

The Digital Specialist will be available for one day each week across the fourteen-week residency. This will include some mutual contact hours each week (as well as the Specialist’s research and planning time for your organisation).

There will be a combination of contact and non-contact hours with your organisation for between two to four team members. Other team members should also be invited to discrete activities and kept informed by the organisation as to the project progress and timing.

There will also be five compulsory online sessions with the cohort of participating organisations to provide an opportunity to connect and share experiences and knowledge and hear from industry experts.

This residency is designed to be delivered online with potential for hybrid delivery, involving a combination of in-person and online sessions with your specialist via negotiation.

Individuals can apply via our online application system. If you have access requirements, please get in touch so we can assist you.

  • timeliness and relevance of the program to your organisation
  • drive and motivation of team members to collaborate and experiment with diverse ways of learning and innovation
  • commitment to exploring and implementing digital solutions for the arts sector.
  • Please respond to the selection criteria.
  • Introduce your organisation and why you do what you do.
  • How has your organisation explored digital so far?
  • What are some digital projects you would like to explore during the residence?
  • How has your organisation explored and managed digital so far?
  • What does digital leadership in the sector look like to you?
  • What tools and processes do you have in place to facilitate collaboration between your team members?
  • Please list your organisation’s two Digital Champions, who would participate in the program, if successful.

This opportunity is open to organisations.

An ‘organisation’ is a legally constituted organisation that is registered or created by law. For example, incorporated associations, companies limited by guarantee or government statutory authorities are all defined as organisations.

Your application will be assessed as per the selection criteria. The program is designed to bring together a diverse range of applicants from organisations around the country and we work to ensure a balance between geographic locations and artforms. This will be considered in the assessment process.

The program requires you to identify a minimum of two Digital Champions (one in a leadership position) from your organisation to lead the residency. Consider staff who have the ability to lead your team and enact the recommendations or opportunities that may arise. It is important to get buy-in across your organisation, so consider representatives from different teams.

This program provides $3000 seed funding to assist in prototyping or piloting your digitally led project. These funds will be granted after a successful pitch of your project, during the course of the program. Successful applicants will be given detailed instructions on this process.

The application form asks: “What are some digital projects you would like to explore during the residence?” If successful, your Digital Specialist will provide support in ideating your digitally led project, so suggested ideas are sufficient for the application.

You do not need to supply a budget with your application.

You will be required to complete an acquittal report at the conclusion of the program.

Please send an email to digital@creative.gov.au if you would like to discuss your eligibility or application.

Digital Transformation for the Creative Industries

A six-week, online short course providing insight into digital strategy and new technologies.

Image: tuylupaby pakana kanaplila and Soma Lumia. Presented by Tasdance and Mona Foma, in collaboration with Theatre Royal. Credit: Jillian Mundy

About the program

Digital Transformation for the Creative Industries is an online short course designed specifically for artists and arts and creative workers it is best suited for those with a beginner or intermediate understanding of the digital space as it relates to the creative industries.

Developed and delivered in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), this six-week course will give you an insight into key digital concepts, modes of digital practice, emergent technologies and also introduce ideas around digital strategy and business model innovation.

As a leading Australian university and a top-ranked university in Australia, UTS is home to industry-connected educators and researchers who are leaders in their creative fields, and passionate about organisational and individual skills development and uplift.

Curated by arts and cultural practitioners, Digital Transformation for the Creative Industries is specifically designed for artists and creative practitioners, arts administrators, managers, and directors working, whether independent, or from organisations large or small who want to begin to understand digital practice and strategy.

You will join a cohort of industry peers and colleagues working in different artforms across Australia to understand, explore and shape your thinking around digital. Key topics include:

  • Understanding key digital concepts
  • Digital practices for the arts
  • Digital transformation strategy
  • Digital leadership
  • Digital business models
  • Demystifying emerging technologies.

This six-week course requires a commitment of up to four hours a week, and is a combination of facilitated sessions, online group learning and self-directed activities that can be directly applied to your existing work and practice.

In collaboration with:

This course is for artists and creative practitioners, arts administrators, managers, and directors working in organisations or independently in the arts and creative industry. Participants will work in a range of artforms around Australia.

  • Participants must be over 18 years of age.
  • Participants must be based within Australia to partake in the first round. Positions will be open to international artists and arts workers from the second round onwards.

The Australia Council encourages applications from people who identify as First Nations, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability and people living in regional and remote areas.

This course is digitally accessible and follows the AAA standards. Please get in touch if you have any specific access requirements.

Applications for subsidised positions in the first three cohorts closed on Tuesday 2 August.

Applications for subsidised positions in the first three cohorts closed on  Tuesday 7 February, 3pm (AEST).

The course will run for six weeks, beginning with an introductory session the week prior to commencement. Five cohorts of participants will be accepted in the March – June 2023 sessions:

  • 13 March – 21 April 2023
  • 8 May – 16 June 2023

Positions in the first three rounds of the Digital Transformation for the Creative Industries course are subsidised as part of the Digital Culture Program.

Tiered subsidies are available to support access for a diversity of participants:

  • Independent artists/practitioner – A $600 subsidy is available. Participants will be required to pay $75
  • Small to medium arts organisations – $300 subsidy available for representatives from. Participants will be required to pay $375
  • Large organisations/institutions – The overall course fee of $675 (ex GST) applies

If your subsidy application is unsuccessful, you can choose to pay the course fee in full. The overall course fee is $675 (ex GST).

Subsidised positions are limited. Subsidy applications will be assessed to ensure an equitable spread of participants across artform, location and priority areas.

If your application is successful, we will contact you with payment and onboarding information.

Please complete the online application form to select your preferred course dates, and apply for a subsidy (if eligible).

If your application is successful, we will contact you for payment details and pass on your details to UTS for enrolment.

Arts leadership

Key dates

Applications close: Tuesday 7 February, 3pm (AEDT).

Course dates:

  • 13 March – 21 April 2023
  • 8 May – 16 June 2023.

For any questions or further information about the Digital Culture Program please email digital@creative.gov.au or call 02 9215 9036.

Related Links

Frequently asked questions

This course is designed to support arts and creative practitioners to embrace a digital mindset and to enable digital innovation within the sector.

The course is delivered in partnership with University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and will draw on expert knowledge and experience to build the digital literacy and capacity of the creative industries.

Through the ‘Digital Transformation for Creative Industries’ course, participants will:

  • Gain the knowledge and ability to assess the digital strengths and priorities of their practice or organisation.
  • Identify and implement digital practices, workflows and platforms to gain efficiencies and digital workflows.
  • Be able to develop, mobilise and implement a relevant and customised organisation-wide digital strategy.
  • Be able to apply adaptive architecture principles to enable digital innovation and transformation.

The course will be facilitated by leading creatives and academics from the UTS team, with a range of guest speakers and facilitators from across artforms and across Australia.

This course is for artists and creative practitioners, arts administrators, managers, and directors working in organisations or independently in the arts and creative industry. Participants will work in a range of artforms around Australia.

best suited for those with a beginner or intermediate understanding of the digital space as it relates to the creative industries. There is not a requirement for an existing high-level of technological skills or understanding to undertake the course. The course will focus on digital mindsets, literacy and strategic development.

The course is six weeks and requires up to four hours of your time each week.

The course includes self-directed reading, activities and online content as well as one hour of group learning and discussion with a facilitator every week.

The course is delivered on UTS online learning platform Canvas. Details of how to access, use and navigate the platform will be provided on enrolment.

For any questions or further information about the Digital Culture Program please email digitalarts@creative.gov.au or call 02 9215 9036.

ProtoX Arts Digital Accelerator Program

A 12-week mentoring program for artists, groups and organisations to develop new digital business ideas.

 
Register for our information session on Wednesday 25 January, 12.30-1.30pm AEDT.
 

 

About the opportunity

Australia Council for the Arts is collaborating with INCUBATE, the University of Sydney’s Flagship Startup Program, to deliver ProtoX Arts – a national 12-week Digital Accelerator Program for individual artists, groups and arts organisations. Through 1:1 mentoring, industry connections and weekly goal-setting, ProtoX Arts provides the subject matter expertise to empower members of the arts community to pursue their digitally centred ideas into businesses.

This program supports emerging creative founders and the broader ecosystem by teaching key foundational business frameworks and enabling connections into the startup community. Additionally, hands-on customer testing, prototyping, and iterating are encouraged to build founders and businesses that service the arts and creative sectors.

Taking part in this Accelerator Program will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue your startup idea.

This program is designed to support digitally centred business and product ideas such as plug-ins, media players, immersive VR/AR experiences, apps, platforms and programs, that originated out of, or support the creative industries.

Image credit: Amrita Hepi, Open Poses (detail), 2022. Installation view, Primavera 2022: YoungAustralian Artists, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2022. Datasetfor pose recognition, custom software, webcam, monitors, decal, lamps, paintedwall, sound. Image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, ©the artist. Photograph: Anna Kučera

Arts leadership

Key dates

Applications close: Tuesday 7 February 2023, 3pm AEDT.

Information session: Wendesday 25 January, 12.30pm AEDT. Click here to register.

Please note: 

To apply you must be registered in our application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date.

Over the 12 weeks, participants will be required to participate in weekly, 2-hour online sessions (Wednesday 5pm-7pm) and are able to access 2 additional hours per week to work with mentors and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence.


For any questions or further information please email digital@creative.gov.au

This opportunity is open for arts-aligned/creative industries organisations and individuals.

Applications will be reviewed by staff and industry advisors. Your application will be based on merit, response to the selection criteria below, and in line with Australia Council’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

  1. Timeliness and relevance of the training opportunity to your professional development
  2. The impact the proposed activity will have on your career
  3. Viability of the proposed project

You will be asked to provide your biography and most up to date CV.

Frequently asked questions

To apply, you will need to answer the following questions:

  • What problem are you solving and why is it worth solving?
  • Can you share a time in your career (either as a freelancer or an employee) where you experienced this (or a similar) problem and how you fixed this problem?
  • Why do you think now is the time to test this idea? Do you have a unique insight into the market?

A problem can be a time-consuming task, a breakdown in process or an expensive way of doing something simple. If you’ve ever thought “there has to be a simpler or better way” you’ve identified a problem.

This residency is designed to be delivered online. Over 12 weekly 2 hour sessions, (Wednesday 5pm-7pm) and with access to 2 additional hours per week to work with mentors and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence.

This program is for arts-aligned/creative industries individuals and organisations who have an idea for a digital product, have found a solution to a problem or see a gap in the market that they can fill. Product ideas may include as plug-ins, media players, immersive VR/AR experiences, apps, platforms and programs, that originated out of, or support the creative industries.

Not all participants in the program may end up taking their product to market after exploring the viability of the project through the program, however all participants will leave the program with new skills in product development, entrepreneurship and business, which they can take to their next project.

This program will be delivered online.

Please email digital@creative.gov.au if you would like more information.

Digital Skills Program × Melbourne International Games Week

5-7 October 2022

About this opportunity

The Australia Council is pleased to announce the Digital Skills Program × Melbourne International Games Week.

The Digital Skills Program is a series of workshops, seminars and intensives that focus on using digital and emerging technologies to develop creative practice.

As part of this program we’re offering 6 artists and digital practitioners the chance to experience a selection of the Melbourne International Games week program over three days. The program includes flights to Melbourne, 2 nights accommodation, a per diem and tickets to industry events.

This opportunity is designed for artists and creative practitioners who are already creating work in the digital space or related fields and would like to expand their knowledge of the gaming sector and technologies.

Read more about Melbourne International Games Week here.

This opportunity is designed for artists and creative practitioners who are already creating work in the digital space including but not limited to animators, story board artists, illustrators, composers and sound designers.

Applications will be reviewed by staff and industry advisors. Your application will be based on merit, response to the selection criteria below, and in line with Australia Council’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

You will need to answer the following questions:

  • Tell us about your creative practice and how you work with digital technologies?
  • Why is this opportunity right for you at this time?
  • Are you available on the 5-7 of October?

Click on the ‘Apply now’ button, or on this link.

Please indicate on the application form if you have any accessibility requirements.

Key dates

Applications close: Tuesday 20 September 2022, 3pm AEDT.

Melbourne International Games Week: 5–7 October 2022.

Successful applicants will be notified Friday 23 September.

The program includes:

  • flights to Melbourne
  • 2 nights accommodation
  • a per diem
  • tickets to industry events.

Apply now

Opportunity for musicians

The Australia Council has partnered with APRA to deliver the High Score Scholarships program. This program provides support to attend the High Score: Composition and Sound Art for Games.

Learn more and submit an EOI.

Call for Digital Strategists

Request for proposal

in(ner) vision(s). Credit: Rémi Chauvin

About the opportunity

We are currently seeking proposals from digital strategists and creative technologists to consult with arts organisations on digital strategy and transformation.

The Digital Strategist-in-Residence program assigns consultants to eligible and selected organisations to increase the digital capacity and potential of the organisation, and to uncover new opportunities for transformation.

Consultants are required to provide advice, guidance, mentorship, and support to arts organisations in the development and advancement of their digital strategy and capabilities.

The goal of this residency program is to embed expert knowledge and skills within existing organisations to enable digital transformation and build digital capacity and strategic thinking. The program will provide a digital strategy and foundation for the organisation to continue, self-directed, on completion of the residency.

Find out more and submit your proposal.

Arts organisation should apply for the Digital Strategist-in-Residence program to be paired with a consultant.

Proposals will be reviewed against the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience of organisational digital capability, strategy and transformation.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver the project and achieve proposed outcomes required, including ability to facilitate within organisations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to digital inclusion and accessibility, community engagement and cultural safety.
  • Demonstrated experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders, especially in the arts and creative industry.

We encourage applications from people who identify as First Nations, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability and people living in regional and remote areas.

We actively work with individuals to support access needs – including childcare, cultural practices, financial and/or learning access needs as required. We encourage applicants to contact us via phone or email to discuss this further.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview week commencing 15 August 2022. All applicants will be notified week commencing 22 August 2022.

Arts leadership

Key dates

Request for proposals close: Friday 5 August 2022, 2:00pm AEST

Residencies commence: Monday 19 September 2022

Online information session: 27 July 20222 – email digital@creative.gov.au for more information


Have a question? Email: digitalarts@creative.gov.au

Related Links

Frequently asked questions

Over a three month period, the program is delivered in three phases. Your organisation will work with the strategist to complete the following:

  • Assess: the strategist will take the organisation through the Digital Culture Compass, an online tool that will help identify the organisation’s current level of digital maturity.
  • Develop: a process of ideation and investigation to identify digital challenges and opportunities for your organisation. This phase involves feasibility research to refine and resolve potential initiatives.
  • Draft: collate your work into a digital strategy (and/or implementation plan) document that aligns with your existing strategic/business plan.

Our digital strategists are a diverse group of creative technologists and digital consultants with a broad range of experience across digital technologies, capacities and roles. Strategists will be located across Australia and are selected based on their:

  • experience with digital transformation
  • knowledge of the arts and creative industry
  • commitment to digital inclusion, cultural competency and accessibility.

Organisations will be matched with strategists based on the individual needs and priority areas.

This residency is designed to be delivered online with potential for hybrid delivery, involving a combination of in-person and online sessions with your strategist via negotiation.

Proposal documents should include the following:

  • A written response outlining how the individual, company or organisation proposes to meet the requirement of the project (no more than two pages).
  • A breakdown of your quote, including availability and capacity to deliver the requirements within the budget requirements of this document (refer part B6). Your quote must include and note GST where applicable.
  • Individual, company or organisation information such as corporate status, registered place of business, size, number of staff and insurance policies.
  • Qualifications of the staff to be designated to the project.
  • Two referees to whom the Australia Council may address enquiries concerning previous experience in this area.
  • A declaration of any partial or non-compliance with any provisions of this RFP. This includes not agreeing to any of the draft conditions of contract stating reasons and alternatives where appropriate.

Digital Fellowship Program

Explore and develop digital practice across six months of mentoring, workshops and collaboration, with $10,000 funding.

Image: Whakapapa/Algorithms by Jamie Berry of Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngati Porou, Ngāpuhi iwi.

Digital Fellowship Program Information Session

Watch our webinar Information Session here and below.

This Fellowship Program brings practitioners based in Australia and New Zealand together to co-develop their digital practice and set directions for the future of the arts in our region.

The six-month program prioritises collaborative learning, as well as individual practice development, through a series of curated online gathering sessions, an in-person residential and mentoring. Investment is also offered to enable participants to realise new ideas, innovate and set the course of their future work. The program includes:

  • In-person gathering – three day curated in person gathering including collaboration, learning, engagement, skills exchange and facilitated activities for all participants
  • Online gathering sessions – two curated one-day sessions of learning, skills exchange and facilitated activities for all participants.
  • Mentoring – participants are matched with a digital mentor to develop skills and practice through a 1-1 model.
  • Investment – funding of $10,000 is provided for each participant to collaborate, develop or present their digital practice.

Five Australian participants will join five New Zealand participants, with identified positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Pasifika applicants.

The program will build the skills, networks and leadership of participants, and aims to enhance the confidence of artists to embrace digital technologies and extend their digital practice. The program will strengthen the connections between Australia and New Zealand practitioners and organisations. 

If you need advice about your application, contact an Artists Services Officer.

This program is developed and delivered in partnership with Creative New Zealand.

Key dates

Applications closed

The program runs from January – June 2024, with one in-person residential (Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 February 2024 in Australia), two online gathering sessions (Thursday 11 April 2024 and Thursday 6 June 2024), 1-1 mentoring sessions and self-directed research, learning and development.

Please note: to apply you must be registered in our application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date.

If you have a question, or need help with your application, please call or email Artists Services.

For more information about this opportunity please email digital@creative.gov.au.

New Zealand applicants can also contact Paul Lisi at Creative New Zealand: Paul.Lisi@creativenz.govt.nz.

Applications open on Tuesday 29 August 2023 and close on Tuesday 10 October 2023 at 3pm AEDT.

The program runs from January – June 2024, with one in-person residential, two online gathering sessions, 1-1 mentoring sessions and self-directed research, learning and development.

The in-person residential will take place over three days from 8-10 February 2024 in Australia. This is a compulsory program activity. All travel and meals will be covered as part of the program.

The online gathering sessions will be delivered online on Thursday 11 April 2024 and Thursday 6 June 2024. These are compulsory program activities.

Artists working across any artform (community engaged practice, dance, digital arts, film and radio, literature, music, multi arts, theatre and visual arts) are eligible to apply.

The program is designed for artists within their first five years of digital practice.

There is no cost for selected participants to join the program.

It is a condition of the program that participants must be available to attend the in-person residential, both online gathering sessions, and mentoring sessions.

Participants are also required to provide an acquittal of funding on completion of the program.

Applications will be assessed by internal assessors and industry advisors, in both Australia and New Zealand.

Selection criteria:

  • Timeliness and relevance of the program to the applicant’s development.
  • An active and open approach to creative digital practice
  • Ability to engage with diverse ways of learning and connecting with others.
  • Alignment to the strategic priorities identified in our Digital Culture Strategy 2021-2024 and Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy 2018-2023.

Applicants may be invited to an online interview following the submission of an application.

Individuals can apply via our online application system. If you have access requirements, please get in touch so we can assist you.

Written response questions

  1. Introduce yourself and why are you interested in participating in this program 

Provide a brief introduction to yourself and your work, and why this program is relevant to you at this time. What has led you to apply for this program? What is your motivation for participating? How can the program support you to advance your practice towards an exciting future?

In this question we want to know how this program connects to your creative practice development.

You can choose to upload a 3-minute video in response to this question or answer in writing.

  1. Tell us about your digital practice. What motivates and interests you?

We use the term ‘digital’ broadly. Digital includes both online platforms and technologies that extend or impact on the creation, presentation and distribution of creative content. Importantly, we refer to digital as a way of doing things and a way of thinking: a digital mindset.

We think of digital as an:

  • Enabler
  • Practice
  • Mindset
  • Platform
  • Industry

For Pacific arts, we think of digital as it relates to:

  • Va – the space in between.  Meaningful spaces between people, places, cultures, time and dimensions, tangible and intangible.  A space that connects rather than separates.
  • Digital Moana – meaningful connections across Aotearoa, Oceania, and globally, to ensure arts are further enriched through new tools and technologies.
  • Moana, Te Moana-nui-a-Kiva, the ocean homeland of Pasifika peoples that is the fluid bridge between Aotearoa New Zealand, other lands and opportunities.

In this question we are interested in understanding your approach to digital practice.

  1. Tell us about a time that you worked collectively with others.

Our programs bring together artists and practitioners from a diversity of artforms, cultural backgrounds and geographical locations. We create safe spaces to encourage open, generous, and collaborative approaches to learning, experimentation and digital creativity.

In this question, share your experience of a relationship or exchange that has been an important moment for you in your creative digital practice.

  • James Albert, Australia
  • Mi-kaisha Masella, Australia
  • April Phillips, Australia
  • Victoria Chiu, Australia
  • Roshelle Fong, Australia
  • Emele Ugavule, Australia
  • Vidya Rajan, Australia
  • Sophie Dumaresq, Australia
  • Raelke Grimmer, Australia
  • Kathryn Gledhill-Tucker, Australia
  • Gabi Briggs, Australia
  • Michel Mulipola, New Zealand
  • Sione Faletau, New Zealand
  • George Turner, New Zealand
  • Rosanna Raymond, New Zealand
  • Jamie Berry, New Zealand
  • Katrina Iosia, New Zealand
  • Tanu Gago, New Zealand
  • Sandy May Wakefield, New Zealand
  • Pelenakeke Brown, New Zealand
  • Joshua Faleatua, New Zealand
  • Ahilapalapa Rands, New Zealand

Frequently asked questions

The Fellowship Program involves a three day in-person residential, two single day online gathering sessions, regular 1-1 mentoring sessions and a financial investment in the development, creation and/or presentation of new digital work.

In person residential

The in-person residential will allow the group, facilitators and guest speakers to come together and connect on Country and exchange knowledge and support.

The residential will take place over three days at a location to be announced shortly. This cross-country opportunity enable participants to experience local culture and digital work, engage in workshops with guest speakers, exchange ideas, create community within the group and network with the wider sector.

Online gathering sessions

​The two online sessions are an opportunity for group learning and knowledge sharing, supported by core facilitators who remain with the fellows for the duration of the program. The online sessions feature inspiring experts in the field to present as guest speakers. 

​These online gatherings provide time and space for participants to interact with each other and the guest speakers, develop skills, knowledge, and broaden networks of digital practitioners in a thriving arts and cultural industry. The gatherings are a space for peer learning, and curated expert led sessions with industry leaders. 

​Topics and themes covered in the online gatherings may include: 

  • Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property in the digital space
  • New platforms and technologies for artists and creative organisations
  • Experimentation, collaboration and digital engagement
  • Accessibility in the digital space
  • Decolonisation of digital futures

Mentoring

Each participant will be matched with a mentor, and have six 1-1 sessions throughout the program.  The mentor will provide support and guidance with the development and creation of new work and project proposals in line with the participants’ practice. Participants may be matched with a mentor based in Australia or New Zealand.

Investment

Participants will receive a grant of $10,000 (AUD) to support the development and creation of new work throughout the fellowship program. The funding must be directed towards new work, collaborations and/or presentations developed over the course of the program. Mentors may support the development of this work. Participants will receive the funding on commencement of the program in January 2023.

There will be two lead facilitators for the fellowship program, one based in Australia and one in New Zealand. There will also be a range of guest speakers, case studies and experts who will join throughout the program.

We will develop a pool of mentors in collaboration with Creative New Zealand, and participants will be matched with a suitable mentor based on their goals and objectives. Participants may be matched with a mentor in either Australia or New Zealand.

Participants must be available for the in-person residential, online gathering sessions and mentoring sessions over the six-month program. These are compulsory activities as part of the Fellowship.

It is encouraged that participants dedicate time and space to the development of new work and ideas throughout the program.

This program will be delivered in-person, online, and involve hybrid programming where possible.

For any questions or further information about the Digital Fellowship please email digital@creative.gov.au.

New Zealand applicants can also contact Paul Lisi at Creative New Zealand at: Paul.Lisi@creativenz.govt.nz.

Digital Skills Program

A series of workshops, seminars and intensives that focus on using digital and emerging technologies to develop creative practice.

About the program

We are partnering with leading educational institutions, creative technologists and industry professionals to bring you a series of learning opportunities designed to develop your skills and to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital world. The program aims to enable creative practitioners to develop relevant digital skills and strategies to explore new creative work and build sustainable careers.

The Digital Skills panels bring together leading artists, researchers, producers and curators in the field to talk about how they’re making, programming and working with new technologies and the digital space.

Previous panels

Workshops are ideation-based sessions with industry professionals and creative technologists designed to stimulate a digital mindset in artists and organisations. Participants are encouraged to bring problems, questions and projects to the session to have them worked through. Part tech support, part brain-storming, these sessions aim to energise and inspire participants.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming workshops.

Intensives take small groups of digital artists and practitioners to key industry events in the wider creative sector. These short intensives are designed for artists to cross pollinate with the wider digital creative industries and gain exposure to new technologies outside the art sector.

Previous intensives

Digital Skills Program × Melbourne International Games Week

Future of Arts, Culture & Technology Symposium

Arts leadership

Key dates

Keep an eye out on this page for upcoming Digital Skills Programs in 2023.


For any questions or further information about the Digital Culture Program please email digital@creative.gov.au or call 02 9215 9036.

Related Links

CEO Digital Mentoring Program

The Australia Council is partnering with ACMI to deliver the CEO Digital Mentoring Program; an opportunity for senior arts executives to be mentored by leading digital strategists.

Installation view, Story of the Moving Image, ACMI. Photograph: Adam Gibson

About the program

ACMI, in conjunction with the Australia Council will run a second round of the CEO Digital Mentoring Program for creative industries leaders. An initiative for strategic technology and digital mentoring for cultural organisations.

Supported by the Ian Potter Foundation, the program aims to improve the internal ability for cultural institutions and organisations to make better long term technology choices, understand a rapidly and continually changing digital environment, be better able to select and work with technology providers, as well as collaborate with and develop artists and creative practitioners who are also working through this period of exponential change.

The top-down approach – mentoring CEOs and Directors – is aimed at complimenting many existing middle and bottom up initiatives and is intended to support wider scale cultural sector change, complimenting work in transforming organisations to be able to respond to broader and more diverse communities, audiences, and the volatile world.

The second round of the program will continue building the digital mindsets of the senior decision-making staff and creating a sustainable network of peers within the cultural sector and across artforms and practices.

In partnership with

This opportunity is open to CEOs and senior arts executives in arts organisations in Australia.

Applicants must be available to attend the in-person sessions and online mentoring sessions.

Each mentee will receive six, 80 minute, one-on-one mentoring sessions over four months. These sessions can be held over Zoom or a mix of in-person and remote sessions depending upon where participants are located and personal availability.

Joining the program as mentors are sector-recognised experts in technology, digital strategy, and technology-informed innovation:

  • Seb Chan
  • Paula Bray
  • Dr Keir Winesmith
  • Dr Sarah Barns
  • Stuart Buchanan
  • George Dunford
  • Ben Hoh
  • Lucie Paterson
  • Morgan Strong
  • Renae Mason
  • Jeff Williams
  • Mr Snow

Learn more about the mentors.

  • April 2022: mentors are matched to their mentee, based on organisational goals and alignment
  • 18­–19 May 2022: ACMI hosts a two-day workshop in person for participants (mentors and mentees) in Melbourne
  • May – September 2022: 6 x one-on-one mentoring sessions
  • September 2022: Closing workshop in person for participants.

The program will begin with a two-day kick off workshop with all other mentees and mentors at ACMI in Melbourne. This workshop will include guest speakers from adjacent fields as well as social and cultural activities.

Digital

Key dates

Applications are now closed.

Applications close: Tuesday 19 April 2022, 6pm AEST

Program dates: May-September 2022

Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 29 April.

Please note: the program is delivered by ACMI in partnership with the Australia Council.


Please contact Rachel Bugg,

Rachel.bugg@acmi.net.au, if you have questions regarding the program.

Related Links

Frequently asked questions

ACMI is managing the assessment and delivery of this program.

Contact ACMI directly for more information on the application, assessment and delivery of this program.

This program will best suit CEO/Directors of arts organisations with at least 5 full-time-equivalent (FTE) staff, and ongoing funding. ACMI particularly encourages applications from CEOs and Directors from institutions working with First Nations people and people of culturally diverse backgrounds, as well as from individuals who identify as First Nations or belonging to culturally diverse backgrounds who are working in CEO/ Director roles.

The program discusses capital investment, infrastructure, staff capacity and training, as well as developing longer term programming/content partnerships and R&D relationships – and thus is best suited to organisations with boards where these issues are ongoing discussions.