As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year shaped by the growth of our Kolyang Program of Industry Development Initiatives which continues to evolve as an industry-responsive model.

The pilot iteration of our Kolyang Program 2020-22 maintained a consistent format each year. This year marked the beginning of a four-year journey of experimentation, innovation, and new partnerships. By curating a new program annually, we’ve embraced fresh ideas, fostered new alliances, and responded directly to the evolving needs of independent artists and the industry. 

Supported by the WA Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries‘ Arts Organisation Investment Program (AOIP), this year’s activities directly supported 74 emerging and mid-career artists and arts workers across bursaries, grants, mentorships, industry gatherings, residencies, and bespoke professional development opportunities.

Our initiatives this year spanned three key areas: 

1. Industry Partnerships & Pathways: Expanding connections between artists and organisations to build stronger networks and opportunities. This included collaborations with Centre for Stories, Goolarri Media Enterprise, CircuitWest, The Blue Room Theatre, Theatre Kimberley, Marrugeku, and Perth Festival. 
2. Paying It Forward & Supported Opportunities: Within this stream, we offered seven bursaries for Kolyang and Producer Forum alumni to attend the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) meeting in Perth, hosted by PAC Australia. This provided metro and regional artists with valuable opportunities for professional development and networking. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating platforms where emerging and established artists can mentor, collaborate and thrive. 
3. Focus on Practice & New Work Development: Supporting innovative projects and ideas. 

Some key initiatives included: 

Under Fluoros

Conceptualised and curated by creative producer Libby Klysz, Under Fluoros stripped back the production process to its collaborative essentials, using Kate Mulvany’s script, The Mares, to reimagine the excitement and creative freedom of the first week of a rehearsal period — without the pressures of budgets, schedules, or the need to deliver a finished production. With enthusiastic feedback from industry professionals, Under Fluoros has the potential to become a recurring initiative in the WA sector, fostering creativity and play within the performing arts. However, finding additional partners next year will be crucial to making this vision a reality. 

Hot Desk Fellowships and Booster Grants

The 2024 Hot Desk Fellowships, delivered in partnership with Centre for Stories, were awarded to Medina Dizdarevic for her script RE: TREAT and Amri Mrisho for his new play The BlaKKOut! Both playwrights said how much they appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow writers and storytellers they might not have encountered otherwise, broadening their creative horizons and connections. 

Crystal Nguyen, Ella Hetherington, and JC were each awarded Booster Grants this year, enabling them to advance their innovative projects in dance, design, and immersive theatre.