Performing Lines is proud to publish our 2025 Annual Report, showcasing artistic diversity and a strong sector contribution.
Across the year, Performing Lines employed 559 creatives, including 105 First Nations artists, 167 artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and 68 artists who are d/Deaf or living with disability. Together, we delivered 19 creative developments and 12 new works, delivering on Performing Lines’ mission to fuel innovative new work from a diversity of independent artists.
Through 16 sector development programs, we supported artists and arts workers to develop new skills, build their national networks and more sustainable careers.
Across 249 performances and 10 national and international tours, our work engaged audiences and participants in 20 cities and towns across Australia, and 14 international cities in 9 countries.
The Report offers a comprehensive snapshot of our activity, impact and financial position—reflecting a year of growth, deepened partnerships and continued investment in artists and the independent sector across Australia, alongside expanded international touring and engagement.
At Performing Lines, our vision is an independent performing arts sector where artists can take creative risks and connect with audiences across Australia and beyond. We exist to champion ambitious new work by building the conditions it needs to thrive—strong producing support, sustainable touring pathways, and partnerships that expand access, opportunity and exchange.
Financial results reflect both the ambition of the portfolio and our team’s capacity to manage complex projects on behalf of artists and presenting partners. The organisation recorded a turnover of $7.35 million, up from $4.5 million in 2024. Outgoing Chair Robi Stanton reflects on a year of consolidation and momentum:
The Board is pleased to report a solid financial result for the year, with a surplus of $205,644. Financial sustainability remains fundamental to our mission, particularly as pressures mount across the sector and it becomes increasingly difficult to resource the development of new work.”
In 2025, Performing Lines joined the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework (NPAPF), providing long-term stability and enabling greater commitment to artists, presenters and the wider sector.
New Board Chair Natalie Jenkins reflects on a period of transition and continuity:
Under Robi’s strategic guidance, in recent years we’ve seen the streamlining of governance systems and strengthening of collaboration across the organisation, maximising the resources we can direct to artists and their work, and the quality of the advice and support we bring to our creative partnerships.”
CEO Simon Wellington highlights the organisation’s expanding international reach and ongoing commitment to sector development:
International activity was a defining feature of the year, with Australian works touring across Europe and Asia, including presentations at Festival d’Avignon, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and West Kowloon’s FunFest…Sector development remained central in 2025, with the new National Producers Platform (NPP) providing vital space for professional development, peer learning and leadership cultivation for producers nationally.”
National Producers Platform – Image by Helen Orr Helspix
RINSE by Amrita Hepi with Mish Grigor – Image by Zan Wimberley
Midfield, delivered by Fremantle Biennale, Performing Lines WA and STRUT Dance – Image by Thomas Earnshaw
SA/MOA (SACRED/CENTRE) by Lila Meleisea – Image by Jillian Mundy
Circus and Physical Theatre (CaPT) Residency – Image by Sam Hicks
LEGENDS (of the Golden Arches) by Joe Paradise Lui and Merlynn Tong – Image by Jessica Wyld
