NSW Regional Producers Initiative

• Applications open: Wednesday 5 August 2026 
• Online Information session: Tuesday 18 August, 5:30pm (AEST) 
• Applications close: Monday 7 September 2026, 11.59pm (AEST) 
• Successful applicants notified by: Friday 25 September 2026 

Through this program of activities, the NSW Regional Producers Initiative aims to: 

• Develop a strong and well-connected producing cohort in regional NSW. 
• Break down barriers to entering and sustaining a career in the performing arts sector for regionally based practitioners. 
• Promote freely accessible resources, templates, and exercises for producers, artists and arts workers. 
• Champion the diversity and breadth of expertise of the arts sector in regional NSW. 

These opportunities are specifically designed for regionally based producers, self-producing artists, and/or arts workers in NSW looking to develop and hone their skills in arts producing.  

We understand that not all regionally based arts workers may self-identify as producers and encourage people from a variety of professional backgrounds to apply.  

For example, you may identify as: 

• A producer who has delivered projects with artists or done event management 
• An artist who self produces their own work  
• An arts administrator or project co-ordinator working in local council, or within a venue or arts organisation  
• A community organiser with experience coordinating local events 

Successful applicants must be physically based or reside in one of the nine regions below as identified by Create NSW’s Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries: 

• North Coast 
• Hunter 
• New England and North West 
• Central West and Orana 
• Central Coast 
• Illawarra Shoalhaven 
• South East and Tablelands 
• Riverina Murray 
• Far West 

You can find more information regarding Create NSW’s plan HERE 

We strongly encourage First Nations, POC, and people with disability to apply.

The general information session was held online on Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 5:30PM (AEST) via Zoom. 

This session covered the full suite of programs, the application process and what to expect, with an opportunity to ask questions and hear from past participants in Performing Lines development programs, including the National Producers Platform.

Below is the recording. 

This session was captioned and AUSLAN interpreted. 

Download PDF copy of the presentation

Performing Lines is committed to providing an inclusive space for all to be involved. Please let us know in your application if you require additional support, or please reach out prior to applying to discuss any access or equity barriers around your participation. 

There is budget available to support access and cultural needs to make your participation in each program possible should your application be successful.  

For example, this can look like (but is not limited to) providing: 

• An AUSLAN interpreter 
• A Closed Captioning service
• A language translations service
• Subsidies to support care for children, elderly, people with Disability, or other dependents to support your travel away from home. 

For Aboriginal or First Nations applicants who would like to speak to a First Nations participant, Kyron Weetra or Lillie Paton, regarding their experience on a previous Performing Lines training program, please get in touch with your preferred participant.

For people who need to communicate accessibility requirements, there is an option to upload an Access Rider to your application. 

Access Riders can come in many different formats. If you’re unsure of what this looks like or where to start, please feel free to check out this template from our friends at Auspicious Arts Projects here: 

Auspicious Arts Access Rider Template 

If you’re unsure about any of the above or would like further assistance submitting your application, please contact Performing Lines Associate Producer (NSW) Nelson Lee:

E: nelson@performinglines.org.au
P: 02-9319-0066

1. Can you apply for multiple programs within the NSW Regional Producers Initiative? 

Yes – feel free to submit one application for each of the programs within the NSW Regional Producers Initiative. However, applicants will only be considered for one program opportunity per person to ensure equity and representation.

2. Who will assess the applications? 

Applications will be assessed by a panel of Performing Lines staff and experienced industry practitioners, who will consider applications according to the relevant assessment criteria of each program. 

3. What career stage do I need to be at to apply for the NSW Regional Producers Initiative? 

These programs are available for producers/self-producing artists/arts workers at any stage of their careers, including both emerging and established artists based in regional NSW. 

4. Can I apply if I’m based interstate or overseas? 

No – this opportunity is only available to applicants residing in regional NSW. Please see the ‘Who Can Apply’ section above for a list of approved regions. 

5. Can artist collectives or organisations apply? 

While we acknowledge that some artists and producers may operate as partnerships or collectives, these programs are designed as opportunities for individuals.  

6. How many participants will be selected? 

A total of 17 applicants will be selected, spread amongst the following programs:

• NSW Regional Producers Intensive – 6
• NSW Regional Producers Professional Development Bursaries – 5
• NSW Regional Producers Mentorship Program – 6 

7. Will unsuccessful applicants receive feedback? 

Performing Lines will aim to provide general feedback to unsuccessful applicants where possible. However, please understand that due to the number of anticipated applications this may not always be possible. 

8. Are these programs free? 

Yes – these programs are free to apply and access, and are designed to break down barriers to entering, learning, and working within the performing arts industry.  

Successful applicants to the NSW Regional Producers Intensive will be paid honorariums in recognition that people may need to take time away from work and other duties. Per diems, accommodation, travel expenses, and some meals will also be covered. 

9. Are the programs accessible? Can access support be provided? 

Yes – Performing Lines highly encourages applications from d/Deaf and/or people with Disability and are available to assist in the application process. Please indicate any requirements in your application or reach out to Nelson to discuss any access or equity barriers surrounding the application process. 

There is financial support to make participation possible for the NSW Regional Producers Intensive program for successful applicants. For example, this could be providing AUSLAN interpreters, captioning services, or childcare subsidies. 

10. Who can I contact if I have questions? 

Please contact Associate Producer (NSW) Nelson Lee should you need to discuss the application process, equity or accessibility support, or any general enquiries. 

Contact details are available at the bottom of this page.