New Ideas Lab

ArtPlay New Ideas Lab provides the opportunity for artists to propose new projects to undertake at ArtPlay as part of our ongoing creative program for children and families.

Child running through an arch with curtains and decorations lit in purple

Applications are now closed. EOIs will reopen in February 2027.

We encourage new ideas from artists of all disciplines for creative projects where children and/or families will be the co-creators of the work. Artists do not necessarily need experience in working with children but a passion and enthusiasm for involving children in the creative process is essential.

Participants receive

up to $20,000 artist fees (as well as some consumables, materials and equipment in-kind)
venue/development space
dedicated time at ArtPlay to co-create work with children and families via the New Ideas Lab development model: Dream, Make, Show
upskilling in co-creating with children
marketing collateral including promotional images and video
a pitch session with industry in mid to late 2026.

Eligibility

Projects must:

be new work that has not received prior development or funding
be developed for children in the age range of 0 to 13 years
include Lead Artist/s that are an Australian-based artist, collective or company
include Lead Artist/s (up to two) for each project that are available to attend the two-day induction at ArtPlay on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 June 2025, 9.30am to 5pm. Artists will be paid an attendance fee of $693.70 + superannuation and Workcover to attend the two-day induction (calculated at $49.55 per hour). You do not need to include this fee in your application budget
include development stages that take place between 1 August 2025 and 30 June 2026.