Photo credit: Edwin Sitt

 
 

ThisGen is a one of a kind launchpad for the next generation of WA’s cultural leaders.

Encounter will now be delivering this opportunity to artists based in Western Australia, in partnership with WhyNot Theatre (Canada). Our iteration of this program aims to be responsive to WA’s current social and cultural landscape, and will facilitate Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD), and First Nations or Torres Strait Islander producers and directors, to propel their careers to the next stage. Meet this year’s fellows…

Encounter, since its inception, has been at the forefront of advocating for positive change and equity within the arts sector. Our mission extends beyond providing mere support; it involves cultivating a transformative future for leadership across various disciplines in the Australian theatre landscape. Launching this initiative in Western Australia represents a pivotal moment for underrepresented communities in our country’s arts and cultural sector; one that Encounter is proud to be a part of. 

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Allysha Sherrington at allysha@encountertheatre.com. 

 

Encounter will be selecting a small cohort of fellows to undertake ThisGen, which will involve an immersive program of paid training, hands-on residencies and labs, and peer-to-peer connection, under the mentorship of industry leading producers and directors. Applications are open to all WA-based early career producers and directors from CaLD, First Nation or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. Regionally based artists encouraged to apply.

 
 
 

  • September 7, 2024 4pm-6pm (Online)

  • November 4-7, 2024 in Yallingup

  • Jan-March, 2025 Online and In-Person

  • Wk 1: Community-focused April, 2025
    Wk 2: Practice-focused April 30-May 2

    In-Person (Perth)

  • May-July, 2025 In-Person (Perth)

  • 7 August, 2025 In-Person (Perth)

 

As leaders in Western Australia, Encounter understands the responsibility to revolutionise how the industry operates. The ThisGen Fellowship is not just about our desire for change; it is a necessary step for the sustained growth and vibrancy of the arts sector in our region. By actively participating in this initiative, we hope to connect communities globally, foster intercultural understanding, and contribute to a healthier, transparent, and accountable industry. This fellowship marks not only a beginning, but a vital turning point in the evolution of the arts landscape in Western Australia.

The urgency of this fellowship arises from the pressing need to address several critical issues within the current artistic landscape:

Lack of Pathways for CaLD Artists 

Systemic Changes and Collaboration 

Mentorship and Development Gap 

Mass Exodus of Talent and Infrastructure Gap 

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Encounter’s iteration of ThisGen aims to foster sustainable careers for West Australian artists. Unfortunately, this program can not currently support artists based outside of WA.

  • We encourage all artists in WA to apply, regardless of where they are located.

  • All applicants must be over the age of 18 to participate in the fellowship program.

  • All activities included as part of the fellowship are fully paid for. Fellows will also be paid for their work during placements, in addition to a $5000 AUD stipend for their overall participation in the program.

  • ThisGen’s activity program aims to deliver a holistic learning experience, where each activity provides a foundation for the next. It is important that fellows can attend all activities in order to fully optimise the program’s benefits.

  • Applicants may only apply for one stream.

  • Generally, this category includes individuals with less than five years of experience as practising artists. However, we recognize there are various reasons why someone might still identify as 'early career.' We encourage you to apply even if you're unsure.

  • We encourage producers and directors from all disciplines to apply, whether this is theatre, dance, music or something else. Multidisciplinary artists are also encouraged to apply. This term can refer to artists who work across multiple disciplines and can include producers from diverse fields within the live performance industry.

  • Please submit three works or projects that you have contributed to within a producer or director role. These works can be of a diverse nature including events, activities, or initiatives, within an organisational, personal, or community context.

 
 
 
 

Key Partners

 
 
 

Program Partners