BREC First Nations Artist Retreat 2024 | 13-15 September

BREC is calling for applications from South West based First Nations performing arts and interdisciplinary practitioners for the BREC First Nations Artist Retreat to be held at Donnelly River Village from 13 to 15 September 2024.

Note: The lead artist for any project team must be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Teams can include out of region artists, as long as the lead artist is a South West resident. However applications are welcome from artists from elsewhere in Western Australia, with two places reserved for ‘out of region’ applicants.

This is an opportunity for creatives of all disciplines including writers, choreographers, dancers, puppeteers, directors, theatre makers, dramaturges and designers to come together and explore new project ideas. Applications welcome from:

People at the start of their artistic practice
Mid-career artists

Senior artists with significant experience

Collaborative teams working together on a single concept should apply under the name of whomever is the lead artist on the project, with a maximum of three team members attending.

We celebrate diversity and welcome artists of all abilities, sexualities, gender, ethno-cultural and socioeconomic status.

A range of accomplished First Nations mentors from around Australia with different arts practice areas are attending to inform project development. In 2024 our mentors are Dalisa Pigram (Artistic Co-director of Marrugeku), Angela Flynn (Executive Director and Co-CEO of Ilbijerri Theatre Company) and playwright and performer, Nathan Maynard. Our Mentor at Large will again be Aunty ‘Doc’ Lynette Narkle, a Bunbury resident, celebrated theatre and First Nations Elder, winner of the Red Ochre Award and valued member of the BREC Board. The Retreat will be facilitated by Annette Downs, former Senior Producer at Performing Lines Tasmania.

This 3-day, 2-night event provides a supportive, creative environment to test ideas, consider new collaborations and explore cross art form possibilities.

The application asks for 250 words about your raw idea and takes about 20 minutes to complete. You are unable to save and return to your application once you have started it. You can download the Preparing For Your Application document from the BREC website to see the questions and prepare your answers. Expressions of interest will be reviewed by a curatorial panel who will take into consideration the calibre of the artist, the quality of the idea and a range of other balancing issues including art forms, geography, and experience, to ensure the right mix of people for a vibrant weekend.

Note: Whilst the retreat is heavily subsidised each successful applicant will be required to pay a deposit of $200 to secure their spot. The deposit is fully refundable after attendance at the retreat and completion of the debrief survey.

An allowance of $300 will be paid after completion of the debrief survey to assist with offsetting expenses incurred while at the retreat such as missed work or childcare. Applicants experiencing financial difficulty should contact Associate Producer Janine Oxenham or BREC's Artistic Administrator Stephanie Reeve via mail@bunburyentertainment.com to discuss alternative arrangements.

Both individuals and groups (up to 3 members) may apply to attend. Applicants must be aged over 18 at the time of the Retreat.

If you’re nervous or unsure if the retreat is for you, please email mail@bunburyentertainment.com and we will call you back to discuss.