Festival Lab

For Western Australian and international emerging artists 

The Festival Lab is an annual program that encourages participants to deeply engage with the Perth Festival program. This is an opportunity for emerging artists from any discipline to engage with other emerging artists, experience the breadth of Festival offerings together, and reflect on your artistic practice with an Arts Leader as your guide and Navigator.   

Over the next three years, the Lab will encourage cross-border collaboration and convergence by providing space for Western Australian practitioners to explore connections with peers throughout the Indian Ocean and Asian region. The 2026 Festival Lab program and cohort will be guided by a Lab Navigator from the arts industry.

The Lab cohort will participate in critical discussion and workshops, meet visiting artists, producers, programmers and Festival staff, and forge new relationships with other practitioners in this intensive program.  

The curated program offers a space for inquiry and connection – an open invitation to learn and engage with no outcome expectations. 

Who can apply?

Expressions of interest are open for the 2026 Festival Lab, please see below for key dates. Applications will be accepted from emerging artists based in Western Australia along with two places for applicants from selected international locations.  

This opportunity is open to artists of all art forms who are new to a specific discipline or in an early stage of career development (within first 5 years of practice). We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and people who identify as culturally and/or linguistically diverse.  

International applicants

For 2026 we're accepting applications from international applicants via our APFC Asia Pacific Festivals Connect members. We are accepting applications from artists based in the following countries:  

Indonesia
Japan
Singapore
South Korea
Taiwan
Thailand  

International applicants will receive a $1600 stipend, a $500 contribution towards travel and free accomodation in Perth. 

Access

Please get in touch if you require assistance with preparing your application or if you require information in a different format. We are happy to support you in whatever way we can. 

How to apply

Applicants will need to submit an online form, including support materials as examples of their artistic practice. Artists who are available from 16 Feb – 1 March strongly encouraged to apply.

The expressions of interest (EOIs) will be assessed on: 

  • How the program will influence and benefit your creative practice 
  • Interest in critical enquiry 
  • Availability to participate in all Lab engagements
  • Interpersonal skills  

Key dates

  • Mon 13 Oct – Expression of Interest (EOI) applications open
  • Mon 3 Nov, 10am – EOI applications close
  • Mon 10 Nov |  Application outcome notifications are emailed
    International applicants will need to apply for a visa by 14 Nov
  • Mon 24 Nov optional attendance at opening night of Lotterywest Films for Western Australian applicants
  • Tue 20 Jan – Meet and Greet (virtual)
  • Wed 4 Feb – Induction (virtual) 
  • Sat 7 Feb – 15 Feb 2026 optional Festival activities 
  • Mon 16 Feb – Sun 1 Mar 2026 Festival Lab activities in-person, daytime and evening 

If you have questions about eligibility or require assistance for the Lab EOI, please email Louisa Norman Regional and Engagement Manager [email protected] 

Apply now