$40,000 Radical Access Commission

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced artist to develop and present a fully realised work during this year’s festival (30 September until 19 October 2025). The proposed work can be in any form or genre but must be ambitious and innovative in the way it engages with accessibility, inclusivity and cultural equity.

The successful artist will receive:
• $40,000 in commissioning funds;
• Support from Melbourne Fringe staff to consult and guide your team – this includes staff who can provide expert advice relating to production management, marketing, administration, and creative producing as well as a bespoke mentorship opportunity;
• Up to $3,000 to assist you with your own access costs relating to the project; and
• Dedicated marketing and publicity support from our staff that will sit alongside your own marketing and publicity activities to help get the word out about your show.

About Radical Access:

Radical Access launched in full in 2022, beginning a ten-year social change project in partnership with Arts Access Victoria. This program imagines a radical version of best practice accessibility for the independent arts sector and moves the conversation beyond the provision of access services and into cultural equity. Radical Access is a provocation for change and a call for accelerated action. We commission bold new work by d/Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent artists, provide creative development opportunities, run workshops, masterclasses, and mentorships, and provide employment opportunities for d/Deaf and Disabled arts workers. All of this is with the aim to significantly increase access and inclusion for d/Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent artists across the independent arts sector. Read more about Radical Access here.

Read more detailed information in the Info Pack:

Radical Access 2025 Commission Info Pack PDF

Radical Access 2025 Commission Info Pack Word Document

Application link: https://airtable.com/app4kI2dwKr2Wg8zg/pagzCg4yD5m36Mq8b/form

If you want to discuss other ways to submit your application or have questions about this info pack, please contact us. Send your email to Milly Cooper at milly@melbournefringe.com.au and cc Danny Delahunty at danny@melbournefringe.com.au. Alternatively, you may phone our office: Melbourne Fringe on (03) 9660 9600 and ask to speak to Milly or Danny. You may contact us through the National Relay Service, and the link is available if you click on this sentence.

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 2 March 2025.

For more information click here