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Under Construction

Under Construction supports emerging and established circus and physical theatre artists living in Australia to develop innovative new work with the support of Circus Centre Melbourne and Flying Fruit Fly Circus. Applicants should be developing a new show or circus work.

Under Construction throughout 2026 is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

Introducing a new Adelaide Fringe x Under Construction partnership, supporting one residency in 2027 for a South Australian individual/group at Circus Centre Melbourne. Read more about this opportunity below.

Applications for 2027 are now closed.

What the Residency Offers at CCM Melbourne

  • Two weeks access to agreed space and equipment
  • Advice, feedback and mentorship from the CCM team
  • $5,000 cash seed funding for the project, and in-kind support of up to $5,000
  • Access and inclusion support

What the Residency Offers at FFFC Albury

  • Two weeks access to agreed space and equipment
  • Advice, feedback and mentorship from the FFFC team
  • $5,000 cash seed funding for the project, and in-kind support of up to $5,000
  • Free accommodation in our Circus House (4 bedrooms), a five minute walk away, subject to negotiation of dates
  • Basic technical support for a work-in-progress showing in the Borderville Theatre.
  • Access and inclusion support

What the Adelaide Fringe Partnership Residency Offers at CCM Melbourne

  • Two weeks access to agreed space and equipment at Circus Centre Melbourne between January – December 2027
  • Advice, feedback and mentorship from the CCM team
  • $2,500 cash seed funding for the project
  • Access and inclusion support
  • Marketing and publicity support from Adelaide Fringe for 27 Fringe season* valued at $2,000 (based on event registration *optional)

In addition, for 1-2 artists:

  • Artist fee of $3000 per artist, plus 12% superannuation
  • Per Diems at $100 per day per artist (max. 14 days)
  • Return flights from Adelaide including checked luggage
  • Accommodation for 2 weeks in Melbourne

Please note: Funding provisions inclusive of this residency will be provided for up to 2 artists, however larger groups will still be considered.

What We Ask in Return

  • A contribution to our FFFC/CCM community and young artists through skills sharing, knowledge and experience.
  • One informal showing or artists talk about your work to the FFFC/CCM community (staff, students and invited guests) during your residency, or a ticketed performance. Ticketed performances will be on a door split agreement, with a $500 guarantee to the artist.
  • Your positive creative energy.

Who Can Apply

Melbourne: Under Construction is open to individuals or groups living in Victoria with an independent arts practice in circus or physical theatre.

Albury: Under Construction is open to individuals or groups living in Australia with an independent arts practice in circus or physical theatre.

Adelaide Fringe Partnership Residency (Melbourne): This Adelaide Fringe x Under Construction Residency is open to individuals or groups living in South Australia with an independent arts practice in circus or physical theatre.

Applicants should:

  • Be developing a new show or circus work.
  • Be able to viably undertake the residency in Melbourne within the available support. The residency support covers up to two artists, so groups of more than two will need to demonstrate how they can participate within this support.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

  • The idea (is it interesting, innovative, bold?)
  • The proposed use of time for creative development
  • The track record and/or quality of the artists involved
  • The benefit of the residency to the advancement of your project and/or careers
  • The future potential of the project
  • For the Adelaide Fringe Partnership Residency, the ability to demonstrate viability for groups larger than 2 (manageable size of group, additional resourcing to support larger groups etc)
  • Individuals/groups whose team includes artists who are First Nations, Culturally Diverse, d/Deaf and Disabled, Regional and LGBTQIA+ will be prioritised.

We will also ask you to provide artist bios and links to past work as part of your application.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed.

If you are unwell or experience an unexpected interruption that means you will not be able to meet the closing deadline, please get in touch to discuss an extension.

Access and Support
We encourage anyone who needs specific services, support or would like to discuss how they can fully engage with the application process or residency program to contact us on (03) 8456 7199 or email residencies@fruitflycircus.com.au

This includes those who may need an alternative to the linked application form below (eg. word document application) or 1:1 support to complete the form.

Applicants are encouraged to talk through their applications with us before submitting. You can request a meeting (in person, by phone or Zoom) by emailing residencies@fruitflycircus.com.au

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