The Small Halls Commission is an opportunity for an experienced Community Presenter to partner with a locally based artist or creative company in their region.
This is a funded opportunity for a flexible residency style development process, where a small hall can work with a local artist or creative organisation to develop a new work.
This program is designed to:
- grow relationships between presenters and artists in regional communities
- support regional artists or companies to create new work in their home town
- enable creative practice to flourish in regional locations
- provide Community Presenters with the opportunity to act as co-producers of a new Australian work
- provide opportunities for a regionally based premiere of new Australian performance work
The details
This opportunity is a joint application from both the Community Presenter, and a locally based artist or creative organisation. Together they will create a work that delivers a public outcome in two or more communities in their region.
The public outcomes do not need to be a fully finished production. They could be a:
- work-in-progress showing
- a staged reading
- presentation that shares the creative development
- a staged performance
This program is a pilot that aims to foster partnerships between regional artists and local Community Presenters so that creative works are developed ‘at home’ with the support of local audiences. We know the value of Community Presenters and their contribution to small regional towns. This program recognises the potential for partnerships which will develop opportunities for new, regionally created works.
The successful applicant will receive a grant of $15,000 and mentorship from RAV staff as appropriate.
Recipients
2026-27
(it’s no) drama and Fish Creek Memorial Hall
Work: Soundwaves
Soundwaves is a collaboration between presenter, artists and creative organisation that will bring new creative experiences to community audiences.
Through this Commission, Soundwaves aims to bring people together through shared storytelling and music, celebrating the voices and lived experiences of regional communities. It seeks to transform personal stories into a dynamic, multi-layered performance, building creative confidence, connection and a sense of collective identity while showcasing the richness of life in regional Australia.
The Connecting Places Opportunities for Small Halls program is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
