artsACT

The ACT Government has launched the ACT Artist Database. The Database aims to connect businesses looking to engage local artists for paid opportunities, including those small to medium venues wishing to support and showcase artists and creatives as part of the ACT Government’s liquor fee reductions to support the night-time economy. Canberra artists across all artforms can self-nominate to be included on the platform through the artsACT website. Link in bio.

Your one-stop arts fix, straight to your inbox! 🎨🎭 Stay in the loop with the latest ACT Government announcements, local arts news, opportunities, events, workshops, prizes & more - delivered fortnightly. Sign up via the link in bio and never miss a beat!

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Michael Sollis, a composer, artistic director, accomplished musician, educator and advocate whose passion shaped Canberra’s creative community. As an inaugural member of the Minister’s Creative Council from 2018–2022, he helped guide its foundations with insight, enthusiasm and a deep commitment to ensuring artists’ voices were heard. He went on to serve on the Board of the Cultural Facilities Corporation from 2022-2025, championing artistic excellence and meaningful community connections. Michael’s contribution to the arts extended well beyond advisory and advocacy roles. He founded The Griffyn Ensemble, known for its innovative, genre defying performances and collaboration across artistic disciplines. In 2016, Michael was appointed as the first Director of Education at Musica Viva Australia, where he oversaw the nation’s largest music education program. Through the Canberra Arts Action Group, Michael brought people together to foster solidarity and support, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, Michael was appointed Co Artistic Director of the National Folk Festival, reflecting his enduring influence and vision. Michael’s devotion to the arts was evident in every aspect of his work. His creative practice enriched the cultural life of Canberra, and his legacy will live on in the vibrancy of the arts sector he helped shape. Pictured: Michael Sollis at the launch of his work Reticulum in 2022 at the University of Canberra Hospital.

Have your say on the future of the arts in Canberra! The ACT Government is updating the Arts, Culture and Creative Policy and your input is essential. Share your thoughts via a quick 10–15 minute survey or apply to join one of four in person roundtables: • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture • Arts and Disability • Children and Young People • Skills Development and Innovation Survey closes 29 May 2026 Roundtable EOIs close 8 May 2026 See link in bio for more information and to complete the survey. Image: Diane Cross working on a sculpture at Canberra Potters. Photo by Pew Pew Studio for ArtsACT

Creative Australia’s Biennale Delegates Program returns in 2026, offering visual arts professionals the chance to engage with leading Australian and international events, including the Biennale of Sydney and the Venice Biennale. Delivered in a hybrid format, the program supports professional growth through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative learning. Eight delegates (one from each State and Territory) will be selected, each receiving a $4,750 grant. Applications are currently open and close Tuesday 28 April 2026. For more information and to apply, see link in bio. Image: Australian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Photo credit: John Gollings.

The Minister’s Creative Council (MCC) welcomes five new Members! MCC Chair, Holly Trueman, is a screen industry champion and CEO of Screen Canberra. Deputy Chair, Fernando Pino, is an architect, designer, and interdisciplinary artist. Jordan Best is an award winning director, producer, and arts leader. Samuel Conway is a festival director, venue operator, musician, and advocate for emerging talent. Sally Golding is an internationally recognised artist and curator. Together they’ll bring unique perspectives and expertise to the Council and contribute to positive discussion and practical advice on the arts in Canberra. Visit the artsACT website for their full biographies. Pictured: Top row, left to right, Holly Trueman, Fernando Pino. Bottom row, left to right, Jordan Best, Samuel Conway, Sally Golding.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 ACT Book of the Year Award! Celebrating the incredible talent of Canberra’s writers across fiction, non-fiction and poetry, this award honours outstanding works published in 2025. With $10,000 for the winning title, $2,000 for highly commended works and $1,000 for each shortlisted book, the award continues to uplift local voices and showcase the depth and diversity of our literary community. See link in bio for more information and to apply!

In partnership with artsACT, Accessible Arts is holding an online Access Rider Workshop for organisations designed to help create an inclusive workplace where everyone can feel that they belong. This training session will cover: • Legislation • Access riders • Workplace adjustments • Funding • Access responsibilities and recruitment processes This session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday 17 February 2026 between 2:00pm – 3:30pm. This is a free event however spaces are limited. See link in bio to register.

artsACT will be hosting an online information session about applying for Arts Activities funding on Thursday 12 February 2026, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Microsoft Teams meeting link in bio. Applications for the Up-to-$5K funding are currently open for the 2025-26 financial year. Applications for the 2026 $5-50K Arts Activities Round 1 funding category is currently open and closes on Monday 2 March 2026 at 5:00pm. Image: ECDysis performance by Elizabeth Cameron Dalman and Dance in Australia, October 2025. Photo by Sigo Tseng. Activity supported by the ACT Government.

The 2025-26 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program closes soon! Eligible activities led by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individual, group or organisation include: • creating arts and cultural works • presenting or performing arts and cultural works • professional or skills development, arts mentoring and artists residencies • community arts and cultural development • marketing and promotion of arts activities These programs can be across a range of artforms and cultural practice including dance, music, theatre, visual arts and crafts, literature, digital and new media, screen and arts-based festivals. 📅 Expressions of Interest close 9 February 2026. 🔗 Link in bio. Image credit: Project Dust 2024 ‘Country’ performance at the Courtyard Theatre. Project by Emma Laverty. Photo by Olivia Wikner. Supported by the ACT Government.

Creative Workplaces has launched the Creative Workplaces Survey, a landmark national research project designed to build the first comprehensive picture of working conditions across Australia’s creative industries. It is open to anyone aged 18 or over who lives in Australia for tax purposes and works in the creative industries. Visit link in bio to take the survey. Submissions close 23 February 2026

The 2025 Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange comes to a close today for Māori artist Jamie Berry, who has been in Canberra, working out of photo access, since 7 November 2025. This residency offered Jamie the chance to explore a new environment, learn about local culture, and build meaningful connections within the arts community. We wish you all the best Jamie and come back soon! Pictured left to right: His Excellency Andrew Needs, Bryce Taotua, Stevei Houkāmau, Jamie Berry and Kenneth Ryan at the New Zealand High Commission.