Speakeasy Developments

Darebin's award-winning program for artists to develop new works.

What is the Speakeasy development program?

The program offers artists cash and creative space in either the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre or the Darebin Arts Centre to develop new performing arts projects. Projects are chosen through an annual round of open applications, selected based on the quality and viability of the idea, and its alignment with Darebin's goals and values.

Applications for the 2024 round will open in April/May 2023.

In 2023, the Speakeasy development artists include: 

  • Kalina Lauer for Bayou Bart
  • Nuclear Family Theatre for BOT
  • Kianna Edisane (House of Devine) for Sierna
  • Jennifer Vuletic for The Candle Project
  • Benjamin Nichol for Drop Dead Diva
  • PSA Theatre for Motherpiercer

Previously supported artists include Barcode People, PO PO MO CO, Bloomshed, Vidya Rajan, Joel Bray, A tistic, Cassandra Fumi, Glen Waton, Alexandra Aldrich, Nebahat Eroplat, Aaron Orzech, Christopher Harley, Koraly Dimitriadis, Alice Hetward, Tarah Carey, Stphen Nicolazzo, Lou Wall, Clare Bartholomew, Tré Truner and many more.

Image of Vidya Rajan by J.Walter Thompson for Melbourne Fringe.

Watch artist profiles supported by the program: 

Speakeasy 2020 Development Artist Profile Vidya Rajan
Vidya Rajan received support through Darebin Arts Speakeasy’s Development Program to develop her new work Loot.
Speakeasy 2020 Development Artist Profile Lou Wall
Lou Wall received support from Darebin Arts Speakeasy's Development Program for Lou's new work Lousical the Musical.
Speakeasy 2020 Development Artist Profile Joel Bray
Darebin Arts Speakeasy’s Development Program supported Joel to develop his new work Considerable Sexual License.
Speakeasy 2020 Development Artist Profile Benjamin Nichol
Benjamin Nichol received support from Darebin Arts Speakeasy's Development Program for his new work Fairybread.