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The Substation/ Artist/Experimental Commissioning Consortia/

The Substation is proud to be a part of the Experimental Commissioning Consortium (ECC) – a new multi-year, multi-organisation initiative that scaffolds independent artists to make ambitious work.

The ECC is a newly convened group of organisations around Australia devoted to the development and presentation of independent and experimental art and performance. It seeks to foster cross-sector collaboration to generate increased mobility and opportunity for artists. The program includes three pillars: an experimental laboratory to incubate work, a commissioning circle to bring work into development, and a national touring network.

The ECC is supported by Creative Australia. Head of Emerging and Experimental Arts at Creative Australia, Zohar Spatz, said of the ECC, “Creative Australia is thrilled to support the piloting of an Experimental Commissioning Consortium. This co-investment enables a values-based approach to mobility frameworks, sustainable models and pathways for experimental artists that is distinctly artist centred and led by small to medium arts organisations from across the country.”

The pilot program of the ECC is being administered by Performance Space. The first artist lab took place at Utp in Western Sydney during the inaugural Another World Festival 14 - 16 November 2025, hosted by Utp and Performance Space. The second artist lab took place in Lutruwita/Tasmania from 18 - 25 March 2026, hosted by The Unconformity and Assembly 197.

Participating organisations:

Abbotsford Convent (VIC)

Arts House (VIC)

Assembly 197 (TAS)

Cementa (regional NSW)

Dancehouse (VIC)

Metro Arts (QLD)

PACT (NSW)

Performance Space (NSW)

PICA (WA)

Punctum (regional VIC)

The Substation (VIC)