NIGHT SWEATS/ EXPERIMENTAL CLUB NIGHT/
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST:
NIGHT SWEATS/
EXPERIMENTAL CLUB NIGHT/
NIGHT SWEATS is a new experimental club night curated and presented by The Substation, taking over the entire building with a program of DJs, pop-up performances, art installations and participatory experiences.
We are seeking artists who push against limits, disrupt expectations and create works that f*ck around and find out.
We're looking for bold and risky works that are disgusting, transgressive, visceral, shocking, weird, perverted and profane. We want artists who are interested in creating encounters that respond to the unique character of The Substation building, shift the relationship between performer and audience, challenge social dynamics and transform the way people experience a club environment.
We are particularly interested in works that are:
- portable and adaptable
- low-tech and minimal in production requirements
- roving or site-responsive
- designed to activate unexpected spaces and encounters throughout the venue
Works may take any form, including:
- short-form club interventions or performance spots
- long durational works
- roving performances and interventions
- installations
- participatory experiences
- experimental sound, movement and performance practices
We welcome both polished works ready for presentation and untested ideas that are willing to take risks. Works should demonstrate a clear artistic vision and an ability to engage audiences within the unpredictable environment of a club night.
Selected artists will receive a fee of up to $750 per work (which includes artist fees, materials etc.), negotiated with The Substation depending on the scale and scope of the proposal.
The Substation will also provide in-kind venue, production and marketing support as well as development and rehearsal space where required prior to the event.
ASSESSMENT
Expressions of Interest will be assessed by The Substation’s Creative Director/CEO Nuala Furtado and Executive Producer Nicholas Tee.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Substation is committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for artists and audiences.
We welcome Expressions of Interest from artists of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage applications from First Nations artists, artists from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ artists, Deaf and disabled artists, and artists from underrepresented communities.
We are committed to removing barriers to participation and encourage applicants to let us know about any access requirements or support needs as part of the application process. Reasonable adjustments can be discussed with The Substation team.
HOW TO APPLY
To submit an Expression of Interest for NIGHT SWEATS, please complete the online application form.
Artists will be asked to provide details about themselves, their practice and their proposed work, including the concept, format, audience experience, technical requirements and any supporting material.
Please review the opportunity guidelines and submission requirements before applying. Applications must be submitted through the online form by Wednesday 30 September 2026.
KEY DATES
- Applications open: Wednesday 19 August 2026
- Online information session: 3 or 10 September 2026, 12:00pm via Google Meet. Register here.
- Applications close: Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Applicants notified by: Mid-October 2026
NIGHT SWEATS will be presented as an ongoing series throughout 2027, with multiple editions planned across the year. Selected artists may be programmed across one or more editions of the series.
For further information, please attend the online information session, contact info@thesubstation.org.au or visit our website.
Photography:
Club Ecstasy, Marcus Whale, 2025, documentation by Damien Raggatt.
