● Experience Shopfront
Emerging Artist Programs
At Shopfront, emerging and early career artists are offered a pathway through our unparalleled opportunities and programs. Here, you can cultivate and refine your artistic practice within a safe and nurturing environment; fostering growth and creativity.
Programs + Resources
● Masterclasses
Learn from industry professionals in one of our intensives:
- Director : Complete
- Technician : Complete
- Deviser : Enrol Now
- Actor : Enrol Now
- Producer : Enrol Now
- Singer : Enrol Now
Over four weekly sessions, sharpen your artistic skills and build your creative network. Limited places available each stream.
Follow our socials, or sign up to our Emerging Artists database for dates and other pop-up masterclasses throughout the year.
● Young Company
This progressive route from our workshop program allows young artists to develop their creative practice in a nurturing space. Jump in the driver’s seat, take creative risks, create dynamic performances and make new friends.
Working towards an end of year showcase, Young Company requires attendance at rehearsal and development days throughout the year.
● Members Production
Pitch your artistic idea to the Young People of Shopfront, and they’ll vote for their favourite! The chosen project gets time and resources in a three-month residency that offers:
- Free space to develop and rehearse your ideas
- Rehearsal observation at Shopfront’s partnering orgs
- 1:1 mentorship with an artist/practitioner
- Marketing support
- Production team
- Your work programmed in Shopfront’s season
Members Production runs May – August
Accepting applications now!
● Harness Ensemble
An inclusive group of emerging artists with and without disability. Artists are given the space to create group-based devised theatre work under the guidance of established theatre-makers, and develop their careers through professional mentorship.
In 2025 Harness finished three months of skills development masterclasses and are now working on an original work for 2026.
Harness performs on a bi-annual cycle.
● ArtsLab
Shopfront’s flagship emerging artist program.
A six-month residency that offers:
- Free space to develop and rehearse ideas
- Masterclasses tailored to your needs
- Industry networking opportunities
- Rehearsal observation at Shopfront’s partnering orgs
- 1:1 mentorship with an artist/practitioner in your chosen field for the duration of the residency
- Technical and marketing support
- Your work programmed in a two week festival
Artslab runs October – March/April.
Next intake applications: July/August 2026
● Open Shop
A creative development program for young, emerging, and early career artists who need space to develop an idea or rehearse a production.
You can apply at any time of year to use our rehearsal spaces free of charge. All you need to do is fill in an Expression of Interest form.
All Open Shop residencies are subject to availability.
Register to our Emerging Artist List to be the first to hear about opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We define “emerging artist” as either a Young Person (under 26) who is 18+, OR someone within their first 5 years of their artistic practice.
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-ArtsLab (6 month program to make your own work with support and mentoring from Shopfront)
-Members Show (3 month program to stage a new work with support and mentoring from Shopfront as voted by Young People)
-Open Shop (ongoing residency program for independent emerging artists and collectives to use rehearsal space for free)
-Masterclasses (free workshops throughout the year)
-Hot desk hire (discounted for artists who need a focused space outside of home and cafes)
To stay in the loop, you can join our Emerging Artist mailing list or follow us on social media — we share open calls, workshops, and opportunities throughout the year. -
Our masterclasses and projects are led by professional artists and industry mentors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. They come from a range of disciplines — theatre, film, design, writing, music, and more — and are here to guide, challenge, and support you. If we don’t have someone, we’ll find one for you.
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As a member, you’ll have access to our creative spaces, mentorship network, technical equipment, and a community of artists who collaborate and support each other. You’ll also connect with our alumni network — an inspiring group of artists, producers, and creatives working across the arts industry.
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Yes! We often collaborate with artists and organisations across Australia and abroad.
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That’s great — we’d love to hear from you! You can get in touch with our core staff and they can find someone to support you. Just email us or reach out through our Contact page.
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You can email us anytime at hello@shopfront.org.au or call (02) 9588 3948. We’re here to help you out.
Shopfront Pathway
“ArtsLab has genuinely been life changing. I have gained so much...not only in skills but connections and friends that I will carry on into the future with me.”