Our History & Timeline

Our History

Theatre Network Australia (TNA) was established in 2009 as Theatre Network Victoria (TNV) by nine Victorian small-to-medium performing arts organisations, driven by the need for stronger connection, advocacy, and sector development, as identified by a 2007 Deloitte report commissioned by Arts Victoria. Initially funded through an eighteen-month project by Arts Victoria’s Sector Development program, TNV quickly proved its value, securing ongoing funding from Creative Victoria by 2011. This support allowed TNV to grow into a dedicated service organisation for Victoria’s performing arts, with a focus on empowering small-to-medium organisations and independent artists. 

From early on, TNV recognised the need for national coordination and advocacy for the performing arts sector. With support from the Australia Council, TNV produced the Australian Theatre Forum (ATF) in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017, helping to build a national network. In 2015, TNV led the successful Free the Arts campaign, which restored $80 million to the Australia Council, strengthening its reputation as an inclusive and effective advocate. These experiences laid the groundwork for TNV’s expansion

In 2016, TNV became Theatre Network Australia (TNA), formally extending its services nationwide while maintaining a strong Victorian focus through its unique ‘T’ model.

Over the past several years, TNA has continued to expand its national presence and impact, with significant achievements in advocacy, sector support, and organisational growth. With multi-year funding from the Creative Australia and Creative Victoria, TNA has expanded its team and program capacity, now offering an integrated suite of services that include advocacy, capacity-building programs, sector-specific research, and targeted support for Circus and Physical Theatre (CaPT) and Children, Young People, and the Arts (CYPA). This expansion has enabled TNA to lead national initiatives, produce the Australian Performing Arts Forum (APAF, formerly ATF), and establish itself as an essential resource for the performing arts across metropolitan, regional, and remote areas.

TNA’s structure and reach have strengthened further with new funding initiatives and an increased staff capacity to deliver programs across Australia. The organisation has built a robust team, now led by Co-CEOs Joshua Lowe and Erica McCalman, who took over in 2024 after the 15-year leadership of founding CEO Nicole Beyer. This leadership change reflects TNA’s evolution and a commitment to advancing the organisation’s strategic vision with fresh perspectives.

See TNA’s full timeline of key achievements

Our Timeline

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009

2023

  • Organisation

    Nicole Beyer leaves TNA after 15 years at the helm.
    Erica McCalman and Joshua Lowe appointed as Co-CEOs from 2024.

  • Stronger Connections
    The Australian Performing Arts Forum (APAF), formerly ATF, takes place in Meanjin in person for 350 people.

  • Increasing Diversity

    LeaderShift, a program to support diverse leadership succession in the performing arts, is implemented.

  • Campaigns

    Revive, the National Cultural Policy is launched in January. TNA advocates for and supports timely implementation and calls for the Cross-government Steering Committee to be prioritised.

  • Healthy Ecology

    A second program of Creating Out Loud, and publishing of free peer learning guides.

  • First Nations Leadership

    The recruitment of TNA’s new executive leadership team results in the appointment of highly regarded arts leader Erica McCalman, alongside TNA’s Joshua Lowe as Co-CEOs.

  • ASSITEJ Network
    TNA leads the advocacy to establish a Federal Creative Industries Youth Advisory Group, supported First Nations woman Rita Pryce to attend the TYA Directors Seminar in Berlin as the Australia representative, and initiated a Youth Arts Chairs' Network to support better governance of organisations that work with young people.

  • Circus and Physical Theatre

    TNA leads three capacity building initiatives: Australian First Nations Circle, Safe & Sustainable Rigging Initiative, and the CaPT Independent Producers Initiative.
    A CaPT-specific gathering was held as part of APAF for the first time.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    TNA secures funding support for the majority of independent delegates at APAF.

2022

  • Stronger Connections

    Victorian Performing Arts Forum (VPAF), formerly Victorian Theatre Forum (VTF), takes place in Melbourne and Ballarat.
    VIPI Producing Fundamentals workshops for emerging producers and artists.
    In-person Sector Gatherings around the country.

  • Increasing Diversity

    Developed and launched LeaderShift, a program to address lack of diversity in performing arts leadership.

  • Campaigns

    Federal election advocacy including Champions of Arts & Culture Meetups, Art & Culture are Everywhere/Essential campaign, and TNA’s new Advocacy Toolkit.
    Submission for a new National Cultural Policy.

  • Healthy Ecology

    A second program of Creating Out Loud, and publishing of free peer learning guides.

  • First Nations Leadership

    Rita Pryce selected to attend the TYA Directors Exchange 2023 in Germany as the Australian representative. It is the first time an Australian First Nations person has been nominated in the history of this exchange.

  • ASSITEJ Network
    Online delegation of Australian First Nations artists to Bibu Festival (Sweden) as well as FUSE, the National Performing Arts Summit.

  • Circus and Physical Theatre

    TNA facilitates sector wide consultation and conversation in light of major changes to Circus Oz.
    3 significant CaPT capacity building initiatives developed and announced, to commence in 2023.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    Third 2022 Indie Survey Report, THIS IS HOW WE DO IT, incorporates impact of Omicron waves.

2021

  • Increasing Diversity
    Power Play, a strategic – paid leadership program for a diverse group often independent artists, producers and arts workers.

  • Stronger Connections

    Deconstructed Australian Theatre Forum – 4 events including an in-person Neighbourhood gathering in Adelaide with APAM and DreamBig.

  • Campaigns

    Parliamentary Inquiry into Australia’s Creative and Cultural Industries and Institutions.
    Federal Inquiry leads to bi-partisan support for National Arts & Culture Plan.

  • Healthy Ecology

    ‘Creating Out Loud’ peer-learning partnership with University of Queensland – first pilot project.
    Seventh Salary Survey Report benchmarks salaries and working conditions.
    Online meetups for performing arts executive leaders to reconnect and share challenges, solutions, and ideas during the height of the pandemic.
    VIPI Producers Mentoring Program Rounds 1 and 2 conclude – Round 3 participants announced.

  • ASSITEJ Network

    Video of Australian work made with, for, and by young people premieres online at MIRAI festival, Japan.
    Sue Giles is elected as President of ASSITEJ – International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People.

  • Circus and Physical Theatre

    TNA and CaPT Advisory Committee creates CaPT Strategy 2021-24.
    TNA runs CaPT Producers Club, a bimonthly peer learning circle.
    Circus Companies Forum meeting of circus companies to discuss sector needs in light of possible changes to Circus Oz.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    Crisis Cash concludes, having raised $366,000 for artists in partnership with 71 Champion Companies.
    Successful advocacy for Support Act Crisis Relief Grants, with crisis funding extended to all performing arts workers.

  • Organisation

    502 members

2020

  • Stronger Connections

    Responding to COVID-19, TNA provided consistent, clear, empathetic communications, advice and advocacy.

  • Safe Theatres

    Final Safe Theatres Workshops held in WA, NSW and SA, using a scenario-based format for participants to understand the complex issues.

  • Campaigns

    Federal inquiry into Creative Industry and Institutions, calling for an Arts and Culture Plan 2030.

  • Healthy Ecology

    Second 2020 Indie Survey Report, THIS IS HOW WE DO IT,  incorporating Covid-19 impact from 283 respondents.

  • First Nations Leadership

    Approval of board succession plan to a First Nations Chair in 2022.

  • ASSITEJ Network

    Inaugural advisory group established; commissioned a video showing Australian performance with for and by young people.

  • Circus and Physical Theatre

    CaPT Advisory Group for 2020–2021 announced.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    Advocacy for fairer Covid-19 support packages for artists federal and state;
    Crisis Cash, an emergency fundraising campaign for indies severely affected by Covid-19, in partnership with ACF and 71 Champion Companies.

  • Organisation

    480 members

2019

  • Stronger Connections

    National Sector Gatherings in NT, NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, WA.

  • Safe Theatres

    Safe Theatres Workshops in QLD and VIC  (VIC for Independents);
    Partnership with Myer Foundation to support Safe Theatres Australia co-directors for 3 years.

  • Campaigns

    Calling for the return of $20 million to Australia Council for the Arts.

  • Healthy Ecology

    4th S2M Salary Survey;
    Victorian Independent Producers Initiative rolled out;
    Peer Learning for S2M leadership roles.

  • First Nations Leadership

    Development of Equity Action Plan through Fair Play.

  • ASSITEJ Network

    'Converge' - National Young People and Theatre Symposium with Melbourne University and industry partners.

  • Circus and Physical Theatre

    Research into circus specific rigging training requirements;
    Sector Gathering in VIC with Safe Theatres workshop component.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    Showcase Victoria offers 1 free registration per artist pitch.

  • Organisation

    389 members

2018

  • Gender Equity

    Supports Emma Valente to publish and promote THE LIST - Female, Non-binary and Trans Designers.

  • ASSITEJ Network

    Youth Arts and TYA Symposiums in Sydney and Melbourne.

  • Circus and Physical Theatre

    National CaPT advisory group meetings commence;
    TNA supported CaPT breakfast at APAM.

  • Stronger Connections

    ATF: Review; VTF: Arts Centre Melbourne; 
    National Sector Gatherings SA and NT.

  • First Nations Leadership

    Staff attend Reconciliation Australia training;
    Commence designing strategy;
    TNA supports Blakfulla Performing Arts Alliance; Collaborate with BlakDance on policy submissions.

  • Safe Theatres

    Attend inaugural Safe Theatres Forum; 
    Financial support for national TNA members to attend LPA’s Addressing Harassment and Bullying training;
    Addressing Sexual Harassment roundtables in VIC, TAS and NT.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    TNA meets with markets to push for free places for Independents.

  • Increasing Diversity

    Staff attend Access and Inclusion training.

  • Healthy Ecology

    Submission to MPA Framework Review;
    Independent Creatives Working Trends Survey;
    Peer Learning for S2M leadership roles.

  • Organisation

    376 Members

  • Campaigns

    Return of Catalyst funds to Australia Council for the Art.

2017

  • Healthy Ecology

    S2M Salary Survey; 
    Advocacy Masterclass by Neil Pharaoh, NSW.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    ‘Go Pitch’ introduced at Showbroker Adelaide;
    Independent Strategy: 119 supported places at ATF; 57 travel funds achieved for independent practitioners; ATF Delegate travel subsidy up 52% from 2013.

  • Increasing Diversity

    ATF delegates identify as: 31 First Nations, 50 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, 14 with Disability; Deaf delegate strategy at ATF; Access Coordinator at ATF.

  • Safe Theatres

    #MeToo in Australia; TNA begins work on addressing sexual harassment.

  • Gender Equity

    Women only working group at ATF; 
    Women Arts Leadership Australia (WALA) established.

  • First Nations Leadership

    ATF co-curators Alexis West and Steve Mayhew, Facilitator Nadine McDonald-Dowd, and 14 other First Nations speakers including Jacob Boehme and Linda Kennedy.

  • Organisation

    309 Members

  • Stronger Connections

    ATF: Adelaide;
    VTF: Back To Back Theatre, Geelong;
    National Sector Gatherings TAS, QLD, NT, and WA.

  • Campaigns

    Return of Catalyst funds to Australia Council for the Art.

  • Circus and Physical Theatre

    CaPT Strategy roll out.

2016

  • Stronger Connections

    VTF: Arts House.

  • ASSITEJ Network

    TNA appointed Australian Centre for ASSITEJ International.

  • Organisation

    Organisation goes national;
    267 Members.

  • Campaigns

    Co-led National Arts Election Debates.

  • Healthy Ecology

    Government Advocacy Masterclass with Neil Pharaoh for S2M sector, VIC.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    APACA adopts ‘Go Pitch’ securing funding from states.

2015

  • Stronger Connections

    ATF: Sydney; 
    VTF: Malthouse Theatre.

  • Healthy Ecology

    S2M Salary Survey; 
    Peer Learning for Independent artists and producers.
    Independent Creatives Survey - pilot version.

  • Campaigns

    Co-led with sector colleagues: #freethearts Senate Inquiry into the impact of the 2014/15 Commonwealth Budget decisions on the Arts.

  • Increasing Diversity

    ATF delegates identify as: 28 First Nations, 62 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, 10 with Disability; Deaf delegate strategy at ATF.

  • First Nations Leadership

    ATF Keynotes: Rachael Maza, Richard Frankland, Rhoda Roberts.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    ‘Go Pitch’ successfully funded in Victoria
    Independent Strategy: 110 supported places at ATF
    ATF Delegate travel subsidy up 25% from 2013.

2014

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    TNA proposed ‘Go Pitch’ Fund at Showcase Victoria.

  • Organisation

    Paid Membership begins;
    191 Members.

  • Healthy Ecology

    Peer Learning for S2M General Managers.

  • Stronger Connections

    VTF: MTC.

2013

  • Stronger Connections

    ATF: Canberra; 
    Victorian Theatre Meeting, Arts Centre Melbourne.

  • Healthy Ecology

    S2M Salary Survey – benchmarked against non-profit sector;
    Peer Learning pilot program.

  • Increasing Diversity

    ATF delegates identify as: 15 First Nations,
    13 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse,
    5 with Disability.

  • First Nations Leadership

    ATF Keynotes: Ali Murphy-Oates, Nakkiah Lui, David Milroy.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    Independent Strategy: 100 supported places at ATF; ATF Delegate travel subsidy sought from state governments.

2012

  • Stronger Connections

    Victorian Theatre Meeting, Footscray Community Arts Centre;
    2012 National Touring Workshop with APACA and PATA at APAM in Adelaide.

  • Increasing Diversity

    Theatre Diversity Associate role established by the Australia Council for the Arts in QLD (La Boite Theatre, Queensland Theatre, Metro Arts, BEMAC).

2011

  • First Nations Leadership

    ATF Open Space by Wesley Enoch, Keynote speakers Sandra Phillips, Kyle Morrison.

  • Organisation

    Awarded Annual Funding from Arts Victoria. Established as an Incorporated Association.

  • Gender Equity

    Women in Theatre stream at ATF.

  • Fairer Arrangements for Artists

    Independent Strategy: 100 supported places for ATF;
    ATF Delegate travel subsidy initiated.

  • Increasing Diversity

    Sector identifies need for Theatre.
    Diversity Associate at ATF - Australia Council makes it happen.

  • Stronger Connections

    ATF Brisbane produced by TNV, Brisbane Powerhouse. 
    Victorian Theatre Meeting, Malthouse.

  • Healthy Ecology

    2nd Small to Medium Remuneration Report published.

2010

  • Stronger Connections

    Victorian Theatre Meeting hosted by MTC.

  • Stronger Organisation

     Scoping project towards the Australian Theatre Forum 2011 funded by Australia Council.

  • Campaigns

    A joint campaign with Vic ArtsPeak and AIC(V) towards the state election;
    Theatre-sector workshop at APAM 2010, Adelaide.

2009

  • Gender Equity

    Australian Women’s Director’s Alliance (AWDA) formed after ATF.

  • Organisation

    Theatre Network Victoria (TNV) founded as a project by 9 theatre companies. Nicole Beyer appointed as Manager. 

  • Stronger Connections

    ATF Melbourne produced by Australia Council. TNV hosted a breakfast session titled "Towards a national peak body for theatre".

  • Healthy Ecology

    First Remuneration Report published, benchmarking S2M salaries.