MELT development program
Applications are now OPEN!
Applications for the Melt Development Program are now open and will close at 11:59pm on Monday, 04 May, 2026.
Important Dates
Applications Open: Thursday, 02 April, 2026, 10:00am
Applications Close: Monday, 04 May, 2026, 11:59pm
Please prepare your submission before the deadline to ensure you have no technical difficulties and any questions can be answered prior.
The form closes automatically at midnight, and late submissions will not be accepted.
Applications will be assessed by an external panel of advisors and the Melt team.
All applicants advised of outcome: 15 May 2026
Final marketing material due: 12 June 2026 (copy, images, video footage)
Program announced: 15 July 2026
Festival dates: 21 October – 08 November 2026
How It Works
The Melt Development Program is divided into 2 streams:
- Works in Development
Supporting the development of new or evolving work in a low-pressure environment - Presentation-Ready Works
Supporting artists to present work during Melt Festival with reduced financial and logistical risk
Funding
Applicants based in South East QLD can apply for up to $5,000.
Applicants outside of South East QLD* can apply for up to $10,000 to support travel expenses, depending on the scale and scope of the project.
This program is for Queer-identifying artists. We welcome submissions from First Nations creatives, POC artists, trans and gender‑diverse people, and individuals living with disability. Please let us know if you would prefer to apply in a different format or if there is any barrier for you in the submission process.
*Areas that are outside of the Local government area of the Brisbane City Council
Eligibility
- Open to all artists and collectives- priority focus on regional QLD and intersectional artists/work
- Works in Development may be early-stage, experimental, or in-progress and must demonstrate a clear development intention/trajectory
- Presentation-Ready Works must be presentation-ready (or close to)
Support Offered
- Funding to support the presentation of new work as part of Melt 2026
- Works in Development Option to develop work prior to Melt Festival dates, with intention to present work in Melt Festival
- Producing support (where applicable)
- Inclusion in dedicated Melt Festival marketing campaign (local and national)
- Option to participate in an Artist Showcase Event, designed to connect artists with presenters, programmers, and partners
Successful Applicants
- Will be required to enter into an MOU with Melt’s producer Brisbane Powerhouse and to complete at least one event as part of the Melt program and;
- Will be expected to provide a one-page acquittal detailing what the applicant spent their development money on, personal learnings, outcomes gained and related still images of the project by no later than four weeks after their event concludes.
