The FLUXUS Opera Lab is designed to nurture and develop new opera works through mentorship, collaboration, and financial support.

Open to emerging and mid-career writers and composers of all genres, the Lab invites a broad range of artists with an interest in exploring operatic form—no prior opera experience is required.

Up to ten creatives are supported either financially or through bespoke mentorship in a program running March - June 2026 (submissions close 10 February 2026). The Lab may be undertaken in person or online, depending on participants’ needs, and includes financial support, dramaturgical guidance, mentorship, and research consultancy.

WHAT IS THE OPERA LAB?

WHY IT MATTERS

Opera has always been in flux.

The FLUXUS Opera Lab exists to expand what opera can be by championing bold ideas, diverse voices, and collaborative exploration.

We provide artists with:

Mentorship from experienced creators and industry leaders
Space to test, fail, and refine ideas
Collaboration across disciplines, building new partnerships
Development support to move works from concept towards production

The Lab is not about rushing to a premiere — it is about process. By focusing on experimentation, dialogue, and risk-taking, we create the conditions for new operatic forms to emerge. This approach not only generates new Australian repertoire but also opens space for storytellers from diverse backgrounds and for those who have previously felt “othered” by opera.

In doing so, the FLUXUS Opera Lab seeks to shift the culture of opera-making in Australia: moving beyond convention, building community, and making opera a living, evolving art form that reflects the complexity and immediacy of contemporary life.

HOW IT WORKS

We are calling for submissions from all over the country (including Australian creatives living overseas). The program will be divided into three main components:

MENTORSHIP

The most common outcome from the first submission is initial mentorship.

These will be three-hour one-on-one sessions with an experienced mentor who will help expand an idea, solve a problem, or assist in taking the idea to the next development step.

Doing these in person is preferred (we can assist in providing space for this) or if unavoidable, they can be done via Zoom or a similar platform.

Based on panel feedback, creatives/teams can reapply for further development in subsequent cycles.

If creatives come to us with an idea but are looking for other creatives to partner with, we can assist with this process, suggesting possible collaborators and facilitating meet-ups.

This could be:

a writer comes to us with an idea but needs a composer to work with
a composer comes with an idea and needs a writer
a writer needs a dramaturg
a songwriter is wanting to collaborate with a more experienced composer of orchestral/classic forms

& MATCH-MAKING

SPACE TO CREATE - $5000 GRANT

The Program Recipients — either individually or as part of a collaborative team — will use this grant to further develop their submitted idea. This development phase might take the form of a comprehensive two-page concept document or “treatment” outlining the project’s scope, themes, and creative direction; a first draft of a libretto; or a series of songs, sketches, or musical ideas.

The specific nature of these deliverables can be tailored to suit each artist’s creative process.

The program generally supports teams of up to two artists. If your project involves more than two collaborators, please discuss this with FLUXUS Pty Ltd prior to applying.

There are two grants available for the 2026 round of submissions.

Each grant may also include a mentorship session, where applicable, to provide feedback and guidance on the work in progress.

RESEARCH & CONSULTANCY SUPPORT

Where relevant, FLUXUS may be able to connect recipients with an experienced researcher or consultant to assist with historical or cultural context, or to provide connections for further investigation and thematic development.

PROOF OF CONCEPT
(launching in late 2026)

A Proof of concept showing is contingent on the panel's approval of the initial narrative outline and creative team. (This may be after completion of Mentorship and/or Space to Create.)

A week-long workshop at (Presenting Partner TBC) with up to four singers, a pianist, and/or an ensemble as required,
Showing with invited guests.

SUBMISSIONS & KEY DATES

Submissions open NOW.

For this 2026 round, there will be 2 x Space To Create grants offered to creative teams or individuals. We will also be offering at least six mentorship opportunities.

The program dates are flexible, but all mentorship and space to create periods will take place between 24 March and 5 October 2026.

For more information, please refer to our FAQs.

KEY DATES