The Lab @ UNSW is an exciting new partnership between UNSW’s School of Arts & Media and Sydney Fringe Festival. This experimental hub, housed in Studio 1 at the Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab, will showcase innovative works from UNSW alumni alongside other experimental and innovative artists for two weeks across the Sydney Fringe.
The 2025 season will feature two weeks of cutting-edge performances, creating a vibrant platform for experimental and intermedial work in Sydney.
The intention of TheLab @ UNSW is to showcase exceptional experimental performance, with a focus on interdisciplinary artists and innovative performance. The Lab will be presented at Studio 1, Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab at UNSW.
We are seeking:
- Performance in the experimental, intermedial, and interdisciplinary genres
- Works that demonstrate creative innovation and experimental approaches to making
- Performances that are suited and can work with the parameters of Studio 1 at the Esme Timbery CPL
The OpportunityÂ
A total of 6 shows will be selected for TheLab @ UNSW program. If selected, your work will receive the following:
- Be presented in a 2-week season as part of The Lab @ UNSW, a highlighted curated program within the 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival;
- Be featured as a highlighted program event in the 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival’s marketing campaign, including a dedicated The Lab @ UNSW program spread in the Sydney Fringe Festival guide, a dedicated The Lab @ UNSW program web page, inclusion in program highlights on Sydney Fringe owned organic social media, and the standard individual listing and show page;
- Be eligible for the Sydney Fringe touring awards with partner Fringe festivals
The Deal
Your production remains primarily produced and entirely owned by you. Individual show marketing, production and personnel costs will be at your discretion and will be managed by you with support and guidance by Sydney Fringe and UNSW SAM.
The Lab @ UNSW will subsidise costs and manage and promote performances as follows:
For all 6 selected shows:
- In-kind venue hire for Studio 1 at the Esme Timbery CPL
- Technical support during the season
- FOH and bar staff for all performances
- Inclusion in the TheLab@UNSW marketing campaign
- Standard ticketing fees apply as per the Event Presenter Terms & Conditions
For the 2 UNSW SAM Alumni selected works (in addition to the above):
- $2,500 stipend towards development/production costs
- Waived registration fee
- 2×1-week residencies at the Esme Timbery CPL for development
- Additional mentorship and development support
