NORPA

Live Edge 2026: Expression of Interest now open

NORPA is inviting Northern Rivers artists and makers to be part of the inaugural Live Edge — a new annual multi-artform performance platform at The Joinery.

Expression of Interest

Opportunity Details

Closing Date

Jul 31, 2026

Accepting applications from

Regional New South Wales

Artform

Design

NORPA is seeking Expressions of Interest from Northern Rivers performance makers and visual artists to present works at Live Edge.

What is Live Edge?

Live Edge is NORPA’s annual multi-artform performance platform at The Joinery. A curated weekend of bold, site-responsive work from Northern Rivers artists and makers across all disciplines.

Event Details:
13 — 15 November
200 person ticketed events

Artist Brief

We are looking for work that is in direct conversation with The Joinery. You are encouraged to create immediate, daring, and site-responsive works that engage directly with The Joinery’s distinctive industrial architecture, using its scale, textures, and character as a creative springboard. We are looking for ideas across all art forms with a performance element.

Key Dates

  • Rehearsal Week: 2 – 8 Nov
  • Bump-In: 9 – 12 Nov
  • Live Edge: 13 – 15 Nov

How to apply

Who can apply

Northern Rivers-based artists working across all art forms.
We’re calling on emerging artists and artists of all backgrounds, abilities, ages and identities to apply. You’re welcome to respond in the format that best represents your idea — written responses, video, audio, images, or a mix of these.

Get to know The Joinery

The Joinery is our new creative home — a 3,000 sqm converted joinery factory in the heart of Lismore where creativity thrives, new works are born, and resilience and adaptation have informed the design.

The Joinery is currently in transition. While its full vision will unfold over the coming years, initial restoration works, focused on making the space safe and functional, are nearly complete. Live Edge will be one of the first opportunities for the public to experience the space as it comes to life.

We encourage you to consider how The Joinery’s character and evolving nature might inform your proposal. Reach out if you would like more information on its history.

Site Tour

  • Come and explore the space and meet the team — attendance is highly recommended.
  • Wed 22 July, 5.30 – 6.30pm
  • Email [email protected] to book a spot on the tour

Additional references

Project funding

An all up cash contribution of $22,000 will be shared across selected projects. Funding is scaled to the nature and scope of the work, leaving opportunity for emerging to mid career artists. The number of artists selected will depend on the works received and the overall program balance.

  • Live Performance: Theatre, dance, music: up to $4,000
  • Installation, visual art or sculptural work: up to $3,000
  • Projection, sound, audio visual: $1,500 – $2,500
  • Emerging artist micro-commissions: $500 – $1,000

Cash contributions are inclusive of all artist fees and collaborator costs including two-night presentation.

Additional In-kind contribution from NORPA

  • Access to The Joinery venue for site visits, rehearsals, technical runs and presentation period
  • Access to production equipment including lighting, sound and projection
  • Producer support throughout the development and presentation period
  • Technical support including in-house plotting and live show operation
  • Photography and archival documentation

What we’ll be looking for

We’ll consider each EOI with the following in mind:

  • Creative Practice: you have an active practice and a commitment to making and presenting work
  • Idea: your work is bold, daring and responds to the qualities and character of The Joinery
  • Place you live in, work or have a strong connection to the Northern Rivers
  • Audience connection: your idea has the potential to engage and resonate with a public audience as part of a ticketed event
  • A note on duration: Not sure if your idea is too short or too long? We welcome ideas of various lengths and if selected, we will work with you to find the best presentation outcome.

Get in touch

Let’s chat. We’d love to hear your idea, even if it’s still taking shape. Before you apply, please get in touch with us so we can talk it through with you.

Jacq Driscoll [email protected] 02 6622 0300 (Tuesdays – Thursdays, 9 – 5pm)

To submit your EOI, complete the Expressions of Interest form by 31 July.

For more information click here

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