Queer Development Program

Applications for the 2026 Queer Development Program will open in early 2026. To stay in the know, subscribe to our mailing list or follow us on socials.

Information

Presented by PSpace and PACT Centre for Emerging Artists, the Queer Development Program (QDP) is a two-week professional development initiative for queer artists from Australia and Aotearoa to build creative skills, develop performance ideas, and forge industry connections within an intergenerational community of queer makers. The first week offers workshops led by experienced artist facilitators, introducing collaborative methodologies for performance-making, while the second week focuses on public showings, supported by PSpace’s production, curatorial, and producing teams. Open to artists from diverse backgrounds and performance disciplines, the program also offers limited travel support for those outside greater Sydney.

Participants may also be considered for the Stephen Cummins Residency; an additional two-week supported period for one artist or collective to further develop new work, guided by a mentor nominated by the artist or identified in collaboration with PSpace.

Jacob Coppedge Queer Development Program Showing 2025 Photographed by Joseph Mayers

Jacob Coppedge, Queer Development Program Showcase (2025). Photo by Joseph Mayers

Josh Freedman Queer Development Program Showcase 2024 Photographed by Joseph Mayers

Josh Freedman, Queer Development Program Showcase (2024). Photo by Joseph Mayers

Cheryn Frost Queer Development Program Showcase 2025 Photographed by Joseph Mayers

Cheryn Frost, Queer Development Program Showcase (2025). Photo by Joseph Mayers

Anastasia Beasley Queer Devlopment Program Showcase 2022 Photographed by Lexi Laphor

Anastasia Beasley, Queer Devlopment Program Showcase (2022). Photo by Lexi Laphor

Amit German Queer Development Program Showcase 2023 Photographed by Joseph Mayers

Amit German, Queer Development Program Showcase (2023). Photo by Joseph Mayers

Amelia Jean O Leary Queer Development Program Showcase 2024 Photographed by Joseph Mayers

Amelia Jean O_Leary, Queer Development Program Showcase (2024). Photo by Joseph Mayers

Past Stephen Cummins Residents

2025: Cheryn Frost and Emma Kew
2024: Aliyah Knight
2023: Adam Jones
2022: Jacinta Larcombe
2020/21: Daley Rangi

Past QDP Artists

2025: Zev Aviv, Kit Wu Bylett, Jacob Coppedge, Simon Croker, Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu, Siobhan Gibbs, David Huggins, Kerith Manderson-Galvin, and Natesha Somasundaram
2024: Dax Carnay, Josh Freedman, Fei Gao, Jamie James, Eric Jiang, Kori Miles, Amelia Jean O'Leary, Micah Rustichelli, Catherine Ryan, and Charlie Trier
2023: Amit German, AnSo, Eden Swan, Georgia Banks & Gee, Gok-Lim Finch, Kady Robinson, Lucy Doherty, Ripley Kavara, Sophie Dumaresq, and Tay Haggarty
2022: Andrew Batt-Rawden, Anastasia Beasley, Gary Paramanathan, Ian Ramirez, Ileini (Lay) Kabalan, Imbar Amira Nassi, Max Burgess, Phil Walford, Sarah-Jayde Tracey, and Tia Mavanie
2020/21: Dyan Tai, Rachel Perks, Justine Youssef, Rowan Savage, Bear Baxter, Demon Derriere, Cheryn Frost, Solomon Frank, Sam Huxtable, and Najee Tannous