Applications are now open for a free 10-week professional development program in artistic direction, event management and stage and production management.
Kwabo Events and Ausdance VIC have announced the 2026 Kwabo Creative Industries Incubator, a free 10-week professional development program designed by and for People of Colour, delivered as part of the HARAMBEE Creative Futures project.
The incubator will run from September 12 to November 15 at Phoenix Youth Hub in Footscray, providing POC emerging creatives, artists and POC international students with practical experience, industry mentoring and pathways towards employment in Victoria’s creative industries.
HARAMBEE Creative Futures is a three-and-a-half-year initiative led by Ausdance VIC and Kwabo Events and funded by VicHealth through its Shifting the Playbook program. Building on two successful pilot incubator programs designed and delivered by Kwabo Events in 2023 and 2025, the project is working to strengthen cultural safety, employment pathways and representation for People of Colour and Culturally and Racially Marginalised artists, dancers and arts workers across Victoria.
At its core, HARAMBEE Creative Futures aims to create healthier creative futures where People of Colour feel safe, recognised and valued, while increasing access to employment, leadership and professional development opportunities and supporting greater cultural representation across the arts sector.
The 2026 Kwabo Creative Industries Incubator is a key part of this work, providing participants with opportunities to build practical skills and professional networks while remaining connected to their creative and cultural practices.
Building practical creative careers
The 10-week incubator will offer three specialist workshop streams:
• Artistic Production, led by Effie Nkrumah and guests
• Creative and Event Management, led by Gracieuse Amah and guests
• Stage and Production Management, led by Jenny Le and guests
Workshops will take place on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, with an all-day session on September 19.
The program recognises that many artists and community members possess valuable creative skills and lived experience but have limited opportunities to gain professional experience in areas such as event management, artistic direction and stage management.
Through practical workshops, industry mentoring and hands-on project delivery, participants will develop skills that can diversify their creative careers and income streams.
The program will culminate in a participatory community event at Kwabo Fest 2026, giving participants the opportunity to apply their skills in a live creative environment.
Participants may also be considered for paid industry placements during 2026–2027 with host organisations including Dancehouse, Cypher Culture, Kwabo Events and participating local government partners. These placements will provide valuable workplace experience and opportunities to build professional relationships and pathways into employment.
No formal experience or training is required. The program is open to People of Colour, including creatives, artists POC international students and community members.
Incubator applications now open. The 2026 Kwabo Creative Industries Incubator is free, with limited places available.
INCUBATOR DETAILS
Program: September 12 – November 15
Location: Phoenix Youth Hub, Footscray
Workshops: Saturdays, 10am–2pm
Eligibility: People of Colour, including creatives, artists and POC international students
Employment pathways: Paid placement opportunities in 2026–2027
Public outcome: Community Day at Kwabo Fest 2026
Applications close: 11.59pm, September 6
For more information and to apply, visit www.kwabofestival.org/expression-of-interest2026