ENGAGE

Our ENGAGE program supports heavily subsidised one-week bookings of the Brown’s Mart Theatre. This program is open to Independent Artists, Co-operatives and Community Groups. ENGAGE provides up to $10,000 worth of venue hire and staff support for selected projects, and applicants are assessed on their proposed outcomes for artists and audiences. Up to two projects will be supported in 2023.

 

ENGAGE is an ideal opportunity for a co-operative or independent performance group to present a short performance season at Brown’s Mart. Shows touring from other regional locations, especially from within the Territory, are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Applicants must be independent companies, groups, or individuals. Projects by entities in receipt of organisational funding from State, Territory or Federal government are not eligible for Engage. Shows with project specific funding are eligible to apply.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Successful projects will be chosen based on

• A compelling artistic rationale
• A clearly articulated marketing pitch that will speak to new or existing Darwin audiences, realistic marketing plan, and examples of the artwork/photos you will use for advertising.
• A well-considered bump in and show schedule detailing your proposed time in the Brown’s Mart Theatre and the staffing resource required.
• A demonstrated interest in creating work that is accessible to both new and existing audiences within the Territory and beyond
• Realistic box office targets, and a demonstrated capacity to present the event safely and effectively

 

SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS

ENGAGE artists receive:

• Free hire of the Theatre for up to one week (this includes waived venue hire fees for technical bump in, rehearsals, and shows.
• Ticketing built and sold through the Brown’s Mart ticketing system, with a free Ticketing Operator and venue Duty Manager for up to 3 shows.
• 15 hours of free Technician time.
• Inclusion in Brown’s Mart’s marketing including social media posts and a presence on our website and printed What’s On Guides.
• Advocacy and promotion of the project within the performing arts industry as required.
• Production advice in preparation for your event.
• 80% of net box office from every ticket sold.
• Brown’s Mart Ushers for each show.

 

ENGAGE artists will:

• Present their show as per their application on the agreed upon dates
• Provide all marketing, ticketing, and show specific technical and safety information, including a risk assessment, to Brown’s Mart at least two months prior to their event dates.
• Pay for any additional Technician, Ticketing or Duty Manager hours as per an agreed upon Bump In and Show Schedule. Technician= $47 an hour, minimum three hour call*
  Duty Manager and Ticketing staff = $400 in total for each additional show above the 3 provided through this program.*
  *These rates are double on Sundays
• Organise documentation of their event, and share this with Brown’s Mart for Brown’s Mart’s ongoing use.
• Acknowledge Brown’s Mart as supporters of the work across all marketing collateral including the use of the Brown’s Mart logo and “presented as part of the Brown’s Mart ENGAGE program” in the presenting line.
• Maintain Public Liability Insurance for their event and provide a certificate of currency to Brown’s Mart prior to Bump In with any risk assessments as required.

 

HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Applications are submitted via a simple online form below.
We recommend producers discuss their application with Brown’s Mart staff prior to submitting.

 

NOTES ON YOUR APPLICATION
• Brown’s Mart ENGAGE support is not transferable as cash.
A Bump In and Show Schedule example document for a 3 show season is available here. You may use a different format if you wish when creating your draft schedule, this is provided as an example only.