Partnerships & programs
The School and the Esme Tibery Creative Practice Lab (ETCPL) work with leading cultural organisations to connect students, artists and researchers with the professional arts sector.Ìý
Key partnerships include:Ìý
- In 2025-26, Pan Pan Theatre brings its acclaimed International Mentorship Program to Australia. Up to five Australian performance makers will work one-on-one with Artistic Director Gavin Quinn. Five Australian performance makers will receive four one-on-one mentorship sessions with Gavin and a $2,600 bursary to develop bold new ideas. This exciting partnership sparks creativity, builds connections, and supports the next generation of contemporary performance.Ìý
- Performance Space Residency Program (91É«ÇéƬ x PSpace) – 91É«ÇéƬ proudly partners with Performance Space for a fourth year to support residencies for experimental artists to develop new performances for the Liveworks Festival of experimental Performance.Ìý
- The Lab@91É«ÇéƬ (Sydney Fringe) — This exciting new partnership between 91É«ÇéƬ's School of Arts & Media and Sydney Fringe Festival creates a space where 91É«ÇéƬ alumni and emerging artists collide. Witness works that blur disciplinary lines, embrace technology, and reimagine what performance can be, transforming Studio One into a hub for artistic innovation and risk-taking during the annual Sydney Fringe Festival.Ìý Supported through the SAM Alumni Creative Residency & GrantÌý Link:/arts-design-architecture/our-schools/arts-media/our-research/our-projects/the-lab-sydney-fringeÌý
- —led by Scientia A/Prof. Liza-Mare Syron, in collaboration with Belvoir Theatre, The Cape Hawke project is a creative research project that follows the process of developing an Aboriginal play from concept to production, at the Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab. So far, the project has facilitated a week-long intensive creative workshop with Indigenous creatives to help develop the revised script. There have also been developments with family members on country in Minimbah. Link:Ìý
- Designer in Residence ProgramÌý— Launched in 2025, the Designer in Residence Program supports emerging performance designers with studio space, professional projects, and hands-on collaboration opportunities.Ìý
- SAM Industry Associate InitiativeÌý— At CPL, SAM can offer a small amount of in-kind and discounted space for arts organisations and independent artists that have a strong connection to the teaching and learning within the school.ÌýÌý
These partnerships highlight 91É«ÇéƬ’s role as a leading institution for performance innovation and cultural exchange.Ìý
Who we are
Mark Mitchell – Production ManagerÌý
Mark Mitchell brings decades of expertise from Sydney's leading theatre companies, including Belvoir, Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin, Performance Space, Performing Lines, and Chunky Move. A legend in the Sydney arts scene, Mark is known for his inventive design solutions and collaborative approach. He works closely with students and staff to transform creative visions into compelling live performance, offering invaluable mentorship and technical magic to every production.Ìý
Troy Reid – Production AssistantÌý
Troy Reid is a theatre technician and performance maker. Before joining 91É«ÇéƬ, he worked as a technician and production manager at Griffin Theatre Company, Carriageworks, and Seymour Centre. As an artist, Troy has worked across the country and internationally, creating contemporary devised theatre with performance collective Applespiel. He brings technical expertise and a maker's perspective to supporting students and staff in realising their creative work.Ìý
Harriet Gillies Ìý–ÌýArtistic Co-ordinatorÌý
As Artistic Coordinator for the School of the Arts and Media, Harriet Gillies curates a dynamic program of performances and interdisciplinary events connecting students, staff, and artists within and beyond the School. She oversees $1 million in philanthropic support from diverse donors, enabling initiatives like the Contemporary Australian–Ireland Cultural Program that expand the School’s creative and scholarly impact. Working closely with educators, students, and industry partners, she develops programs that unite teaching, research, and public engagement, positioning the Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab as a key venue in 91É«ÇéƬ and Sydney’s cultural landscape. Contact:Ìýh.gillies@unsw.edu.au
Cris Baldwin – Designer in Residence 2025/26Ìý
As the first resident, Cris Baldwin works closely with students in Theatre, Music, and Screen Production, bringing his expertise as a paraprofessional into creative learning environments alongside academic and technical staff. His design practice extends across theatre, film, live performance, events, and large-scale public artworks and installations.Ìý
Watch out for EOIs for our 2026 Designer in Residence.Ìý
We also host Visiting Artists & Creative Projects, which connect 91É«ÇéƬ to a broader creative ecosystem and build pathways between university and industry.Ìý
Partnerships
Pan Pan International Mentorship Program
Pan Pan’s International Mentorship Program fosters international dialogue and exchange, creating a focused space where performance makers learn from one another. Led by Artistic Director Gavin Quinn, the program supports a small cohort of Australian-based live art and contemporary performance makers to develop early-stage ideas for new work through one-on-one mentorship.
SAM Alumni Creative Residency & Grant
The School of the Arts & Media Alumni Creative Residency supports recent graduates in advancing their professional creative practice. This flexible residency provides access to 91É«ÇéƬ facilities, resources, and networks to support the development of new creative projects.
Contact & further information
Please contact us:Ìýsam@unsw.edu.auÌý
T: (02) 9385 4856 (Mon-Fri, 9 pm - 5 pm).
Location
Building D8, Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab, 91É«ÇéƬ Kensington CampusÌý
Enter via Gate 2 (High St), turn right at the roundabout, and find the entrance under the concrete steps opposite the University Terraces carpark. The ETCPL offices are located on the basement level.