Call for proposals 2026

‘Liminal World’ BEMAC 2026 Artistic Program + The Metro Arts & BEMAC Creative Development Residency

BEMAC is seeking proposals from creatives of all artforms for our 2026 Artistic Program ‘Liminal World.’

Whether it’s a new concept, a creative idea in development, or a production that is ready to be presented we want to hear from you.  

‘Liminal World’ explores the charged threshold between departure and arrival, tradition and innovation, inherited identity and self-creation. We centre practitioners who navigate multiple worlds simultaneously—transforming in-between spaces into sites of creative power.

‘Liminal World’ will be presented in venues throughout Brisbane—examples of our previous venue partners include the Queensland Multicultural Centre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Powerhouse, VENTspace, Thomas Dixon Centre, and beyond. Guided by our value of self-determination, we take art where it needs to go, matching proposed works with venues that honour the artist’s vision and support their creative and professional development.

About BEMAC
We transform the artistic landscape by building bridges across cultural traditions and creating platforms where diverse voices flourish freely. Guided by courage, self-determination, safety, and integrity, we move beyond traditional multicultural frameworks to support Australian artists who draw from multiple cultural influences. We champion artistic independence, creating room for bold, experimental work that emerge when artists are freed from fixed categories—work that actively participates in the ongoing transformation of what it means to create, to belong, and to become in contemporary Australia.

The Metro Arts & BEMAC Creative Development Residency offers one proposal/concept an intensive 12-month partnership program to develop bold, original work that transcends cultural boundaries. Selected artists receive dedicated venue access, a bursary, producing support, technical assistance, marketing services, and hands-on mentorship.

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals must demonstrate a clear, original concept that responds to at least one of our three core programming principles, alongside a high level of artistic practice and a commitment to representing diverse voices, cultural identities and expressions.

• Courageous in creativity
  We support artists at all career stages whose creative and professional aspirations are grounded in the creation of original work of the highest quality and relevance possible.
• Determined in diversity
  We ensure that diverse stories, voices and expressions are duly represented and embraced within a platform of creativity, conversation and cross-pollination.
  
• Enablers of change
  We drive positive social change towards the elimination of racism, discrimination and exclusion by fostering self-determination and cultural safety with the agency to freely express. 

Information and Support Session
On Wednesday 3 December, BEMAC will host a drop-in information and support session for artists seeking advice and feedback on their proposals before submitting them. Representatives from BEMAC will be present to answer questions, clarify concerns and assist with the drafting of proposals for submission.

10:00am to 2:00pm, Wednesday 3 December
Level 2, Queensland Multicultural Centre
102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
No booking required

Applications close Monday 8 December 2025 at 8pm (AEST)

Apply here

Video: Thomas Oliver
Photo: Ange Costes Photography, ‘Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra’ 2025

If you have any questions or need any assistance to make a submission, please email [email protected] or call (07) 3391 4433. Your answers will be treated confidentially (click through to read SSI’s Privacy Policy).

BEMAC is a subsidiary of Settelment Services International and supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.