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Selected participants from eight elite national arts training organisations are preparing for a weekend of creativity and collaboration as ARTS8 heads to the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in Melbourne later this month.

ARTS8, convened by the Australian Government to nurture excellence and creative talent across the country, comprises NICA, the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), The Australian Ballet School, NAISDA Dance College, Flying Fruit Fly Circus, the Australian National Academy of Music, and the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO).

Each year, the organisations take turns hosting a three-day program that brings together 16 participants—two from each institution—for a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and create through cross-disciplinary exploration. The program culminates in a devised performance shaped by the year’s artistic theme. In 2025, that theme is Perspective.

AYO CEO Kimbali Harding says:
“This innovative, multi-disciplinary collaboration among the ARTS8 organisations fosters vital connections within our vibrant artistic community. It not only provides exceptional training and skills development, but ensures that the perspectives of our young creatives are central to Australia’s artistic voice.”

AFTRS hosted the 2024 ARTS8 program with the theme Future Light, exploring ideas of illumination, hope, and unity. You can view that performance here. AYO was proudly represented by bassoonist Tiger Chou (Momentum Ensemble 2024) and harpist Paul Nicolaou (AYO 2024).

The program is a vibrant celebration of creativity, connection, and collaboration. Across three days of skills-based workshops led by artistic leaders from each organisation, participants explore new disciplines and culminate their experience in a final collaborative performance showcasing their collective talents.

This year’s performance of Perspective will take place at NICA, embracing the physicality of circus arts by getting participants off the ground and into the air, experimenting with apparatus. AYO will be represented by percussionist Nathan Herbert and flautist Laura Dickie, both members of our flagship orchestra and part of our international tour later this year.

The eight organisations that make up ARTS8—spanning music, dance, theatre, circus, film, and storytelling—are the lifeblood of Australian culture. These diverse art forms enrich our lives, challenge our thinking, and deepen our connections. Collaborations like ARTS8 offer a unique platform for young artists to forge rich partnerships and push the boundaries of artistic expression.

ARTS8 2025 runs from 30 May to 2 June.