Stellar Artists
Contribute to a Vibrant and Sustainable ACT Arts Sector
Objective
To advocate for and support a thriving local creative ecosystem that reflects Canberra as Australia’s cultural capital.
KPIs
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Active participation in at least four ACT arts sector events, networks or advocacy initiatives annually.
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Employment or engagement of a minimum of 20 ACT-based artists and practitioners per year.
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Annual reporting on local sector needs and collaborative opportunities.
Intended Outcomes
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Increased sector collaboration and professional opportunities for ACT artists.
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Stronger recognition of Canberra as a centre of cultural innovation and excellence.
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Creating a culture of collaboration, inclusion, generosity and co- authorship, thoughtfully chaperoned by the Artistic Director.
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Building capacity and providing pathways for artists through professional development opportunities, including partnerships, commissions, mentorships and residencies
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Participation in four sector events, networks or advocacy initiatives annually.
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Engage at least 20 ACT artists or practitioners per year.
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Annual governance review completed.
Outcomes
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Stronger collaboration and professional pathways for ACT creatives.
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A resilient, well-governed organisation contributing to Canberra’s cultural identity.
Timeline
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Year 1: Governance strengthening and sector engagement.
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Year 2–3: Consolidate leadership role and workforce development.
Responsibilities
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Artistic Director: Sector leadership and organisational sustainability..
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Board: Governance, advocacy and strategy oversight.
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Business Manager and Bookkeeper: Compliance and reporting.
Focus programs
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Chamaeleon Collective
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BOLD Moves
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Collaborations with Australian Dance Party and Quantum Leap Australia
Stellar Community
Strengthen Community Connection and Wellbeing
We build genuine relationships that strengthen wellbeing, belonging and shared ownership of artistic experiences.
Objective
To partner with local communities to create work that responds to
Canberra’s needs, enhances wellbeing and encourages belonging.
KPIs
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Deliver a minimum of three community-engaged projects annually.
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Establish and maintain partnerships with at least five ACT community organisations.
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Participant wellbeing self-reported improvement rate of 70%+.
Intended Outcomes
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Increased social connection and resilience through creative activity.
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Stronger community identity and support networks across the ACT.
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Advocating for a thriving local arts community that truly reflects Canberra as Australia’s capital of culture.
Timeline
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Year 1: Partnership mapping and pilot projects.
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Year 2–3: Expansion of community-led creative initiatives.
Responsibilities
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Artistic Director: Outreach and partnership delivery.
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Program Team: Co-design processes and evaluation.
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Board: Support local relationships and advocacy.
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Focus programs
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BOLD Moves
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ORION
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A Stellar Lineup
Stellar Innovation
Innovate Artistic Practice and Access Pathways
We embrace experimentation, new delivery models, cross-disciplinary collaboration and non-traditional performance practices.
Objective
To explore non-traditional performance models and creative delivery methods — including science-inspired work and interactive formats — to reach broader audiences.
KPIs
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Pilot at least one innovative or cross-disciplinary project per year.
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15% annual growth in new audiences or first-time participants.
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Documented evaluations of new models informing future program design.
Intended Outcomes
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Expanded audience reach and new pathways to engage with dance.
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Reduced structural barriers to participation across diverse communities.
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Continuing to explore unique delivery methods and non-traditional performance practices, such as science inspired work and audience participation, with a view to reaching broader audiences and dismantling barriers to access
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Broader access to dance for diverse audiences.
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A creative ecology open to experimentation and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Timeline
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Year 1: Research and develop innovation frameworks.
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Year 2–3: Implement and refine new models.
Responsibilities
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Artistic Director: Creative experimentation and partnerships.
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Production Team: Delivery of innovative formats.
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Board: Risk management and strategic support.
Focus programs
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Steam Stars/Sirius
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Virtual View
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ORION
Our Vision for 2027 -2030
Stellar is a small, high-impact ACT arts organisation delivering contemporary dance, film and technology outcomes that contribute to Canberra’s creative vibrancy, cultural inclusion and sector development.
Following a period of rapid growth, the organisation is recognised for its strong artistic leadership, capacity to engage diverse communities, and commitment to collaborative and accessible practice.
This strategic plan aligns with Arts ACT priorities by:
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embedding and elevating First Nations knowledge and cultural leadership
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supporting a dynamic, diverse and inclusive arts ecology
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building sector capability through artist development and partnerships
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expanding access to arts experiences through inclusive, on-demand and community-engaged programs
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strengthening organisational sustainability through innovation and diversified revenue
The breadth of our programs is reflective of Canberra’s diversity. Our small scale enables agility and innovation, while requiring targeted investment in revenue growth and artist support. Moving into 2027-30 our aim is to consolidate our programs, broaden community connections and ensure greater accessibility through a more streamlined funding model.
Five strategic pillars frame our investment: Access, Connection,
Artists, Community, and Innovation—each designed to deliver public value, strengthen the ACT arts sector, and ensure the organisation’s long-term sustainability.