Critical Path is delighted to offer three Responsive Residencies for 2026/2027.

NSW-based choreographers and dance artists are invited to propose projects with a focus on choreographic research. Proposals can be for the exploration of a new idea, question, or process that supports the development of your practice and/or the development of new work.

Each residency includes up to $12,000 AUD and up to three weeks of space at the Drill Hall. Artists are welcome to suggest alternative spaces in NSW as part of their residency. The residency periods in the Drill Hall on offer include:

24 August –11 September 2026

10 – 28 May 2027

7 – 25 June 2027

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 8 JUNE 2026, 11:59PM

The Responsive Residency Program aims to provide artists with time and space to innovate, deepen or extend their choreographic practice in an environment which promotes open discovery. It is an opportunity to delve into a particular inquiry without the pressure of delivering a product. The residencies are responsive in that they call for self-directed, practice-based research that reflects each artist’s particular interests, objectives and stage of development.

This opportunity is not available for the rehearsal of work leading into production, although it can be for an investigation into an area of research relating to a new work in development.

Artists are required to share their research in the Drill Hall as part of their residency. Artists can choose a mode of sharing that is most suitable to their project, for example a showing for invited guests, a workshop and/or artist talk. Regionally-based residencies will be required to plan a sharing on-site at the Drill Hall. Travel for this can be included in their budget.

Proposals will be assessed against the criteria outlined in the guidelines found on the Critical Path website. There will be an online information session on Tuesday 26 May at 4pm.

If you are a First Nations artist and would like support in applying, please get in touch with Critical Path’s First Nations artist-curator Jasmin Sheppard at fnac@criticalpath.org.au.

If you would like to apply in a different format or have questions about this program, please get in touch with Lizzie at producer@criticalpath.org.au.

IMAGE: Chloe Chignell, SUNCUT, performance with sound composition by Mara Schwerdtfeger, Critical Path, 2026, photo: Anna Kučera.