FLUXUS Launches Opera Lab: Shifting The Culture Of Opera-making In Australia
FLUXUS Opera Lab is a groundbreaking program for artists that aims to shift the culture of opera-making in Australia by championing bold ideas, diverse voices, and collaborative exploration.
Date: 28 October 2025 - 10 February 2026
Web: https://www.fluxus.com.au/operalab
: https://www.instagram.com/fluxus_creation/
: https://www.facebook.com/fluxuscreation
EMail: ali@fluxus.com.au
Web: https://www.fluxus.com.au/operalab
: https://www.instagram.com/fluxus_creation/
: https://www.facebook.com/fluxuscreation
EMail: ali@fluxus.com.au
Image Copyright / CDN: Pia Johnson
FLUXUS is proud to announce the FLUXUS Opera Lab, a groundbreaking program for artists that aims to shift the culture of opera-making in Australia by championing bold ideas, diverse voices, and collaborative exploration.
The FLUXUS Opera Lab exists to expand what opera can be, nurturing the development of new works through mentorship, collaboration, and financial support, led by opera runaway Ali McGregor and producer Wendy Richards.
Open to emerging and mid-career writers and composers of all genres, the Lab invites writers and composers with an interest in exploring operatic form, with no prior opera experience required. Artists are provided with mentorship from experienced creators and industry leaders; space to test, fail, and refine ideas; collaboration across disciplines, the building of new partnerships; and development support to move works from concept towards production.
The Lab is focused on process through experimentation, dialogue, and risk-taking. This approach not only generates new Australian repertoire but also opens space for storytellers from diverse backgrounds and for those who have previously felt “othered” by opera.
Panel members include one of the country’s most prolific festival directors, Lindy Hume AM PhD; opera singer, composer and Yorta Yorta woman Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO; theatre director Sarah Giles; composer and artistic director of Sydney Chamber Opera Jack Symonds; writer, poet and librettist Alison Croggon; and composer and program director for the Melbourne Recital Centre, Iain Grandage AM. Mentors include composer Felicity Willcox, playwright Alana Valentine, composer Casey Bennetto, and writer Dr Caitlyn Vincent.
“By creating a space where composers and librettists of all backgrounds can develop their ideas, I am confident this program will help push the boundaries of what opera can be. The combination of mentorship, workshops, and collaborative opportunities will ensure that these artists have the resources to explore new sounds, stories, and theatrical experiences.” Jack Symonds, Artistic Director, Sydney Chamber Opera.
“FLUXUS Opera Lab creates pathways for traditionally underrepresented voices in opera, a field often inaccessible to many. By offering hands-on experience for emerging singers and composers, the FLUXUS Opera Lab will bridge the gap between experimentation and professional practice, ensuring that the future of opera in Australia remains vibrant and reflects our rich cultural diversity.” Lindy Hume AM PhD, Director and Creative Director, Crimson Rosella Creative Adventures.
“This initiative makes a highly valuable contribution to the ongoing work of making opera relevant and meaningful to the greatest number of people. By welcoming creative artists from all walks of life the FLUXUS Opera Lab is creating a platform on which previously underrepresented voices and narratives may be heard and at the same time developing new audiences for this powerful medium.” Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, Composer & Artistic Director, Short Black Opera Company.
Opera Lab is now calling for submissions from all over the country, including Australian creatives living overseas.
LAUNCH EVENT DATES
Sydney Launch – 26 October 2025
Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Melbourne Launch Event – 27 October 2025
Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
KEY DATES
Submissions Open – 28 October 2025
Submissions Deadline – 10 February 2026
Grant Recipients Announced – 24 March 2026v Space to Create Due – 5 October 2026
The FLUXUS Opera Lab exists to expand what opera can be, nurturing the development of new works through mentorship, collaboration, and financial support, led by opera runaway Ali McGregor and producer Wendy Richards.
Open to emerging and mid-career writers and composers of all genres, the Lab invites writers and composers with an interest in exploring operatic form, with no prior opera experience required. Artists are provided with mentorship from experienced creators and industry leaders; space to test, fail, and refine ideas; collaboration across disciplines, the building of new partnerships; and development support to move works from concept towards production.
The Lab is focused on process through experimentation, dialogue, and risk-taking. This approach not only generates new Australian repertoire but also opens space for storytellers from diverse backgrounds and for those who have previously felt “othered” by opera.
Panel members include one of the country’s most prolific festival directors, Lindy Hume AM PhD; opera singer, composer and Yorta Yorta woman Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO; theatre director Sarah Giles; composer and artistic director of Sydney Chamber Opera Jack Symonds; writer, poet and librettist Alison Croggon; and composer and program director for the Melbourne Recital Centre, Iain Grandage AM. Mentors include composer Felicity Willcox, playwright Alana Valentine, composer Casey Bennetto, and writer Dr Caitlyn Vincent.
“By creating a space where composers and librettists of all backgrounds can develop their ideas, I am confident this program will help push the boundaries of what opera can be. The combination of mentorship, workshops, and collaborative opportunities will ensure that these artists have the resources to explore new sounds, stories, and theatrical experiences.” Jack Symonds, Artistic Director, Sydney Chamber Opera.
“FLUXUS Opera Lab creates pathways for traditionally underrepresented voices in opera, a field often inaccessible to many. By offering hands-on experience for emerging singers and composers, the FLUXUS Opera Lab will bridge the gap between experimentation and professional practice, ensuring that the future of opera in Australia remains vibrant and reflects our rich cultural diversity.” Lindy Hume AM PhD, Director and Creative Director, Crimson Rosella Creative Adventures.
“This initiative makes a highly valuable contribution to the ongoing work of making opera relevant and meaningful to the greatest number of people. By welcoming creative artists from all walks of life the FLUXUS Opera Lab is creating a platform on which previously underrepresented voices and narratives may be heard and at the same time developing new audiences for this powerful medium.” Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, Composer & Artistic Director, Short Black Opera Company.
Opera Lab is now calling for submissions from all over the country, including Australian creatives living overseas.
LAUNCH EVENT DATES
Sydney Launch – 26 October 2025
Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Melbourne Launch Event – 27 October 2025
Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
KEY DATES
Submissions Open – 28 October 2025
Submissions Deadline – 10 February 2026
Grant Recipients Announced – 24 March 2026v Space to Create Due – 5 October 2026