A major new opportunity supporting the next generation of artists creating work for children, young people, and families
Barking Gecko Arts is proud to announce the Tony Chong Creative Fellowship, a new creative development initiative generously established by Barking Gecko Arts Chair, Tony Chong.
Launching in early 2026, the Fellowship will support Asian emerging and mid-career artists based in WA to research, experiment and grow their practice, with a particular focus on creating work for children, young people, and families. Expressions of Interest will open on Tuesday, 3 March.
The Fellowship offers one artist (per year) a $40,000 Creative Development Fund, alongside a structured creative residency with Barking Gecko Arts, providing time, space, mentorship and sector access valued at an additional $10,000. The program is deliberately process-focused, prioritising artistic exploration and confidence over production outcomes.
CEO Ryan Taaffe said the Fellowship reflects Barking Gecko Arts’ long-standing commitment to equity, representation and the development of new work.
“This Fellowship is about creating the conditions artists need to take meaningful creative risks,” Taaffe said.
“By combining financial support with deep organisational care and access, the Tony Chong Creative Fellowship recognises that sustainable artistic growth takes more than funding alone.”
Chair Tony Chong said the Fellowship is designed as a long-term investment in people, practice, and cultural leadership.
“I’m proud to support a program that centres artists, values process, and actively strengthens representation within our sector,” Chong said.
“Barking Gecko Arts has a unique role in shaping work for children and families, and this Fellowship is about ensuring a broader range of voices are supported to do that work.”
The Fellowship is open to artists who identify as Asian (inclusive of East, Southeast, South, Central and West Asian diasporas), are based in WA, and work in theatre or interdisciplinary performance. Artists do not need a finished concept, prior relationship with Barking Gecko Arts, or a commitment to touring or presentation outcomes.
Each Fellowship will run for up to 12 months within a two-year program period, with Fellows supported through flexible, artist-centred residencies, mentorship, peer dialogue, and creative research. Learnings from the program will contribute to Barking Gecko Arts’ broader leadership in artist development and sector practice.
