Blue Mountains City of the Arts

14/09/2026

THANK YOU

Applications have now closed for Propel Performance Pathways. Sending much gratitude to all of the artists who took the time to apply to the program. We're now checking applications and then sharing them with the assessment panel. All artists will be informed of the outcome of their application by early October.

Image: 2023 Propel artist - Mx Robert Frost - performing their project 'Resonant Frequency Scanning' at the Festival of New Work 2024. 📸 Maja Baska Photography

Propel Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust, Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE

12/09/2026

FINAL WEEKEND

It's the final weekend to work on applications for Propel Performance Pathways.

There's a range of helpful resources available including guidelines, FAQs, a recording of our online info session plus examples of past Propel recipients all available here: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/propel

And here's a final Propel artist spotlight for inspo -

Cecilia Morrow joined the 2023 Propel cohort of artists and used her residency to develop her one-woman dramedy, 'Cow.' The work follows Daisy and her impulsive decision to escape to the countryside. Seeking solace, she retreats to her late aunt’s country cottage for a weekend getaway. However, her plans for peace are disrupted by an unexpected and persistent encounter with a cow... These captures are from Cecilia's staged reading of 'Cow' at the Festival of New Work at the Blue Mountains Theatre in 2024.

⏰ Applications due midday this Monday 14 September.

👉 Guidelines, eligibility, FAQs and application form: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/propel

📸 Maja Baska Photography

Propel Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust, Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE

10/09/2026

PROPEL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

We're on the homestretch for the Propel Performance Pathways application open call and wanted to share another past artist to show the incredible range of artforms and projects.

Dancer and physical performer Emily Yali and singer-songwriter and producer
Alia Sharp joined forces in 2022 to create a sound and body work that explored themes of virtual reality, climate change and social isolation. Titled ‘YALIA’, this
collaborative duo played with the boundaries between music, theatre and dance in order to create a unique means of storytelling and give voice to the human experiences of whimsy, desire, loneliness and loss. Combining complex beat making and eclectic vocals with ethereal dance and video projection, the piece
offered a glimpse into a surreal world that was unsettling, beautiful and at times, humorous. Check out these amazing photos from their 2023 showcase
performance of 'Pilot' at Blue Mountains Theatre.

⏰ Applications due midday this Monday 14 September.

👉 Guidelines, eligibility, FAQs and application form: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/propel

📸 Maja Baska Photography

Propel Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust, Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE

09/09/2026

2023 SHOWCASE HIGHLIGHTS

Back where it all began... Watch this highlights reel from the 2022 Propel Emerging Performers Residency artists bringing their projects to life at the showcase performance in 2023.

Jerrah Patston in collaboration with Sam Worrad | Going Places
Maizy Coombes | Stranger Times
YALIA | Pilot
Katya Petetskaya | Head Whale Figure Transfigure

https://youtu.be/rjvcDP7mwWk?si=J4E1ZKUYfuu22W9s

For this year's Propel Performance Pathways, we're asking applicants to propose a public outcome for their residency. This could include a performance showcase, but could also be an open rehearsal, moved reading, workshop, or something else. We'll be artist led.

Remember:

⏰ Applications due midday this Monday 14 September.

👉 Guidelines, eligibility, FAQs and application form: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/propel

📩 Request a phone consult or ask questions: [email protected]

Video edited by CloudHerd Film Co

Propel Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust, Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE

In 2022, Jerah Patston, Maisy Coombes, YALIA and Katya Petetskaya w...

09/09/2026

APPLICATION SUPPORT - PHONE CONSULTS

It's not too late to schedule a phone chat to discuss any questions you have about your Propel Performance Pathways application. Get in touch via [email protected] to arrange a call over the coming days. We've already had a series of wonderful conversations with artists planning to apply, and look forward to having more in the lead up to the application close date. Just over 5 days to go!

Remember:

⏰ Applications due midday Monday 14 September.

👉 Guidelines, eligibility, FAQs and application form: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/propel

📩 Request a phone consult or ask questions: [email protected]

Image: 2022 Propel artist, Katya Petetskaya, performing 'Head Whale Figure Transfigure' at the Blue Mountains Theatre in 2023. 📸 Maja Baska Photography

Propel Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust, Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE

06/09/2026

JUST OVER 1 WEEK TO GO

Applications to Propel Performance Pathways close at midday Monday 14 September.

It's not too late to get in touch and arrange a one-on-one phone consultation to chat through any questions you have about the guidelines and your application.

👉 Guidelines, eligibility, FAQs and link to application form: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/propel

📩 Send through questions or request a phone consultation: [email protected]

Propel Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Art Trust, Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE

03/09/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED

Good news! We're giving everyone an extra weekend to complete their applications for Propel Performance Pathways with a new deadline of midday Monday 14 September!

👉 Guidelines, eligibility, FAQs and link to application form: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/propel

📩 Send through questions or request a phone consultation: [email protected]

Propel Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Art Trust, Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE

31/08/2026

PROPEL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

In 2023, Wiradjuri dancer and choreographer Jo Clancy was the recipient of the Propel First Nations Development Residency. Together with Dharug and Gubbi Gubbi cultural man Stuart McMinn, Jo developed Warriwal ~ Milkyway. The work reignited their languages through powerful dance storytelling led by a full First Nations cast.

These incredible photos are from the Warriwal performance at The Festival of New Work at the Blue Mountains Theatre in 2024, the culmination of the 2023 Propel program.

Here are the key dates and info for Blue Mountains and Western Sydney artists wanting to apply for the new Propel: Performance Pathways program:

⏰ Applications due midday Thursday 10 September.

Q&A info sessions THIS WEDNESDAY:
📅 12.30 - 1.30pm Wednesday 2 September, online with Auslan interpreter
📅 5.30 - 6.30pm Wednesday 2 September, Wentworth Falls School of Arts

👉 Guidelines, eligibility, FAQs and application form: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/propel

📩 Register for Q&A info session or other questions: [email protected]

📸 Maja Baska Photography

The Warriwal creative development was made possible through the support of the Mawambul project, funded through the Aboriginal Languages Trust.

Propel: Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust, Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE

28/08/2026

INFO SESSIONS NEXT WEDNESDAY

Thinking of applying for Propel: Performance Pathways?

Don't forget to register for one of the info sessions we're hosting next Wednesday 2 September:

📅 12.30 - 1.30pm Wednesday 2 September, online with Auslan interpreter
📅 5.30 - 6.30pm Wednesday 2 September, Wentworth Falls School of Arts

2023 Propel participant Mx Robert Frost will join the in-person session and share some of their Propel experience. You'll also have a chance to explore the newly refurbished Wentworth Falls School of Arts theatre, pictured here activated for Theatre of Light: the Ectoplasmic Apparition Machine - presented by MAPBM with Naomi Oliver, Mx Robert Frost and Katya Petetskaya.

📩 Register at [email protected]
📩 You can also get in touch with questions on email or request a phone conversation at [email protected]

⏰ Remember, applications due midday Thursday 10 September.

Image: MAPBM Presents: Theatre of Light: the Ectoplasmic Apparition Machine - Naomi Oliver, Mx Robert Frost and Katya Petetskaya. 4 July 2026. 📸 Bee Elton

Propel: Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust, Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE

22/08/2026

PROPEL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Blast from the past...

Jerrah Patston formed part of the 2022 Propel group of artists. Together with his collaborator Sam Worrad, Jerrah's residency was focused on rehearing a live presentation of Jerrah's new album at the time: Going Places. A song cycle of destinations, Going Places includes Kiama, the Nepean River, Old Bar and Springwood, with Jerrah’s lyrics touch on the comforts of home, the experiences of disability in the workplace, and imagining ideal locations. Visual accompaniment to the songs was provided via projected artwork by Liza Kaplan.

Check out these pics from Jerrah and Sam's showcase performance at the Blue Mountains Theatre in 2023.

Here are the key dates and info for Blue Mountains and Western Sydney artists wanting to apply for the new Propel: Performance Pathways program:

⏰ Applications due midday Thursday 10 September.

Q&A info sessions:
📅 12.30 - 1.30pm Wednesday 2 September, online with Auslan interpreter
📅 5.30 - 6.30pm Wednesday 2 September, Wentworth Falls School of Arts

👉 Guidelines, eligibility, FAQs and application form: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/propel

📩 Register for Q&A info session or other questions: [email protected]

📸 Maja Baska Photography

Propel: Performance Pathways -
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
With additional support from the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust, Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub and MTNS MADE