Associate Artists 2026
Geelong Arts Centre is thrilled to announce writer Emilie Collyer and theatre maker Jolyon James as this year’s Associate Artists.
Now in its third year, this industry leading artist development initiative will support Emilie and Joylon to develop new work over twelve months, alongside mentoring opportunities and engagement with emerging creatives.
Under the program, both artists will receive more than $40,000 in financial support including an artist fee and budget towards their project to engage mentors and collaborators or for other project expenses, as well as an allowance towards travel and accommodation.
Designed as both an incubator and an artistic exchange platform, it positions artists within a deeply collaborative environment anchored in Geelong.
EMILIE COLLYER
Emilie Collyer is an award-winning playwright who works across poetry, performance and prose.
Her plays include Contest, Dream Home and The Good Girl which has had multiple international productions, and her works have won and been nominated for numerous awards including the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Drama (winner 2026) Theatre503 International Playwriting Award (London), Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, Green Room Awards, George Fairfax, Patrick White and Malcolm Robertson.
As part of her Associate Artist residency, Emilie will develop Quarry, a new work inspired by the Fyansford Quarry and her family’s connection to the site. Rather than revisiting history directly, the work explores how memory, place and inheritance shape the stories we tell about ourselves and each other.
JOYLON JAMES
Jolyon James is one of Australia’s most innovative theatre-makers for young people.
Creator of the Helpmann Award-winning Robot Song and Imagine Live, his work combines storytelling, technology and original music to explore creativity, connection and belonging.
With a career spanning theatre, television and visual arts, Jolyon is passionate about creating accessible, imaginative works that engage audiences of all ages.
Jolyon is developing The Shepard Tone, an 80-minute live theatrical work for teenagers, young adults and families. Incorporating original music, live electronic sound and cutting-edge digital technologies, the work explores the psychological impact of contemporary life on young people.
