IMPACT FESTIVAL 2026
A vibrant celebration of contemporary dance, bringing together exceptional artists, choreographers and audiences for four days of performances, workshops, artist talks, panel discussions, film screenings and networking opportunities. The festival showcases outstanding regional, national and international artists while creating opportunities for connection, learning and artistic exchange. From bold new performance works and dance on film to industry conversations and professional development, Impact Festival highlights the diversity, innovation and impact of contemporary dance practice today. Join us at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba Lake Macquarie for an inspiring festival of movement, creativity and community.
DANCE DIALOGUES - Outside the City: Beyond the Limits
Friday 28th August. A one-day gathering of artists, arts workers, presenters, producers and cultural leaders exploring the opportunities, challenges and future of dance practice in regional New South Wales. Through panels, roundtables, artist spotlights, keynote conversations and networking, the event creates space for diverse voices and experiences from across the state. Bringing together practitioners from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, communities and dance practices, the day aims to strengthen connections, increase visibility and contribute to advocacy for the regional dance sector. Dance Dialogues celebrates the innovation, resilience and artistic excellence thriving beyond metropolitan centres. Friday 28 August 2026 | Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, Lake Macquarie
TRIPLE BILL
A dynamic night of professional contemporary dance performance featuring three original short works created on Catapult's Professional Company by acclaimed choreographers Jack Ziesing, Tara Jade Samaya and James Batchelor. Experience three distinct artistic voices as they bring bold ideas, innovative movement and contemporary perspectives to the stage in an unforgettable evening of new Australian dance.
PLAGIARY
Created by acclaimed choreographer Alisdair Macindoe, Plagiary is a witty, thought-provoking and highly entertaining exploration of authorship, agency and the future of artistic creation. Blurring the boundaries between control and improvisation, technology and humanity, Plagiary asks who really holds creative power in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. A unique theatrical experience that is as funny as it is unsettling, Plagiary challenges audiences to reconsider what it means to create, perform and be human.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST NOW OPEN
Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub is seeking dance films from regional, national and international artists for presentation as part of Impact Curates: Dance on Film at the Impact Festival 2026. We are looking for innovative, engaging and diverse screen-based dance works that explore the unique relationship between movement and film. Whether your work is contemporary, experimental, culturally specific, interdisciplinary or community-based, we invite you to submit your film for consideration.Selected works will be showcased as part of a curated public screening program at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba on Saturday 29 August 2026. This is an opportunity to share your work with new audiences, connect with artists from across Australia and beyond, and be part of a growing festival celebrating contemporary dance practice. Applications are now open. Apply today.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST NOW OPEN
Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub is seeking to commission four short works from regional and national artists for presentation as part of Impact Curates: Performance at the Impact Festival 2026. We are looking for innovative, engaging and diverse dance works that are suitable for all audiences. Whether your work is contemporary, experimental, culturally specific, interdisciplinary or community-based, we invite you to submit your work for consideration. Selected works will be showcased as part of a curated public program at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba on Sunday 30 August 2026. This is an opportunity to share your work with new audiences, connect with artists from across Australia and beyond, and be part of a growing festival celebrating contemporary dance practice. Applications are now open. Apply today.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST NOW OPEN
Are you a regional NSW dance artist, arts worker, producer, presenter or advocate who would love to attend Dance Dialogues: Outside the City, Beyond the Limits but need assistance with travel costs? A limited number of travel bursaries are available to help regional participants attend this important day of conversation, connection and advocacy for the Regional NSW dance sector. Dance Dialogues brings together artists, organisations and industry leaders from across the state to share ideas, build networks and help shape the future of regional dance. Your voice matters, and we want to ensure geography is not a barrier to participation. If you're passionate about the future of dance in regional NSW, we encourage you to apply. Applications are now open.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST NOW OPEN
Are you a regional arts organisation, independent artist, collective or creative practitioner with a project, program or artistic practice to share? The Regional Artist Spotlight offers an opportunity to present your work in a dynamic up to 3-minute presentation to industry peers. We only have a number of spots, all applications will be assessed by an independent panel. Dance Dialogues is a welcoming space for artists and practitioners from diverse cultural backgrounds, dance genres and career stages, a forum to share perspectives, build connections and contribute to sector-wide conversations. We welcome EOIs from all artists and practitioners. Whether you're an organisation, emerging or established practitioner, we invite expressions of interest from across regional NSW. Spotlight your work. Share your story. Build new connections.