Byron Bay: Screen Artselerate 2026

SUBMIT YOUR EOI & REGISTRATION HERE

SCREEN ARTSELERATE NSW is a unique in-person program specifically for screen practitioners that combines all the benefits of a business incubator, start-up accelerator, creative collaboration and networking opportunity. The outcome is a fast and practical approach to business and strategic planning for filmmakers who are building their careers and making their own work. 

SCREEN ARTSELERATE NSW helps participants devise practical goals for their screen businesses and creative careers, with realistic actions ready to be implemented, and creates a continued connection with other screen professionals through a guided peer support program and ongoing connection to experts.

The program is open to all residents of NSW.

Dates: (you must be able to attend all dates listed below)

• Friday 29th May, 9:00am to 4:30pm
• Saturday 30th May, 10:30am to 3:30pm
• Friday 26th June, 9:00am to 4:30pm
• Saturday 27th June, 10:30am to 3:30pm

For More Information:

Download the Screen Artselerate Brochure (quick overview)

Download the Screen Artselerate Program

You must be a resident of NSW and over 18 to participate. 

SUBMIT YOUR EOI & REGISTRATION HERE

SCREEN ARTSELERATE is a program designed for screen professionals at any stage of their development across NSW. Ideally, you are committed to improving your professional and creative capacity and developing your business and marketing skills in an accelerated way, through a practical approach. You also need to be engaged, enthusiastic, and willing to commit to participating in the whole program. That means all the in-person workshops and in-between meetings.

We actively encourage applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. We also welcome people of all genders.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

J’aimee Skippon-Volke

J’aimee is Festival Director of the Byron Bay International Film Festival, one of Australia’s longest-running independent regional film festivals, celebrating its 20th edition this October. J’aimee has been shaping the festival since its early years, working behind the scenes from 2005 before stepping into the Festival Director role in 2007. Over nearly two decades, she has helped guide BBFF through industry upheaval, funding pressures, natural disasters and major shifts in screen culture, with a leadership approach grounded in persistence, adaptability and long-term thinking.

From international television in London to independent film in Byron Bay, J’aimee’s career has unfolded across multiple creative and leadership roles during a period of enormous transformation across the screen industries, from analogue filmmaking and the rise of CGI through to digital platforms, VR and immersive storytelling. Her work spans festival direction, screen culture programming, audience development, creative production, strategic partnerships and regional advocacy.

She has been a strong advocate for emerging forms of storytelling while maintaining a clear focus on craft, audience experience and creative integrity. Her work has included the development of BBFF’s XR and immersive programs, including Australia’s first Federally funded VR arts initiative, as well as Make Diversity Reality, an XR accelerator supporting women and people from diverse backgrounds.

A passionate advocate for emerging talent and sustainable creative careers, J’aimee continues to champion filmmakers through long-term mentorship, industry connection and BBFF’s Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year competition.

Lois Randall

Lois is an award-winning Australian Producer and founder of Magpie Pictures. She was Producer and Executive Producer on Magpie Pictures’ series SWIFT STREET starring Tanzyn Crawford and Cliff Curtis, that had its world premiere at CANNESERIES 2024 before screening on SBS.

Other producing credits include Goalpost Pictures’ global hit series BLACK SNOW starring Travis Fimmel (Stan and Sundance Now), the Dollhouse feature SERIOUSLY RED, starring Rose Byrne, Magpie’s acclaimed children’s series GRACE BESIDE ME (NITV, ABC, Disney Channel) and Jon Bell’s ground-breaking First Nations drama series THE GODS OF WHEAT STREET for ABC.

Most recently Lois was Executive Producer on the ABC, NTIV and Screen Australia First Nations PROPER LOVED UP initiative, mentoring producers of five short rom-coms that will premiere at SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL 2026.

YOUR PROGRAM FACILITATOR

Monica Davidson is an award-winning expert on the creative industries, who began her professional life as a freelance journalist and filmmaker. In 2014 Monica completed her Masters degree in Screen Arts and Business at AFTRS, and was appointed as the first NSW Creative Industries Business Advisor by the Department of Industry. Shortly after she founded the social enterprise Creative Plus Business, which is dedicated to educating creative people about small business and marketing skills. In 2019, Monica was awarded the QUT Creative Enterprise Australia award for being a Creative Trailblazer that “advocates, mentors, donates, educates and advises within Australia’s creative economy”. Monica continues to work as a writer, filmmaker and occasional performer.

WHAT’S CREATIVE PLUS BUSINESS?

We’re a social enterprise dedicated to educating creative people and arts organisations about business skills. We help through sharing practical knowledge in a fun and irreverent way, and everything we do is designed to help creatives to feel more confident and comfortable about the entrepreneurial aspects of their creative practice. We believe that a bit of naughtiness, tempered with a kind heart and a big dose of professionalism, is the key to helping creative people understand the boring basics of business.

Screen Artselerate Byron Bay is presented by Creative Plus Business, with support from Screenworks. It is made possible with funding from the NSW Government through Screen NSW.