We’re inviting creatives across Australia to co-create with Hey Mate in 2026.
Got a project that puts creativity and care at the centre?
The Hey Mate x You: Co-Create Callout 2026 invites individuals, collectives, and organisations across the arts, screen, festivals, GLAM, and creative industries to collaborate with Hey Mate on projects that champion wellbeing, connection, and psychosocial safety in creative practice.
Between January and June 2026, Hey Mate will partner with a number of creative projects nationwide — from festivals and exhibitions to residencies, productions, and professional-development programs.
Every selected project will engage Hey Mate as a paid wellbeing partner, and one finalist will be chosen through a community vote in January 2026 to receive a $5,000 in-kind partnership, valid for the duration of their project.
📅 Applications close 30 November 2025.
How it works
Submit your project idea using the form below.
Hey Mate reviews applications and confirms shortlisted collaborations in December 2025.
The community votes in January 2026 for the $5,000 in-kind “Community Pick.”
Projects run January–June 2026 with Hey Mate as your wellbeing partner.
Who can apply
Open to individuals, collectives, organisations, councils, and other creative ventures across Australia.
Projects can include (but aren’t limited to):
Performances, exhibitions, or festivals integrating wellbeing into delivery.
Creative developments, residencies, or mentorships with built-in wellbeing support.
Screen, music, or cultural initiatives that partner with Hey Mate for team care or psychosocial safety planning.
Workshops or professional-development programs for artists and arts workers.
What we’re not able to partner on
Projects that do not include Hey Mate as an active wellbeing or mental-health partner.
Purely promotional or profit-driven activities without a wellbeing component.
Therapeutic programs outside an arts or community context.
Capital works, equipment, or infrastructure purchases.
Activities outside Australia or beyond June 2026.
What you’ll get
Collaboration with a national wellbeing partner specialising in the creative industries.
Visibility through Hey Mate’s network and storytelling channels.
Access to a like-minded community of artists and organisations leading change.
For one project: a $5,000 in-kind Hey Mate partnership, chosen by community vote.
Ready to co-create?
✨ Bring your idea. We’ll bring the care.
Click below to submit your project before 30 November 2025.