Simply fill in the application form via the link below, sharing information about your event and what makes it a great fit for the program. Applications open Thursday, September 10, 2027 and close Thursday, October 08, 2027 at 11.59pm AEST.

All applications are reviewed by the Australian Fashion Festival's Programming team and assessed against the following criteria:

Concept: A clear and compelling event concept.

Fashion Relevance: A meaningful connection to fashion and fashion culture.

Audience Experience: A compelling and accessible experience for audiences.

Program Contribution: Adds something distinctive to the programme and contributes to its breadth of perspectives, formats and locations.

Delivery Capability: A realistic and achievable approach to delivering the proposed event, appropriate to the organiser's capacity.

Successful applicants will be notified in the week commencing October 19, 2026. If you have any questions about applying, get in touch with our Programming team at programming@australianfashionfestival.com.au.

Thursday, September 10, 2026: Applications open

Thursday, October 8, 2026: Applications close

Week commencing October 19, 2026: Applicants notified of outcome

February 19-28, 2027: Independent Program

What is the Independent Program?
The Independent Program is a curated collection of dynamic and diverse events that reflect the vibrancy of fashion's role in contemporary culture.

Uniquely positioned within the PayPal Australian Fashion Festival, each event is self funded and independently produced. This model allows local creatives, collectives, institutions and community organisers to retain creative control and ownership of their work, while benefiting from the reach and visibility of the Festival's platform and promotional campaign.

The Independent Program provides a space for practitioners to push boundaries, explore fashion's intersections with art, design, identity and society, and connect with new audiences. It reflects the richness and breadth of contemporary fashion practice in Australia, grounded in culture, storytelling and bold ideas beyond the commercial mainstream.

What types of events can be part of the program?
Workshops, open studios, exhibitions, performances, runways, screenings and more. If you have an idea that you think works, we encourage you to apply.

The Festival does not own, produce or operate Independent Program events. Organisers are responsible for the complete delivery of their event and all regulatory and mandatory requirements needed to operate it safely.

Why should I be part of the Independent Program?
Being part of the official Festival program connects your event with a highly engaged, fashion focused audience.

Independent Program events are supported through the Festival's promotional campaign and integrated into relevant digital and social channel activity. Key fashion media will also be provided with an itinerary of Independent Program events for consideration as part of their Festival attendance and coverage.

Does it cost anything to participate?
There is no cost to be part of the Independent Program. However, all events are self managed and self funded, and must be available for the public to attend, whether free or ticketed.

Will the Festival fund my event?
PayPal Australian Fashion Festival is not a commissioning festival and does not provide funding for Independent Program events.

Applicants who need financial assistance are encouraged to seek relevant external funding or grant opportunities.

Can I secure sponsors or partners for my event?
The Festival works with a suite of partners who support our year round activities and Festival produced events. As such, we're responsible for ensuring their contractual rights and benefits are protected across Festival platforms and activities.

If you're seeking or have secured financial sponsorship or in kind support for your Independent Program event, we ask that you let us know so we can identify and manage any potential conflicts with our existing commercial partners.

When should my event take place?
The majority of the Independent Program will run from Friday 19 to Sunday 28 February 2027. To be included in the official program, your event must fall within, or partly within, these dates.

While the Festival will do its best to accommodate your proposed dates and times, we may suggest an alternative to reduce clashes and help maximise audience attendance. We recommend confirming your proposed date and time with us as early as possible.

Our Programming team can also offer guidance on selecting a date and time that works well alongside the broader Festival program.

Where can I host my Independent Program event?
Independent Program events must take place in Melbourne or regional Victoria, home of the PayPal Australian Fashion Festival.

Events can be hosted in a wide range of spaces, including galleries, studios, retail spaces, theatres, community venues and other locations suited to your event concept.

If you need support or are having trouble finding a suitable venue, please speak to our Festival team for guidance.

What am I responsible for as an event organiser?
Independent Program organisers are responsible for the complete production and delivery of their event. This includes venue hire, talent bookings, image usage rights, stakeholder management, legal employment conditions, insurance and all other relevant event requirements.

Organisers are also responsible for ensuring their event is safe and accessible for everyone in attendance. An Acknowledgement of Country and/or Welcome to Country is highly recommended where appropriate.

We recommend completing a risk assessment that identifies potential risks, appropriate controls and mitigation measures, who is responsible for managing each risk, and the actions to be taken should an incident occur.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
For any questions about the Independent Program or your application, please contact our Programming team at programming@australianfashionfestival.com.au.

View full terms and conditions HERE.