The Australia Council's Theatre Board has initiated a new program of three-month residencies for local performance artists of non-English speaking background (NESB), to assist them in strengthening their links with their overseas cultural heritage. Inspired by a policy document released last year entitled Arts in a Multicultural Australia, the first of these residencies is the product of a partnership with the Lebanese American University (LAU) in Beirut, for a theatre artist of Arabic-speaking background. The award offers A$10,000 towards the cost of airfares, accommodation and living expenses for the duration of the residency. LAU will assist the resident with contacts to local artists and organisations, as well as creating a supportive environment. Further information is available online at: www.ozco.gov.au/theatre/beirut.html