New regional residency program launches

The 2018 Tasmanian Artists Residency participants. Image by Peter Oldham

Got an urgent idea that you don’t know where to take next?

Artists of all performance disciplines from across the Northern Territory and the South West region of WA will soon have the opportunity to explore new project ideas as part of our new regional residency program.

We have partnered with Brown’s Mart Theatre in Darwin, and the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC) to develop two distinct three-day intensives for emerging and mid-career artists.

Based on the hugely successful Tasmania Performs Artist Residency model, the residency is an opportunity for artists working in live performance including writers, choreographers, dancers, directors, actors and designers, to receive support and guidance from experienced industry mentors in the exploration a new project idea.

The model is well-tested and has so far created a focal point for 112 artists in Tasmania. Its pakana stream has now supported another 10 First Nations artists. This has created a critical mass and visibility not only within the community but beyond it. We can’t wait to have a similar impact in Darwin and South-West WA.

“Performing Lines’ purpose is to champion risk and to ensure that the breadth and plurality of Australia’s cultural identity is celebrated and enjoyed.” said Marion Potts, Executive Producer.

“The regional residencies in Darwin and Bunbury will provide opportunities for more than 30 artists living in regional and remote Australia to develop new work that reflects their distinct identity and perspective.”

Marion Potts said that the model has proven phenomenally successful over the past six years in Tasmania resulting in numerous developments, productions and tours.

One such success story is that of Nathan Maynard, at the time a Park Ranger who attended the Tarraleah Residency in 2014 with an idea about a family of Tasmanian Aboriginal Mutton-birders on remote Dog Island. That idea would go on become The Season, that had presentations at major festivals, bag a slew of awards and complete a hugely successful national tour last year.

Brown’s Mart will deliver the first of the residencies this July, and have just opened Expressions of Interest. The application process is easy and open to artists from all performing arts disciplines from across the Northern Territory.

For more information and to apply for the Browns Mart Residency, click here>>

Details about and applications for the BREC Residency will be announced shortly.

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This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body; and the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT.