We’re inviting presenters and programmers an opportunity to join a delegation to the BlakDance Presenter Series, which is a program that sits alongside the National Indigenous Dance Forum (NIDF). The NIDF is part of the Bullarto Wonthaggi (Everyone Gathering Together) program of YIRRAMBOI First Nations Arts Festival.
Location: Meat Market, Melbourne
Dates: 5–7 May 2017
THE BLAKDANCE PRESENTER SERIES SITS ALONGSIDE THE NIDF TO PROVIDE PRESENTERS AND PRODUCERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP FIRST HAND INSIGHTS INTO CURATORIAL CAPACITY OF FIRST NATIONS DANCE.
The BlakDance Presenter Series delegation will spend the first three nights of the Festival immersing themselves in First Nations dance. Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in hand crafted presenter workshops, see and discuss work with colleagues, network and develop first hand insights into curatorial capacity of First Nations dance.
We are looking for presenters and programmers who are seeking authentic experiences for their audiences and might not otherwise have the opportunity to access a diverse range of First Nations dance productions and makers.
It seeks to respond to an evidenced gap between audience interest and lack of presentations of Indigenous work highlighted in Australia Council research Showcasing Creativity and Building Audiences.
Delegates will participate in a schedule of activities comprising of selected performances and group activities, networking events with the Indigenous dance sector through interfacing with the National Indigenous Dance Forum.
OUR PROJECT IS BEING LED BY:
ANGELA FLYNN, INDIGENOUS ARTS CONSULTANT
JUDY HARQUAIL, LEADING CONTEMPORARY DANCE INDUSTRY EXPERT (CANADA)
MEREDITH BOGGIA, NEW YORK-BASED DANCE PRODUCER (USA)
COLLETTE BRENNAN, CEO, ABBOTSFORD CONVENT
JANE FULLER, HEAD OF PROGRAMMING NORPA
KIRK PAGE, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR NORPA
LYDIA FAIRHALL, HEAD OF PROGRAMMING FOOTSCRAY ARTS CENTRE
BEN GRAETZ, CREATIVE PRODUCER, ILBIJERRI
These industry leaders will deliver a program that seeks to transform the skills of the participants and the way they engage with Indigenous contemporary dance practice through their programming within national touring.
BlakDance will curate a group of choreographers with national touring aspirations who are already in attendance at the NIDF, to up skill and provide market development training to enable deeper engagement with the presenters. You will have opportunities to connect with them through dedicated networking events and facilitated processes. This provides an opportunity for both artists and presenters to build meaningful relationships with each other.
Selection Criteria
BlakDance staff and industry advisers will assess the impact of the opportunity for the individual or organisation according to the following selection criteria:
1 How the opportunity will strengthen your capacity as an arts professional and/or organisation to deliver your audience development goals
2 The relevance and timeliness of the proposed opportunity in delivering your audience development goals
3 The ability of you and/ or your organisation to effectively implement change.
The project team leaders and BlakDance will assess the EOI’s.
You will be asked to provide details addressing the selection criteria when you submit your EOI through the BlakDance website.
Selection process
Expressions of Interest can be submitted through the BlakDance website from the 29 March. The delegation will be formed against a framework considering the overall mix of participants necessary to reflect a diverse range of art forms, regions and experience.
Applications from regional and remote areas are strongly encouraged.
You will be informed of the outcome of your expression of interest by 22 April 2017.
Contact
To discuss your expression of interest, please contact Merindah Donnelly, Executive Producer, BlakDance. merindah.donnelly@blakdance.org.au
We are offering this program at no cost to presenters, however please note:
BlakDance cannot not cover flights or accommodation.
We can recommend locations near the Festival hub.
We cannot supply tickets to nominated events.
Any additional costs will be borne by the participant.
Participants are encouraged to extend their stay to take in more of the Festival and add value to their travel with meetings and events outside of scheduled activities.