The ARTS8 (the Australian Roundtable for Arts Training Excellence) is comprised of eight of Australia’s elite performing arts training institutes that work together towards a shared vision of artistic excellence and innovation to train tomorrow’s cultural and artistic leaders. The ARTS8 are funded through the Department of Communications and the Arts under Prime Minister and Cabinet.

These organisations include National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), Australian Ballet School (ABS), National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA), Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) The Flying Fruit Fly Circus (FFFC) Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) and the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO).

Held over three days 16 -18 June, on the countries of the Eora Nation (Sydney) and Darkinjung Land (Central Coast) developing artists and staff representing the ARTS8 organisations undertook the second of a series of collaborative projects entitled ‘Embodied Country’ at AFTRS, NIDA, and NAISDA.

Developing artists from each organisation displayed disciplined expertise whilst working with the shared vision of the collective, to perform what could only be described as a moving and inspirational work. Brought to bear through the Invasion Poem from ‘The Seven Stages of Grieving’ (Enoch and Mailman), this unique community of practice built empathy, resilience, creative confidence and trust, and formed strong foundations for ongoing collaborations in the future. They displayed leadership, courage and creativity as the developing artists performed for a small (and fully immersed) audience. Through ongoing dialogue around the NAISDA fire pit, staff shared in productive discourse on the nature of country, embodiment and creativity, and exchanged ideas and strategies for strengthened ARTS8 bonds and future projects.
 
Photo by Wendy Thompson

19 Jun 2017