26 Feb 2013
Eight New Zealand dance and theatre companies are now more likely to tour their work in Australia, thanks to Creative New Zealand’s new Touring Australia initiative.
Creative New Zealand has engaged high-profile Australian performing arts producers Arts Projects Australia to select and promote the New Zealand artists in Australia.
“The pilot programme provides our artists with an experienced agent who can work on their behalf in Australia. It’s a chance to tap into the extensive Australian performing arts market, which we hope will result in tours and opportunities for the selected work,” says Creative New Zealand’s Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright.
The companies’ productions were shortlisted by APA based on the criteria of excellence, appeal to Australian audiences and tour readiness. They are:
Taki Rua Productions for Michael James Manaia and Sydney Bridge Upside Down; Theatre Beating for Magic Chicken; Rifleman Productions for Terrain; Kila Kokonut Krew for The Factory; Jumpboard Productions for Live, Live Cinema; Atamira for KAHA; MAU for Birds with Skymirrors and Black Grace for a new work.
APA will now work with these companies to pitch their work to Australian presenters and develop individual touring schedules. It is envisaged that two of the shortlisted companies will tour Australia before mid-2014.
“This is an amazing opportunity for The Factory and for Kila Kokonut Krew. This year we celebrate 10 years of creating wonderful theatre in South Auckland, and now get to take our ground-breaking work into the wider world,’’ says Director/Producer Jonathan Alver. “The full-blown song and dance Pacific musical The Factory, with its theme of Samoan immigration in the 1970s, will speak as strongly to Australian audiences as it does to those in Aotearoa New Zealand and we can't wait to share it with them.”
Creative New Zealand will assist successful companies with touring expenses within Australia. The companies are also eligible to apply to Creative New Zealand’s International Presentation Fund for assistance with international airfares and freight costs. The Touring Australia pilot programme will run for four years.
“We are excited to be working with Creative New Zealand to help bring Australian audiences a vibrant selection of the country’s most diverse and engaging performing arts companies,’’ says the Director of Arts Projects Australia, Ian Scobie.
“This initiative recognizes the close and special relationship between the two countries and will help strengthen the special cultural bond we share by providing great opportunities for New Zealand’s performers and artists.”
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Arts Projects Australia was established in 1997. They have produced more than 115 tours of distinctive and varied performing arts works throughout New Zealand and Australia, including the Cultural Programme of the Commonwealth Games for Melbourne (2006). APA currently produce WOMADelaide and the international programme for WOMAD New Zealand.
More information on Creative New Zealand’s International Programme and Touring Australia can be found on our website.
For media information and interview requests, please contact:
Rebecca Lancashire | Senior Communications Adviser
Creative New Zealand | Old Public Trust Building, 131-135 Lambton Quay
PO Box 3806 | Wellington 6140
T +64 4 473 0880 | DDI +64 4 498 0725| M +64 (0) 27 677 8070 | F +64 4 471 2865
rebecca.lancashire@creativenz.govt.nz
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