PM calls on best and brightest - part II

This should be added to the list of arts-topics-to-be-discussed at Chairman Rudd's April Summit for the future.

I just received an interesting email from theatre director Wesley Enoch about movements to create a National Indigenous Theatre Company. Please see press release text below.


FOR GENERAL RELEASE
Distributed 4 February 2008

SECOND MEETING BUILDS MOMENTUM

On January 19 & 20 the State Library of Queensland was the venue for a 2nd Consultation Meeting to discuss the possibility of a National Indigenous Theatre Company. The meeting was funded through Arts Queensland and also saw the inaugural meeting of the Blakstage Alliance – an alliance of the funded Indigenous Theatre Companies. The meeting gathered over 30 practitioners from the local Murri Theatre scene, representatives of the funded Indigenous Theatre companies, funding bodies and some key supporters from around the country. Queensland Arts Minister Rod Welford also attended the consultation meeting in Brisbane.

As a sign of the growing support and momentum for the NITC The Blakstage Alliance issued a new statement overturning their previous position set last November.

“The BLAKSTAGEalliance supports the emergence of a national platform for showcasing Indigenous performing arts. We applaud the efforts of those individuals who helped initiate and drive early discussions to put Indigenous performing culture on a national agenda.” (excerpt from Blakstage statement issued 1/2/08)

A major outcome of the meeting was the discussion of CORE VALUES that will guide future discussions.
DRAFT CORE VALUES
- consultation with people on the ground doing the work
- taking the work to the broadest possible audience
- pursuing the very best of Indigenous Theatre Practice
- recognition of National Representation
- honouring traditions, history, and new voices
- co-operation and collaboration not competition and coercion
- respecting the diversity of protocols and cultural integrities

As with the Melbourne meeting (held Dec 15 &16 2007 at the Victorian Arts Centre), the gathering were extremely enthusiastic for the idea of a National Indigenous Theatre Company and what it meant for the aspirations of Indigenous Theatre Artists and the Industry as a whole.

There was animated discussion around creating a company to bring new resources into the sector, to develop works of scale, to extend the life of the works through touring nationally and internationally, and to create works for all ages.

A Working Group and communication process was discussed and further Consultation Meetings are planned for Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Sydney. It is hoped that an initial proposal will go to the new Federal Government within the next week and a Draft Business Plan within a month.