ARTS8 form 8 of Australia’s elite arts training institutes that work together in a shared vision of artistic excellence and innovative arts training for tomorrow’s cultural and artistic leaders. ARTS8 is 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 Circus Arts (NICA), Australian Ballet School (ABS), NAISDA Dance College (NAISDA), Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), The Flying Fruit Fly Circus (FFFC), Australian National Academy Music (ANAM) and Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO).
Over three days from 16 -18 June, on the countries of the Eora Nation (Sydney) and Darkinjung Land (Central Coast), Developing Artists and staff members 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 discipline and 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.
