16 May 2017
The 2017 National Dance Forum will bring together makers, producers and presenters to discuss and share knowledge on current digital practices and technological developments. The two-day forum will focus on strengthening the dance sector’s capacity within the digital domain.
Led by the dance sector’s advocate for 40 years—Ausdance National—the fourth National Dance Forum (NDF2017) will take place at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, 25–26 September 2017 and will follow the Australian Dance Awards (Arts Centre Melbourne, 24 September 2017).
Dance artists, companies, presenters and researchers looking for ways to grow meaningful audience relationships and understand the issues around making art in a digital environment, need to attend.
‘The NDF2017 will facilitate the exchange of ideas, strengthen industry collaboration, and focus on the application of technical skills and resources—a tangible expression of Ausdance's 40th year of supporting, educating and inspiring Australia’s dance sector’, says Associate Professor Gene Moyle, who was recently appointed National President of the Australian Dance Council—Ausdance.
‘We are very grateful to the Australia Council for the Arts for their support, and thank in advance the Ausdance network, Australian dance companies and service organisations that will work together to create this essential sector gathering', says Gene.
The NDF2017 program will be developed in consultation with a curatorial panel, with keynotes given by Wesley Enoch, David Throsby and Sue Healey. Speakers from other organistions such as BlakDance, the Australian Major Performing Arts Group (AMPAG), the ABC, the Sydney Opera House, Carriageworks and Arts Front will be invited to participate. One section within the NDF program will focus on ‘the pitch’, with curated independent artists in 3-minute practitioner presentations focused on advocacting their work to new audiences.
Ausdance Victoria will produce the event alongside the Australian Dance Awards in September. ‘We look forward to coming together at the 2017 National Dance Forum, for artists and companies to explore and discuss technological innovations that help to build new audiences across Australia and beyond’, says Michelle Silby, Executive Director, Ausdance Victoria and Director, Ausdance NSW.
‘Forums such as these are essential for keeping dance practice and business both current and valid, and are vital for ensuring the longevity of the dance ecology’, says Elizabeth Vilmanis, Brisbane Dance Artists Hub co-founder and moderator.
The NDF2017 program will be released in July. For further details, updates and to contribute, visit the NDF2017 page on the Ausdance National website. Follow NDF 2017 on Twitter @natdanceforum, #natdanceforum, and Ausdance National Facebook.
Contact: Rachael Jennings, Communications & Publications Manager, Australian Dance Council—Ausdance Inc., Tel: +61 2 6182 0081, email
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
