While speed dating has ominous connotations in the romantic world, in the arts realm, creatives are taking advantage of the opportunities it brings.
There is no doubt that the art world thrives on networks and as an artist getting your work seen is essential.
For the 2016 Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM), Arts NSW is hosting two speed dating sessions to assist individual artists and small to medium sized arts organisations to make national and international connections.
In these fast moving sessions on 23 and 24 February, artists will have the opportunity to have a 15-minute one-on-one ‘date’ with presenters and promoters from around Australia and ​the world. The hosts will be Zoë Coombs Marr and Mish Grigor, from the collaborative performance group Post, and Kelly Doley and Frances Barrett of Brown Council.
Zoë Coombs Marr acknowledges that networking can be, ‘incredibly difficult … it is awkward, no-one really knows how to do it, but it’s a necessary evil’.
As with many arts professionals, Coombs Marr notes the importance of networking in her own career. She explains, the speed dating phenomenon ‘is particularly odd in the dating world because it seems like a business transaction. However in a professional setting, it works because, essentially it is a business transaction.’
Coombs Marr explains: ‘I think this kind of event is far less awkward than trying to do business in a social setting. This way, you have a designated bit of time to talk, you both know the rules and it’s clear what you’re there for. It’s far less awkward than trying to stalk someone in a bar.’
Among the international ‘dates’ in the room will be Abdi Karya from Rumata Arts Space in Makassar, Indonesia, Alex Wu from the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre and the Contemporary Theatre Festival, China, Debs McSmith from Q Theatre, New Zealand, and Emer McGowan from Draiohct Arts Centre, Ireland.
There are a few points to take on board before you launch into the speed dating arena:
1. Be clear about your artistic point of view and what your organisation can offer
2. Know your market
3. Research the presenters/‘dates’ and approach those whose interests align with your own
4. Be open to opportunities
5. Perhaps the most important is to act like yourself – presenters are interested in what you’re doing
APAM’s focus on showcasing tour-ready work facilitates strong relationships with artists, producers, venues and audiences which relate to key actions under the NSW Government’s Arts and Cultural Policy Framework: Create in NSW.
As executive director Mary Darwell states, a fundamental role of Arts NSW is ‘to provide opportunities for artists across the sector. Arts NSW is supporting artists and organisations to unlock their full potential. We want these networking sessions to empower collaboration in new and innovative ways.’
Events like APAM facilitate the consistent presentation of Australian work to international audiences, which enables local artists to be part of a growing artistic network.
One example is Shaun Parker & Company, a Sydney-based dance company who toured across Europe and the Asia in 2014. The impact of this international exposure was, as Darwell explained, ‘good for the company; the value of this experience for the dancers professional development can’t be understated’.
As for Post, they have worked in the UK thanks to connections made at APAM through Helen Cole, artistic director of international production company In Between Time. These initial connections led to collaborations with UK artists. The group has also presented their work in the Netherlands at the Noorderzon festival – the result of an Australian connection they met with at APAM.
Building contacts and nourishing relationships through professional speed dating is not the only purpose of APAM. Other program highlights are the presentation of new works.
In 2016, Post is presenting Oedipus Schmoedipus at APAM. Performed by Coombs Marr, Mish Grigor and 25 volunteer performers.
Alongside Post, Arts NSW supports a number of NSW companies to showcase at APAM, including; Ahilan Ratnamohan, William Yang, Ensemble Offspring, Erth Visual & Physical, Shaun Parker & Company, Northern Rivers Performing Arts and Stalker Theatre Company.
Three Aboriginal artists have also received joint funding from Arts NSW and the Australia Council to participate in the First Nations Exchange and Bootcamp program. This includes Ian RT Colless (representing Untitled|Collective), Alison Murphy-Oates (representing Mooghalin Performing Arts and Carriageworks) and Ghenoa Gela.
Arts NSW invites delegates to register for the speed dating sessions.
Spots are limited so delegates need to book fast.
Tuesday 23 February
Hosted by Zoë Coombs Marr and Mish Grigor (Post)
Time: 9.00am – 12pm
Location: Ballroom 1, Sofitel Brisbane Central
Wednesday 24 February
Hosted by Kelly Doley and Frances Barrett (Brown Council)
Time: 9.00am – 12pm
Location: Sofitel Pool, Sofitel Brisbane Central
2016 APAM (Australian Performing Arts Marketplace)
22-26 February, Brisbane
http://www.performingartsmarket.com.au/
