As we witness the start of an Olympic Games the world will never forget, it’s worth asking if some long-held beliefs about the divisions between art and sport are in need of a rethink.
A scene from CHAMPIONS by Martin del Amo, presented at Sydney Festival, 2017. Photo Heidrun Lohr.
For Melbourne theatre-maker David Williams (of alternative facts fame), the notion that most artists are allergic to sport is quite simply, a fallacy.
Williams is one of several seasoned arts industry figures who believe there may be biases and misconceptions holding us back from closer ties with the sporting world.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
![[GAMEBOY] from choreographer Amy Zhang tours as part of ORBIT 2026. Photo: Supplied.](https://www.artshub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/7.-ORBIT_ARTWORK_gameboy-by-Amy-Zhang.webp?w=280)
