ADVOCACY

Speaking out began in 1990’s whilst living in Los Angeles. I was asked to be the Dancer’s representative for the Los Angeles Opera Co. negotiating for fairer pay, safety issues and naming credits. In Australia, between 2009 - 2016 advocating for cultural difference in the arts was crucial to my existence as an artist but also for many musicians, writers, actors, directors, filmmakers that were facing the indisputable but often intangible barriers experienced in the mainstream arts. Seeking out new platforms that could bring diverse works to Australian audiences was key.

GROUNDSWELL ARTS NSW

Groundswell Arts NSW (2010 -2014) was a sector-driven committee founded by myself and numerous arts workers who were equally passionate and committed to this cause, for the promotion and awareness of culturally diverse arts. Groundswell Arts NSW held industry forums at Opera Australia in 2010, Carriageworks in 2012 and its’ offical launch at Sydney Opera House in 2014. Groundswell also ran a sector scan receiving over 300 responses from NSW artists from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds, two forum reports (download below), two showcase opportunities and legal incorporation.

The legacy of Groundswell Arts NSW includes policy changes, including of CaLD arts and artists in the NSW priority areas, increased awareness and curatorial changes within arts organisations, more opportunities for CaLD artists. For myself, there is a host of wonderful people memories and important history and knowledge gained.