Interconnections take creative flight

Aviary; a collaboration between the Australian Ballet and Balletlab has found wings thanks to a new Australia Council fund supporting joint projects between major performing arts companies and the small-to-medium sector.

A $30 000 interconnections  grant will allow five Australian Ballet dancers (Rohan Furnell, Noah Gumbert, Jarryd Madden, Mitchell Rayner and Alice Topp) and four from BalletLab (Brooke Stamp, Joanne White, Clair Peters and Daniel Jacobe) to come together to develop the over the next 18 months. Aviary will be choreographed by  BalletLab’s director Phillip Adams.  The initial five week development period is set to conclude with an industry forum. Plans are also afoot to then present the work-in-progress to festival directors to help spark international interest before a September 2011 premiere.

Interconnections; a $150 000 fund managed by the Australia Council’s Major Performing Arts Board was informed by Australia Council research into the sector.

The next closing date for interconnections grants is 2 December 2009.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with Trish Ludgate, program officer, major performing arts on 02 9215 9044 or email t.ludgate@australiacouncil.gov.au.

Image: Balletlab's Brindabella. Photo: Jeff Busby