Overview
DID YOU KNOW
- The 2021 Australian census has indicated the nation to be more culturally diverse than ever before.
- Around 51.5% of Australian residents have one or both parents born overseas; 3 in 10 Australians were themselves born overseas; and, 5.5 million Australians speak a language other than English at home – 24.8% of the population (an increase of 800, 000 since the last census).
- In 2021, the Australia Council released research demonstrating that arts and culture do not yet reflect the diversity of our population.
- People from a non-English speaking background account for only 10% of the arts workforce, compared to 18% of the general workforce.
–Source Diversity Arts Australia Submission for the National Cultural Policy
With the 2026 census slated to gather better statistics on ethnicity, the cultural diversity of the population is likely to continue to increase. This reality brings with it many opportunities and challenges for the arts and cultural sectors. The Australian Arts are largely underrepresented when it comes to funding and encouraging people of color on their creative outputs, despite the country’s increasing diversity.
TOUCH is a creative project tackling the above theme. It’s a culturally diverse and inclusive piece that touches on the subject of acceptance and respect for one another showcased through Art. TOUCH is a new dance work that delves into the minds of 2 South Asian dancers with similar cultural backgrounds but who pursued different art forms- Ballet & Bharathanatyam. In blending these genres, power & beauty emerge through acceptance & respect. TOUCH will raise cultural awareness & redefine people’s views of acceptance, challenge bias, and prejudice & disrupt “what art should be and who it should be for.”
Our creative work looks to raise these questions.
- Why is Bharathanatyam (BN) still seen as a confined cultural practice and not as another technique to explore?
- Why does Ballet have so few women of color?
- Why do race and ethnicity continue to play a pivotal role in funding and not allowing people of color to be given the same privileges as other white artists?
- Is there an unconscious bias lingering?
- Are we culturally biased? Do we treat people of color differently? Do we react to beliefs we do not understand?
- How can we be more inclusive? How can we accept each other’s differences?
The collective is comprised of women of color from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Asians/Indians/Mauritians, and Africans. The juxtaposition of Ballet & Bharathanatyam highlights the differences between cultures & beliefs. The two lead Artists Deepa Mani and Sheena Chundee are based in Melbourne. The end goal is to create a 40-45 minute performance piece that can be staged in October 2023 at the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
The funding will be used for the creative development of the piece including artists and musicians fees, studio hire, a dramaturgy consultant to help strengthen the creative work as well as Marketing.
Artist Profiles
[If you would like to know more about us, please visit our websites/ socials.]
Deepa Mani – I am a South Asian Performing and Teaching Artist primarily trained in Classical Indian (Bharathanatyam) and modern Contemporary art form(s). My practice includes full dance recitals, dance dramas, and experimental and collaborative creations with other art mediums. I believe passionately in the power of traditional dance to connect people with their heritage, sense of self, and inner creativity. Drawing from my cultural (South Asian) background, my art practice includes a great passion for storytelling weaving music, and movement to convey deep meaningful messages that are much needed in today’s modern times.
W: https:// www.chandralaya.com.au
FB/Insta: @chandralayadance
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepa-mani-cbap-msp-8330773
Sheena Chundee – A South Asian/Mauritian and African background Ballet Artist/ Choreographer who creates educational, and artistic community events and performances in keeping with organisational needs and goals. This includes developing works for global dance & corporate companies as well as community-based groups. Diversity is at the forefront of my projects, so I am often found collaborating with culturally diverse communities.
FB/ Insta:@rebelstepzarts
Rewards
Simply Support TOUCH - $25.00
Simply back us and help us take TOUCH from Studio to Stage in 2023.
Support TOUCH BRONZE - $100
Support TOUCH SILVER - $501
Support TOUCH GOLD - $1001
Stretch Goals
Additional Outreach programme- $3000.00
Using additional funding, we will reach out to schools and institutions to help children understand the importance of cultural diversity, and to increase the impact and reach of the project “TOUCH”.
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