by Jess Lamb, Creative Producer DARTS – Industry Placement
Cohorts are valuable. They forge belonging, invite deep discussion and promote mutual growth through collaboration. In the theatre world, cohorts form in rehearsal rooms, foyers, at industry awards ceremonies and sector roundtables. Being an active member opens theatre makers up to new opportunities, as the more visible they are within the cohort, the more likely they are to attract attention from potential collaborators, audiences and funders.
So what then for those of us making theatre beyond the geographical bounds of Brisbane – home to the majority of our state’s professional theatre makers? How do we develop and sustain meaningful connections to our sector, when the next foyer over is hundreds of kilometres away? How can we put our work on the radars of artists we’d like to collaborate with, audiences we’d like to reach, and those with the means to support our work?
These and other provocations were put to attendees of the DARTS Planning Jam in March. Over 40 theatre makers from fourteen regional centres gathered at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre to set the course of DARTS (Driving and Activating the Regional Theatre Sector) – a regionally-driven, artist-led initiative to develop a thriving regional theatre sector for all Queenslanders.
Over the course of three days, we connected, identified shared goals, strengths and gaps for the sector, and celebrated the rich and diverse work being made throughout regional Queensland. By day three, we had emerged as the DARTS Cohort.
Off the back of conversations started in Bulmba-ja’s Studio B, we have worked to develop a three-year plan to grow our sector, raise the profile of regional artists and honour diverse regional storytelling.
As we roll out the first DARTS programs for 2024, we encourage you to watch the horizon for exciting developments in regional theatre across Queensland, including:
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Interregional touring: two wonderful pieces of regional theatre have been selected by DARTS Cohort members for touring to locations throughout regional Queensland, hosted by local artists in each community.
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Skills development and artist residencies: in response to skills gaps identified at the Planning Jam, we are matching emerging regional artists with experienced regional mentors to engage in paid, project-based learning.
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Write Sparks Online: following cohort demand for skills development in playwriting and dramaturgy, JUTE is delivering a dedicated online rollout of its hugely successful Write Sparks program to DARTS Cohort members.
It’s a new way of working, and we’re excited to begin this work in such good company.
