PLATFORM

An exhibition showcasing PLATFORM – a First Nations-led creative development program for multi-generational choreographers and contemporary dance artists.

Djirri Djirri dancers Mikayla George (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung) and Kiera Hunter (Wurundjeri and Ngurai illum wurrung) under the leadership of Dr Mandy Nicholson (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung), will join choreographers Vicki Van Hout (Wiradjuri), Joel Bray (Wiradjuri), Carly Sheppard (Takalaka) to develop, produce, share and exhibit a diverse range of new contemporary dance works and expressions.

Photographer and visual artist Jody Haines (Palawa) will work alongside the choreographers to document the creative process, presented by Abbotsford Convent as an exhibition in St Heliers Street Gallery in 2025.

Platform is produced by Senior Producer, Geoffrey Masters (Bidjara).

PLATFORM Opening Night
Thu 8 May

Exhibition
Thu 8 – Sun 18 May, 9am–9pm
FREE ENTRY

St Heliers Street Gallery
Abbotsford Convent

ARTIST INFORMATION

Dancer
Mikayla George (she/her), Wurundjeri/Dja Dja Wurrung/Ngurai Illum Wurrung

Dancer
Kiera Hunter (she/her), Wurundjeri/Ngurai Illum Wurrung

Cultural Leader and Mentor
Mandy Nicholson (she/her), Wurundjeri/Dja Dja Wurrung/Ngurai Illum Wurrung

Choreographer, Dance Artist
Vicki Van Hout (she/her), Wiradjuri

Choreographer, Dance Artist
Joel Bray (he/him), Wiradjuri

Choreographer, Dance Artist
Carly Sheppard (she/her), Takalaka

Creative Collaborator
Kamarra Bell-Wykes (she/her), Yagera/ Butchulla

Sound Artist, Creative Collaborator
Small Sound (they/them)

Photographer & Visual Artist
Jody Haines (she/her), Palawa

Senior Producer
Geoffrey Masters (he/him), Bidjara

Artist / Documentarian
Jody Haines (Palawa) is a contemporary artist based in Narrm. Her unique practice blends social practice, photo-media (photography/video/film), and public art, creating large-scale public activations that include projections, paste-ups, and street-wide photographic installations. Rooted in Indigenous feminist K/new/Known materialism, Jody’s work explores themes of identity, representation, and the female gaze.

Carly Sheppard, PLATFORM 2024. Image by Jody Haines

Kiera Hunter, PLATFORM 2024. Image by Jody Haines

BlakDance is pleased to announce Platform, an initiative of Abbotsford Convent and BlakDance, a First Nations-led creative development program for multi-generational choreographers and contemporary dance artists. 

Stage One:

In August 2024, the choreographers will gather for a two-week residency at Abbotsford Convent, to develop concepts for new work. Artists and Leaders will engage with Elders through a consultative process towards agreed protocols and permissions. At the end of the residency, through a closed and informal sharing, feedback from Elders, peers and invited guests will inform Stage Two of the program.  

Stage Two:

In April / May 2025, choreographers will undertake an intensive 3-4 week Creative Development, and share outcomes with sector representatives. Platform will offer the opportunity to develop a bespoke Market Development Plan to support choreographers to reach target audiences for their new works.

Platform is an initiative of BlakDance and the Abbotsford Convent made possible with the support of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Arts House and Dancehouse.