Inspired by the experimental New York dance-scapes of the 80s and 90s and born of a need to bring the Victorian dance community together again in the wake of a global pandemic, Out of Bounds is an exciting new artist sharing platform presented by two of Australia’s leading dance companies, Lucy Guerin Inc and Phillip Adams BalletLab.
Out of Bounds will invite up to 48 independent Victorian dance artists to develop and present a short showing of their recent choreographic investigations to local audiences and fellow artists. The initiative provides artists the opportunity to receive creative feedback from the two organisations’ respective Artistic Directors, Lucy Guerin AO and Phillip Adams, as well as from attending artists and peers.
Applicants chosen through a simple EOI process will be provided with a financial stipend, access to rehearsal space, and production support for the showings, which will take place across two weekends – in March at Temperance Hall, and in September 2021 at Lucy Guerin Inc’s WXYZ Studios in North Melbourne.
The two editions of Out of Bounds will have separate EOI processes, with the first to open in late January 2021, with submissions to be assessed by both Artistic Directors.
This initiative was inspired by the time both Lucy Guerin AO and Phillip Adams spent in New York during the golden age of contemporary and experimental dance.
“New York in the 80s and 90s was an explosive time for choreographers – makeshift performance spaces were created in downtown ghettos, and different dance communities came together to collaborate and create thrilling new ideas. Out of Bounds is bringing back the process of ‘show and tell’ for artists to help them discover where their practice is sitting and the ways they can explore and expand as creatives. Lucy and I are deeply committed to creating opportunities for the dance community. I cannot wait for this initiative to unfold, and for Lucy and I to collaborate across our studio performance spaces in the North and South of Melbourne for the first time.”
– Phillip Adams, Artistic Director of Temperance Hall
“Out of Bounds will give a diverse range of choreographers the opportunity to present new ideas in a low-key, supportive environment. Phillip and I both showed our early work in this way during our time in New York City and are excited to offer this possibility to the next generation at our studios in Melbourne. Looking forward to these new, fresh offerings in a space where risk and daring are championed and encouraged.”
– Lucy Guerin AO, Artistic Director of Lucy Guerin Inc
Lucy Guerin Inc is assisted by the City of Melbourne, Creative Victoria and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Phillip Adams BalletLab is supported by Creative Victoria and the City of Port Phillip.
For more information, contact:
Lucy Guerin Inc: Pippa O’Brien
Phillip Adams BalletLab: Veronica Bolzon
Image: Jeff Busby.
