I was recently in Boorloo, Perth to attend the Australian Performing Arts Market, where something happened that felt strangely new. 

A debate was held. The topic: The Art Comes Before the Audience. 

Experienced voices from across the performing arts faced off. Each armed with new angles, counterpoints and rebuttals to the question. 

The arguments were delivered to perfection. Style, humour, drama, theatre.  

The power of the format was how it allowed us to argue against our own instincts. To play devil’s advocate. To abandon the ego and the moral compass and openly wrestle with the question. I think this might be a new must have for all sector gatherings.

Blak circus is probably not something to be resolved, only practised. Like many First Nations knowledges, its aliveness is the point. Stories have lasted in the landscape for thousands of years not because they were protected, but because they were allowed to change.

The glamour of being an Artistic Director lies in how quickly you can oscillate between essential tasks. One minute you’re on the floor—pushing the form, sweating, spotting, joining in and the next, you’re deep in website design. 

Na Djinang has now become a not-for-profit charity. 
It took time, effort, and patience. But what does it really mean? 

For us, it changes our governance structure. 
For you, it means that when you donate, you get a tax deduction. 

In July, Julie and I travelled to Montréal,  or as the locals pronounce it, Montréal. 

We took part in the annual arts market of the Montréal Complètement Cirque festival. We entered a week of full schedules, half-full theatres, and empty wallets.  

We’re starting something new.