Making Tracks
Australia’s circus industry contains several cultural and economic barriers that work to exclude the full participation and engagement of First Nations artists. In response, Na Djinang Circus launched Making Tracks, a First Nations-led growth and development program that seeks to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the space, resources and independence to create opportunities and pathways for mob to enter the sector.
The Making Tracks program covers three areas of the sector; Making Tracks to build skill and train in circus performance, Making Tracks On The Road for real world experience in circus and theatre production and touring, and Making Tracks Dreamers to mentor emerging creative designers in sound, lighting, set and costume design.
Making Tracks
Thank you for a successful 2024 Making Tracks Program
This 4 week paid professional development program is based around our nationally toured show; Arterial . Two emerging First Nations artists will join the cast of Arterial as they rehearse, develop and grow as an ensemble in a culturally safe and artistically rewarding environment, gaining professional experience and further developing their skills alongside fellow First Nations artists.
During the program the artists will engage in full time circus training including tumbling, group acrobatics and aerials. This training will be guided by professional coaches from the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) and the Footscray Women’s Circus
Making Tracks On The Road
An extension of the original Making Tracks program. This program will provide an emerging First Nations Production Manager with four weeks of employment to join Na Djinang Circus touring ensemble as understudies to gain firsthand practical learning.
During their employment the participants will engage with Na Djinang Circus professional artists and touring production manager assisting to bring the show to life. This will be further supported with 1:1 mentoring session to ensure adequate time to explore questions and unpack experiences.
Making Tracks Dreamers
In recognition of the shortage of qualified First Nations designers in the industry, Making Tracks Dreamers focuses on building the skills and experience of Indigenous designers, opening up opportunities and bringing an indigenous perspective all creative inputs of a performance.
This program will provide mentorship and create a pipeline for the next generation of First Nations designers. This initiative addresses a critical gap in the industry and ensures that First Nations creatives are not only supported but have the opportunity to thrive and lead in their respective fields.
Generously Supported By
| Creative Victoria | The National Institute of Circus Arts | Flying Fruit Fly Circus | HotHouse Theatre | The Women’s Circus | Circus Oz | Saunders Family foundation | Footscray Community Arts | Annamila First Nations Foundation |
