The Australia Council for the Arts and the City of Melbourne have partnered on an innovative project to support theatre artists to incorporate environmental sustainability in making their work.
The Greenie-in-Residence pilot project will provide a number of Melbourne-based artists and organisations from the small-to-medium theatre sector with an environmental sustainability expert.
Melbourne presenter and producer Arts House has been chosen to manage the project, and have appointed Matt Wicking to provide guidance over 12 months to selected theatre clients.
He will help them to develop and incorporate green practices into their work, including sustainability plans, advice on sustainable production material and recycling, and carbon offsetting for travel and touring.
Matt has 10 years experience in the sustainability area, having worked for organisations such as VicSuper, and Monash Sustainability Institute’s award-winning Green Steps education Program.
He is also Associate Producer for TippingPoint Australia.
Australia Council Director Theatre Lyn Wallis said both the council and the City of Melbourne recognised environmental sustainability was a key concern for many members of the small-to-medium performing arts sector.
“The theatre sector has demonstrated a capacity to lead in this area, but needs support to do this,” Ms Wallis said.
“The Melbourne pilot will help us learn how to do that in the most effective way.”
Instigated by the Theatre section of the Australia Council, Greenie-in-Residence is intended to benefit the small-to-medium theatre sector by creating a base to share knowledge and conversation about sustainability practice.
In the short term, a select number of Melbourne artists and companies will benefit from expert advice and hands-on help, but it is hoped the pilot will produce case studies and materials to help inform the broader theatre sector.
City of Melbourne Manager of Arts and Culture Jane Crawley said the City had been committed to assisting its resident artists and companies to engage with sustainable practice for some time.
“Many are well-placed to take full advantage of this new resource, and it’s exciting to know that the best-practice examples it produces will provide leadership to the rest of the sector in this area” Ms Crawley said.
Arts House is now calling for proposals from members of the small-to-medium theatre sector interested in being involved in the Greenie-in-Residence pilot program.
Applications close on Friday 29th November 2013.
To apply and for more information, please go to the Arts House’s website: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ArtsHouse/Programs/Pages/GreenieInResidence.aspx