so much is happening in this town

The theatres in Queensland are morphing. Led by powerful women, who make a difference

I am in awe today. So much is happening in our town to create theatre that matters. Firstly, Queensland Independent Artist Alliance is holding a gathering at Metro Arts on Thursday 17th December…this is a coming together of the independent arts community, led by the Aunties of the community, to discuss and celebrate the independent artists of Queensland and to ensure that all have a voice. The gathering “ will speak to issues related to systemic and institutionalised racism, equity, inclusion and what solidarity looks like in the creative arts sector across the state known as Queensland.” A most important meeting. To find out more, and book a ticket, go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-pacesetters-qld-tickets-132441392771?aff=esfb&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=fb&utm-term=checkoutwidget&fbclid=IwAR16cKIKrh-C_0NtuRJ-MFgIlid-sC2edqePcozzNUYQNsDIspeXq8W75O0

Secondly, I have just heard that La Boite, one of our beloved theatres in Brisbane, has gained a million dollar grant to employ 22 Brisbane artists over an 18 month period to develop work that matters. A company of artists. Something that every single artist has dreamed about for decades, and now it is happening. La Boite is very committed to diversity, and so I am excited to see what will emerge. Go to https://laboite.com.au/about/latest/federal-government-grant to find out more about this brilliant initiative.

My list is much bigger than this, but this will do for now. Change is happening across the world and despite the COVID19 fiasco, change will continue to shift us and challenge us. I for one welcome these challenges, Last week I was guided towards the book Talkin’Up to the White Woman by Aileen Moreton-Robinson (2000) https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/aug/05/i-have-never-stopped-aileen-moreton-robinson-on-20-years-of-talkin-up-to-the-white-woman .

Here is an interview with Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson. https://youtu.be/ooUCCF4M6mk

Here is a link to the book. https://www.uqp.com.au/books/talkin-up-to-the-white-woman-indigenous-women-and-feminism-20th-anniversary-edition

Her book focuses on making “whiteness visible in power relations between white feminists and Indigenous women” (pg. xxi) and in this interview we get to know her and how her politics unfolded. A most necessary read.