The arts world is abuzz with the news of a groundbreaking collaboration between four regional arts venues, collectively known as the Second Cities Producing Consortium. This innovative partnership aims to revolutionize the way Australian theatre is developed and presented, addressing the pressing issue of rising production costs and fragmented touring models that have plagued the industry. By pooling resources and expertise, these regional powerhouses are creating a new national pathway for ambitious Australian theatre works, ensuring they reach audiences across the country, especially in the burgeoning regional population centers. This article delves into the significance of this collaboration, exploring its potential impact on the Australian performing arts scene and the broader implications for the country's cultural landscape.
A Response to the Live Performance Crisis
The Second Cities Producing Consortium was born out of a pressing need to address the challenges faced by Australia's live performance sector. The rising production costs and fragmented touring models have contributed to a crisis that has left audiences and artists alike struggling. By bringing together these four regional arts venues, the consortium aims to create a sustainable and collaborative model that puts audiences at the heart of the process. This approach not only ensures the continued growth of audiences in these regional markets but also strengthens the cultural and economic connections between cities, fostering a more inclusive and diverse performing arts ecosystem.
A New Model of Collaboration
What sets this consortium apart is its emphasis on formalised collaboration across state borders. By working collectively, the partners can pool insights and resources, build the resilience of the sector, and create greater opportunities for artists and touring production companies. This model of collaboration is a stark contrast to the traditional competition-driven approach, where regional arts organisations often operate in isolation. By sharing knowledge and resources, these venues can ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the industry, especially in the face of economic challenges.
Addressing the Pathway Issue
One of the key challenges in the Australian performing arts scene is the lack of a well-established pathway between capital city markets and second-tier markets. In many international markets, such as the UK, this pathway is built into the planning and business models for major works from the beginning. However, in Australia, this pathway has often been an afterthought, leading to costly remounts, redesigns, and transfer costs that make the supply of large-scale work unreliable. The Second Cities Producing Consortium aims to address this issue by guaranteeing the supply of such works and ensuring the continued growth of audiences in their respective markets.
A Focus on Regional Audiences
The consortium's focus on regional audiences is particularly noteworthy. By connecting artists, producing partners, and major regional venues, the consortium aims to bring new work to communities right across the nation. This approach not only supports the growth of regional and remote audiences but also helps to build stronger cultural and economic connections between cities. By recognizing the importance of Australia's vibrant regional cities and the audiences they serve, the consortium is contributing to a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape.
A Step Towards Sustainability
The Second Cities Producing Consortium Pilot Project is funded through strategic investment from Creative Australia, with individual members backed by various state governments and local authorities. The consortium's initiatives will be announced in the coming year, and the hope is that this pilot will support wider sector sustainability, grow regional and remote audiences, and generally improve industry practices around the making and touring of larger-scale work around Australia. This collaborative effort has the potential to transform the Australian performing arts scene, ensuring its continued growth and relevance in the years to come.
In conclusion, the Second Cities Producing Consortium represents a significant step forward in the Australian performing arts industry. By addressing the challenges of production costs, touring models, and audience engagement, this collaboration has the potential to create a more sustainable and inclusive cultural landscape. As the consortium's initiatives unfold, the arts world eagerly anticipates the positive impact it will have on the industry and the audiences it serves.
