Artist Exchange Lab (Singapore-Australia) – Keepsakes
Presented by the Sydney Opera House (Australia) and The Artground ( Singapore) this 7-day artist development program invites Singaporean and Australian artists experienced in, or interested in theatre for young audiences, to engage in a dynamic exchange of ideas and collaboration.
Under the guidance of Ian Loy, Founder of My SuperFuture Theatrical Productions (Singapore), selected artists will explore how to transform simple objects into powerful storytelling tools, applicable at home, in the classroom, or on stage. This professional learning opportunity aims to uncover shared connections, build networks and enhance your creative potential, helping you to creatively explore stories you wish to bring to life for young audiences.
The opportunity
The program has eight positions available for Australian Artists: 4 x Sydney based artists and 4 regional or interstate artists. Supported by Creative Australia, all artists will receive a financial stipend for their engagement. Interstate artists will receive travel, accommodation and per diems to support their environment.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and the Singapore Arts Council.
All activities are hosted by the Centre for Creativity at the Sydney Opera House.
Tuesday 19 November 2024
Initial Zoom meeting with Australian and Singaporean Artists (12pm-2pm)
Saturday 14 December 2024
Interstate artists arrive by 12pm
Attend performances by Singapore artists at Sydney Opera House (½ day)
Sunday 15 December 2024
Attend performance and workshops by Singapore artists at Sydney Opera House (½ day)
Monday 16 December 2024
(Program tbc)
Tuesday 17 December 2024
Artist workshop: Finding Our Footing / Flexing your artistic muscles / Delving into our personal stories
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Artist workshop: Finding connection / shared paths. This session is to seed artistic collaboration and discover personal stories to give opportunities for one another’s expression.
Thursday 19 December 2024
Rehearsal: Finalising concepts
Friday 20 December 2024
Internal showcase and close of program. Interstate/regional guests return home.
For the onsite workshop sharing, please bring 2 objects that you have a connection with. It can be an heirloom or something from your childhood.
To apply for this program, please submit one document with the following, by Sunday, 13 October 2024:
- Resume: A current resume detailing your experience in children and families performances and programming, including relevant performances, workshops or projects. (max. Of 2 x A4 pages)
- Artist Background: A brief statement (maximum 300 words) describing your artistic practice, specifically your work related to children and families programming.
Include:
- Your artform practise
- What you would like to focus on in your learning journey with this program?
- Your vision for potential collaborations?
- How participating in this exchange will enhance your practice and impact on young audiences?
Please send your application to creativelearning@sydneyoperahouse.com with the subject line: "SOH Artist Exchange Program Application - [Your Name]".
Please note you must be available to attend the exchange from 14-20 December 2024 inclusive.
Eligibility Criteria:
Both mid-career, early and emerging artists are encouraged to apply:
- Artists with a strong background in children, families and intergenerational performances and programming are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants should have a demonstrated track record in creating and presenting work for young audiences.
- A keen interest in international cultural exchange and collaborative projects in children’s arts and performance is essential.
If you require any assistance in completing this application and for any inquiries or additional information, please contact Sydney Opera House Creative Learning Manager, Alana Ambados
Key Dates
- Applications close 11pm Sunday, 13 October 2024.
- Selected artists notified, Monday 21 October 2024.
Program Facilitators
Ian Loy is a theatre-maker based in Singapore since 1999. Ian Loy founded MySuperFuture Theatrical Productions in 2009. Through the company, he involves himself with many communities’ outreach and theatre projects with people of all ages and abilities, coaching or creating theatre art for them, especially for the young audiences. In 2016, Ian was nominated Best Director by LIFE! Theatre Awards for his work in Grandpa Cherry Blossoms presented by Esplanade’s SUPER JAPAN Festival.
Helmed by Ian Loy, MySuperFuture Theatrical Productions (MySuperFuture) was formed in 2009 by the encouragement of his mentors and close friends who believe in his commitment, his craft, creativity and work ethics towards theatre. The company's passion is to bring the power of the arts to Singapore's young audiences and their caring adults, aiding them to make sense of the world through creativity, immersive theatrical works and engaging workshops. MySuperFuture is a specialist in creating performances and exploring creative mediums for young audiences aged 0-12 years and their caregivers.
Ellison Tan Yuyang is a Singaporean-Chinese performer, playwright and educator. She was an arts leader from 2019-2023, co-leading one of Singapore's most prolific theatre companies, The Finger Players. She is also the Co-Founder of The Wanderlings, Singapore's first collective to create Baby Theatre. Ellison’s background is in puppetry, playwriting, the Suzuki Method of Actor Training and Viewpoints.
Stan is a multi-instrumentalist, having performed on the piano, various gamelan instruments as well as percussion instruments. She has been the music director and sound designer for Esplanade's Playtime series (theatre for children aged between 2 to 4 years of age) since 2009. With her passion of music and learning since young, she opened a school for the young, My Piano Room. Throughout her music journey, she has gained more than 15 years of experience entertaining and teaching young children.
