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Room for Art

 

ROOM FOR ART

A place for artists to play.
15 Nov 21 – 17 Feb 22

Are you an artist or creative collective who needs cost-free space to do what you do best? We’ve got room for you!

Ethical Property wants to provide artists with space to practice or perform their craft and reconnect with audiences after a brutal 18 months of lockdowns and cancellations.  Room for Art will offer artists cost-free, easy access to two unique venues within their heritage listed, CBD building donkey wheel house.

Spearheading the project will be Melbourne theatre-maker and producer, Kimberley Twiner who will co-ordinate the diverse program of events over a 12 week period.

Mask making? We’re into it. Intimate shows? You got it. Workshops for movement or mime? Yes please!

PROJECT ETHOS

Ethical Property recognises that the artistic community has been profoundly impacted by the lockdown. Creative folk have faced cancellations, delays, loss of work and creative frustration. Ethical Property wants to make Room for Art by providing the creative community with access to cost-free space so that artists can begin to return to what they do best. The intention is to facilitate an enjoyable experience for artists and audiences alike. 

About Ethical Property

Ethical Property creates inclusive spaces where organisations come together to make a difference. We own, lease and manage properties focusing on people, place and purpose. Our mission is to build a property platform that enables commercial property to become community assets. Improving lives and assisting communities and individuals to achieve positive economic, civic and social outcomes.

About Kimberley Twiner

Kimberley Twiner is an award-winning performer and director. She is founder of the Melbourne Physical Theatre School and produces training and workshops grounded in the Lecoq pedagogy of movement theatre. She is Artistic Director of award-winning queer comedy troupe PO PO MO CO; collaborating Director of The Travelling Sisters and Co-Artistic Director of award-winning clown company Fish & Twiner’s Baitshop. Her most recent work is with the Brunswick East Entertainment Festival and The Wholesome Hour, who in 2021 both won prestigious Green Room Awards. After almost two years of lockdown Kimberley is interested in cultivating feel-good, easy-to-access, grass-roots theatre events that bring the Melbourne community back together again.

THE ROOMS

We have two large quirky and ornate spaces known fondly as The Ballroom and The Basement within a centrally located building.

Located:
donkey wheel house

669-673 Bourke St, Melbourne

 

THE BASEMENT

An atmospheric venue with intersecting walkways, arched ceilings and smaller chambers that evoke feelings of being lost in the catacombs. It is a space filled with small maze-like nooks and is great for weird and wonderful intimate arts events, workshops or exhibitions.

Best suited for:

  • Immersive/weird noisy performances 
  • Intimate shows
  • Intimate movie nights
  • Performance installations
  • Exhibitions
  • Visual art studio work
  • Creative developments
  • Work-in-progress showings
  • Play readings
  • Conversations/seminars
  • Hands-on making projects
  • Rehearsing solo or duo work
  • Markets
  • Emergency rehearsals
  • Talks/conversations

Specs:

  • Approximately 150-200sqm (with supporting pillars placed throughout)
  • Access to bathrooms & a kitchenette
  • Located at Basement Level it is accessible via stairs or accessibility lift (suitable for most mobility devices)
  • Heating/Cooling
  • Cleaning bond required

 

The Ballroom

Whilst never actually used as a ballroom, this is the kind of space you just want to dance in.  It is a spacious 19th Century room steeped in heritage character with polished wooden floors and a high vaulted ceiling. As one large open space it is perfect for intimate performances and is suitable for noisy events most evenings or Sunday any-time during the program period.

Best suited for:

  • Low volume, highly physical activities
  • Physical non-verbal performances, rehearsals or creative developments
  • Dance performances, rehearsals or creative developments
  • Circus performances, rehearsals or creative developments
  • Physical low volume workshops or trainings
  • Work-in-progress showings most evenings or Sunday any-time
  • Physical performances most evenings or Sunday any-time

Specs:

  • 424 sqm
  • Access to kitchen and bathroom
  • Located on the 3rd Floor and is accessible via elevator and stairs (heritage elevator suitable for most wheelchairs but not all mobility devices)
  • Heating/Cooling
  • Cleaning bond required

 

WHEN

15 Nov 21 – 17 Feb 22
We have planned to begin one week after the projected Nov 5th date of Melbourne’s reopening for indoor activities. Based on current estimates, density quotients of 1 person per 4sqm will be applicable. Should we be required to return to lockdown, any events that can’t take place will be rescheduled for when we resume activities out of lockdown (we will not cancel your time).

Cost:

  • This is a cost-free program for artists.
  • The artists may use these spaces for money making endeavours (eg. paid workshops and performances)

 

REQUIREMENTS OF PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

There is no selection process. It is first come first served, everyone is welcome. The program will prioritise projects from First Nations folk, women, LQBTQIA+ folk, persons living with disability and culturally and linguistically diverse folk. Applications will not be judged on artistic merit. If the schedule can work then you’re in!

As part of the agreement, artists will be asked to promote their use of donkey wheel house on their social media; agree to be photographed throughout the program; and provide a reflection or testimonial articulating what brought them joy and lit them up during their project or performance on site. The artist testimonials will be compiled into an exhibition at the close of the program.

For the full information pack with venue photos, and to apply, please get in touch.

Program Coordinator
Kimberley Twiner
E: [email protected]

Let’s make room for art!