A third research and development period for the No Time Like Now project is now under wraps. Spanning across a 2-week period in the Shoalhaven district of New South Wales, participants have attended workshops at the Dorothy Porter Studio at the Bundanon Trust Artist in Residence complex and the Norwa School of Arts and have been filmed on various locations stretching from the rolling hills of West Cambewarra, the historic Arthur Boyd’s residence at Bundanon, to the pristine waters edge of Callala Beach.

No Time Like Now brings together participants with diverse abilities, local community and health services and artists in an integrated dance/video/site project.  This project is being led by professional dancer/choreographer Philip Channells (Dance Integrated Australia) who is working closely with video artist, Sam James.

The creative process engaged so far for this series of abstract short films involves participants developing unique movement vocabulary, story telling and writing tasks and story boarding to develop ideas which are shot in a familiar or unfamiliar, real or imagined landscapes.

Developing trusting relationships, establishing new partnerships and helping devise a shared language with members of the community are significant components of this project so far. Participants from the local community provide much of the content through sharing their own experiences of living on the Shoalhaven. As we delve deeper into this process we discover more about each other and the infinite amount of directions in which we can take the project. Philip Channells

No Time Like Now is part of a consolidated 3 Year Community Engagement Program, Bundanon Trust Local. The program consists of a series of unique ongoing and connected community arts projects, facilitated by small teams of professional artists working collaboratively with participants.

Bundanon Trust is committed to contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the region by producing high quality and meaningful contemporary art projects that enrich the lives of those who take part.

The films will be shown at the Shoalhaven Arts Centre in Nowra in 2016. This project is supported by the Australia Council of the Arts, Community Partnerships section.

For more information please contact Regina Heilmann, Community Engagement Officer at regina@bundanon.com.au

Photo: Regina Heilmann / Dancers: Todd Hawthorne & Melinda Tebb