PH(R)ASE is an initiative bringing artists together to create work in the Northern Rivers. PH(R)ASE//:1 was ‘Pitch Lab’ – a residency where dance makers came together to test new ideas.

PH(R)ASE//:1 – ‘Pitch Lab’, led by Katina Olsen (Wakka Wakka / Kombumerri) and Miranda Wheen from Dance Makers Collective (DMC) in collaboration with Philip Channells (Dance Integrated Australia), Bundjalung dancer, Sarah Bolt (Nini Nahri-Gali Dance Troupe) and other artists from the Northern Rivers, launched a 3-day choreographic project to inspire creativity, foster collaborations, and strengthen the regional dance sector.

What attracted me to apply for this residency project was the opportunity to participate in developing a support network within the creative community – to be able to converse, share and develop ideas with. Lachy Shelley 

Lachy Shelley pitching his idea | Image: Dominic Sullivan

PH(R)ASE//:1 was an artist led residency based on Arakwal and Nyangbal lands on Bundjalung Country, which is situated in the NSW Northern Rivers region. It was designed for emerging, mid-career, and established artists to pitch ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate across dance and multidisciplinary arts.

We received 35 Expressions of Interest (EOIs), with the selection process guided by First Nations Cultural Advisors and industry professionals. Eleven key artists were chosen, representing diverse practices such as dance (cultural and contemporary), sound design and percussion, as well as puppetry and circus arts, to pitch and explore new performance ideas.

Dancers waist deep testing percussive ideas proposed by Shar Mitchell and Louis Frere-Harvey | Image: Dominic Sullivan

At the Brunswick Picture House and along the banks of Lake Ainsworth, artists presented their ideas, delving into choreographic and dramaturgical possibilities. The ensemble embraced a range of tasks and directives, responding dynamically to each challenge. Concepts emerged, shifted, and evolved around rest, barn dancing in the bush, body percussion and rhythm in water, painted bodies on canvas, embodying inanimate objects and the inclusivity of family and ancestral connections to the land.  

Pitch Lab inspired me to keep going with my project and reminded me that you just have to get in and do it, stop waiting for things to happen, make them happen yourself. Glory Tuohy-Daniell

Glory Tuohy-Daniell (Indjalandji-Dhidhanu / Alyewarre), Lara Lei (Wiradjuri / Ngempa), Belle Budden (Wakka Wakka) and Shar Mitchell | Image: Philip Channells

PH(R)ASE//:1 – ‘Pitch Lab’ directly responds to recommendations from the Dance Sector Uplift (DSU) report produced by Arts Northern Rivers and Patternmakers and aims to build a Northern Rivers dance collective and festival. The full report is available to download here.

P.H.(R).A.S.E. means to…

Propel creativity

Harness talent

(Revitalise) the dance sector

Amplify voices

Strengthen collaborations, and

Energise the arts community.

Key Objectives

– Inspire new opportunities for artists in developing new work

– Foster collaboration across diverse artistic backgrounds

– Provide platforms to test, refine and show artistic ideas

– Strengthen connections between artists, organisations and venues.

I am excited to meet practising artists in the region, and discover how we can support and collaborate to produce work opportunities in the region. Leigh-Anne Vizer

Leigh-Anne Vizer, Miranda Wheen, Marianna Joslin and Katina Olsen experimenting with the body as a canvas | Image: Philip Channells

Statistics from PH(R)ASE//:1 – ‘Pitch Lab’    

– Residency participants: 20 X artists, 8 X volunteers a producer, filmmaker, photographer and a technician and lots of mums.   

– Artistic modalities: contemporary dance, Aboriginal cultural dance, puppetry, performance art, sound composition, visual arts. 

– LGAs represented: Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Clarence.

 

Outcomes

– New Project Ideas: several collaborations initiated during the lab will continue.  

– Regional Engagement: strengthened ties with regional venues like Brunswick Picture House.  

– Mentorship: artists received valuable feedback from experienced facilitators.

– Future Opportunities: plans are underway for expanding PH(R)ASE to include broader artistic modalities and more time.

The project was an innovative and rewarding experience, each participant contributed greatly – actively engaging and sharing throughout the process. I believe it will foster future collaborations and become a vital part of the dance sector for many artists. Uncle Mark Cora

Uncle Mark Cora (Mingungbul) and Belle Budden (Wakka Wakka) | Image: Maurizio Viani

Recommendations

– Continue investing in the PH(R)ASE initiative to deepen collaborations among artists, creative organisations, venues, community networks, and key stakeholders in the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast regions, driving long-term growth in the sector.

– Expand skills development through mentorship, workshops, and touring opportunities for artists at all career stages, while connecting local producers with national networks.

– Enhance community engagement through informal showings, public events, and cross-disciplinary collaborations in a permanent annual residency program.

– Strengthen partnerships with regional and metropolitan organisations, advocating for greater support and opportunities that prioritise First Nations, LGBTQIA+, disabled and other marginalised regional artists.

I think for DMC to have been able to meet and connect with artists in this region was fantastic for us and helps us to continue to strengthen our relationships here. We’re hoping in the future we can continue to facilitate workshops here and possibly tour our work here, so meeting and getting to know artists, their practices and their needs (so we can be of service to them) is essential. Katina Olsen and Miranda Wheen

Philip Channells, Katina Olsen (Wakka Wakka / Kombumerri) and Miranda Wheen | Image: Maurizio Viani

Acknowledgements

This project is supported by the generosity of the local community through the Australian Cultural Fund with matched funds from the ACF Boost Program, along with support from Byron Shire Council, Seaton Foundation, and Byron Homestead.

Pitch Lab is a core program of Dance Makers Collective.

Main image: Dominic Sullivan | Performers: Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal (Javanese-Australian), Miranda Wheen, Shar Mitchell, Janessa Dufty (Filipino-Australian), Katina Olsen (Wakka Wakka / Kombumerri) and Paul Walker (Maltese-Australian).