Darwin Theatre Company

Development of funding and support networks for community theatre performance and training projects

WHO
Darwin Theatre Company (DTC) has grown from an amateur repertory group to a locally and nationally funded organisation with a reputation for commitment to local theatre development and producing high quality theatre productions. DTC is the only professional theatre production company in the Top End of the Northern Territory. DTC has a strong commitment to nurturing theatre that expresses unique local stories, the cultures of, and issues affecting Northern Australia. Through a program of new work and contemporary adaptations DTC has sought to reflect and enhance the cultural and creative aspirations of Northern Territory communities.

WHAT
The intention of the three year long project was to create a productive link between skilled trainers, arts workers, technicians, managers and the isolated indigenous community of Minyerri in the Roper Valley in south east Arnhemland.

In consultation with elders and workers in Minyerri, and in partnership with Djilpin Aboriginal Arts, DTC has created a series of residences for arts trainers with the aim of building event presentation, performance, technical and marketing skills in the community, which eventuated into an annual arts program capable of attracting cultural tourism to the area.

WHERE
Minyerri / Darwin, Northern Territory

WHEN
2006 -2009

WHY
- To celebrate culture and language by telling and sharing stories
- To bring cultural and commercial benefit to Minyerri
- To build and activate partnerships
- To aid in the development of cultural infrastructure my clearly demonstrating there is a ‘need’

HOW
In February of 2007 the director and five workers travelled from Darwin to Minyerri to re establish connections made previously with the community and to open discussions with existing and new stakeholders including elders, local school and health services.

The Director and staff returned to Minyerri in April to further discuss permitted story content with elders, explore possible cultural tourism projects and to begin workshops with local young people in song writing and drama.

This Case Study was originally produced by the Australia Council's Community Partnership Section as documentation of its Partnership Development Initiative.
The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body.
It supports and promotes excellence in the arts and community engagement with them. www.australiacouncil.gov.au

Download the PDF of this Case Study here.