Creating opportunities for Australian dance in Europe

Complexity of Belonging, Chunky Move. Credit: Jeff Busby.

Through the arts, Australian stories and perspectives are shared with the world, growing our global connections and presence.

December Dance is a biennial international platform for showcasing dance works to European presenters. The 12th edition of December Dance was held in Bruges, Belgium in December 2018 and focused on the best of the dance scene from Australia and New Zealand.

Twelve Australian artists and companies presented in the two-week program with most performances selling out to an enthusiastic local and international audience. 

As well as supporting a number of the artists and companies presenting through our International Arts Strategy Outcomes Fund, the Council delivered an international incoming visitors program, supporting 38 key European presenters to see work in the program. A number of Australian artists and companies programmed in December Dance will tour their work in Europe in 2019 and beyond as a result.

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Australians increasingly recognise the important contribution of the arts to our wellbeing and happiness. The arts make our individual lives better and build stronger and more cohesive communities. All Australians have a right to access and participate in arts and creativity and enjoy the enriching benefits of the arts in our daily lives.

Led by artists Tristan Meecham and Bec Reid, All The Queens Men champion social equality through theatrical and participatory arts experiences that connect communities, audiences and artists. This includes The Coming Back Out Ball, which is a spectacular celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse and Intersex elders, and The LGBTI+ Elders Dance Club, which is a free ongoing social event for rainbow elders and their allies that aims to combat ageism, social isolation and discrimination.

All the Queens Men’s social mission is informed by research on the loneliness plaguing elderly populations, which is deemed even more acute for LGBTI+ people. Having lived through historical discrimination, impending old age has meant some elders are going back into the closet for fear of being deprived of companionship and quality care when they need it most.

Learn more about the 2020 Australia Council Award recipients.