August 2, 2011

PIONEERING PACIFIC ISLAND WOMAN amongst the International Connections delegation for performing arts showcase   

Eight high profile arts professionals from six countries have been named as recipients of a Visiting Arts International Connections bursary scheme. The International Connections programme will enable the selected experts to share their experience with UK-based arts professionals at Arts Council England’s 5th decibel Performing Arts Showcase in Manchester from 13-16 September 2011.

The arts professionals selected for International Connections come from as far afield as Australia, China, USA, New Zealand and India. They are:

  • Sam Cook, Director of The Dreaming: International Indigenous Festival, Australia
  • Sasha Dees, independent curator and producer, Holland
  • Kath Duncan, multi-media producer and cultural commentator, Australia
  • Anjum Katyal, Editor, Art and the City, India
  • Monique Martin, Director of Family Programming, CityParks Foundation, USA
  • Leroy Franklin Moore Jr., Founder of Krip-Hop Nation, USA
  • Louise Tu’u, writer, director and producer, New Zealand
  • WANG Chong, Program Director of Beijing International Fringe Festival, China

At the decibel Performing Arts Showcase, International Connections participants will be able to share ideas with their UK peers and experience cutting-edge work from England’s culturally rich performing arts scene. In return, Showcase artists and delegates can gain insights into international markets, make connections and find out about opportunities to present work outside of the UK.

Abroad and in her home country, Louise Tu’u has a history of being a pioneer in the arts. In 2005, she was the first New Zealand and Pacific Island playwright to be invited to take part in the 17th Royal Court Theatre International Residency in London. In 2007, Louise initiated and curated Janet Lilo’s internationally renowned solo exhibition Top 16. Two months later, Louise was invited to represent New Zealand and Samoa at the inaugural World Indigenous Theatre Reading Series in New York as a Fulbright scholar. Last October, Louise’s second play Providence was listed as Best of 2010 in Theatre in the New Zealand Herald.

Whilst at decibel, Louise will talk about her projects with her company, We Should Practice, watch exciting and engaging works from around the world and meet like-minded practitioners.

Nike Jonah, decibel Performing Arts Showcase Project Manager, Arts Council England, said: “International Connections encourages the sharing of best practice in the international performing arts, while at the same time enabling overseas professionals to see the excellent work being made by artists from diverse backgrounds in England.” 

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