Sustainable practice through relationships

The Bridge Song project represents a significant process of exposure to Brisbane’s contemporary art audiences, bringing Bonemap’s brand of contemporary art from the regions to the city. The proposal for a season in the Judith Wright Centre’s Performance Space cultivated and implemented a partnership with the Centre. The scale, economics and orientation of the Bridge Song performance component became attractive to Chris Bowen, the Centre’s General Manager. His enthusiasm towards association with the performance presentation is in part due to Bonemap’s professional reputation and long standing independent relationships with other tenants in the building. The aim was to build alliances with Brisbane based organisations increasing prospects for Bonemap’s long-term sustainability. By creating a relationship with the centre’s management and affiliate tenants the project generated interest and expanded the presence of Bonemap’s work for Brisbane audiences. Negotiations with the Institute of Modern Art resulted in coinciding the preview of Bridge Song with an exhibition opening on the 12 June. Having attended an opening at the IMA incorporating a free showing in the performance space followed by an exhibition in the galleries, there was an impression that the model actually worked to increase attendances. Through infrastructural links with Michael Snelling Director of the Institute of Modern Art and Daryl Buckley Director of Elision Contemporary Music Ensemble ongoing alliances continue to ensure Bonemap’s integration within the Centres’ culture. This reflects a principal philosophical aim to work within relationships. A priority for this sustainable practice is the quality of relationships within an endemic culture, the artistic components being an expression and endorsement of interrelationships.

A State Government grant submission was prepared for Arts Queensland during February 2003 for the monthly under $5000.00 Small Grants Program. The application was successful, although not for the full amount requested. The Arts Queensland ‘Approved Purpose’ was ‘towards costs to present and promote regional contemporary arts group Bonemap in Brisbane through strategic partnerships, and a showcase featuring work engaged with aspects of Queensland’s distinct cultural and environmental heritage’.

The development of the performance component was punctuated by three in-progress showings during QUT post-graduate dance seasons within the Studio at Gardens Point Theatre. These showings were integral to the development process. The exposure of each of these fragments-in-progress contributed valuable opportunities to test technologies and engage in feedback discussions. Through the considered and insightful feedback of - Cheryl Stock and Keith Armstrong performative, conceptual and philosophical interrogation of the project developed and traversed unfamiliar ground. Exposure to the QUT Creative Industries faculty, has introduced me to substantial research and resources offering a community and a response to the multidisciplinary practice in which I am engaged.

Other relationships both long-standing and new have contributed significant resources to the project for which I am deeply grateful. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of Vanessa Mafe and Jondi Keane for providing studio space, accommodation and advice, also Ross Searle and Igneous for the loan of equipment during the performance presentation. Without this assistance the Bridge Song project would not be the substantial body of work it has become.

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