Performing arts leaders head to India for largest contemporary festival
Six New Zealand performing arts decision-makers are embarking on a seven-day, multi-stop trip to immerse themselves in India’s dynamic performing arts scene - including three days at the country’s biggest congregation of contemporary arts, Serendipity Arts Festival.
With a population of more than 1.4 billion, and a young, urban audience pushing for new forms of dance, theatre, and music, India’s performing arts sector is among the most dynamic in the world.
Serendipity Arts Festival, held in Goa, is now in its 10th year, and it brings together artists from across South and Southeast Asia for performances, talks, and workshops throughout the city - providing an opportunity for the New Zealand delegation to both network and get inspired.
Asia New Zealand Foundation arts director Craig Cooper has every belief the delegation will return to New Zealand with new festival and programming ideas as well as a new network of artists to collaborate with.
“When you’re working in the performance space, there's no substitute for being there in person - meeting people, visiting venues, and making those real connections,” Mr Cooper says.
Outside of the festival, there will also be several opportunities for the delegation to develop meaningful connections with two days in Mumbai and multiple networking events and site visits organised.
The itinerary ranges from major institutions like the National Centre for Performing Arts - which hosts more than 700 events each year, from theatre and dance to performance poetry and film screenings - to smaller alternative venues such as antiSOCIAL, home to up-and-coming independent artists.
"With five days, and stops across Mumbai and Goa, I'm excited to see what new ideas and future collaborations will eventuate."
Delegation members:
Daniel Clarke, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited director
Ella Becroft, Red Leap Theatre artistic director
Gerry Paul, Turner Centre Kerikeri general manager
Meg Williams, World of WearableArt chief executive
Moss Te Ururangi Patterson, New Zealand Dance Company artistic and executive director
Sum Selvarajan, Auckland Theatre Company senior producer
