MELBOURNE NEWS

Culture and heritage

Imaginations run wild in ArtPlay New Ideas Lab

20 January 2023

Create fantastical art alongside children with limitless imaginations through ArtPlay’s New Ideas Lab. We’re seeking applications from artists from Monday 13 February.

ArtPlay has supported more than 300 artists to co-create 60 magical projects with local children and families over the last 10 years. Many of the works have gone on to tour nationally and internationally.

Colourful and charismatic show Polite Mammals starring kids’ comedy group The Wholesome Hour is a recent New Ideas Lab project. The show explores animals of all kinds, be they stinky, sparkly, real or imaginary.

Performer Lily Fish said Polite Mammals is a kaleidoscope of colour, laughter and creativity. Audiences enjoy singing, dancing, puppets and funny characters dreamed up by children.

“We hope the children will see themselves reflected in the work – their humour, their world view and their experiences. But most importantly we want them to leave the theatre absolutely exhausted from laughing so much,’ Lily said.

“We have developed Polite Mammals through a series of play- and task-based physical theatre devising workshops.

“This included playing lots of games, pretending to be animals in different situations and writing songs from the perspective of animals.

“The children then drew their favourite moments. These drawings contributed further to the development of the show, including the design elements.”

Be part of the New Ideas Lab

ArtPlay will be seeking applications from artists of all disciplines from Monday 13 February to Monday 27 March.

Projects selected for the New Ideas Lab will receive $10,000 to $20,000, use of our dynamic venue and support from an expert team.

To learn more, and take a virtual tour of ArtPlay, visit New Ideas Lab.

Photographer: Theresa Harrison

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