Staying the distance, closing the distance: Graeae Theatre UK and DADAA, WA

At the time of writing in June 2022, I am two months shy of being the CEO/Artistic Director, Graeae Theatre for 25 years. There is a school of thought that it is unhealthy to stay anywhere so long, and companies need injections of fresh ideas and young blood. I agree to an extent but working for the UK’s flagship disabled-led professional company has constantly challenged me to keep the ideas coming, and there are no shortage of young minds informing the creative future of Graeae.

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Nutritional Content Of Collection (AGSA)

Kurt Bosecke and Emmaline Zanelli

Artists at work: Lorna Kantilla, Alfonso Puautjimi and Jane Tipuamantumirri

Joy Naden

Arts Project Australia: Raising the bar through collaborative partnerships

Sim Luttin

Other Body Knowledge: Sophie Cassar, Lara Chamas, Fayen d’Evie, Sam Petersen, Jane Trengove

Olga Bennett and Jane Trengove

What do you do at Studio A?

Emily Crockford, Guy Fredericks, Emma Johnston, Daniel Kim, Jaycee Kim, Adam Mandarano, Catherine McGuiness, Gabrielle Mordy, Meagan Pelham, Skye Saxon, Lisa Scott, Damian Showyin, Philip Sidney, Thom Roberts and Chloe Watfern

Vast spaces/Uneven terrain: Interpreting the politics of space from a place of impairment

In a sparse gallery space, a detached hydraulic door closer lies splayed on a white panel. This unassuming readymade by Belgian artist Steve Van den Bosch provides a subtle topographical deviation on the dull cement floor. Titled Assistant (2021), the closer was relocated from the gallery director’s office for the duration of Round About or Inside (30 September 2021 – 20 November 2021) at Griffith University Art Museum, Brisbane. Appropriately placed on the ground—the anti-art/anti-functional gesture par excellence—the artwork suffices as a miniature monument to technologies of access, reflecting on how we move through spaces and what mechanisms exist to ensure our safe and comfortable journey, to welcome us, or to deny us entry.

Tara Heffernan