Shows on the Go, WA

Isolation no barrier to the arts in remote WA

It’s the biggest state in the nation and that presents enorrmous challenges for Western Australia when it comes to presenting high-quality touring shows to remote communities and, more importantly, making sure those shows leave behind a legacy.

Country Arts WA is addressing this with its Shows on the Go program where performers and musicians not only visit towns, but stay for a few days and run workshops with the locals. In 2009, Shows on the Go is being stepped up with the introduction of a pilot remote Indigenous touring strategy, with the aim of introducing it throughout the state in 2010.

“In 2008, we toured the award-winning contemporary Indigenous band Nabarlek to 14 regional, remote and very remote communities,” says the chief executive of Country Arts WA, Jessica Machin.

“What we found so important, beyond the performances, was that the associated workshops really gave the young people a chance to talk to the musicians, hear their stories and get inspired to have a go themselves.

“In Warburton, after the visit of Nabarlek, we know that several of the local kids formed their own bands and groups and are practising and gigging. It’s so good, because it also brings the elders together with the young people – it really inspires them to do positive things together,” says Machin.

Machin says that whilst Nabarlek comes from Arnhem Land, there are also plans to tour some of the up and coming WA bands. “We have some really exciting Indigenous musicians here in WA and our new touring strategy will help raise and develop opportunities for them to work across the state. We even hope to work with communities across the border in the NT and South Australia,” she says.

“What we know is that there’s an enormous demand from these remote townships for regular visits of top-quality and inspiring arts product and that this translates into jobs and opportunities in the music industry. Country Arts WA can play a pivotal role in this,” says Machin.

During its six week tour, Nabarlek visited 14 regional, remote and very remote communities in the Kimberley, Goldfields, Ngaanyatjarra Lands, Whealtbelt, Pilbara and mid-West regions of Western Australia. They reached a total of 3,670 audience members and delivered 12 workshops, mostly to Indigenous young people.

Shows on the Go takes place in all kinds of venues, from formal theatre spaces, to community halls and the outdoors. In Kununurra, Nabarlek performed at the local drive-in. Country Arts WA undertakes all aspects of the tour – itinerary development, contracting with local producers, on-the-road management and marketing support.

In 2009, productions include I’ve Got News for You, featuring swing music and with performances from professional dance groups Swing It and Sugar Blue Burlesque. Associated with the show will be dance workshops, school visits and workshops giving participants an insight into the jazz, blues and swing dance cultures and a chance to have a go themselves.

Shows on the Go is made possible through support from the State Government of Western Australia through the Department of Culture and the Arts, Lotterywest, Healthway promoting a SmokeFree WA and WIN Television.