Dance Australia staff were shocked to learn, this week, that Ausdance National has announced the cancellation of the 2019 Australian Dance Awards (ADAs).
It’s a decision that has been reached with regret, according to a press release from Ausdance National, in response to shrinking government funding for the organisation and subsequent reductions in staffing and financial reserves. At this critical time for the dance sector, Ausdance National is prioritising its focus on advocacy, to secure on-going and additional investment for the sector.
Ausdance National has been producing the Australian Dance Awards for 21 years. The awards play a vital role in the sector by recognizing, celebrating and honouring dance artists and industry professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the dance sector.
The decision to cancel the ADAs is part of a larger review of Ausdance. “Ausdance National will lead a process of collaboration with key stakeholders to develop the best model for a sustainable Ausdance Network across Australia,” says Gene Moyle, Ausdance National President. “While we understand the Dance Sector will be disappointed with the cancellation of the 2019 Australian Dance Awards, we are excited to continue our partnership with Tracks Dance Company to present the National Dance Forum in Darwin, 9 – 10 August 2019. We hope the Sector will come out in force for these important discussions.”
The National Dance Forum is a biennial gathering of the dance sector to inspire rigorous debate and reflection about dance in Australia.