The fifth Keir Choreographic Award (KCA) has announced the eight artists to have been selected for this year's event.
The biennial KCA is a unique event, in which eight independent artists are each paid a commission to develop new work. The results of this creative activity are then presented to audiences over a two-week season in Melbourne, Sydney and, for the first time this year, on-line. Of these finalists, one will receive a $50,000 award, judged by a distinguised international panel. A $10,000 people's choice award is also on offer.
The KCA is presented jointly by Dancehouse in Melbourne, The Keir Foundation and the Australia Council, with presenting partner Carriageworks in Sydney.
The 2022 artist selection represents an outstanding mix of early-career to established practitioners, from states and cities across Australia, with diverse perspectives and approaches to contemporary dance. The eight selected choreographers plan to explore politically and socially engaged themes – from contemporary masculinity and exotification to the Bhagavad Gita and the Anthropocene.
Presenting work in June are: Alan Schacher & WeiZen Ho (NSW); Alice Will Caroline (VIC); Jenni Large (TAS); Joshua Pether (WA); Lucky Lartey (NSW); Raghav Handa (NSW); Rebecca Jensen (VIC); Tra Mi Dinh (VIC).
They were selected from an Australia-wide call-out of 64 proposals. The commissioning was a two-step process including shortlisting by Daniel Riley (artistic director of Australian Dance Theatre), and previous KCA winners, Angela Goh and Melanie Lane, followed by final commissioning meeting of Riley and NZ/Samoan artist Lemi Ponifasio, with creative producer at Arts House Angharad Wynne-Jones, independent artist Helen Herbertson, and artistic director of Bleached Festival, Rosie Dennis.
"The last night of the 2020 Keir Choreographic Award finals took place under the shadow of Covid-19 that closed theatres the very next night. There were many moments along the way, where these awards did not appear to be possible. So it is with great joy and relief that the announcement of the commissions of artists for the 2022 Keir Choreographic Award can be made. We are looking forward to a wonderful award." - Keir Choreographic Award Founder, Phillip Keir
The KCA is scheduled to take place from June 23 to July 3 in Melbourne, Sydney and online.
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