Within the space of a fortnight, two of Tasmania/Lutruwita's artistic directors have announced their departures. First was Caitlin Comerford, of Stompin in Launceston, followed by Bec Dundas, of DRILL Performance Company in Hobart. Both companies are the island's main youth companies. Both directors mention prioritising their families among their reasons.
Comerford has been leading Stompin for eight-and-a-half years. She has two little boys – two and five years old. Her partner, Gabriel Comerford, who is Artistic Associate of Stompin, is additionally an independent artist and often working odd hours or "off-island", as she explained to Dance Australia, making it tricky to juggle parenting responsibilities.
"Also," she said, "eight-and-a-half years is a significant time. I adore the work I do at Stompin but I also have a desire to find new adventure and new spaces. I also feel quite passionately that youth dance companies are a good position to support artists at all levels of the organisation; I was 28 when I go the job and it's really someone else's turn to step in and be supported as I was to learn lots of amazing skills.
"Also, in terms of the company's artistic vision it's nice to have newness."
Read her full announcement here.
For her part, Dundas is stepping down from DRILL after two years in the role. She cited family support as her main reason – she has a young child. "I’ve felt incredibly fortunate to be in this role across 2023 and 2024 and be a cultural steward for DRILL and its young people. This company is small but mighty. The impact of our programs on these young artists and the broader independent dance scene is profound, so having the opportunity to experience creating important work with them has truly been a highlight of my career . . .
"My need for close family support has called us back to the mainland" after having lived on the island for 10 years.
DRILL'S Chair, Lesley Graham, thanked Dundas for her vision and commitment. "Bec's contribution has again strengthened our resolve that youth dance practice is a key component in the well being of our young people and in the future of the arts in our community," she wrote.
Applications for Stompin close on November 4. DRILL will commence a national search shortly.