2020

Strange, unique, frustrating, formative – our year was much like all of yours. 

We adapted. We survived. We were resolute. We danced the “pivot”. We danced the physically distance return. 

Endless hours on zoom – so many meetings, forums, workshops, classes, even rehearsals [battling with kitchen furniture and wonky internet] and online ‘social’ events. 

We pushed, cried, worked, mourned, worried, studied, supported, stressed, laughed and celebrated. Collectively. Individually. We were yo-yos, along with all of you. 

We felt gratitude as our supporters came out of the woodwork to offer us dollars and sweet lovely supportive messages that acted like a salve – every single one. 

From a “macro” point of view it seems to me there were three major learnings during this time that will lead us into our common futures: 

• The incredible pace of change that is possible for our organisation and for us as infinitely adaptable human beings.
• That we are all deeply and intricately connected to the planet and to each other.
• That taking big and small actions are key to our sense of meaning in the world and to a sustainable future.

In this strange and unique year we pushed against the norm and hired more artists, developed more projects, bought a motorhome to create a mobile base camp, forged new partnerships with Performance Space, the Westpac Foundation, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and the ANZ Foundation, and continued to find and support exceptional people making exceptional performance.

kdc

2020 highlights

The STARE

Dedicated to reflecting the true diverse nature of the world we live in, the STARE celebrates our difference, empowers voices and brings passionate, and thought-provoking stories of disability to digital platforms, personal screens and public spaces.

Supported by the Arts Tasmania Screen Fund and the City of Hobart, Episode 1 – William screened to over 100,000 tv sets across southern Tasmania, had over 20,000 views on social media, and is still on display on Metro buses across greater Hobart. This, our first digital and 2 dimensional work, has had incredible reach – spreading our vision of radical equality far and wide. Keep you eyes out for Episode 2 launching in March.

The BRIDGE

Supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, Performance Space Sydney, Tasdance and the Regional Arts Fund, Luke John Campbell made the most of the digital 2020. Working with Jason James, Matthew Fargher, and Gabe Comerford, Luke began the first development of this cross disciplinary exploration of how we see ourselves and how others see us.

Bending the Wind

Charlie Smith joined a community of Tasmanian artists at Tarraleah for the Tasmania Performs Artist Residency. Working with mentor Jo Duffy he workshopped his new project, Bending the Wind. Stay tuned for updates in 2021 as he prepares for his residency with Tasdance to further develop the project.

On Display

To See and Be Seen … Second Echo got a mention in the The New York Times when we performed in the 24 hour celebration of International Day of People with Disability with Heidi Latski Dance, NYC at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. This project was supported by TMAG and RANT, Regional Arts Fund.

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A great start to 2021

Let Me Dry Your Eyes

We opened 2021 with a sold out and critically acclaimed season of Let Me Dry Your Eyes at the Beaumaris Zoo as part of Mona Foma. With the support of Mona Foma, City of Hobart, Arts Tasmania, RANT, Regional Arts Fund and devoted SEE supporters and patrons, this work stretched our artists and moved our audiences- literally and emotionally.

…the performance layered music, video art and physical theatre throughout the site to incredibly haunting effect

– Cameron Woodhead, Sydney Morning Herald

My first Mona Foma show for the year did not disappoint…When I arrived I was handed fake binoculars constructed out of cardboard toilet paper rolls and fluorescent pink string, which I somehow expected to work. A troupe of artists with diverse abilities performed the tragic story of a bird and whale in love … Various locations of the old zoo were used to show the bird and whale in their respective habitats, with both pining for the other through interpretive dance, against the live background sounds of double bass and a violin.

– Rushani Epa, Time Out Melbourne

Workshops Resume in February

Join us in the Long.House

The SEE workshop program returns to the long.house on Tuesday 2 February and will run weekly from from 5-6:30pm. First Term will be led by core artists Kelly Drummond Cawthon and Luke Campbell.

Open to all movers over 10 years old. No previous experience is required. The class operates on a ‘personal best’ principle and suits all body types, and skill sets. Learn new moves, and how performance is made.

Workshops are included with your annual SEE membership.

Stay safe and keep dancing,
kdc and the crew of Second Echo

Second Echo Ensemble is assisted through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts, Creative Partnership PLUS 1, Regional Arts Tasmania (RANT), City of Hobart, the Alcorso Foundation, Westpac Foundation, ANZ, and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal