Fresh Funk turns 25 this year, coinciding with the launch of Tuggeranong Art Centre’s new theatre and an exciting half-yearly program. Photo: TAC.
Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s new half-yearly program has just dropped, packed with so many options, they cannot be confined to a stage, tucked behind a velvet rope or neatly hung on a wall.
Once again, the program finds its place in a city brimming with art and culture – not by competing, but by doing things a little differently.
“As a community arts centre, our programming needs to reflect the community, so it’s complex,” CEO Caroline Downer says.
It takes more than 2000 events a year to achieve this purpose. From exhibitions to performance art, workshops to concerts, dance programs to artists’ talks, most are interactive, making the centre a buzzing hive of creative activity year round.
Caroline thinks of it as a jigsaw.
“There are lots of different components, covering all the different art forms, things for seniors, things for young people, First Nations people – there must be diversity to ensure we are a place for everybody,” she says. “Not every single thing will speak to every demographic, but between it all, chances are there’s always something for you.”
Theatre performances focus on community-engaged and participatory events, where the audience becomes an important part of the performance.
Upcoming highlights include Sincere Apologies in September. An experience unlike any other at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, it looks at apologies thrown our way from the famous to the obscure, the meaningful to the everyday.
“We will unravel how and why we say ‘Sorry’ and if we really mean it. And the audience will be part of that,” Caroline says.
Audiences will be asked to check their expectations at the stage door and come together to “move through collective regret”.
Program highlight Queer PowerPoint switches on in November. Photo: Darcy Goss Media.
The community is also called to participate in Queer PowerPoint in November, inviting queer artists to share their passions and interests, but using the mundane medium of Powerpoint.
Those who prefer a spectator role can enjoy a host of incredible music concerts including Norway’s Benedicte Maurseth on the Hardanger fiddle – the soul of traditional Norwegian music.
Centre favourite Fresh Funk will also mark its 25th birthday with a mini-festival in September, culminating in a showcase at Erindale Theatre in December.
“We are lucky that as a multi-disciplinary art centre for the community, we have the opportunity to take risks,” Caroline says.
“We don’t want to do the same thing as places like Belconnen Arts Centre or ArtsHub because they already do it so well. We want to add to the rich ecosystem here in our nation’s capital.”
The half-yearly program coincides with the relaunch of the theatre following major renovations including major tech upgrades that will elevate productions; new seats will soon follow.
“We’re very excited about these changes. Nothing has been done to the theatre since it was built in 1998, so the upgrade in lighting and sound alone has been phenomenal. We can do a lot more things with complex tech requirements now,” Caroline says.
“We have lots of events planned to showcase this new development, from concerts to children’s live performance like Little Wing Puppets and The Vegetable Plot, and of course Fresh Funk.
“We can’t wait for the community to come and see for themselves.”
For the full program, more information or to book tickets visit Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
