ARTS PROGRAM

As a feature of this conference, a visual and performing arts program has been especially designed to entertain and to encourage reflection on alternative media for communicating ecology with society.
The arts program is designed to:

• Encourage scientists to reflect on alternative media to communicate their science to society
• Aid understanding of complex scientific information (including synthesising information and assisting in communicating the themes of the conference)
• Entertain (marvel at skills, enjoy something beautiful, laugh, relax, break up monotony, affirm and energize delegates)
• Aid conference processes
• Provide a rich environment for the delegates to receive information
• Showcase the depth and richness of Armidale's community, make the conference memorable, and boost the profile of ecology in the community.

The arts program will include:

Choral and dance works

These will feature the local dance group Body Moves and the Armidale Sing NSW choir who will be performing evocative works of the Australian landscape and ecosystems.

A specially commissioned Conference Image

A conference image summarising the main themes of the conference has been commissioned. This has been done by ecological artist Anna Curtis and a limited edition of prints of this image will be on sale at the conference and in its lead up.

Click here to view the conference image and read about its design.

Theatrical performances

Several theatrical performances will be scattered throughout the conference to summarise various conference themes and to entertain delegates. They will feature highly talented performers from Armidale High School, some of whom have entertained huge audiences at the Sydney Entertainment Centre for the School Spectacular and the opening to the Youth Olympics. Performances will include virtuoso juggling, physical skills, comedy and dance.

Theatrical and musical performance and entertainment at the conference dinner

Local ecological band Tre Los Lantana will entertain delegates with a cabaret show especially written for the conference, and which summarises various conference themes.

Installations and art works summarising major and minor elements of the conference

The conference will feature beautiful art works by several local artists. Both major and smaller pieces will be selected and positioned at key localities in conference venues to provide a rich setting for the conference as well as to provide alternative media for communicating ecological themes.

Artist(s) in residence at the conference

The conference will be inviting a small number of artists who specialise in work with ecological themes to act as artists in residence at the conference.

Especially commissioned conference mugs

Beautiful ceramic mugs have been commissioned and will be supplied to all conference delegates. These incorporate ecological themes and are by local ceramic artists, Suzanne and Rick Hatch.

Art gallery tour

A special tour of the art galleries in Armidale is planned for the associates of the conference and for delegates who need time out. Selected galleries will be holding exhibitions which feature work with ecological themes.

David Curtis
Arts Program Coordinator
Ecological Society Conference
(02) 6773 5142 (phone)
dcurtis@pobox.une.edu.au (email)