Explore the rich intersection between visual art and theatrical design in Australia. This exclusive forum examines how iconic Australian artists like Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd shaped our cultural identity through their groundbreaking stage collaborations, and how their legacy continues to inspire today's most innovative creators. The program will explore:

SESSION ONE: THE MID-CENTURY MOMENT

9:30am - 11:45am

Delve into a transformative period when Australia's leading visual artists stepped beyond gallery walls to revolutionize stage design. Hear from distinguished experts including Dr Emily Collett, (Costume Designer Victorian College of the Arts), Virginia Rigney (Senior Curator, CMAG) and senior curators from the National Gallery of Australia, as they unpack Sidney Nolan's visionary approach to "The Rite of Spring" and Arthur Boyd's legendary collaboration with Robert Helpmann. This session also includes a performed reading and artist talk regarding Emma Louise Pursey's one woman show "Where is Joy?" which illuminates the life and work of Melbourne modernist artist Joy Hester.

SESSION TWO: CONTEMPORARY CROSSOVERS

12:30pm - 1:45pm

Witness how today's boundary-pushing artists continue this tradition of cross-disciplinary innovation. Featuring acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Dean Cross, who brings fresh perspectives to the Nolan-Helpmann legacy and Dale Ferguson, multi-award winning set and costume designer with a career spanning 30 years across all leading Australian theatre and opera companies, and international credits including Broadway and the West End.

SESSION THREE: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

2:00pm - 4:30pm

In this final session past, present and future practices are explored in dialogue with one another by leading practitioners. Hear from Elspeth Pitt, Senior Curator NGA and Dr Rochelle Haley, Sydney University as they explore A Sun Dance, a multi-disciplinary durational performance commissioned for the National Gallery of Australia. Aislinn King will share their collaborative practice in stage design for Australian Dance Party. The session will come to a close with a keynote address from Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM, founder and first Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre, sharing insights from the past and looking forward to the future.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES

Intimate, senior curator guided tour of the Nolan Gallery
Emma Louise Pursey's compelling reading on artist Joy Hester
Networking reception with leading figures in visual art and performance
Discounted tickets for evening performance of Circa's mesmerizing "Duck Pond" (tickets available through Canberra Theatre)

TICKETING

INDIVIDUAL GENERAL: $75 (Access to full livestream - all sessions)

STUDENT: $50 (Access to full livestream - all sessions)

SMALL ORGANISATION: $120 (Access to full livestream for a watchparty of up to 15 participants - all sessions)

LARGE ORGANISATION: $200 (Access to full livestream for a watchparty of 15+ participants - all sessions)

In Person tickets available here.

Ticket holders will be sent a link to join the forum stream 24hrs before event kick off.