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

9:15am - 11:45am (includes morning tea)

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

11.45pm - 1:45pm (Includes lunch)

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 - 5:00pm (Includes post program drinks and nibbles)

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 AM, 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
Unlock a discount on Premium tickets to the mesmerizing Duck Pond performance at Canberra Theatre Centre. Your discount code arrives with your Forum ticket

TICKETING + PACKAGES

All tickets include catering. Discounts applied automatically during checkout process.

Early Bird Discount

20% off - available until Friday 22 August - no further discounts for multiple sessions

Early bird discount entitles ticket purchasers 20% off the full price tickets listed below.

Single Session

$90 - General Admission | $81 - CMAG Member | $45 - Student

Any two Sessions

$171 - General Admission | $153.90- CMAG Member | $85.50 - Student

Full Day Pass

$243 - General Admission | $218.70 - CMAG Member | $121.50- Student

Online stream passes available here.