In March 2019 Dance4’s Paul and Hannah visited Australia to meet with funding agencies, strategic partners, artists and international colleagues to explore future connections and Dance from England opportunities for independent artists and producers.

Their first stop was Critical Path in Sydney to see a sharing of work by Pepa Ubera and meet with local partners, before heading to Melbourne where they were invited to, and were very excited to, attend Dance Massive 12-19 March 2019.

Australia is a target country for international showcasing investment Dance4 receive through Arts Council England. This investment was awarded to create opportunities for independent artists and producers to build long-lasting connections to an international market.

Dance4 supported a Dance from England presence to include Producer Kat Bridge and Artists Malik Nasad Sharpe and Pepa Ubera, who began exploring opportunities for their work, but to also joined in beginning the process of deepening connections with Australian and Asian colleagues.

Since 2009, Dance Massive has welcomed audiences of over 56,000 people to 90 contemporary Australian dance works and attracts artists, producers and promoters from around the world. Dance Massive exists as the simultaneous programming of contemporary dance works and associated public and industry events by three Melbourne arts organisations – Arts House, Dancehouse and Malthouse Theatre in association with long-term associate partner Ausdance Victoria and new associate partners Abbotsford Convent, Temperance Hall and The SUBSTATION.

On Sunday 17 March, Dance4 hosted an informal social gathering to introduce our delegation to the international guests.