Dear Terrapin community,
As we approach the end of another action-packed year, I’m pleased to reflect on the greatest hits and significant moments that have shaped Terrapin in 2023, and share our plans for 2024.
Our community impact was again quite significant in 2023, as we reached over 100,000 audience members: in theatres, schools, aged care settings, festivals and special events. Meeting our audience in over 200 performances both nationally and internationally from Japan to the Dover District School and everywhere in between.
In February we were delighted to host UK artist Tim Spooner for a creative development residency where he worked with us on Matter Era, a large-scale six-hour festival work in development exploring the small moments of the big bang. As the genre somewhat defies description, I invite you to check out a video of the work-in-progress…
A major achievement saw the establishment of the 3-year Stride professional development program, supported by The Ian Potter Foundation, to build capacity within the company and the Tasmanian performing arts sector. From welcoming assistant directors and stage managers, to hosting workshops and training emerging puppet makers, we are looking forward to the program’s further development in 2024; working in partnership with local festivals and arts organisations to leverage this significant opportunity for the Tasmanian sector.
We also welcomed new talent to the Terrapin team, expanding our motley crew with the addition of Xavier, Debra, Hannah, Inki, Danny and Mads. Each member brings unique skills and passion, and importantly a commitment to contribute to Terrapin’s purpose of creating connection and making lives better through our work.
After an 11-week tour around Tasmania mid-year, in December our aged care program Forever Young embarked on its first mainland tour in partnership with Uniting AgeWell. The journey of the Forever Young program was recognised this year with a prestigious Impact Award from PAC Australia, the national peak body for performing arts centres, presenters and producers across Australia. The PAC Australian Impact Awards celebrates excellence in performing arts leadership, new thinking and best practice, with a focus on lasting impact in communities.
In terms of the international stage, in November we proudly received the Tasmanian Export Award in the Creative Industries category, earning the opportunity to represent Tasmania nationally at an awards ceremony at parliament house in Canberra. This award recognised the important role Terrapin plays as a cultural ambassador and employer in exporting Tasmanian cultural content to the world. Most people would not be aware of this, but Australian performing arts content for children and families is lauded as some of the best work in the world and is in demand in many territories, including North America, Europe and Asia. Terrapin is currently developing work in partnership with both UK and Japanese artists and companies.
Looking forward to 2024, we acknowledge there will be challenges that persist, particularly concerning touring in the post-pandemic landscape amidst rising costs. Despite these challenges, we are looking forward to embracing and driving change in the following areas:
- Climate Active Certification: Finalising our Climate Active certification to move towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
- New Works and International Collaborations: Four exciting new projects are in the pipeline, with two world premieres scheduled for 2024, and two more in 2025
- Disaster Resilience Program: Proactively preparing for the future by developing a disaster resilience program to respond swiftly and effectively to community needs in the face of potential challenges.
Thanks for your ongoing interest in and support of Terrapin. Here’s to a restorative holiday season and a hopeful new year.
CEO & Executive Producer
Belinda Kelly