If we are concerned about this and we do want to pressure Government, what is the best way to do this?

Thank you Annette. The projects you have spearheaded in performing arts regionally over the years, really encompass exactly what the Emergence is all about.

You raise 3 very important issues.:

*Skills development – in digital content creation.
*Technological infrastructure – access to nbn and 3/4G networks.
*Social Networking between regional areas.

Regarding the third issue, I would like to see a break away from the model that regional towns are isolated satellites networked in and out of the city hub.

By linking with other regional areas through projects like Virtual Dust, innovators can explore their specialities collaboratively and with geographic pride. i.e. without the poor country mouse syndrome.

Dance-making across the web is something that regional choreographers are exploring in a trial project called Virtual Dust. Its been an incredible experience of linking with other contemporary dance makers living in regional areas like Broome, Kalgoorlie, Margaret River, Denmark and Albany. Almost all contemporary dance in WA is made in Perth leading to a frustratingly narrow and metropolitan perspective. Distance has always been a big problem for regional choreographers who tend to thrive in collaborative environments and it can be tough to find fellow contemporary dancers in the flesh in country towns….so we have found each other online. Technically its proved challenging with dodgey internet and tackling our incompetencies in filming and editing but we persist. Imagine a day when Virtual Dust can reveal itself to Emergence! Decentralised collaborative dance-making across regional WA.

Thank you Liz.

We are on the crest of a huge evolutionary wave. What we have seen so far is just the beginning. Somethings will remain, some new things will ’emerge’…and some things will be left behind. It’s up to all of us to shape the future according to our values. So what do we value? What do we want? What do we want to leave behind?

Personally, I want …equality…sustainability…freedom…and adventure…and for everyone to get their say….

Hi Mitle,

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