SHOWROOM 2023: Tantrum Youth Arts to host annual industry day for emerging artists

Trajectory artist-in-residence Kar Mun Phoon (left) in conversation with Tantrum’s Creative Director Nel Kentish (right) at SHOWROOM 2022. Image by Eryn Leggatt.

SHOWROOM 2023, Tantrum Youth Arts' annual industry day for the Hunter region’s emerging artists returns this Saturday 24 June with another jam-packed program of events.

---

Through a day of workshops, discussions, installations and performances, SHOWROOM provides artists with the chance to learn from industry professionals, to connect with other artists, and to participate in important conversations about arts practice.

In order to provide this opportunity to as many emerging artists as possible, Tantrum has introduced a pay-what-you-can ticketing model for this year’s SHOWROOM. This is in response to the Australia Council for the Arts’ Audience Outlook Monitor April 2023, which found that cost-of-living pressures were responsible for a reduction in young people’s attendance at cultural events.

Tantrum’s Creative Director Nel Kentish said, “One of the most important parts of being an artist is hanging out with other artists, talking about what you’re working on, what you aspire to, swapping tips and building those important connections.

“SHOWROOM brings together the emerging artists of the region to do just that, while also engaging in valuable moments of learning and networking with professional arts practitioners.”

SHOWROOOM will begin with a producing masterclass led by Robbi James, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Australia’s premier touring body Critical Stages Touring. This masterclass is designed for emerging and independent artists who are hoping to produce and present their own work or explore touring options for new work.

Another highlight of the SHOWROOM schedule is the presentation of the works-in-development by Tantrum's Trajectory program artists-in-residence. These works include an audiovisual art-installation by Joshua Ingle, an experiential map-making journey by September Jones, and a live performance that combines poetry and dance by Angela Kowalski.

The SHOWROOM program also includes a networking workshop, a discussion panel featuring emerging and established independent artists, and drop-in interactive experiences on the Tantrum lawn.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: SHOWROOM 2023. Date: Saturday 24 June. Time: Masterclass – 11.00am-1.00pm (by registration only). Showroom – 1.00pm-7.00pm. Where: Tantrum Youth Arts. 101 City Rd, Merewether (access via Allworth St). Cost: Pay what you can. Lunch provided.