I work as the Manager of Programming and Communications at Perth Theatre Trust in Western Australia, which manages four flagship theatres of varying sizes across the State.

By international standards Perth Theatre Trust is an anomaly as, rather than operating as a Centre, our venues are split across an area of 500km2, which sometimes makes logistics a challenge.

When Asialink Arts advised me that I had received a residency at Esplanade in Singapore, I was excited and terrified in equal parts. I was worried that I would not have anything to bring to such a large organisation and that I would be lost in such a big office.

My fears were unfounded. Although I will admit I did have to make a mud-map of the Esplanade Office so I could find the copying room. The staff of the Centre could not have been more welcoming.

Perth Theatre Trust operates venues of similar size to Esplanade, providing a natural affinity between the organisations, and what Esplanade do exceptionally well is run programming (both paid and unpaid) that attracts three million visitors per annum to their Centre.

The fact that Esplanade is one of the busiest arts centre in the world means that this was the logical place to learn how to build Perth Theatre Trust’s capacity. Esplanade’s commitment to accessibility and social engagement is admirable and something the Trust is also working to achieve.

At my desk

I was excited to learn about Esplanade’s strong programming presence and was particularly interested in the balance the organisation strikes between community, local arts groups and international touring, how it maintains that equilibrium, and the challenges it faces trying to meet their audiences’ needs.

Time seconded to the community engagement and community teams, while being part of the more formal theatre and dance teams, assisted me to understand how Esplanade splits its programming priorities to balance the work and the finances. I also met with local producers outside the Esplanade and viewed works by both Singaporean and international performers.

Whilst working on the Outdoor Theatre during the 2017 da:ns Festival, watching a beautiful performance by dedicated artists, I remembered why it was that I started working in the arts and felt a renewed sense of purpose.

Strong relationships are core to the survival of the arts. To be able to engage with the level of expertise available in Singapore not only benefited me professionally but will hopefully translate to stronger ties between Western Australia and Singapore into the future.

Thank you to Benson Puah and his exceptional team for sharing their Centre with me. I have been in a comfort zone for a long time and to be given such a learning opportunity made me question what it was that I bring to Perth Theatre Trust, whilst providing me with the tools to answer that question.

My secondment to the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay was made possible through the support of Asialink and the Western Australian Department of Culture and the Arts.

With my daughter, Neave, enjoying Moonfest