PLATAFORMA

An exhibition showcasing PLATFORM – a First Nations-led creative development program for multi-generational choreographers and contemporary dance artists.

In 2024 Djirri Djirri dancers Mikayla George (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Ngurai Illum Wurrung) y Kiera Hunter (Wurundjeri, Ngurai Illum Wurrung), under the leadership of Dr. Mandy Nicholson (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Ngurai Illum Wurrung), joined choreographers Vicki Van Hout (Wiradjuri), Joel Bray (Wiradjuri)y A Daylight Connection—Carly Sheppard (Takalaka), Kamarra Bell-Wykes (Yagera and Butchulla)y Small Sound to develop and share new contemporary dance works and expressions.

The creative process was documented by Jody Haines (Palawa) through photography and interviews, representing the artists’ reflections and creative evolution. The resulting visual documentary is an insight into the journey of these choreographers and dancers.

ARTIST INFORMATION

Bailarina
Mikayla George (she/her), Wurundjeri/Dja Dja Wurrung/Ngurai Illum Wurrung

Bailarina
Kiera Hunter (she/her), Wurundjeri/Ngurai Illum Wurrung

Cultural Leader and Mentor
Mandy Nicholson (she/her), Wurundjeri/Dja Dja Wurrung/Ngurai Illum Wurrung

Choreographer, Dance Artist
Vicki Van Hout (she/her), Wiradjuri

Choreographer, Dance Artist
Joel Bray (he/him), Wiradjuri

Choreographer, Dance Artist
Carly Sheppard (she/her), Takalaka

Creative Collaborator
Kamarra Bell-Wykes (she/her), Yagera/ Butchulla

Sound Artist, Creative Collaborator
Small Sound (they/them)

Photographer & Visual Artist
Jody Haines (she/her), Palawa

Senior Producer
Geoffrey Masters (he/him), Bidjara

Artist / Documentarian
Jody Haines (Palawa) is a contemporary artist based in Narrm. Her unique practice blends social practice, photo-media (photography/video/film), and public art, creating large-scale public activations that include projections, paste-ups, and street-wide photographic installations. Rooted in Indigenous feminist K/new/Known materialism, Jody’s work explores themes of identity, representation, and the female gaze.

View the archive.

PLATFORM is an initiative of BlakDance and the Abbotsford Convent made possible with the support of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Arts House and Dancehouse as part of YIRRAMBOI 2025.