Abbotsford Convent is delighted to welcome Dan Koerner as its inaugural Creative-in-Residence, a new practice-based role designed to shape fresh modes of place-based storytelling and engagement across the precinct.
A creative director, writer and experience designer, Dan has spent more than a decade imaginatively exploring how technology and narrative can intertwine to create powerful, participatory experiences. As co-founder of the acclaimed studio Sandpit, his work has spanned exhibitions, festivals, installations and digital platforms.
Through his residency at the Convent, Dan will lead the creative development and ideation of both small- and large-scale activations centred on place, heritage, ecology, belonging and sustainable futures. Working alongside the Convent team, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung cultural advisors, and project partners, Dan will prototype new ways of listening to and engaging with the layered histories and living systems of this unique precinct.
‘We’re enormously excited to have Dan join us as our first Creative-in-Residence,’ says Justine Hyde, CEO of Abbotsford Convent. ‘Dan’s practice has long been about collaboration, imagination and curiosity, qualities that lie at the heart of the Convent. His residency is perfectly timed as we embark on a dynamic new chapter interpreting, animating and sharing our extraordinary site.’
‘I’m so thrilled to be undertaking this critical work with the Convent as it reaches for new audiences, stronger community ties and a spirit of innovation in storytelling. Bringing my practice of quiet listening, creative interpretation, and a passion for the natural environment will be key to the things we achieve together. I can’t wait to get stuck in with this very special team in this very special place that makes so much personally to so many Melburnians.’ says Dan.
The Creative-in-Residence program is part of the Convent’s evolving vision as a living cultural commons, an incubator for interdisciplinary practitioners to test ideas, engage communities, and expand contemporary notions of place-responsive practice.
Dan commences his residency at the Convent in early November.