Amelia Butcher, a contemporary dancer, and choreographer based in Carterton/Taratahi, is the recipient of the inaugural Carterton Events Centre Artist Residency.
The Carterton Events Centre is offering a one-week workshop slot in their Taratahi Auditorium annually for Wairarapa performing artists and makers over 18 years of age, to develop a new idea for live performance, which could be anything from a new play to a dance piece, a musical, cabaret, performance art or circus.
Residents will have access to the space for one week, with sound and lighting support from staff to workshop and develop their idea with no venue hire or staffing costs. Participants will also have the option to perform a showing of work to an invited audience for further feedback and development.
A Kuranui College alumni, 22-year-old Amelia teaches dance locally and leads Jenire, her creative brand specialising in contemporary dance showcases, with intricate and fast-paced compositions exploring philosophy and the world.
She has danced since age three, and is no stranger to the Centre, having featured there with the famous Jacqui Murray School of Dance in Carterton.
Amelia said she was “beyond excited and grateful” to be able to use the Carterton Events Centre space for brainstorming and developing new work as well as trying out new skills and concepts.
“With the space I will be doing a few video projects using the lighting and a group of my students and professional cast to create media for online!
“I will also use this time to start developing and workshopping choreography and lighting ideas for my Contemporary Dance show next year. This time will allow me to explore and create new things with proper facilities and space, allowing me to visually see and try out new ideas without having to take away time from future rehearsals.
“It will also give my students the opportunity to experience a professional type of dance project in an inspiring space.”
Erin Banks, Team Leader at Carterton Events Centre, said she was thrilled Amelia will be the first resident artist.
“Her work is incredibly inspiring to young dancers in the Wairarapa, and we are excited to see what she will produce during this time when she can let her creativity run free.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have a facility like the Carterton Events Centre in our region, and while we attract amazing acts from around the motu and even overseas, we wanted to encourage more work from local artists, and give them the time and space to fully develop their ideas. Where they can make mistakes, edit, and create without the pressure of having an imminent season.
“The hope is that works developed over these residencies will then go on to be programmed and have seasons at the Events Centre in the future, so we can have more home-grown content on our stage and encourage our local artists to grow those sparks of ideas into something more.”
Amelia’s residency begins on 27 January.
Visit the Carterton Events Centre website for more information, or contact Erin at events@cartertonec.co.nz.