FESTIVAL

Previewing three days of creative fun at Undisciplined

Aquote widely attributed to Queen Victoria – “Beware of artists, they mix with all classes of society and are therefore the most dangerous” – sums up what a new cross-discipline festival hopes to achieve when it runs its course next weekend.

The Undisciplined festival by Creative Island is a twoday smorgasboard of talks and workshops by more than 30 guest speakers from all kinds of creative backgrounds.

“The reality is that architects, designers and journalists might not necessarily talk with people from the theatre and visual-arts communities, even though they all share the common goal of creating cultural objects that we engage with,” Creative Island acting executive officer Tony Bonney says.

“Creative Island is all about bringing those peak bodies, individuals and sectors together to work out how to do what they do better.”

Undisciplined features speakers mostly from Tasmania but also from interstate and overseas, covering every creative industry from architecture to performance art.

Event producer Pippa Dickson says it is a long-overdue initiative that promises to create a flourish of fresh inspiration among our creative industries.

“I’m hoping that by the end of the two days people come away feeling like every cell in their body is alive, with a heightened awareness of those people and places,” she says.

“It’s fairly ambitious, but I think we have designed a very interesting program, and the fact most speakers are Tasmanian goes to show we have some very important and internationally resonant practices happening here.”

Guests include Paul Keating’s former speechwriter and author Don Watson, who is credited with writing the famous Redfern Speech; Jodee Mundy, who works in theatre for blind people using senses of touch, smell and sound; artist Tina Havelock Stevens, who drummed underwater as part of last year’s Dark Mofo festival; and UK virtual-reality expert Kate Vega, who will conduct her session remotely from Brussels in Belgium.

Dickson expects most attendees will be from the arts and cultural sectors, but says the appeal and benefits are much broader, and tickets have already been sold to people from the health sector and public service.

“We think there are interesting things in the program to spark everyone’s imagination in fascinating ways and what you take from it will depend on where you come from,” she says.

“It is for anyone who is interested in breakthrough thinking, from people who are pushing the envelope a bit.

“Small-business owners looking for inspiration and connection, or you might have an idea or project you’ve always thought about trying and this is an opportunity to meet like-minded people who might propel you along in your thinking.

“All the speakers have exceptional energy – just being in their proximity is energising – and the conferences themselves will not be your conventional sit-down-lecture affairs; audience participation is key.”

Undisciplined runs from Thursday to next Saturday. The opening-night reception and cocktail party at Ettie’s in Hobart will feature Don Watson as a special guest speaker. The Friday and Saturday comprise two full days of speakers held over four venues from 8.30am–5pm. Tickets cost $380 for a full three-day pass, which includes the opening-night reception, or $180 for Saturday only. For full details and bookings, visit creativeisland.com.au