Theatre producer among Northern Territory art funding recipients

A Darwin theatre maker with plans to create an interactive, multi-sensory, immersive theatre performance installation is among the recipients of arts projects funding from the Northern Territory Government.

Tania Lieman’s, immersive theatre performance installation will be made with, by and for people with neurodiversity and disability. Her project highlights the arts sector’s commitment to supporting inclusivity and accessibility within the community.

Arts project grants play a crucial role in supporting and advancing the careers of Territory artists and arts workers, enabling them to forge professional connections and partnerships; expand their audiences; and contribute towards the creation of vibrant and engaged communities.

An all-women band from Maningrida; an artist with an interest in ceramic glaze technology; and a contemporary dance choreographer are also among the recipients of funding.

Annual funding of $400,000 is distributed across two rounds of the 2023-24 NT Arts Grants Program Arts Projects Category to support projects that create and showcase Northern Territory arts; provide skills development and employment opportunities for artists in the NT; and increase community access and participation in the arts.

This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of interests including music, community arts and cultural development, theatre, dance, visual arts, crafts and design, and comedy.

Katie Harder is also among the recipients. Harder is a talented musician who secured funding to develop and create a new alternative folk EP in collaboration with nine NT artists at 'The Sound Pit,' the only female-owned music studio in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

Well known comedian Amy Hetherington received funding to showcase her award-winning comedy show, ‘Juggle,’ at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world's largest fringe festival.

NT Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech advised “Arts Projects Grants offer vital support for our Territory artists and arts workers, allowing them to enhance and display their unique talents.

“These exciting projects, not only foster professional development, they enrich and strengthen the Territory’s arts and culture sector.”

The Arts Projects Round 2 recipients are:

• Tara Rostron, Ripple Effect Band MAYAWA Tour 2024

• Tania Lieman, Seeding - Immerse Production by Luminous Productions

• Betty Sweetlove, Theatre Makers Program 2024

• Sean Pardy, The Toasted Sandwich Championships

• Ashleigh Musk, 2024 interstate touring of Fertile Ground and SUB, two contemporary dance works created by the NT-based artist

• James Peter Mangohig, Tangan Collective supporting local Darwin artists in Curation/DJ development and Events

• Katie Harder, 'Pot Plant' EP (mentoring in studio production and development of 'The Sound Pit')

• Sandra Thibodeaux, Genius - 2025 Production

• Andrew Grimes, Andrew Gurruwiwi Band 2nd Album Preproduction

• Gretel Bull, Life-casting mentoring with Bec Selleck

• Amy Hetherington, Amy Hetherington Edinburgh Fringe 2024

• Ashleigh Musk, 2024 interstate touring of Fertile Ground and SUB, two contemporary dance works created by NT-based artist Ashleigh Musk

• Mikaila Rodgers, Showcasing glaze: an investigation into ceramic possibilities.

For more information about Arts Projects Grants 

Image. POD by Luminous Productions has stunning imagery, is a combination of movement, puppetry, physical theatre, projections and live music. A visual and aural theatrical love song in 7 parts - celebrating the cycle of the Darwin/Gulumoerrgin seasons. Luminous Production creates show for all ages Darwin audiences – families and children welcome. The sensory friendly performance is created by Artistic Director Tania Lieman and featuring Jonathan Tan, Bryn Wackett, Luther Wilson, Roxanne Voulanas and Mat Cunliffe. Credit: Darwin Community Arts