We must address gender inequality in opera leadership. Across the board in performing arts, there are 29 Major Performing Arts Groups that are federally funded on a multi-year basis. Of those 29 groups, there are only 2 female artistic directors. There are 5 government-funded opera companies in the MPA, and only one has a female leader - in the role of Executive Director. 'Straight' theatre has addressed artistic contribution with the determined inclusion of more than 50% female playwrights and actors. But that equality in representation has not transpired into artistic leadership - direction. With the current leadership, we have a state company receiving state and federal funding and NOT ONE opera singer is employed full-time.
For the future of opera in Australia, the situation must change. Opera Australia in their 2019 season have 29 mainstage conductors and directors - only one is female. It bears repeating. Just one female directing artistic output - out of 29 male conductors and directors. I am the mother of a female film director. Similar statistics abound in the film industry. I need to consciously play my part in paving the way for female directors and conductors to take their place in leadership/on the podium - starting in 2019 with Gale Edwards AM - females have just as much right to tell their stories, their way, on Australian and international opera stages as the men who are leading Australia’s performing arts companies and output.
To that end, we welcome your contribution (tax-deductible) to fund our 'FAIR' Syndicate (Female Artist In Residence) Annual contributions will support the employment of an established female director in our creative team each year, with their artistic output to headline our Opera Festival.
In 2019, our 'FAIR' is Gale Edwards AM, Emmy and Tony award-winning Australian theatre director. Just by having an Australian performing arts company led by a woman, [ACOCO] breaks new ground. Surely gender inequity in the 2020s shouldn’t be so glaring. Sponsors and government need to step up pressure also, and could start by providing additional funding for independent companies that are making a significant and balanced contribution to Australia’s artistic landscape, as ACOCO continues to do….
