Mix It Up

WHO
Mix It Up is a project run by Victorian Arts Centre in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria.

“The Arts Centre aims to be a creative hub for the performing arts in Victoria. We do this through support for the directors, writers, musicians and actors that shape the future of performing arts in this state. We welcome artists as collaborators, support new commissions and workshops and encourage artists to experiment, be daring and to take risks”.

The role of the Arts Centre is to:

- provide leadership in the creation, presentation, promotion and advocacy of the performing arts

- stimulate curiosity and understanding of the performing arts

- increase accessibility and enjoyment of the performing arts

- create partnerships that increase the value and potential of the performing arts

- exercise responsible care and presentation of publicly-owned cultural asset

WHAT
MIX IT UP is a joint project of Multicultural Arts Victoria and the Arts Centre. The project aims to reflect the cultural diversity of Victoria by increasing individual and community access and participation in the cultural life of the state.

MIX IT UP focuses on performing arts which cross language and cultural boundaries and offer new pathways for audiences to engage with the Arts Centre. The program is multi-layered and aims to build connections with communities and create entry points to the arts for artists, communities and audiences.
The program features artists in a mix of ticketed and free events, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to the Arts Centre to experience the sights, sounds and taste of different cultures. This includes an extensive range of public programs such as performances, classes, demonstrations, culinary experiences, exhibitions, workshops, master classes, forums, and post-show talks.

WHERE
St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria

WHEN
2008 – 2011

WHY
MIX IT UP holds the ethos that the arts play an important role in connecting communities and bringing people together.
The arts provide us with a universal language that enables us to understand and empathise with each tother in a time when there is much conflict and divide between cultures and people.

The project demonstrates the importance of partnerships that ensure access and participation in the arts for all communities. These partnerships develop new ways of reaching audiences from a varied cultural background.

HOW
The project reflects the cultural diversity of Victoria by increasing individual and community access and participation in the cultural life of the state.
The project engages Victorian artists and communities with key national and international artists in creating vibrant and rich events.
Mix it up does this by:

- Building community access, connection and engagement
- Building new pathways for artists from CALD backgrounds to engage with the mainstream
- Enabling the development of productive and innovative partnerships with leading community and cultural
agencies, presenters and touring networks
- Introducing new audiences to contemporary interpretations of the performing arts by leading local, national and international artists

This Case Study was originally produced by the Australia Council's Community Partnership Section as documentation of its Creative Communities Partnership Initiative.
The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body.
It supports and promotes excellence in the arts and community engagement with them. www.australiacouncil.gov.au

Download the PDF of this Case Study here.