Ironing Maidens duo deliver original take on “house” music
- 20 Feb 2024
Queensland communities get on board for interactive electronic music experience
What
The Ironing Maidens pressed their way through the Wide Bay and Burnett in 2023 with performances and workshops which offered an interactive experience that was part installation, part performance and part dance party.
The Ironing Maidens turn real irons and ironing boards into electronic instruments in a combination of dancing, music, visuals and humour.
Ironing Maiden facilitators Melania Jack and Patty Preece are based in Far North Queensland and have 15 years’ experience performing and running workshops.
“The Electro House Wife Show is a mix of high energy music, visuals, costumes, lighting, dancing and plenty of ironing puns,” Melania said. “We see our show as a fresh take on house music.”
“In an entertaining way we explore feminism and domestic labour, but also celebrate the history of technology and women in electronic music.”
“We explore domestic themes like, who is doing the ironing these days and why do white goods break just after the warranty ends, and we also celebrate the women who were pivotal in the development of electronic music,” Melania said.
The pair facilitated school workshops as well as community music and dance workshops.
“The music workshops give an introduction to the world of song writing and electronic music production,” Melania said.
“In the dance workshop you can get moving, learn some choreography from the show and generally have a good time moving and meeting some new people.
When and where
Delivered by regional councils in partnership with CQUniversity’s Regional Arts Services Network, the Ironing Maidens toured through the Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, North Burnett and South Burnett regions in October 2023, visiting Maryborough, Tiaro, Kingaroy, McIlwraith, Booyal, Eidsvold, Gayndah and Bundaberg.
Key stats
- 3 live performances showcasing 8 local dancers
- 8 communities across four councils in the Wide Bay and Burnett regions
- 17 workshops
- 159 students from 5 schools participated
- 321 total participants
Investment
Arts Queensland supported the Ironing Maidens tour through the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) and through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
- RASN investment of $7.8 million over 4 years (2021-22 to 2024 - 25) to four Queensland-based services providers empowers Queensland’s regions to realise arts and cultural priorities, and drives change through arts-led initiatives working in partnership with local councils, artists and arts organisations.
- RADF is a long-term partnership between the Queensland Government and local governments to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Outcomes
Activate Queensland’s places and spaces
- Developed a micro touring circuit across multiple regions
- Live performances and workshops in music, song and dance in local communities
Share our stories and celebrate our storytellers
- Queensland artists presented original, interactive and entertaining experiences
Drive social change and strengthen communities
- Skills development opportunities for artists, young people and the wider community
- Increased opportunities for audiences across the Wide Bay and Burnett regions to experience diverse artforms and high-quality performances
Learnings and reflections
CQUniversity Regional Arts Manager Trudie Leigo said the project could achieve cost efficiencies that would not have been possible if one council had acted alone.
“The success of this project is greatly thanks to the commitment, support and investment by the four participating councils, but also because of the tireless dedication of the project personnel involved,” Trudie said.
The project partners are exploring how they can collaborate and bring future touring and learning opportunities to the communities of the Wide Bay and Burnett regions. Funding is the biggest challenge that needs to be overcome.
CQUniversity is also sharing its learnings with other local governments in its RASN catchment, as well as planning to publish research based on the project.
Feedback
“The feedback from the schools, teachers, students and community members who took part in the electronic music and dance workshops has been overwhelmingly positive.”
“From the conversations we have had with workshop participants, it is clear to all project partners, that some workshop participants have been impacted in a very significant way. By providing affordable, high-quality workshops in this tour, we have left a lasting legacy across the region.” CQUniversity Regional Arts Manager Trudie Leigo
Tips for others
CQUniversity’s Trudie Leigo suggested that any other regional communities looking to develop micro touring circuits should allow plenty of time for planning and fundraising.
“One of the best things we did is bring in touring consultant Joanne Currey to do a full day planning session with all of our project partners at the start. Jo researched and contacted the different touring circuits around the country and shared with us their learnings.”
What next?
The Ironing Maidens will return to Bundaberg in 2024 to exhibit at the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, with an aim to deliver more workshops.
Find out more
The Ironing Maidens have toured Europe, playing Germany’s Fusion Festival, the Performing Arts Festival Berlin, featured at Byron Bay’s Falls Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, won two Innovation Awards for their shows at Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2019 and 2020 and won two awards for their iron instruments at the NIME (new interfaces for musical expression) Mexico.