Sharing stories from Queenslanders who are making moves
- 28 Jun 2023
New mini-documentary series showcases the power of movement
What
Gold Coast based arts organisation Everybody NOW! piloted a new a Storyteller-in-Residence program to share stories from their community participants and collaborators.
When creating their live performances, Everybody NOW’s team of professional artists collaborate with community members to see their stories reflected and celebrated on stage. In most cases, the community members are also in the show themselves. This project was about extending those relationships and stories into a digital platform which could be experienced by more people.
The Storyteller-in-Residence project engaged film-maker and artist Tnee Dyer to create a five-part documentary series diving into the lives of people who manifest movement through music, dance, poetry and roller skating.
The Storyteller-In-Residence Series set out to discover the transcendental power of movement and unlock the mysteries of connection to our bodies, ourselves and each other.
Armed with the provocation “What Moves You?” the inaugural Storyteller-in-Resident, Tnee, spent six months meeting and moving with the interviewees, who had each participated in a previous Everybody NOW project or production. The five episodes each provide unique perspectives, spanning across generations, backgrounds and creative influences, from:
- Josh Murphy – A 16-year-old rockstar-in-the-making from Currumbin
- Margo Knox - Discovering slam poetry in her late seventies
- Dee Bradbery – A female drummer and multi-instrumentalist from Ipswich
- Jazi Oathman – A street dancer from Coomera, and
- Carla Baxter – A Roller Derby powerhouse mum from mighty Wulkuraka.
The project was commissioned by Everybody NOW! who are dedicated to amplifying real stories, from real people.
When and where
The project ran from June to December 2022, across South East Queensland
Key stats
- 5 videos created
- 9 participants
- 6 locations
- 4 workshops
- 1 live storytelling event
Arts Queensland investment
The Storyteller-in-Residence project received $10,000 from Arts Queensland’s Independent Creation Fund.
The Independent Creation Fund (opened November 2021/closed January 2022) provided support to Queensland small to medium arts and cultural organisations; producers and performing arts venues to employ independent artists and arts workers to deliver new projects. This fund was delivered as part of the $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package which acknowledged the continuing impacts of COVID-19 at that time.
Everybody NOW! receives funding of $360,000 through the Organisations Fund 2022-2025.
Outcomes
Share our stories and celebrate our storytellers
- The Storyteller-In-Residence Series shared Queenslanders stories and celebrated everyday peoples’ lives.
- The stories are professionally and artistically presented on a digital platform that can reach the world.
Drive social change and strengthen communities
- The project highlighted Everybody NOW’s diverse community participants and collaborators, and profiled regional voices, women, LGBTIQA+, older voices and young people - all who have creativity deeply connected to their own story and identity
Activate Queensland’s places and spaces
- Everybody NOW! increased their digital reach and assets which can be leveraged as a model for the future.
A strong and sustainable sector
- Everybody NOW! developed new relationships with artists
- Storyteller in Resident Tnee Dyer extended his skills in community storytelling and documentary making.
Learnings and reflections
“We believe that everyone has a story to tell. Our Storyteller-In-Residence project has allowed us to lean in and listen more deeply and share those stories with the world. Tnee has captured everyday lives of these extraordinary folks in such a beautiful way. The films have left us with our hearts full, minds alive and bodies in motion as we ponder how we move through the world; how we embrace movement in our lives; and how we move closer to each other. We hope people also find inspiration in these bite-sized great local stories.” - Executive Director Kate Baggerson
“Only deep listening will grant you access to the vault that holds the most powerful stories that people carry within them. The Storyteller-in-Residence project challenged me to stretch my capacity for deep listening beyond what I imagined I could do.” - Tnee Dyer (Storyteller-in-Residence)
Feedback
‘Being involved in this was a transcendental and profound experience that has benefited my life for the better.’ - Carla Baxter
‘It was a joyful and respectful time spent with artists who really listen.’ - Margo Knox
'It felt really special to have a spotlight on my involvement with Everybody NOW. Not only was the film shoot an absolute blast with incredible humans, it was wonderful to get an opportunity to share my perspective around something I care a lot about. This opportunity was really great on a practical skill development level as well.' - Dee Bradbery
'Wow….just wow! All of my friends and family have been blown away. Some of them were unaware of how passionate and talented Josh is. I can’t thank you enough for giving Josh the opportunity to participate' - Chris Murphy (Josh Murphy's mum)
Tips for others
- Digital projects need a good PR and marketing plan for distribution and extending their reach just as a live event would.
- Taking the time to listen and engage with your communities in new ways is incredibly enriching for the company and team.
- There’s no such thing as a small community engagement project – they all need appropriate time, producing support and resources to have strong artistic values and community or individual impacts.
What next?
You can view the Storyteller-In-Residence Series on Everybody NOW’s You Tube channel. Everybody NOW! are seeking partners to do another Storyteller In Residency in late 2023.
Find out more
Storyteller in Residence series