University of Tasmania, Australia

Over 100 college students from the North and North West of the state arrived at the Academy of the Arts Inveresk campus early on Sunday April 18th for the 2010 University College Colloquium.

The day’s proceedings began with an official welcome by Emeritus Professor Vincent McGrath followed by a ‘setting the scene’ address by Mick Lowenstein the Colloquium’s MC and humorist.

Playwright and director of Big hART Scott Rankin gave an inspiring and provocative key note address on the nature of the ideas, the universe and compost.

Students from the visual and performing arts then combined for a day of creative thinking, workshopping, problem solving and exploring the notion of ‘presence’.

‘Presence in the Moment’ led by Peter Hammond emphasised and explored the power of the body. Students utilized breath support of the voice to enhance vocal presence and also focused on the space in between performers; manipulation and absence of the figure creating presence and awareness of spatial relationships.

‘Spatial Presence’ led by Jack Robins explored ideas behind installation as an art form encompassing performance, sculpture and architectural intervention. Using cardboard, gaffer tape and the body, groups of students created an installed work in a designated space; the aim being to intervene in such a way that the work added or was contrary to the original use of the space it inhabited.

During floor talk ‘Objects/Presence’ Sean Kelly conducted conversations with artist John Meade within the context of his exhibition 'Objects to Live By'. The core issues in Meade's sculptural practice were considered with a view to providing students with a good sense of general sculptural issues and those pertaining to this body of work in particular.

‘On the Set' with Director of The Pillowman Robert Lewis provided the opportunity to experience the on and off stage workings of a theatrical production. The concept of 'Presence' was explored through elements such as lighting, set and sound design and performance. These aspects were also demonstrated by showing a short excerpt from the play.

Writer and curator Sean Kelly concluded the day with a passionate and thoughtful plenary session on futures, choices and opportunities for young arts practitioners.

This DVD is a compilation of highlights from the 2010 and 2009 SVPA University College Colloquia.