Urban Theatre Projects
Blak Box Program

Urban Theatre Projects (UTP) makes work that has social impact. As Western Sydney's premier independent arts organisation, UTP has created over 115 new Australian works that have received awards and recognition internationally and nationally. They tell personal, real-life stories that present a complex portrait of contemporary Australia and bring these stories into the everyday by creating site-specific, distinctive, cultural experiences for audiences. Their work that has the power to shift perceptions and break down stereotypes – work that inspires us to create a fairer and more compassionate society. They do that by connecting people through great storytelling and rich, shared experiences.

Nelson Meers Foundation is supporting the Blak Box major commissions program that allows for two major commissions annually from First Peoples' artists to be featured in forthcoming seasons of Blak Box.

Blak Box is a state-of-the-art surround sound listening space for audiences to experience contemporary First Peoples' stories. Ambitious in vision, Blak Box is stripped back storytelling with minimal lighting and the sound of the human voice blending stories for audiences of up to 32 at a time. Developed and curated in consultation with First Nations artists, it straddles contemporary sound, architecture, temporary public art and creative writing. Blak Box utilises cutting-edge surround-sound equipment and production methods enclosed in a space designed by architect Kevin O'Brien.

Why did we fund this project? We love this project for the opportunities it delivers for learning, empathy and contemplation. This program embraces the First Peoples' concept of 'deep listening' which is based on stories, silences and the spaces that lie between. It is an innovative model that encourages audiences to step inside the space and simply listen to sound, ideas and language from a First Peoples' perspective.

Blak Box was first presented at Barangaroo in Sydney's CBD in June 2018 with an inaugural program titled humechochorus curated by Daniel Browning. In January 2019 Urban Theatre Projects presented a season in Blacktown as part of Sydney Festival. Four Winds, the newly commissioned program for Blacktown was also curated by Daniel Browning. Blak Box won Silver in the annual DrivenXDesign NOW Awards in 2018.

For further information regarding Urban Theatre Projects, click here
http://urbantheatre.com.au/