Urban Theatre Projects (UTP) makes work that has social impact, by creating site-specific, distinctive, cultural experiences for audiences, connecting people through great storytelling and rich, shared experiences. 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.

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.

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.