Vitalstatistix’s board is thrilled to announce that the organisation has been funded through Creative Australia’s Four Year Investment for Organisations (FYIO) program for 2025–2028.

Creative Australia (formerly the Australia Council) made the announcement of its investment into 159 small-to-medium arts organisations on Wednesday. Further details can be viewed HERE.

Provided through the Emerging and Experimental Art section of Creative Australia, the multi-year funding recognises and supports Vitalstatistix’s championing of contemporary arts practice, public dialogue, and progressive change through culture.

“Vitalstatistix is extremely pleased to secure this four year investment in what represents a significant achievement for the organisation, and an acknowledgment of the important national role we play. We welcome the stability, focus and opportunity that this funding affords us – our team, our partners and most importantly, the artists we work with,” said Vitalstatistix’s Chair, Angela Flynn.

“We are also buoyed by the overall acknowledgement of the emerging and experimental arts sector in this funding round, confirming the value of a strong and thriving arts ecology at all levels. We look forward to continuing to collaborate closely with our brilliant peers and partners, right across the country.”

Vitalstatistix’s Artistic Director/Co-CEO, Emma Webb OAM, said “This support will make a transformative difference to Vitals and the artistic, cultural and social practices we support. It enables us to plan ahead and include more artists and publics in our programs of performances, residencies, laboratories, events, collaborative projects, and professional development opportunities for artists.”

Vitalstatistix’s Executive Director/Co-CEO, Cassie Magin, said “In 2024, we will celebrate our 40th anniversary. This new funding will mean we can celebrate this milestone, knowing we are then entering our fifth decade in 2025 with stable support for our work with artists and our commitment to elevating experimental, progressive art and culture.”

Vitalstatistix’s 2024 artistic program is focused on feminist and queer performance practices that have been at the foundation of the organisation for four decades. We begin with the world premiere of I Hide in Bathrooms, by Astrid Pill and Collaborators, with Adelaide Festival and Insite Arts.

2024 is also the 15th anniversary of our experimental art lab Adhocracy and will include a bumper addition of this national initiative. Our full program will be announced in February 2024 with all events presented from our home, Waterside Workers Hall, Yartapuulti, Port Adelaide.

“In 2024 we also begin development on a range of new works and projects which will feature across our Four Year Investment for Organisations-funded programs from 2025. We are working with artists and artist-run collectives to support experimental and social practice-based art and culture, including artworks that speak directly to the intersectional feminism, labour rights, climate change and mutual aid, decolonisation and demilitarisation, and, of course, the public value of expansive, experimental art making to contemporary culture and community life,” said Webb.

Vitalstatistix has appointed a new Chair to our Board of Management on Tuesday night (May 14). Long-term board member Narelle Walker has stepped down after completing an eight-year term on the Vitalstatistix board including six years as Chair. Replacing Narelle is creative producer and First Nations leader Angela Flynn.

“Narelle has provided exceptional leadership to Vitalstatistix and our board of management, steering the organisation through a significant period of change and accomplishment. Her commitment and passion for Vitalstatistix has been boundless, and she has given significant time, leadership and a great deal of dexterity to the role. Narelle has always championed artists and workers in our organisation and has provided strength, generosity, a calm and always positive outlook and superb vision throughout the last eight years. We will miss her greatly – however we know she is forever part of the Vitals family and community.” – Emma Webb, Vitalstatistix Director

Angela Flynn has been a member of the Vitalstatistix board for two years prior to this appointment. Angela is a Tiwi, Larrakia and Chinese woman based in Adelaide where she works as a producer and arts manager.  Angela is currently the director of Kukuni Arts, an independent arts management and production company, focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts.

Across her career, Angela has developed a depth of experience as a freelance producer that cuts across both the visual and performing arts. Angela was most recently the Performing Arts Manager for Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute and is the current Creative Producer for the Spirit Festival, South Australia’s premier Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts festival.

Angela has worked with several boards and committees within the arts including the SBS Cultural Advisory Committee, the Kurruru Youth Performing Arts Board, the Kura Yerlo Inc. Board, the TARNANTHI Cultural Advisory Committee, the BlakDance Board and the Arts Industry Council of SA Executive Committee.  She is also an alumnus of the 2015 British Council Accelerate program.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Angela is stepping up to become Chair of Vitals after several years as a general member where she has contributed enormously to the artistic vision of our organisation, our work with First Nations artists, and has been a fantastic ambassador for Vitalstatistix. Angela’s national and international leadership is and will continue to be an important asset to Vitals. I am so looking forward to continuing our close work together.” – Emma Webb, Vitalstatistix Director.

“It has been such an enormous privilege to serve on the board of Vitals over the last eight years, and the last six as Chair have brought particular challenges and wonderful growth, both personally and for the organisation.  I acknowledge my board colleagues, in particular Treasurer Rebecca Fraser and Deputy Jayne Boase for their brilliant support, and the indefatigable Emma Webb and the Vitals team who deliver a magnificent program Adelaide audiences each year.  Vitals is in good hands with Angela Flynn taking over as Chair.  Her industry insights and clear sighted approach will serve the company well in this next stage.” – Narelle Walker

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of the outgoing chair Narelle Walker.  Vitals has undoubtedly been changed for the better by Narelle’s championing of workers and artists, her vision and stewardship of the organisation through periods of great change and mostly her kindness, generosity and leadership.  Narelle has been a great support to me in my time on the Vitals board and I know there are very big shoes to fill!  I look forward to continuing and building upon Narelle’s work and wish her all the very best for her next chapter.” – Angela Flynn