New Zealand - international coaching programme

Creative New Zealand has a call for NZ-based arts professionals for a one-on-one mentoring programme with international experts for artists/companies or independent producers that have international touring experience. Experts from the UK and Germany will mentor NZ performers to help them succeed in overseas markets.

The International Coaching Programme, a new initiative to help artists, companies and independent producers succeed internationally, will provide personalised coaching and mentoring from global experts.

In its first year, the fund will focus on theatre for young audiences and also on physical theatre, dance and new theatrical formats. One of two experts will be matched with up to two performers, theatre organisations or producers who want to build on their international touring experience.

“We are very excited to have secured the services of Wolfgang Hoffman and Tony Reekie after introducing them to New Zealand artists through our Te Manu Ka Tau: Flying Friends incoming visitor programme and at the Edinburgh festivals earlier this year,” said Jude Chambers, Manager, International Programme.

Wolfgang Hoffman is director of Berlin-based theatre booking agency Aurora Nova, which supports the international touring of physical theatre, contemporary circus and new theatrical formats. Tony Reekie is the former director of Scotland’s Imaginate Festival of performing arts for children and young people.

“We are interested to create more targeted opportunities for international capability development and we are thrilled that such high calibre mentors are so enthusiastic about giving New Zealand artists a helping hand so they can succeed on the global stage,” she said.

Participants will be matched to the mentor most relevant to their needs. Mentors will give advice on the types of work that tour successfully overseas, and give feedback on the suitability of participants’ current work for various international markets. They will also give advice on audiences, insight into trends and challenges in these markets and advise how to plan for sustained international success.

Mentors will connect with participants over skype and then will travel to New Zealand to meet in person with them and also local arts organisations that will benefit from their international insights and experience.

Eligible applicants must be based in New Zealand and their work must encompass children’s theatre or physical theatre, dance, or new theatrical formats.

Deadline for applications: 1 December 2017

Image: New Zealand Dance Company on tour in Holland 2016. Photograph Caroline Bindon