Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) and CreateSA have announced the first cohort of artists set to benefit from LOFT, a brand new initiative poised to become a vital hub for independent dance in South Australia. With a dedicated studio at the Lion Arts Centre and access to ADT’s Tanja Liedtke Studio, LOFT is set to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for dance makers across the country.
The inaugural year sees a significant $70,000 in grant funding directed to independent dance artists, with South Australian talent representing half of the successful recipients.
“I love artists,” says ADT’s Executive Producer Viviana Sacchero, “and I love the messy, strange and almost alchemical process of making new work. It’s an incredible privilege to not only provide funding to a group of amazing creatives from across Australia, but to support the strengthening of the South Australian ecology by giving makers the opportunity to deepen and extend their connection to dance.”
Leading the charge is internationally renowned Bharathanatyam dancer and choreographer Christopher Gurusamy, who has been awarded the EXPOUND Residency. This significant residency, the largest of its kind in Australia, provides Christopher with $30,000 and up to six weeks of studio time to develop his work Kalki. This ambitious project aims to explore the intersection of Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Music, and South Asian work within the context of 21st century Australia.
“I am so full of gratitude to be the recipient of the 2025 Expound Residency,” Christopher shares. “Thank you to Australian Dance Theatre and CreateSA for this opportunity. I am very excited to share, create and learn in Adelaide and connect with its arts community. It will propel Kalki and broaden the trajectory of my practice.”
Eight artists from around Australia have also been selected for EXPLORE residencies, each receiving one week of studio time, a $3,000 grant, and the chance to present a free workshop for the South Australian dance sector. This diverse group includes Ade Suharto (SA), Aimee Raitman (VIC), Alix Kuijpers (SA), Cheeky Chandler (NT), Kaine Sultan Babij (SA), Natalie Allen (WA), Thomas Bradley (NSW), and Tyler Carney-Faleatua (NSW). Throughout the year, these artists will take up residence at LOFT to delve into new works and ideas.
In addition to the EXPLORE and EXPOUND programs, the previously announced PEAK residencies are already underway. South Australian choreographers and collectives are developing new work at LOFT throughout 2025, with Gabrielle Nankivell receiving a $12,000 grant and studio time for her work Conjuring (or how to make the show between us). Zoë Dunwoodie, Janelle Egan, and Motus Collective have also each received smaller grants to support their proposed projects.
“In line with CreateSA’s cultural policy A Place to Create, LOFT positions South Australia as a leader in the national sector,” says Australian Dance Theatre’s Executive Director Nick Hays. “We want to honour and celebrate the deep well of talent here, and create pathways to connect those artists with what’s happening across the country to build a sustainable and supportive environment for dance makers. We thank CreateSA, Hill Smith Art Advisory and Minster Andrea Michaels MP for their support of this initiative.”
Minister for the Arts, Andrea Michaels MP, extended her congratulations to the inaugural LOFT residents. “South Australia has long been recognised for our wonderful contemporary dancers and dance companies and it’s fantastic to have had so many applications from dancers right across Australia to be part of LOFT’s first cohort,” Minister Michaels stated. “We have delivered a dedicated space for dancers to come together, develop their skills and share best practice as well as more opportunities for employment and funding.”
“The Malinauskas Government is proud to be partnering with Australian Dance Theatre to deliver LOFT. This collaboration will help ensure South Australian dancers have opportunities to connect and thrive across their career.”
Further opportunities for South Australian artists are available through the EXPERIMENT Residency, which offers a week of free studio time at ADT’s Tanja Liedtke Studio, with multiple weeks still available throughout the year.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support so many artists alongside our peers,” Viviana adds. “We can’t wait to see what our residents create and how we can continue to develop our programs to support the sector here. Welcome to LOFT!”