My artistic work explores dramatic tensions in private and public realms. I am drawn to what is unsaid, or unnoticed, or makes me ask 'Why is this something instead of nothing?' Working in collaboration with artists and community members, I research local remembrances, materials, images and sound, bringing humour, idiosyncrasies and dreaming to re-imagine private and public experience. My work unfolds in architectural spaces, wastelands, shopping precincts, train lines, parks as well as standard gallery and performance settings.
As a producer, I oversee and implement new creative strategic directions for councils and companies through socially engaged and contemporary art projects.
Biography
Marcia works equally across artistic and management realms. Recent work includes:
Cultural Producer and Partnerships Coordinator for City of Kingston (current)
Dramaturg: Topography dir. Jessica Wilson 2019
MA (Art in Public Space) RMIT completed 2018
LOT#57. Film 2017
Tactical Art Projects, a consultancy established with Jessica Wilson 2017
Project Manager, City of Kingston 2017
Co-Curator of Immerse, City of Knox 2016 - 2017
Project Manager, Victorian State Government Bayswater Underpass Mural 2017
Vocalist, Arrows I & II by Andree Greenwell 2017
Performer, Human Rabbits, mmmm Spanish Art Action Collective 2017
Site specific installations Box Forest & Train Lines - winner Moreart Mars Gallery Prize 2017
Solo performance I Wanna Be Like You 2017
Solo performance Colonial Again 2017
Scribe, dir. Leisa Shelton, Dance Massive 2017
As Cultural Producer and Partnerships Coordinator at City Of Kingston, Marcia co-wrote the Strategic Plan 2018-22. With a team of programmers, Marcia is responsible for implementing a community-engaged, participatory program across arts centres and the municipality.
As Co-CEO & Artistic Director of Big West Festival 2012-2016, Marcia funded and produced two biennial, community and contemporary art festivals. Signature programs include Dance Republic, Mobile Radio, Mobile Art Spaces and House Project.
As Artistic Associate at Back to Back Theatre, Marcia co-devised the multi-award winning Ganesh Versus The Third Reich, directed Democratic Set and was show director of Small Metal Objects and Food Court in Australia and overseas. She directed, curated and project-managed multidisciplinary art, community and professional development programs, workshops and events including Theatre of SPEED 2000-2012.
Marcia co-devised and performed in touring works with Arena Theatre 1984-2007. Her play Australian Marriage Act was published by Currency Press 2006. Works toured to Vancouver and Edmonton’s Children’s Festivals, Expo Brisbane and the Sydney Opera House and schools and venues in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory.
Marcia was an active member of the independent theatre scene for many years. She worked as a dramaturg and director with Westside Circus 2000-2004, was a founding member of the Crying Out Loud ensemble (1990-1996) winning two awards for innovative work. She directed with Ranters Theatre and others, touring and presenting works at La Mama Theatre and Napier Street Theatre
Marcia taught at the Victorian College of the Arts from 1990-1996 and more recently for the VCA's Community and Cultural Partnerships course 2015-2017. She taught at Ballarat University’s Small Companies and Community Theatre Course 1997-2000. She co-founded of YAPA (Youth and Performing Arts conference) and the Women Directors Group. Marcia sits on Deakin University's School of Arts Curriculum Panel.
contact@marciaferguson.com.au