Aspiring producers get a leg up in a brand new initiative looking to fill the void of POC producers. PAT Producer John Rata reflects on Producer’s in Training’s recent launch.
Aotearoa's cultural arts landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with a surge of works created and led by people of color from diverse minority communities. These productions are now gracing the stages and platforms of the mainstream, where they might not have even just ten years ago.
Yet, emerging artists from these communities face significant challenges, as they lack a robust support network of producers to bring their visionary projects to life. These passionate artists, often the driving force behind their creations, find themselves burdened with the additional responsibilities of production and management. Balancing their artistic endeavors with the demands of these administrative tasks leads our minority creatives struggling to keep their passion aflame amidst late nights and mounting stress. Frequently, they are forced to acquire producing skills out of necessity, without guidance on where to start or how to navigate predominantly white systems.
“Many of our producers are writers, actors or directors who once upon a time couldn’t find a producer and out of sheer will and necessity has had to become one themselves. What about our culturally sensitive projects? There are barely any producers around, let alone having the luxury of creating mahi with a BIPOC producer.”
- Marianne Infante, PAT Creative Producer
In response to this pressing need, Proudly Asian Theatre, Black Creatives Aotearoa, and Alif Theatre have come together to establish the Producer's In Training programme. This initiative aims to empower new and aspiring producers from our vibrant Asian, Black, and Middle Eastern communities in Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, and Ōtautahi to create their artistic visions and find their individual process of leadership.
The programme is also a chance for the three partner companies to teach from the perspective of POC producers who are looking to build a new, holistic frame around what producing is and can be.
“Representation matters, especially in the creative world. Producers are integral to bringing visions to life. Having fellow BIPOC producers teaching this process allows for emerging producers to be seen, heard and understood without the additional cognitive load of explaining their experiences. The Producers in Training initiative creates a safe space that accounts for unique cultural understandings and worldviews often overlooked.”
- Daisy Remington , BCA Producer.
Taught by notable local producers, the course is designed with 8 core classes that cover the beginning to end phases of producing a project - from identifying your personal and professional kaupapa, to the nitty and gritty like handling budgets, contracts, marketing and more.
The program not only upskills technical knowledge but leads to a paid internship placements in upcoming theatre productions slated for early 2024, giving successful applicants the opportunity to collaborate and be involved with established theatre and arts companies. Prior experience in the arts is not a prerequisite; all that's needed is a motivation to create.
This initiative is of importance now more than ever; stories from diverse groups of people are emerging across Aotearoa, more rapidly than we’ve ever seen before. Aotearoa is becoming a field of blooming young POC storytellers.”
- Tristan Valencia, Asian Waves Producer & Co-founder
Together, PAT, BCA & Alif Theatre are fostering a more diverse and inclusive arts ecosystem, nurturing the next generation of visionary producers and creators who will illuminate our stages and captivate audiences with their authentic storytelling - safeguarding the future of Aotearoa’s diverse artistic landscape
“We truly do want to contribute to the arts landscape, though inclusivity is key and so is the freedom to express our stories. The barriers we have been facing have halted the authenticity and beautiful diversity of our stories for far too long. I simply would like to see this changed, as does my community, from the everyday tales of the mundane to the bigger-scale odysseys.”
- Ahmed Youssef, Actor & PIT Community Outreach Co-Ordinator
Are you an aspiring producer of Asian, Black or Middle Eastern Heritage? Check out more information on the programme here, which also contains the programme application form.
The launch of Producers In Training has been made possible by the support of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage's Cultural Regeneration fund.
