On the Couch with Dan Mitchell

Dan Mitchell, MoreArt Coordinator and Co Curator.Who is Dan Mitchell?
I have worked across the arts for 30 years throughout Australia and Europe. Over my career I have worked with, and created for companies such as Circus Oz, Ehos Opera, Theatre De l’ Unite and Dislocate. I have worked as artistic director for the Melbourne Fringe and Moomba Festivals and in local government roles established bespoke festivals such as the Quiet Music Festival and MoreArt Public Art Show. Currently MoreArt is running from until 18 December and brings artists and artworks into public space along the Upfield rail and bike path from Brunswick to Fawkner.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Say yes more often! I think sometimes having a family can take the edge off your risk-taking gene. To be honest I have been very lucky and would not change a thing. I did for a while think I would have made a good lawyer but when I realised that it took minimum 5 years study and well…

Who inspires you and why?
I admire risk takers in all their forms, particularly creative practitioners.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Switch off the lights, eliminate religion, hypnotise Donald Trump and Make the World Great Again! I’m not joking.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
That’s a toughie – I would say The Kimberley WA. Apart from its awesome natural beauty, I love the fact that it’s about the size of France but with only 30,000 residents and about 5 small towns. Oh and I also met the love of my life there.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My local café Andre’s in Coburg – Yusef not only makes a mean coffee, he is also a great conversationalist and raconteur. It’s the best way to arrive in Melbourne.

What are you currently reading?
The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality by Brian Greene – it’s taking ages and my head hurts!

What are you currently listening to?
90’s hip hop and the Rebirth of Cool – late hip hop volumes – (I found some old mix tapes).

Happiness is?
A spring morning with a hot cuppa on the verandah listening to the world wake up.

What does the future hold for you?
Enough time to do my next dream project I hope.

Dan Mitchell is the Coordinator and Co-Curator of MoreArt – an annual art in public spaces event along Moreland’s iconic transport corridors – which runs until 18 December 2016. For more information, visit: www.moreland.vic.gov.au for details.

Image: Dan Mitchell

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