On the Couch with Dave Sleswick

Dave Sleswick Arts Review On the CouchWHO IS DAVE SLESWICK?
Good (and loaded) question! Well currently, Dave is the Program Producer for the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM), the Creative Director of The Tivoli Theatre, Director of Motherboard Productions, an independent producer, director and artist – in short, I try and make art happen. Those are the things that I DO.

In terms of who I AM? Well –  it’s a constant journey of discovery and when I find out that answer I’ll let you know. As a starting point – I like really great wine, cheese and sitting at vineyards in cool air. I like long chats with my mates/colleagues on balconies (that spans into the wee hours of the morning) talking about art, business and life. I long walking in the hills and playing with my friend’s dogs…

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY TO WHAT YOU DO NOW?
Whilst it’s hard to imagine doing anything else, I can also see myself working at a vineyard in the hills, taking days slowly and being able to take the time to enjoy the company of strangers and guests. Right now – more sleep would be amazing as well. I also would love to learn to play the piano but I have the attention span of a goldfish.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
I’ve just come out of experiencing 12 hours of Taylor Mac’s 24 hour epic show at Melbourne Festival and he has irrevocably changed me (and many others who were there). The vision that it takes to “Dream the Culture Forward”, the courage that it takes to articulate it in the face of a culture that seems content enough to sit in its own shit, the mastery of being able to spread love whilst at the same time twisting the knife into our culture’s sore spots, and the costumes! Whoa.

I am also very inspired by the tenacity and vision of Australia’s independent arts scene, Sufjan Stevens, all of the Women who have mentored me, my cohort of the Asia Producer’s Platform and the list goes on – there are lots of people to be inspired by if you look closely enough.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD?
Implement the safe schools program, promote equality in schools for children, eat less animals (good for both our souls and the environment) and spend more time with my family. I hope that in some way I am making a difference with what I am doing.

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION AND WHY?
I have just spent a few days in San Sebastian and Bilbao in Basque country in Spain, eating and drinking like a monster. It was the greatest. However my answer to this question changes very frequently. I’m also pretty obsessed with spending time in Seoul – my second (3rd/4th/5th…) home.

WHEN FRIENDS COME TO TOWN, WHAT ATTRACTION WOULD YOU TAKE THEM TO, AND WHY?
Sunshine Beach on the Sunshine Coast. We’d go for a long walk along the headland across to Noosa. Most beautiful/peaceful place in the world.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING/
Invitation to the Party by Donna Walker-Kuhne. Well, I have just received it in the mail a week ago. I’ll start it soon I swear.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO?
Moses Sumney, Sampha, Julia Jacklin, Methyl Ethel, Gallant, Sufjan (of course…)

HAPPINESS IS?
A cuddle, a beer, a hearty meal and good chat… right before seeing 24 hours of Taylor Mac.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU?
I’m incredibly excited about the APAM program which will roll out in February 2018. I think we’re doing some great work at breaking down the super-traditional notion of a drab arts fair… I’m also directing a show at Griffin Theatre Company in November/December called Virgins and Cowboys by Morgan Rose, and also focusing on bringing some really great shows to the Tivoli! All fun things… hopefully I’ll head to the US in March for SXSW as well… and sleep – hopefully my future holds some sleep!

The 2018 Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) takes place in Brisbane: 19 – 23 February. For more information, to view the program and register, visit: www.performingartsmarket.com.au for details.

Image: Dave Sleswick (supplied)