To Whom Art May Concern – Advice to an Emerging Artist

Last week, I attended the industry night for the Arts Lab 2024 Cohort. It was split into two parts: the performances and exhibition of new works, and a networking event offering industry wisdom for the journey ahead. During the networking portion of the evening, I found myself in the company of esteemed performance legends: some of whom were past mentors, and many were long-admired peers.

I felt a sense of home coming. Arts Lab 2011 was my very first theatre making residency. Along with the keys to the venue, Shopfront gave me unfettered access to explore the stories I longed to tell. Returning to such a seminal program, this time to sit amongst my wider community as an established artist, was truly nourishing. It was an honour to support and guide emerging artists as they sought to reckon with the power and ambition that finding your artistic voice can unlock.

It was a poignant moment of seeing the past and future unfold in front of you. Excitement, but also deep peace takes root in your belly.

Inspired by the collective yarning we shared, I felt compelled to pen something that could endure beyond that evening. Something that could be stumbled upon when searching for guidance, or bookmarked for later when you are feeling unsure of your emergence.

Regardless of age or background, when or what you are emerging from, I offer you this open letter.

To Whom Art May Concern,

Welcome to this Strange Vocation:

Congratulations! You've made it here—a significant moment of self-authoring and actualisation. The making of art and telling of stories has existed in this place since time immemorial. Your voice, your dance, your breath, your feet on country, your inspiration connects you to all that has come before and all that will be. You are so welcomed and valued here. Pay your respects to those who have taken care of this place and continue to do so.

Head’s up, what lies ahead is a realm of madly creating and maddening "cre-waiting" — for the right time, for your turn, for inspiration to strike. It’s all wiggly, and weird, and won’t go how you think it should. Don’t worry it’s like that for all of us.

Despite the challenges ahead, the masters of creating — our legends and our visionary’s — live here, waiting for you to find and join them. Allow me to get you on your way with a collection of thoughts I can offer you after nearly 15 years on this path.

On Navigating the Industry:

Our industry can be harsh and unforgiving. The people and the community are anything but. Seek out your tribe and honour them with your best work, your kindest conduct, and sharing of your resources. Be equally kind and professional to those you feel don’t quite align with you (right now) because life and arts practices are long, and we are all in this together.

Strive to Embrace Challenges and Growth:

Hold your personal values close. Experiment with when to stand firm and when to be flexible. Like a tree in the wind; deep roots and swaying branches. Take time to connect with what success looks like FOR YOU. If you don’t know, start asking people for their thoughts and notice when your insides light up. Your vision of success, like your art, will emerge before you know it.

Seek Knowledge and Embrace Change:

Seek knowledge voraciously from those around you. Art is a practice, not a product, so keep practicing. Hold tightly to the joy of this, it will sustain you.

Brace yourself for a winding road where peers and perceived rivals may leapfrog over you, achieving milestones that seem so far out of your reach. Don’t fixate on this though, at some point you’ll be the frog and you probably won’t even know it. Also, laugh at yourself every time you feel you have a rival; no one here is your enemy. No one can do what you do.

Remember There Is No Shame In This Place:

If you discover something you love more than being an artist, pursue it! Or incorporate it into your creative practice. This journey isn't black and white; you don’t need to be engaged in ‘full-time’ artmaking to excel at what you do. Art is a compulsion; it will never cease.

Prioritise Building Resilience and Support Systems:

When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges or disappointment, lean on your trusted peers. Reach out to mentors and name what you need to help you move on. Vulnerability can be a source of strength.

Reject the scarcity mindset as the status quo to be maintained. Strive instead to cultivate abundance wherever possible. In some senses, often in very real and heartbreaking ways, there is not enough for all of us. However, we must resist the fear that this inspires because it becomes a self-perpetuating plague. Find where that abundance lives, let it nourish you. Grow strong and clever enough to fight for enough for all of us.

So, my dear one…

I say again, welcome, emerging brilliance—regardless of your age or background, or time you are taking to emerge. Thank you for stepping up and singing out. We eagerly anticipate what is next for you. I hope this letter feeds your confidence to keep moving along this path and know and you can return to it anytime you need to.

With much kindness and sincere best wishes,

Erica.