National dance forum report

The National Dance Forum aims to foster the artistic development of dance in Australia by providing a platform for discussion and engagement across the dance sector. Through a series of panels, keynote speeches, open forums and networking events, the 2013 National Dance Forum sought to increase the profile of Australian dance and to celebrate diversity and innovation across the industry. The 2013 National Dance Forum was held at the Footscray Community Arts Centre, having moved from its 2011 location, Arts House. As in 2011, the participants for 2013 National Dance Forum included choreographers, dancers, independent artists, artistic directors, educators, researchers, dance producers and students. 177 individuals attended the 2013 Forum, with many traveling from interstate/overseas to participate in the Forum and to attend Dance Massive events. This evaluation for the 2013 National Dance Forum has been developed to evaluate the success of the event against its stated aims and to assist in targeting new opportunities and directions for future Forums. This evaluation has undertaken an analysis of the relevancy and effectiveness of this forum for participants using evaluation questionnaires developed by the National Dance Forum and issued to all participants on the final day of the Forum. This evaluation collates and analyses the responses of 64 respondents in the areas of their own individual professional focus, their experiences as participants in the 2013 National Dance Forum including the strengths and weaknesses of the event, and the relevancy and effectiveness of the Forum for the Australian dance sector.