hillsceneLIVE's mission statement

Inspired by the brave // excited by the bold
hsL is an artist development program that culminates in an experimental live art festival held in the Dandenong Ranges. The program prioritises the artists and their process beyond audience engagement, providing a unique opportunity for artists to develop their practice through responsively curated engagements with place. 

hillsceneLIVE values:

• The hsL program prioritises the artist and the creative process, it is structured to be a comprehensive and nurturing platform to take an idea / challenge / creative work and develop it into a live performance outcome.
• Integral to our process is a commitment to supporting a connection between the work and the artist, enriching the creative practice of all artists involved, which then enriches the creative sector beyond the hsL program.
• The hsL program draws from the unique landscape of the Dandenong Ranges, creating work both within and with relationship to the natural environment. 
• We believe in supporting and nurturing the environment, and undertake all activity associated with hsL with this in mind
• The final performance outcome is presented in different unused or underutilised non-traditional venues within the Dandenong Ranges. We believe strongly in the value of seeing these buildings in a new light, and each location provides the opportunity to connect with the local community.
• hsL supports the work that is boldly taking risks, that is rarely supported in mainstream avenues. We encourage creatives that are exploring the unconventional, whether that be the themes or aesthetics of the work or the practice of the artist.
• Our ethos at hsL is to program a mixture of mid-career and emerging artists into the program. This program is designed to support creatives at all levels to present bold new work.
• hsL values the indigenous cultural legacy of the land in which we create and present the hsL program.

hillsceneLIVE policies

diversity & equity

hsL aims to be a diverse, inclusive, and equitable making space where all artists and creatives, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a non-discriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for participation and engagement in our programs, events and other opportunities. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

hsL strives to:

• See diversity, inclusion, and equity as connected to our mission and critical to ensure the well-being of our artists and creatives, producers and volunteers, as well as the broader arts community.
• Be responsive to any inequities within our policies, procedures, programs, and services, and continually update as required.
• Explore potential underlying, unquestioned assumptions that interfere with inclusiveness.
• Practice and encourage transparent communications.
• Lead with respect and tolerance. We expect all artists and creatives, producers and volunteers to embrace this notion and to express it in interactions and through everyday practices.
• Promote social inclusion, for example, by partnering with other sectors and community-based organisations, to increase access to and promote success in creative practice
• Ensure that all hsL publications, communications and documents use inclusive and non-discriminatory language.

hsL acknowledges that its unique position as an artist development program that supports  unconventional creative practices, places us in a strong position to engage with the marginalised and unheard voices of our community.

environment

hsL is committed to actioning measures to help promote and sustain the environment for future generations.  The hsL program draws from the unique landscape of the Dandenong Ranges, creating work both within and with relationship to the natural environment. We are committed to programming artworks that delve into the environment and climate change. We encourage all participating artists to draw inspiration from and connect with the local environment through their development process.


We believe in supporting, nurturing and enhancing the environment, and undertake all activity associated with hsL with this in mind. The hsL design is created with minimal environmental impact, drawing from recyclable materials, and re-used/re-purposed objects whenever possible. hsL recognises the impact of its operations on the local, national and global environment and aims to minimise any detrimental effects that may occur.

As we present work within the natural environment we aim to foster appreciation of its value and undertake multiple steps to ensure that we leave without trace.  

first nations
​
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.  We respect, recognise, learn from and seek consent for First Nations peoples spiritual, cultural, social and physical relationship with the land, waters and environment, and their rights and obligations as custodian and protectors.  hsL actively encourages and supports First Nations artists to engage in the program. hsL desires to have First Nations peoples within leadership roles in the cultural leadership committee.  hsL strives to ensure that all creative work is culturally sensitive to First Nations peoples and will ensure consultation when artistic work aligns, connects, engages and/or references their beliefs and/or cultural practices.