Forest Collective is a volunteer-run, not for profit artist collective.
Our mission is to passionately advocate for diversity and artistic freedom in contemporary classical music, dance, and collaborative projects and events; commission and present a kaleidoscope of art forms for new and engaged, and diverse audiences in Australia; and nurture and provide opportunities for under-represented and artistically vulnerable artists in Australia to create in safe and accessible spaces.
Led by the guiding hand of composer and conductor Evan J Lawson, Forest Collective is a dynamic force, orchestrated by a dedicated team of creative practitioners. We are committed to fostering connections within our artistic community, embracing a multi-disciplinary approach that distills the essence of our elevator pitch: artists who engage with cross art-form collaborations, creating authentic and unexpected experiences.
Since our inception in 2009, born from the minds of Victorian College of the Arts students, we have metamorphosed from a conventional classical-art-music ensemble, into a dynamic company of artists from a diversity of disciplines. At our core, we celebrate Art Music in all its contemporary, adventurous, and playful forms. In 2019, we expanded our horizons by bringing dance to the forefront of our creative tapestry with the appointment of Associate Artist Ashley Dougan. Our journey has been marked by sold-out performances at renowned venues such as the Melbourne Recital Centre, La Mama Court House, National Gallery of Victoria, Abbotsford Convent, and Burrinja Cultural Centre, along with festivals including Metropolis New Music, Midsumma, and Melbourne Fringe Festivals.
Forest Collective’s core ensemble showcases creative diversity, provides opportunities and platforms for artists who identify as BIPOC, CALD, LGBTQIA+ and disabled, and we support their creative visible and vocal representation and engagement with the wider community. We value the creation of meaningful new works to add to Australia’s diverse arts and cultural capital, promote gender equality in artist representation, and ensure our events are accessible and welcoming for all audiences.
"Forest Collective, a company that continues to stamp out its name as a leader in the arts with its dedication to opening people's minds about what contemporary music and performance can be." - My Melbourne Arts
Forest Collective Inc is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) by the Australian Taxation Office. Donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia. ABN 35 137 524 676
Yes
Yes, as soon as your donation is processed.
Forest Collective acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, meet, create, and perform - primarily Wurundjeri land of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend our respects to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs, and relationship with the land. We recognise Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation.
Forest Collective is a volunteer-run, not for profit artist collective.
Our mission is to passionately advocate for diversity and artistic freedom in contemporary classical music, dance, and collaborative projects and events; commission and present a kaleidoscope of art forms for new and engaged, and diverse audiences in Australia; and nurture and provide opportunities for under-represented and artistically vulnerable artists in Australia to create in safe and accessible spaces.
Led by the guiding hand of composer and conductor Evan J Lawson, Forest Collective is a dynamic force, orchestrated by a dedicated team of creative practitioners. We are committed to fostering connections within our artistic community, embracing a multi-disciplinary approach that distills the essence of our elevator pitch: artists who engage with cross art-form collaborations, creating authentic and unexpected experiences.
Since our inception in 2009, born from the minds of Victorian College of the Arts students, we have metamorphosed from a conventional classical-art-music ensemble, into a dynamic company of artists from a diversity of disciplines. At our core, we celebrate Art Music in all its contemporary, adventurous, and playful forms. In 2019, we expanded our horizons by bringing dance to the forefront of our creative tapestry with the appointment of Associate Artist Ashley Dougan. Our journey has been marked by sold-out performances at renowned venues such as the Melbourne Recital Centre, La Mama Court House, National Gallery of Victoria, Abbotsford Convent, and Burrinja Cultural Centre, along with festivals including Metropolis New Music, Midsumma, and Melbourne Fringe Festivals.
Forest Collective’s core ensemble showcases creative diversity, provides opportunities and platforms for artists who identify as BIPOC, CALD, LGBTQIA+ and disabled, and we support their creative visible and vocal representation and engagement with the wider community. We value the creation of meaningful new works to add to Australia’s diverse arts and cultural capital, promote gender equality in artist representation, and ensure our events are accessible and welcoming for all audiences.
"Forest Collective, a company that continues to stamp out its name as a leader in the arts with its dedication to opening people's minds about what contemporary music and performance can be." - My Melbourne Arts
Forest Collective Inc is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) by the Australian Taxation Office. Donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia. ABN 35 137 524 676
Yes
Yes, as soon as your donation is processed.
Forest Collective acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, meet, create, and perform - primarily Wurundjeri land of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend our respects to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs, and relationship with the land. We recognise Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation.
