Capturing The Arts

It's been a tough environment for the performing arts sector. With cuts to federal funding, restrictions and closures imposed to prevent the spread COVID-19, this sector and its people have been one of the hardest hit.

To shine a light on an industry that gives us joy, thrills, escapism and much more, we’ve captured and interviewed 16 individuals from across Sydney.

From aerial silk dancers to theatre makers, musicians to ballet dancers, a blacksmith and a cinematographer, click on each portrait to discover something new about Australia's performing arts industry.

Amanda Lum | 31 | Circus Aerial Silks Dancer

Black and white portrait of Sydney circus aerial silks dancer Amanda Lum, upside down mid air supported by silks.

Amanda Lum | 31 | Circus Aerial Silks Dancer

Tim Dashwood | 34 | Theatre Fight Director and Actor

Black and white portrait of theatre fight director and actor Tim Dashood, sitting on stool, surrounded by theatre weapons.

Tim Dashwood | 34 | Theatre Fight Director and Actor

Niyati Libotte | Singer and Songwriter

Black and white portrait of Sydney singer and songwriter Niyati Libotte of band Goldfynch.

Niyati Libotte | Singer and Songwriter

Pieter De Vries | 70 | Cinematographer and Trainer

Black and white portrait of Sydney cinematographer and trainer Pieter De Vries, sitting on a step stool.

Pieter De Vries | 70 | Cinematographer and Trainer

Maeve Nolan | 20 | Ballet and Contemporary Dancer

Black and white portrait of Sydney ballet and contemporary dancer Maeve Nolan, in a ballet pose.

Maeve Nolan | 20 | Ballet and Contemporary Dancer

Bonita Williams | Double Bass Player

Black and white portrait of Sydney artist Bontia Williams playing her double bass.

Bonita Williams | Double Bass Player

Jessica Lawes | 37 | Musical Theatre Stage Manager

Black and white portrait of Sydney musical theatre stage manager Jessical Lawes, sitting on a step stool.

Jessica Lawes | 37 | Musical Theatre Stage Manager

Levi Pendlebury | 34 | Blacksmith

Black and white portrait of Sydney blacksmith Levi Pendlebury wearing googles and holding tongs and hammer resting on an anvil.

Levi Pendlebury | 34 | Blacksmith

Jemma Charlin | 18 | Singer

Black and white portrait of Sydney singer Jemma Charlin perched on a lounge chair, holding a microphone.

Jemma Charlin | 18 | Singer

Katherine Huang | 27 | Circus Silks Aerial Dancer

Black and white portrait of Sydney circus aerial silks dancer Katherine Huang, mid air supported by silks.

Katherine Huang | 27 | Circus Silks Aerial Dancer

Tom Crotty | 25 | Performer, Writer, and Theatre Maker

Black and white portrait of Sydney performer, writer, and theatre maker Tom Crotty, striking a pose wearing a half and half costume.

Tom Crotty | 25 | Performer, Writer, and Theatre Maker

Lior Drimer | 8 | Ballet Dancer and Artist

Black and white portrait of little ballerina Lior, sitting on a step stool.

Lior Drimer | 8 | Ballet Dancer and Artist

Gavin Libotte | Musician

Black and white portrait of Sydney musician Gaivn Libotte of band Goldfynch.

Gavin Libotte | Musician

Phoebe Walker | 20 | Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance Teacher

Black and white portrait of classical ballet and contemporary dance teacher Pheobe Walker.

Phoebe Walker | 20 | Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance Teacher

Michael Hawkins | 15 | Stage and Screen Actor, Guitarist and Singer

Black and white portrait of Sydney student and actor Michael Hawkins.

Michael Hawkins | 15 | Stage and Screen Actor, Guitarist and Singer

Noa Drimer | 5 | Ballet Dancer

Black and white portrait of little ballerina Noa sits on a step stool.

Noa Drimer | 5 | Ballet Dancer