5 Questions with Suzanne Daley

In our ongoing profile series of the people who make up our arts precinct, we talk to Suzanne Daley, Executive Director of Chunky Move, about her road to this role, the importance of delegating and empowering and what's on the horizon at Chunky Move.

What attracted you to the role at Chunky Move?

I’ve had the incredible good fortune to enjoy a varied career in the arts, and I have learned that I am happiest working alongside creative people, making contemporary performance. Chunky Move is an absolutely iconic company, and as an arts precinct / South Melbourne local, I have enjoyed their work for a long time. When the rare opportunity presented itself to co-lead the company’s next phase with long standing Artistic Director, Antony Hamilton, I jumped at the chance.

What is your leadership style?

I am a big believer in delegating and empowering. Especially in small arts organisations, you have to trust the skills and experience of the people around you. As I’m still very new in my role, I’m learning about everyone’s strengths, adding value where I can, but also keeping out of their way! I like shaping long term vision and then breaking it down into understandable bites so that each person can understand the vital contribution they are making to a bigger story.

What was the last show you saw that rocked your world?

Carly Sheppard and Alistair Macindoe’s new work, The Shepherds, was the highlight of the recent Australian Dance Biennale for me. Exploring themes of colonial invasion, ecological devastation and First Nations knowledge, it beautifully combined dance and theatre in a parable that really stayed with me.

Time Remaining by Chunky Move. Photo by Gianna Rizzo.

What are you most looking forward to seeing?

We’ve just presented our epic new work, Time Remaining, at Melbourne Town Hall as part of Now or Never. The scale and historical grandeur of the venue contrasted sharply with the high tech laser and lighting woven through the show. As we plan the future life of the work, I’m excited to see how our incredible technical team and Antony and the dancers adapt it to be presented in different spaces.

What’s on the horizon at Chunky Move that we should keep our eyes out for?

Supporting the dance industry through studio time, practice labs and development opportunities is at our core. In early November, we’ll be presenting Next Move, two exciting new commissions showcasing fresh new choreographic voices.

And if you’re keen to try Contemporary Dance yourself, we hold Beginner classes every week on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. Our Studio environment is warm and friendly, and you’ll learn from the best teachers in the business. We’d love to see you!

Lead photo by Gianna Rizzo.