Emma Maguire in the 2021 production of Peregrine V at BATS Theatre

 

How can we solve the arts?

That’s the big question that theatre maker Emma Maguire poses to their guests on the brand-new radio show, Generation Gap.

The show takes a new approach to addressing an issue that has plagued artists for decades, if not centuries – and one that feels particularly relevant right now.

To discuss how we can create a thriving arts scene in Aotearoa, Emma brings together two artists from the same discipline but wildly different generational experiences. The guests share their stories and the lessons they have learned along the way.

‘We have so much to learn from our past – and simultaneously, artists who started earlier might have things to learn from us as well,’ says Emma. ‘By bringing together artists from different generations I hope that we can open up these conversations and start these dialogues – we’re only going to make life better for ourselves as creatives if we actively work together’.

The show’s first two episodes have featured theatre practitioners Hilary Norris and Hamish Boyle, and Laura Irish and Penny Ashton. The conversations have been lively and entertaining, and full of nuggets of wisdom for anyone attempting a career in the arts. They have also let listeners hear a more personal side of what it’s like to be an artist in New Zealand.

‘We don’t get a whole lot of chances to talk in specifics about the lives we lead and the challenges we face as artists,’ says Emma. ‘So much of our lives are about putting on a brave face and pretending everything is great when it isn’t … I hope with this show we can delve deeper into our actual lives and our actual world.’

Station Manager Tony Kemp says the conversations that Emma is facilitating with Generation Gap are important for the community.

‘Everyone enjoys the results of what artists produce, but there are many people who don’t know what it’s like behind-the-scenes, including how hard it can be to be creative in this country. This show gives us an insight into what it is like to be an artist, exploring the challenges but also offering hope and community.’

Emma says the community aspect of the show is one of the most important things about it.

‘The arts world is in a time of crisis. If we work together, combine our experiences and knowledge, maybe we can solve the arts – or at least come a little bit closer to something that feels like progress’.

 

You can listen to Generation Gap every second Friday at 6pm.

Listen to past episodes here: https://accessradio.org.nz/shows-podcasts/generation-gap/