Julie Lynch APDG with designer Sabina Myers at STC’s The Bar at the End of the Wharf 17 April 2018

OUTGOING VICE PRESIDENT & APDG DIRECTOR REPORT – APDG AGM – Monday May 28, 2018

Julie Lynch APDG

I have been involved with the APDG since 2013, firstly as one of the first Live Performance active members, where I established the Live Performance Working Group (which is now chaired by Stephen Curtis), then in 2014 I was invited by George Liddle APDG to nominate for APDG Vice President, and from there I was made APDG Director. I have thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie, discussions, challenges, projects and collegial friendships that being a member of the APDG has offered me. During this time, I have established a wide network of stage and screen practitioners, who I call my friends. Certainly before 2013, I only knew a few screen practitioners, and I have learnt so much about the “other side” through the generous sharing of information and experiences that so many screen designers have invested with me. My own network and friendships with Live Performance designers has also expanded – particularly my relationship with young and emerging designers. During the past five years, it has been wonderful to watch many of their careers ascend. The strength of these mutual friendships was very evident at the recent APDG drinks at the Bar at the End of the Wharf (sponsored by STC), where so many costume, set and lighting designers from recent design graduates to designers whose careers span more than forty years – shared a drink, a story and a laugh.

When I reflect on what has been achieved during this period, I treasure my old and new design friendships the most. This to me is the core of what the Guild can offer – respectful and timely communication about issues designers face, as well as genuine support, sharing, and friendships with one another. Secondly, I value the more tangible achievements – particularly the APDG Live Performance Guidelines, The APDG Standard Agreement and the soon to be released much improved APDG website. So many people have contributed to these projects, and I am very grateful to have been part of it. There has also been significant growth and achievement in terms of the numbers of members around Australia that attend meetings and represent their state. This has been aided enormously by both APDG Administrators during my tenure, my sincere thanks to Jane Healy and Caitlin Flett for all their work in keeping the Guild rolling along during my time.

Each year, the APDG Awards have gained in reputation – more designers have entered, and the processes in which we mount the Awards are more sophisticated, fairer and have been streamlined. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this process, and in particular – Tamara Popper and Jane Healy who have led the Awards over the past three years. Everyone agrees that last year’s Awards in Melbourne was the best yet.

At the end of 2017, I took on the role of Acting Head of Design at NIDA, this has meant that I no longer have the spare time that I previously had been able to contribute to the Guild. While I still managed to attend most meetings, I could do little else, and it is my view that as much as I have loved a leadership role in the Guild, that it only be fair to relinquish the role so someone who has the time and energy to drive the Guild forward, has the opportunity to do so. I feel the same way about remaining as APDG Director, I maintain that all APDG Directors should be actively engaged with the Guild from month to month, and unfortunately, I am unable to do this anymore, therefore again, I think this important position should be offered up.

Finally, I would like to pay particular thanks to George Liddle APDG whose long and consistent efforts lay at the heart of the Guild’s success, and to Stephen Curtis, who I have spent so much time working with towards all the Guild’s achievements.  I now look forward to helping-out from the sidelines as a regular member, and I look forward to catching up with you at the next APDG event. Thank you everyone – see you at the theatre!