Forest Collective Information

Forest Collective is a visionary non-profit registered charity and artist collective based in Naarm-Melbourne. Forest Collective passionately advocates for diversity and artistic freedom in contemporary classical music, dance, and collaborative projects. Our mission is centred on commissioning and presenting a kaleidoscope of art forms. We nurture and provide a platform for underrepresented artists and the artistically vulnerable to create in a safe space. Led by 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 distils 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 Artistic Associate Ashley Dougan. Our journey has been marked by sold-out performances at renowned venues such as the Melbourne Recital Centre, La Mama, National Gallery of Victoria, Abbotsford Convent, and Burrinja Cultural Centre. We are regulars on the program for the likes of the Metropolis New Music, Midsumma, and Melbourne Fringe Festivals. Since 2013, Forest Collective has had the pleasure of being a company in residence at Abbotsford Convent.