CELEBRATING RESILIENCE AND CREATIVITY: THE LIFE OF JEREMY, A CHAMPION OF INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

Jeremy, a born-and-raised West Australian, is a vibrant force in the arts community. He lives and works in Booloo/Perth, a place that holds deep personal and professional significance. Currently, Jeremy works with Performing Lines, a national organization dedicated to supporting independent artists. As the leader of a small team based in Western Australia, Jeremy’s role centres on helping independent creatives realize their visions, particularly in theatre, dance, and broader industry development initiatives.

Jeremy’s career is grounded in his passion for empowering artists to bring their stories to life, and he has been with Performing Lines for over three years. The organization’s mission is clear: to foster new work by independent artists and to support their ambitions. "We make, produce, and support new works," Jeremy says, "mainly in the areas of theatre and dance, and we also facilitate a series of industry development initiatives for independent artists here in Western Australia." This dedication to innovation and support for underrepresented voices is what makes Performing Lines a vital entity in the local arts scene.

One of the projects Jeremy is most proud of is Jay Paradise, a performance currently in development with co-creators Louie and Merlin. The work tells the story of two best friends at the funerals of their grandfathers. "Merlin’s character is very hellbent on continuing with Chinese traditions, but at the same time, he’s just had enough of it," Jeremy explains. This unique narrative, supported by an incredible Australian-Asian creative team, delves into themes of identity, culture, and personal growth. The play, which explores the complexities of tradition and personal transformation, will premiere in February as part of the Perth Festival. Jeremy’s pride in the project is evident: "It’s going to be a beautiful work."

In addition to his work in the arts, Jeremy is a passionate advocate for body positivity and disability rights. He lives with dwarfism, a condition that presents both physical challenges and opportunities for personal growth. "I have a condition known as dwarfism, or short stature. It’s something I’ve had my whole life, and it comes with challenges, particularly working with heights and managing rapid physical aging," he shares. Despite these obstacles, Jeremy’s resilience shines through. "Life’s good," he states confidently, emphasizing the importance of having a robust support system in place, including colleagues and family.

Jeremy’s commitment to creating a world that celebrates all bodies and abilities is evident in his involvement in International Day of People with Disability. He has shared a powerful photograph taken by his friend and photographer, Kristoff, for an exhibition about body positivity. The image captures Jeremy in a reflective moment, his expression conveying a deep sense of self-awareness and strength. "I’ve been on a bit of a mission for the last couple of years to celebrate body positivity and acknowledge that not all bodies are the same," Jeremy explains. His openness and the support he receives from his creative network are key to his advocacy efforts.

Reflecting on the difference between "disability" and "durability," Jeremy adds a thoughtful twist to the conversation. "Instead of using the word disability, I jokingly chose ‘durability.’ Durability, as I found out, is about resilience—something that really resonates with the experience of living with a disability." For Jeremy, this concept of durability reflects his lived experience: "I think we all have that resilience in us to withstand pressure, wear, and tear every day."

Throughout his life and career, Jeremy has exemplified the power of resilience, creativity, and community support. Whether through his leadership in the arts or his advocacy for inclusivity, Jeremy is a true champion of independent artists and the broader community. His story is one of overcoming adversity, celebrating individuality, and embracing the strength that comes from connection and creativity.