Vitalstatistix (arts organisation)

Vitalstatistix was founded in 1984 by artists Roxxy Bent, Ollie Black, and Margie Fischer. Ollie Black had been a co-founder of Wimmins Circus in Melbourne in 1979, after a group of women performers from Circus Oz staged a one-off performance called Mighty Bonza Whacko Women's Circus. Wimmins Circus dissolved in 1981. Vitalstatistix toured extensively in regional South Australia as well as interstate in the early years. in Nile Street. and in the 1990s became a national centre for women playwrights and directors. ==Governance==

In 1996, Catherine Fitzgerald was appointed artistic director of the company, a position she held until 2002. During her time, Vitalstatistix commissioned over 40 performances, including premieres, play readings, and national tours. In 2003, Maude Davey took over the role. She focused on works involving technology, politics, and biology. When Jane Muller came on board as in 2009 as creative producer/artistic director, she changed direction. The company became more of a creative centre for independent artists and experimental theatre. Fuller was responsible for the conception of the long-running annual show, Adhocracy. Emma Webb came in 2010 and oversaw the first edition of Adhocracy, and led the company for 14 years. Under her direction, the company undertook a variety of social practice projects and engendered relationships with other performance collectives and presenters around the country. It also provided career support for artists in underrepresented groups, such as queer and Indigenous Australian artists. As of 2014, the general manager of Vitalstatistix was Helen Sheldon. In early 2024, Webb stepped down, and in August 2024, Jennifer Greer Holmes, who had been a longterm collaborator, was appointed artistic director. ==Events and artists==

The organisation is known for a multidisciplinary annual arts event, Adhocracy, which has run from 2010 until the present (2025). The website describes the event as "Vitalstatistix's national hothouse for experimental art and contemporary performance", taking place at the Waterside Workers' Hall, Hart's Mill, and surrounding venues. Notable artists/groups who have worked with Vitalstatistix include Melbourne-based experimental theatre company The Rabble, Australia's only youth Indigenous performing arts company, Kurraru; Australian playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer, documentary theatre maker Roslyn Oades; former artistic director of State Theatre Company of South Australia, Rosalba Clemente; and former artistic director Catherine Fitzgerald. ==Recognition==

Vitalstatistix received a South Australian Ruby Award in the 2014 Innovation category for Adhocracy and a 2018 award for Outstanding Contribution by an Organisation or Group. == References ==