The Contagious Joy Effect is a phenomenon.
It is an act of resistance.
The precursor to Justice.
Katie Cooper-Wares is an interdisciplinary performance artist and creative producer specialising in the forms of dance theatre, storytelling and comedy.
Her collaborative, socially-engaged practice is driven by the untold stories of diverse artists and communities and the need to bring these to light through art.
After extensive dance and theatre training, Katie went on to study a Bachelor of Environmental Science; creating and facilitating Environmental Education programs (K-12) through an Arts lens. She is dedicated to staying curious, responsive and creative in a changing climate and making inclusive work that offers reflection, respite and/or connection.
Katie is the founder of the Creative First Aid Alliance which advocates for the arts in the recovery of the Northern Rivers post catastrophic 2022 flood event/s. She is currently receiving two arts leadership mentorships; one through the Creative Recovery Network and also via the Front and Centre: Arts Leadership Program (Accessible Arts)
Recent training & collaborations include Force Majuere, Zen Zen Zo Theatre, Giovanni Fusetti, Action Theatre Australia, La Pocha Nostra & Mattel Destro, Adelaide Fringe Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, HOTA, NORPA and countless other festivals, events, organisations and artists regionally and nationwide.
I move because I can’t stay in one place for too long. It’s really boring.
- Katie
“Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
―Howard Thurman