Paula van Beek is an artist dedicated to creating new contemporary performance works and exploring new forms and frames for creating and presenting arts projects. Her unique expertise in creating original work has been forged over ten years of professional experience in the arts industry. 

Based in Melbourne Paula is an active member of the arts community. She has a Graduate Diploma in Animatuering (First Class Honours) from the Victorian Collage of the Arts (2006) and in 2009 undertook the Solo Artist Residency program at Victoria University. As part of this program she undertook a research residency at Performing Arts Forum (PAF) in St Erme, France, participated in a Live Arts Development Agency workshop in London and taught a devising skills workshop in Tokyo. 

Asserting herself as an image marker, particularly in the areas of light and photography Paula has exhibited photographs in Wellington, London and Melbourne. As a freelance Lighting Designer she has designed lights for main stage, found spaces and outdoor venues.

Paula currently teaches performance skills workshops for the VCA Foundation and Short Course program. Her extensive experience working in the arts sector as a devisor, performer, director, artist, and lighting designer enables Paula to approach creating her own original work from multiple angles. 

The support from the Dame Joan Sutherland Fund will enable Paula to undertake a research residency at Robert Wilson’s Water Mill Center on Long Island, New York in April 2010.