val smith (pākehā tauiwi, they/them) is a choreographic artist and educator based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Their work investigates intimacy, participation and human-nonhuman relationships. Utilising critical somatics and collaborative processes in the creation of performance events, workshops and installations, val gravitates to unconventional (often marginal) urban and suburban places. They have worked in artistic sectors and presented work across Aotearoa and internationally, for 20 years.

val is a 2019 Arts Foundation Laureate, and was the 2016 Caroline Plummer Fellow, University of Otago. Currently undertaking an artistic research PhD project within AUT’s Art & Design department.

website

Recent projects include:
Scat Hunt for Queer Pavilion, Auckland Pride Festival (2020);
queer walk-nap for Walking About project with Te Uru Gallery (2020);
Sex on Site with Air and Light, Enjoy Gallery, Te Whanganui-a-Tara (2020);
Queer Napping workshops, Auckland (2019-2020);
Bttm Methodology reading, IDOCDE, Vienna (2019);
Offline Onsite Hookups, ImpulstRanz, Vienna (2019);
Untitled Performance for Arts Foundation Ball (2019);
Offline Onsite Hookups & Morphic Queering workshop, Experimental Dance Week Aotearoa (2019);
Bttm Methodology, Artspace Gallery carpark, Auckland Pride Festival (2019);
Bttm Methodology reading for ‘8 Horas Entre Nosotros/ 18 Hours Between Us’, Waipapa Marae University of Auckland (2019);
Queer Dating Sites, Auckland Fringe Festival (2018);
Sex on Site, Basement Cruise Club, Auckland Pride Festival (2018).

val’s creative work also involves community projects and social practices, which value relationship building and sharing knowledge and resources. They have taught choreography, performance skills, postmodern dance techniques, dance histories, interdisciplinary studies, creative practice, contact improvisation, yoga and somatic movement studies in tertiary and community settings since 2000. Guest Lecturer/Artist at institutions and festivals internationally. Contract Dance Lecturer at UNITEC Institute of Technology (2014-2018). Professional Teaching Fellow (2014) and Tutor and Graduate Teaching Assistant (2006-2013), Dance Studies, University of Auckland.