Recreational Arts Team (RAT) records, 1983-1994

MLMSS 7886

fonds

1983-1994

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Posters, Clippings, Ephemera, Photographs

846328

0.16 metres of textual material

The RAT parties held in Sydney were forerunners of the dance parties and raves of the 1990s. The first party `Rat Rok Wreck' was held in Redfern, Sydney in 1982 for 200 guests. The Recreational Arts Team comprised, Jac Vigden, Billy Yip, Reno Dal who with the assistance of Ratizens in 1985 were able to expand and create parties for audiences as large as 1800 people.

The RAT parties success resulted from providing a diverse range of entertainment in a creative environment which has influenced Australian dance music culture. Many of the parties featured local Australian performers and pioneering DJs like Tim Ritchie, Robert Racic and Pee Wee Ferris as well as international guests, such as Paul Oakenfold, Boy George and Grace Jones. A close friend of Jac Vigden, Akira Isogawa contributed to many of the lavish costumes that are now kept at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum.

This collection contains correspondence, news clippings, flyers, event programs, papers and photographs of the Recreational Arts Team events. Also includes records concerning fundraising events for HIV, `Sydney Candlelight Vigil, 1996' and `CounterAid, 1991-1994'.

Collection of posters produced by The Recreational Arts Team to promote performance art events and dance parties (Call No. POSTERS/1603)

Ephemera relating to RAT parties : including advertising leaflets, programmes, invitations, cards, objects etc. related to dance parties organised by the Recreational Arts Team between 1983 and 1992 predominantly in Sydney.
(Call. No. EPHEMERA/ DANCE/ RAT PARTIES/ 1983-1992)