The Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation
Formation and Purposes of the Foundation
Johanna (Hanny) Exiner was one of the great influences in the development of dance-movement therapy in Australia. Many of those who worked in the field in Australia learnt from Hanny not only many valuable skills and insights about dance as therapy but also, most essentially, about the nature of dance itself. In 1997, when she opened the Dance Therapy Conference, she spoke of her implicit beliefs in the aesthetic experience of dance itself as a powerful and healing tool. Hanny's life and work were honoured in a special edition of 'Moving On', the DTAA journal, in September 2008.
The National Library of Australia's Australia Dance Collection has more information about Hanny Exiner here.
The Hanny Exiner Fund was established in 2001. Its existence is due to the vision of Hanny's late husband, Bob, and the generosity and interest of their sons, Ron and Jess Exiner. The Fund is now a Foundation whose major purpose is to provide financial assistance for people undertaking research in the field of Dance-Movement Therapy. It also aims to encourage a broader range of research and to increase understanding of Dance-Movement Therapy methodology and its effects.
Trustee – Dance-Movement Therapy Association of Australia (DTAA)
Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Research Grants
2013 GRANTS ROUND NOW OPEN. CLOSING DATE SUNDAY 28 JULY 2013
The Foundation's funds are invested so that from time to time it offers small grants for research in dance-movement therapy. HEMF recognises that the advancement of the profession requires that research be undertaken and reported on. The awarding of the grants is as much to provide public encouragement and recognition of this work as financial assistance.
Each year small grants are made for research, or discrete projects that contribute towards research, that are assessed to advance the field of dance-movement therapy through evaluation, research and quality assurance activities. . The grants could be used to 'seed' initial investigation and enquiry into the field or provide some support for more developed research projects. The findings of research projects funded by HEMF are reported in 'Moving On', the DTAA Quarterly journal and on this website. Grants are usually a maximum of $2,000.
All projects are to:
- be from applicants who are students or practitioners in the field of dance therapy, or working towards the development of dance-movement therapy, in Australia, whether or not they are members of the Dance-Movement Therapy Association of Australia,
- be conducted in Australia,
- be carried out into the use of dance-movement therapy, or relating to it, (e.g. it could be into the use of music for dance-movement therapy) to contribute to its unique knowledge-base,
- contribute to the understanding and further development of the practice of dance-movement therapy in Australia: to deepen the understanding of its impact.
Enquiries: Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Bouthaina Mayall about the suitability of their proposed project on bouthaina@netspace.net.au or (03) 9853 8097.
More information: Grant Criteria 2013 | Application form 2013
» Previous grant recipients
Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Annual Achievement Award
The Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation presents an annual award, the Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Achievement Award, to recognise a new, significant piece of writing or other contribution that advances the field of dance-movement therapy or exceptional service to the profession. The award is decided by the HEMF Committee on the basis of an annual review of contributions to the DTAA journal Moving On and/or in consideration of recommendations from members of the dance movement therapy community. The award comprises a gift and citation and is presented at the Dance-Movement Therapy Association of Australia's Annual General Meeting.
2012 Award to Anna Ganz
The Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation is delighted to announce the winner of this year's Annual Achievement Award - Anna Ganz. Anna has been a long-serving member of the DTAA Committee and has served the dance-therapy community in many ways. The award was presented to her at the DTAA's Annual General Meeting on November 10th 2012. The citation, which she received at the same time, said,
Dear Anna
The members of the Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Managing Committee are delighted to select you as the recipient of the Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Annual Achievement Award for 2011/2012. This is in recognition of your considerable contributions to the field of dance-movement therapy in Australia. Please accept our congratulations.
In particular we wish to commend your unstinting commitment to ensuring that the DTAA retains its membership of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). We know that this is and has been a constant and onerous task for at least 5 years. Without your efforts the DTAA's ongoing membership of that body would undoubtedly not have been maintained. That membership is vital for the ongoing recognition and viability of the dmt profession in Australia. Your work as coordinator of the DTAA Professional Membership Committee, since mid-2007, has also contributed to the growth and development of the profession. In addition, taking over from Jill Groom to be the DTAA's Treasurer for many years, and the other work you have done as an active member of the committee, demonstrate your inspirational devotion to the ongoing existence of the body that nurtures and encourages the professional life of dmts throughout the country.
Anna was surprised by the award and humble, though delighted, in her acceptance of it.
» Previous awardees
Donations
The Foundation invites donations to support research and dissemination of research findings. Donations should be addressed to The Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation and sent to:
H.E.M.F., C/O DTAA
P.O. Box 641, Carlton South,
Victoria 3053
Hanny Exiner Memorial Foundation Managing Committee
Naomi Aitchison, retired (previously dance therapist and dance educator)
Dianne Albiston, Clinical Program Manager at ORYGEN Youth Health
Ron Exiner, retired, former local government manager
Jane Guthrie, DMT and physiotherapist, Royal Freemason's Homes Victoria, and private practice
Dianne Albiston, Health Services Manager and Occupational Therapist
Bouthaina Mayall, teacher and dance movement therapist
Enquiries:
Naomi Aitchison: (03) 9878 1602 or
email: dtaa@alphalink.com.au