Highlights
Get Off Your Arts
4 – 6 April, Uralla
Get off your Arts presents
a weekend of poetry and performance, fantastic music, lantern making workshops
and a spectacular parade finale. An 'on the spot' digital
photo competition will take place, as well as street theatre and dancing. Bring out a
story for the 'grow your own performance' project, where a bunch of aspiring
thespians and the local CWA ladies will join forces to bring home-spun
yarns to life in short performance pieces. The festival is a great opportunity for shower-singers, closet comedians,
poets, and musicians to 'get off their arts' and strut their
stuff. An international music
lineup includes Rory McLeod, UK;
Pacific Curls, NZ; Jigzag, and Australia’s foremost flamenco ensemble, Arte
Kanela. The Light’n Up crew bring illuminated sculptures,
fire pictures and lanterns. Full program and details online.
Contact Coralie Rendalls Tel 02 6778 3257
Website http://uralla-arts.com/get_off_your_arts/
'Get off your Arts' was made
possible with funding from Festivals Australia, Arts NSW and Arts Northwest
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Australian Ceramic Stories
5 April – 18 May, Dubbo
Australian Ceramic Stories examines the use of narrative in the work of
twelve contemporary Australian ceramicists. Curated by
Dr Julia Jones, the exhibition charts the tradition of story
telling and the variety of ceramic pratices in Australia. Features work by Stephen Benwell, Louise Boscacci, Bern Emmerichs, Kris
Koad, Patrick Collins, Gudrun Klix, Piop McManus, Mel Robson, Fleur Schell,
Vipoo Srivilasa, Thancoupie and Gerry Wedd. To coincide with the exhibition, a one-day forum will be held at the Western Plains Cultural Centre on Saturday 12 April, which will further explore the story-telling theme of the exhibition and build on two previous Ceramics conferences: Verge in Brisbane in 2006 and ClayEdge at Gulgong in 2007. Forum details in the 'Seminars, Workshops & Training' section below. At Western Plains Culural
Centre, 76 Wingewarra St. Tel 02 6801 4444 Email info@wpccdubbo.org.au
Website www.wpccdubbo.org.au
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Opera under the stars: La Traviata
6 April, Deniliquin
Co-Opera's production of La Traviata, set in the 1950's, is rich in familiar, toe-tapping tunes. Several of the famous arias are sung in their beautiful Italian, the remainder in English. The opera is derived from the novel La Dame Aux Camellies by Alexander Dumas. The story is a timeless one of a father who, for social reasons, disapproves of his son's choice of a woman, breaks up the relationship and then regrets it when he discovers that she really is honourable and tragically dying. Her death brings father and son together and the story in its nineteenth century context has a comfortable ending. Presented by Deniliquin Council and Deniliquin Arts Council Inc. BYO picnic, chair and blanket. Tickets $35/$30/$5, $65 family, from Visitor Information Centre, Peppin Heritage Centre, George St. Gates open 5.30pm. At Waring Gardens, Harrison St. Contact Sue Mulligan Tel 03 5881 3100
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Jimmy Little at Bundanon's 15th birthday
20 April, Riversdale
Nestled on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, Bundanon is celebrating its 15th birthday and opening its doors to the public to host an unforgettable party.
Highlights include a welcome to country with dance performances; didgeridoo
player William Barton; the band CODA with a mix of
classical, far-eastern, rock and electronica musical styles; Circus Monoxide; and Jimmy Little
returning to the estate where he came as a
boy, to perform the highlights of his five decades as one of Australia's
leading performers. There will be fun, games, food and plenty of free birthday cake with a fiery finale to proceedings. Tickets $15/$25. At Boyd Education Centre, Riversdale. Off the Illaroo Road to the
west of Nowra. Tel 02 4422 2100 Website www.bundanon.com.au
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Camden Haven Music Festival
25 April – 4 May, Laurieton, Kendall & Port Macquarie
Over two big weeks, Camden Haven will come alive celebrating its award winning 13th annual music festival. Classical favourites including works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Bach and Mendolssohn will be played by some of Australia's best classical musicians. The Australia Ensemble and the Grainger String Quartet will perform, as well as viola soloist Patricia Pollett. The second part of the festival encompasses world music, folk music, jazz and comedy. Events will include salsa dance classes and a salsa party, Mara vocal workshops and performances, The Carpenters from Kempsey and much more. See stringed instruments in the making by visiting the studio
of violin and classical guitar makers Graham Caldersmith
and Angela Macpherson. Full program and ticket details online.
Website www.camdenhavenmusicfestival.org.au
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Eyes to the Floor
26 April, Hay
2 May, Griffith
The development of Eyes to the Floor began in 2006 when
Outback Theatre for Young People (OTYP) commissioned playwright Alana
Valentine to gather the stories of the survivors of the Hay 'Girls'
Home' and create a piece of drama to be performed by young people
from the Hay community. The cast for
the 2008 production features Hay War Memorial High School Students Danielle
Curtis, Alannah Robertson, Teleaha Marlin, Eboni Lees, Abby Martin, Kayla
Barrett and Jack Murray alongside two professional actors from the region. Eyes to the Floor will be performed at Hay Gaol, and also at Griffith Regional Theatre with an 11am show for schools and a 7.30pm show for the public.
For tickets to the shows at Griffith Regional Theatre, Tel 02 6961 8388.
For more information and tickets for the Hay performance, contact Amy Hardingham. Mob 0428 686 544. View a video trailer for Eyes to the Floor here
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Regional Arts NSW News
Country Arts Support Program funds 139 new projects for 2008
Regional Arts NSW is delighted to announce the successful funding applicants of this year's Country Arts Support Program (CASP). In 2008, 139 new arts projects will be funded throughout regional, rural and remote NSW, from terrazzo tiles to tiled history poles, comedy to cartooning, and puppetry to pavement art. "This small grants program has a major impact and plays a vital role in regional communities of NSW," said Elizabeth Rogers, CEO of Regional Arts NSW. Some of the highlights among this year's list are:
- A two day puppetry and music workshop with artists Antonia Aitken and Tim Hansen, for students from three remote schools as part of the Hill End Artist-in-residence program.
- Two Wagga Wagga artists will conduct a series of art workshops for 15 young socially-isolated and disadvantaged people from refugee backgrounds culminating in an exhibition.
- Media artist Rebecca Ingram will conduct a community workshop in digital film encouraging stories that tell the history of the mining of the black opal in Lightning Ridge from an Indigenous perspective.
- Read the full story on the Regional Arts NSW website here
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Farewell Sam
Our Funding Officer Sam Chester will leave Regional Arts NSW in April to focus more on her creative pursuits as the founder and director of the Queen Street Studio, and as choreographer and Teacher in Movement in a multitude of other opportunities that constantly come her way. Over the past three years ‘our Sammi’ has been an invaluable staff member bringing her experience from the Australia Council into the role at Regional Arts NSW and helping to shape the administration of our funding programs into a ‘well-oiled machine’. She has assisted in the design and creation of the new database, wrote the Database User Manual, completely overhauled the filing systems, streamlined administrative systems and been instrumental in the improvement and standardisation of grant documentation. As coordinator of the Country Arts Support Program across the state for the past three years she is our ‘CASP Queen’. The office will not be the same without Sammi – her bubbly nature and endearing qualities are a joy and her presence will be very much missed. Sammi has agreed to assist with short-term projects at Regional Arts NSW so we will still see her around from time to time – but, until then, we wish her every success in her new ventures and thank her for her considerable contribution to our organisation.
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Outback Arts secures funds for Indigenous position
Outback Arts has been successful in the recent Arts NSW funding announcements with a grant of $75,000 going towards the Regional Indigenous Cultural Development officer’s position, and enabling the position to be fulltime. Margie Pye, Executive Officer of Outback Arts said "The project is extremely beneficial to the indigenous communities of our region and will also bring benefits to the non indigenous community members in the Outback Arts region." The Regional Indigenous Cultural Development Officer (RICDO) will be based in Coonamble and will service the Shires of Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar and Warren. The successful applicant will work with Outback Arts indigenous communities developing skills, networks and increased awareness in indigenous art which will in turn bring economic development to those communities. The RICDO will also work closely with the Outback Arts Regional Arts Development Officer Angela Sidoti. The two positions compliment each other with one focusing on arts/culture and touring projects and the other due to the high indigenous population in the Outback Arts region, on indigenous arts and cultural activities.
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New website for Regional Arts NSW
After several months of work in collaboration with website designers and techies, Regional Arts NSW have launched their new website. The site has been redesigned to be more user friendly, visually appealing and to contain news, events and project information on the front page.
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Other News
Our Town selected for regional tour
Our Town is a spirited film by young Grafton locals about the importance of the Clarence River to their lives and Indigenous culture. Film makers Leonie Dickinson and Rebecca Ingram worked with local young people (16 to 25yrs) to construct this short film from October to December in 2007. Participants of Our Town developed skills in script writing, camera & sound technique, film production and editing.
To the delight of the film makers Our Town has been selected to screen as part of the Australian Film Commission’s (AFC) regional touring film festival Big Screen. The film will screen at the Yamba Treelands Cinema on Sunday, 6th of April at 5.15pm. Local elder and Order of Australia Medal recipient Rex Marshall will present a Welcome to Country speech to introduce the film. Our Town is a project of the Mobile Unit, Metro Screen’s offsite training and project department.
This project was made possible with a grant from the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia.
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Wilcannia Arts Centre announces artists in residence for 2008
Wilcannia Arts is full steam ahead for another diverse and exciting year of creative arts. For 2008 the Wilcannia Arts Centre will host 3 artists in residence, with each artist bringing a wealth of artistic experience, skills and expertise as professional practicing and exhibiting artists and educators. The third year Artist in residence program will run from March through to November 2008. The three resident artists for 2008 are Virginia Kaiser, Julie Barratt and Pamela Houghton Jones. Each resident artist will live and work in the township of Wilcannia using the Wilcannia Art Centre as their primary studio space. They will co-share this space with local artists to create a body of work inspired by their stay and deliver a program of skills based workshops, demonstrations and artists talks for the Wilcannia community. The first artist in residence for this year is Virginia Kaiser, from 6 March until the end of May, who will share basketry skills and information on the collection, preparation and weaving with local plant materials, and will establish a weaver's group.
- Contact Paul Brown Tel 08 8091 5802
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Iconic Wagga portraits unveiled
Famous Wagga Wagga identities have been immortalised with the unveiling of eight giant caricatures in the city's Civic
Precinct. The Museum of the Riverina mural project saw eight young Wagga
artists work with Bald Archy winning and Melbourne based community artist
Tony Sowersby, to create eight larger than life portraits. Wagga Wagga Mayor
Kerry Pascoe said each identity has links to the city's heritage and the
Museum of the Riverina. "This selection is representative of the
enormous talent and contribution Wagga Wagga residents have made through
bravery, infamy, entertainment, cultural and sporting landscapes in Australia
and worldwide," Cr Pascoe said. "All were developed using historical
research and the Bald Archy style of irreverent humour and imagination
to create a celebration of this city's great people and stories."
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New guest curator & Indigenous showcase on the VAN website
The Visual Arts Network (VAN) is delighted to advise that Louise Martin-Chew is the new guest curator on the VAN website. She has selected locally based painter Paula Bannan as her 'Curator's Choice'. "With surfaces as densely textured as their multitudinous sources, these paintings build a lively aesthetic around concepts both personal and political" said Louise. VAN supports the high concentration of artists living in the Northern Rivers region of NSW Australia, and the website includes 12 online galleries of painting, ceramics, printmaking and sculpture, as well as installation works, digital media and more.
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Communities turn to culture to boost local economy and services
71 councils from across NSW have submitted over 115 of their projects to the 2008 Local Government Cultural Awards, making this year the biggest in the awards history. Organised by the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW and sponsored by Country Energy and Accessible Arts, the awards celebrate communities' commitment to culture. The new online submission process has proved a great success, with a record number of councils making submissions to the awards. "Councils play an active role in fostering cultural development within their communities and we are extremely pleased to recognise them through these awards," said President of the Local Government Association, Cr Genia McCaffery. "This year we have had an overwhelming response, which shows how increasingly important cultural activity is within local communities to boost local economies and improve services."
- View the full story here [PDF]
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A royal win
A group portrait of the Danish Royal Family, featuring Australian-born Princess Mary, has taken out the 15th annual Bald Archy Prize. Newcastle artist James Brennan’s entry in the irreverent art competition, The Official Portrait Of The Danish Royal Family, was selected by controversial judge, Maude the sulphur-crested cockatoo, from 42 finalists. The comic portrait shows Princess Mary and Prince Frederick with their two children Christian and Isabella, and also features a Tasmanian Devil and a can of VB. The controversial painting has sparked plenty of interest after being unveiled as part of the annual exhibition at the Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga on Australia Day. The Bald Archy Prize, which pokes fun at the pretensions of the Australian arts establishment, has been tapping into the larrikin side of the Australian sense of humour since 1984. Artistic director Peter Batey said the humorous portraits provide a rich commentary on the current environment, be it political, entertainment or in the sporting arena.
- View the full story on the Bald Archy website here
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New Aussie drama filmed in Northern Rivers region
New Australian TV drama series East of Everything was written and produced in the Northern Rivers region. It was created by Deb Cox and Roger Monk, produced by Fiona Eagger, and directed by Stuart McDonald and Matt Saville. The main cast are leading Australian actors Richard Roxburgh, Tom Long, Susie Porter and Gia Carides, working with many locals. Lois Randall, the Regional Arts Development Officer (RADO) from Arts Northern Rivers, worked on the series as the Production Manager. This is the first long form drama made in the region and 93 local cast and crew members were employed, and wonderful local musicians feature in the sound track. East of Everything starts on ABC TV on Sunday, 30 March, 8.30pm, and will continue for six weeks.
- Details on the ABC website here
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Special funding recognises the value of Indigenous
arts organisations
The Minister for the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett
has announced funding of $1.3 million from the Indigenous Visual Arts
Special Initiative to provide 24 Indigenous art centres with infrastructure,
training and marketing support. “This investment recognises the importance
of the Indigenous art industry to Australia and thereal benefits the arts
centres deliver to many Indigenous artists and communities,” Mr Garrett
said. “Indigenous art centres and organisations are the backbone
of Australia’s Indigenous arts industry. The art centres themselves
are financial partners in many of the projects being supported by this
funding. “The funding will assist these centres with priority projects.
It will also support the important work they do to ensure that Indigenous
artists are being treated fairly and that they are receiving appropriate
remuneration for their work.” In 2007–08 special initiative
funding will support 28 one-off projects to build the sustainability of
Indigenous arts organisations across a range of areas.
- View the full story here [PDF]
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Screen Australia: a new era for the Australian film industry
The Hon. Peter Garrett, Minister for Department of Environment, Water, Heritage & the Arts has announced that legislation to establish Screen Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive as separate
statutory authorities has been passed by both Houses of the Australian Parliament.
Screen Australia will be a strong central funding body, bringing together the Australian Film
Commission, the Film Finance Corporation and Film Australia. The National Film and Sound
Archive will be separated from the Australian Film Commission and become a national
collecting institution in its own right.
The passage of this legislation means that both agencies will be able to begin operation as
planned on 1 July this year.
Screen Australia will help restore investor confidence and put the industry on a new growth
path. It will ensure a strong Australian voice across film, television, documentary and
children’s programs.
The establishment of the National Film and Sound Archive as a stand-alone agency will protect
its independence.
- View the full media release here [PDF]
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Archibald Prize announced
Sydney artist Del Kathryn Barton has won the Archibald Prize, now in its 87th year with her portrait You are what is most beautiful about me, a self portrait with Kell and Arella. “This painting celebrates the love I have for my two children and how my relationship with them has radically informed and indeed transformed my understanding of who I am,” she says. "Both my children have taken my world by storm and very little compares to the devotion I feel for them both. The intensity of this emotion is not something that I could have prepared myself for. The alchemy of life offered forth from my inhabitable woman's body is perhaps the greatest gift of my life.” Known for its vibrant, figurative imagery, Barton’s work combines traditional painting techniques with contemporary design and illustrative styles. Kathryn receives a prize of $50,000 for the first prize in Australia's most famous art award for a self portrait.
- Read more on the Archibald Prize here
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Major performing arts sector consolidates steady growth
Australia’s 29 major performing arts companies continue to show steady growth across key financial and artistic indicators, according to the latest report from the Australia Council for the Arts. The Securing the Future report showed that in 2006 the companies achieved 2.1 million capital city mainstage attendances, mounted 68 new mainstage works, raised approximately $152.2 million at the box office and presented 4400 education performances to 708,000 students. The annual Securing the Future report has tracked the progress of flagship theatre, dance, opera and orchestral companies since 2001 against indicators established by the Australian Government’s Major Performing Arts Inquiry of 1999. Australia Council chief executive Kathy Keele said the results represented a continuation of the strong gains made across the sector over the previous six years. "The 29 companies have consolidated the strong artistic and financial gains they have made since the Major Performing Arts Inquiry," Kathy said.
- Download the Securing the Future report on the Australia Council website here
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Registrations open on 15 April for Art at the Heart
The sixth biennial Regional Arts Australia national conference will be presented by Regional Arts Australia and the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT, in collaboration with the host town of Alice Springs. Art at the Heart will provide an opportunity for artistic and cultural exchange, cross cultural collaboration and best practice approaches to working in the arts. Artists, actors, academics, artsworkers, curators, filmmakers, musicians, performers, producers, students, volunteers, writers, all levels of government and the wider community will gather in Alice Springs to discuss, celebrate and experience the arts and cultural achievements of regional Australia.
Registrations will open 15 April 2008 with the online publishing of the Art at the Heart conference program. Earlybird rates will be available until 15 July, and registrations close on 15 September 2008.
- Full details on the website here
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Arts Yarn Up re-launched 
The Australia Council for the Arts has re-launched Arts Yarn Up, an Indigenous arts magazine. Celebrating the unique creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, highlights of this issue include a story on culture warrior Philip Gudthaykudthay, who has maintained his classical painting style for more than 40 years; the Tjanpi desert women who have made their weaving into an arts and social enterprise; and a story on a young Indigenous poet from Victoria.
- Subscribe to or download the current issue on the Australia Council website here
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Project Reports
Needfire highland dance
3 – 4 April, Bathurst
Needfire is an original work featuring exhilarating and beautiful dance, an interactive filmic backdrop, original sound
score, and unusual design. The dancers have performed around the world at tattoos and
highland spectaculars, and bring to
the traditional form an exciting new approach. Needfire looks at an ancient tradition, the Beltaine,
and draws from its themes for a contemporary audience, exploring loss of culture and community in a
new land, and the memories of heritage that we as Australians hold on to.
The project is a result of a two‐year collaboration between local Bathurst artists, OzScot Director
Cheryl Roach, Creative Producer Margie Breen, new media artist Sarah‐Mace Dennis. Together with the dancers they make up The Beltaine Collective, and have worked with choreographer Kate Champion, composer Peter Kennard, and designer
Annemaree Dalziel.
Performances at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre. Tel 02 6333 6161
This project was made possible with a grant from the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia.
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Mad Motion Pictures in Bowral
14 – 18 April, Bowral
Budding young filmmakers aged between 12 and 29 will learn the essential skills of filmmaking this April school holidays at the MAD Motion Pictures workshop. The four-day workshop was devised by M.A.D. (Make A Difference) Youth, the Youth Philanthropy Committee of the Wingecarribee Community Foundation in response to a youth survey and community forum held last year. The MAD Youth committee identified video and filmmaking as the most popular choice of activity and expression for young people in the Southern Highlands. Tutoring the workshops is Paulo Alberton, who studied film at New York University and recently conducted the 'Producing Videos For Social Change' workshop at the Oxfam International Youth Partnerships 2007, which hosted 300 young leaders from around the world in Sydney. Paulo is currently tutoring film at UNSW and Sydney Film School and producing a documentary on Capoeira Angola called My Father, My Master. Places for the workshop were filled quickly and people who missed out this year are invited to register for next year's workshop at kissing-concrete@hotmail.com.
This project was made possible with a grant from the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia.
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Merriwa Mural
Co-ordinated by Upper Hunter Shire Council, the Merriwa Main Street Community Mural gave local community members an opprtunity to be involved in the design and contruction of a public artwork and cultural project for their town. Contructed from corrugated iron cut outs, the mural depicts scenes of local agriculture and history, including a bullock drale loaded with hay bales, a windmill, galahs flying overhead, and a mob of sheep. Artists Fran Wachtel and Charlotte Drake-Brockman facilitated a community design worksop, drafted a design for the mural and conducted a workshop with local school students to create the mural. Metalwork students from the local high school were given an opportunity to work with the artists and further their skills. Materials came from local buildings and farms, giving the artwork a connection to the people and history of the town. The mural was officially opened on 6 February 2008.
This project was supported with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
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fLiNG Physical Theatre 
In 2007 Fling Physical Theatre experienced a full, rich and successful year. Activities included ten artist residencies; the creation of Territory, 1 a project and outdoor event with Eden High School; two fund raiser performance events; two creative developments, a mini tour for twelve to The Catapult Physical Theatre Festival in Bathurst; and a major tour for 24 of Who Will Come To The Rescue to Riverside Theatre, Sydney and IPAC, Wollongong. At home, fLiNG Physical Theatre continues to offer high quality performance, training and workshop opportunities to young regional people living in the Bega Valley. They maintain a healthy commitment to local community kids with annual school holiday workshops and school programs. Through a new relationship with the Department of Housing free workshops and classes are available that have attracted the indigenous community. Three fLiNG boys have recently taken their place at The Victorian College of the Arts School of Dance Bachelor course in 2008. Contact Lee Pemberton Email lee@flingphysicaltheatre.com.au Website www.flingphysicaltheatre.com.au
This project was made possible with a grant from the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia.
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New Resources
The Black Book: portal to Indigenous media & arts in Australia
The Black Book has two main sections: the Black Book directory and Black Book library. The directory includes more than 2700 listings of Indigenous organisations and individuals working across 95 professions in the arts, media and cultural industries. The library is continually updated to include new artistic works and currently contains 2000 works from the late 1890s until now. The Black Book also publishes information about upcoming events, jobs and training opportunities, and showcases profiles of leading Indigenous artists.
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How to Buy & Sell Art
Artist Michael Reid has produced a great resource for artists and collectors alike. No matter what your budget or your collecting interest, this updated and expanded edition of How to Buy and Sell Art answers all the questions you might have taking you from your first visit to an art gallery all the way to the high drama of an auction room. Michael Reid offers advice on everything from when and when not to buy art, artists to keep an eye on, collecting categories, fakes, tax and superannuation matters and collecting groups. He also explores the thrills and the pitfalls of buying Aboriginal works in an expanded section on Indigenous art.
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Arts and culture in Australian life: a 2008 statistical snapshot
The Cultural Ministers Council have released a statistical snapshot that brings together the latest data on Australia's dynamic arts and cultural sector. How many Australians, including Indigenous Australians are working, participating and volunteering in the sector? How much are Australians spending on arts and culture and what is the impact of the sector on our economy?
- Read the full report here [PDF]
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Guides to help do the right thing with Indigenous culture
The Australia Council for the Arts has released a fully revised second edition of its protocol guides to help Australians better understand the use of Indigenous cultural material. The five guides cover protocols for producing Indigenous Australian media arts, music performing arts, visual arts and writing. They were written for the Australia Council by eminent Indigenous intellectual property lawyers Terri Janke and Robynne Quiggin.
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What's On
Jay Pearse: The Most Easterly Point
Until 9 April, Lismore
The Most Easterly Point is an exhibition of paintings by Jay Pearse reflecting
her own backyard landscape of Byron Bay and the more personal adjustments
that she has faced after the death of her husband of thirty-six years.
The works present a personal metaphor for the emotional and psychological
challenges that the artist has faced in making a transition from a state
of fear and hesitation to one of acceptance and resolve. Pearse steers clear of clichéd images
of the much loved tourist spot of Byron Bay. She has sought to truly understand
the complexities of this sublime landscape and why it holds particular
significance to her at this point in her life. At Lismore Regional Gallery,
131 Molesworth St. Tel 02 6622 2209 Email artgallery@lismore.nsw.gov.au Website www.lismoregallery.org
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Sanja Pahoki exhibition
Until 23 April, Lismore
Sanja Pahoki is a Melbourne-based artist who uses neon, text and stick-figures
to make observations drawn from everyday life. Self, identity and anxiety
have been among her recurring existential themes. Pahoki’s
three artworks The answer to all my problems, Hello and Bang Head are on display at three separate locations at Lismore Regional Gallery.
The works comment on our continuous efforts to keep it together when something
deep inside might be coming unstuck. Her witty insights comfort with
a knowledge that we are not alone in those everyday battles we have against
losing it. At Lismore Regional Gallery, 131 Molesworth St. Tel 02 6622 2209
Email artgallery@lismore.nsw.gov.au Website www.lismoregallery.org
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East Winds
Until 5 May, Gulgong
Curated by Mitsou Shoji, emerging ceramicists from neighbouring Asian countries unite to share their talents with East Winds, including artists Anna Choi, Kwirak Choung, Won Seok Kim, Takeaki Totsuka, Yi-Hui Wang and Ken Yonetani. “The significance of this exhibition is offering the opportunity to young emerging Asian ceramists to show off their creative talents,” Shoji said. The Australian ceramics scene has been strongly influenced by these neighbouring Asian countries since the conclusion of World War Two. Their arrival was followed by a wave of philosophy, innovative concepts and skills and a continued injection of diversity into Australian ceramic practice. Of note are Ken Yonetani’s sculptural works based on imagery of the sea: bleached coral and sea creatures translated into delicate porcelain forms. At Cudgegong Gallery, 102 Herbert St. Tel 02 6374 1630 Website www.cudgegonggallery.com.au
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Bobby Flynn & The Omega 3
4 April, Bangalow
In 2007, Bobby Flynn & The Omega 3 played 52 shows on the road before recording their debut album Out Front in Byron Bay. The band are back on the road and are bringing their live show to Bangalow with special guests Dan Parsons and Cheynne Murphy. Bobby Flynn is a pop explorer mining emotion, confounding critics, and delivering a thrilling collection
of genre-busting songs. His musical journey started
in Brisbane, where he wrote his first song at 11 years old. Over the next decade,
Bobby developed his songwriting skills, travelling the world, meeting
people, and exploring ideas. In 2006 was a finalist on Australian Idol, and ended up on
Who magazine's 'Most Intriguing People' list. After the Idol
experience, Bobby returned to his band, with whom he'd released
an EP in 2003. Out Front features 10 originals and a cover. Presented by Ku Promotions, starts 7.30pm at A&I
Hall. Tickets $22/$25 Tel 1300 762 545 Website www.oztix.com.au Website www.bobbyflynn.com
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Oracles of the Bush
4 – 6 April, Tenterfield
A three day cultural event
encompassing live performance of Australian bush poetry, music and art.
This year's festivities will begin with the poets breakfast, followed
by a children’s concert at the School of Arts; an exhibition of art
inspired by poetry; the first heat of the Looming Legends competition;
and a display of early paintings of Tenterfield at the Centenary Museum.
The evening event is the Tenterfield Star 'Bling in the Bush', with a
dinner and dance at the Soldier Memorial Hall. On the Saturday there will be a choice of
three poet’s breakfasts; markets at the Railway Station
Museum; and Verse in the
Vineyards. The signature
event is the Tenterfield Tourism Poets Concert, staged at the Soldier
Memorial Hall, featuring Bob Magor, Marion Fitzgerald, Dave Proust, Bill
Kearns, Matt Manning as well as the Junior Looming Legend contest. Full program online. Website www.oraclesofthebush.com
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Sydney Travelling Film Festival
4 – 6
April, Dubbo
The Sydney Travelling Film Festival returns to Dubbo
with a dynamic program packed with award winners and film festival
favourites. Opening with a celebration of Australian cinema featuring
NT short film Crocodile Dreaming starring David Gulpilil, and the
stunning new film from Lawrence Johnston, Night. Lawrence will be in Dubbo
to introduce his film and take questions from the audience. Youth week will be celebrated with
a sporting charmer Chak De! India starring Shah Rukh Khan that
will have the whole family cheering plus an Academy Award®-nominated
feature Away from Her from a first time filmmaker in her mid-twenties.
With a
riveting doco set on the high seas, a gorgeous period drama from China,
a trip to Transylvania with Romany gypsies,
a meditation on the many shades of Bob Dylan and a French double bill
to close, this year's program has something for everyone. At Reading Cinemas, 49 Macquarie St. Bookings Tel 02 6881 8600
Website www.sydneyfilmfestival.org/travelling
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Big Screen Australian Film Festival
4 – 6
April, Yamba
Now in its eighth year, the Big Screen festival brings programs of contemporary and classic Australian films to regional, rural and remote Australian communities. First launched in 2001 as a Centenary of Federation project, the festival has played to close to 140,000 Australians in more than 50 towns. In Yamba, there will be a chance to meet Wendy Hughes, the star of Careful He Might Hear You and Return to Eden at the NSW premiere of her new film, The View From Greenhaven Drive. There will be a fantastic double bill with My Brilliant Career and The Man Who Sued God. Free school screenings will include Dr Plonk and The Caterpillar Wish. Our Town and short films by local Indigenous filmmakers will be screened, along with a special family screening of Elephant Tales. Full program details online. Website http://bigscreen.afc.gov.au
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Tim Moorehead: Second Skin
5 April – 1 June, Dubbo
Tim Moorhead's latest exhibition celebrates working forty years in the land down under. Tim migrated
to Australia in 1968 and has exhibited in both Australia and overseas. Second Skin is a new series of paintings, prints and ceramics celebrating
the Australian way of life, the annual summer holiday and the simple pure
pleasure of being close to the sun and the surf. Australian
writer Donald Horne once referred to it as 'the annual changing of
the skin.' Tim Moorhead says, "More than skin deep, the warmth
of the coastal sun transforms people. Like giant translucent caterpillars
they soak up its warm rays to shed their clothes along with inhibitions.
Donning anonymity behind their sunnies they change into bright glary costumes
and the transformation is complete." At Western Plains Culural Centre, 76 Wingewarra St. Tel 02 6801 4444
Email info@wpccdubbo.org.au Website www.wpccdubbo.org.au
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Condobolin Aboriginal Family History Photo Project
7 – 11 April, Condobolin
Over 400 photos have been collected for this community storytelling and exhibition project. Families
will add to the stories of the photos over the week creating a strong oral history project for the
Condobolin community. Come and see a piece of Australia’s history previously forgotten.
Western Plains Regional Development, 18 William St Condobolin. Tel 02 6895 3301
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Festival of the Western Winds
11 – 13 April, Orange
Clarinetist Murray Khouri directs this festival celebrating woodwind chamber music, 3 concerts of the
best music for wind instruments: Mozart, Bach, Beethoven & Richard Strauss.
Friday April 11, 7.30pm. Saturday April 12, 7.30pm. Sunday April 13, 2.30pm at Orange Regional Conservatorium, 73A Hill St Orange. Contact the Conservatorium for further detials.
Tel 02 6361 7974 Website www.orangecon.org.au
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Kedamaian
12 April – 3
May, Byron Bay
An international exhibition for peace including Lennox Head artist, Anna
Niblic Heggie. Joining forces with Canadian artist Sandra Phillips and
Indonesian artist, Muhammad Bundhowi in an exhibition for global peace,
understanding and acceptance, Kedamaian was first shown in 2006
in Toronto. In 2007 it toured to The Rudana Museum in Bali for a magnificent
Opening with over 600 seated guests and great critiques. In Australia,
the exhibition will show at The Still, at The Centre Gallery (the old
Waywood Gallery), 3 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay. Indonesian artist Pak
Bundhowi will be arriving in early April to conduct workshops with local
artist Anna Niblic Heggie. Contact the gallery for details.
Tel 02 6685 5808
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The Bird
13 April, Coorabell
Over the last 10 years The Bird have established a solid reputation as one of Australia’s finest live electronic dance outfits, and in the studio have continued to push musical boundaries. Birdville Sessions is the latest release from this dynamic group. As musicians, The Bird have sought an organic interpretation of computer-generated forms of music, combing live drumnbass breakbeats and electro synth lines, with sounds from the Asian Underground, and some serious dub vibes. The Birds' music is a journey through these numerous influences and stylistics, executed in a funkafied soulful electronica sound that is their trademark style. At Coorabell Hall, 8.00pm. Tickets $18/$15 at the door. Presented by Ku Promotions. Website www.thebirdweb.com
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Inside: Dark and Light
15 - 26 April, Moruya
Deua River artist and winner of the 2006 Basil Sellers Art Prize People’s Choice Award, Keedah Throssell is presenting her exquisitely executed, sensitive and at times humorous exploration of a variety of subjects. The exhibition includes wearable art and handmade books, using a diverse range of media – collograph, beeswax encaustics, felt silk and charcoal. At the Mechanics Institute, Page St, Moruya. Contact Monika McInerney, Eurobodalla Shire Council Tel 02 4474 1061
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WWII POW film premiere in Cowra
19 April, Cowra
Broken Sun is a moving film about the lingering emotional and mental
impacts of War. The young Australian producers are proud to be screening their film for the first time
at Cowra as Broken Sun looks at the tragic effects of War on the ordinary men who survive it, based
on the events of the Cowra Breakout of 1944. The majority of the film is set in rural Australia, and it
is here that the two main characters meet – Jack, a WWI Veteran, now living in isolation and fighting
the demons of his War experience, and Masaru, an escaped Japanese WWII POW. The cast and crew
spent 6 weeks shooting the film in rural Holbrook NSW.
Tickets for the opening night, Saturday 19 April 7.15pm will be on sale at the Cowra Visitor’s Centre.
The film will also tour to Young, Holbrook, Queanbeyan, Gundagai, Glenbrook, Orange, Wagga
Wagga, Goulburn, Parkes, Bowral, Bathurst and Katoomba. Website www.brokensunfilm.com
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Cowra Artz Fest
20 April, Cowra
A day celebrating the arts and crafts of Cowra. Sample the best of Cowra including performances and
displays by Cowra Musical & Dramatic Society, Cowra Vocal Ensemble, Cowra Antique Vehicle Club,
Cowra Art Group, Cowra Singers, Carpenter School of Dance, Cowra Italy Friendship Association,
Torsion Youth Choreographic Ensemble, Australian Chapter of the World Peace Bell Association,
Cowra Eisteddfod, Cowra Ballet School, Cowra Library.
Cowra Civic Centre. Contact Cowra Council Tel 02 6340 2069
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The Spooky Men’s Chorale
22 April, Bangalow
Genial buffoonery and immaculate, testosterone drenched vocals define the Spooky Men's Chorale, a ruthless bunch of larrikins led by Stephen Taberner, double bassist/songwriter in another life. With a sound as warm and grainy as a slab of teak, the Spooky Men give equally loving attention to ancient Georgian table songs, tawdry anthems like Don't Stand Between a Man and his Tool, and the odd ballad of terrifying beauty.
The repertoire is largely inspired by the pointless grandeur of everyday maleness, in the shower, in the shed and after breakfast. Stage presence is imposing, black and foolishly statuesque, with a cunning taste in hats. At At A&I Hall, Bangalow. Tickets $20/$18 at the door. Starts 8.00pm. Presented by Ku Promotions. Website www.spookymen.com
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Katie Noonan, Elixir and The Flametree Quintet
24 April, Bangalow
Fresh from her triumphant national tour with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Katie Noonan will kick off the ANZAC day long weekend with a concert featuring music from her glorious solo album Skin and a fusion of unplugged pop, original jazz and classical music. Performed over two unique sets with Elixir and The Flametree Quintet. Presented by Linnaeus Estate and Ku Promotions. Tickets $25, from Barebones Artspace, Bangalow; Mullumbimby Book Shop; Murwillumbah Music; All Music and Vision, Ballina, Lismore & Byron Bay. At A & I Hall, Bangalow. Doors open 7.30 for show at 8.00pm. Website www.kupromotions.com.au
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Ironfest
25 – 27 April, Lithgow
Entitled Fusion, the 9th annual Lithgow District Ironfest is an arts festival with a metal edge,
featuring art exhibitions, medieval style music street performance, and infamous historical reenactments
including the Australasian World Jousting Tournament and a colonial battle re‐enactment
entitled ‘The Battle of Lithgow’ complete with cannons and cavalry. See blacksmithing
demonstrations, workshops, busking competitions, automotive displays, educational, historical and
technological displays. At Lithgow Showground. Contact Lithgow Visitor Centre for details. Tel 1300 760 276
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The Song Company: Utopia
26 April, Bathurst
U-topia or eu-topia: a ‘good’ place or a place of ‘nothingness’.
Utopia is The Song Company’s special take on perfection and its impossibility.
The program for Utopia ranges from Hildegarde of Bingen’s visions
of paradise through the musical egalitarianism of Bach’s Ricercare from the Musical Offering to contemporary views on paradise.
Nigel Butterley’s Paradise Unseen is inspired by Kathleen Rain’s
visionary poetry. Terry Riley’s In C is a classic
minimalist journey into Nirvana and is followed by John Lennon’s
hymn to pacifism Imagine. Works by Hildegarde, Alfonso X el Sabio, Josquin
Desprez, JS Bach, Butterley, Riley and Lennon. All Saint Cathedral, 6.30pm.
Bookings Tel 02 8272 9500 Website www.songcompany.com.au
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Groovin the Moo
26 April, Maitland
For the third installment of Groovin the Moo Maitland, Festival Promoters
have a stunningly diverse line up of musical talent and outstanding performers
to hit the stage. Sneaky Sound System, The Presets, The Herd, Spiderbait
,Gyroscope, Karnivool, Custom Kings, The Galvatrons, Little Red, Lover,
Sacred Stereos… and more to be announced. At Maitland Showground,
Blomfield Street, Maitland NSW. Tickets $79 + booking fee. This event
is presented by triple j, The Drum Media, MySpace and Cattleyard Promotions.
Tel 13 28 49 Website www.groovinthemoo.com
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Rock Up Battle of the Bands
April & May
Lithgow, Bathurst, Cowra, Orange, Condobolin, Dubbo
Rock Up in April and hear the best young bands from the central west. Heats are held through out the
region with winners doing battle in Orange in May.
The local bands involved include Altitude, Abduction, Dead Modern, Sacrificial Genocide, Six, Fallen Sins, and Blue Harvest. “The Rock Up Committee has been working very hard to ensure this year’s event is going to be bigger and better than ever…The competition gives local bands a chance to perform, as well as providing some fantastic live entertainment for young people in the community,” Dubbo City Council’s Youth Development Officer Chris Bartlett said. A Youth Week event supported by Music NSW’s Indent program. Details online. Website www.myspace.com/drrockup
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Lots more What's On listings!
Needless to say, this is just a small sample of the huge number of arts and cultural
events in regional and rural New South Wales this month. A number of Regional
Arts Boards publish their own regional what's on listings which are available
either on their websites or by (free) subscription:
Albury Wodonga – Murray Arts'
The Fridge at www.thefridge.org.au
Central West – Arts OutWest's
What's On at www.artsoutwest.org.au
Eastern Riverina – Eastern
Riverina Arts Program's e-Bulletin available on request by email
Far West – Outback
Arts’ monthly e-bulletin at www.outbackarts.com.au
Mid North Coast – Arts Mid
North Coast's e-Bulletin at www.artsmidnorthcoast.org
Northern Rivers – Arts Northern Rivers e-Bulletin available on request by email.
Also signature event listings at www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au
North West – Arts North West
What's On listings at www.artsnw.com.au
Orana – Orana Arts' e-Bulletin available at www.oranaarts.com
South East – South East Arts
Region (SEAR) Calendar available in PDF at www.sear.org.au
Southern Tablelands – Southern Tablelands Arts
(STARTS) e-Bulletin available on request by email
Upper Hunter – Arts Upper Hunter's bi-monthly
newsletter, ArtsBark, available on request by email
South West – South West Arts bi-monthly e-bulletin available on request by email
More information about the Regional Arts Board network on the Regional Arts
NSW website here.
More What's On listings around the ACT
Canberra Arts Marketing publishes a fabulous free fortnightly Arts Around Canberra
newsletter in PDF which is available by subscription or on their website here.
They also publish a Kids newsletter and the Arts Around Canberra website which
is full of things to do and see in the Capital region. Check it out here
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Seminars, Workshops + Training
The Carcoar Art Experience
5 – 6 April, Carcour
A weekend workshop with renowned abstract artist Peter Griffen. Griffen is influenced as much by the classical painting of the Renaissance as by the serendipity of abstract expressionism.
Indigenous art from different parts of the world and its relationship to the natural landscape influence his work, producing powerful abstract images that speak from the past. Various techniques will be taught including impasto, glazing, washes, collage, splashing, scraping, and others are demonstrated, with experimentation encouraged. Suitable for beginners & artists alike. A wonderful opportunity to explore abstraction & this beautiful historic village in the Central West of NSW. Cost $270. Booking essential as numbers are limited. Contact Jane & Andrew Baulch Tel 02 6367 3290 Email janeybj@optusnet.com.au
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Felting workshop
6 April, Moruya
Calling all budding felters! Eurobodalla Fibre and Textile Arts Group (EFTAG) is presenting a beginner's felting workshop with experienced felter Jenny Judd. At the Dr Mackay Centre, Page St Moruya, from 10.00am – 3.00pm. Cost $50 plus materials. Morning & Afternoon tea provided. BYO Lunch. The workshop is open to all and numbers are limited so please get your booking with a $20 deposit in to: EFTAG, c/o PO Box 35, Moruya, NSW 2537. Contact Mischi Tel 02 4473 8982 Email seaeagle8@bigpond.com
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The Lieder Youth Theatre Company:
3rd Gathering
11 – 13 April, Goulburn
A weekend of theatre workshops, networking and parties for regional
youth interested in the performing arts. Workshops include: acting and
improvisation, voice, commedia, physical theatre, stage combat &
circus stuff, yoga, script analysis, sharing our ideas & knowledge
about theatre, warm up games and more. Tutors include Pip Buining (CYT),
Judith Boyd (LTC), Meredith Jacobs, Jonathan Hardy, Pauline J Mullen
and Chrisjohn Hancock. Any young
person (between 13 – 20 yrs) or youth theatre group interested
in the performing arts can attend with a maximum of 8 persons from each
group. Accommodation, meals and travel assistance will be provided. At the Lieder Theatre, 52 Goldsmith St
For more information and registration forms contact Chrisjohn Hancock
Tel 02 4821 5066 Email lieder@goulburn.net.au
Closing 4 April
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Ceramics forum
12 April, Dubbo
To coincide with Australian Ceramic Stories at the Western Plains
Cultural Centre, a one day forum will be held to further explore the
theme and extend dialogue from two previous Ceramic conferences: verge
in Brisbane in 2006 and ClayEdge at Gulgong in 2007. The keynote speaker
will be Canadian ceramic artist & writer, Matthias
Ostermann. Other speakers include Dr Janet Mansfield OAM,
Ceramic Artist & Publisher, President International Academy of Ceramics
(Geneva); Megan Martin, Curator
and Head Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection Historic
Houses Trust of NSW; Janet DeBoos,
Ceramic Artist & Head of Ceramics Workshop, ANU together with ACS
exhibiting artists Vipoo Srivilasa, Louise
Boscacci, Gerry Wedd, and Gudrun Klix, Research Fellow, Honorary Senior
Lecturer, Ceramics, University of
Sydney. At WPCC, 76 Wingewarra St. Contact Brigette Leece, Tel 02 6801 4430
Email info@wpccdubbo.org.au Website www.wpccdubbo.org.au
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Hip-hop workshops
14 – 18 April, Nowra
As part of the Bundanon's 15th birthday celebrations, indigenous rapper and hip hop performer WireMC will be holding free hip hop workshops. Participants will learn how to knock up a beat and make a loop, lyric writing, performance skills, beat boxing, and production values. By the end of the workshops each participant will be able to write a song, perform it, record it, and take it home. They'll have the chance to show off what they've learned in the workshop area with WireMC at Bundanon's celebrations on Sunday 20 April at the Boyd Education Centre, Riversdale. Workshops will be held at Nowra Youth Centre, 132 Kinghorne St. Contact Lynelle Johnson Tel 02 4421 6342
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Mythmaking and Beyond - writing workshop
19 April, Wagga Wagga
Writers make myths from their own experiences. They talk with gods and legends, landscapes and locations, creating something extraordinary out of the ordinary, from laconic conversations and ballads to everyday free verse. This workshop will provide participants with new stimuli for writing and will focus on editing skills when shaping your own work. All your need to bring is paper, pens and your imagination. David Gilbey is Senior Lecturer in Literature and Creative Writing at Charles Sturt University and the founding President of Wagga Wagga Writers Writers, as well as a poet. Involved with a variety of arts groups in the community, he has been known to tread the boards and impersonate well-known public figures. At Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, E3 Art Space, 10.00am to 12.00pm. Cost $10. Contact Linda Elliott for bookings. Tel 02 6926 9660 Email elliott.linda@wagga.nsw.gov.au
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Photopolymer printmaking workshop
19 – 20 April, Broken Hill
Explore the versatility of printmaking with polymer plates with renowned South Austrlian printmaker Dianne Longley. Relief and intaglio processes will be covered, offering a safe alternative to etching plates with acids. Create prints fom hand drawn images, photocopy transparencies, digital film positives and negatives. Cost $60. Materials supplied. At Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, 10am - 5pm. 404-408 Argent St, Broken Hill. Tel 08 8030 3440
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Classical singing masterclass with
Stephen Bennett
27 April, Moruya
Senior Lecturer at Canberra School of Music, Australian National University
and long time principal with Opera Australia, Stephen Bennett will be
presenting a master class for students of classical singing. Audience
members are most welcome. From 2pm - 5pm. Audience: $10/$5. At the Mechanics
Institute, Page St Moruya. For further information, contact Sarah Shalders,
Director of Eurobodalla Children’s Choir. Tel 02 4474 4751
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Business Planning: a Creative Volunteering workshop
28 April, Taree
A workshop for community groups, arts workers and volunteers. The Creative Volunteering ‘Carry Out Business Planning' workshop is part of a national initiative of Regional Arts Australia to support arts and cultural development in regional areas with accredited training for organisations and volunteers. The workshop will cover the key areas of how to contribute to planning and management for regional not-for-profit and cultural organisations. Participants will look at where their organisation is now, where they want to be and how to get there; and draft the key elements of a business plan. Cost: $25 includes workbook and lunch. 9.30am - 4pm. Venue TBC. To enrol, contact Regional Arts NSW or download an enrolment form online. Tel 02 9270 2509 Email admin@regionalartsnsw.com.au Website www.regionalartsnsw.com.au
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Experimenta: media art curating forum
8 May, Sydney
Media art: video installations, interactive artworks and web-based art are now part of mainstream contemporary visual arts and are continually growing in popularity. The question of how media artworks should be programmed into exhibitions and added to collections is one still being asked by regional gallery, museum and library professionals. The forum is for public gallery, museum and library directors and staff, volunteers, artists, independent curators, arts educators and students. Topics will include an overview of contemporary media art; exhibition design and presentation; technical/equipment requirements; maintenance and logistics; installation; invigilation; and audiences. Free admission. From 2pm - 5pm at CarriageWorks,
245 Wilson St Eveleigh. Refreshments provided. Bookings essential.
Tel 02 8571 9111 Email admin@performancespace.com.au Website www.experimenta.org
Experimenta is an initiative of the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council, assisted by the Visual Arts and Craft
Strategy.
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Speak Up: Arts and Disability Action Strategy
16 May, Moruya
Arts and disability organisations as well as interested individuals are invited to Speak Up. Accessible Arts wants to hear from regional communities to find out what the gaps are in services and opportunities for people with a disability in the arts. What do you need in your community? Some of the core needs include: greater affordability of arts opportunities; better transport to arts venues and events; better physical access to venues and events; more arts facilities and venues; more opportunities for training, mentoring and employment in the arts industry; more opportunities for people with a disability to get involved in local networks; stronger relationships between disability and arts organisations; better attitudes towards disability issues in the arts. At Moruya Showgrounds Meeting Room. Wheelchair access available. Contact Alison McLaren Tel 02 9251 6499 (ext. 6) Email amclaren@aarts.net.au Website www.aarts.net.au
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Residential tango retreats
22 – 26 & 27 – 29 June June, Murwillumbah
Sense the Tango residential tango retreats offer the opportunity to go beyond the normal level of Argentine Tango teaching. The intensive, live-in model allows us to deliver skills that support dancers becoming as good as they can be, including skills that improve dance fitness. At Gunnebah Retreat Centre, Murwillumbah. The 4-day retreat is $1197 per person; weekend retreat $597, including all meals and accommodation. Further details online. Website www.sensethetango.com
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Opportunities
Sculpure by the Sea
Artists are invited to submit proposals or completed works for pre-selection
in the 12th annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, to be held from 16 October - 2 November 2008. Sculpture by the Sea is staged on the spectacular 2km Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk in Sydney.
The exhibition sites over 100 sculpures from Australian and overseas
artists over 3 weeks for an estimated 500,000 visitors and generates
significant sculpture sales. All types, forms and sizes of sculpture
in all materials are eligible for entry. When submitting works artists
need to consider safety, ease of installation and removal, the
environment and the ability of their work to withstand sun, extremely
strong wind, rain, salt spray and playful children. Financial ssistance is
available to all artists. Full details online. Tel 02 8399 0233 Email info@sculpturebythesea.com Website www.sculpturebythesea.com
Closing 7 April
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ArtsHealth Symposium
8 – 9 October,
Newcastle
Interested scholars and practitioners are invited to submit abstracts of 300 words for 20-minute papers responding to the following themes: reflections on arts and health; practice as research: the arts health perspective; medical humanities and ethics; and art and critical thinking in the community.
Associate Professor Graeme Sullivan from Columbia University is a keynote speaker with others to be announced soon. In response to Reflections on Arts and Health, the Steering Committee especially welcomes proposals that address 'Revealing the Body' and 'Healing Arts.'
300 word abstracts for a 20 minute paper with a 200 word biography should be forwarded to Catherine Oddie. Accepted papers will be blind peer-reviewed and published in the second edition of the ArtsHealth e-journal in 2009. Email catherine.oddie@newcastle.edu.au
Website www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/artshealth/
Closing 30 May
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Short+Sweet: scripts for children's theatre
Short+Sweet organisation
are seeking submiccions for new scripts for children's plays, no longer than ten minutes in
performance length, suitable for audiences of 4-8 or 8-12 year olds. The plan is to mount a proffessional children's production in 2009.
We are negociating with a significant proffessional venue in Sydney
as well as the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore for potential
production slots. Writers
interested in submitting must contact Suzanne Hauser, co-ordinator, for a copy of the submission guidelines. Email suzanne@shortandsweet.org
Closing 16 June
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Employment
AlburyCity Council | Learning & Outreach Officer
Salary $40,461 - $44,455, Albury
This position will work as a team member to undertake the development of a range of innovative and relevant public and educational programs for AlburyCity’s cultural facilities. The position will also collaborate with members of the Cultural Programs team to develop and implement cross cultural facility programming, and a range of public and education programs specifically related to exhibitions. Assist in the provision of quality information and customer service. Full position and application details online. Contact
Erika Balla-Harper,
Learning and Outreach Co-ordinator. Tel 02 6023 8349 Website www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/employment
Closing 4 April
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South East Arts Region (SEAR) | Project Officer
Salary $40,000 pro rata, Moruya
A Project Officer with experience in project management,
co-ordination or delivery in arts or community cultural development
projects is required for South East Arts Region based in Eurobodalla
Shire Council offices, Moruya. Experience in working with communities
and volunteers is essential, as well as computer literacy, excellent
oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills
and the ability to prioritise competing workloads. The position
is 3 days a week for an initial 7 month term. The Project Officer will be responsible for increasing
the service and profile of SEAR in Eurobodalla
Shire through the delivery of specific cultural projects. The Project
Officer will work closely with the other staff of SEAR and the Community
Arts Officer of Eurobodalla Shire Council to provide advice and
assistance to local government and arts and cultural industry organisations
in the region. Full position description and application details
available online. Website http://thebegavalley.org.au/11992.html
Closing 4 April
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Arts Northern Rivers | Communications & Arts Devt. Officer
Salary $546/3 day week, Alstoneville
Arts Northern Rivers Inc seeks a Communications and Arts Development Officer to work 3 days per week in its Alstonville office. Salary for 3 day week: $28, 392 ($546/wk) + leave loading + super.
Applicants must address selection criteria, available with position description by email. Tel 02 6628 8120 Email info@artsnorthernrivers.com.au Website http://artsnorthernrivers.com.au/
Closing 11 April
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NAVA | Indigenous Art Code Manager
Salary not stated, Sydney
This position is to manage the continued development and implementation of the Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct, a national industry code of standards for the commercial relationships between Indigenous visual artists and the marketplace. The position is funded as a designated Indigenous position with the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) office in Sydney. Websitee www.visualarts.net.au/newsdesk
Closing 14 April
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Grants, Fellowships + Residencies
Bundanon | residency for artisit with
a disability
Accessible Arts in partnership with the Bundanon Trust are providing
an artist in residency opportunity for a NSW artist with a disability.
Artists practicing in the visual arts, design, digital technologies,
film, literature, dance and theatre are eligible to apply. The successful
applicant will undertake the residency in November 2008 and receive
a $3,000 stipend. As a gift to the Australian people, Arthur Boyd’s
vision for Bundanon was to provide an inspirational haven for artists
at all stages of their career. Contact Josie Cavallaro, Arts
Development Officer. Tel 02 9251 6499 Email cavallaro@aarts.net.au Website www.aarts.net.au
Closing 18 April
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MGNSW | Volunteer Initiated Museum Grants
The Museums & Galleries NSW Volunteer-Initiated Museum (VIM) Grant Program inlcudes three grants: Leg Ups – Skill Development Grants (matched funding up to $500); VIM Small Grants (funding up to $1,500); and VIM Skills Initiatives Grants (funding up to $5,000). Recent previous rounds of VIM Small Grants have funded volunteer museum projects including the purchase of computer cataloguing software, exhibition mannequins and display cases, promotional banners and blinds, significance training, an interpretation plan and archival storage items. The Leg Ups & VIM Skills Initiative Grants can be applied for year round until all funds are expended. Contact Megan Barham, Sector Development Coordinator Tel 02 9339 9913 Email meganb@mgnsw.org.au Website www.mgnsw.org.au
Closing 18 April
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FTO | Digital Visual FX Scheme
The DFX Scheme was established in 1998 to provide on-the-job skills development opportunities in the digital fx industry. Through the scheme, the FTO provides subsidies to leading NSW digital effects companies to employ digital artists for six-month traineeships. There is one application deadline per year, with up to 5 trainees placed annually. Guidelines, application forms and full details online. Contact Valerie Allerton, Coordinator YFF & Digital FX Tel 02 9264 6400 Email allertonv@fto.nsw.gov.au Website www.fto.nsw.gov.au/fund.asp?id=54
Closing 12 May
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OzCo Dance | New Work
New work grants aim to encourage artists to take the time to develop a
work over the course of its life cycle, and can be used for one or more
development stages of the one work. Individual artists, companies and
other organisations are welcome to apply. Applicants must meet the general
eligibility requirements. Applications will be assessed according to the
following selection criteria: artistic innovation with a creative rationale;
artistic or professional skills appropriate to the activity; the benefit
of the activity; audience development potential; good planning and effective
use of resources; contribution to the cultural diversity of Australian
dance. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 15 May
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NAVA | Marketing grant for NSW artists
The Marketing Grant for NSW Artists has been initiated by NAVA with funds made available from Arts NSW. The aim is to assist professional visual artists and craftspeople in NSW to effectively promote and market their work throughout NSW, interstate and overseas through creative and cost effective marketing initiatives and campaigns. Funds are intended to assist directly with the costs associated with the development and implementation of a Marketing Plan, for example, the preparation and distribution of a portfolio, conducting market research, building contacts, creating and maintaining a database, establishing a website or undertaking publicity that may or may not be in relation to an exhibition. Grants up to $1,250 are available to individuals; up to $2,500 available to groups. Individuals and groups are eligible for one grant only from this scheme in any 12 month period. Full details online. Website www.visualarts.net.au/grantsprizes/marketing
Closing 15 May
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OzCo Literature | Writers' emeritus award
The writers’ emeritus award acknowledges the achievements of eminent
literary writers over the age of 65 who have made outstanding and lifelong
contributions to Australian literature. This award is open to writers
over the age of 65 who must be nominated by other people. Writers may
not nominate themselves. Nominated writers must have produced a critically
acclaimed body of work over a long creative life. Nominators must give
evidence that the maximum annual income of the nominated writer is less
than $40,000, averaged over the past three financial years. Nominations
must demonstrate the: literary eminence and importance of previous work,
and financial situation of the nominated writer. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 15 May
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OzCo Literature | New Work
New work funding is available for living allowances and/or assistance
with travel and research costs associated with the preparation and writing
of nominated projects. Applications will be accepted in the following
genres only: fiction; literary non-fiction (defined by the literature
board as autobiography, biography, essays, histories, literary criticism
or analytical prose); children’s and young adult literature; poetry;
writing for performance or new media. The translation of literary work
is not an eligible project under new work. This category is open to individuals
only. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 15 May
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OzCo Literature | Fellowships
Fellowship grants support excellence in Australian literature by providing
highly accomplished literary writers with financial support for two years
to enable them to create new work. Amount $50,000 per year for two years. Applications
will only be accepted from individuals who have had a minimum of five
major works published or performed and have achieved substantial critical
recognition. Nominated projects must be in the following literary genres:
fiction; literary non-fiction (defined by the literature board as autobiography,
biography, essays, histories, literary criticism or other analytical prose);
children’s and young adult literature; poetry; writing for performance
or new media. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 15 May
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OzCo Music | Program grant
Program grants provide funding for a limited number of dynamic organisations
with a track record of achievement in presentation, service delivery,
youth training or other relevant areas. Eligible organisations will be
considered on their merits each year to ensure that new and vibrant organisations
have access to operational funding for a one-year period. This category
is open to legally constituted organisations only. Applications will be
selected that best demonstrate: artistic merit and/or the quality of the
services provided; direct benefits to artists and the artform; a high
level of artistic skills or other professional skills appropriate to the
activities; good planning and effective use of resources, including an
achievable annual operational plan covering artistic, financial and governance
matters. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 15 May
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OzCo Music | International residency at Cité
Internationale des Arts, Paris
This three-month residency at the Australia Council’s studio at the
Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris provides a professional music
artist or artsworker the chance to undertake a period of professional
development. The residency must occur in the period 19 January to 20 April
2009. Applicants will be given early advice regarding the funding outcome
(August). Amount $10,000. This amount may be used for costs associated
with airfares, living expenses and sundries. This category is open to
individuals. Applications will be selected that best demonstrate: the
calibre of the people involved; the quality of the skills development
opportunity; the relevance of the opportunity to the individual’s
professional development; good planning and effective use of resources.
Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 15 May
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OzCo Music | ABC national radiophonic residency
This is a six-month residency for media artists with ABC Radio National
in Sydney to commence in April 2009. Part of the residency may take place
in ABC studios in other states or territories. This residency provides
resources for artists to work in a broadcasting environment. Artists do
not need to have experience in broadcasting, though proposals must include
an outcome suitable for broadcasting. Additional outcomes may include
installation and/or performance. Amount: up to $35,000, comprising $20,000
with an additional amount up to $10,000 for accommodation and travel for
non-Sydney residents and an additional $5,000 for public outcomes. This
category is open to individuals. An application will be selected that
best demonstrates: artistic merit, including the quality of the artist(s)
and their ability to participate in consultation and collaboration; direct
benefits to the artist and the host organisation; good planning and effective
use of resources. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
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Awards + Prizes
National Awards for Excellence in School Music Education
This award aims to recognise music teachers and school leaders for their
exceptional contribution to enhancing the status and quality of music
education in their schools. There will be up to eleven teacher awards
and up to two school leader Awards. Each recipient will
receive a certificate and a cheque for $5,000, which is intended to
be used to further their professional learning related to music education.
The application requires a nomination cover sheet; nomination statement
(up to two A4 pages, written by nominator or nominee); supporting statement
(up to one A4 page, written by principal). Full details, guidelines,
and nomination forms available online. Website http://musicawards.asme.edu.au/
Closing 8 April
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Co-op Bookshop | stArt ’08
stArt is a Co-op Bookshop initiative that promotes and profiles student
artists and designers and their work in print and online. The winning
designs will be printed as an edition of greeting cards, exhibited online
and at participating venues, and distributed throughout the Co-op Bookshop’s
40 stores. 2008 stArt Award categories are: fine arts (including painting,
drawing, printmaking, intermedia); photomedia; digital media (including
graphic design and illustration) and anything creative that’s
able to be printed. stArt invites all student artists currently enrolled
in art and design courses Australia wide to submit new work in all 2-D
printable forms. Winners receive a $200 Co-op Bookshop
voucher, and will have their work published as a greeting card, exhibited online
and at participating venues. Terms
and conditions, and submission details online. Email studentart@coop-bookshop.com.au Website www.studentart.com.au
Closing 11 April
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Building Resilience: digital & photographic art competition
The Mental Health Association NSW Inc are launching a digital and photographic art competition to be held annually with the aim of using winning entries in state-wide mental health promotion campaigns. Building resilience is about developing individual strengths and abilities to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. Entries must be based around the competition theme of 'Be Accepting', within the context of the 3 year Mental Health Week strategy of 'Building Resilience'. Artworks which are conceptual rather than literal illustrations of the theme will be considered highly. The image needs to be positive. Artists should note that the focus of Mental Health Week is mental health and wellbeing rather than mental illness. The winning entrant will receive a cash prize of $800, with a total up to $1200 available.
Guidelines and entry forms online. Contact
Nataly Bovopoulos Tel 02 9339 6008 Email nbovopoulos@mentalhealth.asn.au
Website www.mentalhealth.asn.au/campaigns/digital.htm
Closing 28 April
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Australian Museum Eureka Prize for science photography
What does science mean to you, and how might you capture this in a single photograph? The Eureka Prize for Science Photography is awarded to an Australian over the age of 17 for a single photograph taken in the past 2 years that most effectively communicates an aspect of science. First, second and third prize winners will win a share of $10,000. The definition of science is comprehensive and includes: the natural, physical, applied or life sciences (including agricultural sciences); environmental and biodiversity issues; flora and fauna; medicine; astronomy; information technology; technological innovation; engineering and health science; or work that addresses the social or economic consequences of science. Entries are encouraged from both amateur and professional photographers. Further information, judging criteria and conditions of entry online. Email eureka@austmus.gov.au Website www.australianmuseum.net.au/eureka
Closing 2 May
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FEHVA Portrait Prize
24 May, Bangalow
This year there will be two subjects and two portrait prizes: artist
and comedienne Mandy Nolan; and artist, sculptor and photographer Ken
Johnson wil sit for portraits. Artists will have the choice of painting
either Mandy or Ken or, if they wish, both at separate sittings with
places strictly limited to 25 artists per session. $500 will be awarded
to the winning portrait of each subject. The FEHVA 2008 portrait prize
will be staged on Saturday 24 May at the Bangalow A & I Hall. Full
details and entry forms online. Tel 02 6687 1623 Email fundraising@buttery.org.au Website www.fehva.com/
Closing 9 May
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Shirley Hannan National Portrait Awards
7 June – 5 July, Bega
Entries are now open for the 2008 Shirley Hannan National Portrait
Awards. This year's entries will be judged by Mr Paul Delprat, Principal
Julian Ashton Art School. Prize categories: Best Portrait painting in
any medium including pastel (but excluding sculpture, photography, digital
media or base relief) being a realistic depiction of a particular living
person. First prize $30,000, second prize $2,500, people's choice $500.
Entry forms and full details online. At Bega Valley Regional Gallery,
Zingel Place, Bega. Tel 02 6499 2187 |
