Highlights
Greg Salter: Sometime
1 - 18 May, Morpeth
An exhibition of sculptures made from recycled steel and engineering waste. A fantasy of animal, plant and human forms, Greg’s work revolves around his love of animals. He sees organic shapes in scraps of metal and other found objects. In this exhibition Greg creates a coalescence of animal forms, combining fish and mammal elements. The Maitland born artist concentrates on the animal form to create found-object assemblage art that is a visual pleasure to the viewer. Its statement lies in the individual characters of each piece, the crux that Greg strives for with his art "I like each piece to have a character, which is why I focus on figurative sculpture rather than abstraction. I don’t always have a choice in their character, but I work on them until they define themselves and who they are." At Greenway Gallery, 166 Swan St, Morpeth. Tel 02 4934 6411 Website www.sometime.com.au
Top of page
Flamenco Fire Sol De Otono
2 - 3 May, Lismore
5 - 6 May, Coffs Harbour
8 - 9 May, Bathurst
A collaboration of nine of Australia’s finest flamenco artists, Flamenco Fire features singers, dancers and musicians in a beautifully crafted spectacle. From festive dances to heart-wrenching songs, to fiery guitar ensemble pieces, Flamenco Fire reveals the flamenco art form in all its guises. Flamenco Fire’s newest production, Sol de Otoño, is an echo of the Autumn fiestas in Spain. A time of the wine harvest. A celebration of passion, light, culture, and tradition. Sol de Otoño will transport you to España...Olé! Directed by Andrew Veivers. For Lismore performance, contact NORPA Tel 02 6622 0300 Website www.norpa.org.au. Coffs Harbour, contact the Jetty Theatre Tel 02 6652 8088 Website www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au. Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Tel 02 6333 6161 Website www.bmec.com.au
Top of page
Shakespeare on Avon Festival 
16 - 17 May, Glouster
Glouster will celebrate all things Shakespeare with a weekend of theatre, stalls and entertainment. As part of the 10th Shakespeare on Avon festival, The Stray Dogs Theatre Company present Henry IV, Part 1. The production will be a shortened adaptation set in contemporary England: pacey, with high energy. The play has some of Shakespeare’s most powerful scenes and is one of his most popular plays. With battles and dastardly tricks, betrayals and plotting, bawdy comedy and game playing, love scenes and murders, it promises to bring full-blooded entertainment to the marquee at Gloucester. There will be a wide range of entertainment taking place over the weekend, with a traditional feast on Friday and Saturday nights. Wear your finest Elizabethan outfit to win a prize. Contact Gloucester Visitor Information Centre Tel 02 6558 1408 Email information@gloucester.nsw.gov.au
Website www.gloucester.org.au/shakespeare
Top of page
 Away
29 - 31 May, Bathurst
Presented by Charles Sturt University's Cycle Productions, Michael Gow’s award winning play Away is set in the summer of 1967. The action opens with a school production of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. This performance is the final event of the school year before the great annual migration of Australian families to the beach to celebrate the Christmas holidays. The happy facade of Christmas cheer belies a world of simmering tensions and the quietly borne suffering of two families. Comic relief is supplied through fellow campers, who are determined to remain true to the festive imperatives of the season. Away remains a favourite with audiences because we are taken on a transformative journey of emotional awakening. Performed and produced by final year BA Communication (Theatre/Media) students. Directed by Annabel Scholes. Tickets $21/$14. At Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, 105 William Street, Bathurst. Tel 02 6338 6161 Website www.bmec.com.au
Top of page
Sydney Travelling Film Festival at Byron Bay
30 May - 1 June, Byron Bay
Delivering the best in world cinema to the NSW North Coast, this year’s program serves up stories from China, India, the Czech Republic, Italy and France. The festival opens with a special screening of the glorious Night; the latest big screen adventure from award-winning director Lawrence Johnston. The festival program features a vibrant film of social conflict and brotherly love set in southern Italy in the turbulent 1960s and 1970s; a healthy serving of fish couscous and family politics in the award-winning The Secret of the Grain, a sporting charmer from India starring Shah Rukh Khan; Tommy Lee Jones in Paul Haggis’ Crash; a trip to Transylvania with Romanian gypsies from master filmmaker Tony Gatlif. The Czech Republic’s gorgeous capital features in two films; Prague starring Mads Mikkelsen, and the evocative Beauty in Trouble by Jan Hrebejk. Information on session times and tickets online. Website www.sydneyfilmfestival.org
Top of page
Regional Arts NSW News
Five new Quicks grants support regional artists
Regional Arts NSW has announced five new projects funded in the January to March 2008 quarter of the Quick Response grant program. All grants in this quarter were for professional development opportunities interstate and overseas, once again illustrating the tremendous value of this small grant program to professional artists working in regional communities. The Quick Response Grants program provides assistance for regional NSW artists, arts organisations and communities to take advantage of professional and project development opportunities that present themselves at short notice. The funds are provided through the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund which is administered by Regional Arts NSW in New South Wales.
- View the full list of grant recipients here
Top of page
New finance manager at Regional Arts NSW
Regional Arts NSW welcomes Palmarita D'Orazio in the position of Finance Manager. Palmarita started in late April, and has a very broad experience in financial accounting and statutory reporting. Previously, she was a senior financial accountant with Milton Corporation for ten years, and also worked as an accountant with AGL Comany. In the Regional Arts NSW office, Palmarita will manage all the finances, including the affiliated insurance, and the grant payments. She will be working part time, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and every second Friday.
Top of page
New project officer for South West Arts
South West Arts welcomes Marilyn Gourley, who recently started in the position of Project Officer. Marilyn has strong interest and experience in visual and performing arts, art education, historical and contemporary collections, and regional arts. Before joining South West Arts she was the Education Officer and Public Programs Officer for the Shepparton Art Gallery and Riverlinks Performing Arts centre.
Marilyn holds a HDTS SAC from Melbourne University and a Grad. Dip. of Museum Studies from Deakin University. In her role as project officer she will work with communities to develop, implement and promote arts and cultural projects, and to foster and encourage communities to integrate the arts into their lives.
Top of page
Farewell James
The Regional Arts NSW office farewelled James Wu during April. James has been the Finance Manager since December 2005, and has been a valued member of staff. During his time as Finance Manager, James negotiated the group insurance policy for Regional Arts NSW, and managed all the finances for the organisation, including the payments for the grants programs.
James has moved on to new ventures, and we wish him all the best.
Top of page
Other News
Deni's mosaic ute unveiled
Deni's public artwork TransmUTE was officially unvelied on 18 April by Elizabeth Rogers, CEO of Regional Arts NSW. Over the past three years, a dedicated group have worked with over 200 participants from the district to completely cover an old FB Holden ute with a mosaic tiles, depicting elements of the local landscape. Kate Butler, co organiser and creator of the project, is excited to see the mosaic ute completed. “This has been a huge undertaking but the result is a visually stunning work of art”. The ute is set to become a landmark icon of Deni. The TransmUTE mosaic design is a creative depiction of the local agricultural, created and natural landscapes. Design features include a summer sunset, the Edward River, river red gums, water droplets and leaves, the Hay Plains, hay bales, cereal crops, merino fleece, rice paddocks, road kill, the Milky Way, the iconic Deniliquin town sign, the Southern Cross and twelve different constellations. The completed project is now at its permanent home on the lawns at Peppin Heritage Centre, George St, Deniliquin.
Top of page
 Rural & Regional Taskforce report released
The Iemma Government has released the report issued by the Rural and Regional Taskforce. The Premier announced the establishment of a Rural and Regional Taskforce to examine and provide advice on key economic, environmental and social issues affecting rural and regional communities across NSW. The Taskforce was established to examine the profile of, and demographic trends in, individual rural and regional areas; examine the current and emerging factors driving changes in demand for, and the delivery of, services to rural and regional communities; and to identify potential actions to address current and emerging economic, environmental and social issues affecting rural and regional communities across NSW.
- Read the full report here
Top of page
New curator at Western Plains Cultural Centre
Adnan Begic has been appointed exhibitions officer/curator at Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo. During the mid 1990s Adnan worked as curator of an international university exchange exhibition project Sarajevo MCMXCIV, which was developed under the UNESCO patronage and has been included in the World Decade of Cultural Development Award Program. Adnan moved to Sydney in 2000 and studied university courses in exhibition management and curatorial practice and worked exclusively in the art and cultural development field. Working within curatorial, community arts and cultural development frameworks, Adnan was involved in cultural research, curatorial practice, and exhibition development, and delivery of more than 30 exhibitions and cultural events through diverse art forms. He has worked as curator for Blacktown Arts Centre, and worked with south-west Sydney communities, artists and institutions on mentorship, education, new media, and public art programs through SNAP! (Skills Navigation Arts Projects) developed through Arts NSW.
- Contact Western Plains Cultural Centre. Tel 02 6801 4444
Top of page
Australia 2020 Summit - Creative Australia
The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd convened the Australia 2020 Summit at Parliament House on 19 - 20 April to help shape a long term strategy for the nation’s future. The Summit brought together some of the best and brightest minds from across the country to tackle the long term challenges confronting Australia’s future – challenges which require long-term responses from the nation beyond the usual three year electoral cycle. To do this, the Government brought together over 1000 leading Australians to the national Parliament to debate and develop long-term options for the nation across 10 critical areas. The Summit included discussion and papers on Australia's creative future, in Towards a Creative Australia: the future of the arts, film and design. This paper and others are published on the website.
- Read the 2020 Summit papers here
Top of page
New appontments to the Australia Council
Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett has announced two new appointments to the Australia Council. Ms Rosalba Clemente has been appointed as Chair of the Theatre Board and Professor Brad Haseman as Community Interest Representative on the Australia Council. The Minister also announced the re-appointment of Dr Chris Sarra as Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rosalba Clemente as Chair of the Theatre Board and Professor Brad Haseman as Community Interest Representative. Ms Clemente has a wealth of experience in the arts and will provide strong leadership for the Australia Council’s Theatre Board. Professor Haseman is internationally recognised for his work in drama and arts education and will bring valuable expertise in arts practice issues in the broader community,” Mr Garrett said.
- Read the full media release here [PDF]
Top of page
Playing Australia – $3.1 million funding round announced
Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett has announced $3.1 million in Playing Australia grants to assist 17 performing arts companies to tour live performances around the country. “The $3.1 million in grants I have announced today will see 17 great productions tour the country, taking live performance into regional and remote areas and providing an opportunity for these communities to enjoy something they might not otherwise have the chance to see. “Productions that will tour the nation from this round of funding include traditional 19th century opera, multimedia theatre, dance with a Balinese influence, and a bilingual play performed in English and Pitjantjatjara. “Playing Australia performances are always met with enthusiasm because of their high standards and variety across a number of artforms,” Mr Garrett said. “As well as bringing a great cultural experience to the regional townships these touring performances visit, they also provide a welcome economic boost.” Mr Garrett said the 2008–09 Playing Australia funding would support some 190 weeks of employment for 184 arts workers.
- Read the full media release here [PDF]
Top of page
Australia Council launches innovative art project in Second Life 
Australia Council chairman James Strong AO has officially launched an exciting new artwork in the virtual world of Second Life, the result of a groundbreaking Australia Council for the Arts residency. The work Babelswarm is a real-time 3-D art project created by the Australia Council’s first Second Life artists-in-residence, writer Justin Clemens; visual artist Christopher Dodds; and musician/3-D real-time artist Adam Nash. The installation, a metaphor for the Tower of Babel, uses voice recognition software that converts the spoken word of real and virtual participants into 3-D letterform images in an evolving tower of words. The artwork is a simultaneous installation in Second Life and in a real world gallery, where visitors can be involved directly in its creation via a computer interface. The Australia Council supported the work through a $20,000 Second Life artist residency, the first time a government arts funding agency has supported a project on this virtual platform.
Top of page
Appointments to the Visions of Australia Committee
Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett, has announced the appointment of four new members to the Visions of Australia Committee. “I am pleased that Ms Margie West AM, Ms Helen Kon, Ms Christine Ballinger and Ms Amy Barrett-Lennard have each accepted a three-year term,” Mr Garrett said. “These new members of the committee bring a diverse range of skills to Visions of Australia and I am confident that they will help ensure continuing success for the organisation.”Visions of Australia supports not-for-profit organisations and public collecting institutions to develop and tour exhibitions of Australian cultural material across Australia. The Visions of Australia Committee’s role is to assess applications and make funding recommendations to the Minister. The Visions program makes a significant contribution to the cultural lives of Australians by providing them with high-quality cultural exhibitions, particularly in regional and remote areas.
Top of page
Musical celebration of national apology
Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett, has joined GetUp Executive Director, Brett Solomon, and musician Kev Carmody, to launch a musical celebration of February’s apology to the Stolen Generations. The new version of the Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody classic From Little Things Big Things Grow features artists including Carmody, Kelly, Urthboy, Missy Higgins as well as the voices of Prime Minister Rudd delivering the apology and former Prime Minister Keating’s Redfern speech. “February’s apology to the Stolen Generations was a turning point in this nation’s history, and the rework of this song to celebrate that momentous day, is a fitting commemoration of that event. “From Little Things Big Things Grow is an emblematic tune capturing the spirit of the story of Vincent Lingiarri and the Wave Hill Walk-Off. It captures the struggle for reconciliation while celebrating the power of people to make a difference in the face of injustice. “This reworking of the song, incorporating some of those turning points in Indigenous relations like former Prime Minister Keating’s Redfern speech and Prime Minister Rudd’s apology, reminds us of the journey past and the challenges ahead. “
- View the full media release here [PDF]
Top of page
New apointments to Australia Council boards
The Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett, has announced appointments to five boards of the Australia Council. The Australia Council has seven boards that administer the Council’s funding to Australia’s art industry, and provide advice to the Council on the development of arts policy and grant programs. “I welcome the skills and experience these five highly experienced arts professionals bring to the important work of the Australia Council,” Mr Garrett said. Ms Elizabeth Walsh is appointed to the Dance Board. Ms Mary-Ellen King is appointed to the Major Performing Arts Board. Mr Matthew Lutton is appointed to the Theatre Board. Ms Lyndal Jones is appointed to the Visual Arts Board. Ms Fay Zwicky is appointed to the Literature BoardThe Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government's arts funding and advisory body. It enriches the lives of Australians and their communities by supporting the creation and enjoyment of the arts.
Top of page
Project Reports
Orpheus Music early chamber summer school
6 - 11 January 2008, Armidale
The Orpheus Music Early Chamber Summer Schools was an intensive six day course that focused on Baroque performance including instrumental techniques, small chamber ensembles, plenary sessions, masterclasses and Boroque orchestra, as well as tutor and participant concerts. The week was an opportunity for 47 musicians to access highly skilled tuition in the speciallised field of historically informed performance. It was an opportunity for players of a wide variety of instruments - violin, viola, cello, double bass, baroque flute, oboe, harpsicord and viol to enrich their musical knowlegde and professional development. Nine tutors conducted the chamber workshops for intermediate and advanced players of strings, wind and keyboard. Contact Orpheus Music, Tel 02 6772 2205
This project was supported with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
Top of page
Digital photography art workshop
15 - 28 February 2008, Broken Hill
Photographer Patrick Neu ran a photography workshop series while he was an artisit in residence at the Broken Hill Arts Exchange earlier this year. The workshop covered digital camera use, the principals of photography (including composition, lighting, colour and contrast) and techniques in portraiture, landscape and abstraction, as well as post-production (using Photoshop) and professional practice (publicity and promotions). The participants were able to further develop and implement their photography skills, and formed a photography club for Broken Hill as a result of their meeting at the workshops. The project included tutorials, demonstrations and critique sessions. A group excursion to a newspaper was inckuded, and allowed the participants to learn about photographic journalism, printing and post-production
This project was supported with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
Top of page
Crime fiction in Broken Hill
13 - 18 July 2007, Broken Hill
The Broken Hill Regional Writer's Centre held a crime fiction writing workshop, presented by author Leigh Redhead, along with a local police sergent, and a local foresic expert. The weekend included an evening of murder mystery, where attendees were given a series of clues to try and solve a mystery. A tour of the local courthouse was conducted by the local magistrate. The weekend provided great insight into the world of writing crime fiction, providing participants with a wealth of knowledge to apply to their crime-writing skills. Author Leigh Redhead was named Best Young Australian Novelist by the Sydney Morning Herald last year. Her crime fiction writing workshop was a great success. Contact Broken Hill Writer's Centre, Tel 08 8088 3317
This project was supported with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
Top of page
New Resources
ABS | Arts and Cultural Heritage Information Development Plan
This information paper has been developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) National Centre for Culture and Recreation Statistics (NCCRS) in consultation with the Cultural Ministers Council Statistics Working Group (CMCSWG). The aim of the Information Development Plan (IDP) is to guide future directions for statistical data development and research relevant to arts and cultural heritage. It is based on a shared understanding of the key policy imperatives and agreement on the areas of priority, based on consultation with a wide range of users and stakeholders including: government arts agencies, peak bodies, community arts networks, city councils, regional bodies and researchers across Australia. Recommendations will be implemented collaboratively by the Bureau and other key producers of Arts and Cultural Heritage data over the next 3 to 5 years. This report identifies the agreed priorities and action for information development in the area of Arts and Cultural Heritage. The paper also identifies gaps in available data and provides recommendations for addressing these data gaps.
Top of page
Dance NSW magazine online
The Dance NSW online magazine has a new section of dance clips. This season's DanceNSW mag includes insights into pitching at the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) from someone who knows (Shaun Parker), and explores the inspiration behind Dean Walsh's first large scale group work Back From Front, premiering at Carriageworks. Shirley McKechnie shares some of her key findings of research exploring the nature of thinking in the making of dance works, and we bring you an interview with Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company returning to Australia in May and regular updates on dance syndicates around NSW.
- View the Dance Clips here here
Top of page
Business Structures & Governance: A Practical Guide for the Arts
Arts Law’s latest handbook, Business Structures and Governance: A Practical Guide for the Arts is now available. It contains information about business structures frequently used by artists and arts organisations in Australia, including partnerships, co-operatives, unincorporated and incorporated associations, and companies. The guide can be used to help you decide which structure will be most suitable for you and your organisation. It provides helpful information about starting up an organisation and meeting your ongoing legal obligations. Coat $33. Order through the Arts Law Centre.
TOP OF PAGE
What's On
Trio Apoplectic
May: Glenn Innes, Sawtell, Byron Bay, Armidale, Forbes, Stuart Town, Rylstone, Mittagong, Moruya, Nowra, Goulburn
Sydney jazz outfit Trio Apoplectic will hit the road this May for an extensive tour taking them to 15 towns throughout regional NSW. The trio began in 2003 when Dave Jackson (saxaphone), Abel Cross (bass), and Alex Masso (drums) met while studying at The Sydney Conservatorium of
Music. Originally formed only for performances at the conservatorium it quickly became evident that
the trio would continue outside the institution. Numerous tours an a debut album later, the guys are rated as some
of the hottest emerging talent on the Australian jazz scene.
They have performed with some of Australia’s finest
including Bernie McGann, Jim Denley, Lloyd Swanton, The Splinter Orchestra and Adrian Klumpes (from
Triosk). They have also performed at Jazz:Now Festival at Sydney Opera House, and the Melbourne Jazz
Fringe Festival. Dates and venue details online. Email trio_apoplectic@hotmail.com Website www.trioapoplectic.com
Top of page
Ruth Maddison: Girt by Sea
Until 24 May, Cowra
Girt by Sea presents a reflection on commercial fishing in Eden. The work combines portraits and interviews by Ruth Maddison with scanned and reworked photographs taken by the men at sea over seven decades. Fishermen are usually absent from the community and their work is largely hidden. Their own photographs document their work processes, the dangers, the camaraderie, and the beauty of their working environment. Maddison’s portraits personalise men who are often denigrated by responses to a contentious industry. This is an unusual and exciting social documentary of a rapidly changing industry in a small coastal town. Ruth Maddison moved to Eden on the south coast seven years ago, where she has been photographing the youth, the fisherman, the town, and the seaweed. At Cowra Regional Art Gallery Tel 02 6340 2190 Email cowraaartgallery@cowra.nsw.gov.au Website www.cowraartgallery.com.au
Top of page
Tag It
Until 25 May, Griffith
A rapidly growing art movement, graffiti developing from street art has invaded the world of graphic design, fashion, car detailing, advertising, digital design and art galleries. Tag It is and enthralling exhibition which explores the history and culture of graffiti art and the important contrribution it has made to youth culture and contemporary art and design. A Port Macquarie Hastings Regional Art Gallery touring exhibition. At Griffith Regional Art Gallery, 167 Banna Ave, Griffith. Tel 02 6962 5991 Website www.griffith.nsw.gov.au
Top of page
smArtArtz: It’s Raining Cats and Dogs
Until 6 June, Chinderah
This exhibition explore the many faceted relationship man has with animals and animals' relationships to their world, to each other and to man, who can be their greatest friend or greatest foe. It will explore the domestication of animals in history and the often comic nature of these sentient and emotion filled individuals who bless our lives. smArtArtz is a group of artists who met whilst studying Visual Arts at Murwillumbah Tafe and have been exhibiting together for seven years. The group comprises Simon Berry, Gail Collins, Joanne Cutler, Adam Heggie, Annie Higgins, Clare Johnson and Caz McDougall. At Curious Art Gallery, 94a Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah. Tel 02 6674 5340 Website www.curiousart.org.au
Top of page
Aquarius 08
Until 7 June, Lismore
A month of festivities in Lismore and Nimbin will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Aquarius Festival. Lismore Regional Gallery is presents Aquarius 08 – May the longtime sunshine upon you, an exhibition telling the fascinating stories of life in the Rainbow Region before, during, and since the Aquarius Festival. Aquarius 08 will span the spectrum of creative arts from traditional to contemporary, visual art, music and video. Artists in the show are all Rainbow region local, and include; Benny Zable, Elspeth Jones, Oral Roberts, Burri Jerome, Helen Rodriguez, Michael Taylor, Gilbert Laurie, Dennis Monks, Malina Monks, Maxx Maxted, Rex Miller, Jyllie Jackson, Donato, Veet, Jimmy Willing, Daevid Allen, Robyn Moore, Peter Derrett, Gary Opit, Paul White, Chris Meagher, Rusty Miller, Geraldine Bigelow, and Michael Smith. At Lismore Regional Gallery, 131 Molesworth St. Website www.lismoregallery.org
Top of page
Flow: sculptures in river red gum
Until 9 June, Tanja
Sculptor Andrew Wood has a Bachelor of Architecture, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Landscape Architecture from RMIT Melbourne. His interest in design continued with studies in Permaculture, an innovative Australian agricultural and environmental design system that emphasizes the role of the aware observer who adjusts working methods to incorporate the feedback from natural systems. His sculptural works relate to the environmental challenges facing Australia. Andrew transforms these into innovative artistic contributions, offering unusual, lateral and beautiful works that inspire us with a larger vision. His favourite timer is Redgum, with rich colour and intricate grain patterning. It is a very volatile timber from a tree that lives for up to one thousand years, surviving extremes of drought and flood. At Narek Galleries, Old Tanja Church, 1140 Tathra to Bermagui Rd. Tel 02 6494 0112 Website www.narekgalleries.com
Top of page
Australian Celtic Festival
1 - 4 May, Glenn Innes
In its 17th year, this festival honours the significant contribution of the Celtic pioneers and Scottish graziers who first settled Glen Innes and its surrounding villages, and pays tribute to every Celtic culture. The festival’s special guest will be Howard Curnow, a Cornish bard and former schoolteacher from Penzance who is involved with Cornish organisations throughout the world. Howard is often known as Mr. Cornwall because Curnow is a derivative spelling of Kernow, the Cornish word for Cornwall. All the traditional and popular events are on the program, including a spectacular street parade through Glen Innes's heritage building-lined CBD, Celtic Strongman events, massed bands, kirking of the tartan, parade of the tartans, yard dog trials, haggis dinner, continuous dancing from the 15 dance troupes, and a selection of Celtic foods. Full program online. Contact Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre, Tel 02 6730 2400 Website www.australiancelticfestival.com
Top of page
Collector Village Pumpkin Festival
2 - 4 May, Collector
The Pumpkin Festival offers a weekend of family fun in the country, a short drive from Canberra and regional towns and villages. Stalls, baking and growers’ competitions, arts and crafts, an array of gourmet foods, local produce, displays and demonstrations lend to the day an air of relaxed country charm. This year’s Festival will begin with an early morning Mountain Bike Race organised by the Goulburn Mountain Bike Club. Other new events include a regional pumpkin quilt challenge and a pre-festival poker competition. Musical entertainment by bluegrass/folk band the Polka Pigs, plus Chanel Cole, Simone Penkethman and Artsound FM, art and craft stalls, food and wine stalls, a range of exhibitions and displays, children’s activities and plenty of everything pumpkin. Tel 0428 600 810 Website www.pumpkinfestival.com.au
Top of page
Sydney Conservatorium of Music Chamber Ensemble tour
4 May, Canowindra
6 May, Cowra
8 May, Molong
9 May, Orange
10 May, Bathurst
Sydney Conservatorium of Music will be bringing a chamber ensemble to tour western centres this year in their seventh tour. This year is a first as they bring a saxophone quartet, and organist and a percussionist. Chair of the Ensembles Studies Unit David Miller will accompany and perform with the students. The tour also inlcudes schools programs working with over 2000 students in the central west region throughout the week. For the performance at St James Presbyterian Church, Orange, contact Margaret Barlow 0414 903 478; St Johns Anglican Church, Cowra, Contact Mary‐Ann Wright 0429 326 067; All Saints Church, Canowindra, 02 6344 3215; Molong central school, contact Margaret Barlow 0414 903 478. All Saints Cathedral Bathurst.
Top of page
Classical Vibes tour: Nick Parnell on vibraphone
4 - 16 May
Wagga Wagga,
Albury, Grafton, Tamworth, Muswellbrook, Goulburn, Grenfell, Bathurst
Vibraphone virtuoso Nick Parnell presents tour of classical favourites on vibraphone with piano accompaniment and CD release from ABC Classics: Classical Vibes in regional NSW. Showcasing the world’s most loved classical masterpieces, from Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, Chopin’s Nocturnes and Gershwin’s Preludes, Parnell presents a beguiling performance of classical music specifically arranged for the resonating sounds of the vibraphone, accompanied by concert pianist Leigh Harrold. Full ticket details, dates and venues online. Website www.nickparnell.com
Top of page
 Strangers in Between
9 - 10 May, Coffs Harbour
In Tommy Murphy's Strangers In Between, there is a climate of fear in friendly Goulburn and Shane is forced from his family. And so he flees, naturally, to Kings Cross. Shane is unsure of his sexuality, more unsure of how to find intimacy and completely thrown by domestic laundry dilemmas. A lost boy in a loopy neighbourhood, he meets two strangers: the very-Sydney Will, who offers brotherhood, sex and something unexpected; and the beguiling Peter, a 50-year-old gay man whose mother is dying in a nursing home. After Shane's brother Ben makes a baffling appearance, a surprising relationship is forged; a relationship that will cleanse and heal. Winner of the 2006 NSW Premier's Literary Award, this is a warm and insightful comedy. Cast includes Sam Dunn and Anthony Phelan. A Griffin Theatre Company production, toured by Arts On Tour. Tickets $40/$34/$22. At the Jetty Theatre, Coffs Harbour. Tel 02 6652 8088 Website www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.aup
Top of page
Gail Naden: With Deep Inside Our Heart
10 May - 27 July, Dubbo
Al Gauwer Maremuntunt Ngurnauwe Gootagoodo (With Deep Inside Our Heart) surveys the work of Wiradjuri/Gamilaraay artist Gail Naden. Gail explores the depiction of land and water from an aerial perspective highlighting them as major elements in all aspects our lives. Her work portrays the large views of landforms and the fine details found within it. At Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra St, Dubbo. Tel 02 6801 4444 Email info@wpccdubbo.org.au Website www.wpccdubbo.org.au
TOP OF PAGE
Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow
16 May, Albury
17 May, Griffith
18 & 20 May, Wagga Wagga
25 May, Broken Hill
From the Big Prawn to the Big Merino and the Big Banana, the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow has toured all the wonders of Australia and drawn one conclusion: big is definitely better! In an effort to keep this great nation doubled over with laughter, the Roadshow just gets bigger and, you guessed it, better. The 10th massive Roadshow will present 111 performances at 73 venues across the country. Featuring a roll call of the most fabulously funny home-grown comedians and overseas guest artists fresh from the 2008 Melbourne Comedy Festival, the Roadshow delivers a slick, sophisticated, unpredictable, entertaining and outrageous night out to comedy fans all over this wide brown land. Full venue and booking details online. Website www.comedyfestival.com.au
Top of page
The Pitch
20 - 24 May, Albury
28 May, Bourke
29 May, Cobar
30 May, Nevertire
31 May, Coonamble
Critical Stages presents a touring production of The Pitch by Peter Houghton. Walter Weinerman, aspiring screenwriter, desperately practices pitching his film to Hollywood executives. It’s his one shot at the big time and there’s a lot at stake. It’s a chance to prove to the world and his former girlfriend that he’s got what it takes. Walter’s script is a heady cocktail of action, mystery, revenge and romance set in way too many exotic locations. In a hilarious panic-stricken effort, Walter demonstrates all the roles he wants played by Hollywood’s A-list, including a clenched-teeth Clint Eastwood, a debonair Sir Anthony Hopkins and a scintillating Catherine Zeta Jones. A brilliant new satire about the trials and tribulations of cracking the big time in Hollywood. Venue and booking details online. Website www.criticalstages.com.au
Top of page
Heroes
22 - 23 May, Lismore
Tom Stoppard’s Heroes includes some brilliant performances from some of this country’s most esteemed performers. First World War veterans Henri, Gustave and Philippe spend their autumn years reflecting upon the peculiar circumstances of their equally peculiar nursing home. Will Philippe survive Sister Madeleine’s obsession with birthdays? Can Gustave ever get past the front gate? How will Henri woo his young school teacher? Time is running out for our three ex-Musketeers, until they hatch a daring plan to seize the day: their own great escape from the nursing home! Tom Stoppard’s Olivier Award winning translation of Gerald Sibleyras’ gentle comedy sparkles with the master playwright’s trademark wit and wordplay. Features Robert Alexander, Max Gillies, and Dennis Olsen. A Queensland Theatre Compan yproduction, presented by NORPA. At Lismore City Hall. Tickets $45/$37/$20. Bookings online. Website www.norpa.org.au
Top of pagE
As You Like It
22 - 23 May, Bathurst
Live a little, comfort a little, cheer thyself a little. Follow the course to a place where running from loneliness, ageing and questioning loyalties gives way to friendship and a taste of love in a hostile, confusing world. In the forest of Arden, brothers, lovers, friends and foe are tricked, tried and tested in a pastoral pastiche of life, love and the whole damn thing. Join Rosalind as she goes undercover to right wrongs and in the process, develops a surprising insight into matters of the heart. Bright, breezy, and reminiscent of the best holiday you ever had, As You Like It, directed by John Bell and featuring Saskia Smith, is a comedy for anyone who has ever contemplated packing it all in for a simpler life. Tickets $17.85 to $42. At Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, 105 William St Bathurst. Tel 02 6333 6161 Website www.bmec.com.au
Top of page
Trundle Alive with Singing
24 May, Trundle
Trundle will come alive with singing for the 4th year in a row as hundreds of Sing Australia participants converge on the town. Popular bush band Frankiln B Paverty will again perform, and launch their new CD Trip to Trundle. Sing Australia operates on the philosphy that everyone can sing, even if they think they can’t, and that singing is a great tool in reducing stress and bringing people together. Trundle Memorial Hall, Trundle. Contact Bob Schneider Tel 02 6892 1108
Trundle Alive is supported with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
Top of page
A Most InG&S Paradox
25 & 29 May, Albury/Wodonga
The Murray Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra will again be collaborating
with the Murray Conservatorium Choir for a programme curiously entitled A
Most InG&S Paradox. Performances are scheduled for Sunday, May 25 at
Albury High School at 2.30pm and Thursday, May 29 at Catholic College
Wodonga at 7.30pm. Highlights will include
excerpts from The Mikado, HMS
Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, Il
Trovatore, Aida and Nabucco. Be sure to
book your seats! This collaboration is just
one example of the many exciting activities
on offer for orchestral musicians. Contact Murray Conservatorium Tel 02 6041 4249
Email mconserv@postoffice.csu.edu.au Website www.murraycon.edu.au
Top of page
Dog Trumpet
28 May, Lismore
31 May, Bangalow
Brothers Reg Mombassa and Peter O’Doherty began Dog Trumpet as a side project to their main band Mental As Anything in the 1990s. In 1999 they left Mental As Anything and Dog Trumpet became their main band. Joining Reg and Peter for these live shows is Bernie Hayes on bass and backing vocals and Jess Ciampa on drums. Dog Trumpet’s North Coast appearances are part of the FEVHA Visual Arts Festival to raise money for a new rehabilitation centre at the Buttery in Binna Burra near Bangalow. Playing at Unibar, Southern Cross University, Lismore. Tickets $18/$16. FEHVA Video Art Award, A&I Hall, Bangalow. Tickets $25/$20. This Show is supported by Arts NSW auspiced through Byron Region Community College. Presented by Ku Promotions. Website www.dogtrumpet.com.au
Top of page
This month at Orange Regional Gallery
- Tracks Layers Marks Tracks - A collaboration between artists Ros Auld and Gabriella Hegyes exploring the transient nature of the Australian landscape through mapping various sites from the coast to the inland.
- Operation Art - An exhibition of 50 paintings made by school children specifically for sick children in hospital. It was originally conceived in order to enhance the healing environment at Westmead Hospital.
- Valley to the Sea - Works by five artists, mentored by Mandy Martin, exploring contemporary views and concerns of how we live in and on the land. Toured by Bega Valley Regional Gallery.
Orange Regional Gallery, Byng St. Tel 02 6393 8136 Website www.org.nsw.gov.au
Top of page
Seminars, Workshops + Training
Undertake Marketing: a Creative Volunteering workshop
2 May, Brewarrina
A workshop for community groups, arts workers and volunteers. The Creative Volunteering ‘Undertake Marketing’ 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 concentrate on how to develop a marketing plan suitable for not-for-profit and cultural organisations. Participants will explore the purpose and uses of a marketing plan, identify target markets and develop practical actions to help their organisation to position and present itself effectively. Cost: $25 includes workbook and refreshments. 5pm-10pm at the Visitor Information Centre, Brewarrina. 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
Top of page
Fabricating Our Mothers
3 - 4 May, Mullumbimby
Internationally renown Welsh Storyteller and Artist Ffranses Ingram will lead a two day workshop and perform in a concert. Ffranses’ work is concerned with notions of the domestic and our first encounter with domesticity in the world is usually with our mothers. Participants will be guided to explore their relationship with their mother by creating storyboards. Both oral and visual language will be used to bring these stories into being. Images of mothers will also be explored briefly through fairytales. Using the tea towel, perhaps the most undervalued and most used domestic item, yet used as presents and an endless medium for advertising, art, holidays, participants will create an art piece of story to hang in their home. No art experience necessary, materials will be provided. Bring along photos, buttons, favourite pieces of material, momentoes or anything that inspires. Cost $200. Contact The Story Tree Company Tel 02 6684 6548 Website www.thestorytreecompany.com.au Email jenni@thestorytreecompany.com.au
Top of page
Grantseeker workshop
7 May, Port Macquarie
The Communities Strategy Branch of the Department of Community Services will again be providing a series of grantseeker workshops across the state, in collaboration with Philanthropy Australia. These workshops are facilitated by Philanthropy Australia, and provide practical information about preparing budgets and submissions. They also assist in increasing participants awareness of the philanthropic sector as a potential source of partnership and funding. For further information, contact Kim Thomson, Senior Regional Strategies Officer, Child, Youth & Family Mid North Coast Communities Division Department of Community Services. Tel 02 6563 7830
Top of page
Scriptwriting for TV drama with Michaely O'Brien
9 May, Bangalow
Producing Australian television drama is an expensive business, hence the inordinate amount of planning and work that goes into a new drama series or serial. Michaeley O’Brien is one of Australia’s most experienced TV Script Producers, Writers and Editors, she will present an all day seminar covering everything you will need to know to position yourself in the marketplace. Michaeley will provide a rare insight into working with the Networks (all of them!) and the production companies who make TV drama, think Granada, BBC, Millennium TV, Southern Star, Hal McElroy, Gannon Jenkins, Beyond Productions. Cost $99/$77. From 9.30am - 4.30pm, A & I Hall, Bangalow. Contact Screenworks Tel 02 6687 1599 Email events@screenworks.com.au
Top of page
Quirindi Arts Symposium
16 May, Quirindi
Art industry representatives from the New England North West and across new South Wales will be in Quirindi on Friday 16th May to attend the region’s fifth Art as an Industry Symposium. “The Symposiums highlight the significance of artists and the art industry to Australia’s, and this region’s cultural sustainability,” said Jack Ritchie, Regional Arts Development Officer at Arts North West. “This is an opportunity for artists, art teachers and students, galleries, arts and crafts suppliers and others with an interest in art to explore opportunities that exist for the development of the art industry in Australia and the opportunities that exist within this region.” According to Mr Ritchie, the region’s art industry continues to go from strength to strength. The Symposiums highlight this and identify the valuable contribution the industry makes to the New England North West’s broader cultural and economic strength. Contact Arts North West Tel 02 6732 4988
Top of page
Making the Most of the Media: Arts PR Masterclass
16 May, Sydney
Presented by Museums & Galleries NSW, this essential masterclass has been tailored for gallery and museum professionals to provide fresh insight into media avenues and expert training in entertainment and media PR. Find out how to successfully work with the media to make your gallery or museum big news. Don’t miss out on this outstanding opportunity to develop your skills and assurance in PR and make the most of the media. The keynote spekers will be Courtney Gibson, Executive Head of Content, ABC TV; Deborah Jones, Executive Editor, The Australian; and Anne Lawler Managing Director, AKL Public Relations. From 10am - 5pm at ABC Studios, 700 Harris St, Ultimo. Cost $125/$100/$95. Contact M&G NSW to enrol. Tel 02 9358 1760 Email info@mgnsw.org.au Website www.mgnsw.org.au
Top of page
Marks on Paper
17 - 18 May, Mudgee
A workshop with Jenny Hall, artist and teacher. Jenny holds classes at the Brett Whiteley Studio in Sydney and is an inspirational and enthusiastic teacher. The workshop is a chance to experiment with various materials and drawing techniques. It is fun and a great beginning to launch or pick up your own drawing skills. Cost: $120 for the weekend. At Fairview ArtSpace, 6 Henry Lawson Drive, Mudgee. From 10am‐4pm. Contact Zoe Wheat Tel 02 6372 9082 Email zoewheat@zipworld.com.au
Top of page
Songwriting workshops
21 May - 2 July, Albury
Murray Conservatorium is delighted to announce a series of songwriting workshops to be hosted by Paul Gibbs. Paul, who teaches keyboard at the Conservatorium, is regarded as one of the region’s finest contemporary musicians. This series of interactive workshops will offer activities which will assist participants to use the basic tools of musical composition to support their own lyrics as well as giving close consideration to the tried and true methods of the great contemporary lyricists and songwriters. Having written their own songs over this five week course, participants will vote for the best song, with the winner having a demo of their song arranged and recorded to CD. Cost $65 for five 2hr sessions. At Murray Conservatorium. Bookings Tel 02 6041 4249
Top of page
This Business Called Art
24 May, Dubbo
This series of professional development workshops are produced in collaboration with Orana Arts Inc, and provide regional artists with the skills to negotiate all areas of the visual arts business. Masterclasses are offered in the Community Arts Centre allowing access to artists acclaimed in their field. Topics covered at this workshop: Dealing with Commercial Galleries, with Norman Glenn; Artist Business with Melinda Martin, Australian Business Arts Foundation; and Artists Anonymous Meeting with Mandy Martin, Artist. At Qantaslink Auditorium, Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra St Dubbo. Register before 5pm Wednesday 21 May. Boookings essential. Cost $25 per person. Contact Linda del Bao Tel 02 6801 4446 Email linda.delbao@dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Top of page
Network within Communities
24 May, Cooma
A workshop for community groups, arts workers and volunteers. The Creative Volunteering ‘Network within Communities' 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. This course concentrates on how to establish and maintain successful networks within and across communities. Participants will learn key concepts and undertake practical exercises dealing with the nature of networks, identifying network opportunities and effective networking tools to suit their organisation. Cost $25, includes workbook and lunch. 10.00am - 4pm. Venue: Snowy Business Enterprise Centre. 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
Top of page
Business Planning: a Creative Volunteering workshop
30 May, Forster
A workshop for community groups, arts workers and volunteers. The Creative Volunteering ‘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: Great Lakes Council Chambers, Breese Pde, Forster. 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
Top of page
Plan and Program Events: a Creative Volunteering workshop
31 May, Bombala
A workshop for community groups, arts workers and volunteers. The Creative Volunteering ‘Plan & Program Events' 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. This subject covers the key elements of planning and programming arts and cultural events. The workshop will include generating concepts for and designing an event, event planning tools, event budgeting and scheduling, programming activities and identifying risk management strategies. Cost $25 includes workbook and lunch. 9.30am - 4pm. Venue: Bombala Community Centre. 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
Top of page
Experimentia: media art curating forum
2 June, Dubbo
Experimenta invites you to attend the professional development forums for artsworkers being held Australia-wide this year and next. Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo, is hosting a forum to coincide with an exhibition of Shaun Gladwell’s work titled VideoWork and featuring Storm Sequence. Entry to the forums and exhibitions is free. The forums are most relevant to curators, gallery directors, artists but others, with an interest in knowing more about collecting media art are welcome too; eg private collectors, benefactors interested in commissioning new works, volunteers, students and educators. 11am - 2pm at Western Plains Cultural Centre Tel 02 6801 4444 Email info@wpccdubbo.org.au Website www.experimenta.org
Top of page
acic08
5 - 9 June, Lennox Head
Proudly supported by NORPA, acic08 is the fourth annual Australian Contact Improvisation Convergence. From all over Australia, New Zealand and beyond, participants converge and indulge in 5 days of contact improvisation, (CI) jamming, classes, discussion, and more, in a relaxing and invigorating beachside location.
This year, acic08 is dedicated to providing not only classes and workshops lead by some of Australia’s most experienced CI practitioners, but also to facilitate the time and space for each participant to guide themselves through the event, be it with self-directed inquiry, shared investigations, or just plenty of dancing! Favourite activities will return, including the live music jam, the performance night and the Underscore. At Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre. Full details online. Email acic08@gmail.com Website www.theconvergence.org.au
Top of page
Opportunities
The Golden Fringe
Get ready all you textile artists and creative people of the biosphere, Eastern Riverina Arts Program (ERAP) is reviving the Golden Fringe Fashion Parade and it’s going to be big! The Golden Fringe Fashion Parade was originally established in 1999 by local Artist, Sue Harding as an artist’s response to one of Wagga’s highlight events, The Golden Gown. Previously hosted by Charles Sturt University at the Crow Bar, ERAP plans to bring the event into the city centre and open it up to the wider community. ERAP is currently in the initial planning phase and looking for volunteers to join an event establishment committee. If you think this is something you would like to be involved in please contact ERAP. Tel 02 6921 6890 Email katey@erap.org.au
Top of page
Creative Industres Research Project - Mid North Coast
Arts Mid North Coast has received $15,000 from the NSW Department of State and Regional Development to undertake a research project into the Creative Industries across the Mid North Coast region. The project has a further $10,000 from the NSW Premiers and Cabinet, North Coast Co-ordination Unit along with contributions from Southern Cross University, the University of Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the North Coast Institute of TAFE and Arts Mid North Coast. The project aims to contract a suitably qualified researcher to define and describe the creative industries in this region in terms of the range of relevant activities; the numbers of persons involved in these activities and their locations; the value of their activities; and the major influences on and facilitators of these activities. The researcher will describe the unique characteristics of and major trends in the various components of the creative industries in this region, compared to other similar regions, the State and nationally; and provide an assessment of the implications of the research findings for the future growth of the creative industries in this region, and identify specific opportunities and strategies for intervention to support this growth. Contact Arts Mid North Coast Tel 02 6658 9400 Email arts@midcoast.com.au
Closing 2 May
Top of page
Poetry mentorship
Booranga Writers' Centre is offering one of their members the chance to work on poetry writing with poet Petra White, and to perform with her at a reading. To be considered for the mentorship, send a sample of work (approx. 10 pages) and contact details to the Centre. Petra will be selecting the mentee when she arrives on Tuesday 6th May, and ideally the selected person will be able to meet with Petra on the Wednesday, or Friday. The mentee should also be available to read their work at the Wagga City Library on Monday 12th May, 6.30pm (for which a $50 fee payment will be offered). We are also allowing for future feedback on the mentee's work later in the year, either by mail or email with Petra. Although this will be a short residency, it is still a great opportunity to work with an emerging and talented poet. Get your manuscripts in soon. Contact Derek Motion, Director, Booranga Writers' Centre. Email booranga@csu.edu.au
Closing 5 May
Top of page
Screenworks development for emerging filmmakers
29 May, Grafton
Screenworks are conducting their development clinics for emerging or professional producers, writers or directors who seek a professional consultation to develop their concept for funding and entry into film and television markets. Appointments are confidential, conducted on a one on one basis and of one-hour duration with highly experienced producer Anne Chesher. Anne is widely experienced in the Film and Television Industry, particularly in the business of getting that great idea onto the screen: product development, funding sourcing and the television market. She is currently working with several television networks. Participants are encouraged to email any possible briefing material in advance in order to maximise the consultation opportunity. Places are limited so to ensure a spot please book as soon as possible. Cost $60/$50. At Grafton Tafe. Contact Screenworks Tel 6687 1599 Email events@screenworks.com.au
Top of page
Employment
Regional Arts Development Officer, ERAP
Salary $45,000 + car, Wagga Wagga
Eastern Riverina Arts Program, a non-profit regional arts board, is looking for an experienced arts manager to implement its cultural development program across the region. The applicant must have a demonstrated knowledge of community cultural development and arts and regional development funding agencies. Working in a small team and answering to the Board of Management, the main duties will be to: develop and manage a comprehensive strategy for the development of arts and cultural activities across the region; develop and maintain effective communication and working relationships with contributing local government authorities; broker and facilitate partnerships and provide support and advice to artists and arts organisations; manage all administrative and operational functions of the organisation including finance, personnel and communications.
Full position description and selection criteria online. Contact Ray Goodlass Tel 0412 363 718 Email rgoodlass@gmail.com Website www.regionalartsnsw.com.au
Closing 9 May
Top of page
Arts and Events Manager, Shoalhaven Council
Salary $61,857 - $69,590, Nowra
Are you dynamic, creative and have a passion for the arts? Apply your exceptional enthusiasm and experience to managing Council’s Arts and Events Unit, overseeing the development of arts and cultural programs for the community, the Shoalhaven City Arts Centre including galleries and the coordination of major and community events. In this role you will also undertake the responsibilities of Executive Officer to the Shoalhaven Arts Board. Experience is required in managing and maintaining art, cultural and event facilities and daily operations; developing arts and cultural strategic plans, business plans and cultural development projects and programs. Full job description and selection criteria online. Contact Jane Lewis Tel 02 4429 3296 Website www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
Closing 9 May
Top of pagE
Regional Arts Development Officer, SEAR
Salary $50,000 pro rata + car, Bega
Applications are sought for the position of Regional Arts Development Officer for the South East Arts regiona (SEAR), which services five Shires in southern NSW: Eurobodalla, Bega Valley, Bombala, Cooma-Monaro and Snowy River. The successful applicant be dynamic and highly motivated, will have established arts networks, be highly experienced in community cultural development, arts management and administration, in developing and implementing arts and cultural strategy and have an excellent knowledge of arts industries and arts education. There should be demonstrated ability to work with broad cross sections of individuals and groups, experience in working with Indigenous arts and communities. Must be able to work independently, with a board and lead a team of staff and project workers. Experience in working in a regional context would be an advantage, as well as an ability to initiate and facilitate projects that assist communities throughout the region to develop and express a `sense of place'. Initial 6 months period, followed by a negotiable contract. Full position description, selection criteria and application details are on the website. Website www.sear.org.au
Closing 23 May
Top of page
General Manager, NORPA
Salary not stated, Lismore
Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) is seeking a General Manager to work alongside Artistic Director Julian Louis.
NORPA plays a vital role in providing performing arts for the Northern Rivers region and is one of Australia’s few successful regional performing arts companies. Each year NORPA creates new work, presents an annual Season, manages two venues, and engages with local artists and audiences through these and other activities.
Working in a small team, the successful applicant will be required to manage the general and business activities of the company, including all personnel, financial and administrative matters. They will also be involved in liaising with local, state and federal government funding bodies, and responsible for funding applications.
We seek someone who is collaborative and self-motivated, and can demonstrate initiative. They must have the ability to provide leadership while working well with the breadth of people involved with NORPA.
For a full job description contact Andrew Binns. Email andrew@norpa.org.au
Closing 23 May
Top of page
Regional Indigenous Cultural Development Officer
Salary not stated, Coonamble
Outback Arts is a regional arts and cultural development program which operates in the Shires of Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Walgett and Warren in western New South Wales. Outback Arts will work in a partnership agreement with the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly in relation to this position. The Regional Indigenous Cultural Development Officer (RICDO) will be responsible for: implementing the Regional Indigenous Cultural Strategy; liaising with the Outback Arts Regional Arts Development Officer (RADO); liaising with Government Departments including Arts NSW and the Department of Communications Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA); and liaising with regional service providers. The RICDO will report to a Board through the Executive Officer of Outback Arts. Contact the Outback Arts Executive Officer for a full position description. Tel 02 6822 2484 Email eo@outbackarts.com.au Website www.outbackarts.com.au
Closing 10 June
Top of page
Grants, Fellowships + Residencies
FTO | Industry & Audience Development Grants
This program provides grants to screen-based organisations that develop and encourage an innovative and sustainable environment in which creative digital and analogue screen media is produced, distributed, exhibited, broadcast, viewed, discussed and/or analysed by industry practitioners and/or members of the public. There are two types of application: project/event; and organisation. Guidelines and application forms online. Ccontact Wendy Nye, Program Manager Tel 02 8267 6712 Email nyew@fto.nsw.gov.au Website www.fto.nsw.gov.au/fund.asp?id=52
Closing 9 May
Top of page
M&G NSW | International Fellowship Exchange
Museums & Galleries NSW has announced its Fellowship Program for 2008. In 2008 an International Fellow will be hosted by Manchester City Galleries, Manchester, United Kingdom. This opportunity is supported by Arts NSW funding through the cultural grants program. A two week placement in Manchester is available to a senior museum or gallery manager based in regional and remote NSW. The focus of the Fellowship will be public programming, audience development and attracting diverse audiences. Fellowship funding: up to $10,000. Fellowship dates: October - November 2008. Contact Lyndel Wischer, Manager, Standards and Professional Development Programs Tel 02 9339 9905 Email lyndelw@mgnsw.org.au Website www.mgnsw.org.au
Closing 9 May
Top of page
Kit Denton Fellowship
Applications are open for the 2008 $25,000 Kit Denton Fellowship, presented by the Australian Writers' Foundation (AWF) with the generous support of Zapruders' Other Films. The Kit Denton Fellowship, named in honour of the late father of media personality Andrew Denton, is to reward courage and excellence in performance writing and allows a writer to develop a project to be ready to present to market. Kit Denton, a life time member of the Australian Writers’ Guild, was a scriptwriter, author, poet and lyricist. He is best known for The Breaker, his international best selling novel about the trial and execution of Breaker Morant. The criterion of the Fellowship was suggested by Andrew to reflect the courage and creativity of Kit’s own work. Application forms and guidelines available online. Tel 1300 552 228 Email admin@awg.com.auWebsite www.awg.com.au
Closing 9 May
Top of page
OzCo | MMUVE it!
The Australia Council for the Arts is offering a grant of up to $30,000 for a collaborative, embodied art project in a massive multi-user virtual environment (MMUVE). The grant aims to provide Australian artists with an opportunity to creatively and critically explore interactive, virtual worlds, with a particular focus on the body and interfaces facilitating 'mixed realities'. The grant allows for a collaborative team of up to three artists (including a digital visual media practitioner) to develop an inter-disciplinary artwork in a MMUVE of their choice. With more than 73 million participants in online games and social networking sites such as EverQuest, Legend of Zelda, Second Life and World of Warcraft (to name but a few), and the recent introduction of motion-sensitive controllers such as the Wiimote, an opportunity exists to develop an innovative artwork engaging embodied users in a highly networked environment. Applications will only be accepted from teams who fulfil all the grant requirements, including having the necessary artform experience. Full details online. Contact Ricardo Peach Tel 02 9215 9110 Email r.peach@australiacouncil.gov.au Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 16 May
Top of page
Arts NSW | Indigenous Arts Fellowship
Indigenous artists working across all art forms are invited to apply for the 2008 Indigenous Arts Fellowship, jointly funded by the Arts NSW and The City of Sydney. The biennial Fellowship, valued at $15,000, was established in 1996 to assist in the development of an Indigenous artist's career in the arts. It also provides recognition of the valuable contributions being made by Indigenous artists in New South Wales. It is expected that the specific project put forward by the applicant will result in artistic work of significant quality and be of lasting benefit to the applicant's professional development. Activities assisted through the fellowship may include further study or training, professional research or the undertaking of a particular arts project. No restriction is placed on the nature of the proposal for which the fellowship may be granted but it is envisaged that it will be completed within 18 months of the award being made. Application forms and guidelines available on the Arts NSW website. Tel 02 9228 5533 Email mail@arts.nsw.gov.au Website www.arts.nsw.gov.au
Closing 23 May
Top of page
Arts NSW | NSW History Fellowship
The NSW History Fellowship is offered biennially by the Government to assist a person living in New South Wales to research and produce a work on a subject of historical interest relating to New South Wales. Applicants are required to demonstrate that their project will add to, or bring fresh perspectives to bear upon, their nominated subject. They should also demonstrate that the project will benefit their experience and development as an historian and/or advance scholarly historical writing in New South Wales. Full details and guidelines onliine. Website www.artsnsw.gov.au
Closing 23 May
Top of page
Arts NSW | Indigenous History Fellowship
The NSW Indigenous History Fellowship is offered biennially by the Government to assist a person living in New South Wales to research and produce a work on a subject of historical interest relating to New South Wales from an Indigenous point of view. Applicants may be independent historians, or historians working in conjunction with Indigenous communities. In both instances, applicants should provide evidence of support and agreement from relevant peak bodies or representative community groups. Applicants are required to demonstrate that their project will add to, or bring fresh perspectives to bear upon, their nominated subject. They should also demonstrate that the project will benefit their experience and development as an historian, and/or advance scholarly historical writing from an Indigenous perspective in New South Wales. Application details and guidelines online. Website www.arts.nsw.gov.au
Closing 23 May
Top of page
Foxtel Fellowship for Excellence in Television Writing
The Foxtel Fellowship, a joint initiative between the Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG) and Foxtel, recognises the contribution of television writing to the development of the Australian cultural landscape, rewards and encourages excellence and achievment and facilitates the development of quality new screen projects. It marks a significant level of confidence in Australian writing talent. Amount $25,000. Tel 02 9281 1554 Email admin@awg.com.au Website www.awg.com.au
Closing 23 May
Top of page
World Nomads | Travel Writing Scholarship
World Nomads will send an exceptional tertiary student to participate on an i-to-i volunteer project in the tsunami devastated region of Sri Lanka. Staying in the small coastal village of Kosgoda, 70kms south of Colombo, the scholarship recipient will live amongst the local people, working on various neighbourhood projects to help rebuild their community. They will receive mentorship from Sydney Morning Herald journalist and travel writer Keith Austin, who will provide assistance via telephone/internet with story development, scripting and final editing. The scholarship recipient will receive a new Lenovo Ideapad Y-510 laptop computer, and after returning home, will write, edit and a create a feature article based on the experience in Sri Lanka which will be reviewed and considered for publication by the Sydney Morning Herald. Application details online. Website http://journals.worldnomads.com
Closing 25 May
Top of page
OzCo Music | Skills & Arts Development
Skills and arts development grants support skills development for professional artists and artsworkers, and projects that foster skills development for the applicant and/or other participants. The music board supports music education projects that link practising artists with school-aged students through grants to legally constituted organisations. There are two types of skills and arts development grants: grants for individuals and groups (established and emerging); and grants for organisations (legally constituted). Individuals and groups (both established and emerging) may apply to one of two sub-categories within skills and arts development: skills and arts development (national), or skills and arts development (international). Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
Top of page
OzCo Music | Presentation & Promotion
Presentation and promotion grants support activities such as gigs, concerts, promotional or performance tours within Australia, festivals, showcases and publications that document or discuss aspects of music in Australia. Projects involving the creation of websites and other online marketing initiatives are particularly encouraged under this category. Applicants may apply for costs associated with digital delivery, including encoding and site membership costs. For applications involving the creation of a website, the board will consider the degree to which the site delivers returns directly to the artist. The sub-category presentation and promotion (recording) has been discontinued in 2008. CD recording projects are not eligible for funding under presentation and promotion. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
Top of page
OzCo Music | New Work
New work grants support one-off projects that involve the creation or development of music, new musical material or media arts projects. There are two types of new work grant: New work (general) - this sub-category is for creative projects including composition, commissioning, songwriting and arranging. Piano reductions of existing Australian works, sound design, or the creative development of a work-in-progress, are also eligible. Performance outcomes are not funded in this sub-category (please refer to presentation and promotion) New work (media arts) - this sub-category is for one or more of the following stages of a media arts work: research and development, creative development, production and presentation. Projects may have intended performance outcomes whether real or virtual. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
Top of page
OzCo Music | Fellowships
Fellowship grants provide artists with financial support for two years for creative work and/or professional development. Fellowship applications are invited from artists with a record of outstanding achievement and who are well established in their field. Amount $45,000 per year for two years. This category is open to individuals only. To be eligible, you must meet the general eligibility requirements. Applications will be selected that best demonstrate: outstanding professional achievement, the potential of the proposal to contribute to both the artist’s professional development and music practice in Australia, and good planning and effective use of resources. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
Top of page
OzCo Theatre | Skills & Arts Development
These grants support activities that provide professional development opportunities to individual theatre workers or that contribute to the overall development of the artform in Australia. There are two types of skills and arts development grants: skills development and artform development. Individuals only may apply for skills development grants. Both individuals and organisations may apply for artform development grants. Proposals for skills development grants may be for any activity that aims to increase your professional skills or experience. This could include attendance at masterclasses, mentorship programs between experienced and emerging theatre workers, overseas development opportunities or residencies in theatre organisations. The maximum skills development grant you may request is $7,000. Proposals for artform development may be for activities that contribute to the overall development of theatre in Australia. This could include activities that develop or service the artform of theatre, conferences or writings on theatre, multi-issue journals or research projects. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
Top of page
OzCo Theatre | New Work
New work grants support one-off projects that result in the creation of new contemporary theatre work. This can include a new production of an existing text. There are three types of new work grants: creative development, which supports the development stages of a new work, such as research, creative development workshops or commissioning a writer; Production, which supports a public performance of a new work and any stages leading up to it, where a presenting partner has already committed to the project; and Young artists initiative, which supports either the creative development or production of a new work. These grants are supported through the Australian Government’s young and emerging artists initiative. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
Top of page
OzCo Theatre | Program Presenter
These grants are for organisations with a record of successfully developing new high-quality contemporary theatre work or presenting it to the public. These could be venues, festivals or independent producers. These grants are to underwrite the risk of presenting new work to the public, or to fund the development of new work for later possible presentation. ‘New work’ is defined as theatre works that have not yet had a public season. The theatre board funds will be exclusively for the fees and salaries of the artists and artsworkers being presented. Applicants will be expected to bring considerable resources of their own to their proposed program. Please note that program - presenter grants are not for organisations that primarily exist to create their own work and which are led by the key artists involved in the work presented, such organisations should apply in the board’s other funding categories such as new work. Amount $50,000 per year for three years. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
Top of page
OzCo Theatre | Program Youth Arts
Program - youth arts grants provide three-year funding to youth theatre companies which develop and present the voices and stories of young people, and which offer professional development pathways with the potential to help young people become artists or artsworkers. Program - youth arts grants are offered every three years. They will not be offered again until 2011. The receipt of a program - youth arts grant is no guarantee of funding beyond the three years of the agreement. Every three years all applications compete on their merits for available funding. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
Top of page
OzCo Community Partnerships | Creative Producer
Creative producer grants will be offered for producers to deliver community arts and cultural development projects. Amount $45,000 stipend. In 2008, community partnerships is offering support for up to two creative community producers to deliver community arts and cultural development projects by working with artists and communities to create and present works. It is expected that the stipend will cover the creative community producers for a 12-month period. The community partnerships committee will be open to extend the timeframe beyond the first 12 months if financial support can be secured from sources other than the Australia Council. Applicants will also be able to access project money to realise the proposed activities. The amount available is up to $35,000. Successful applicants to creative community producers will need to provide by March 2009, completed project budgets indicating how funds are to be allocated, or used to leverage other sources of funding. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 15 June
Top of page
OzCo Community Partnerships | Program
Program grants provide support for significant community arts and cultural development programs consisting of a range of projects, targeting a variety of different groups and engaging a number of cross-sectoral partners. The grants provide support for significant community arts and cultural development programs consisting of a range of projects, targeting a variety of different groups and engaging a number of cross-sectoral partners. The community partnerships committee may decide to offer support on condition that co-funding is secured. Only applicants who have discussed their proposal with Community Partnerships staff are eligible to apply. Full details and applications online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 15 June
Top of page
DEWHA | Playing Australia
Playing Australia is the Australian Government’s national touring program for the performing arts. It is designed to assist the touring of performing arts across State and Territory boundaries where this is currently not commercially viable and there is a demonstrated public demand. A principal objective of Playing Australia is to support tours to regional and remote Australia. Playing Australia aims to encourage and increase opportunities for high-quality performing arts to tour to regional and remote areas, by
assisting venues, tour coordinators, producers and local communities; distribute Australia's performing arts more equitably and assist the Australia-wide delivery of high quality
performances; expand audiences for quality, innovative and uniquely Australian productions by increasing the diversity and
frequency of performing arts experiences available to Australians; foster awareness of the performing arts and encourage cultural growth in the Australian community; promote more viable touring circuits and assist the development of a national touring infrastructure; and increase opportunities for productions from regional areas to tour across State and Territory boundaries. Guidelines and application details online.
Website www.arts.gov.au/arts/playing_australia
Closing 16 June
Top of page
Arts NSW | Writer's Fellowship
The NSW Writer’s Fellowship is offered annually by the Government to assist the writing of a new literary work by a writer living in New South Wales. Applicants are required to demonstrate that their proposal: is likely to result in a work of significant quality; will be of demonstrable benefit to their development as a writer; will contribute to the advancement of Australian literature. The fellowship may be awarded to a novelist, poet, playwright or other writer of fiction or literary non-fiction. Amount $20,000. Funding guidelines and applications details online. Tel 02 9228 5533 Email mail@arts.nsw.gov.au Website www.arts.nsw.gov.au
Closing 20 June
Top of page
Awards + Prizes
Free Range Short Film Festival
Have you ever wanted to make television? Is there less time in your day than ever before? Maybe you should tell someone. Free Range Short Film Festival is back and this time it's shorter than ever! Entries are now open, so get crackin. Your 30-second film needs to capture the things that are buzzing in your mind, your house, your community or your city. Enter the Free Range Short Film Festival and you could have your film shown on Noise TV (Channel 31). Get your friends to vote for your film online and you could both win a prize in the People's Choice Award. A selection of entries will be shown on the big screen at Noise Bar, Brunswick on Tuesday 13 June. Full details online. Website www.freerange.nat.org.au
Closing 30 May
Top of page
Vignette Press Short Story Competition
The Vignette Press Short Story Competition is seeking your creative outputs. Open theme to 3,000 words. First prize $500 and your story will be published as a magazine in the Mini Shots series. Second prize $200 and a subscription to Mini Shots. Paddy O’Reilly will be judging this year’s competition. Paddy is a renowned writer of short fiction, long fiction and screenplays. Her short story collection The End of the World (University of Queensland Press) is a joy to read, as is her debut novel The Factory and debut novella Deep Water. Her short stories have won awards from The Age, Glen Eira My Brother Jack and Zoetrope All-Story and are shining examples of original and insightful short story writing.Entry cost $5.50 by email, $6.60 fax/snail mail. Entry forms online. Email submissions@vignettepress.com.auWebsite www.vignettepress.com.au/?p=108
Closing 30 May
Top of page
OzCo Music | Don Banks Music Award
The Don Banks music award is to publicly honour a senior artist of high distinction who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to music in Australia. Nominations close: 1 June 2008 Decisions advised: October 2008 About the award The Don Banks music award was established in honour of Don Banks, Australian composer, performer and the first chair of the music board. Nominations for music artists, including performers and composers from all areas of music, are invited. Amount $60,000. The award is intended for artists 50 years and over. Nominations will be accepted from individuals and arts organisations. Artists may not nominate themselves. The nominee must be an individual artist of high distinction who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to music in Australia. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 June
Top of page
The Corangamarah Art Prize - con.ceit’ 08
In its thirs year, this is a unique and contemporary award for 2D works. Its inspiration will be drawn from a happening or experience from the year preceding the exhibition.The $5000 Prize will be awarded on Opening Night, Saturday 9th August 2008. This year we have a second Prize, with the Art Almanac giving advertising space in their monthly magazine. Artists throughout Australia and internationally are invited to enter, with the proceeds going to aid the new Corangamarah Residential Aged Care Facility in Colac. The winning piece of work will go toward developing Colac Area Health’s art collection. The organisers of the Corangamarah Art Prize invite you to submit up to three entries to this year’s Award. All artworks will be subject to pre-selection judging, the finalists’ work to be hung in the con.ceit’ 08 exhibition. Your participation would be welcomed and should you choose to, you may enter either by mail or online. Details online. Website www.corangamarahartprize.com.au
Closing 6 June
Top of page
AFI Awards
Entries are now open for the 2008 AFI Awards in all categories: documentary, short fiction film, short animation, feature film and television. The Australian Film Institute (AFI) is supported by the FTO through the Industry & Audience Development Grants program. For full details and to submit your production online, please visit the website. Tel 03 9696 1844 Email info@afi.org.au Website www.afi.org.au
Closing 11 June
Top of page
OzCo Community Partnerships | Kirk Robson Awards
tThe Kirk Robson awards recognise outstanding leadership in community cultural development demonstrated by the young artist, who died in 2005. Amount $10,000 per award recipient with up to three nominations being awarded. The Kirk Robson awards acknowledge that true leadership is based on the values of inclusiveness, consensus, and self-determination. Nominees must be individual artists and arts workers who are 30 years or under in the calendar year in which they are being nominated. Nominations will be accepted from organisations and individuals. Artists and arts workers may not nominate themselves. Nominations for the awards will be assessed against the following selection criteria: sustained commitment of at least three years to community arts and/or community cultural development |
