Highlights
The Year of the Apology exhibition
Until 29 June, Ballina
Arts Northern Rivers is proud to present this landmark exhibition featuring the work of over 50 Indigenous artists from the Northern Rivers region, including Digby Moran, Les Evans, Garth Lena, Karla Dickens, Bevan Skinner, Alison Williams, Penny Evans, Marie Florence, the Jambama Artists from Casino, Saltwater Woman from Ballina, Cabbage Tree Island Artists, the Charlton and Vesper families from Maclean and Yamba and the Robinson family from Kyogle. The works featured in this show are a reaction to the Rudd Government’s ‘Apology’ to the Stolen Generations and/or works based on the theme of reconciliation. “The Year of the Apology is a vessel in giving us, Aboriginal artists a voice. It is a way we can voice our concerns and issues with the current politics going on in the world around us in this present day" said Frances Belle Parker, Curator and Indigenous Arts Development Officer for Arts Northern Rivers. At Northern Rivers Community Gallery, 44 Cherry Street, Ballina. Tel 02 6681 6167
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G Country: Aboriginal Ceramic Artists
Until 6 July, Grafton
This ceramics exhibition will feature work from a prolific group of local indigenous artists who have been producing work together for ten years. G Country presents a selection of works featuring Indigenous designs and stories, producing a dazzling array of hand painted ceramic ware, everything from cups and mugs to complete dinner services. This is an opportunity to see prototypes and trace the development of a successful arts business, based in the Clarence valley. Girrwaawa Ceramics artists represented in the exhibition will include Deborah Taylor, Djarainj, Elizabeth Hegedus, Leanne Hegedus and Jenni McEwen. At Grafton Regional Gallery, 158 Fitzroy St, Grafton. Website www.graftongallery.nsw.gov.au
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Menus & Music, Fire & Passion
7 June, Bathurst
Menus & Music 2008 is Bathurst’s finest music, food, and wine event. Presented by Mitchell Conservatorium, Menus & Music is infused with the fire and passion of 1930’s gypsy culture. A sumptuous evening of gypsy jazz inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli, with a luscious menu designed specifically for the event by local celebrity chef Heath Smith from Cobblestone Lane Brassiere. This event will be held for the first time in the beautifully restored and historic Webb Chambers. Matched with local and imported wines, the unique three course menu explores regional European produce and is the perfect accompaniment to the passionate gypsy jazz of violin and guitar duo, 2Swing. Bulgarian born violinist Veren Grigorov (Fourplay, Arabesk) and guitarist Rob Shannon (Arabesk, Straight Black Fellows) will enchant your ears, as the cuisine captivates your tastebuds. Starts 7pm at Cobblestone Lane Brasserie, George St. Tickets $120. Tel 02 6331 6622 Website www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
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Biting Dog Theatre Festival
11 - 20 June, Wodonga
The Biting Dog Theatre Festival will see young thespians present a series of unique interpretations based on the same script. Three 20 minute performances will take place each evening as young artists from across the region’s schools and youth theatres deliver comedy, romance, thrills and drama on a nightly basis. Building on the template of the festival’s famed ‘neutral script’, this year’s text includes many of the best-loved features of previous scripts including the use of optional lines. To round out each night, a panel of theatre professionals will provide feedback to artists and audiences; whilst behind the scenes there is a series of technical traineeships on offer, a poster design competition and extensive workshop support and resources for participants and teachers. Come and celebrate the imaginations of our young. Festival director: Sebastien Pasche; technical director: Rob Scott. Script by Lally Katz. Presented by HotHouse Theatre. At The Hume Building Society Butter Factory Theatre, Wodonga. Website www.hothousetheatre.com.au
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The Song Company: Waltzing Matilda
27 June,
Orange
28 June, Bathurst
26 July, Mittagong
The Song Company’s boisterous costumed entertainment of many of Australia’s most famous and best loved songs, including no less than four versions of Waltzing Matilda. Framed by this most iconic song, the program looks at a defining moment in our colonial history with more than a passing cheeky reference to our British ancestry. This is a treat for all the family with rollicking colonial songs like Botany Bay and the Road to Gundagai, sentimental favourites such as Georgie Girl and True Blue, as well as several of Martin Wesley-Smith’s witty satirical songs and excerpts from his opera Boojum about Alice in Wonderland. The program also includes: Black Ribbon, Tommy Tanna and Lines of a Lovelorn Cowhand by Wesley-Smith, songs from the Torres Strait Islands and traditional songs like Bound for South Australia, The Lime Juice Tub, Tie me Kangaroo Down, A Pub with No Beer, I’ve Got a Possie in Dear Old Aussie, Martin Place and many others. Venue and ticket details online. Tel 02 8272 9500 Website www.songcompany.com.au
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Regional Arts NSW News
Several business skills workshops to run in June
Creative Volunteering workshops are nationally accredited business skills workshops for arts and community workers and volunteers. The one day workshops are funded through the Regional Arts Fund, and cost only $25 to participants. Several workshops will run throughout June, including: Network Within Communities: 18 June at Port Macquarie; Work with Collections: 19 June at Gunnedah; Plan & Program Events: 21 June at Queanbeyan, 21 June at Barham, and 22 June at Inverell; Develop Funds & Resources: 28 June at Cootamundra and 29 June at Coolamon.
- View the full schedule and download enrolment forms on the Regional Arts NSW website here.
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Regional Arts Fund now open for applications
Applications are now open for the Regional Arts Fund, one of the key funding sources for arts and cultural activities in regional, rural and remote communities of NSW. Funding is offered in three categories: New Initiatives, Partnerships and Residencies & Mentorships – and available for one, two or three year projects commencing in 2009. The Regional Arts Fund is an initiative of the Australian Government. It supports arts and cultural activities that have long term cultural, economic and social benefits, promote partnerships and cultural networks and provide skill development opportunities. Applications close 14 August 2008.
- Everything you need to know is on the RANSW website here
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New face at Arts Northern Rivers
Arts Northern Rivers welcomes Julie Clark to the part-time role of Communications and Arts Development Officer. Arts Northern Rivers' CEO/RADO Lois Randall says, “We were very impressed with the incredibly high standard of applicants for this position and are delighted that Julie has agreed to join us at Arts Northern Rivers.” Julie brings to the role 20 years’ experience working in the cultural and creative industries, in both the community and commercial sectors, including the past 10 years specialising in marketing and communications. Originally from Adelaide, she has also lived and worked in Melbourne, Sydney, the USA and Europe, including six years working as an Arts Development Officer for a local authority in rural southwest England. Since her return to Australia she has worked as a freelance writer, producer and location manager, whilst also completing an MA in Journalism at UTS Sydney. Most recently she was employed as Marketing Communications Manager and Producer for Fresh Music Australia.
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Other News
2008 Budget: Regional Arts Fund
The President of Regional Arts Australia, Suzie Haslehurst, has expressed disappointment that the Regional Arts Fund was cut in this year's Federal Budget. In a statement circulated to the media Suzie Haslehurst says: “While we’re grateful that the Government has decided to retain some the Regional Arts Fund program, we are most concerned that it has been cut by $4.3 million over the next four years,” said Ms Haslehurst. “This jeopardises many of our programs such as training indigenous arts workers and arts volunteers across rural and remote communities.” “It really does put the brake on our operations.” Regional Arts Australia will seek a meeting with the Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett as soon as possible to put in place a process to ensure the funding is returned to regional communities next time around. “The impact of the arts is overwhelming in building healthy and stable communities. The bush is littered with working families who on any estimate are doing it particularly tough. Drought, floods, the loss of jobs to the cities through the closure of services such as banks, has led to serious negative economic growth across many rural and remote towns. We have found that in time of stress people turn to their arts workers and artists and seek positive experiences that help cement their communities.” “It has never been more important to support regional communities as they struggle to secure their futures,” Ms Haslehurst said.
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Inaugural Emerging Far West Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Prize winners announced
 Guest judge Djon Mundine OAM, Indigenous Curator at Campbelltown Arts Centre, announced the prize winners of the inaugural Emerging Far West Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Prize on Friday 16 May at Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery. The prize targets artists over the age of 16 years from the Far West who have not yet had a solo exhibition in a public or commercial gallery. Mr Mundine praised the high quality of work by the entrants and commented on the value of events in communities throughout Australia. Winners of the competition were: Open section: 1st prize, Richard Bennet (Nuddij) for Tribesman with Dijaridoo, 2nd prize, Feona Bates for Long Living Survivor. 2D section: 1st prize, George Bugmy, Reann Bugmy, Valerie Bugmy, Kelvin Cattermole, Anthony Harris, Karina Shepherd, Natika Whyman, Roslyn Johnson, Lorina Johnson, and Ceretta Clarke; 2nd prize, Muriel Riley for Lonely Upbringing. 3D Section: 1st prize, Roslyn Johnson for Drum with Galahs; 2nd prize, Muriel Riley for Emu Leg Vase. The exhibition will be running until 13 July.
- Contact Bruce Tindale, Art Gallery Manager. Tel 08 8080 3440
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Cultural projects highlight issues facing NSW communities
Important issues such as mental health, reconciliation, the environment and education were highlighted through the winning entries in this year's Local Government Cultural Awards. Twenty councils across NSW, from a record 72 entries, were named winners at the awards ceremony held at NSW Parliament House on 2 May. Minister for Local Government, Paul Lynch, the Presidents of the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW, representatives from the arts and entertainment industry and councils attended the ceremony to celebrate and recognise the important role Local Government plays in encouraging and promoting culture in the community. "Councils recognise their key role in promoting culture in the community, and continue to create unique and inspiring projects that deal with important issues," said Cr Genia McCaffery, President of the Local Government Association.
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New Director at Cowra Regional Art Gallery
Brian Langer has been appointed Director of the Cowra Regional Art Gallery. Brian has over 17 years experience working as an arts and exhibition manager and curator, and 10 years experience as a regional gallery director. He was the Artistic Director of the Australian International Video Festival from 1988 to 1992 and Executive Director of Electronic Media Arts Ltd from 1990 to 1992. He has curated many exhibitions of Australian video art for new media arts festivals in the UK, France and Germany. He has worked for Queensland Art Gallery, Manning Regional Gallery, Tamworth Regional Gallery and Tamworth Powerstation Museum. Brian managed the exhibition and national tour of the Tamworth Fibre Textile Biennial, and from 2002 he was part of the planning team to build a new state of the art gallery and library complex in Tamworth which opened in December 2004. “It is a privilege to be appointed Director of the Cowra Regional Art Gallery and an exciting opportunity to be
part of the cultural life of Cowra and the region of Central West NSW."
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Dining in the Gallery a delight to the senses
The region’s brightest intellects, most renowned artists and industry professionals recently clinked glasses at Cudgegong Gallery’s keystone function for 2008, Dining in the Gallery held on Saturday 3 May. This night was held for 49 guests hosted with great distinction by the management team John, Lyn and Margaret Cole. Clay chef Mitsou Shoji served delectable Asian themed courses on his own artistic creations of ceramic platters; with complimentary desserts and canapé delights created by local Chef Rachel McCarthy. It was general consensus that the night was experienced throughout all the senses – touch, taste, sight, hearing and smell. With recital on the Shakuhachi by well known musician Riley Lee plus guest speaker Elizabeth Rogers, CEO of Regional Arts NSW, the crowd was treated to a delightful night forever enshrined in their memories.
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Central West Creative Industries Mapping begins
Arts OutWest and the Western Research Institute (WRI) have begun work on the largest survey of the creative industries ever undertaken in the central west of NSW. The survey is targeting businesses and not-for-profit groups working in the creative industries: from visual and performing arts to design and architectural services, advertising and marketing, digital and new media and across heritage, event management, arts education, film, media and publishing. People from the updated Arts OutWest cultural directory will be surveyed to build the first ever detailed regional economic profile of the industry. “Whilst many other areas of the economy have been mapped in great detail, the complexity of the creative sector means that its true economic value has not yet been calculated accurately. This project serves to cover that ground and to highlight the value and potential growth of cultural industries in the region” said Sharon Rabey, Executive Officer of the Central West Regional Development Board. The survey will also ask questions about volunteer contributions to the sector, training levels and what barriers and problems need to be addressed in the industry. The project is funded by $30,000 from the Central West Regional Development Board and the NSW Department of State and Regional Development.
- To be included Tel 02 6338 4657 or download a form here
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Head On winners announced
Winners of the 2008 Head On Portrait Prize were announced at the Australian Centre for Photography in Paddington to a record crowd of over 1000 people. The show was officially opened by the Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore who presented the prizes to the three (equal) winners, Brendan Esposito for his image Sweet Dreams, Richard Kendall for his image Leonard & William at Alfred Hospital and Tobias Titz for his image Ginger Bob. The Critic’s Choice went to Montalbetti & Campbell for their image Hazel & Ken Kelly. The winners of the competition received prizes with a total value of $32,000 from Canon, Adobe, SanDisk, ACDSee, Focal Press and Dragon Image. Head On, now in its fifth year, is regarded by the arts community and reviewers as the most critically important photographic portrait prize in the country. The show includes 42 finalists who were selected out of 2400 submissions by multi award winning photographer Stephen Dupont, Byron McMahon Gallery director Sandra Byron and Head On founder and curator Moshe Rosenzveig. The ‘Critic’s Choice’ was selected by the Sydney Morning Herald photography critic Robert McFarlane.
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Government promises $1.5m over three years to establish resale royalty rights for visual artists
The Australian has government announced that it will contribute $1.5m over 3 years to support the establishment of a resale royalty scheme for artists. Under the scheme, artists will receive a percentage of the sale price each time their work is resold via an intermediary such as an auction house or commercial gallery. There are similar schemes in other countries, including the UK and other members of the European Union. Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett, said the initiative is designed to fund the start-up and initial costs for a collecting agency to set up the necessary infrastructure to collect royalties and return them to the artists. “A resale royalty scheme will provide further recognition of the critical contribution artists make to our identity, community and economy. The scheme will provide artists with proper recognition on their ongoing rights in their work and will provide a potential additional source of income.“
- Read the full story here [PDF]
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Bathurst Arts and Health Program begins
Bathurst has welcomed a pilot Arts and Health Program coordinated by Arts OutWest and Greater Western Art health Service. Christine McMillan, a practising professional visual artist, teacher and community artist has begun work as the program coordinator. The first stage of the program will be to develop a 12 month plan and to hang the first round of prints and original artworks by local artists selected for the new hospital. New public artwork will also be selected for the entry foyer and other spaces identified as public art spaces. Following this will be the development of a program of diverse creative expressions involving staff, patients, families and community members as participants and as audiences. This will include music, theatre and circus, visual arts and crafts, film and video, writing and literature, and all kinds of multi‐media. The Bathurst Art and Health Program is made possible through the active partnership of Greater Western Area Health Service, The Bathurst Health Council and Arts OutWest and funding from the Australia Council for the Arts and the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund.
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 New Education Officer at the WPCC
Andrew Glassop is the new Education Officer at the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) in Dubbo. He will work closely with K-12 teachers in the region to provide enriching experiences to students visiting the WPCC and also through touring programs such Box ‘o Tricks in partnership with Orana Arts. Andrew has come to Dubbo via Singapore where he and his family have lived since 1997. He worked as a history teacher before establishing his own business providing dynamic historical experiences for school students. During this time Andrew also worked at the Asian Civilisations Museum where he managed the school and public education programs. Andrew’s wife and four children will be joining him in Dubbo soon. Andrew is a keen cyclist and also enjoys reading about history from all regions and time periods. See the Western Plains Cultural Centre website for more information.
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Love 'n big trucks film in Dubbo
Trucks are set to star in a new Australian movie Prime Movers, which will be filmed over two months in Dubbo. This action-packed love story centres on a man, a woman, and his truck. The film will star Michael Dorman, Emily Barclay, and iconic Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn. Writer/Director David Caesar (award winning director of Dirty Deeds, Mullet, and Idiot Box) drew inspiration for the movie from his past “I used to drive trucks when I was younger,” he told Dubbo’s Daily Liberal, “the people I met and the lives they lived just really interested me”. Sydney-based independent production company Porchlight films is committed to creating distinctive Australian film and television. Locals will be employed as a direct result of this movie project during pre-production and filming. Dubbo Mayor Greg Matthews is excited about the film production and the benefits to Dubbo’s economy “Ours is a fortunate, unique community in a fascinating part of the world and it is little wonder we are receiving this sort of attention – attention that will further lift Dubbo’s profile and no doubt bring with it considerable economic benefits in the short and long term”. Prime Movers is set for release in March 2009.
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Increased support for Aboriginal Art Centres
Australia’s Indigenous arts industry will be strengthened thanks to $1.6 million worth of additional funding announced by Arts Minister, Peter Garrett.
32 organisations have been funded to carry out 37 projects, many of them involving urgently-required infrastructure work.
The $1.6 million in additional 2007–08 NACIS funding will support infrastructure, professional development, marketing and governance projects around the nation. In New South Wales, $25 000 will go to Arts Northern Rivers, Alstonville to upgrade arts facilities for local Indigenous artists. The $1.6 million funding is part of the Government’s $7.6 million commitment to strengthen the Indigenous arts industry which is being delivered through the National Arts and Craft Industry Support (NACIS) program. The funding increases support through NACIS, the Indigenous visual arts Special Initiative and the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy in 2007–08 to $8.7 million.
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Art at the Heart - earlybird registrations
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, held from 3 -5 October 2008. 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, arts workers, 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. Earlybird rates are available for registrations until 15 July.
- Register for art at the heart here
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Film programs continue under Screen Australia until end of year
Existing film agency guidelines for continuing programs will remain in place under Screen Australia until the end of the year, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Mr Peter Garrett MP, has said. Screen Australia commences on 1 July 2008 following the merger of the Australian Film Commission, the Film Finance Corporation and Film Australia Ltd. “While Screen Australia will need to develop new policies and programs to address the challenges facing the film industry, I am keen to provide certainty for the industry in the short term while the merger is taking shape and to avoid any hiatus in production activity,” the Minister said. “This timeframe will also give the new Screen Australia Board, once appointed, time to properly review all of the organisation’s programs and structures. This will ensure they are appropriate to the functions and responsibilities which Screen Australia will have in strengthening the industry through building screen businesses and supporting projects of cultural merit.” The decision follows a recommendation from Interim CEO of Screen Australia, Lyn Maddock, after consultation with key industry groups over the last month.
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Regional Arts Australia - enews issue 4 out
Issue 4 of the Regional Arts Australia newsletter is now available online and is jam-packed with fantastic stories from around regional Australia. This issue includes news and stories, including: Smashed cars top gear for NSW sculptor;
Why some towns flourish and others fail; Road deaths no accident in Qld;
Giant creatures return to Victorian lake bed;
Wolves howling in SA; Volunteer, 91, heading to RAA Alice Springs conference;
Art a lifeline in Albany WA....and much more.
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Project Reports
Battle of the Bands (Four Fridays of Fame)
November 2007, Tuncurry
Young punk, rock and hip hop bands from the Great Lakes and Manning regions came together in a battle of the bands competition held at Homebase's Youth Space, The Lopop. The event involved performances, giveaways, air guitar competitions and food stalls. Bands Strident Discord and OzConect headlined the event, and six other bands competed: The Acey Greens, Pokerface, Mobius Klein, Stowaway Pirates, Instant Karma, and The Degenerates. The event showcased the great talent of young local bands, giving them experience in playing to a crowd, and helping them to develop professionally, while also having the opportunity to make contacts in the music industry. The day was a great success, with the bands judged by former Triple J presenter Mel Bampton, along with Myk Shepherd and Luke Bottomly from Strident Discord. The top prize was taken out by The Acey Greens, who won five hours recording time with Sureshot Recordings, as well as a cash prize.
This project was supported with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP), and ArtStart.
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Scrap to Sculpture 2
April 2008, Enngonia
Murrawari Aboriginal Corporation hosted a series of workshops in their Scrap to Sculpture project throughout April this year. CDEP participants were engaged in the construction of various sculptures made from recycled materials which will be used as features at the entrance points to the village of Enngonia and surrounds. Artist Tony Mallon facilitated the workshops, provided ideas and inspiration and supervised the welding of the sculptures. The project brought got community members working together, sharing ideas and inspiration to create works of art.
This project was supported with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
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Trundle Alive with Singing
May 2008, Trundle
The small central west town of Trundle came alive with singing in May when their annual singing event brought hundreds of visitors to the town. A highlight of this year’s concert was the launch of a new CD Trip to Trundle, by popular bush band Franklin B Paverty. The CD was inspired by the band's annual trips to the town and their love of the community. Choirs came from all over the region with about 400 people at the concert and at least 150 of them singing. The Trundle Sing Australia choir is one of about 90 Australia‐wide and boasts 15 members. “Out of a population of about 600 (including Bogan Gate), having 15 members statistically makes us the biggest choir in Australia per capita!” said organiser Bob Schneider. The Sing Australia philosophy is that everyone can sing, it’s all about having a go and doing something as part of a community.
This project was supported with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
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Oberon Terrazzo Tapestries
May - June 2008, Oberon
In Oberon a series of tapestries hand made by the community for the Bicentenary are now 20 years later being turned into a permanent terrazzo tapestries in the town’s rotunda. The floor of the rotunda will be tiled with hundreds of thousands of hand cut tiles in the traditional terrazzo form. The CASP and RAF funded project of the Oberon Arts Council has employed artist Gabriella Hegyes to lead the community in creating the large mosaic panels. Husbands whose wives originally painstakingly stitched the tapestries are now putting the same effort into hand cutting coloured tiles, in fact people from across the whole community have been dropping by the worksite to add a few hours work each to this community artwork. Work continues throughout May and June.
This project was supported with grants from the Regional Arts Fund (RAF), and the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
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New Resources
12th Directory of Australian Country Music
The 12th edition of the Directory of Australian Country Music, the industry’s definitive professional reference, will be published in July. The Directory is the 'little black book' for the entire Australian country music industry and those who work in, around and with it. It has more than 50 categories including a comprehensive coverage of country music artists and industry people, artist management, booking agents, clubs and associations, consultants and specialist services, festivals, fan clubs, line dancing clubs, country music media, musicians, promoters, publicists, record and publishing companies, retailers, studios, trade and industry organisations, writers and broadcasters and more.
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AbaF survey of private sector support for the arts 2008
Throughout April 2008, AbaF surveyed just over 700 not-for-profit arts organisations in Australia to measure the amount of sponsorship and donations they received from the private sector. All arts organisations that receive recurrent funding from the Australia Council and/or State Government arts agencies were included in the survey sample, along with a representative selection of other arts and cultural organisations that are registered as tax deductible gift recipients. This report presents the key findings of the study with the full survey to be released in June. (Source: Creative Economy)
- Read the report here [PDF]
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Museums & Galleries NSW Exhibitions Register
Issue One of the 2008 Exhibition Register is out. Museums & Galleries NSW presents a diverse range of exhibitions appealing to many different audiences and suitable for galleries, museums and other public venues. Museums & Galleries NSW (M&G NSW) is the key agency supporting the development of museums and galleries in NSW, working with museums, public galleries, Keeping Places, artist-run initiatives and contemporary art, craft and design centres throughout regional and metropolitan NSW. The exhibition touring program is a key aspect of the organisation’s role. It facilitates and manages state and national tours of contemporary art, craft and design exhibitions, with an emphasis on regional access. These exhibitions are sourced from regional galleries, public visual arts organisations and craft and design centres throughout NSW and the ACT, as well as other touring agencies.
- Download the exhibitions register here [PDF]
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Orana Arts 2008 Cultural Directory
The fourth edition of the Orana Arts Cultural Directory is out. A comprehensive guide to cultural services in the region, it gives artists, musicians, writers, performers and other creative people in the region a vehicle in which to promote their talents. It is the first point of call for anyone looking to engage with any type of artform whether it be bellydancing, sculpture, or landscape design. The directory will be distributed to around 280 regional galleries, commercial galleries, state departments, local government, community groups and key arts organisations across the state. The Orana Arts Cultural Directory is available online or in hardcopy ($5 from Orana Arts).
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Embracing innovation: a new methodology for feature film production in Australia
Do too many Australian films fall into a budgetary ‘no-man’s land’ - not big enough to compete with the US studios, yet too big to stand a chance of commercial viability in a market flooded with independent films? Robert Connolly thinks so. In his white paper Embracing Innovation: a new methodology for feature film production in Australia, Robert offers a 10-step plan for reducing production costs. Proposed measures include: a first dollar share for filmmakers, fair returns for cast and crew, more realistic budget models, and simplified reporting obligations. Many of these measures will be controversial. All of them are worth debating. Robert Connolly is the director and writer of the feature films Three Dollars and The Bank, and the producer of Romulus, My Father and The Boys. Robert's films have screened at over 30 international film festivals; all have been AFI Award recipients.
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What's On
The Hollow Men
Until 9 June, Wapengo
This exhibition by south coast artist Jennifer Hawkins is a response to TS Eliot’s poem The Hollow Men. The sombre poem raises questions that are uncomfortable for us, questions of whether we have any control at all over our destiny, and questions about what happens in the here-after: the scary stuff that we try not to think about. The very hands-on process of making these ‘hollow men’ guarantees that no two bags could be the same. Different stain-marks, different hand-stitching, different amounts of wadding – not deliberate differences; differences that occur because they are hand-made. " I like the idea of multiples being ‘all the same, but different’. It mirrors our struggle to remain individual in a society that celebrates the uni-form." At Ivy Hill Gallery, 1795 Tathra-Bermagui Rd, Wapengo. Website www.ivyhill.com.au
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Shadowplay
Until 22 June, Booragul
Curated by Meryl Ryan, Shadowplay brings together eight artists to explore the subtle nuances of light and its partnered dark. Works by Dallas Bray, Daniel Crooks, Bill Henson, Jess MacNeil, Robert Owen, Niomi Sands, Darren Siwes and Hossein Valamanesh, evoke the shape-shifting character of the shadow and its poetic and dramatic potential. Conjuring time, space and atmosphere, shadows have been used throughout the history of art not only to define form and lend presence to what is known, but also to allow our imaginations to play with what is mysterious. Logical or uncanny, playful or terrifying, familiar or strange, how we perceive shadows is often ambiguous. At Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, First St, Booragul. Tel 02 4965 8260 Website www.lakemac.com.au
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Trinity Leonard: The Interior Spectacle
Until 29 June, Murwillumbah
This exhibition explores representations of female protagonists seen in contemporary films. Leonard’s paintings borrow from filmic stills in their depictions of women in domestic scenarios. Viewers are permitted a voyeuristic glimpse into intimate and interior spaces which are usually private. The images are frozen moments stolen from cinematic narratives. The process of translating a fragment of filmic imagery into painting transforms the image's original intent, removing it from the narrative stream and rendering its context mysterious. What is left is a glimpse into someone's life. At Tweed River Art Gallery, 2 Mistral Road (Cnr Tweed Valley Way) Murwillumbah South. Tel 02 6670 2790 Website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au
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Step Right Up: Circus Works
Until 29 June, Griffith
An appealing and challenging exhibition that looks at circus from a fine arts perspective exploring the many mythologies surrounding the tradition- as a refuge from real life, as imaginary world of exaggerated good and evil, of physical achievement and mystery. Features images of artists of the Flying Fruitfly Circus who will be performing at Griffith Regional Theatre in June. Artists include Tom Alberts, David Archer, Monique Auricchio, Ray Cook, Graeme Drendel, James Guppy, Ponch Hawkes, Petrina Hicks, Warren Langley, Nerissa Lee, Stewart MacFarlane, Kevin Mortensen, Alexander Seton, Arthur Wicks and Anne Zahalka. An Albury Regional Art Gallery Travelling exhibition. At Griffith Regional Art Gallery, 167 Banna Ave, Griffith. Tel 02 6962 5991 Email gallery@griffith.nsw.gov.au
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Images of the City
Until 29 June, Murwillumbah
Images of the City includes 22 drypoints and etchings of the built environment of Melbourne, Sydney, Paris and Florence. The majority of the images have been made in situ and later inked and reworked in my Melbourne studio. The images are made from a variety of perspectives, often from rooftop vantage points. Forty Five Storeys High was made from the 45th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney and Via Tornabuoni, a view of Florence, was obtained by perching on a ledge overhanging a shop above the busy streetscape. The work is made in energetic bursts of frantic all-out physical effort broken by times of exhaustion, recovery, reflection and then reworking. Artist Marco Luccio says "It is the memory of these places and the time spent in the quiet of my studio where the images evolve, formed from a melding together of my imagination, memory and reference." At Tweed River Art Gallery, 2 Mistral Road (Cnr Tweed Valley Way) Murwillumbah South. Tel 02 6670 2790 Website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ArtGallery
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Far West emerging Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Prize
Until 13 July, Broken Hill
Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery are hosting this inaugural exhibition, which aims to encourage Aboriginal artists over the age of 16 years who have not yet had a solo exhibition in a public or commercial gallery. The prize consists of three sections: open, 3D and 2D. The prize provides an opportunity to showcase and celebrate art work and creativity in the Far West community by young and mature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, Bemax Resources Pty Ltd, Country Energy and Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation. At Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, 404-408 Argent St. Tel 08 8080 3440 Website www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au
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Clare Bowditch: Winter Secrets tour
3 June, Bangalow
Clare Bowditch is bringing her brand new rollicking solo show to Bangalow in what promises to be an intimate evening of songs, stories and special guests. After an incredible summer of touring with John Butler and festival highlights including Blues and Falls festival with her wonderful band, the Feeding Set; this show will be stripped back, straight from the heart, confronting and cheeky. Supported by Hot Little Hands. At A&I Hall Bangalow. Doors open at 7.30pm for show at 8pm. Tickets at Barebones Artspace, Bangalow Tel 02 6687 1393; Mullumbimby Bookshop, Tel 02 6684 1413; Murwillumbah Music, Tel 02 6672 5404; All Music and Vision, Ballina Tel 02 6686 8111, Lismore Tel 02 6622 5399, Byron Bay Tel 02 6685 7611. Presented by Ku Promotions. Website www.clarebowditch.com
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Celebrating the Voice: Indigenous writers tour
3 - 5 June, Bermagui, Moruya, Nowra
This year, the South Coast Writers Centre's acclaimed Indigenous writers night, Celebrating the Voice, will tour the South Coast as part of the Sydney Writers Festival. Award winning poet Elizabeth Hodgson will tour the South Coast with fellow poet and Wadi Wadi Elder Aunty Barbara Nicholson and playwright Dr Ernie Blackmore for Celebrating the Voice 8 – Indigenous Writers tour, part of the Sydney Writers Festival. Ms Elizabeth Hodgson is a Wiradjuri woman. She has been a guest of the Struga Poetry Evenings in Macedonia, and the Australian Poetry Centre’s Regional Poetry Festival. In 2007, she won the David Uniapon Award, and her collection of poetry Skin Painting is forthcoming from University of Queensland Press. Supported by Arts NSW, Faculty of Law, University of Wollongong and Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, University of Wollongong. Tour supported by South East Arts Region. Venue details online. Website http://users.1earth.net
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The Pitch regional tour
4 June, Brewarrina
6 June, Walgett
7 June, Lightning Ridge
11 June, Coonabarabran
13 June, Narrabri
14 June, Bingaga
21 June, Wauchope
After smash hit seasons in Edinburgh, London and Melbourne, The Pitch, now makes its way through regional NSW, toured by
Critical Stages.
The Pitch is a hilarious satire about the trials and tribulations of an Aussie trying to crack the big time in Hollywood.
We watch as aspiring screenwriter Watler Weinerman desperately practices pitching his film concept to an all powerful Hollywood flim industry panel. In this hilarious panic stricken and desperate effort Walter demonstrates all the roles that he hopes will be played by Hollywood’s A-list actors, including a clenched teeth Clint Eastwood, a debonair Sir Anthony Hopkins and a scintillating Catherine Zeta Jones. Venue details online. Website www.criticalstages.com.au
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Milli, Jack & the Dancing Cat
2 - 3 June, Coffs Harbour
5 - 7 June, Lismore
Milli, a solitary shoemaker, has a special gift, fixing things. She can take a thing that is a nothing and make it… a something. But people in the town only want ordinary, practical things. Milli spends her days making plain ordinary shoes. Night after night Milli dreams that she is brave enough to show everyone what she can really do. But each day is the same, until one morning she meets a couple of free spirits, Jack and the Dancing Cat. The importance of artists and artisans is underscored in this tale as Milli longs for the courage to be free to create and move beyond the practicalities of her everyday work. Aimed at three to eight year olds Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat engages people of all ages in its celebration of creativity, friendship and following one’s dreams. Produced by Monkey Baa. Venue & booking details online. Website http://monkeybaa.com.au
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Idea of North
6 June, Dubbo
The Idea of North bring superb musicianship and outstanding arrangements embracing jazz, soul and gospel music, together with an amazing variety of their own award-winning originals, traditional and contemporary songs, have marked them as an act not to be missed. The group has appeared on stage with some of Australia's greatest jazz musicians, including James Morrison and Don Burrows, and in concert series and festivals alongside a number of international artists such as The New York Voices (USA), The Flying Pickets (UK) and have been guest performers at two concerts of Europe's jazz a cappella super-group, The Real Group (Sweden). Tickets $30. At St Brigid's Parish, 198 Brisbane St, Dubbo. Starts 7.30pm. Tel 02 6841 5124
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Ceramics of Byron Shire
6 - 28 June, Byron Bay
15 artists join forces for an exhibition showcasing
the spectrum and excellence of ceramic art
being produced in the Byron Shire. Ceramicists exhibiting are Liam Bruce,
Tali Cohen,
Sam Collyer,
Steven Davies, Fiona Fell,
Ken Ford,
Marita Kohl,
Catherine Lane,
Suvira McDonald,
Merril Orr,
Avital Sheffer,
John Stewart,
Vanessa Wallace,
John Walters and
Mark Warren. Curator Suvira McDonald, has said that “the exhibition downscales the model of ConVerge, an exhibition of Northern Rivers ceramics which has toured Regional Galleries of the north eastern states for the last two and half years. There are more than a few Byron ‘ceramicos’ represented in that tour. The artists have been invited and selected to represent a profile of practitioners in the Shire today. The work straddles a broad range of issues and techniques, reflecting at once the cosmopolitan and conservation orientation of the Shire’s people. The architectural, environmental, functional and whimsical elements of the exhibition are testimony to and exemplify the diverse aesthetics and concerns of Byron’s art makers.” At Waywood Gallery, 3 Centennail Circuit, A&I Estate, Byron Bay. Tel 02 6685 5808 Website www.the-centre.com.au
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Traveller's Tales
6 - 29 June, Coffs Harbour
A collection of stories about people, places and wildlife close to home and faraway told by David and May Southgate in pastels, oils, acrylics, ceramics, drawings and sculptures. David Southgate's love of wildlife began as a child in the South African bush. After training in zoology and anatomy he turned to full-time art in 1982, and ran Hungry Head Pottery and Gallery with his wife May from 1983-2005. David now works at his home studio, and also tutors in oils and pastels. May Southgate studied Sculpture and Ceramics at ESTC Darlinghurst 1964-69, then became potter Shiga Shigeo's first woman apprentice. From 1971 she ran a pottery in the Flinders Ranges and gained an Australia Council grant for arid mineral research. She operated studios in Macksville and Missabotti 1976-83, and since then has worked in partnership with David at Hungry Head. May's 'camera' is her art kit and her paintings, drawings and pots have gained many awards and commissions in over 30 years. At Bunker Cartoon Gallery, Coffs Harbour. Tel 02 6655 7550 Website www.bunkercartoongallery.com.au
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Ken Knight: In His Landscapes
6 June - 28 July, Gulgong
There are many things that should not come between an artist and creating, and one of these is the landscape. Ken Knight will present an exhibition of latest impressionist landscape works The Man and His Landscape at Cudgegong Gallery. An accompaniment to this exhibition will be the Between Seasons Showing. Ken Knight is represented in private and corporate collections in Australia, England, Italy, US, Mexico, throughout Europe and Asia. For Ken the last decade has been characterised by a number of overseas study trips with high profile exhibitions and residencies across the county. Now he will bring his latest works to Cudgegong Gallery. The Man and His Landscape will be officially opened on Saturday 7 June from 4pm-6pm. At Cudgegong Gallery Tel 02 6374 1630 Website www.cudgegonggallery.com.au
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Dinkum Aussie - Greg North Poetry Show
7 June, Jenolan Caves
Passionate poet and performer Gregory North will be at Jenolan Caves on the Queen's Birthday Long Weekend. As a writer and performer of Australian Bush Poetry and Yarns (tall stories) he loves to entertain. Since his first performance in 2003 Greg has received great encouragement from fellow poets and is now a regular at many Bush Poetry events. Greg’s quirky humour and obvious gift for entertaining are apparent whenever he takes the stage. He also has a wonderful gift for accents, which makes him unique among bush verse entertainers. Experience an unforgettable performance deep underground in the Cathedral Chamber. $45/$25 at Jenolan Caves Tel 1300 763 311
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Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
9 June, Byron Bay
Come and experience the voice of an angel. AUM and Ku Promotions are thrilled to announce a special one-off intimate show by Australian Indigenous artist Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Blind from birth, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (AKA Gurrumul) is a powerhouse of musical creativity. A former member of Yothu Yindi and long-time member of the Saltwater Band, Gurrumul’s solo excursions highlight his amazing talent as a singer, songwriter and musician. Gurrumul’s stunning debut album ‘Gurrumul’ has been enjoying chart success and critical acclaim with Bruce Elder from the Sydney Morning Herald describing it as “an extraordinary album....one of the greatest recordings ever made by a local indigenous musician.” At Byron Bay Community & Cultural Centre, 8pm. Tickets $38 Tel 02 6685 5659 Website www.myspace.com/gurrumul
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Curious Scapes
10 June - 20 July, Chinderah
“Ignore the landscape at your peril.” Jane Yolen Landscapes have long held an immediate and accessible interest that has captivated artists and art audiences for centuries. This winter Curious Art acknowledges through Curious Scapes exhibition, the significance of the Landscape together with equally relevant other ‘Scapes’ such as cityscapes, empirescapes and urbanscapes. Seascapes and beachscapes. Soundscapes, skyscapes, planetscapes, mindscapes and dreamscapes. Nightscapes and contemporary scapes. At Curious Art Gallery, 94a Chinderah Bay Dr. Chinderah Bay Tel 02 6674 0818 Email curart@bigpond.net.au Website www.curiousart.org.au
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 Back of Baroque and Beyond
12 June, Taree
Back of Baroque and Beyond is a concert highlighting the recorder from the 18th to the 21st century. Featuring performances by local artists with special guests, Nardoo - Zana Clarke and Peter Biffen. The programme includes a Haydn trio, Bach Cantata, the Manning River Steiner School Recorder Consort playing early music, and Nardoo's original blend of East and West, folk and contemporary. This concert is part of the Manning Valley Festival of Arts. Adults $12, Concession $10, Students $8. At Manning Regional Art Gallery, 12 Macquarie St. Taree.
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Refractions 3 - Passionate Music from Tumultuous Times
18 June, Albury
Vivien Hamilton, soprano and Consort Eclectus will re-visit the often turbulent and always passionate times of Anne Boleyn, Mary de Guise and Mary Queen of Scots when they recreate the music of Robert Johnson, Clemens non Pappa, John Dowland and the young Queen Anne Boleyn. Passionate Music from Tumultuous Times, the third event in Murray Conservatorium’s 2008 Refractions series, explores a wealth of French and Scottish music and its influence in the royal courts of England in the 16th and 17th centuries. Featuring the exquisite sounds of voice and viol consort, with their varying sizes and shimmering colours, this fascinating program offers a unique glimpse into the minds and hearts of 16th century women. These songs, exploring their lives, loves, pain and torments, resonate as truly today as they did 400 years ago! Vivien Hamilton is one of Australia’s most highly regarded early music specialists. Albury Regional Art Gallery, Dean St. Tickets $10/$6. Bookings Tel 02 6041 4249
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Watermark Literary Muster
19 - 22 June, Laurieton
The Watermark Literary Society was formed in 2003 to celebrate the literature of nature and place. Through the biennial Watermark Literary Muster, Australian and overseas writers come together in the Camden Haven to share their work with their peers and discerning readers, to talk about the places that inspire them, exchange ideas on writing about nature and place, to explore the role literature plays in environmental understanding, and inspire writers to write about the natural landscape. Details online. Tel 02 6559 9953 Email watermarks@tsn.cc Website www.watermarkliterarysociety.asn.au
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An evening with Simon Tedeschi
26 June, Gulgong
27 June, Orange
Internationally acclaimed young pianist Simon Tedeschi presents a recital of eclectic music from Bach, Beethoven & Brubeck to Gershwin, Ginastera and Grainger including his signature piece Rhapsody in Blue. On Thursday 26 June 26, he will perform at 7.15pm, at The Prince of Wales Opera House, Mayne St Gulgong. Tickets: Byrnes Jewellers, Market St Mudgee. Tel 02 6372 1409. Enjoy a pre-concert two course meal with wine at tables set beside the piano or seating in the theatre including a glass of wine and canapes at interval. $65 incl meal/$40 incl wine and canapes only. Friday 27 June, 7.30pm at Orange Regional Conservatorium, 73A Hill Street Orange. Tickets $35/$25/$90 family of four. Tickets from Book City Orange 02 6361 7974 Website www.orangecon.org.au
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Jeff Lang
28 June, Bangalow
Acclaimed Australian guitarist, singer and songwriter Jeff Lang is touring in support of his new superb new album Half Seas Over.
With his eloquent guitar, sweet voice and plainspoken yet sensitive approach to the original and traditional source material, Jeff Lang is expanding the boundaries of traditional folk, country and blues to create a new brand of non-traditional music which is undeniably and deeply steeped in tradition, yet with its imagination set on future horizons.
Jeff will be supported by blues/folk singer songwriter Kara Grainger, in support of her debut solo album, Grand & Green River. At Bangalow Catholic Hall 8.00pm. Tickets $22 at the door. Presented by Ku Promotions. Website www.jefflang.com.au
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Shaun Gladwell: Videowork
Until 30 June, Dubbo
Videowork surveys the work of one of Australia's most successful video artists. This unique exhibition over two months, will present different works every two weeks. Featuring the video Storm Sequence from 2000, a work that has become synonymous with Australian video art, this exhibition will provide an insight into contemporary Australian image-making. Shaun Gladwell critically engages personal history, memory and contemporary cultural phenomena through performance, video, painting and sculpture. He completed Associate Research at Goldsmiths College, University of London, in 2001 and has since undertaken numerous residencies and commissions. At Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra St, Dubbo. Tel 02 6801 4444 Website www.wpccdubbo.org.au
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Female By Nature
28 June - 13 July, Springwood
Three contemporary artists, David Mapletoft, Karin Ward and Ellen Legge, will be exhibiting photography and mixed media representational of the female form. Three distinct styles will be on show. Artist and art teacher Ellen Legge's abstract figure studies in vibrant oils will be one extreme, with David Mapletoft's photographs of the female form taken in the natural beauty of the rocks and waterfalls of the Blue Mountains the other. Karin Ward holds the middle ground with her soft sensual combination of watercolours and photographs. Live music from celtic harpist Martyn Cook and talks with the artists will be some of the highlights of the opening on Saturday June 28th at 2pm. At Braemar Community Gallery, 104 Macquarie Rd, Springwood. Contact David Mapletoft Tel 02 4730 6554 Email david_mapletoft@hotmail.com
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Seminars, Workshops + Training
Network Within Communities
18 June, Port Macquarie
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: Port Macquarie Hastings Council. 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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Work With Collections
19 June, Gunnedah
A workshop for community groups, arts workers and volunteers. The Creative Volunteering ‘Work With Collections' 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 covers the essential areas of working with cultural collections. Topics include: ways of linking with the community, planning a collections strategy, developing a collections policy, assessing the significance of objects and/or collections, ethical issues, interpretive approaches, target audiences and legal and insurance requirements. The course outlines what can and should be kept and how items can be stored to last. 10.00am - 4pm. Venue: Gunnedah Rural Museum, Mullaley Rd. 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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Plan & Program Events
22 June, Inverell
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. 10am - 4pm. Venue: Inverell Art Gallery, Evan St. 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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Disability Awareness and Access workshop
24 June, Sydney
Accessible Arts is delivering a half-day TAFE accredited Disability Awareness and Access workshop. The workshop aims to identify barriers faced by people with disabilities when accessing venues and participating in events. It will identify strategies for breaking down physical and attitudinal barriers, increasing access and increasing confidence when dealing with access issues for people with disabilities. The workshop is ideal for those working in arts organisations e.g. front of house staff, box office staff, arts administrators and disability arts workers. At the Accessible Arts Training Room, Pier 4, The Wharf, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay from 1pm - 5pm. Cost $80. Registration deadline: Tuesday 10 June 2008. For more information contact Jane Pollard, Training Manager Tel 02 9251 6499 (ext 3) Email training.manager@aarts.net.au
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Develop Funds & Resources
28 June, Cootamundra
A workshop for community groups, arts workers and volunteers. The Creative Volunteering ‘Develop Funds & Resources' 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 workshop will focus on how to develop strategies and prepare proposals for funding, sponsorship and other resource options. Work through developing the basics of a grant or sponsorship application for funding or other resources, and identify and target potential sources of support, and learn how to identify sources of assistance and how to secure it. Cost $25 includes workbook and lunch. Venue: Cootamundra Arts & Cultural Centre. From 10am - 4pm. 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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Develop Funds & Resources
29 June, Coolamon
A workshop for community groups, arts workers and volunteers. The Creative Volunteering ‘Develop Funds & Resources' 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 workshop will focus on how to develop strategies and prepare proposals for funding, sponsorship and other resource options. Work through developing the basics of a grant or sponsorship application for funding or other resources, and identify and target potential sources of support, and learn how to identify sources of assistance and how to secure it. Cost $25 includes workbook and lunch. Venue: TBC. From 10am - 4pm. 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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ARTstreet: free circus workshops
8 - 18 July: Narromine, Mendooran, Trangie, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Tooraweenah, Baradine, Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo and Binnaway
The unique ARTstreet program will provide training in circus skills, live statue performance work and facepainting over three-hour workshop sessions to be held at Narromine, Mendooran, Trangie, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Tooraweenah, Baradine, Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo and Binnaway throughout July. Youth Trainers from Circus West Ash Blenkiron and Richard Sullivan will teach students circus skills in poi, diabolo, staff, hoop, acrobatics/clowning and juggling. These guys can teach great tricks which are easy to learn! With Orana Arts staff member, Merryn Spencer, students will learn live statue performance skills and character development plus face painting techniques. Learn skills that will bring fresh performances to community events! The workshops are accompanied with a training manual and notes so participants can go away and practice what they have learned at a later date. Places are limited to 30 participants in each location, bookings essential. Each session is three hours and is totally free! Tel 02 6817 8704 Email rado@oranaarts.com Website www.oranaarts.com
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Opportunities
Biennale of Sydney volunteers
18 June - 7 September, Sydney
Enthusiastic individuals are wanted to volunteer for the 2008 Biennale of Sydney: Revolutions – Forms That Turn. As Australia’s leading contemporary international art event, we offer volunteers a unique experience to work on a major international art event that involves many artists from many countries. We are looking for people to assist across many areas of the exhibition; venue services and invigilation, education and public program, marketing and events and administration. Many volunteers will be based on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, Pier 2/3 in Walsh Bay and at the Art Gallery of NSW. These locations present excellent opportunities for a range of volunteer experiences. If you would like to join the Biennale Volunteer Team please complete the application form online. Contact Melissa Hamilton Tel 02 9368 1411 Email volunteercoord@biennaleofsydney.com.au Website www.bos2008
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AART.BOXX
AART.BOXX showcases the works of young and emerging Australian artists aged 30 and under who have a disability. Now in its third year, AART.BOXX aims to extend and challenge the current discourses within contemporary art by highlighting art practices that are informed by cultures of disability. Accessible Arts are looking nationwide for recent works created after January 2007 in any art form/medium. AART.BOXX will be held at Tin Sheds Gallery, a purpose built contemporary art space affiliated with the University of Sydney from 17 October – 8 November 2008. Contact Josie Cavallaro, Arts Development Officer Tel 02 9251 6499 Email jcavallaro@aarts.net.au Website http://aarts.net.au
Closing 16 June
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Selling Yarns 2: call for papers
Selling Yarns 2: Innovation for sustainability is a conference that addresses contemporary Indigenous craft and design practice. It builds on the previous conference held in 2006 by presenting success stories that demonstrate innovation and new directions in Indigenous craft and design practice. The conference will be held at the National Museum of Australia in March, 2009 and aims to demonstrate that through cultural practice a dialogue can be had that draws all interested parties together for the benefit of a rich and sustainable Indigenous culture. A call for papers is now open. Topics include: design and manufacture, engaging with industry; innovation for social and cultural sustainability; mentoring between communities; the impact of government policies on sustainability; the internet and the global market for Indigenous craft and design; tourism and museums as a driver for innovative practice. Indigenous and non-Indigenous practitioners, researchers, academics, buyers, collectors, curators, business and arts advisors can respond with a 300 word abstract addressing the conference themes. Full details online. Website www.sellingyarns.com
Closing 1 July
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Help preserve Gilgandra's heritage
Gilgandra Shire Council is asking the community to submit their ideas on what is special about Gilgandra as part of a new heritage study. The study aims to identify Indigenous and European people, places, and items that have a special place in the history of the area. Once a place is listed as having local heritage significance then it can be protected in the future from adverse development applications, have necessary restoration works applied, source funding opportunities, and attract tourism to the town. This is a rare opportunity to tell the history of Gilgandra – be a part of it! All submissions can be sent in writing to Heritage Study P.O. Box 23 Gilgandra 2827 or left at the Council Chambers. For more information Tel 02 6817 8800
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Employment
Exhibitions Officer, Albury City Council
Salary $40,461 - $44,455, Albury
An exhibitions officer is required to provide technical and administrative support in the areas of exhibition and program co-ordination, including undertaking logistical co-ordination and supervising exhibition installation and de-installation at AlburyCity Library, Museum and Gallery spaces. The position will also undertake customer service duties at AlburyCity’s cultural facilities. Duties include: providing technical support in exhibition and program co-ordination; administrative support in exhibition and program scheduling for AlburyCity cultural facilities; administrative and technical assistance with artist residency projects. Full position description and application details online. Contact Jules Boag, Exhibitions and Programs Coordinator Tel 02 6051 3480 Website www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au
Closing 13 June
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Grants, Fellowships + Residencies
Metro Screen | Jump Start
Metro Jumpstart offers $45,000 in subsidy to film and screen productions in NSW annually, providing subsidised access to reliable, sort after equipment, current technical facilities and production support. Producers must be a member of Metro Screen and apply for the subsidy on the basis that their productions satisfy one or more of the following criteria: Innovation (inspires or encourages independent, original and progressive content for video, television & digital media production & exhibition); Practitioner support (fosters the professional development of emerging & independent screen practitioners); Access and Equity (provides a targeted opportunity for those generally excluded from mainstream media production to become actively involved in the production process promoting expertise in the use of video and digital media); Community and Cultural Development (encourages communities to use video & digital media as a cultural development tool and supports community based screen culture practice). Application forms and details online. Contact David Opitz Tel 02 9361 5318 Email d.opitz@metroscreen.org.au Website www.metroscreen.org.au
Closing 6 June
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The Myer Foundation | arts & humanities grant
Myer Family Philanthropy is synonymous with the Arts in Australia. The tradition of giving to enrich cultural life began with Sidney Myer, a passionate supporter of the arts. In celebrating the life and cultural interests of Sidney Myer, a number of initiatives have been established over the past 70 years. The current priority areas in the Arts and Humanities Small Grants Program are as follows: to build capacity of the individual through ensuring that indigenous and non-indigenous artists gain access to professional training, development and mentoring. To develop new works by individual Australian artists and small and medium-sized organisations in the following priority areas: Indigenous arts, regional areas, experimental and emerging art forms. Projects that support the humanities, especially those that contribute to defining a distinct Australian identity. Amount $30,000. Tel 03 9207 3040 Email enquiries@myerfoundation.org.au Website www.myerfoundation.org.au
Closing 25 June
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 Australia Council Dance | key organisations - emerging
Key organisations - emerging grants are for dance organisations that have sustained national or international influence, are leading innovators that extend dance practice or are acknowledged centres of excellence. The grants provide a pathway to triennial funding – after three years receiving these grants, organisations are eligible to apply for multi year funding. This category is new for 2008. Proposals must be discussed with dance staff before submission. These grants are for organisations aspiring to receive key organisations - multi-year grants funding. Assessment criteria and application details online.
Tel 02 9215 9092 Email mail@australiacouncil.gov.auWebsite www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 July
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GAL Funding
The GAL Program is a Guarantee Against Loss scheme designed to support communities in regional NSW in order to enhance their capacity for presenting professional touring performing arts shows. The GAL is not up-front funding, but operates as insurance for a presentation. Like any insurance scheme it aims to save you from the unforeseen. It is therefore a requirement of the program that your presentation must have the potential to have a break-even result (even if this doesn’t eventuate). In essence the GAL is a safety net. It is designed to allow you to trial something new with a reduced liability or risk. It may be your first time presenting a performing arts show, or perhaps your first time presenting a certain style of show, a different target market, or perhaps the first time you have tried increasing ticket prices. The GAL is open to presenters who are volunteer/community groups in regional NSW or not-for-profit arts or community organisation/associations. Contact Arts On Tour, Tel 02 9571 6799
Closing 4 July
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DEWHA | Contemporary Music Touring Program
The Contemporary Music Touring Program (CMTP) supports touring opportunities for Australian musicians and is largely focused in regional and remote Australia. It is increasing audience access to live Australian contemporary music across the country. The program recognises the great expense involved in touring music to remote communities, so particular assistance can be sought through TRAX (Touring Remote Areas). Funding assistance is available to professional
artists who perform original Australian contemporary
music to tour within Australia. Applications are accepted from performers, managers, agents, music organisations and music networks on behalf of professionals working in the Australian music industry. The touring musicians must be Australian residents. Applications are accepted for performances of original Australian contemporary music. Application details online. Tel 1800 819 461 Email music.touring@environment.gov.au Website www.arts.gov.au
Closing 7 July
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DEWHA | Festivals Australia
Do you have a new and special festival project in mind? Are you an organisation running a regular community festival, located in the regions and needing funding to turn your dream arts project into reality? You may be eligible for funding from the Festivals Australia program to add an exciting new arts element to your festival. Applications need to be made by regional, community or local government organisations rather than individuals. Please phone our program officers to discuss your project. Application forms and details online. Tel 1800 819 461 Email festivals.australia@environment.gov.au Website www.arts.gov.au
Closing 15 July
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M&G NSW | Gallery FocusED
Gallery focusED (previously Gallery ConnectEd) provides financial assistance to public galleries throughout New South Wales for the development and/or implementation of educational initiatives that build relationships with schools and increase access to quality arts experiences for state school students (K-12) in the region they serve. M&G NSW is delighted to announce that in 2008, Bluescope Steel has come on board as a major partner in Gallery focusED along with ConnectEd Arts, NSW Government Arts Education strategy. This will increase the reach of Gallery focusED to include metropolitan based galleries and art centres in NSW. Through this grant program, eligible organisations can apply for a maximum of $7,000. Guidelines and application forms online. Contact Cath Fogarty Tel 02 9339 9903 Email catherinef@mgnsw.edu.au Website www.mgnsw.org.au
Closing 18 July
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Australia Council Visual Arts | Emeritus Award
The visual arts emeritus award recognises the special achievements of Australian visual artists and arts writers who are making an outstanding contribution to the development of Australian art. Amount $40,000. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge and honour the special achievements of Australian craftspeople, designers, media artists, visual artists and arts writers who have made and are making an outstanding contribution to the development of Australian art. Artists working in any area of practice relevant to the visual arts board may be nominated for the award, which comprises a financial component and a specially commissioned pin. Self-nominations are not accepted. The award is made in recognition of those artists who continue to inspire Australians. Nomination details online. Tel 02 9215 9000 Email mail@australiacouncil.gov.au Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 1 August
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Regional Arts Fund (NSW)
The Regional Arts Fund (NSW), one of the key funding sources for arts and cultural activities in regional, rural and remote communities of NSW. The Regional Arts Fund is an initiative of the Australian Government. It supports arts and cultural activities that have long term cultural, economic and social benefits, promote partnerships and cultural networks and provide skills development opportunities. In NSW, the Regional Arts Fund is delivered by Regional Arts NSW. Funding is available for projects commencing after 1 January 2009 in the categories of New Initiatives, Partnerships and Residencies and Mentorships. Funding is available for one, two or three year projects. Instructions, Guidelines and Application Forms for the Regional Arts Fund are available and can be downloaded from the Regional Arts NSW website. Contact Annette Eassie, Funding Manager. Tel 02 9270 2502
Email fundingmanager@regionalartsnsw.com.au Website www.regionalartsnsw.com.au
Closing 14 August
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Awards + Prizes
Janison Short Sharp Film Festival
26 July, Coffs Harbour
Have you got an idea for a short, sharp film? Something that in a matter of minutes can entertain, inform, make a point, or amuse? Then think about entering the Janison Short Sharp Film Festival! The Festival is an annual event to showcase the work of film-makers and aspiring film-makers. It will also give the public an opportunity to see short, sharp films made by anyone with inspiration and the will to get something in the can. It's for individuals and groups of all ages and levels of skill and there are two categories for schools. Signature item this year is the 'dart board' either visual or verbal. The festival will screen at Coffs Harbour Education Campus D Theatre, from 5.00pm. Entry forms and details online. Website www.shortsharpfilmfest.com
Closing 13 June
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Blake Poetry Prize
The NSW Writers’ Centre is
joining the Blake Society, Leichhardt Municipal Council and
Wet Ink magazine in sponsoring a new national poetry prize to
be known as the Blake Poetry Prize, which calls for entries on
the theme of 'bliss, blasphemy and belief.' The aim of the competition is to give Australian poets another opportunity to achieve national recognition and a financial reward for their efforts. The NSW Writers’ Centre is pleased to develop this partnership with the Blake Society which awards the annual Blake Prize for Religious Art. Blake Chairman, the Reverend Rod Pattenden, said: “This exciting new initiative links visual art and literature, and offers new possibilities for poets to explore the nature of spirituality in the twenty-first century”.
Entry forms and details online. Website www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
Closing 27 June
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WOW Film Festival
1 - 2 October, Sydney
The 15th WOW (World of Women) Film Festival is calling for entries for fiction, documentary, animation, music videos and student films of less than 55 minutes duration with key creative input by women from Australia and around the world. WOW is a unique showcase of films by women, allowing for a different storytelling and giving another perspective of the world through women’s eyes. WOW promotes and awards the talents of women directors, producers, writers, editors and cinematographers. Entries are welcomed from any genre, with a variety of production values, from aspiring and established filmmakers representing different backgrounds and nationalities. WOW welcomes works from every sector of the Australian & International women filmmaking community, particularly from Australian indigenous filmmakers and other under represented groups. Tel 0402 246 601 Email wowfilmfestival@nsw.wift.org Website www.nsw.wift.org/wow
Closing 30 June
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FourW Nineteen
FourW is one of Australia's longest running annual anthologies of new poetry and prose. Booranga Writer's Centre welcomes contributions of original poetry, fiction and graphics/artwork, not previously published. Works are read anonymously, and we request that you include the contributor’s name and address in the cover email message only. (Documents mailed as hard-copy to be identified on the back of each page). FourW is printed in black & white, so we ask that contributions of artwork be suitable for this type of presentation. The Booranga Prize has been donated by Charles Sturt University, beginning in 2005. $250 will be awarded to works selected as the best poem and best short story in the anthology. Short story word limit is 2500 words. Full details and submission guidelines online. Submissions of writing should be emailed as a word document attachment. This year's fourW nineteen
will be edited by David Gilbey. Email booranga@csu.edu.au Website www.csu.edu.au
Closing 30 June
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 Regional Arts Australia Volunteer Awards
The Regional Arts Australia Volunteer Awards recognise, reward and encourage regionally-based artists and cultural volunteers who have made a substantial contribution to the arts in regional communities in Australia. Awards will be presented in two nominated categories: Sustained Contribution Award to recognise a regionally-based arts volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the arts in regional Australia over a period of five years or more; and Youth Award to recognise a young, regionally-based arts volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the arts in regional Australia. Award recipients will receive a commissioned artwork by a regional artist, a certificate of recognition, public recognition, free registration to art at the heart and ticket to the conference dinner (Saturday 4 October), where the awards will be presented, and free travel and accommodation to art at the heart. Nominations will be accepted from organisations and individuals. Self nominations will be accepted. Full details online. Website www.regionalarts.com.au
Closing 16 July
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 NSW Tourism Awards
The NSW Tourism Awards recognise and celebrate the diverse range of tourism product throughout NSW and the outstanding individuals who promote and support the industry. The Tourism Industry Council NSW, in conjunction with Tourism NSW, is pleased to present the 2008 NSW Tourism Awards. The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success throughout the year. The Awards are held annually and are a submission and inspection-based competition. The awards ceremony provides the opportunity to publicly recognise and showcase the State's finest tourism operators. Nomination and application details online. Website http://ticnsw.com.au
Closing 18 July
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The British Council | Realise Your Dream
The British Council is calling for Australia’s best and brightest to enter the 2008 Realise Your Dream competition, a professional development award open to all Australians aged under 30 who are involved in creative industries. Winning candidates will be flown to the UK to work with a mentor, and receive $8,000 to help live the dream. Applicants need to demonstrate their creative potential, and tell us how they’ll benefit by connecting with Britain’s best. If they’re a winner, we’ll help organise a personally tailored work experience programme with a leader in their field. For previous winners this competition has provided a huge leap forward in their understanding of their industry, and also with international contacts. Placements have included fashion houses Luella, Burberry and Lara Bohinc; time with creative director Tom Dixon at Habitat; Zaha Hadid architects; BBC Interactive; advertising agency BB/Saunders; and textile designers Timorous Beasties, The British Museum, independent record labels - amongst many others. Details online. Email realiseyourdream@britishcouncil.org.au Website www.realiseyourdream.org.au
Closing 31 July
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Tweed Naturally Art Awards 08
Artists working in any media or style are invited to submit an entry that depicts or interprets the flora, fauna, ecological communities or conservation initiatives of the Mt Warning (Wollumbin) Caldera region (embracing the local govt Areas of Tweed, Lismore, Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast). The Awards are designed to highlight the region’s biodiversity values with the exhibition opening in September at the prestigious Tweed River Art Gallery. The total prize pool has reached $6000, in only its second year, with the Natural Resource Management section of the Tweed Shire Council contributing $3000 for first prize. Entry forms available from Andy Reimanis Tel 02 6677 9009 Email andyr@westnet.com.au
Closing 10 August
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 Flake Film Festival
Flake is searching high and low, near and far for the freshest filmmaking talent this weird, wacky and wonderful world has to offer- and we're putting up $15,000 in cash and prizes as a reward! Your film must be less than 8 mins, can be any genre or style & of course include the 2008 theme of light. You can incorporate light as the main theme or central storyline, an object in the film, it may be symbolic or even in the dialogue. You can be cheeky or sneaky, but just make sure we can see the light! Now in its 6th year, the award winning Flake Film Festival has developed into a unique grass roots film festival which showcases a diverse range of Australian and International films from first time, hobby, student and professional filmmakers. Application details online. Website www.flakefilmfestival.com
Closing 12 August
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 Rolf Boldrewood Literary Awards
The 2008 Rolf Boldrewood Literary Awards were launched in the Macquarie Regional Library, Dubbo, on Sunday 3 February 2008 by the Regional
Director, John Bayliss. The Rolf Boldrewood project is the Outback
Writers' Centre's major activity for 2008. The Awards are for prose and poetry with an Australian theme to commemorate the writer and writing of Robbery Under Arms in Dubbo. Prose is limited to 3000 words-fiction, article or essay (including family history). Poetry is limited to 80 lines and can be in any form or style. First prize in each section is a Boldrewood bust-by sculptor Brett Garling who is now creating a full-size bronze of The Man from Snowy
River-valued at $100 plus $600. Second prize is $300 and third prize
$150. Highly Commended and Commended certificates will be awarded at the judges' discretion. Entry forms online, Tel 02 6801 4501 Website www.mrl.nsw.gov.au
Closing 19 September
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Art Unlimited
24 - 26 October, Dunedoo
A competition embracing hanging art, photography and ceramics is taking place in the 800-strong township of Dunedoo in the Central West of New South Wales. There are no limits to the interpretation of the theme 'My Landscape.' It is entirely up to artists, photographers or ceramicists to express themselves in the medium they choose. The artist’s landscape is not restricted to an urban, rural, indoor or outdoor landscape. It may be interpreted, in the widest sense, as the artist’s view of contemporary Australian life or the environment in which the artist exists. An eminent panel of judges has been assembled and a first place prize of $2,000 will be awarded in each of the three categories. There will also be a People’s Choice Award. Entry forms online. Contact Norma Gallagher Tel 02 6375 1107 Website www.artunlimitednsw.com.au
Closing 29 September
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Shear Faces Portrait Competition
This unique portrait competition will encourage artists and photographers to record and interpret the characters who work in one of Australia’s toughest professions. The Shear Faces Portrait Competition objective is to highlight that the shearing industry is about people, doing a range of tasks under some of the most difficult conditions existing in the workplace today. Entrants are asked to interpret the life and work of shearers, shed hands, contractors or cooks through portraits of individuals. The Competition will be convened by Shear Outback, the national Shearers’ Hall of Fame at Hay, as part of a big 2008 program which includes the National Shearing Championships in November. The competition will involve a photographic section and a section open to all forms of media. Prizes include cash, fellowships to the prestigious Bishops Lodge
artist-in-residence program, and photographic equipment.
Contact Ian Auldist Tel 02 6993 1092 Website www.shearoutback.com.au
Closing 30 October
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