march 2009An indispensable resource for anyone |
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HighlightsA Special Kind of Vision
6 - 26 March, Byron Bay A Special Kind of Vision features the work of 22 selected contemporary Indigenous artists from around the Northern Rivers region, including Indigenous arts fellowship recipient Alison Williams; award winning artists Garth Lena, Karla Dickens and Frances Belle Parker, Digby Moran, and many more. When Arts Northern Rivers started in 2004, the Art Gallery of NSW did not hold a single piece of art by a NSW Indigenous artist in its collection. The local regional galleries had never held an exhibition of local Indigenous art, and artists such as internationally renowned Lismore based Bundjalung painter Digby Moran, were largely unheard of. The past five years have seen much development in this area with landmark initiatives such as the Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize leading to frequent shows of Indigenous work at all three regional galleries, and strong representation of individual artists by commercial galleries. At Retrospect Galleries, 52 Jonson St. Website www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au Nyree Reynolds (Ngari): Identity
6 - 31 March, Molong Jayes Gallery is proud to be presenting the recent artworks of highly regarded Indigenous artist, Nyree (Ngari) Reynolds in her latest exhibition Identity. This exhibition is particularly pertinent to Molong as Nyree has chosen as part of the exhibition, to focus on the removed children at Fairbridge Farm. In what is proving to already be a controversial show, Nyree explores the stories of the Stolen Generations, which is close to her heart. In these ephemeral and quite beautiful works, the figures float surreal across the vivid Australian outback. The works evoke a sense of loss and heartbreak. Nyree has shown through her work, that she is a strong storyteller and is able to more than capably get her message across to the viewer. At Jayes Gallery, 31-33 Gidley St Molong. Website http://jayesgallery.blogspot.com Opera Eagle's Nest: Under Tuscan Skies
21 March, Bangalow Raise your glasses and join the party as Opera Eagle’s Nest presents Under Tuscan Skies, an uplifting tribute to the romance and passion of the great Italian operas and soaring Neapolitan favorites. Be transported by song to the picturesque villages, castles, villas and vineyards of the hills of Tuscany, the mystery and elegance of Venice, and the timeless majesty of Rome with such immortal classics as: Questa o Quella; La Donna e Mobile; Nessun Dorma; Time To Say Goodbye; Amigos Para Siempre, and of course O Sole Mio. From the spine-tingling harmonies and highly charged top ‘C’s’ of opera to the sparkling humor of Operetta and the toe tapping familiar tunes of your favorite Broadway hits, Opera Eagle’s Nest stirs deep emotions in its audience with its uplifting, inspiring and motivational performances that will have you calling out for more. At Bangalow A&I Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets $35/$30. Presented by Ku Promotions. Website http://kupromo.com.au Living Sound Festival
27 - 29 March, Bathurst & Lithgow Featuring acclaimed Central West musicians Aaron Hopper, Rob Shannon and Annie Burbank, the 2009 Living Sound Festival brings local, contemporary jazz to Bathurst and Lithgow. Don’t miss these great opportunities to experience cutting‐edge contemporary music! The festival kicks off on n Friday 27 March at 7pm, with an evening of jazz and local wines, featuring Rob Shannon (Arabesk, Two Swing) and Aaron Hopper (Stringman Sassy) at Vale Creek Wines in Bathurst. Tickets available at the door $25/$15. Over the weekend there will be workshops in Carnivale Rhythm, and and an HSC Music Enrichment Day. At Mitchell Conservatorium of Music, Lithgow Wylde Street Lithgow; and at Mitchell Conservatorium of Music, Russell Street Bathurst. Tel 02 6331 6622 Website www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au The Axis of Awesome
28 - 31 March, Albury Emerging Australian comedy band The Axis of Awesome will be flexing their comedy muscles when they hit the Border in March. The group, who have appeared on Good News Week, Sydney Radio Station Triple M, and have performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, the Sydney Opera House and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, will be demonstrating their talents at performances and workshops for high school students across the region. The Axis of Awesome will be performing and running workshops for students at Billabong High, St Pauls College, Murray High School, and James Fallon High across two days in March. The band will also be performing at a free concert for young people at the Youth Festival in QEII Square Saturday 28 March at 5.30pm. Murray Arts is presenting the band in the region with the assistance of a Country Arts Support Program Grant from Regional Arts NSW. Contact Karen Gardner Tel 02 6021 5034 The workshops are supported by a Country Arts Support Program (CASP) grant Regional Arts NSW NewsA Special Kind of Vision: book to be launched
On 5 March, Arts Northern Rivers will launch a new book celebrating contemporary Aboriginal art of the Northern Rivers region. A Special Kind of Vision is the culmination of almost a year’s work and a landmark development for local Indigenous artists. In 2008, Arts Northern Rivers received funding from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA), to conduct a survey of Indigenous artists living and working across the region, and produce a document of their findings. Over a period of three weeks, Frances Belle Parker, Arts Northern Rivers’ Indigenous Arts Development Officer, toured the region with a journalist and professional photographer, aiming to meet with as many practising artists as possible, and record their stories. Almost 70 local artists took part in this process, with 26 selected for inclusion in the publication. The book will be launched by Chris Bonney, Program Manager for The Australia Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Unit.
A new profile for the Hunter
Arts Upper Hunter Inc is pleased to announce the launch of their website www.artsupperhunter.com.au. The Hunter, known for its ‘wines, mines, bovines and equines’ has kept its’ cultural soul a secret. Tucked away in the nooks and crannies of this diverse region are layers of history that have been written about, sung about, and informed many an artist over the last two centuries and beyond. Their new website provides a window into the Hunter of today. Useful to both locals and visitors to the area, the website contains artist’s profiles, local galleries and museums, venues, opportunities for grants/prizes and the all important ‘what’s happening’ guide.
RANSW new grants calendar onlineRegional Arts NSW has compiled a calendar of grants from other funding sources, which is now up on the website. There are many arts and cultural grants available for people living in regional NSW and beyond. The calendar is a summary of the main grants and funding opportunities available to artists and not-for-profit organisations who work in the arts and cultural sector. Whilst every attempt has been made to make it as comprehensive as possible, it does not include all grants and should be used in conjunction with other useful resources and services listed below. The grants calendar can be searched by closing date for applications, or by funding body. There are also links to other grants resources, including websites and newsletters.
$52,000 funding for region's youth in Far West & West DarlingThe biannual ArtStart program has received $52,000 in funding in a joint application by Outback Arts and West Darling Arts. Unlike previous years, Outback Arts has opted to run a regional youth arts program rather than the small grants program. Regional Arts Development Officer Angela Sidoti said, “This will be a trial for ArtStart in the Outback Arts region. In the past we have found that groups struggled with the level of administration that goes with a small grants round... we feel that the funding will stretch a lot further than it has in the past.” ArtStart 2009 will involve a series of five day workshops with programmer/tour and stage manager/performer Jeff Stein, in each of the six local government areas serviced by Outback Arts including Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Cobar, Warren and Walgett. The project explores themes of connectedness, drawing inspiration from the Indigenous idea of song lines and meeting places and of the interconnected families and nations. Participants will be given a set of performance tasks which will be video-documented to collectively represent a form of ‘message stick’ to the next community. Workshopswill culminate in a community performance on the final day.
Other NewsCentral West Contemporary Aboriginal Dance Devt. Project
More 70 young people participated in Arts OutWest’s 2008 Contemporary Aboriginal Dance Development Project led by professional contemporary indigenous choreographer and dancer, Jo Clancy. 55 students from the four communities of Cowra, Wellington, Kelso and Condobolin came together to perform at Wellington High School on 6 December 2008. “The networking opportunity provided by bringing the four communities together to perform will have an ongoing impact on the region,” said Jo Clancy. The project brought skills development for participants in contemporary Indigenous dance creation, development and performance; professional development for the community mentors and teachers; cultural affirmation for the communities by showcasing the talents of their young people, teachers and community members as well as an opportunity to highlight the richness of Indigenous culture in the region. The project was funded by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts. Art at the Heart conference report outOver a thousand people met in the desert town of Alice Springs from 2-5 October for Regional Arts Australia's sixth biennial conference, art at the heart. The conference hosted 959 delegates, 192 conference presenters and 254 festival artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and geographic areas from regional and remote Australia. Approximately 45% of presenters were Indigenous and the Artistic program featured a ratio of 40:60 Indigenous to non-Indigenous artists. The central focus of art at the heart was artistic and cultural exchange and cross cultural collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and cultural workers in regional and remote contexts.This public report provides an evaluation of the event, and detailed reporting of event outcomes and processes. The report has been prepared by Conference Coordinator & Artistic Director Kieren Sanderson, and Conference Programs Manager Nicky Schonkala.
DSRD reports on creative industry sectorThe Department of State and Regional Development has completed detailed analysis of the economic fundamentals of the NSW creative industry. The analysis shows that NSW's creative industry is critical to the NSW economy and is also a national leader - employing 37% of the national creative workforce, with employment growth at twice the rate of other industries and average wages 18% higher than the average of all other industries. NSW also dominates employment in 10 of the 11 creative industry sectors investigated. Two reports have been produced - NSW Creative Industry: Economic Fundamentals and NSW Creative Industry Insights, which emphasise the creative industry's importance and contribution to the broader NSW economy, its dominance nationally, key challenges and opportunities for the future and proposed actions to further grow the industry. Read the reports here Gilgandra artist on cover of White/Yellow Pages
This year, Sensis is celebrating the contribution creative Australians, such as Gilgandra resident Gail Naden, have made to their communities through the arts by featuring them on the cover of the 2009/10 Yellow Pages® and White Pages® directories. Gail was thrilled to learn she would appear on the cover of the Dubbo directory after being nominated by members of the local community to represent the entire region as the epitome of this year’s theme Creative Australians: Inspiring our Communities. Gail assists with classroom activities with students at a number of schools throughout the region, where she inspires an appreciation for Aboriginal culture through teaching the arts and sharing traditional Australian stories. She also contributes her time to community art projects through Outback Arts, facilitating workshops in a range of disciplines including visual and performing arts. Group Manager for White Pages®, Jane Blackley, said “right across the country, there are people like Gail making amazing contributions to their communities through the arts so this year we thought we would put the spotlight on them by featuring them on the cover of the Yellow™ and White Pages® directories.” Arts funding for touring exhibitionsMinister for the Arts Peter Garrett has announced funding of more than $1 million to support the development and touring of 15 cultural exhibitions through the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program. The exhibitions, drawn from Australian public collections, showcase the diversity of Australia’s unique cultural life, with contributions from performing arts collections, Indigenous weavers, new media artists and craft practitioners. The exhibition themes under this latest round of funding range from the history of Australia’s convict female factories to contemporary Indigenous fibre textile practice in Australia. “This funding underlines the Rudd Government’s commitment is to making Australia’s cultural heritage more accessible to more Australians,” Mr Garrett said. “The support being provided by the Visions of Australia program has proved very successful in encouraging the development and touring of exciting and innovative exhibitions to metropolitan and regional communities across Australia.
40th Muswellbrook Open Art Prize announced
Saturday 21 February saw the announcement of the winners of the 40th Muswellbrook Open Art Prize. The adjudicator Ron Ramsey, Director of the Newcastle Region Art Gallery, addressed a capacity crowd which included many visitors from both Newcastle and Sydney. Mr Ramsey explained his decisions with an obvious passion for the visual arts which was reflected in his choices for the major prizes. “This is an important event in the arts calendar of regional NSW and that is made perfectly clear by the quality of the works here tonight,” said Mr Ramsey. Newcastle based artist Peter Gardiner won the $15,000 Open Prize for painting with his work entitled Bonfire (Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians) a dramatic work in oil on canvas. The $3,000 Open Prize for a work on paper was won by Sydney artist and master printer Paul Smith with a stunning collograph print entitled Samoan Skin and the Open Prize for a ceramic went to Sydney artist William Lungas for his mysterious porcelain work entitled Arca’ Series 3.
Mosaic worskhops a hit
Dynamic mosaicing duo, Rod and Julie Horsborough will be facilitating a two day workshop taking their art to the place where the Murray River becomes the River Murray. Held over the weekend of the 28 - 29t March at the Curlwaa Hall in Wentworth, Julie and Rod will guide participants through the process of mosoaicing . During their two week exhibition shown at the Wentworth Visitor Centre in November last year, expressions of interest were taken from those keen to learn the art of Mosaicing. As a result, a group of 15 will be taking part in the booked-out workshop hosted by West Darling Arts in conjunction with Wentworth Arts. "We would like to keep the individual pieces small as we believe that participants achieve a greater sense of satisfaction when they take a completed piece home at the end of the workshop," commented Julie. Whilst all materials will be supplied, participants wishing to bring their own small piece to work on are welcome to do so. $17m centre to boost creative industriesA $17 million Creative Industries Innovation Centre will provide free hands-on assistance to small and medium businesses in the creative sector to boost their productivity and realise their potential for wealth and job creation. The national centre, hosted by the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), was launched on 17 February by Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, and Arts Minister, Peter Garrett. The centre is one of six Innovation Centres funded under the Government's $271 million Enterprise Connect initiative. Other centres focus on sectors such as clean-energy, mining and remote enterprises. "Australia's creative enterprises are among the world's best, but to remain competitive they must continue to innovate and improve their processes," Senator Carr said. "Small and medium enterprises in this sector face similar issues to those in other sectors – they are strong in their creative focus, but sometimes lack the skills required to successfully run and grow their business. "Most cannot afford to pay for external advice to help improve how their business operates, particularly in these tough financial times."
Bathurst Art and Health Program
Up and running for almost a year, the pilot Bathurst Arts and Health program has several activities taking place, including the creation of a major glass work for the hospital’s Quiet Room, the presentation by local artists of concept designs for the forecourt area and a series of workshops across various Bathurst health services. Printmaking, digital image and flag painting workshops with youth mental health group Headspace have been run and works that are produced in this workshop will be displayed in the Bathurst Health Service for Youth Week. Artists Gabriella Hegyes and Cate McCarthy are working with schools to produce painted flags which will brighten up the internal courtyard opposite the Imaging department. A palliative care project called ‘Waving not drowning’ is aimed at reducing isolation for the palliative care community. Community Health and Art workers met together in February 2009 to develop further projects that enhance the delivery of community health programs. New ResourcesOn Board: Serving on the Board of an Arts Organisation
On Board is a short guide to the essentials of arts governance and is one of the Australia Council’s most requested publications. Author David Fishel has revised and updated On Board, and it is now available online. Being a board member of an arts organisation is both a pleasure and a responsibility. The pleasure comes from associating with an organisation or individual whose work you admire and enjoy, and helping to sustain and develop that work. The responsibility comes from meeting legal compliance requirements, and ensuring that organisational performance meets the expectations of the public and key stakeholders. This booklet provides brief notes and checklists on four aspects of a board’s operations: legal and financial responsibilities, strategic and financial planning, relationship with the CEO, and recruitment and induction of members.
Gold Book 2008: Award-winning business arts relationships
The Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) has produced a useful, practical guide for anyone in the arts or business involved in sponsorship, development or fundraising. Inlcudes detailed accounts of all the AbaF award winners, key facts, partnership benefits, and tips from winners. Successful relationships between business, donors and the arts sector take the spotlight in The Gold Book 2008, published in December 2008. The book includes 42 case studies of relationships from all over Australia, among them large and small arts organisations ranging from major festivals and performing arts companies to community arts projects. Proudly supported by Australia Post. Request a free hard copy of Gold Book 2008 from AbaF, or download from the website.
What's OnFrom France: Contemporary French Ceramics
Until 30 March, Tanja Narek Galleries has always focused on the work of Australian makers. The departure from this focus is due to a series of serendipitous events and it is with great pleasure that Narek presents an exhibition of contemporary ceramics from France. These ceramists are all members of D’Argiles, a group of professional potters living and working in the Rhone-Alpes Region of France. Each practicing a unique style, the work in the exhibition includes porcelain, stoneware, raku, terre vernissee and burnished hand-built forms with terrasigillata. Exhibiting potters are Christian Faillat, Yves Gaget, Brigitte Long, Jean-Marc Plantier, Sylvie Ruse-Maillard, Jean-Luc Taschini, and Maryse Tavernier. At Narek Galleries, Old Tanja Church, 1140 Bermagui Rd. Tel 02 6494 0112 Loris Quantock 'Artist in Residence' and Masterclass
3 - 7 March, Jenolan Caves In the first week of March, contemporary artist Loris Quantock will reside at Caves House, creating a work of art that captures the Jenolan Valley in Autumn. In 2008, Loris won the People’s Choice Prize at the LikeArt exhibition, and in 2007 she won the Director’s Choice Award at the Marrickville Contemporary Art Prize. Throughout the week, drop in and watch her work. On Saturday, 7 March, Loris will hold a class in her style, at Caves House. All art lovers are welcome ‐ don’t be shy! The cost will include morning & afternoon tea, lunch plus wine & cheese reception in the evening. For an additional fee, you can enjoy a delicious 3‐course dinner at the ‘Artist’s Table’. Jenolan Caves (via Oberon) Tel 1300 763 311 Bush Slam4 March, Cowra Freehand Productions will visit Cowra in early March to film one episode of Bush Slam, a six part arts series which aims to capture the heart of the nation in verse. Bush Slam is being produced in association with ABC TV and will examine the multicultural aspects of Cowra, its close links with Japan and indigenous culture. Hosted by H.G. Nelson of 'Roy and H.G.' fame, Bush Slam will bring to Cowra two poets who will spend three days experiencing the town and meeting residents. The poets will then attempt to describe in verse the spirit of Cowra and its people. The poets will present their work to the community in a ‘word brawl’ to be held at the Japanese Garden on Wednesday 4 March from 5:30pm. This event is open to the whole community. Entry by gold coin donation, with the proceeds to go towards the purchase of a new stage for the Garden. This will assist in attracting future artistic performances to the venue. There will be a sausage sizzle and pre‐poetry entertainment. Come and relax with family and friends in the creative atmosphere. At Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre, Binni Creek Rd Tel 02 6341 2233 Lift up and Separate
5 March, Bathurst Lift up your spirits and Separate from the Crowd opens in March at Fox's Furniture and Woodwork Gallery. The latest collection of hand made lampwork glass and sterling silver fusion jewellery arrives in the gallery on 5 March. These miniature wearable works of art are from Firebird Beads, fashioned in collaboration with Brenda Coleman, another of Fox's exclusive jewellery artists. This year we add some stunning rings for your fingers, (no bells for your toes) and stitched seed bead marvels of textile skill to the new set of necklaces, earrings, brooches, bangles and beads. You'll not see another like the piece you choose because every piece is an individual work of art. Free admission. At Fox's Furniture and Woodwork Gallery, 108 William Street Bathurst. Tel 02 6331 8699 Website www.foxsfurnituregallery.com.au Aunty Richard at Cootamundra Arts Centre
6 March, Cootamundra Formed in late 2006, Aunty Richard have already garnered a reputation for their incendiary live show that leaves audiences raving. Aunty Richard is comprised of some of Sydney's hottset young talent: Joel Woolf on sax, Franco Raggatt on guitar, Alex Hewetson on electric bass, and Tim Firth on drums. After successful gigs in Sydney, Regional NSW, Canberra and Melbourne, Aunty Richard have just released their debut album Leaf Blower on Jazzgroove Records. Leaf Blower has been receiving widespread national radio-play, including mainstream exposure on the ABC. Aunty Richard brings together jazz, rock and electronic elements with a focus on composition and melody. The players are vibrant and assured, creating an edgy and engaging momentum. The tenor flutters, growls, blares and rasps; it shrieks in horror, bounces happily, cries with anguish and murmurs tenderly. Hooks are shared between guitar and sax and the drums solo explosively. Tickets $20/$10. At Cootamundra Arts Centre, 18-20 Wallendoon St. Tel 02 6942 4773 Glass and Jewellery Refractions
6 March - 20 April, Gulgong Immerse yourself in the qualities of light and shine created by artists in this superb and inspiring group exhibition of glass and jewellery. Artists featured in the exhibition are Veronica Burns, Pauline Delaney, Keith Rowe and Sabine Van Gent. The artists work with glass, gold, silver, natural stones and pearls, to create forms or jewellery and art products that have special reflective qualities. Pauline Delaney is creating gold fumed glass, sterling silver and organic lampwork beads. “The ability to create a tiny masterpiece packed with detail makes lampwork ideal for making beads and the nature of glass makes it an ideal medium for jewellery as the light can create magic when it shines on them." At Cudgegong Gallery, 102 Herbert St. Tel 02 6374 1630 Website www.cudgegonggallery.com.au Wild Women
7 - 8 March, Moruya The Eurobodalla Shire Council in collaboration with the Moruya Women’s Refuge proudly present a snapshot of local women artists to celebrate 2009 International Women’s Day. Each unique, each with a story to tell, each an inspiration brought together to celebrate the creative spirit within all women. Join the twelve local artists Cheryl Davison, Fran Dunn, Frances Luke, Dez Byron, Keedah Throssell, Mischi West, Kim Carriage, Miranda Keeling, Raewyn Lawrence, Alice McKenzie, Susan Dale Donaldson and Jenni Young-Bourke in celebrating a feast of inspirational works. There will be a delicious collection of paintings, prints, sculptures, textiles and photographs for all to enjoy. Opens 6pm on Friday 6 March at the Mechanics Institute, Page St Moruya. Open to the Public: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March 10am – 4pm. Tel 02 4474 1061 Roberto Fonseca & quintet
11 March, Lismore Directly from his Sydney Opera House debut, comes this 'genre-busting tour de force', and 'fabulously gifted pianist, composer and bandleader' from the musical epicentre of Cuba, Roberto Fonseca. A gripping live performer with charisma to spare, Roberto Fonseca shows a virtuosic, fiery, eclectic, sometimes nearly orchestral approach to the piano.A mixture of Cuban soul and jazz history, Fonseca's piano artistry includes unbelievable high-energy runs on the keyboard, a trace of Monk's angularity and a fine sense for poetic melodies. On his new album Zamazu he is assisted by his long-term musical partner Javier Zalba and an incredibly flexible Cuban/Brazilian rhythm section. Offering Latin jazz of the highest order, Fonseca's musical fantasy ranges from ecstatic joyfulness to dark, dramatic moods, from airy ear-catchers to slightly oriental mellowness. Tickets $45/38 At Lismore City Hall. Tel 1300 066 772 Website www.norpa.org.au Flickerfest on tour
13 March, Bathurst In 2009 Flickerfest will come of age and celebrate its 18th Birthday as Australia’s premier International Short Film Festival. Flickerfest is Australia’s only Academy® Award accredited Short Film festival and as such, attracts a high calibre of films entering each year from all around the world. Renowned as Sydney¹s first beachside cinema, Flickerfest kicks off the summer cinema season outdoors under the stars at Bondi Beach, screening the best short films from Australia and the world in a unique and relaxed summer environment. After our Sydney festival Flickerfest tours to 17 venues around Australia. Our Academy ® accredited short film competition and special showcases celebrate the latest in cutting edge shorts from around the world. Tickets $15. At Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre 105 William St, 7pm - 9pm. Website www.flickerfest.com.au Women of the World exhibition
13 March - 4 April, Coffs Harbour Works by Australian and international female cartoonists, caricaturists and illustrators to celebrate International Womens Day. Countries represented in the exhibition are: Australia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Serbia, Colombia, Belgium, Azerbayjan, Switzerland, Phillipines, Luxemboug, Argentina, China, Iran, Bulgaria, Korea, Ukraine, and Costa Rica. The Bunker Cartoon Gallery is Australia's first and only dedicated black and white art gallery exhibiting the largest private collection of contemporary cartoons in the Southern Hemisphere. The Gallery is housed in an authentic underground WWII bunker that has been converted to a funky exhibition space. At At Bunker Cartoon Gallery, John Champion Way, City Hill, (Cnr Hogbin Drive and Albany St). Tel 02 6651 7343 Website www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au The Cat Empire
14 March, Mullumbimby There aren’t many bands in the world who could lay claim to 666 shows in a 7 year career. There are even fewer Australian bands which could even come close to such a claim. But Melbourne group The Cat Empire, won’t stay at that milestone for long, playing their 700th show by the middle of 2009. In fact, The Cat Empire has played live to more people than any other all Australian band this decade. They have just released a live CD, Live On Earth and DVD Live At The Bowl. The Empire's roots are in the late night jazz clubs of Melbourne, but they've since sprouted wings over the US, Canada, Europe and Asia, where they've negotiated a series of record deals without surrendering a note of their freedom. Like some kind of funky circus troupe, they roll into town, sell twice as many tickets as the previous visit, and a truckload of CDs on the way out. The Cat Empire will be joined by Gypsy friends Paprika Balkanicus. At The Mullumbimby Leagues Grounds. Tickets $55/$40 Website www.kupromotions.oztix.com.au Concert from renowned international pianist Dizhou Zhao
15 March, Bowral The Southern Highlands International Piano competition is proud to present celebrated international pianist Dizhou Zhao in recital. He will be performing works from the Romantic Period by Beethoven, Chopin and the extremely difficult Islamey, Fantaisie Orientale by Balakirev. Since winning the inaugural Southern Highlands International Piano Competition in 2007, Dizhou has won first prize in the Louisiana International Competition, a prize which included concerts in France, Russia, and Australia and a solo performance at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall. Currently, Dizhou is studying at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA with American pianist, Victor Rosenbaum, and mentored by Alexander Korsantia in a postgraduate program. At Chevalier College, Charlotte St. Starts 3pm. Tickets $35/$30/$10/$75 family, from The Brown Bookstore or The Countryman, Bowral. Website www.moshtix.com Bruce Mathiske's Sizzling Strings
20 March, Gulgong Australia's Premier guitarists Bruce Mathiske and George Golla join forces in this concert series. Described as ‘awash with jaw dropping virtuosity' by the Sydney Morning Herald, Bruce Mathiske's many eclectic music influences from his world travels have evolved into an exciting style all his own. His use of the guitar to become it’s own orchestra and encompass a huge range of genres from swing to Latin, Jazz to African, Folk to Gypsy. George Golla is a much admired performer for his technical mastery of the guitar his swinging style, his Latin influences and also for his musicianship and friendly easy going manner and good humour. This concert launches their new CD Still Got My Guitar, eclectic world music sounds combining dazzling Spanish/Gypsy runs with smooth Latin/Brazilian flavours, and swinging Jazz style merged perfectly together. Also featuring special guest Frank Searles. Tel 1800 043 249 Website www.bruceguitar.com Harmony Day
21 March, Australia wide Harmony Day is celebrated on 21 March each year. It is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity. DIAC supports a range of community events and activities held to celebrate Harmony Day by providing free promotional products. The key message of Harmony Day is 'Everyone Belongs'. It's about community participation, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Since Harmony Day began ten years ago, thousands of schools, community groups and organisations across Australia have hosted Harmony Day events. There is no limit to the range of activities that can be held for Harmony Day and we encourage schools, community groups, local government and businesses to get involved and actively support this day of celebration. Events are taking place throughout NSW. Visit the website to find out what's on in your area. Website www.harmony.gov.au Elliot Rocke Mudfest
21 March, Mudgee Fast becoming known as the place in Australia to catch the latest short films from around the world, Elliot Rocke Mudfest 2009 promises once again to draw together outstanding short films from around the globe. In 2008 over 1000 people streched out on the lawns of the Elliot Rocke Estate cellar door and took in the films on a warm early Autumn night. The past 2 years has seen over 500 entries submitted each year from over 30 different countries so now is you chance to take part, and with some excellent prizes to be collected. Elliot Rocke Estate Craigmoor Road Mudgee 02 6372 3899 Website www.mudfest.com.au Art on the Move
22 March, Bangalow Art on the Move is an artists’ collective, gathering at the Moller Pavilion in the Bangalow Showgrounds every Bangalow Market day. Utilising this open spaced pavilion on a monthly basis, up to eight artists meet and set up their latest works and retrospectives for critical discussion, display to the public, mentorship (and tormentorship!). Ranging from works on paper, paintings on canvas, artists’ books, ephemera, stitched and printed recyclables, works on anodised aluminium, recycled jewellery and other media, the Art on the Move collective will convene at the Moller Pavilion on 22 March. Contact Marika Bryant for further information. Email marika@marikabryant.com Website www.marikabryant.com Pauline Jollow: Feeling Nature
23 March - 12 April, Wingham This exhibition comprises mixed-media paintings and sculpture created since the artist moved to the beautiful Wingham area about 5 years ago. Pauline loves to explore the essence of a particular niche by experimenting with materials found there. Her morning walks along Firefly Creek are rich with inspiration, and she finds herself fascinated by some aspect of nature, such as the beautiful flowing weed in the creek and the layers of paperbark that carpet the ground as the melaleucas shed their outer layers. The exhibition has works created with paper bark, creek weed, grasses, snake skin, paint, inks pastels, ceramics and more. At Moorland Gallery, Isabella St, Wingham. The Seed
27 March, Bathurst Based on a true story, The Seed deals with the 30 year reunion of Danny, a Vietnam veteran, his father Brian, an ex‐IRA soldier, and Danny’s journalist daughter Rose. What starts out as a celebration soon becomes a chilling game of loyalty, lies and betrayal as each digs deep into the Maloney family plot. Seeds germinate, flower and sometimes strangle in this exposé of family history in a Nottingham where merry men are thin on the ground and Robin Hood checked out a long time ago. And to make matters worse, the rest of the kinsmen are on their way. Award‐winning writer Kate Mulvany (Blood and Bone, Story Time, Naked Ambition, Somewhere) teams with director Iain Sinclair (My Arm, Hurlyburly, Lord of the Flies) in this compelling, tightly‐woven and thrilling exploration of a very real family and the repercussions of war. Tickets $17.50‐$41.50 At Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, 105 William St Tel 02 6331 6161 This month at Inverell Art Gallery
Masquerade Mask Competition As part of the Opera in the Paddock Event. The theme is 'theatrical, musical or operatic.' Closing 11 March. At Inverell Art Gallery, 5 Evans St. Contact for exhibition & workshop details. Tel 02 6722 4983 This month at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery
Leica/CCP Documentary Photography Award This month at Orange Regional Gallery
Around the World in 3287 Days Scott Gilbank was based in Jakata as an advertising photographer 1994‐2007. This exhibition showcases a diary of images of his unique and unforgettable journey. At Orange Regional Gallery, Byng Street Orange Tel 02 6393 8136 Website www.org.nsw.gov.au Seminars, Workshops + TrainingVersion 1.0 Theatre Company public forum3 March, Bathurst Local Stages Performing Arts Development Program invites you to meet theatre company Version 1.0. The company is an ensemble of artists who make performance through collaboration, investigating and also enacting democracy. They believe that if the personal is political, then the opposite is also true. They make devised performances that are both political and intensely personal, based on strong research, and that engage with significant political and social issues using innovative theatrical strategies. Version 1.0 is acclaimed in Australia for our innovative, accessible, and entertaining blend of documentary theatre, contemporary performance, and media spectacle. In May 2009 Version 1.0 will be running workshops here as well as performing alongside local community members in a Deeply Offensive Cabaret. In 2010 Version 1.0 will be working here in Bathurst devising a new work which will have local flavour. Come and find out what Version 1.0 is all about. Cost $5/ free to subscribers or Local Stages volunteers. 6pm at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, 105 William St. Contact Kylie Shead, Tel 02 6333 6144 Website www.versiononepointzero.com Making art and making a living3 March, Armidale How can the New England North West's many talented artists make art and make a living? Arts North West, in partnership with the Northern Inland Regional Development Board, will be hosting a series of workshops across the region to address this question and offer advice as to how it might be achieved. The free workshops, ‘Making Art - Making a Living’, were devised in response to requests from artists and galleries. They follow the successful ‘Art as an Industry’ symposiums that have focussed on the development of creative industries within the New England North West region. The workshops will respond to issues identified by artists and galleries through the visual art survey and direct consultation - best practice, professional opportunities and promotion. Workshops start 9.30 am with registration and morning tea, and will conclude at 4pm. Buses are available from Quirindi and/or Gunnedah to attend the Tamworth workshop, and from Glen Innes and/or Tenterfield to attend the Inverell workshop. Places are limited so please book early. Contact Jack Ritchie Tel 02 6732 4988 Email artsnw@northnet.com.au Artist at Work with Christine McMillan10 - 13 March, Dubbo Led by artist and arts educator, Christine McMillan, this workshop will explore the art work and the process in the ‘Artist at Work’ exhibition. The workshop begins with a tour through the exhibition with the artist. The exhibition looks at things in our environment both built and natural that are often ignored and sometimes annoying, grass seeds and breeze blocks. A range of materials will be used in the workshop including gauze, pastels and charcoal. Students can bring images of breeze block walls or grasses to work with. Images will also be provided. Pattern and repetition will a focus. Students will be encouraged to analyse their work using the language of visual arts. To take part in these free teacher and student workshops contact WPCC, Tel 02 6801 4441 Website www.wpccdubbo.org.au Sponsorship and Event Management Workshop17 March, Parkes Successful events are a collaboration of great ideas, but someone ultimately has to make it work. For the first time some of the region’s most successful event managers are coming together with Johnny Allen to share their experiences with others as part of our first learning exchange for event managers. Meet the presenters of these five great events and participate in this interactive workshop: Kelly Hendry, The Parkes Elvis Festival; Kim Currie, Orange FOOD Week; Belinda Mort, The Sakura Matsuri Festival, Cowra; Steven Baldwin, The Coonamble Rodeo and Camp Draft; Angela Prior, River Dreaming Festival, Bathurst. Presented by Central NSW Tourism and Event Managers’ Learning Exchange. Bushman's Motor Inn Newell Highway Parkes, from 9am - 4pm. Contact Toni‐Leigh Hoga, Tel 02 6332 2994 Website www.centralnswtourism.com.au Museums Connect
18 March, Coonabarabran Every community has pride in its heritage and it is the work of tireless volunteers and staff in regional museums that preserve our past for future generations. Museum Connect is a training opportunity available to people interested in preserving history within their community. Presenters for Museum Connect in 2009 include Jessica Moore, Collections Officer at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, who will present a session on Using Technology; Lysele Assarapin, Education & Volunteers Coordinator at the Powerhouse Discovery Centre, on Programming for Children; and Rebecca Ryan, Warrumbungle Shire Council’s Director of Community Services, will provide a Case Study. At the Children’s & Community Services Building, 27 Johns St. Starts 10am. Cost $25, includes refreshments. Bookings Tel 02 6817 8705 Website www.oranaarts.com Whichway Regional Music Development Program
23 - 27 March, Dubbo The Whichway Regional Music Development Program is a 5-day intensive and workshop for regional Indigenous artists to gain valuable skills and knowledge of the music industry. Participants will network and partake in essential workshops, seminars and panels with industry professionals, established artists and performers and key members of various support organisations who will share first hand experiences and knowledge of the contemporary music industry. There will also be a day of production workshops that will focus on improving song writing and performance skills with an opportunity to record a demo at the end of the week. The Program will be held at the Yarradamarra Centre at the Western Institute of TAFE Dubbo Campus. The Program is free, places imited. Contact Frank Trotman-Golden, Indigenous Music Project Manager, Tel 02 9699 9706 Email frank@musicnsw.com The Art of Story advanced writing seminar26 March, Byron Bay This collaborative seminar series presented by Northern Rivers Writer's Centre is aimed at emerging fiction writers who are passionate about their craft, and who are seeking to extend themselves while connecting with other writers. The six-part series assumes a high level of commitment and is designed for practising writers, not necessarily published but with a substantial body of work behind them. Commencing on 26 March, it t is an exceptional opportunity for serious writers to take it to the next level. The group will be small, no more than 10, and the series is offered to NRWC members only. Writer, essayist and social commentator Melissa Lucashenko will present The Art of Story. Melissa’s experience as a career writer, her knowledge of writing craft and her generous approach to emerging writers make her the ideal person to lead and mentor this group. Tel 02 6685 5115 Website www.nrwc.org.au Event management workshop
28 March, Bathurst Local Stages‐Performing Arts Development Program offers a free event management workshop for anyone aged 15 ‐ 25 years on Saturday 28 March from 10am to 4pm. This one day workshop is being run by Bathurst Regional Council for Youth Week. The workshop will cover stage craft, a tour of BMEC, PR, working with the media and planning for Rock Up 2009. A great introduction to event management. Bookings are essential. Registration forms are available on the Local Stages website or via the BMEC box office at 105 William St, Bathurst Tel 02 6333 6161. Contact Kylie Shead, BMEC Tel 6333 6144 Website www.bmec.com.au/bmec/localstages Defying Extinction: keeping museums and galleries alive3 April, Sydney Museums & Galleries NSW and the Historic Houses Trust present Defying extinction: keeping museums and galleries alive, a timely seminar exploring creative and effective approaches to funding. Including metropolitan and regional speakers, the seminar will look at how a range of museums and galleries have succeeded in generating alternative streams of revenue and support to help keep them afloat. The first seminar in the annual Museum of Sydney/Museums & Galleries NSW series, Defying extinction will be held at the Museum of Sydney from 2pm – 5pm. Speakers include Morgan Sant, Former President, Lady Denman Heritage Complex and Marcus Westbury, Founder of This Is Not Art and the Renew Newcastle Project. More speakers will be announced shortly. Contact Cath Fogarty, Manager, Professional Development, Museums & Galleries NSW Tel 02 9339 9903 Email catherinef@mgnsw.org.au Website http://mgnsw.org.au Korean ceramics throwing & turning workshop11 - 12 April, Gulgong Artist Won Seok Kim will be demontrating the art of Korean ceramics throwing and turning in this two day workshop. The artist has noted that "Korea is a country steeped in tradition. Australia is an ancient land that has been stamped with modern Western civilization Punch'ong pottery, which is unique to Korea and flourished between 1206 - 1592, would be the best way to express my impressions." Cost $33 per person. At Cudgegong Gallery, Coffee Shop 10.00am - 4.00pm both days. 102 Herbert Street Tel 02 6374 1630 Email mail@cudgegonggallery.com.au Website www.cudgegonggallery.com.au Carcoar Art Experience Weekend workshop18 - 19 April, Carcoar A weekend workshop with Peter Griffen, renowned Australian abstract artist, in the picturesque village of Carcoar. The art of Peter Griffen is influenced as much by the classical painting of the Renaissance as by the serendipity of abstract expressionism. A line takes a walk, the mind is free, the brush wanders.... this is how we start. Once marks are made ideas come and abstract paintings appear. Each participant works individually in their own time responding independently to the shapes, colours, etc., that they make. Various techniques, impasto, glazing, washes, collage, splashing, scraping, and others are demonstrated and experimentation is very much encouraged. This is Peter's second workshop at Carcoar following last year's success. Peter is a wonderful teacher and his workshops are always great fun. Cost: $280 includes gourmet lunch. Contact Janey & Andrew Baulch Tel 02 6367 3290 Email carcoar.art@optusnet.com.au M&G NSW | Access to Funding workshop29 April, Armidale Successfully obtaining funds for museums and galleries requires knowledge and creativity. Museums & Galleries NSW invite you to Access to Funding, an invaluable workshop which delivers the skills and specialist knowledge to make accessing funds a reality. Presented with support from The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Access to Funding workshop will deliver hardcopy resources, inspirational case studies and intensive practical sessions with professionals running funding programs. Join speakers from local and state organisations as they offer priceless insight into grant writing. Access to Funding is a must for community managed museums, galleries and cultural institutions. Spaces are limited, so register soon. Contact Phoebe Arthur Tel 02 9339 9913 Email phoebea@mgnsw.org.au Website http://mgnsw.org.au Legalese: maximising intellectual property & making the pitch29 - 30 April, Ballina As part of Art Northern Rivers' Making Money in the Creative Economy workshop series. Businesses that are founded on creativity and innovation need to be able to effectively understand and manage their valuable intellectual property rights. These sessions aim to increase a participant's understanding of key legal concepts and issues and case studies that are central to deal making in creative businesses such as contracts and licensing. To conclude participants will make a short presentation to the group drawing on tools and techniques learned throughout the sessions. Participants can choose to pitch their business to the group Dragon Den’s style or they can present their own business as a case study to highlight any aspects of the course that were meaningful to them. At The Board Room, Ramada Hotels and Suites. Cost $55 per day (includes lunch), limited to 20 participants. Creative Economy’s Wilson Main offers his inside knowledge of the 'wheeling and dealing' of creative business. Contact Arts Northern Rivers Tel 02 6628 8120. Six day art course in Italy
11 - 17 May, Umbria Italy Draw, paint and relax in a serene Umbrian landscape. Gain skills and be inspired with artist lecturer Carmen Di Napoli. Stay in the comfort of your own villa set in an idyllic medieval hamlet. Visit hill top towns of Orvieto, Perugia and Assisi. Cost is 3,200 euros. Includes 6 day art course, all meals and accommodation, excursions and courtesy Italian classes. Limited to ten places. Contact Tel +61 0 413 056 975 Email umbriart@gmail.com
OpportunitiesSpinning Yarns: calling filmmakersStaged in conjunction with the Museums Australia Conference, M&G NSW presents Spinning yarns, a screening of short films and documentaries capturing stories from around Australia. M&G NSW invites museums, galleries, film makers and historians to submit their oral history films for consideration in the program. This is an excellent opportunity for small organisations to gain exposure at a national conference, and for attendees to see some of the best, boldest and most charming tales from regional and remote areas. Films should be submitted on DVD and run for a maximum of 10 minutes. Permission to submit the films should be obtained from the copyright holder. Please post your entries to Zoe Johnson, 43 – 51 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011. Entries will not be returned. For more information contact Zoe Johnson, Programs and Services Officer, Tel 02 9339 9914 Email zoej@mgnsw.org.au Website www.ma2009.com.au Closing 27 March Electrofringe 2009Electrofringe is calling for proposals for the 2009 festival. Creative expressions are sought from artists, sound artists, performers, media makers, digital filmmakers, researchers, cross-artform practitioners, curators, producers, writers, experimenters, enthusiasts and anyone who doesn’t fit these boxes. Electrofringe is a five-day festival of electronic arts and culture held from the 1 - 5 October 2009 in Newcastle, Australia. Electrofringe is part of a group of festivals collected together under the This Is Not Art umbrella. Electrofringe is committed to fostering creative and innovative use and re-use of technology and electronic artforms, while focusing on artistic development and skills exchange. Electrofringe seeks proposals in the following program areas: artist and project presentations, workshops and demonstrations, panels, interventions, live art, performance (electro-performance), residencies (electro-residencies), mobile works (electro-manoeuvre), online artworks (electro-online) and single-channel video works (electro-projections & electro-Être) plus special events. Website www.electrofringe.net Closing 31 March & 31 May Palmer Sculptural Biennial
Expressions of interest are being invited for the fourth Palmer Sculpture Biennial which will take place during the later part of the 2010 Adelaide Festival/Fringe. About twenty artists will participate from South Australia, interstate and overseas, including an invited senior and two emerging artists. Palmer is located on the edge of mallee country and offers artists a unique opportunity to respond to the Australian landscape with site-specific work. The only requirement to express interest in the event is the submission of a concept outline with supporting drawing/documentation on an A4 page/s after a visit to the site (interstate/overseas artists discuss alternatives to this requirement with Greg). Times will be arranged for artists who haven’t already been to Palmer to visit in groups and to register for this please contact us. Contact Greg Johns for further details. Tel 08 8278 3273 Email gjoh4899@bigpond.net.au Closing 8 June SCU Visual Arts 1987 – 2008: Alumni ExhibitionThere are over 900 CSU Visual Arts alumni out there, and the department would love to hear from you to make an alumni exhibition of postcard sized art works. Even if you no longer make work, send an image of your favorite turtle or your most recent cup cake making, whatever your fancy. It would also be great if you can submit a short paragraph or two about what you have been doing since graduating. In anticipation of there being upwards of 900 participants, the format for the exhibition is anything postcard sized. All work will be installed using either velcro, double sided tape, blue tack or pins. We are unable to return all the works so unless you specifically request them to be returned and enclose a stamped SAE we will keep them as an alumni archive. Works should be sent to: Shelagh Morgan, Visual Arts. Southern Cross University P.O Box 157 Lismore NSW 2480 Email nextart@scu.edu.au Closing 30 August EmploymentProject Officer, Arts Upper HunterSalary not stated, Upper Hunter region Arts Upper Hunter Inc is seeking a Project Officer to assist them in collecting and collating data for their website and database. The job will entail travelling throughout the region, meeting with artist’s and community groups and entering information using computer systems. The applicant will need to have arts experience, be competent with computer programs, have their own car and live within the Region. (Gloucester, Dungog, Singleton or the Upper Hunter Shires). It will be a set contract for approx. 2 days/week for 6 months. Contact Bridget Nicholson for a full position description Tel 02 4992 1033 Email rado@artsupperhunter.com.au Closing 4 March Gallery Director, Cessnock Regional Art GallerySalary not stated, Cessnock An outstanding director is required to lead this community initiated, regional public gallery due to open in June. You will lead a talented small team and develop a busy program of exhibitions and education, liaising with a wide and culturally diverse community. Your experience will include previous management of a vibrant visual arts space, a deep knowledge of regional issues and arts networks; demonstrated success in securing revenue streams and competent financial management. The Gallery is a tax exempt not for profit entity, committed to high standards of practice and governance, and to equal opportunity. Confidential enquiries may be made to Tel 02 4991 6619. Application letter and CV to PO Box 211, Cessnock NSW 2325 Email sarah.harcourt@crag.net.au Closing 9 March Grants, Fellowships + ResidenciesArtstart youth art & skills program in the North WestSmall grant funding is available for the development of Youth Arts and Skills in the New England North West. Organisations from across the region can apply to Arts North West for funding to support workshop programs for young people in a range of arts and cultural activities leading up to and during the Artstart 2009 NSW Youth Arts and Skills Festival in September. Projects may include writing for film and TV, multimedia, drama and set building, visual art, performance art and circus skills, mural design and production, or culturally specific projects such as Aboriginal storytelling and Middle Eastern dance. Projects will ideally have a public outcome or online presentation during the two week state wide Artstart Festival. Contact Jack Ritchie Tel 02 6732 4988 Website www.artsnw.com.au Closing 12 March Australia Council | Literature grants Literature | Publishing and Promotion Support activities that foster greater awareness and appreciation of Australian creative writing. These grants are designed to improve the vitality and viability of the Australian literature sector by supporting activities, which foster greater awareness and appreciation of outstanding Australian creative writing. Screen Australia | Enterprise ProgramScreen Australia is committed to assisting in the development and creation of viable screen businesses. The Enterprise Program will provide funding of up to $500,000 per year for a three-year period to support production companies who have identified opportunities to develop and expand their business in terms of turnover, range and number of projects and/or the range of business activities undertaken to enhance the company’s sustainability. The program aims to enhance Australia’s screen businesses by: supporting existing businesses to grow to their next stage; encouraging new business partnerships and alliances; assisting Australian screen companies to develop a strong presence in the international marketplace; encouraging the development of new revenue streams; facilitating increased development of quality Australian projects and talent; encouraging development, production and marketing strategies which employ digital media such as websites, mobile phone content and digital distribution. Website www.screenaustralia.gov.au Closing 20 March DEWHA | Contemporary Touring InitiativeThis grant enables and encourages a wider audience to access Contemporary Australian visual arts and craft by providing funding to eligible organisations to assist them to develop and tour such Exhibitions within Australia; to promote Contemporary Australian visual arts and craft through quality publications, education and public programs held as part of the touring exhibition; and to encourage partnerships between funded organisations and Collecting Institutions. Funding assistance is only available to Major Collecting Institutions with demonstrated experience and expertise in developing major touring exhibitions. All artists represented must be permanent Australian residents. Tours must include venues in at least two states or territories outside the applicant's home state or territory. Guidelines online. Website www.arts.gov.au Closing 25 March Arts NSW | ConnectEDConnectEd Arts, part of the Arts NSW Arts Funding Program, is a NSW Government arts and education strategy funded by Arts NSW and initiated in partnership with the Department of Education and Training. There are two grants available: Closing 30 March Australia Council | Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts Qantas Indigenous Young and Emerging Visual Arts Award Guidelines and application forms online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au Closing 31 March Community Broadcasting Foundation grantsAmrap - Live Music Broadcasts Supports live to air and national re-broadcast of Australian music from festivals, concerts and gigs. Closing 1 April DEWHA | Visions AustraliaVisions of Australia aims to enable more Australians to enjoy our diverse culture by accessing exhibitions of cultural material. It provides funding to eligible organisations to develop and tour exhibitions of Australian cultural material across Australia. Exhibitions should have a predominantly Australian source or theme. Tours supported by Visions must travel to venues across Australia, one of which must be in different state or territory, than the one the tour originated from. In accordance with the program aims, tours which include regional and remote locations and/or which will travel to a wide range of locations may receive more favourable consideration. Website www.arts.gov.au/arts/visions_of_australia Closing 1 April Bursaries for Museums Australia National Conference 2009M&G NSW is pleased to offer volunteer museums a number of bursaries for the Museums Australia National Conference 2009, to be held in Newcastle from the 17 – 20 May 2009. Funded through M&G NSW’s VIM Grant Program, these bursaries will contribute to registration and travel costs for the 4 day conference. For more information on the Conference and venue, visit the 2009 MA National Conference website at www.ma2009.com.au Applications for the 2009 MA National Conference bursaries close on Friday, 3 April 2009. To apply for a 2009 MA National Conference bursary, or for more information, please contact Phoebe Arthur, Sector Development Coordinator, Tel 02 9339 9913 Email phoebea@mgnsw.org.au Closing 3 April Screen Australia | Bob Maza FellowshipThis fellowship is awarded to an established Indigenous actor to further their professional development, provide longevity in their career and raise their profile internationally. The fellowship must be used for international travel to attend: further training or short courses at an international film training institution and/or meetings with agents and/or attending castings and establishing contacts in the international arena. The fellowship is sponsored by Screen Australia’s Indigenous Branch to commemorate and celebrate the life and work of Bob Maza, and as a tribute to his passion and commitment to the film and entertainment industry. The fellowship amount is $10,000 + international airfare. To be eligible for the fellowship you need to be an established Indigenous actor working professionally in the film, television and/or theatre industries. You need to have a proven track record and commitment to the acting profession. Details online. Website www.screenaustralia.gov.au/ Closing 3 April Australia Council | Connections ResidencyThe Australia Council for the Arts has launched a Connections Residency initiative with aim of supporting artists to initiate residencies with non-arts businesses and industries. Artists from all art forms are invited to apply for the Connections initiative, which will support residencies with funding of up to $30,000. Through this initiative the Australia Council aims to: expand the potential for artists to undertake residencies in non-arts situations; foster new connections between artists and business and industry partners; support creative residencies that lead to long-term, mutually beneficial and sustainable relationships between artists and business and industry partners Artists who have existing relationships with business and industry partners, yet lack resources to carry out effective residency projects, are particularly encouraged to apply for a Connections Residency. Through Connections Residency the Australia Council is looking to support innovative relationships between artists and non-arts business and industry. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au Closing 15 April YAPA | Youth Participation GrantsThe Youth Participation Grants Program gives young people the power and resources to develop and implement community activities in their local area. Grants will be awarded to young people, aged 12-25 and living in NSW, who can demonstrate that their project benefits the community and will increase community interaction. Potential projects include performances, websites, workshops, radio programs, competitions, festivals, exhibitions, and publications to name a few. For more information, contact Lam Huynh, Youth Participation Program Officer, YAPA Tel 02 9319 1100 ext 6 Email ypp@yapa.org.au Website www.yapa.org.au/yapa Closing 24 April M&G NSW VIM GrantsMuseums and Galleries NSW’s Volunteer Initiated Museum (VIM) Grant Program plays a crucial role in strengthening the volunteer museum community throughout NSW and is a vital component of M&G NSW’s suite of sector grants. M&G NSW is delighted to announce that applications are now open for Leg Ups – Skill Development Grants (matched funding up to $500), VIM Small Grants (funding up to $1,500) and VIM Skills Initiatives Grants (funding up to $5,000). The Leg Ups and Skills Initiative Grants can be applied for year round until all funds are expended. The first round of VIM Small Grants close Friday 8 May 2009. Contact Phoebe Arthur, Sector Development Coordinator on 02 9339 9913, free call 1800 114 311 Email phoebea@mgnsw.org.au Website http://mgnsw.org.au/grants Closing 8 May Awards + Prizes42nd Annual AGWIE AwardsThe Australian Writers' Guild 42nd Annual AWGIE Awards are now open for entries. The AWGIE Awards are the Australian Writers' Guild (AWG) annual awards for excellence in screen, stage, radio and new media writing. The AWGIEs are the only peer assessed awards for performance writers with judging based on the written script - the writer's intention - rather than the finished production. Over $100,000 in special prizes and fellowships will be presented at the awards including the $25,000 Kit Denton Fellowship which rewards courage and excellence in performance writing, the $25,000 FOXTEL Fellowship for television writers and the $15,000 John Hinde Award for Science Fiction. The recipient of the Major AWGIE, for Outstanding Australian Script of the Year, will receive the $10,000 Copyright Agency Limited Peer Recognition Prize. The Awards will be presented in Sydney on Friday 28 August 2009. Entry is open to financial members of the AWG and scripts must have been produced between 1 January - 31 December 2008. Further information online. Tel 1300 552 228 Website www.awg.com.au Closing 6 March Draw the line on problem gambling: coaster design competition
Do you have the creative skills to create a life-changing artwork that is just 95mm x 95mm? Teenagers in NSW aged 14 to 16 are invited to ‘draw the line on problem gambling’ by creating a coaster design, using any art medium, to illustrate the impact of problem gambling on families. Win fantastic prizes, including a Touch iPod worth around $400 and an Olympus digital SLR camera, valued at close to $1000. The coaster designs will be judged for their creativity in depicting the effects of problem gambling on families. Eleven regional winners will be chosen, and from them, an overall winner for NSW will see their design made into 100,000 actual coasters, distributed to venues across NSW. Website www.gamblinghangover.nsw.gov.au/coaster Closing 20 March Prime Minister's Literary AwardsThe Prime Minister's Literary Awards celebrate the contribution of Australian literature to the nation's cultural and intellectual life. The awards, held annually, recognise literature's importance to our national identity, community and economy. A tax free prize of $100,000 is awarded to the works judged to be of the highest literary merit in each of two categories: fiction and non-fiction. Authors, publishers and literary agents are eligible to enter books written by living Australian citizens and permanent residents. Books must be first published in the English language and first offered for general sale between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2008. Guidelines and application forms online. Website www.arts.gov.au Closing 20 March Head On Portrait PrizeHead on Foundation invites photographers to submit images to the 2009 photographic portrait competition. Prizes will be awarded for the best 3 images. The selection of images will be done anonymously based on the power of the photograph rather than the celebrity of the subject or photographer. Further prizes will be awarded to images selected for ‘The Critic’s Prize’ and for ‘People’s Choice’. Finalists’ work will be selected by Magnum photographer Trent Parke, Award winning Photographer Narelle Autio, Good Weekend picture editor Judith Love and Head On curator Moshe Rosenzveig. The ‘Critic’s Prize’ will be selected by the Sydney Morning Herald photography critic Robert McFarlane. Total value of prizes is approximately $37,000. Website www.headon.com.au Closing 22 March Grafiks_09 t-shirt design competition
A new design competition has come to town! This t-shirt design competition is open to ages 13-18, in two age categories. It's a great start for young designers as the winners. T- shirts will be sold locally, generating real profits from their designs. Up to $400 worth of music and clothing vouchers are also up for grabs and winners will receive merchandise printed with their own designs. The brief is simple: create a t-shirt design that represents your world and yourself. Several schools are incorporating this competition into their visual arts curriculum, even establishing cross-curricular projects by tying the theme in with other subjects. The talents of entrants will be showcased at the Grafiks_09 Exhibition at Pallazo Ristretto Café, in Orange, from 20 April - 1 May. Entry forms are available from Aftershock Records, Orange or StopNRock in Bathurst. Contact Marike Email grafiks.comp@hotmail.com Website www.myspace.com/grafiks2009 Closing 26 March ABC Radio National | Marvellous Museums AwardsIn 2008 ABC Radio National held the inaugural Marvellous Museums Awards which attracted over 100 enquiries and 60 entries from museums based in regional Australia. The Awards were developed following discussions with Museums Australia who identified organisations in regional and rural areas as a sector of the museums community who, it was felt, would benefit from greater exposure in terms of their collections and the important part they play in local communities. Australia's regional museums have a crucial role in preserving the history of their regions and locations and in contributing to the social cohesion of the thousands of communities in which they exist. Following last year's Awards, Radio National has shifted the focus of the initiative to highlight the work of some of the country's smallest museums and the extraordinary work of the volunteers whose time and effort is essential to so many small regional museums. Website www.abc.net.au/rn/museums/ Closing 17 April National Awards for Excellence in School Music EducationNominations are being called for the 2009 Awards for Excellence in Music Education, which aim to recognise music teachers and school leaders for their exceptional contribution to enhancing the status and quality of music education in their schools. There will be up to eleven teacher Awards and up to two school leader Awards. Each recipient of an Award will receive a certificate and a cheque for $5,000, which is intended to be used to further their professional learning related to music education. Guidelines and nomination forms online. Website http://musicawards.asme.edu.au Closing 17 April The City of Perth Black Swan Prize for PortraitureThe 2009 City of Perth Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, held in Perth Western Australia, follows in the footsteps of the Archibald Prize, Doug Moran and Shirley Hannan art prizes. In 2009 the exhibition is open to all Australian artists, enabling entrants to showcase their talents in the ever expanding field of portraiture. Portraits must be of a well known/respected Australian within their respective field, and the subjects must consent to be painted. The Lester Group Prize (1st Prize) (to be decided by a panel of Judges) is $25,000; and the Perrine People’s Choice Prize (to be decided by the public) $5,000. Entry forms and guidelines online. Website www.blackswanprize.com.au Closing 17 July ACMI: Screen It
School is back and so is Screen It, ACMI’s annual national film making competition for school aged students. Registrations for the 2009 competition opened on Monday 2 February, just in time for the start of the school year. Designed to encourage imagination and inventiveness in Australia’s primary and secondary school-aged students, Screen It fosters a new generation of young film makers. This year entrants will be asked to create works responding to the theme of ‘Cybersmart: constructing online/personal identity’. The theme has been designed to get students thinking creatively about how they engage with the internet. Entrants are invited to enter a work into one of three categories – live action film, computer game or animation, in either the primary or secondary school sections of the competition. By participating in Screen It 2009 students will learn to be cybersmart though thinking creatively and learning filmmaking techniques along the way. Details online. Website www.acmi.net.au/screenit.htm Closing 9 September Available to TourRaw Dance Company: Urban WonderlandRaw Dance Company will be touring Urban Wonderland throughout Australia and New Zealand from August to November 2009 Working with theatres/venues, community groups, councils and festivals and this is your opportunity to provide an exciting activity for the youth of your community to be engaged and working towards a positive outcome. Raw Dance Company's Urban Wonderland was originally created and premiered at the Brisbane Powerhouse in November 2005, and has gone on to tour the world with performances in Japan, Dubai, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, Peru and Chile. And of course Urban has toured extensively throughout Australia and played at rural, regional towns and capital city venues and festivals over it's three year history. Urban Wonderland delivers sensational break dance, funk/hip-hop, funk tap, comedy and acrobatics in a high-flying, non-stop feast for the senses. The dancers take you on a journey from old-style tapping to high-energy funk tap, hip-hop, acrobatics to break-dancing! Raw Dance Company will audition, train, mentor and perform alongside 20-25 local students, as part of their touring options avaliable. Contact Andrew Fee, Artistic Director Tel 07 3815 9729 Email andrew.fee@rawdancecompany.com Website http://rawdancecompany.com Closing 30 March Rumpelstiltskin
Jally Production Theatre company is the interactive children’s stage play Rumpelstiltskin. The children enter the room or theatre. Glady, the clown, helps seat them around the set, which consists of a large box and two chairs. The theatre is sectioned off, and the children assigned roles in the play. Some are sheep, cows, woodchoppers or townspeople, who respond to various cues during the play. Other children are selected to take part in the action of the play itself. And then Rumpelstiltskin begins! From beginning to end, they are not only entertained as an audience, but become personally involved as they play out their various roles. Running time aprox. 50 minutes. Available as a ‘buy in’ or profit share. Available 14 April to 8 May 2009. For more details call Jally Productions Tel 0422 492 735 Email info@jallyproductions.com About this e-BulletinContribute to e-Bulletin?Yes please! All contributions to the e-Bulletin are welcome and encouraged. All we ask is that you send us your listing a week before publication and make it as easy as possible for us to include your material by providing us with 'print ready' type. Listings should include the title, date, location, a short (100 word) description plus all available contact details - and a picture, if you have one. Anything that will be of interest to artists, arts workers or arts lovers in regional NSW, we'll be glad to include. (We do reserve the right not to publish inappropriate material, though, of course). The deadline for the April 2009 e-Bulletin is 22 March 2009. Send your listings to newsletter@regionalartsnsw.com.au No repeats! But everything is archived onlineThe Regional Arts NSW e-Bulletin contains no repeat listings but there are always other opportunities, grants and/or prizes still available from previous editions. Access the archive here Print it out!The e-Bulletin is designed to be printed out so you can pass it on to those who don't have internet access or take it away to read elsewhere. Spread the word! If you know anyone you think might like the e-Bulletin, feel free to pass it on but do please suggest that people subscribe directly themselves - that way we know how many people benefit from the service. SubscriptionsFeedback Yes please!Email the Editor. Credits and ThanksRegional Arts NSWRegional Arts NSW is the peak body for regional arts activity in regional and rural New South Wales. Tel 02 9270 2500 Regional Arts NSW receives funding from Arts NSW, The Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund, and the Australia Council for the Arts. |
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