:::: NOTICE ::::
Groundswell took place from October 10-13 2002.
For conference proceedings click [here]
It's been two years since our last Regional Arts Australia national conference. In 2000, we gathered in Esperance to celebrate, debate and share our experiences and achievements and to explore the challenges and opportunities in regional arts in Australia.
This year, we meet by the Murray River at Albury Wodonga - not just a beautiful location for a conference, but an exceptional example of a regional centre that has recognised and built on its cultural life. A quick look at this website and you'll see just how the twin cities are set to welcome us, wine and dine us and thrill us with the energy and dynamism of their cultural achievements.
The Groundswell program will provide all the stimulation and challenge of great keynote presentations, lively discussion and the company of peers from around the nation. As well, it will explore five main themes reflecting current priority areas in regional arts practice:
Regional arts
festivals: REVERSING THE FLOW
Sustaining regional
arts practices: WEATHERING THE STORMS
Indigenous arts
and cultural practices: THE CROSSING PLACE
Social politics
and regional culture: UNDERCURRENTS
Regional regeneration,
change and the arts: RIDING THE RAPIDS.
As a tributary to these themes, the conference program reflects the powerful role that youth arts projects and programs have played in regional and rural communities. You will find exceptional examples of these throughout the program.
There's a wealth of local arts and cultural activities ... projects and events that 'walk the talk' - all fine examples of regionally relevant, inspirational and engaging arts practices. And our international and national speakers will challenge us and offer us a broader context in which to view regional and rural arts development.
Delegates will have access to the Groundswell speakers through a selection of:
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discussion forums to tease out and debate the critical elements of keynote addresses |
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showcases to celebrate the achievements of arts and cultural groups and organisations involved in regional arts practice |
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workshops to share skills and knowledge in key areas associated with the themes |
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arts clinics to provide 'round table' sessions for arts workers to have access to the problem solving skills of international, national, regional and local arts workers and practitioners. |
Take the chance to discover some of the surprising parts of Albury Wodonga: The Bonegilla Migrant Reception Centre - in many ways Australia's first 'Woomera'; Thurgoona - an intact, landscaped '70s suburb; and Mount Pilot, an important traditional ceremonial place. Explore the region in a leisurely fashion through tours and social events that Albury Wodonga's history and heritage, cultural life and industry - all presented by our hosts in Albury Wodonga.
Whether you are a volunteer or a professional, an artist or an administrator you belong at Groundswell: the largest-ever gathering of regional arts practitioners, supporters and advocates in Australia.
Welcome!
