Welcome to another UTTERLY PACKED Regional Arts NSW e-Bulletin - your specialised all-in-one package of news stories and listings including grants, prizes, opportunities, conferences, workshops, events and new resources for arts and cultural types in regional and rural New South Wales.

Please note: listings are not repeated in the e-Bulletin. There may be opportunities, grants and/or prizes still available from previous editions. Check out the archive on our website at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au (link from e-Bulletin banner on the front page).

In this Bulletin:

Regional Arts NSW News
News
Grants, Fellowships + Residencies
Awards + Prizes
Opportunities
Seminars, Workshops + Courses
Conferences + Festivals
Online Initiatives
About this e-Bulletin

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Regional Arts NSW News

GROUNDSWELL FULL TO BURSTING
Organisers of the 2002 Regional Arts Australia National Conference are preparing for a capacity crowd in Albury this October following a surge of registrations which was brought numbers within target range with four weeks still to go. And the great news for Groundswellers is that Albury Wodonga is pulling out all stops and staging a gigantic public arts and cultural celebration to coincide with the conference.
Full story at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/news/groundswell_reg_surge_10-9-02.html.

NEW RADO AT THE HELM IN ALBURY
Chris Pidd has taken over as RADO for the Regional Arts Board Albury Wodonga just in time for Groundswell, with former RADO Althea Bannister staying on as conference production manager. Full story at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/news/new_rado_albury_2-9-02.html.

OUTBACK ARTS' NEW RADO STARTING SOON
Outback Arts has appointed Queensland teacher and community theatre practitioner, Rod Ainsworth as its new RADO, starting at the end of September. All the details online at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/news/new_rado_outback_arts_10-9-02.html.

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News

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT SIGN SECOND CULTURAL ACCORD 2003-2005
The NSW State Government, the Local Government Association and the Shires Association have signed a second cultural accord, providing a framework for the NSW Ministry for the Arts and local government to work together to assist councils on art and cultural development issues and initiatives. The new accord supports whole of state community cultural development through regional planning strategies and encourages councils to provide leadership in cultural development. For more information go to www.lgov.org.au/site/category/topic/page/2000405.html.

PUBLIC LIABILITY UPDATE
The NSW Premier has announced three insurance companies will set up a panel to provide public liability cover for not-for-profit community groups across NSW as long as the latest amendments to the Civil Liability Bill 2002 (Personal Responsibility) are passed in Parliament (bill online at www.cabinet.nsw.gov.au/civil.pdf. However, at this stage there has been no indication of the cost of premiums. For more information go to: www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/getting_organised/managing/ins.html

PUBLIC LIABILITY: RISK MANAGEMENT
On another positive note, the NSW Ministry for the Arts is preparing a Risk Management resource for arts organisations. Regional Arts NSW is in discussions with the MFA and providing feedback for the document. It will provide substantial support and wide ranging advice on implementing risk management systems for arts organisations and not-for-profit community groups. Stay tuned for further information on this.

NEW PUBLIC LIABILITY FORUM AT GROUNDSWELL
Groundswell organisers have arranged a special forum on Public Liability for Saturday 12 October from 5.15pm to 6.30pm. Speakers include Simon Etherington from Arts Law NSW, Scott O'Hara from CCD NSW and Michele Elliot from Regional Arts NSW. The Insurance Council of NSW has also been invited to attend. The session will look at the options being considered and possible outcomes for the arts sector in the context of various industry and political agendas. Conference delegates who have already registered and would now like to attend this session should send an email to groundswell@regionalartsnsw.com.au. Pending registrants should handwrite 'Public Liability' on their Tributaries booking form underneath their details. More information about Groundswell at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/groundswell.

BRINGING ARTS MEDIA RELATIONS TRAINING TO REGIONAL NSW
The Australia Council for the Arts is bringing a two-day professional media relations course to two locations in regional New South Wales later this month. Facilitated by Judith James, the author of SAUCE - www.fuel4arts.com/sauce - and Emma Heath, director of a Sydney based public relations agency specialising in the arts, ReSAUCEful media relations will provide the tools for professional arts workers to take a creative and strategic approach with the media. With limited courses numbers and attendance by invitation only, reSAUCEful promises to deliver high quality, targetted media relations training to regional New South Wales participants. ReSAUCEful is being delivered hand in hand with the Eastern Riverina Arts Program in Wagga Wagga on 19 and 20 September and with Arts Mid North Coast in Port Macquarie on 26 and 27 September. Contact Tel 02 9387 5087
Email arts.media@fuel4arts.com Website www.fuel4arts.com/artsmedia.

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Grants, Fellowships + Residencies

MAIN STREET/SMALL TOWNS PROGRAM
Funding of up to $25,000 from the Department of State and Regional Development for communities with populations of more than 1500, to assist in the development of community strategic plans, to encourage enterprise and expansion, to support marketing and promotion and generally improve the town centre's image. Contact the Regional Development Division Tel 02 9338 6719 Website www.business.nsw.gov.au.
No Closing Date

AUSTRALIA COUNCIL COMMUNITY CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD
The final main round of funding for projects starting after January 2003. Categories include New Work, Presentation and Promotion, and Skills and Arts Development. This year the International Residency in Paris is also open for CCD workers. Applicants need to obtain the 2002 Support for the Arts Handbook and or consult staff before applying. Tel 9215 9000 Toll Free 1800 226 912 Email handbook@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au
Closing 15 September

C.H. CURREY MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP
The State Library of NSW is offering a research fellowship for writing on Australian history produced from original sources, that makes use of the State Library's resources. Prize $20,000. Contact Events & Exhibitions Tel 02 9273 1766 Email awards@sl.nsw.gov.au
Closing 20 September

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Telstra Foundation has established a philanthropic initiative focused on improving programs for children and young people. The fund supports not-for-profit charitable organisations addressing social issues affecting young people. Contact The Telstra Foundation Freecall 1800 208 378 Website www.telstrafoundation.com.
Closing 27 September

AREA ASSISTANCE SCHEME 2003 FUNDING ROUND
Assistance for incorporated, non-profit community organisations or a local councils with a community project idea that requires funding. Administered by Planning NSW, the Area Assistance Scheme funds innovative, self-help projects and partnerships whose aim is to improve social and community infrastructure. The focus is on areas in NSW that are experiencing significant social and economic stress and change. Grants are available for limited-term projects (up to four years) in this funding round. Website www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aas.
Closing 27 September

INDENT PARTNERSHIP GRANTS 2003
Funding to assist young people aged 13-24 to produce and stage safe, drug and alcohol free all ages events in their local area. Fifteen partnerships will provide funding of up to $6,000 to assist committees across NSW to stage four all ages events over 12 months. 1. Form a committee of approximately six local people form your area and access the Indent Committee Kit for all the information you need to get started. 2. Find a support organisation to assist you and 3. Complete an Indent Partnership application form. Successful 2003 Partnerships will be announced November 10. Contact Kristy or Tracy, Music NSW Tel 02 9247 7540 Email inbox@indent.net.au Website www.indent.net.au
Closing 14 October

AUSTRALIA COUNCIL LITERATURE BOARD
Grants available in Skills and Arts Development; presentation and Promotion; Key Organisations. Applicants must consult the 2002 Support for the Arts Handbook before applying. For further information contact Australia Council for the Arts Tel 02 9215 9000 Toll Free 1800 226 912 Email mail@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au
Closing 15 October

2003 PRINTMAKER IN RESIDENCE
The Megalo Access Arts Printmaker in Residence Program encourages excellence and innovation in the field of Printmaking. Selected artists will receive six weeks access to Screen Printing, Etching, Lithography, Digital and Relief Printing equipment. The residency includes a stipend of $2,000, materials allowance $260 and travel subsidy of $1,500 for two artists from outside the ACT. Application forms are available from Megalo Access Arts Tel 02 6249 6086 Email megalotht@cyberzone.com.au Website www.megalo.org.
Closing 31 October

THE PAT CORRIGAN ARTISTS' GRANTS
To assist with the costs associated with the public presentation of work such as framing and venue hire. Amounts of up to $500 for an individual or $1000 for a group are available to any professional Australian visual artist. The November round is for February, March, April 2003. Contact the National Association for the Visual Arts Tel 02 9368 1900 Email nava@visualarts.net.au or download forms from Website www.visualarts.net.au/nava/formsdownload.asp.
Closing 15 November

FTO NEW SCREENWRITERS SCHEME
A new funding scheme for emerging scriptwriters from the NSW Film and Television Office. The New Feature Film Writer's Scheme will be conducted in two rounds per year with up to five scripts funded per round, offering writers an opportunity to work with a script editor and receive one-on-one feedback from script consultants. 'New' writers' are those with less than 30 minutes of screen credits or no screen credits at all. Funding is available in these categories: Feature Films, Television Series and Telefeatures, Documentary (one off, series and large format) and Animation (one off, pilot and series). Refer to the FTO Development Guidelines. Contact FTO Tel 02 9264 6400 Email fto@fto.nsw.gov.au Website www.fto.nsw.gov.au.
Closing 19 December

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Competitions, Awards + Prizes

NEW PHOTO-ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The Photo Technica Award Open is open to new and emerging artists of any age. First prize $3,000. Second prize $1,500. Exhibition of selected entries to be held 15 November to 22 December 2002 at the Australian Centre for Photography, Paddington, Sydney. Contact The Australian Centre for Photography for further details Tel 02 9332 1455 Email program@acp.au.com Website www.acp.au.com/pta
Closing 13 September

CAN DO COMMUNITY AWARDS
These awards highlight initiatives by local communities, businesses and local government that have contributed to community revitalisation, increased social participation and economic development. The Awards promote a new culture in government programs that support communities in building their capacity and confidence to produce their own solutions to local problems; they encourage people to get involved in their community; assist in facilitating community building and provide an incentive for communities to embrace and to showcase innovative and effective strategies that encourage social and economic participation. Website www.facs.gov.au/cando
Closing 13 September

SENIORS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2002
The Premier's Senior Achievement Awards 2002 is an annual event that highlights and recognises NSW Seniors for their continuing contribution to our communities, and for their leadership and initiative. Nominations open to any resident of NSW who is 60 years of age. The categories for nomination include community service/volunteering, education/life-long learning and intergenerational understanding. Contact the Seniors Information Service Tel 13 12 44 Website www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au
Closing 16 September

MACQUARIE BANK & NGA NATIONAL SCULPTURE PRIZE
Open to artists working across all forms of sculpture, including installation and works in new media. $50,000 (non-acquisitive) award. All artists selected to participate will receive an honorarium of $2,500. Plus the Macquarie Bank People's Choice Award of $4,000. Exhibition of finalists' works to be held in Canberra 21 March to 9 June 2003. Contact Rebecca Chandler, Project Officer Tel 02 6240 6695 Email Sculpture.Prize@nga.gov.au Website www.nga.gov.au/sculptureprize03
Closing 19 September

NATIONAL BIOGRAPHY AWARD
Offered by the State Library of NSW. An annual prize of $12,500 for a published work of biographical or autobiographical writing. Contact Events & Exhibitions Tel 02 9273 1766 Email awards@sl.nsw.gov.au.
Closing 20 September

THE PATRICK WHITE PLAYWRIGHTS' AWARD
An initiative of Sydney Theatre Company and The Sydney Morning Herald in memory of Patrick White. A $20,000 cash prize in recognition of the importance of the playwright to Australian theatre culture, to a full length unproduced, original play written by an Australian playwright over 19 years of age. Contact Tel 02 9250 1776 Email jfitzgerald@sydneytheatre.com.au
Closing 23 September

2002 PM'S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
Honouring projects and programs which are a creative collaboration between the community and business sectors with a demonstrated commitment to long-term benefits. State, territory and national awards in small, medium or large business categories. Also the Long Term Partnership Special Award, the Impact on Community by a Business Special Award and the Special Media Award. Contact The Department of Family and Community Services Tel 1800 00 37 47 Website www.partnership.zip.com.au
Closing 27 September

RECONCILIACTION WRITING AND GRAPHICS COMPETITION
Open to NSW high school students who want to get creative on the theme of reconciliation. Writing entires can be of any form - short story, diary entry, newspaper article, poem, play, skit or essay - as long as it less than 750 words. Graphics competition can be a drawing, painting, computer graphic, graffiti, comic, cartoon - no larger than A4. Entries suggesting how students can contribute to the process of reconciliation are particularly encouraged. First prize $100. Second prize $50. Contact Sylvie Ellsmore Tel 02 9764 1330 Email sylvie@reconciliaction.org.au.
Closing 27 September

2003 METRO 5 ART PRIZE
Australia's richest prize for young artists. The prize is worth $40,000 and is open to all Australian citizens aged 35 years and under. Artists may enter up to two paintings on any topic of their choice. The winner will be announced on 29 January 2003. Tel 03 9500 8511 Website www.metro5gallery.com.au
Closing 30 September

SONGWRITING / PERFORMANCE COMPETITION
Open to high school students in the Mudgee Shire. The Mudgee Drug Action Team is offering $500 worth of CDs and a professional CD recording featuring the winning entry and three additional showcase songs. Works must be thematic and address drug and alcohol issues. Winners announced 31 October. Contact Sue Harding Tel 6372 0048 or Kate Moore Tel 6372 5819.
Closing 1 October

BLAKE PRIZE FOR RELIGIOUS ART
Annual non-acquisitive prize of $10,000 for a work on a religious theme (all beliefs) executed since 1998, including painting, sculpture, works on paper, tapestry and designs for stained glass. This year would like to particularly encourage works in film, sound and new media. Winner announced 28 November. Send stamped self-addressed envelope for entry form to Blake Society, PO Box 4484, Sydney NSW 2001 or contact Amanda Cachia, Manager Tel 02 9315 5320 Website www.blakeprize.com
Closing 4 October

THE 40TH FISHER'S GHOST ART AWARD
Campbelltown City Bicentennial Art Gallery seeks entries into their nationally recognised annual art awards. Prizes include Open Section $15,000 acquisitive award, Contemporary Section $2000, Traditional Section $2000, Ceramics Section $1000, Works on Paper Section $1000, Local Section $1000, Local Emerging Artists $1000 and Secondary and Primary Students Awards. Entry forms and conditions available from the gallery. Contact Campbelltown City Bicentennial Art Gallery Tel 02 4645 4333 Email art.gallery@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au
Closing 8 October

VID YO FEST TAKE 2002 SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Entries open for this short film competition aimed at high school students. Two categories: Youth, for residents of New South Wales' mid-north coast, aged under 24 and the Open for films up to 10 minutes in length made anywhere in the world in the last 12 months. Prizes include a digital camera for the Youth category with the prize for the Open category yet to be announced. All entries must be on VHS, cost per entry tape is $25.00. The Festival screening will take place at Panthers Auditorium, Port Macquarie, Sunday 10 October, Tickets $25.00. Contact Tel 02 6585 6655
Closing 14 October

KEMPSEY SHIRE ART PRIZE
An acquistional prize with prize winning works forming part of the permanent art collection being established by the Kempsey Shire Council. Sections include Contemporary; Traditional; Local Indigenous; Sculpture; Works on Paper and Youth Arts. Merit Certificates awarded in all sections, total prize pool $8000. To be judged by Stephen Killick, painter and sculptor. Fee per exhibit is $11.00. Submitted works must be original and executed within the last two years. Contact the Art Exhibition Secretary, Kempsey Shire Council PO Box 78 West Kempsey NSW 2440
Closing 13 December

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Opportunities

INDIGENOUS CADETSHIP PROJECT
Indigenous Australians studying full-time or planning to study full-time in their first undergraduate degree at an Australian university may apply for a cadetship under the National Indigenous Cadetship Project. Students studying fill-time at Diploma level Information Technology are also eligible to apply. An allowance while studying full-time and a salary while undertaking a work placement at the end of each academic year will be paid to successful applicants. For further information Contact the Department of Employment & Workplace Relations Tel 1802 102 Website www.nicp.dewr.gov.au.
Closing 30 September

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Seminars, Workshops + Courses

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN ARTS DEVELOPMENT
September 30, 6:00 - 8:00pm, Sydney
A Sydney Arts Management Group (SAMAG) seminar. Andrea Stretton will interview Roger Wilkins, Director-General of The Cabinet Office and Director-General of the NSW Ministry for the Arts. Ideas expressed may provide answers to some of the issues raised in SAMAG'S July hypothetical, 'What Would Happen if All Government Arts Funding Ceased Tomorrow? Chaired by Jan Irvine. Cost: $5/$10 Contact and RSVP Email info@samag.org.

BOTH SIDES OF THE SHOWCASE 4 - HANGING OUT: YOUTH PROGRAMS AND MUSEUMS
18 October, 2:00 - 5:00pm, Sydney
Presented by Museums and Galleries Foundation in collaboration with the Museum of Sydney. Examining the elusive Youth audience (14-24 year old). Whether seen as an investment in audience development or as a desirable visitor, they are an important target for museum programs, but one that can drain staff and resources. This seminar focuses particularly on activities where youth have been proactive partners in the development of the programs for the young audience. At the Museum of Sydney, Cost $28/$20. Contac Aletha Mays Tel 02 9358 1760 Email programs2@mgfnsw.org.au Website www.mgfnsw.org.au/resources/Forms/HangingOut.pdf
RSVP 16 October

WOMEN'S STANDUP COMEDY WRITING AND PERFORMING WORKSHOP
October 19 - 20, 10:00am - 4:00pm Armidale
With Lyn Pierse, actor, comedian and theatre sports expert who currently teaches improvisation at the National Institute of Dramatic Art and standup comedy at The Actors' Centre in Sydney. Lyn's credits include SBS-television's Going Home and the ABC's Big Gig, the Australian feature film Dags, and the stage productions Measure For Measure, The Vagina Monologues, Comics On The Cross, The Virgin Comics and the one woman play Divinely Irresistible. Book in now - limited to 10 participants only. Cost $60 for 2 days including morning and afternoon teas. Contact Angie Smith, Lecturer, University of New England Tel 02 6773 3676 Email asmith1@metz.une.edu.au

NAISDA DANCE COLLEGE
The National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association College is offering accredited courses in dance to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders between the ages of 18-30. Approved applicants must be available to travel to Sydney in November-December this year to audition for entry into the College. Abstudy can assist with travel, accommodation and living away from home allowances. For further information contact NAISDA Dance College, PO Box 15, Millers Point NSW 2000 Tel 1800 117 116 Fax 02 9251 9161 Website www.naisda.com.au
Closing 4 October

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (CCD)
Offered by the Community Arts Network of South Australia (CANSA) applications, this is the only course of its type nationwide. First opened in 1996, the two-year fee-based course is offered part-time by distance education and includes the modules of; Models of Practice, Legal and Industrial Issues; Management and Evaluation and CCD Practice. Aimed at professional artworkers, the course addresses the skills and knowledge needed to work as a community based arts practitioner or as a coordinator of community arts programs in community development or social work practice. Contact CANSA Tel 08 8231 0900 Website www.cansa.on.net/mainpage.html.
Closing 22 November

2ND INDIGENOUS YOUTH DANCE FORUM/ARTS MARKET AND CAREERS EXPO
November 25 - 30, Stanwell Tops
Presented by the National Aboriginal Dance Council of Australia. This dance forum will examine the relevance of dance and its place in Indigenous culture, and will feature; panel discussions on various issues relevant to indigenous youth dance, workshops and classes on both traditional and contemporary dance, and will feature daily performances by various Indigenous dancers and dance companies, as a means of informing Indigenous youths interested in pursuing a career in dance. Contact NADCA Tel 02 9699 2171 Website www.koori.usyd.edu.au/nadca.

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Conferences + Festivals

EXPANDING HORIZONS
September 20 - 22, Brisbane
This 5th National Performance Conference provides an opportunity for representatives of all kinds of performance to gather together for discussions through forums, debate and expert panels on all aspects of the profession. At the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, South Bank. Cost $570/$380/$300. Contact the National Performance Conference, Tel 02 4464 1718 Email npc@adp.com.au Website www.cdp.com.au.

THE NATIONAL YOUNG WRITERS FESTIVAL
October 3 - 7, Newcastle
People from all over the country are invited to perform, give workshops, join discussion panels, collaborate, meet people or just soak up the event's atmosphere. There are lots of ways to get involved. Festival organisers are also calling for people to put up flyers around their regional town. And volunteers are also needed for bar staff, information desk, facilitators for panels, stage crews - a fun way to get into the festival with plenty of opportunity to see stuff going on (also provides some experience in the running of such a mammoth event). If you can help Email national@youngwritersfestival.org Website www.youngwritersfestival.org.

ART OF DISSENT
October 20 - 22, Melbourne
A national conference for artists and community activists working at the frontier of social and cultural change. The program will explore the dilemmas and ethics of contemporary art practice created from artists' deep engagement with communities in diverse social contexts. Passion and politics are the driving forces in a program that will attempt to go beyond the accepted jargon of 'industry models', 'marketing strategies' and 'sponsor needs' to explore a brave new territory where labels such as 'community' versus 'mainstream' are irrelevant. If you want to explore the hard issues of cultural expression outside the safe haven of traditional arts definitions, this is the conference for you.
Contact Kevin Brennan Email kevbre@netspace.net.au Tel 02 9519 0303
Website http://artofdissent.com/2002/melbourne/melbourne.html.

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARTS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
October 28 - 29, Canberra
Directed towards managers working in the arts, cultural, creative and entertainment industries. Featuring prominent national and international speakers on key issues facing arts managers including: advocacy, lobbying and grants, training for creative industries, skill development; practical management tools; risk management; privacy laws and corporate governance. Cost: $500-$600. Contact Conference Logistics Tel 02 6281 6624 Email conference@conlog.com.au.

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Online initiatives

THE SITING TASMANIAN FESTIVAL
Tasmanian artists and galleries are currently in focus through an online festival on Australia's gateway website for visual arts & craft being hosted on the National Association for the Visual Arts' website. The Siting Tasmania festival runs until 27 September and showcases work by Tasmanian artists. The site offers insight into their inspiration, motivation, and career highlights and provides links to their own websites. More arts and galleries are being added each day, plus other Tasmanian arts news and events. Go to www.visualarts.net.au.

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THANKS
This e-Bulletin is produced with the assistance of the Regional Arts Fund, a Commonwealth Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia.

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Regional Arts NSW

Regional Arts NSW is the peak body for the arts and community cultural development in regional and rural New South Wales www.regionalartsnsw.com.au.