SUPREME COURT OF NSW TAKES REGIONAL ARTS CHAIR
Following his appointment to the Bench of the Supreme Court of NSW in January, Mr Ian Gzell, QC, has resigned as Chair of Regional Arts NSW. With his distinguished career in the legal profession and a long history of arts board and committee work, Mr Gzell was appointed a Director of the Arts Council of NSW in 1994 and elected President and Treasurer of the new reconstituted body, Regional Arts NSW, in 1999. In his seven years of service on the Board, Ian's dedication to the cause of cultural development in regional and rural NSW was amply demonstrated. He was a much respected Chair, whose quiet passion, excellent judgement and tireless commitment helped steer the path for an organisation undergoing major change. Ian was a tremendous advocate for the work of all the members of the Regional Arts NSW network and a great Chair of the organisation. From everyone at Regional Arts NSW, our warmest thanks to Ian for his services and our best wishes for the future.
Meg Larkin, Deputy Chair, is acting Chair until the Regional Arts NSW AGM in May.

QUICK TURNAROUND GRANTS AVAILABLE NOW
Applications for funding under the Commonwealth Regional Arts Fund (NSW) Quick Turnaround Grants Program are now open. The Quick Turnaround Grants Program provides urgently required assistance of up to $1,000 for local arts and cultural projects which are ineligible for funding under any other funding program. Preference is given to projects from smaller and remote communities.
Other priorities for funding include:
* Professional development opportunities - to assist individuals or groups involved in delivering community programs or projects to increase their knowledge, skills and experiences, where the benefits are ultimately returned to the community and
* Project development opportunities - where the local or regional community requires the services of specialist arts and cultural workers to develop and extend project or program concepts (this can include cultural mapping and cultural planning activities).
There is no deadline for applications for a Quicks grant. Applications may be made as required and decisions will be advised within 72 hours of receipt. Guidelines are now available from the Regional Arts NSW website at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/grants/grants.html or contact Michele Elliot, Administrative Coordinator on Tel 02 9247 8577 ext 3.
The Regional Arts Fund is a Commonwealth Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia. The aim of the fund is to enable regional arts programs to give all Australians - wherever they live - better access to opportunities to practice and experience the arts.

COUNTRY ARTS SUPPORT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON
The deadline for applications under the RANSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is March 15. In a special one-off joint initiative between Regional Arts NSW and the 2002 Year of the Outback working committee, an additional $50,000 has been made available under the program for projects in designated areas in the western regions of New South Wales. Read all about it under Grants on the Regional Arts NSW website at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au or contact your local RADO. Guidelines and application forms are also available from our website.

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE UPDATE
Regional Arts NSW is nearing a solution to the crisis in the provision of public liability insurance to its affiliate and associate community arts groups. Faced with steeply rising costs and the outright refusal of many insurers to provide policies and renewals for non-profit, volunteer-based organisations, we have been working hard to source appropriate cover and put an urgent end to the situation where community groups are having to cancel or postpone their long-planned events due to a lack of cover. We are currently advancing negotiations with an insurer, and the results will be known following some analysis of groups' levels of activities and likely insurance needs.
Stay tuned to this e-Bulletin. Affiliated groups will be informed directly of the outcome. Other inquirers are kindly requested to be patient. We are experiencing difficulties in dealing with the volume of calls and request that, where possible, inquiries be directed by email to michele@regionalartsnsw.com.au.

GROUNDSWELL - 2002 REGIONAL ARTS AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE UPDATE
The last RAA national conference, in Esperance WA in 2000, drew 400 people with a waiting list of 100. Be the first to receive the registration brochure and secure a place in 2002 by joining the Priority Mailing List. Email your contact details to groundswell@regionalartsnsw.com.au. Tel 02 9247 8577 Fax 02 9247 7829. Program updates will be posted on the website (www.regionalartsnsw.com.au) and announced in this e-Bulletin. GROUNDSWELL is presented by Regional Arts Australia and Regional Arts NSW in collaboration with the Regional Arts Board Albury Wodonga.

ABSOLUTELY YOUR LAST CHANCE TO SUBSCRIBE TO ARTREACH AT DISCOUNTED RATE
Hurry! This is absolutely your last chance to subscribe at a reduced rate to ArtReach, the magazine for the arts and cultural development in regional and rural NSW. Subscriptions are normally priced at $31.00 per annum, but we are currently offering 2002 subscriptions at a measly $26.00 (inc GST + postage) and this offer has been extended to the end of February. Post us a cheque or send us a fax with a note including your contact details and credit card authority (Visa, Mastercard or Bankcard, include card number, expiry date + signature). For more information or to download a subscription form go to www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/resources/pubs_subscription.html. The next ArtReach comes out in March.
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Australia Council for the Arts News

AUSTRALIA COUNCIL'S SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS HANDBOOK2002 RELEASED
Now available in hard copy and digital formats. Detailing all council funding programs for the year. Available online at: www.ozco.gov.au/support. For a hard copy contact the Australia Council on Tel 02 9215 9000 / 1800 226 912 or Email mail@ozco.gov.au

OZCO NEW MEDIA ARTS BOARD MEETINGS WITH POTENTIAL APPLICANTS
Staff will conduct meetings with potential applicants of the New Media Arts Board on Tuesday 26, Wednesday 27 and Thursday the 28 March from 10am - 4pm at the Australia Council, 372 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers are encouraged to attend. The meetings are by appointment only, and provide an opportunity for individuals and organisations to meet with staff of the New Media Arts Board to discuss future projects and answer questions relating to the Board's programs and assessment processes for 2002.
For further information or to make an appointment, contact Vicky Clare Tel 02 9215 9110 or toll free on 1800 226 912.

INDIGENOUS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The Australia Council, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board has a calendar of events page on our website that is updated monthly. I would like to invite you to Email any Indigenous initiatives that you have within your organisation, this includes any events, exhibitions etc. You can Email me on k.stevenson@ozco.gov.au with the event details including the name of the event, where it will be held, when it is, a brief description of what it is and contact details, ie. name, phone number, Email address and web site address. The Australia Council website address is www.ozco.gov.au, then go to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board, then Calendar of events. Hope to hear from you soon!! Katherine Stevenson Administration Assistant Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts Board Australia Council Phone: 9215 9171 Fax 9215 9061
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Opportunities

ABC RADIO SEEKS REGIONAL WRITERS
ABC radio seeks expressions of interest from writers living in regional Australia for short stories and radio drama scripts. We are looking for an idea for a dynamic, daily radio serial reflecting the lives of contemporary Australians. It will broadcast in short segments daily and must have broad appeal, be thought-provoking and highly entertaining, with a strong comic element.
We also seek to commission both short and longer radio plays, so if you have an idea or finished script, send it in for consideration. Finally, we'd like to hear from you if you have an original unpublished short stories. These should be no more than 750 words or about 5 minutes read. They should be intelligent and appeal to mainstream Australia. The successful entries will be developed for broadcast on any one of ABC Radio's six networks and ABC Online.
Contact Deborah Leavitt, ABC RADIO Regional Production Fund on 0418 104 412 or Email leavitt@deborah@abc.net.au

THE 1ST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL JURIED ONLINE SYMBOLIST ART SHOW
"The Dreamer and the Dreamed" curated by Susanne Iles and juried by Erik Heyninck - artist, Ven. Robert Mason - theologian and Dr. Barbara Tampieri - gallery owner. Online August. 28
Go to www.dracoblu.com/symbolistshow.html
Open to all artists and art students. Entry Fees: Artists $15 (Canadian funds); Art Students $5 (Canadian funds). Maximum two images per artist.
Closing June 1

SHOW YOUR SCULPTURE/OBJECT ON ABC TV
Calling all sculptors / object designers: Coast to Coast would like to feature the work of a different sculptor each week on the glass-topped table in the set of the program. To find out more,
visit the Coast to Coast website: www.abc.net.au/coast/sculptors.htm

NEW COMMUNITY CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT WEB PORTAL
- From Bong Ramilo
I have set up Intercreate - www.intercreate.net - a web portal about community cultural development and new technologies. It provides spaces and facilities for online sharing of information, discussion of issues, and for hosting online CCD events. Intercreate hopes to assist artists, technologists, and others interested in community cultural development to make things and solve problems together online. Intercreate is a community-driven portal; it depends on contributions from users. Please use it, and let others know about it. Thanks.

TRAINING INQUIRY FOR VISUAL ARTISTS, CRAFT PRACTITIONERS AND DESIGNERS
CREATE Australia, the national industry training body for the arts, media and entertainment industries. has a current project running to develop the national standards for the Visual Arts, Craft and Design sectors. CREATE will be liaising throughout the project with visual arts, craft and design practitioners and organisations who work with or employ visual arts, craft and design practitioners such as art galleries, design companies and commissioning organisations. The following stakeholder groups are invited to participate in the project: visual arts, craft and design practitioners; registered training organisations delivering visual arts, contemporary craft and design courses; organisations who work with visual arts, craft and design practitioners, including art galleries; local Government agencies; graphic and interior design companies. To get involved in the project, contact either Sally Davis Email sdavis@createaust.com.au or Geraldine Berkemeier Email gberkemeier@createaust.com.au or call Dianne Vincent Tel 02 83992655.

LOANS FOR ARTISTS
A new Queensland based company, Investing in Culture, is offering small scale, interest-free loans to individual artists/artsworkers, non profit organisations and small scale commercial creative businesses. The Quick Start program is providing loans of between $500 and $5000. Administration fees will apply. Quick Start is a rolling fund - as loans begin to be repaid, further resources will be released for other applicants. Keep in mind the fund offers loans not grants. Further info: Cathy Hunt Tel 07 3358 1141 or Brian Tucker Tel 07 3391 3413.
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Grants + Prizes

2002 FELLOWSHIPS AT LONDON'S GLOBE THEATRE
Expressions of interest from Australian actors, directors, writers, dramaturges and stage managers sought for Shakespeare's Globe International Artistic Fellowship 2002.
This aims to introduce the unique playing space of London¹s Globe Theatre to professional artists from the different creative traditions of its affiliated Shakespeare Globe Centres around the world. It is part of its commitment to make this space a truly international centre for the understanding and practice of Shakespeare in performance.
The 2002 Fellowship runs from August 14 to September 10 and will culminate in a production open to the General public.
Contact Diana Denley, Artistic Director, The Shakespeare Globe Centre Australia Tel 02 9351 5231 Fax 02 9351 5230 Email ddenley@mail.usyd.edu.au
Closing February 28

GODFEST ART PRIZE
Valued at $2,500 with three prizes: a Judges First prize of $2000; a Peoples Choice prize of $200; and a Highly Commended prize of $300. Each artist must include a statement as to how the work reflects the theme. All works selected for inclusion in the Exhibition must be for sale, with a commission of 25% to go to the Godfest Festival Committee towards the cost of future Godfest events. More information can be found at www.godfest.com or from Taree Christian Music Festival Inc. PO Box 256, Taree NSW 2430.
Closing March 6

INDENT GRANTS FOR YOUTH MUSIC EVENTS
Applications are still open for the next round of Indent One Off grants. If you have an idea for a drug and alcohol free all ages event in your community and you can organise a committee of young people (under 24) and enlist the support of a business or organisation in your community you could be eligible for up to $2,000 for your event.
You can download a committee kit (essential reading before you apply) and an application form from the Indent website (go to the 'Funding' page).
Contact MusicNSW Tel 02 9247 7540 or Email inbox@indent.net.au.
Applications must be posted to the MusicNSW office - Level 4, 18 Hickson Road, The Rocks NSW 2000, no later than March 8.
Closing March 8

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK COMPETITIONS
Writing, filmmaking and digital image competitions (categories 12-17 years and 18-25 years), with prizes including mentorshops, work experience in the relevant industry, computer equipment and software.
* Writing: Submit an original piece of fiction/prose (poetry and non-fiction will not be accepted) 1,000 - 3,000 words. Prizes: mentorship and work experience in the publishing industry, two laptop computers, and the top 20 finalists' work will be published on the Youth Week 2002 website.
* Short films: Submit a film of up to two-and-a-half minutes' length, in the form of a video cassette, or an MPG, AVI or ASF file on CD. Prizes: video editing software packages and industry work experience placements.
* Digital image: Submit a flat image digital design around the topic of 'money' (animations will not be accepted), in the form of a JPG, TIF, EPS or PDF file on disc. Prizes: two $3,500 bank accounts, web design studio software packages and work experience with a Sydney-based communications and design team.
Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form (in either MSWord or as a PDF formats), a short author/maker biography, a list of credits (if more than one writer/maker has contributed), and a colour photo of entrant. Entries should be posted to National Youth Week 2002, GPO Box 358, Canberra ACT 2601, or lodged via Email youthweek@facs.gov.au. More info: www.youthweek.com/index.htm.
Closing March 8

THE HENRY KENDALL POETRY AWARD
Prizes for poems of any form to a maximum length of 32 lines on any theme. Entries must be unpublished (in print form) and not have won a cash prize in any competition. Usual competition rules apply. Entry Form Essential. There are three sections:
* Adult (18yrs & over) - Prizes: 1st $500, 2nd $200
* Junior (13th-18th birthday) - Prizes 1st $75, 2nd $50, 3rd $25
* Children (12yrs and under) - Prizes 1st $75, 2nd $50, 3rd $25
An anthology may be produced containing selected poems from the Award entries. For enquiries, competition rules and entry forms send a SSAE to: The Convener, Henry Kendall Poetry Award, PO Box 276, Gosford NSW 2250.
Closing March 15

2002 GLEN EIRA LITERARY AWARDS
* Caulfield RSL 'My Brother Jack' National Short Story Award - $3,500 in prizes
* Screen and Stage Play Award - $2,200 in prizes
Further information telephone (03) 9524 3287 or go to www.gleneira.vic.gov.au. Email arts@gleneira.vic.gov.au.
Closing March 22

31ST BRONZE SWAGMAN AWARD
Calling for entries written in English of traditional bush verse with an Australian theme. Poems must be approximately 700 words, unpublished and the entrant's own work.
The winning entrant will receive a bronze statue valued at $2,500 plus a Winton Boulder Opal worth $250.
$15 per entry. Contact Tel 07 4657 1466 Email matilda@thehub.com.au
Closing March 31

PREMIER'S HISTORY AWARDS
Entries for all of the NSW Premier's History Awards are now open. The 2002 line up will also include a new prize sponsored by State Records NSW. The John and Patricia Wright Price, valued at $15,000, is intended to encourage the use or original materials, rather than secondary sources, in the research and writing of Australian history. The Children's History Prize has been renamed the Premier's Young People's History Prize.
Contact Irene Stevens Tel 02 9228 4745
Closing April 5

NEW: ARTSRUSH POETRY COMPETITION
One prize of $1000 is offered for a poem of 200 lines or less. Certificates will be awarded to Highly Commended entries. Poet and author, Chris Mansell will judge the competition, with winners to be announced at the Shoalhaven Poetry Festival in May.. All poem(s) must be original and must not be under consideration for publication or a prize elsewhere. There is an entry fee of $7 for each submission
Visit www.artsrush.com.au to download entry form or write to ArtsRush, PO Box 141, Bomaderry, NSW, 2541, Australia enclosing SSAE. The winner will be announced on 4 May at the Shoalhaven Poetry Festival in Nowra.
Closing April 20
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Conferences

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER VISUAL ARTS CONFERENCE
5 - 7 March 2002, Adelaide SA
Bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers to have a voice about the future of their professional practice, to share their knowledge, expertise and stories, and to make recommendations for the future support of Indigenous arts in this country. Interested members of the public and professionals working within the Indigenous arts industry are also welcome to attend. Intellectual and cultural property rights and issues for practising Indigenous artists will be discussed, as well as commercial issues, such as funding and marketing. More information: www.IndigenousVisualArts.com.

CALL FOR PAPERS - IT IN THE REGIONS
The Faculty of Informatics and Communication at Central Queensland University will be hosting the ITiRA 2002 Conference at CQU Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, 27 - 29 August 2002 (details can be found at: http://itira.cqu.edu.au ). The overall purpose of the Conference is to examine strategies, research and applications for the introduction and use of Information Technology in Regional Areas. Current experience indicates that regional areas are lagging behind cities in the adoption of IT and that there are specific issues relating to the use of IT in regions.
ITiRA will include a mixture of refereed papers as well as non-refereed case studies and applications. Whilst seeking papers and case studies in the broad arena of IT in regions, ITiRA currently has eight major track themes:
1 - Community Informatics;
2 - IT for Regional Health;
3 - IT for Regional Media and Communication;
4 - IT for Regional Industry and e-Economy;
5 - IT for Regional Education and Training;
6 - IT for Developing Countries and Indigenous Peoples;
7 - IT For Regional Culture and Media;
8 - e-Democracy.
The conference is designed for Community Leaders, IT Managers & Project Leaders, Funders, Policymakers, Researchers, Government Officials and Regional Community Development Groups.
Papers can be submitted to either the refereed Research Papers Section or the Case Study and Applications Section. Research Papers can be no longer than 5000 words. Case studies and Reports of Applications can be considerably shorter.
Timetable: Expressions of interest by March 8, 2002; Invited to submit paper by March 22, 2002; Papers due May 10, 2002. Contact Email itira2002@cqu.edu.au.

OZECULTURE CONFERENCE 2002
The second OZeCulture conference of culture, new media and eBusiness, OZeCulture 2002, will take place in Sydney from 28 - 30 May 2002. More information about the conference can be found at www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/conference/.

2ND AUSTRALIAN / NEW ZEALAND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE
Melbourne, March 4-5. For more info go to www.sen.org.au. International Speakers: Pamela Hartigan (Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Geneva), Jim Petofsky (SeaChange - Social Entrepreneurs Alliance for Change, San Francisco), Fred Hehuwat (Green Indonesia Foundation), James Smith (School for Social Entrepreneurs, London) and David Nicholl (The Wise Group, Glasgow).
There will be workshops and forums: on Indigenous entrepreneurship; Regional hubs: clusters of social enterprises; Bridging the digital divide; Social venture incubators; Social entrepreneurship and the culture of business; Community building: government agendas and social entrepreneurship; Global networking; Social investors and social entrepreneurs; Rural and regional enterprise; Social auditing; Employment creation; Reinventing government: service delivery systems and social entrepreneurship; Universities and social entrepreneurs; Youth partnerships; Mentoring social entrepreneurs; Social entrepreneurship in the Asia/Pacific region
Also the Social Venture Business Plan Competition and the SEN Awards
A limited number of subsidised places are available for small community groups.
Exhibition and sponsorship enquiries: Michael Elwood 08 8344 2366. Contact Vern Hughes Email vern@sen.org.au.
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Festivals + Events

HIGH BEAM FESTIVAL
Contemporary expressions of disability culture.
May 3 - 12 2002
Celebrate at High Beam Festival, a biennial international arts festival showcasing contemporary works influenced or inspired by experience of disability. This ten day multi-arts festival will present the latest in disability arts - new perceptions, innovations and visions. A spectacular program of music, comedy, theatre, dance, art, debate, workshops and community events. Highlights include: High Beam Opening Night Party. presenting program highlights and featuring a concert including the wellknown Backsliders and the groovy Chris Finnen Blues Band; Performances by Access Arts Queensland , Mainstreet Theatre Co, Restless Dance Co and No Strings Attached
Registrations are now open. For more info Email highbeamfestival@artsinaction.asn.au. Tel 08 8224 0799 Fax 08 8224 0709 Website: www.artsinaction.asn.au

SYDNEY ON SALE TRADESHOW WELCOMES REGIONAL EXHIBITORS
- from Anne Goldner, Project Manager
June 20 - 21 Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour. Sydney on Sale showcases both Sydney and Regional NSW for events and is now the leading show of its type in Australia. Last year saw 270 companies exhibiting, including 46 from regional NSW. 5,734 people attended, 80% of whom were Sydney corporate. There are now a number of great community based festivals emerging in regional NSW and I would love to offer them the opportunity to exhibit in Sydney at an events trade show.
Please let me know if there are contacts you have who could be interested in promoting themselves to the Sydney corporate events market. Information is available at the website - www.scvb.com.au and click on the Sydney on Sale logo.
Contact Anne Goldner, Project Manager Tel: 02 9331 4045 Fax 02 9360 9087

BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
The National Trust will hold its Heritage Festival from 20 - 28 April 2002 throughout NSW. The theme, Bridging the Divide, looks at bridging the divide between peoples (culture, language, traditions, race, and religion) encompassing both indigenous and multicultural aspects; bridging the divide in families (generational and gender); bridging the divide geographically (opening up Australia, exploration, transport, rural communities and urban communities, including the Year of the Outback); and bridging the divide in thinking and education.
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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.