Highlights Regional Arts NSW News Other News Project Updates What's On Seminars, Workshops + Training

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Highlights

Does Australia need a cultural policy?
4 August, Byron Bay Writers Festival
Regional Arts NSW and the Northern Rivers Writers Centre present a public discussion on the need (or not!) for cultural policy for Australia with panellists:
Prof Ien Ang, public commentator and leading figure in cultural studies worldwide
Neil Armfield, one of Australia’s foremost directors
Margaret Fink, indomitable producer of feature films, from My Brilliant Career to Candy
John Harding, founding member of Ilbijerri Theatre Company, theatre director and Indigenous arts activist, and
Prof David Throsby, internationally known for his work in the economics of arts and culture and author of 2006’s much discussed Platform Paper, Does Australia Need a Cultural Policy?
The session will be held from 9.30am to 11.00am at the Byron Community & Cultural Centre. Morning tea and lamingtons will be served. The session is free but prospective attendees are requested to book (to ensure their lamington!). Contact Jetset Byron Bay Tel 02 6685 6554. More information on the Regional Arts NSW website www.regionalartsnsw.com.au

Courage to Care
16 August – 10 September, Grafton
Organised by the B'nai B'rith, a Jewish service organisation, Courage to Care is a remarkable educational exhibition that emphasises the importance of standing up against racism. Designed to convey a message of communal tolerance and living in harmony, the exhibition focuses on the rescuers of Jews during the Holocaust and includes memorabilia and audiovisual presentations that document the stories of survivors and their rescuers. The courageous people shown are an example to us all of the power of an individual to make a difference. Courage to Care is supported by a series of workshops based at the gallery for school children of the region. The exhibition presents its message in a contemporary context, empowering students to think about caring for their fellow human beings and the courage that this sometimes can take. Contact Cher Breeze, Education and Public Programs Officer Tel 02 6642 3177 Email Cher.Breeze@clarence.nsw.gov.au

As a Lily – The Song Company
19 August, Bathurst | 20 August, Katoomba
23 August, Wollongong | 24 August, Newcastle
Join The Song Company for a selection of enchanting vocal works from the 16th Century to the present day; beautiful motets by Monteverdi and von Bingen, riveting music by the Polish Panufnik- all themed around a sumptuous performance of Brumel’s Sicut Lilium (As a Lily) as well as irresistible works by Australian composers Elena Kats-Chernin and Anne Boyd. Don’t miss this concert- breathtaking music of astonishing vocal purity presented at its very best by The Song Company. Music to make you inner voice sing…Tickets $38/$35/$30/$25. Contact Tel 02 9251 1600 Website www.songcompany.com.au

VIBE 3on3 – Looking Solid Feeling Deadly
19 & 20 August, Coonamble
9 & 10 September, Bourke
VIBE 3on3 “Looking Solid Feeling Deadly” hip hop and basketball challenge is a two day Aboriginal youth weekend Festival which incorporates basketball, dance, culture and health. It's also a smoking, alcohol and drug free event which enjoyed enormous success in both communities last year, with youth traveling from towns throughout the region to attend. VIBE 3on3 has previously brought healthy role models such as dual Olympian and Australia’s highest hurdler Kyle Vender Kuyp; Sydney Flames WNBL star and Australian Opals squad member, Michelle Musselwhite; and Vibe host, former USA Harlem Globe Trotter, Dwayne Cross, to thousands of youth all over regional Australia. Media contact Claude Tel 02 9361 0140 Email claude@vibe.com.au Website www.vibe.com.au

Our Community: A Great Place to Be
Until 20 August, Bathurst
Three portrait photographers, Juno Gemes, Sharon Aldrich and Ron Blake aim their lenses at the distinctive cultural and social diversity of communities in the northwest of New South Wales including Walgett, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge and Angledool. Our Community is an exhibition that highlights the passion local people have for their community, family and natural environment. At Bathurst Regional Arts Gallery. On tour from the First Australians Gallery at the National Museum of Australia. Contact Bathurst Regional Art Gallery Tel 02 6331 6066 Email brag@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

The 17th Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival
18 – 20 August, Bellingen
The Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival promises a showcase of some or the best jazz and blues performers in Australia and overseas, with over 40 performances by 18 bands over three days. This year's line-up features two of the legends of the industry – Joe Camillari with Bakelite Radio and Vince Jones. They are joined by an array of international performers including American Bruce Brown, Hungarian Band Dixie Jam Session, Dave Paquette also from the USA and Latin Band Armandito y su Trovason. The festival includes an opening breakfast in Church Street; welcome cocktails; a Supper Dance with the RAN Admirals Own Band; jazz at the Bellingen Community Markets on the Saturday and, of course, Jazz by the Riverside in the heart of Bellingen on the Sunday. Tickets and the full program online or contact Tel 02 6655 9345 Website www.bellingenjazzfestival.com.au

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Regional Arts NSW News

Vale Victoria Keighery, CEO
Meg Larkin, Chair of Regional Arts NSW, has announced that Victoria Keighery, Chief Executive Officer, has resigned. Vic Keighery has been the CEO of Regional Arts NSW for six and a half years. Since 2000 she has led the organisation through massive change, from the restructure of the Arts Council of NSW to the establishment of a comprehensive Statewide network of thirteen independent Regional Arts Boards serviced by a Secretariat in Sydney. Vic has overseen the consolidation of the new organisation and has been a strong advocate for arts development in regional and rural New South Wales. Soon after her appointment, in 2002, Regional Arts NSW delivered the Regional Arts Australia national conference in Albury. 'Groundswell' set new standards for regional arts conferences, and was, at that time, the largest regional arts conference ever held in Australia. Vic's strengths in policy development and strategic management have set Regional Arts NSW on a path to new directions to arts development in regional and rural New South Wales. "On behalf of the Board, I thank Vic for her significant contribution to Regional Arts NSW and wish her well in her new position," Ms Larkin said.
Full story on the Regional Arts NSW website here.

Curtains close on Audience Development Project
After three exciting (and exhausting!) years, Phase 2 of the Regional Arts NSW Audience Development Project, funded by the Australia Council for the Arts, is finishing at the end of this month. Lisa Andersen, the Audience Development Specialist who headed the project over that time, is leaving for her next gig at the University of Technology, Sydney. Highlights of the project have included:
“What do we reckon?” (2004)
“How are we going?” (2005)
“Does Australia need a cultural policy?” (see Highlights, above)
and the many interesting questions asked during arts forums that have been part of the Byron Bay Writers Festival for the past three years (order your free DVD from the 2005 event here)
Audience research on festivals, theatre, music, cinema and visual arts audiences in regional New South Wales including
“Archie in the Country” – about audiences for the Archibald Prize Exhibition at Cowra Art Gallery – and
“Follow the Lieder”– the Arts Ambassador project developed with Lieder Theatre Company.
(Incidentally, the audience survey developed is now being used by both Canberra Arts Marketing and Tasmania Performs.)
Plus roundtables on creative industries, symposiums on creative tourism, forums on festivals and workshops on "Getting Them Going" (audiences, that is).
For further information you can catch Lisa before she goes Tel 02 9270 2508 Email lisa@regionalartsnsw.com.au or after August Email lisa.andersen@uts.edu.au

Wanted: artists and cultural industry workers in Broken Hill
Regional Arts NSW recently announced a new research project as part of its Audience Development program which aims to help secure a future of the arts in the Broken Hill area including Menindee, Whitecliffs and Wilcannia (full story). Over the next two months researchers will be interviewing people from arts businesses, professional artists, professional cultural industry workers and arts organisations in and around Broken Hill, on the phone. The aim is to collect evidence of the value of the arts sector in the region; to identify needs and priorities for ongoing workforce and market development and to discover ideas to grow the arts and cultural industries in the region. West Darling Arts is now putting together a list of people to be interviewed for this important research project.
Should your name be on the list?
Contact Eileen Braybrook Mob 0407 018 115 Email ofnine@gmail.com to be included on the creative industry database. Information provided will be confidential and anonymous and participants will receive the draft report for comment and a copy of the final report.

New Administration Assistant for STARTS
Gillian Webber is the new part-time Administration Assistant for Southern Tablelands Arts Inc (STARTS) based in Goulburn NSW. Gillian has studied Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, and recently Cultural Heritage Management. "I developed an interest in exhibition design and small volunteer run museums while working for Goulburn Mulwaree Council. I am very happy to now be more closely involved in community arts projects and working in a small office with Elizabeth Brown (EO/RADO)".
Contact Gillian Tel 02 4823 2286 Email gillian@starts.com.au

Forbes Shire Council rejoins Arts OutWest
Arts OutWest and Forbes Shire Council are pleased to announce they will once again be working together to support the community in arts and cultural development. The decision by Forbes Shire Council to rejoin the regional arts program was a result of three submissions from community organisations presented to council during the public consultation period, each supporting membership in Arts OutWest. Contact Arts OutWest Communication Officer Natalie Kent Tel 02 6338 4657 Email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au.

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Other News

Planning the future of Australia's regional arts: Regional Arts Summit 2006
10 August, Canberra
Regional Arts Australia is holding a national regional arts summit with sector leaders, decision-makers and national service organisations in Canberra next week. The aim is to open productive discussion towards the achievement of the Regional Arts Australia National Directions policy's aims. Twenty five people will be involved in a roundtable talk facilitated by Anne Dunn on two key topics:
Improving recognition of the arts in regional Australia and developing new partnerships and
Extending and strengthening the network.
An audience of around seventy people who are stakeholders in regional arts development has been invited to attend the summit. Contact Anita Cleaver, Rave Communication Tel 02 6295 3662 Mob 0404 882 133.

OzCo releases Community Partnerships Scoping Study Report
The Australia Council has released the Community Partnerships Scoping Study Report which was presented by the Chair of the Reference Group, Anne Dunn, at its June meeting. The Council unanimously endorsed all 16 recommendations in the report, with particular focus on its most innovative element – the proposal for the Council to develop and adopt a Creative Communities Strategy across the organisation. The next phase of activity is the implementation of the Report.
Full story and Report on the Australia Council's website

Federal Review of Film Funding
The Federal Minister for the Arts, Senator Rod Kemp, has called on film industry professionals and other interested parties to respond to a review examining the effectiveness and appropriateness of government funding support for Australian film production. “This review will take a broad-ranging look at the effectiveness of current Australian Government direct and indirect support, including taxation incentives, for the film industry,” Mr Kemp said. "The purpose ... is to improve the long term viability and effectiveness of the Australian film industry to help it grow and prosper."
Read the Issues Paper for the Review of Australian Government Film Funding Support on the DoCITA website here
Submissions close 11 August

Indigenous Communal Moral Rights Bill seriously flawed: Arts Law
The Arts Law Centre of Australia (Arts Law) has expressed serious concerns about the Government’s proposed Indigenous Communal Moral Rights Bill, saying that it in no way guarantees communities the protection the legislation is intended to provide. While the aim is to protect community ownership in individual artists' expression of traditional knowledge, Arts Law says in its current form the legislation makes it too difficult for communities to secure such rights. The Federal Attorney General, Phillip Ruddock has confirmed the Government’s commitment to introduce a new Bill but has given no indication that the concerns expressed by Arts Law have been dealt with. Contact Samantha Joseph at Arts Law Tel 02 9356 2566 Email sjoseph@artslaw.com.au
Read what Arts Law has to say about the proposed new legislation online here.

Better data needed for planning: NSW Regional Galleries Study
"Lack of reliable data" and the "limited nature of standard setting tools" are impacting on strategic planning in the regional galleries sector in NSW, according to the summary report of the 2005 Regional Galleries Scoping Study released by Museums & Galleries NSW last month. The study, which documents and measures the resources of the regional gallery sector in NSW with the aim of identifying opportunities to strengthen sustainability in the sector, was conducted by Sue Boaden (Director, Australia Street Company) last year. It was commissioned by Museums & Galleries NSW with funding from the Visual Arts and Crafts Program of Arts NSW. Contact Sarah-Jane Rennie, Team Leader Research and Training, MGnsw Tel 02 9358 1760 Email sarahjaner@mgnsw.org.au
Download the summary report on the MGnsw Website here

OzCo New Media discussion paper released
The Australia Council for the Arts has released a discussion paper for consideration and comment by interested new media artists, arts organisations and arts stakeholders.
Full story on the Australia Council's website here

New Director, Arts Development, Arts NSW
Hugo Leschen has been appointed Director, Arts Development at Arts NSW (formerly the NSW Ministry for the Arts). Hugo was previously Director, Skills Development with the Australia business Arts Foundation. Prior to this he has held senior management positions in the areas of visual arts, performing arts, film and festivals. Contact The Department of Arts, Sport & Recreation Tel 9228 5533 Email mail@arts.nsw.gov.au Website www.arts.nsw.gov.au.

How important are festivals to rural communities? Have your say in new ARC research
A team of researchers at the Universities of Wollongong, Sydney and New England have embarked on a major Federal Government (ARC) funded study of the role of festivals and special events in rural communities. “People working in arts communities know that festivals and special events are incredibly important”, says the project director, Dr Chris Gibson, from the University of Wollongong, “but often the wider community, government and bureaucrats are not so aware. We want to map the extent and significance of rural festivals to show decision-makers just how many rural festivals are staged every year, how important they are, and how they contribute to communities economically, socially and culturally”. All kinds of festivals are encouraged to participate - from the smallest community event to large-scale flagship festivals.
Make sure your festival is on the map! Send an email to Chris Gibson cgibson@uow.edu.au and include your name, the name of your festival, and the place where your festival is held. Surveys will be conducted with participating festivals in September and October, 2006.
Read more about the research online here.

Indigenous artists sought for new online dictionary
The NSW College of Fine Arts new 'Storylines' project aims to identify Indigenous artists from NSW who are working or who have worked in the area of visual art. Indigenous Research Officer, Tess Allas, says, "Aboriginal art and artists from the South Eastern states are constantly looked over in regards to art and art history. This project aims re-dress this issue. Storylines will be a collection of biographies of NSW Indigenous Visual Artists, past and present." Each artist will be invited to complete a comprehensive survey, from which Tess will write a biography. The 'Storylines' will then become part of the Dictionary of Australian Artists Online (DAAO) which will go live in December, 2006. The dictionary will be accessed by academics, curators, gallery owners, artists family members, art collectors, auction houses, historians and even tourists. The aim is to extend the projects to other States. Contact Tess Allas Tel 02 9385 0851 Email storylines@cofa.unsw.edu.au

Country Week Expo 2006 in Sydney
11 – 13 August, Rosehill
With the theme this year of 'The Tree and Sea Change Expo', Country Week 2006 will be officially opened by NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, on Friday, August 11. Country Week showcases country and regional NSW as a desirable alternative to living and working in Sydney, offering a range of business and lifestyle opportunities.
A wide array of exhibitions will be on show and exhibitors from across NSW will be there to discuss their communities and answer any questions. On Friday, the Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) will present seminars on how businesses can start, manage and grow in regional NSW. The expo – and the seminars – are free. Contact Tel 02 6771 5633 Website www.countryweek.com.au

Windmill Trust Scholarship winners announced
The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) has announced the two winners of the $4,000 Windmill Trust Scholarships for 2006. They are Samantha Small and Rachel Ellis, both from regional NSW. Each will be preparing for solo exhibitions following the award of the scholarship, both using the landscape and terrain as their inspiration. Samantha Small, recently returned from the UK to live in Murrumbateman, will continue working on her large-scale photographic works depicting "battleground terrain with domestic architecture", based on dioramas at the Australian War Memorial. Rachel Ellis, from Bathurst, has an exhibition of paintings and drawings planned for March 2007, "depicting urban Bathurst landscapes as well as straight landscapes". The Windmill Trust Scholarship was established in 1997 in memory of artist and gallery director Penny Meagher and is administered by the NAVA. The Scholarship provides financial assistance to professional artists who have to deal with the extra challenges of living in a regional area. Contact NAVA Tel 02 9368 1900 Email nava@visualarts.net.au Website www.visualarts.net.au.

Winners announced in the 2006 Olive Cotton Award
Siri Hayes from Ivanhoe, Victoria, has won the 2006 Olive Cotton Award for photographic portraiture for her portrait Monty / Sally. The $10,000 award was presented by the judge, Dr Gene Sherman of Sherman Galleries in Sydney, before a crowd of over 600 people at the Tweed River Art Gallery on 23 July. Hayes' work was selected from a pool of 106 finalists including "many strong - and some extraordinary portraits" according to Dr Sherman. Ms Hayes expressed her gratitude for the generosity of the award and her admiration for the work of Olive Cotton, her "all-time favourite Australian photographer and inspirational woman." There were two high commendations by the judge: Russell Shakespeare's Artist, William Robinson and Marian Drew's Genevieve and two portraits were selected for acquisition by the gallery.
The 2006 Olive Cotton Award Exhibition will be on show a the Tweed River Art Gallery until 10 September. Contact Tel 02 6670 2790

Festival seeks licence to impersonate Elvis
ABC News Online (14/7/06) reports that Parkes, in central west New South Wales is hoping to put on the biggest Elvis Festival in Australia ever next year, after applying for a licence to impersonate Elvis Presley. Fears that there would be a crackdown on unauthorised Elvis impersonators prompted the group to start negotiations with the American billionaire who owns the rights to Elvis's name and likeness.
Full story at ABC News Online here.

Winner of the Australian Country Music Literary Award announced
Arts Hub Australia (12/7/06) reports that Eric Watson’s two volume History of Country Music in Australia has won him the inaugural Australian Country Music Literary Award. Watson was presented with the award during the Cavalcade of Stars concert in Tamworth – a new annual event designed to raise funds for that town’s proposed Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Full story on the Arts Hub website here

See you at the Edge – The Pacific Ege RAA National Conference
15 – 17 September, Mackay (Qld)
Get ready for an incredible journey around Australia, the Pacific and beyond with the highly anticipated Regional Art’s Australia National Conference for 2006. The team from Queensland Arts Council, Regional Arts Australia and the Mackay City Council are working tirelessly to bring an extraordinary event to life. Part festival, part conference, all art, The Pacific Edge offers a massive program for regional artists and arts workers around eight key themes:
Building Strong Communities
Connections across the Pacific Rim
Young People with Creative Futures
Art as a Powerful Agent for Change
Indigenous People and Communities
Reaching New Audiences
Innovative Communication and
Arts Partnerships and Collaborations
See how the arts have allowed the Eyre Peninsula Community to heal and tell their stories after the devastating fires of 2005 or discuss and debate arts partnerships and funding. Learn about Kenaf (an agricultural project) and its role in the arts or get out your dance shoes and find your rhythm with Raw Metal Dance Company and master drummer Grant Collins. Full registration and program details online or contact I AM EVENTS Tel 07 3834 3333 Website www.thepacificedge.com.au

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Project Reports

Lonely Horses Tour + Nymagee – Stories & Songs on ABC Radio
August 2006, Far West + National
Singer/songwriters Tonchi McIntosh, Mick Daley (Re-Mains front man) and Bourke poet Andrew Hull teamed up for ‘The Lonely Horses Tour’ earlier this year. With their sights fixed firmly on 'one horse towns', the trio travelled to Nymagee, Quambone, Bourke, Fords Bridge, and Grawin to play and perform their all original material – much of which was created during their stay in the tiny outback town of Nymagee in far west NSW. Partially funded through Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP), the project also attracted the support of ABC Radio’s Regional Production Fund. The result is a seven part documentary series "Nymagee – Stories & Songs” including interviews and and recordings of songs. The series highlights the town’s mining and multicultural history, with stories and poems from a local grazier, shearer, and bee-keeper, plus fascinating recollections by local residents on old time dances in the town.
'Nymagee – Stories & Songs' on ABC Radio National's Bush Telegraph every Tuesday at 11.00am starting 22 August and continuing until 3 October.
A CD of the 'Lonely Horses' songs, Fragments – A Broken History of Nymagee will be out later in the year.
Contact Andrew Hull Email amhull@bigpond.com or ABC Radio National Website www.abc.net.au

ConnectEd Arts in the Far West
1 August, Coonamble
3 August, Lightning Ridge
Zeal Theatre’s production of The Forwards is touring in the Far West as part of the NSW Government’s $1.9m ConnectEd Arts strategy Performing Arts Touring Program, which aims to give students in rural and regional schools access to high quality arts experiences. The Forwards will tour to Bourke, Wilcannia, Nyngan, Coonamble and Lightning Ridge over July and August, giving performances to students from disadvantaged government schools and another four performances presented for the benefit of local communities. The tour is expected to cater for almost 1400 students from 20 schools in west NSW, who will attend one of these performances free of charge. The Forward is a fast-paced comedy which paints a detailed cartoon portrait of a country town’s memorable Grand Final weekend. Contact Outback Arts Tel 02 6822 2484 Email rado@outbackarts.com.au. For information about ConnectEd Arts, contact Amelia Carew-Reid at Arts NSW Tel 02 9228 4562 Email amelia@arts.nsw.gov.au Zeal Theatre website www.zealtheatre.com.au

Sense of Place
March 2006, Bathurst
The ‘sense of place’ community textile art project brought together members from the Aboriginal, the multicultural and the wider community in the Bathurst region to create an artwork. Represented the different waves of people who came to settle in the region - from its first inhabitants to the latest newcomers, together the participants created a long lasting work that reflects the cultural diversity of this region. A series of workshops led by artist Gabriella Hegyes and assistant artist, Nyree Reynolds, encouraged participants to develop designs using patterns, stories, poems, drawings, objects and images from their own culture. This record was transferred onto layers of translucent panels using a photographic transfer method and hand written text. The aim is to exhibit the panels around the region to inspire other communities to continue the project creating a visual library of multiculturalism. A Sense of Place was launched on Harmony Day in Bathurst in March. Made possible with funding from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program. Contact The International Friendship Group of Bathurst Tel 02 6332 4866

The Bundanoon Community Quilt Project
July 2006, Bundanoon
This beautiful pictorial representation of Bundanoon, past and present, in a magnificent quilt, was five years in the making. The project involved a community consultation, extensive historical research and a number of working bees by an ever changing and expanding team of workers. Community members from the youngest, attending the Bundanoon preschool, to the oldest, residents of the Linkside nursing home, all had input into the quilt. The project was funded with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP) and a Community Grant from the Wingecarribee Shire Council as well as garage sales, raffles and mornings teas and an annual craft and textile show. The finished quilt was presented to the community last month as a gift of love.

Murrumbidgee School of Creative Arts Scholarships
2 – 8 July, 2006, Wagga Wagga
Four emerging artists from around Australia were the lucky winners in an inaugural scholarship program at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Murrumbidgee School of Creative Arts (MSCA) in Wagga Wagga. Local and visiting creative artists of the three-year-old creative art school were encouraged to apply for the scholarships which included a selection of full residential and tutorial based packages. Pictured is Tumut’s Roslyn Castle who said she relished in the opportunity to learn from accomplished artist Linda Champion in her drawing and painting workshop. The Scholarships will again be on offer this summer. Contact Tel 02 6933 2064 Email commed@csu.edu.au Website www.csu.edu.au

Music Masterclass
May 2006, Cessnock
"Better than I expected" was how most participants described a weekend workshop/masterclass for budding musicians in the Upper Hunter led by members of 90s Australian music icons, The Badloves, John Spiby andMichael Favaro. The workshops covered topics including the realities of a career in contemporary music; the complexities of performing in a band and how to approach writing your own songs. The workshop was run as part of the Samaritans' Youthlinx project at the Cessnock Youth Centre, with the assistance of local Indent committees in Cessnock, Singleton and Muswellbrook and a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program.

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What's On

Sensitive New Age Cowpersons Greatest Hits Tour
4 August, Casino
Combining a toe-tap and belly-laugh with classic rock songs and great original material ... all delivered bluegrass style. The Cowpersons' heady mix of some of the ‘bentest’ original country music ever written and eclectic repertoire of classic songs have taken them from their home town of Fremantle, WA, to headline performances at folk and country festivals around Australia. They’ve also been seen as far afield as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. At the Casino Community Entertainment Centre 8pm Tickets $20/$17. Contact Northern Rivers Ticket Centre Tel 02 6621 5600 or NORPA Website www.norpa.org.au

Musica Viva Concerts
August, Various Towns
4 August, Lismore: Genevieve Lacey and Karin Schaupp. City Hall 7:30pm Tel 02 6621 5529
12 August, Milton: Galapagos Duck. Milton Theatre 8pm Tel 02 4454 3056
23 August, Coffs Harbour: Paul Lewis. Education Campus, Lecture Theatre D 8pm Tel 02 6659 3093
25 August, Griffith: Simon Tedeschi. Regional Theatre 8pm Tel 02 6961 8399
General enquiries contact David Hoffman, Manager CountryWide Tel 02 8394 6666 Email dhoffman@mva.org.au

Bago Bago Choir & Playback Theatre
5 August, Wauchope
A night of stories and song at the Wauchope Arts Hall. Enjoy the fabulous Bella Bago Choir followed by the equally talented Bago Playback theatre. Playback theatre is improvised storytelling and tonight’s theme is 'Out on a Limb'. Be delighted, surprised and relaxed. 7.30pm at the Wauchope Arts Hall. Tickets $15/10 on the door from 7pm.

2006 Bald Archy Prize on tour
5 – 31 August, Deniliquin
The 2006 Bald Archy is on tour at the Peppin Heritage Centre. Over forty hilarious portraits of well-known Australians – finalists in the Alternative Archibald – Just For Fun! "The exhibition that gets people into galleries they've never been in before"....Canberra Times. Open daily 9 - 5. Admission: Gold Coin. Contact Tel 03 5881 4150

Picture: "Da Portrait Of A Foxy Lady (Apologies to Da Vinci)" by Judy Nadin - a finalist in the 2006 Bald Archy Prize.

Internal
5 August – 1 October, Dubbo
An exhibition of photographic works which is bound to get your heart going. Featuring interpretations on the theme 'internal'. Curated by Merryn Spencer and Catherine Jones, the featured artists are Tanya Coxsedge, Nigel Davis, Rowena Galway, Kim Goldsmith, Ruth Roberts and Lea Tucker. Part of the magic of the show is the variety. Part of the Fresh Arts 06 festival, featuring art exhibitions across the region.
Contact Tel 0401 921 824 Website www.fresharts.blog.com.au
Photo:Umbilicus (detail), Rowena Galway 2006, 3 panels each 21 x 29cm, digital print on professional matte paper

Crossing New England
6 August – 30 September, Armidale
An exciting and versatile exhibition at the Armidale Art Gallery, featuring twenty three artists (painters, sculptors and potters) from across New England. The exhibition is part of a push by the New England Art Society to promote both regional art and artists throughout New England. Professor Alan Pettigrew, Vice Chancellor of the University of New England will officially open the exhibition at 3.30pm. All works for sale. Contact Anna Henderson Tel 02 6779 7534

National Science Week: Astronomy with Flare!
August 7 – 19, Across NSW
Over 3500 people have participated in this community stargazing program in the past two years and 2006 will see it grow with the involvement of Sydney Observatory along with Wagga Wagga Observatory. In August, Astronomy with Flare! will visit Hay, Griffith, Waga Wagga, Adelong, Lockhart, Ganmain, Cootamundra, Gundagai and Ashmont. The Observatories will visit schools during the day and conduct stargazing sessions at the local museum each evening at 6:30 pm. Contact Vanessa Keenan Project Coordinator, Museum of the Riverina Tel 02 6926 9654 Website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum.

Bell Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet
10 – 12 August, Wagga Wagga
Passion rising unabated. Life lived – and ended – at boiling point. Torrid and incandescent, John Bell’s exciting new look at Romeo And Juliet is an experience to be felt as much as seen. The master director finds a sultry heart in this classic from which unchecked intolerance, prejudice and revenge erupt in an unstoppable molten mass that surges forth to smother the innocent. Chloe Armstrong and Julian Garner generate electricity and cause temperatures to rise as a beautiful and sexy Romeo and Juliet. A Bell Shakespeare Company production at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. Contact Tel 02 6926 9688

Bizet's Carmen
10 August, Coffs Harbour
15 August, Port Macquarie
Opera Australia's renowned touring company, OzOpera, brings its production of Bizet’s Carmen to the Mid North Coast, presented by Camden Haven Arts Council Inc. Don't miss this opportunity to see live opera accompanied by a chamber orchestra right on your doorstep. Carmen is one of the world's favourite operas. Contact the venues for tickets:
Port Macquarie Panthers Contact Tel 02 6556 9622 Email chac@tsn.cc
Coffs Harbour Jetty Theatre Contact Tel 02 6652 4697 Website www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/563

Double Bush Binding
12 – 31 August, Forbes
An international travelling exhibition of over 100 exquisite designer-bound books. The exhibition features two of Paul Wenz’s short stories about life in the bush, plus illustrations by Australian artists Daniel Pata, Rew Hanks and Michael Kempson. Some of the handcrafted books by binders from Australia, France, Japan, Canada, US, Belgium and Estonia, plus limited edition prints of the illustrations, will also be available for sale to the public. Presented by Forbes Arts and Culture Working Group and Bookbinding Exhibitions Australia and Mezzanine Style. At The Mezzanine Style Café and Gallery plus an exhibition of Wenz memorabilia at the Forbes & District Historical Society Museum and Forbes Library. Contact Forbes Railway Arts & Tourist Centre Tel 02 6852 4155 Email forbesculturalplan@yahoo.com Website www.geocities.com/forbesculturalplan

This Month at Grafton Regional Gallery
16 August – 10 September, Grafton
Luminous: Paintings from the Tanami & Central Deserts (A MGNSW Travelling Exhibition). Official opening 2:30pm 19 August. Main Gallery.
Narelle Telford: Footprints. While an artist in residence at Uluru Narelle was fascinated by the footprints in the earth. She has created a series showing how all people impact the the world and each other, regardless of backgroud. Official Opening 2.30pm 19 August. Prentice House
Contact Cher Breeze Tel 02 6642 3177 Email cher.breeze@clarence.nsw.gov.au

Music by the Fireside
20 August, Singleton
With Timothy Wickham (violin) and Erin Sweetman (piano) at the Convent of Mercy performing works by Chopin, Mozart, Telemann and others from 2pm. Tickets (include afternoon tea): $20 adults, $15 concession, $2 school students. Seat reservations recommended. Contact Tel Sister Monica 02 4965 4031 Email consing@hunterlink.net.au Website www.sacredspaces.org.au

King Curly plays @ Blue Poles
26 August, Byabarra
Combine contemporary Australian songwriting, highly original loose and sparse instrumentation, unusual hand wrought instruments and an electrifying young band of jazz cats and you get Steve Appel’s invention King Curly. The band recently supported Cat Empire on their Australian Tour and Paul Kelly said they're are so good their name “should be shouted from the roof-tops”. Tickets $46 (inc dinner) or $42 (groups of 6); $22 (show only). Mini bus transport also available. Bookings Tel 02 6587 1167 Email sappel@kingcurly.com Website www.bluepoles.com.au

Fatherhood Festival
1 – 3 September, Bangalow
Question ... share ... celebrate. The Fatherhood Festival aims to do all this with its rich program of concerts, comedy, art and conversations. It is for men who want to father, men who want to talk about their own fathers, what they have learned from them and the joy and pain they have felt. Women who want to share stories: how their fathers have shaped their lives and how fathering impacts on their own families. Includes an acoustic performance by John Butler, a photographic exhibition, film festival, motorcycle rides and cooking classes for blokes. At the A & I Hall and showgrounds on Father's Day! Contact Tel 02 6684 2946 Website www.fatherhoodfestival.com

The Seven Stages of Grieving
9 September, Gilgandra
The Sydney Theatre Company's acclaimed Seven Stages of Grieving by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman presented by Arts NSW's Connect Ed program (see Project Reports, above). A series of theatrical episodes chronicling the grief of one woman and taking audiences on an emotional journey through love, anger and loss. The production integrates traditional and contemporary forms of Indigenous storytelling and the story is told with humour and sensitivity. Seven Stages of Grieving is a strong reminder of peoples' strength, compassion and will to survive. Performance at 5pm, Saturday 9 September at Gilgandra Shire Hall. Tickets $15/$12/$10/$8 Contact Tel 02 6817 8705 Email rado@oranaarts.com.

Turning Wave Festival 2006
13 – 17 September, Gundagai
Set in the historic town of Gundagai ("just 375km south west of Sydney on the Hume Highway"), the Turning Wave Festival will celebrate Irish Australian through music, song, dance, spoken word, literature and theatre and will also feature a World Celtic festival fringe. Features a stunning line-up of events and concerts by some of Australia's and Ireland's leading performers as well as workshops and master classes, poet's breakfasts, a street parade, bush orchestra, blackboard concerts, sessions, busking and poetry competitions, and a festival choir! Contact Tel 02 9489 5786 Email turningwave@optusnet.com.au Website www.turningwave.org.au

Coffs Harbour International Buskers & Comedy Festival
30 September – 7 October, Coffs Harbour
Eight days and nights of laughter on the very streets of this Fair City. Daytime events are mainly centred in the city centre with nighttime and weekend events at Coramba, Woolgoolga and Sawtell. Most events are free but bring some money for the Buskers Hat. Contact Tel 02 6652 8266 Website www.coffsharbourbuskers.com

Lots more What's On listings!
Needless to say, this is just a small sample of the huge number of arts and cultural events in regional and rural New South Wales this August. A number of Regional Arts Boards publish their own regional what's on listings which are available either on their websites or by free subscription:
Albury Wodonga – Murray Arts' The Fridge at www.thefridge.org.au
Far West – Arts OutWest's What's On at www.artsoutwest.org.au
Eastern Riverina – Eastern Riverina Arts Program's e-Bulletin available on request Email info@erap.org.au
Far West – Outback Arts e-Bulletin available on request Email admin@outbackarts.com.au
Mid North Coast – Arts Mid North Coast's e-Bulletin at www.artsmidnorthcoast.org
Northern Rivers – Arts Northern Rivers e-Bulletin available on request Email artsnorthernrivers@tpg.com.au. Also signature event listings at www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au
North West – Arts North West What's On listings at www.artsnw.com.au
Orana – Orana Arts' e-Bulletin available at www.oranaarts.com
South East – South East Arts Region (SEAR) Calendar available in PDF at www.sear.org.au
Southern Tablelands – Southern Tablelands Arts (STARTS) e-Bulletin available on request Email gillian@starts.com.au
Upper Hunter – Arts Upper Hunter's bi-montly newsletter, ArtsBark, available on request Email artsuh@bigpond.net.au

For more information about the Regional Arts Board network see the Regional Arts NSW website here.

Employment

Marketing Officer, Live Sites
Salary: $42—$45K + super, Newcastle
A dynamic Marketing Officer is required to join the Live Sites team, which produces an innovative cultural events program in public spaces in Newcastle’s CBD. The Marketing Officer will be primarily responsible for developing and implementing the marketing and publicity strategies for Live Sites. This will include media, advertising, publications, website, sponsorship and signage. Applicants will have a sound marketing and publicity background, possess excellent communications skills and be able to develop strong working relationships with media, service providers, performing artists, arts organisations and key stakeholders. Applications will be need to address the essential and desirable criteria. An information package is available online or by Email projects@livesites.org.au Website www.livesites.org.au
Closing 10am, 15 August

Regional Arts Development Officer, Arts Upper Hunter
Salary: $50—$55K + super + car, Scone
Arts~Upper Hunter (one of the thirteen Regional Arts Boards in NSW) seeks an experienced and committed person to promote and facilitate community cultural development in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales. For a position description and other details contact Sandra Reichel Tel 02 6545 9727 Email artsuh@bigpond.net.au
Closing 18 August

Grants, Fellowships + Residencies

Harold Mitchell Foundation
Creating positive change by recognising new opportunities in the arts and health by investing in:
Discovery in the arts and or health fields to break new ground and set up opportunities for the future
Capacity of communities to foster their arts and health activities and the capacity of talented individuals with the commitment and potential to improve our world and/or
Establishment of arts or health activities with real potential to take off and be ongoing.
New opportunities for change are created by the Foundation through funding, advocacy and partnership initiatives. The Foundation has limited funds and not all applications can be funded. Funding amounts will be determined on a case by case basis. Contact Email info@haroldmitchellfoundation.com.au Website www.haroldmitchellfoundation.com.au
Ongoing - No Closing Date

Myer Foundation
The Sidney Myer Fund continues to fund the arts, and seeks to play a critical role in upholding the integrity of the arts community in Australia by supporting artistic initiatives that often fall outside other funding agendas. Applications must address at least one of the 2006 priority areas:
Access to professional training, development and mentoring for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Development of new works by individual Australian artists and small and medium-sized organisations in Indigenous arts, regional areas and experimental and emerging art forms
Projects that support the humanities, especially those that contribute to defining a distinct Australian identity
The program has no set limit on the size of a grant. However, large requests are considered against a limited budget. Contact Tel 03 9207 3040 Email enquiries@myerfoundation.org.au Website www.myerfoundation.org.au
Closing 24 August

FRRR Caring for Ageing in Rural Australia
The J.O. & J.R. Wicking Trust and Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Trust have donated funds to the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to work on their behalf to fund worthwhile projects that support ageing in rural and regional Australia. Grants may range from $100 up to $10,000. Funding will be targeted at projects that:
directly benefit the ageing population in the community;
help redress disadvantage caused by remoteness.
benefit aged people, particularly those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease, and/or in financial hardship
take place in communities with a population of less than 10,000
Contact Tel 1800 170 020 Email info@frrr.org.au Website www.frrr.org.au
Closing 9 August

AFC Industry & Cultural Development (ICD) Grant
Aimed at cultivating, developing and providing access to Australia's screen culture, the ICD Grant will fund events and activities such as: award ceremonies; film festivals and screening programs; industry conferences and seminars; publications including books and magazines; touring film festivals and interactive media events and the professional development activities of screen development organisations. Support is available in the form of a grant, sponsorship or loan. Funding is provided through four programs:
National Touring Exhibition Fund
New Projects Fund
Interactive Media Fund
Events and Activities Fund.
Contact Australian Film Commission Tel 1800 226 615 Website www.afc.gov.au
Closing 14 August

NAVA Visual & Craft Artists' Grants Scheme
Grants of up to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for groups, to provide assistance towards the costs of public presentation of visual arts, craft and design. This can include, but is not limited to: framing, media releases, media photographs, advertising, space rental, installation costs, promotional printing, mail outs, documentation, freight, travel, equipment rental, insurance, technical assistance and opening costs. These grants do not provide assistance towards the production of artwork (materials, studio rental, research etc.) Applications must be prepared and submitted by the artist or artists exhibiting, not their venue, agent or exhibition curator. Contact Tel 02 9368 1900 Email nava@visualarts.net.au Website www.visualarts.net.au
Closing 15 August

NAVA Marketing Grant
This award is designed to assist professional visual artists and craftspeople in NSW to effectively market their work throughout NSW, interstate and overseas by implementing creative and cost-effective marketing initiatives and campaigns. These funds are to assist directly with the costs associated with the development and implementation of a marketing plan (for example); the preparation and distribution of a portfolio; conducting market research; building contacts; creating and maintaining a database; setting up a website or a publicity campaign. Applications for costs of production of artwork, space rental, freight, insurance, or technical assistance costs will not be considered. Grants up to $1,250 ($1,375 inc GST) are available to individuals, up to $2,500 ($2,750 inc GST) are available to groups. Contact Tel 02 9368 1900 Email nava@visualarts.net.au Website www.visualarts.net.au
Closing 15 August

Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS)
The MMAPSS heritage assistance program offers grants of up to $5000 for projects encompassing collection management, conservation and presentation. Jointly funded by the Australian National Maritime Museum and the DoCITA, all maritime museums legally incorporated as non profit-making bodies, whether privately or Government funded, are eligible to apply. Contact Clare Power, MMAPSS Coordinator Tel 02 9298 3777 Email mmapss@anmm.gov.au Website www.anmm.gov.au/mmapss.htm
Closing 31 August

FRRR Small Grants for Small Rural Communities Program
A small grants program for small rural Australian communities offering around $300,000 a year in grants to benefit people in rural and remote communities. The program is supported by The RE Ross Trust, The Myer Foundation, The Pratt Foundation, The William Buckland Foundation, Perpetual Trustees, The Sylvia & Charles Viertel Foundation, The Department of Transport & Regional Services (DoTARS), and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). Currently, applications that support the following areas of interest will be given preference:
Community hardship in drought effected areas
Retention of young people in Rural and Regional Australia.
Resettlement of immigrants in rural Australia
Community Infrastructure
Tel 1800 170 020 Email info@frrr.org.au Website www.frrr.org.au
Closing 30 September

Gordon Darling Foundation
Aims to support national activities of importance in the visual arts and to assist in the dissemination, through public institutions, of knowledge and enjoyment of all aspects of the visual arts to the widest possible audience. The Foundation will consider visionary projects that might not otherwise receive funding. Australian Public Institutions promoting the visual arts (projects may be auspiced by such a public institution) are eligible to apply for assistance with funding catalogues and publications; exhibition development; professional education initiatives including individual professional development; purchase or commission of artworks of unique national/local importance; research projects and symposia. Individuals and projects associated with capital works, a public institution's general or core activities are not eligible. Contact Tel 03 9820 3168 Email gdarling@bigpond.net.au
Closing 30 September

Australia Council for the Arts Grants
Music Board International Market Development Program: International Pathways 2006
International Pathways 2006 aims to assist with strategic international artistic and market development activities for Australian music and musicians. Supports activities where there is little likelihood of short or medium-term commercial success, but where the benefits of arts development and market development can be clearly demonstrated. Individuals, groups and organisations are eligible to apply, though applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents. Maximum available funds are $2500 (total max $20,000). Contact Andy Rantzen Tel 02 9215 9115 Website www.ozco.gov.au
Closing 1 September

Music Board Initiative: Buzz Grants
Buzz grants offer flexible support for young musicians (<26 years), sound artists and music-related arts workers through grants with the fixed amount of $2,500. Buzz grants can be for any music or sound project, including, but not limited to: creating new work, performing and recording. Contact Skye O'Meara Tel 1800 226 912 Email music@ozco.gov.au
Closing 5 September

Literature Board
Presentation and Promotion
Skills and Arts Development
Program Grants
Contact Tel 02 9215 9054 Email literature@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au/literature
Closing 1 October

Inter-Arts Office
Banff Centre for the Arts International Residency: The successful applicant will receive support to participate in the Media and Visual Arts Thematic Residency Program at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta, Canada in 2007.
SymbioticA National Residency: A six-month residency at SymbioticA, which is situated in the School of Anatomy and Human Biology at the University of Western Australia in Perth. SymbioticA is an independent research laboratory dedicated to the exploration of scientific knowledge from an artistic perspective.
Contact Tel 02 9215 9116 Email inter-arts@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au/inter-arts
Closing 15 October

Royal Botanic Gardens Artist in Residence Program
February - December 2007, Sydney
An opportunity for artists to work at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney for eleven months. The program is offered to a practicing artist who has a demonstrated history of producing work of a high standard for exhibition and whose residency will contribute to the Trust’s programs and end with an exhibition of the artist’s work in January 2008. The exhibition will be held in the Red Box Gallery or other suitable venue at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney for ten weeks. The residency also offers access to collections, storage space for work and materials, and induction program and full insurance. Contact Tony Martin Tel 02 9231 8171 Email tony.martin@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Website www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
Closing 3 November

Don't forget: more grants and prizes always online!
Our 'no repeats' policy means there are always other grants and prizes still open online in our e-Bulletin archive here. Everything is listed in order of closing date.

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Competitions, Awards + Prizes

Artrageous Art Show
18 – 20 August, Wollondilly & Camden Shires
Entries open to artists in the Wollondilly and Camden Shires only. Over $2,000 in prizes to be won. Works will be displayed at Picton Public School. Opening night special guest will be Gerry Fleming, artist and illustrator. All funds raised go to Picton Public School. Contact Freya Jobbins Tel 0417 662 054 Email jobbins@optusnet.com.au
Closing 4 August

Diversity@work Awards
Now in their sixth year, these are national awards which aim to highlight individuals, teams and organisations who encourage and welcome the participation of people from many different backgrounds. The Diversity Champion Award is for an individual who has initiated and championed diversity in their organisation and there are six categories of Employment & Inclusions Awards relating to the employment and inclusion of:
People with a Disability
Indigenous Australians
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Australians (CALD)
Mature Age Workers
As well as two NEW Awards this year:
Work / Life Balance
Victorian Grey Matters Employer Award
Website http://diversityatwork.com.au
Nominations closing 11 August

Flake Film Festival
September, Snowy Mountains
Australia’s highest short film festival is back for its 4th year. Your mission is to creatively incorporate the 2006 theme of 'time' into your film. Any styles of short film from 30 seconds to 7 minutes are welcome - drama, comedy, documentary, animation, surf, snow, adventure, etc. Nearly $10,000 of cash & prizes are up for grabs across categories such as Best Film, Best Snow/Sport Film, Judges Choice, Best Local Film (Snowy/ Sth East) and Best Film award for youth filmmakers Under 21. Screenings will be across the NSW Snowy Mountains region (Thredbo, Perisher, Jindabyne, Cooma) in mid September 2006. Contact Anthony Trovatello and Rachel Forsyth Tel 02 6457 1311 Email snowchook@gmail.com Website www.snowfm.com.au
Closing 25 August

Bellingen Art Prize
29 September – 7 October, Bellingen
The Bellingen Community Arts Council presents their award for the 4th year running. This year, the prize will have an open theme, and will be available across 8 sections including youth prizes, 3D works, photography and digital works, painting and drawing, people's choice and the Lynch Grand Prize of $5000. There is an entry fee of up to $25, and artists are permitted to enter one work which must be for sale. The exhibition will take place at the Memorial Hall, Bellingen. Contact Reanne Brewin Tel 02 6655 2752 or Louise Rawson-Harris Tel 02 6655 2533.
Closing 25 August

2006 Basil Sellers Art Prize
9 September – 8 October, Moruya
Eurobodalla Shire Council in association with South East Arts Region (SEAR) is calling for entries from Eurobodalla artists for the $10,000 acquisitive art prize. An exhibition of the finalists will be staged at the Mechanics Institute in Moruya. Contact Jan Lewis, Coordinator Tel 02 4472 4345 Website www.esc.nsw.gov.au or www.sear.org.au
Closing 28 August

Shorts Film Festival
25 – 29 October, Adelaide
The national Shorts Film Festival, established by renowned Australian film producer David Lightfoot, is calling for short film entries to its 2006 event. The festival was established to encourage strong storytelling by emerging filmmakers from across Australia. Short-films (up to 20 min) can be entered to be in the running for industry-based prizes and opportunities. First prize is a return airfare and accommodation to the Cannes Film Festival in France. Contact Natasha Philips Tel 08 8362 8438 Email coordinator@shortsfilmfestival.com Website www.shortsfilmfestival.com
Closing 28 August

Australian of the Year Awards 2007
Nominations are now open for Australia's eminent awards program recognising the contributions of outstanding Australians who, through hard work and determination, inspire us all to make a difference in our communities. There are four award categories:
Australian of the Year
Senior Australian of the Year (60 years and over)
Young Australian of the Year (16 to 25 years)
Australia's Local Hero
The prestigious year round program culminates in the announcement of the national award recipients in Canberra on Australia Day Eve. Website www.australianoftheyear.gov.au
Closing 28 August

ABC Radio's Heywire 2006
ABC Radio invites short radio scripts from Australian youth aged between 16 - 22 years who live in rural and regional areas, reflecting on their experiences living in these areas. Heywire is about speaking out raising the issues and being heard on the important things for young people from regional and rural places. Pieces must be non-fiction and be no longer than 400 words long. Winners will record their scripts and have them broadcast on ABC Local Radio, Radio National, Radio Australia and Triple J, and will also attend the Heywire Youth Issues Forum at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra in February 2007. Contact Tel 1800 262 646 Website www.abc.net.au/heywire
Closing 1 September

Dymocks Golden Paw Award
Presented by the National Parks & Wildlife Foundation. Children aged 4 - 12 years are invited to choose their favourite Australian threatened animal and then draw or paint in their own personal style, after researching its features and natural habitat. Returning for its fifth year, the award offers great prizes and resources for primary school kids and teachers in NSW and the ACT. Winners announced at the award ceremony on 25 September Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney. The best 600 entries will be on show at the Australian National Maritime Museum until 15 October, with winning entries also on show at Dymocks in Sydney City. Contact Tel 02 9221 1949 Website www.fnpw.org.au
Closing 7 September

The National Jazz Writing Competition 2006
A competition devised in 2005 to address the lack of informed, well-written reviews about the jazz industry. It was an unprecedented success and this year it’s back to bring out another jazz aficionado out of the ranks. Even though the competition is about jazz, anyone can enter and competition organisers invite people from all backgrounds and interests to have a go, you just need to be a good writer with a love of jazz. To enter you need to submit: One review of a 2006 live Australian jazz gig (approx. 500 words) and two reviews of Australian jazz CDs released in 2006 (approx. 250 words each). The winner will be announced at theTAC Wangaratta Festival of Jazz, and will win $750 and publication of one review in The Bulletin magazine. Contact Miriam Tel 0407 664 202 Email njwc@jazz-planet.com Website www.jazzplanet.com/njwc
Closing 10 September

The Batlow Apple Blossom Festival Apple Bin Art Competition
A funky and fun way to showcase creative flair among budding artists and woodworkers. The centrepiece is the humble apple bin. The challenge is to take this raw, weathered material and transform it into something beautiful, useful and/or thought-provoking. Proudly sponsored by The Batlow Fruit Cooperative, offering a range of $250 prizes. Entry fee is $10 which includes an apple bin which can be picked up from the Batlow Fruit Cooperative or be delivered to Adelong, Talbingo, Tumut or Tumbarumba. Exhibits must be dropped off at the Batlow Show Pavilion on 15 October or 21 October. Winners announced during the official opening of the Batlow Apple Blossom Festival. Contact Charlie Vanderland Tel 02 6949 1837
Closing 21 October

Port Stephens Literature Award
Presented by local newspaper, The Examiner, this award is open to children and adults, offering up to $1,300 in prize money. Adults may submit short stories to 2,500 words, children to 500 words (two sections 6 - 12 years, 13 - 16 years) on any theme. Entry fee $5/story. Contact Geoff Walker Tel 02 4982 4095
Closing 31 October

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Available to Tour

Two Critical Stages Shows
Wilde Tales – July & August
Bangers and Mash –September & October
Both shows are fully self sufficient, touring with sets, props, costumes, lighting and sound equipment, an experienced production/stage manager and ten buckets of fun. Critical Stages organises and manages tours of smaller scale theatre productions in Australia. It is a new touring manager, supported by the NSW Ministry for the Arts. Critical Stages works with both theatre presenter and theatre maker to create the best outcome possible when touring productions.
Contact Sean Pardy Technical Director Tel 02 9331 3107 Website www.criticalstages.com.au

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New Resources

Youth@craft·design online forum
Presented by Craft Australia, this is a real time online forum for young and emerging craftspeople and designers to discuss relevant issues to do with creating and making a living in the arts today. Participants may be establishing a professional practice, recent graduates, still studying or changing their studio focus. Four key themes in focus are:
Pathways: How do I navigate my way to a successful career?
Manufacture: How do I identify and use the different production streams which exist today for my work?
Marketing: How do I get my stuff seen by those who matter?
Export: How do I get my work out into the global market?
These questions have been put to a panel of experts and their responses will be used to provide a unique resource made up of blogs, videos and images and shared experiences. The Youth@craft·design forum
will be live during August and September, 2006. To p