Your first free! monthly e-Bulletin from Regional Arts NSW for 2006 is simply mammoth ... with 117 news stories, highlights of regional arts events, seminars, training and other events and listings of grants, prizes and more.

Contents

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

Opportunities Employment Grants, Fellowships + Residencies Awards + Prizes Resources About this e-Bulletin

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Highlights

MIRRAMU DANCE COMPANY – WAVES OF THE DESERT
10 & 11 February, Canberra
A new triple bill of dance works directed by Australia's pioneer of contemporary dance, Elizabeth Cameron Dalman. Members of the Mirramu Dance Company, from Bungendore, NSW, spent two weeks as guests of the Ananguku artists from Fregon in the Pitjantjatjara lands in SA last year. The result is Running... Falling... Soaring, Creation and Bride in the Desert – three works inspired by the Australian landscape and Indigenous culture, . Waves of the Desert promises an engaging and moving evening with powerful imagery, distinctive dance moves, rich earthy landscape textures and an original score performed live by percussionist Peter Kennard. Incorporates a fusion of some Indigenous dances choreographed by Torres Strait Islander dancer, Albert David. At the Street Theatre, 8pm. Bookings 02 62471223 Contact Tel 02 6257 5990 Email sandra.oldfield@tpg.com.au.

MURRAY RIVER INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2006
23 January – 4 March, SA, Victoria & NSW
A six week, tri-state festival that brings together the highest calibre of overseas and Australian musicians in a strong and varied artistic program including jazz, opera, percussion and classical piano ... as well as celebrating the region's unique wine, food and environment. Communities along the 2,530 kilometre long Murray River have already embraced the Festival, welcoming visitors and performers to their part of the river and supporting an event which has the potential to grow and become one of Australia's great Festivals. NSW events are listed in What's On [below]. General Festival contact Email info@helenhealy.com Website http://www.mrimf.com.au.
“People need for their souls to hear this music ... and this music, served with regional seasonal food and wine, prepared with care and passion, not only feeds their souls but their stomaches and heart as well.” Sergio de Pieri – Artistic Director

THE 2006 BALD ARCHY PRIZE – EXHIBITION LAUNCH
17 February – 19 March, Wagga Wagga
It’s irreverent, witty, crazy and ‘just for fun’. It’s the only art competition in the world judged by a sulphur-crested cockatoo, named Maude. And it is now regarded as the alternative competition to The Archibald Prize, attracting ever-increasing numbers of fans to its annual showings. See it in preview at the Museum of the Riverina before it embarks on a national tour. The Bald Archy was created in 1994 as a spoof of that more serious competition, and it provides artists of all styles and standards with a genuine opportunity, ranging from the hilarious to the bizarrely vulgar, to create portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy or caricature. Contact Vanessa Keenan Tel 02 6926 9654 Email keenan.vanessa@wagga.nsw.gov.au Website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum

11TH ANNUAL COBARGO FOLK FESTIVAL
24 – 26 February, Cobargo
The Cornstalk Gazette calls it “the best little folk festival in the country”. Musicians, singers, dancers and poets will converge on the historic and picturesque village of Cobargo for a festival which this year will feature special sessions for squeezeboxes (concertina, button accordion and piano accordions), kids activities and a ‘Cobargolympics’ for guitarists. Concerts, workshops, dances, poets breakfasts, and comedy acts plus intimate blackboard concerts, exotic food stalls & bar. A very friendly festival that seems to just keep getting better. Tickets $55/$20 (before 15th February). Contact Tel 02 6493 6758 Website www.cobargofolkfestival.com.

TWO UNIQUE SHOWS AT BEGA VALLEY REGIONAL GALLERY
Until February 18 – Out of the Box
A smorgasbord of small art works by local artists that will fit into an Australia Post Gift Box. A great opportunity for collectors to purchase innovative works of art at a very reasonable price.
February 24 to March 17 – Garage Art
The second show by ‘Art in the Garage’ participants includes vibrant, energetic and wonderfully creative works by people with a disability including prints, paintings and sculpture. "There is a freedom within these works that is a joy to behold and ... often an underlying humour." The last show was nearly a sell out with 75 works sold. Proceeds will go back into the Art in the Garage program. Contact Ross Cameron, Bega Valley Regional Gallery Tel 02 64 99 2187 Email RCameron@begavalley.nsw.gov.au Website www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au

HARMONY DAY 2006
21 March, across Australia
Coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Harmony Day is a time for us to celebrate the culturally diverse society we live in by accepting harmony and saying 'no' to racism. Australians everywhere are invited to celebrate Harmony Day by participating in or organising community events, particularly Harmony Day activities, and by encouraging others to do so too. Find out all about it - what's on, how to organise an event and more on the Harmony Day website. Contact Tel 1800 331 100 Email harmonyday@immi.gov.au Website www.harmony.gov.au

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News

REGIONAL YOUTH THE WINNERS IN
2006 INDENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM
Youth groups in regional New South Wales have secured 30 out of 44 Partnership Grants for 2006 from the youth music network, Indent. The grants enable young people to produce their own entertainment events and to develop organisational and social skills in a safe drug and alcohol-free environment. The program offers invaluable support for young people in NSW, particularly in regional areas. Since it began in 2000 it has supported more than 500 events across the state, with a particular focus on country areas. The full list of winners is on the Indent website. Contact Stefan Zagorski Tel 02 9699 9706 Website www.indent.net.au.

2006 AUSTRALIAN BUSH LAUREATE AWARDS
The winners in the 2006 Australian Bush Laureate Awards, which recognise excellence in published and recorded Australian bush poetry, were announced in Tamworth last week. They are:
Book of the Year, for the best Australian rhymed verse in book form: Old Bush Songs, a centenary edition of Banjo Paterson's classic collection by Warren Fahey and Graham Seal.
Book of The Year, Original Verse, for the best original Australian work in book form: Australian Poems That Would Captivate A Koala by Philip Rush, from Tasmania.
Album Of The Year: A Pocket Full Of Poetry by Carol Heuchan, from Cooranbong, NSW.
Single Recorded Performance Of The Year: Angel Of Death produced by TV personality and broadcaster Jim Brown from Heathcote, Victoria.
Judith Hosier Heritage Award, for outstanding achievement in nurturing Australia's heritage of verse: The Winton Tourist and Business Association, which has staged the famous Bronze Swagman bush poetry events and published the Bronze Swagman books every year since 1972.

REGIONAL NSW ARTS & CULTURE FIGURES IN AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS LIST
Fourteen people from regional New South Wales have been singled out for honourable mention for their work in arts and culture in the recent 2006 Australia Day honours list which includes mentions for work in music, visual arts, performing arts, heritage, Indigenous culture, history and education. Regional Arts NSW salutes them all. Full story in the News section of the Regional Arts NSW website at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au.

AUSTRALIA COUNCIL CCD GRANTS FOR 2006
The Australia Council for the Arts has announced grants of more than $3 million to 49 community- based arts projects and programs for 2006, with funding provided for a diverse range of activities in collaboration with professional artists among regional, disability, multicultural and youth communities (although there are no regional NSW communities in the list). The announcement is the outcome of a recent review of grant applications by the Council's newly formed Community Cultural Development (CCD) Assessment Committee. Full story on the Australia Council's website at www.ozco.gov.au. Download the Assessment Report (PDF, 110K) [here]
The CCD Grants Program will be offered again this year. More information [below].

GOVERNMENT GRANT TO BOOST FILM ILLAWARRA
Film Illawarra has received a $74,000 State Government grant in recognition of its role in bringing national and international projects to the NSW south coast, reports ABC News Online. The company has brought more than 11 projects to the region in the past five years, with the combined economic boost from the various productions reported to be more than $1m for the region. The grant will enable Film Illawarra to continue marketing the area to the film and TV industries. Full story at ABC News Online www.abc.net.au/news.

CSU TO HELP SOLVE RIVERINA THEATRE COMPANY'S WOES
The Riverina Theatre Company (RTC) is close to finalising a deal with Charles Sturt University (CSU) in which the University take full ownership of the Riverina Playhouse in Wagga. The move would eliminate the company's $90,000 debt and rescue it from insolvency. The RTC has recently has lost State and Federal operational funding of more than $300,000 but chair Ray Goodlass says the company will continue in 2006 on a reduced program. Full story at ABC Arts Online www.abc.net.au.

SIX REGIONAL NSW COMMUNITIES TO GET INDIGENOUS MUSIC WORKSHOPS
MusicNSW has announced six Indigenous music workshops will go ahead in regional NSW in March under its Whichway Indigenous music program. The workshops, which aim to meet the specific needs of Indigenous musicians in local regional areas, will be developed by Whichway staff in conjunction with local community groups and organisations. Topics to be covered include performance skills, recording, instrumentation, behind the scenes in the music industry, funding and grant writing, video production, sound and lighting, setting up a local radio station and music management. Musicians and industry professionals from across the state will act as facilitators and presenters. Congratulation to the six groups chosen to work with Whichway to develop the workshops:
Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations
Grafton & Maclean TAFE
Arts Mid North Coast
Outback Arts
Collarenebri Local Aboriginal Land Council and
Cowra Community Health Service.
Contact Claire Portek, Project Co-ordinator Tel 02 96 999 706 Email claire@musicnsw.com Website www.musicnsw.com.

MEG LARKIN APPOINTED TO VISIONS OF AUSTRALIA COMMITTEE
The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, has announced the appointment of Meg Larkin to the Visions of Australia Committee. The committee guides the work of the Visions of Australia program which supports the development and touring of exhibitions around Australia. Ms Larkin, who is the Cultural and Community Services Manager at Tamworth Regional Council and the President of Arts North West as well as being the Chair of Regional Arts NSW and the President of Regional Arts Australia, was praised by Senator Kemp as "an energetic and well-respected member of the regional arts community" with "a proven record of achievement." More information about Visions Australia is on the Department of Communications, IT & the Arts website at www.dcita.gov.au.

VALE JOE DALY, AUSTRALIAN STORYTELLING GREAT
One of Australia's last bushmen and storytellers, Joe Daly, has died in Broken Hill, aged 78. Mr Daly was born in Broken Hill and he left school at age 11 to work in the bush. He gained national fame as a songwriter, poet and author and he wrote more than 50 songs for Slim Dusty. Full story at ABC News Online www.abc.net.au.

COMMUNITY ARTS VISIONARY WINS OZCO CCD PRIZE
Writer, researcher and playwright Graham Pitts has received the Australia Council for the Arts’ 2005 Ros Bower Award for his outstanding contribution to the arts and community cultural development (CCD). Mr Pitts joins fellow 2005 recipient Lockie McDonald on the honour roll of distinguished Ros Bower Award winners. This is the first time the Australia Council has given the award to two individuals in the same year. The annual $50,000 Ros Bower Award was created by the Australia Council in 1981 to recognise distinguished effort in fostering and furthering the principles advocated by Rosalie Bower, who was founding director of the Community Arts Board. Full story online at www.ozco.gov.au.

ANOTHER COUNTRY MUSIC STAR IS MADE
Twenty five year old Cat Southern, a "born singer and entertainer", has won the 2006 Toyota Star Maker Quest in Tamworth last week. Originally from SA, Cat moved to the NSW Central Coast in 2003 and since then has performed all over the country. Cat will receive a major career boost as a result of her win. The prize includes a big budget recording session with Ramrod Studios; distribution and promotion of a CD through the ABC Music label; production of a video clip to be showcased on Country Music Channel; as well as media promotion and guaranteed performance bookings and invitations to a number of major festivals and industry events.

ABC TV CONCLUDES CULTURE AIN’T CARRION
Australian free to air television’s only prime time arts show, ABC TV’s Vulture, has been axed after just a few months on air. In an article in The Age on 19 January, former Executive Producer, Arts, at the ABC, Richard Moore, reports, “Despite eight months research and development, a good slot and plenty of promotions, Vulture bombed. It was unfunny as popular entertainment and because its default setting was “Let’s take the piss out of the arts,” it alienated its main constituency, the arts community.” The only arts coverage on the telly now is “tucked away on the margins of Sunday afternoon,” says Mr Moore. Which way will the ABC turn now to fulfil its charter obligation “to encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts in Australia”? Full story online at www.theage.com.au

AUSTRALIAN & NZ DRAMA CONTENT ON SUBSCRIPTION TV
The Minister for Communications, IT and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, has announced that subscription television broadcasting licensees and program providers who broadcast channels predominantly devoted to drama programs are required to spend at least 10 per cent of their program expenditure each year for these channels on new Australian drama, effective from 1 January 2006.

SEIZURE OF 'UNAUSTRALIAN' ART RAISES CENSORSHIP
QUESTIONS
Victorian police have seized an artwork from a Melbourne gallery despite being unsure whether its display was breaking any laws. Melbourne artist Azlan McLennan's artwork, “Proudly unAustralian”, featuring a burnt Australian flag, was removed from a billboard belonging to the Trocadero Art Space in Footscray in a surprise raid by police who claimed that they received "numerous complaints from the community." The nature of these complaints has not yet been revealed. Executive Director of the National Association for the Visual Arts, Tamara Winikoff, said the case raised urgent questions about artists' rights and the censorship of art in Australia, particularly in the light of the new sedition clause in the Anti-Terrorism legislation which was rushed through parliament before Christmas last year.
Read the full NAVA media release online at www.visualarts.net.au.
Read the report by David Marr in the Sydney Morning Herald online at www.smh.com.au.

REGIONAL AUSTRALIA SPEAKS IN NEW ARTS BOOK
The peak national regional arts agency, Regional Arts Australia (RAA) will present the findings from its recent national community consultation program in a book titled 2006 National Directions: Regional Arts to be launched in Perth on 13 February. During 2005 people across regional Australia were invited to contribute their ideas on future directions to support the development and strengthening of their communities through arts and cultural activity. It was perhaps the most comprehensive ever consultation with country Australians concerning the nature, challenges and opportunities of their work in and aspirations for the arts in their communities and towns. Following the launch, the publication will be available on the RAA website. Contact Ruth Smiles Tel 08 84440424 Email ruth.smiles@countryarts.org.au Website www.regionalarts.com.au.

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Regional Arts NSW News

CREATIVE VOLUNTEERING IS BACK IN NSW FOR 2006!
Volunteers of all stripes in regional New South Wales have another opportunity to participate in the Creative Volunteering – No Limits workshops across the state this year. The program offers a series of six skills development workshops designed especially for community organisations and is delivered with the support of the Australian Government through the Regional Arts Fund. Courses in developing funds and resources and business planning will be offered in February in the Eastern Riverina and South East regions ... with another 17 workshops on offer over the next six months. Find out all about the Creative Volunteering workshops, including schedule and enrolment information on the Regional Arts NSW website [here].

REGIONAL ARTS FUND 2006 ASSESSMENT REPORT NOW ONLINE
Current and intending applicants for the Regional Arts Fund in NSW can now access feedback about the last round of applications in a report available for download from the Regional Arts NSW website. The report has been developed in response to enquiries from the field and a recommendation from the network of Regional Arts Development Officers. It provides a statistical overview of applications received and grants approved for 2006 as well as general and specific feedback from the nine member RAF Assessment Panel
Download the report from the RAF section of the Regional Arts NSW website [here].

RAF ASSESSMENT PANEL BIOS NOW ONLINE
Applications for funding under the The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) are assessed by a panel of nine people, including representatives from diverse target groups and regions, with experience in a range of artforms.
Biographies of RAF Assessment Panel are now online on the Regional Arts NSW website [here].

VICTORIA KEIGHERY JOINS INSTITUTE FOR LAND, WATER & SOCIETY ADVISORY BOARD
CEO of Regional Arts NSW, Victoria Keighery has been appointed as the arts sector representative on the Advisory Board for the new Institute of Land, Water and Society (ILWS) at Charles Sturt University (CSU). The ILWS is a substantial research group, combining the expertise of over 121 environmental scientists, social researchers and economists, as well as 72 PhD students. It was accredited in early 2005 as one of four centres of research excellence at CSU, with its mission to be an internationally recognised provider of integrated research that is contributing to enhanced social and environmentally sustainability in rural and regional areas. The Advisory Board will provide strategic advice to the management team, including the identification of emerging research opportunities, building partnerships and linking science with policy. The Board meets formally once a year, with the first meeting taking place in Albury on 3 February 2006.

NEW BUSINESS & FINANCE MANAGER AT REGIONAL ARTS NSW
James Wu has recently been appointed Business & Finance Manager at Regional Arts NSW. James replaces Jack Gevorgian, who has left the organisation after more than two years pursue travel interests. James is an Australian Chartered Accountant with a Master of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Sydney majoring in Accounting and Commercial Law. He has significant experience in the top ten, second tier chartered accountancy sector and comes to us from JKC Partners & Co, with previous experience at Pitcher Partners NSW and John Sydney Smith. Contact James Tel 02 9270 2500 ext 6 Email james@regionalartsnsw.com.au.

NEW ADMIN OFFICER FOR OUTBACK ARTS
Marina Collwell is the new Administrative Officer for Outback Arts, the Regional Arts Board for the Far West. Marina was born and raised in the Coonamble district, and has a excellent knowledge of the area, where she has been helping run the family business for the past seven years. Marina looks forward to meeting and working with the diverse people who make up the far west region. She starts on 6 February. Contact Marina Tel 02 6822 2484 Email admin@outbackarts.com.au.

CHANGES AT SOUTH WEST ARTS
South West Arts Executive Officer and Regional Arts Development Officer, Sally Branson has resigned after three years in the job to pursue new career options in regional development and promotion. South West Arts Project Officer and former Orana Region RADO, Nina O'Brien, has assumed the role of Executive Officer (part time) and a full time Regional Arts Project Officer for region is now being sought to joint the team, which includes Administration and Finance Officer, Jo Begbey, and Outback Theatre Director, Amy Hardingham.
More information about the South West Arts Project Officer vacancy [here].

SEND AN EMAIL TO THE EVERYONE IN THE REGIONAL ARTS NSW NETWORK AT ONCE!
The Regional Arts NSW network includes thirteen Regional Arts Development Boards (RABs) across the State, each of which employs a Regional Arts Development Officer (RADO) and, in most cases, additional staff, to coordinate a cultural development program across their contributing local government areas. Regional Arts NSW has recently introduced a new facility to send an email to the entire network of RADOs, Project Officers and RANSW staff on our website at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au. Feel free to contact us!

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Project Updates – NEW SECTION!!

YOU ASKED FOR IT, YOU GOT IT!
One of the things revealed in last year's subscribers survey was that people would like to see more stories about artists and/or arts projects going on around the regions in the e-Bulletin. So here it is! Our new Project Updates section showcasing some of the great things going on across the State, including CASP (Country Arts Support Program) and RAF (Regional Arts Fund) funded projects, both past and future. Contributions for future editions are most welcome ... as are your suggestions for a better title for the section!

TRANSMUTE MOSAIC
Deniliquin – In progress
A community public art project to completely cover an old FB Holden ute with a mosaic tile and mirror design depicting elements of the local landscape. The project began last April with Griffith artist Di Tarr instructing a dedicated group of enthusiasts and beginners in the finer points of mosaicing. With all the materials donated, the project has been progressing slowly but steadily and is now about 75% complete. Over 200 people have participated in the project, including kids from many of the local schools. When it is finished, around Easter, the ute will be exhibited around the region before making a grand entrance at the Ute Muster in September. It will then go on permanent display in the Deniliquin streetscape. Supported by the Deniliquin Ute Muster with funding from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP). For further information, contact Kate Butler at greenacres@bordernet.com.au

BITSCAPE
Tri-regional (Victoria & NSW) – In progress
A co-production between Melbourne's 2006 Next Wave Festival and local youth participants and organisations in Moe/Morwell, the Macedon Ranges and Wagga Wagga. Bitscape is a community art project that involves a series of workshops exploring digital techniques for production, display and distribution of art works. As the project develops, works will be grouped together, arranged and rearranged to create larger, collaborative art works, creating new ‘scapes’ and views of the participants’ lives and the communities they live in. Bitscape will culminate in exhibitions and public projections of the artworks locally; at the 2006 Next Wave Festival; the Youth Program of The Cultural Festival of The Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and as part of the national media-based youth arts festival NOISE. Funding from the Australia Council for the Arts, the Regional Arts Fund and others. Contact Melissa Delaney, RADO, Eastern Riverina Arts Program Tel 02 6921 4584. Read all about the work in progress on the Bitscape blog [here].

IDPWD CELEBRATIONS
Nymagee – December 2005
Nymagee celebrated International Day of People with a Disability (IDPWD) last December with a night of music, song, dance. The 100 or so attendees travelled considerable distances on dirt roads to reach the remote outback town, which is 100km from Cobar and has a population of only 35. The night was organised by the Mallee Hen Cooperation (organisers of the Nymagee Outback Music Festival), with the band Go For It, who arranged free performance workshops for people with a disability prior to the big event. Accessible Arts provided assistance for the event through the Foundations for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). Nymagee Outback Music Festival's community events are featured in Accessible Arts new publication, Making the Journey. For more information contact Accessible Arts Tel 02 9251 6499 Email info@aarts.net.au Website www.aarts.net.au.

WAGAMABIRRA YOUTH DANCE GROUP
Cowra – May to July 2005
'Wagamabirra' is Wiradjuri for 'to dance, to play and to muck about'. This CASP funded project involved two days of Indigenous dance workshops for local youth, including traditional, contemporary and funk styles. The workshops were facilitated by performers Nadeena Dixon and Les Daniel from the Descendance Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Dance Theatre Company and incorporated traditional Wiradjuri dance and song with Cowra's Beatrice Murray. The workshops were held in May 2005 and resulted in several NAIDOC Week performances at local schools in June and July, 2005. The project was run by Reconnect Central West. Contact Kellie Holliday Tel 02 6341 2657.

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What's On

LIFE ON ROUTE
Until 18 February, Wodonga
New work by Stephanie Jakovac explores lives on the move, in transit and on a journey. "In her work we sense the future but we also hear the echoes of the past." Arts Space Wodonga Tel 02 6022 9600.

THIS MONTH AT THE TWEED RIVER REGIONAL ART GALLERY
Until 19 February, Murwillumbah
Qualia/Connected - Eastpoint NCI TAFE: Visual Arts students display work relating to globalism, techno-change and the shifting nature of the designer role in today's industry.
Nomadic: A Flying Arts travelling exhibition showcasing the use of hemp as an emerging ecofibre.
Famous Faces - Greg Weight: Sixteen photographs of well-known artists, taken between 1971 and 2003, giving us an insight into the artist's world.
Tweed River Regional Art Gallery, Murwillumbah Tel 6670 2790 Email tweedart@tweed.nsw.gov.au Website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/artgallery.

SWELL
Until 26 February, Lake Macquarie
Summer in Australia is synonymous with seaside recreation – with sandcastles, boards, thongs, with swimming, fishing and congregation in the sun. Swell taps into the holiday context to scrutinise and celebrate contemporary beach culture from the artist’s point of view. Selection includes works from the collection. A gallery project curated by Diana Robson and Meryl Ryan. Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery Tel 02 4965 8260 Email artgallery@lakemac.nsw.gov.au Website www.lakemac.com.au.

GIRL STUFF
3 – 26 February, Gulgong
Local artists Heather Hutchinson and Pam Welsh feature work at the Regional Ceramic Gallery, 100 Herbert Street Tel 02 6374 1202.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
4 February, Goulburn
There will be a Chinese New Year Celebration in Belmore Park in Goulburn for the first time ever. Starts at 12.00 with a Lion Dance. In the lead up to the celebrations the Goulburn Regional Gallery and the Lieder Theatre organised a series of community workshops on the art of Lion Dancing and Saturday's performance will be the result. Contact the Lieder Theatre Tel 02 4821 5066.

2006 SUMMER FESTIVAL OF SLOW FILM
4 February – April, Hunter Valley
The Summer Festival of Slow Film, screened outdoors at Catersfield House in the beautiful Hunter Valley, is a selection of movies accompanied by a sumptuous Hunter Valley food and wine. The Festival will be opened by acclaimed director, Philip Noyce, who will introduce a screening of Sideways on 4 February. Cost $65 inc. 3 course meal. Contact Catersfield House Tel 4998 7220 Email catersfield@catersfield.com.au Website www.catersfield.com.au.

CREARTIVE GUNNEDAH
4 February – 3 March, Coonabarabran
An exhibition of paintings, ceramics, prints, sculpture and basketry. At the Art Gallery of C, 55 Cassilis Street, Coonabarabran. Tel 02 6842 1462 Website www.theartgalleryofc.biz.

THE COWRA ART GALLERY COLLECTION
4 February – 6 March, Cowra
The Cowra Art Gallery’s first exhibition for 2006 is a showcase of the Gallery’s own collection. On display will be works acquired through gift, as well as the entire Calleen Collection which has been collected through the annual Calleen Acquisition Prize, covering a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary, including paintings, prints, ceramics and glass.

YESTERDAYS, TODAYS & TOMORROWS
7 February – 19 March, Chinderah Bay
An exhibition at the Curious Art Coop. Working on the premise that ‘Time is not a line, but a series of now points.’ (Taisen Deshimaru – Zen teacher) the Curious Artists contemplate how the past, present and future intersect, and that history need not repeat itself. Contact Clare Bryant 02 6674 5340 Email curart@bigpond.net.au Website www.curiousart.org.au

SPECTACULAR ACROBATIC FIRE SHOW
10 & 11 February, Goulburn
The Lieder Youth Theatre presents its annual (and very popular) acrobatic fire show as part of the 10th Australian Blues Music Festival (see listing below). The show is held in Belmore Park with both performances commencing at 8:30pm. Contact The Lieder Theatre Tel 02 4821 5066.

AUSTRALIAN BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL
10 – 12 February, Goulburn
Celebrating ten years in 2006, this is the National Festival of Australian Blues Music showcasing the very best of established and emerging Aussie blues talent. Held in venues throughout the historic Goulburn CBD over three days. The program includes free family entertainment in the park and features more than 30 acts as well as an open mike/jam session all weekend. Tel 1800 535 646 Website www.australianbluesfestival.com.au

MERIDIAN + OPEN MIC AT THE MURRAY MUSIC CLUB
12 February, Wodonga
Meridian have toured extensively around Australia and were finalists in the ABC Radio initiative Fresh Air 2005. Their single “Beautiful Day” has been a hit on local and national radio since. The three talented siblings from Everton have played and sung together since childhood in a variety of styles from Afro/Fusion to Funk/Rock to their own original blend of strong vocal harmonies. PLUS – Open Mic - You never know what fantastic performances might turn up! The club encourages musicians to come out of their lounge rooms and have a go at performing in front of a friendly receptive audience. All genres of acoustic music and spoken word welcome. Sweet Chestnuts Café, Gateway Island from 3.00 pm Cost $5 Contact Karen Roben Tel 02 60215034 Email kroben@murrayarts.org.au Website www.murrayarts.org.au

CLARITY CLARINET QUARTET – PERFORMANCES AND WORKSHOPS
13 February, Cowra
The internationally acclaimed Clarity Clarinet Quartet tours western NSW in February, visiting Boorowa, Cowra, Bathurst, Condobolin, West Wyalong and Junee. Clarity is a versatile ensemble with a wide repertoire ranging from Bach to Led Zeppelin. They have appeared with such artists as Stephane Grappeli, Rhonda Burchmore and Slim Dusty. In 2000 they performed in St Martin In The Fields in London, St James Piccadilly and the Hindhead Summer Clarinet School. Their debut CD, Alive, sold out in just three months following its release in 2001 and has since received regular airplay on ABC Classic FM. Workshops will also be held with Melissa Philp, an experienced teacher, performer and eisteddfod adjudicator. The Cowra concert is at the Presbyterian Church at 30 Macquarie Street at 8pm. Cost $15. This is presented with support from Arts OutWest and the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP). Contact Cowra Art Gallery Tel 02 6340 2190.

MEDIEVAL ITALIAN FLAG WAVING SPECTACULAR & CONCERT!
17 February, Queanbeyan
Queanbeyan residents will experience a medieval spectacular with Italian Flag Wavers weaving a fantasy of colour with their flags as they march over Queens Bridge at lunch time. The Storici Sbandieratori Di Cori troupe is from Lazio in Italy. Parade starts at 11:45 adjacent to Remembrance Park and travels to the Council Chambers. A concert featuring the Serbia and Montenegro dancers and the Queanbeyan Macedonian Dancers will follow the parade. Contact Claire Marlow, Cultural Development Officer Tel 02 6298 0170.

CELLO CONCERT IN JENOLAN CAVES
18 February, Jenolan Caves
Relax to the sound of the cello drifting through the ancient Cathedral Chamber with cellist Georg Mertens playing Romantic cello music, including the music from the CD Music at Jenolan Caves (music especially written for the caves). The Cathedral chamber is renowned for featuring probably the world's purest acoustics. It has a permanent temperature of 15 degrees celsius. Bring a cushion or folding chair for comfort! Cost $38/$20 Starts at 4pm. Presented by the Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust. Contact Tel 1300 76 3311 Website www.georgcello.com

MURRAY RIVER INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2006
NSW Events for February
24 February – Artistry & Romance of the Tango
Argentine dancers with accordion accompaniment. Arts Space, Wodonga, 6.30pm $14 Contact Tel 02 6022 9600
Mirko Satto on Accordion. Sweet Chesnuts, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, 8.30pm. Cost $55 (inc dinner) Tel 02 6021 2977.
25 February – John O'Donnell on Harpsichord at St Matthew’s Church, Albury, 7pm $25/$15 Tel 02 6041 4249.
25 February – Moove 2 Groove with the Murray Conservatorium Band. The Farmer's Market, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, from 10am. FREE!
26 February – Murray River Moon Madness Festival - a concert at Oddfellows Hall: Tango dancing with accordion accompanied, with support acts by local music and dance students. Interlude features cheese and wine tasting. Tel 03 50215100
28 February – Ryoko Mori on Organ at S t Matthew’s Church, Albury, 8pm $15 Tel 1300 796 222.

DRUGS: A Social History
Until 12 March, Dubbo
An Historic Houses Trust NSW travelling exhibition that explores the changing attitudes towards drugs in Australia over the last century.
Australian doctors once prescribed heroin for the relief of pain in childbirth, cannabis cigarettes were promoted as an asthma cure and opium-laced syrups were sold to parents to calm teething infants. In the 1950s women with 'nervous tension' were advised to have 'a cup of tea, a Bex and a good lie down'. This exhibition uses images, objects and film from the Police & Justice Museum Collection to highlight key episodes in Australia's drug taking history. Dubbo Regional Gallery & Museum Tel 02 6801 4430.

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Seminars, Workshops + Training

INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING
Wednesdays from 1 February, Moruya
A six week course covering freewriting, scenes, revising, narrative tension, plot, structure, genre, character, dialogue, description, style, voice, setting, editing and revising. Wednesdays 2.30pm to 5.30pm at the Moruya Community Centre. $150 per person. Contact Tel 02 4472 8773 Email emmabh@optusnet.com.au.

INTRODUCTION TO SILVERSMITHING & JEWELLERY MAKING
4 February – 9 April, South West Region
South West Arts presents a second series of skills development workshops taught by artist and facilitator, Kirsty Harker. 'Introduction to Silversmithing and Jewellery Making' will be held in each South West Shire as a weekend workshop over the next three months. Participants will learn the principles of silversmithing and get some hands on experience. Using a basic set of tools, they will learn the fundamentals of jewellery-making by cutting, shaping, soldering and polishing metal.
Conargo – 4 & 5 February
Jerilderie – 18 & 19 February
Deniliquin – 25 & 26 February
Barham – 11 & 12 March
Balranald –18 & 19 March
Berrigan –1 & 2 April
Moama – 8 & 9 April
The cost of the weekend workshop is $165, including all materials and notes. Contact South West Arts Tel 02 6993 2010 Email ninaobrien@bigpond.com Website www.southwestarts.com.au.

CREATING MULTICULTURAL PICTURE BOOKS
11 February, Byron Bay
Award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books, Frane Lessac, presents a workshop for adults on the art of writing and illustrating picture books. Suitable for anyone who has ever wanted to write a kids book or writers who have a children’s book in development and would like to hone their skills with a master. Practical ideas to help you develop, plan and edit your own book. Create cultural authenticity; learn about storyboards, dummy books, page layout, illustration techniques and mediums. Cost $60/$45. At the Byron Bay Beach Resort. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential. Contact NRWC Tel 02 6685 5115 Email susie@nrwc.org.au.

MAKE YOUR OWN PICTURE BOOK
12 February, Byron Bay
Award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books, Frane Lessac, presents a workshop for for young people aged 8 – 18yrs on the art of writing and illustrating picture books. Put on your old clothes and prepare to get dirty, this is a hands-on encounter with paper, pens and paint that has participants designing and working on their very own book. At the Byron Bay Beach Resort. $40/$25. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential. Contact NRWC Tel 02 6685 5115 Email susie@nrwc.org.au.

LGSA – BUILDING SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS
21 February, Sydney
A one-day workshop designed for and delivered to councils which are looking to develop partnering arrangements with external service providers. The workshop will provide participants with the steps necessary to create and manage partnerships successfully. The benefits, downsides and common problems of partnerships will be addressed, as well as other related topics. Cost: $385 including handouts, catering and a one month complimentary email service following the course. Contact Leisa Morrissey, Local Government and Shires Associations Tel 9242 4183 Email learning@lgsa.org.au.

ABAF – BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS & SECURING DONATIONS
21 February, Sydney
The Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) presents this one-day workshop on strategies to connect with philanthropic supporters, to secure support from gifts and philanthropic grants. This program considers what motivates donors (individuals and foundations), presents strategies to build relationships with them, features a panel discussion with experts from the philanthropy and fundraising sector and includes AbaF's guide Building Relationships and Securing Donations: A Guide for the Arts. Contact Luisa Mastrangelo Tel 02 9215 9318 Email mastrangelo@abaf.org.au Website www.abaf.org.au.

DISABILITY AWARENESS AND ACCESS TRAINING
Various dates across NSW
A half day TAFE accredited module designed for individuals working in the arts and arts organisations. Increase your awareness of the barriers encountered by people with disabilities in accessing the arts. “The course was excellent and well worth the long drive. I found the information, group work and discussions excellent” – Course participant November 2005. Training dates in Sydney for 2006 are 22 February, 17 May, 15 November and 13 December. Regional training in Newcastle, Wollongong, Bathurst and Ballina will also be offered. Contact Katy Mercer Tel 02 9251 6499 Email kmercer@aarts.net.au.

VISIONS OF AUSTRALIA FORUM 2006
27 – 28 February, Parkes (ACT)
For more than 10 years the Visions of Australia Program has provided funding for the development and touring of cultural material across Australia. Since its establishment, over $21 million in funding has been provided to a range of cultural and community organisations to assist the development and touring of 540 exhibitions. Organisations involved or interested in developing and/or touring exhibitions of cultural material are encouraged to attend this forum to ensure the continued success of the Visions of Australia program. The full program and other information is on the Department of Communications, IT & the Arts website. Contact the Visions of Australia program Email visions.australia@dcita.gov.au Tel 02 6271 1443 Website www.dcita.gov.au/visions

ACCESS TO FUNDING
4 March, Young
The need to attract funding is crucial for the ongoing development and forward planning of all collecting organisations. Presented by Museums & Galleries NSW in partnership with Lambing Flat Museum, this popular workshop will provide hot tips from peak funding bodies and successful applicants in
regards to applying for and securing funding. Speakers from the Ministry for the Arts, National Library of Australia, Regional Arts, NSW Heritage Office and MGnsw will also highlight upcoming key grants for museums and galleries. Contact Andrew Tel 02 9339 9913 Freecall 1800 114 311 (regional NSW) Email andrewf@mgnsw.org.au

MURDERING YOUR DARLINGS: EDITING YOUR WRITING
11 March, Longbeach
25 March, Yatte Yattah
Editing your own work can be an exhilarating and liberating experience. This workshop is aimed at writers who have a manuscript (story, stories, novel, essay, memoir etc) they’ve got to a certain stage and don’t know where to go from here. In a three hour workshop, the following will be workshopped:
- What you need to cut and what you need to add.
- How to bring it all together and make it the best it can be.
- Tighten your structure, clarify your characters and ‘murder your darlings’.
The workshop costs $40 and payment must be made at the time of booking. Please post cheques to Emma Hardman 88 Northcove Road, Longbeach 2536


LGSA TOURISM CONFERENCE
29 – 31 March, Penrith
In partnership with Tourism NSW, the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) Tourism Conference 2006 is titled Destination NSW: sustaining local government tourism and will be held at Panthers World of Entertainment in Penrith.
Following the success of the inaugural conference in Forbes last year, the LGSA is holding this second Tourism Conference. Topics include:
Future Directions from State Government and Tourism Operators Perspectives
Economic Development and Sustainability
Niche Tourism Markets - cultural, heritage, environmental, agricultural and business tourism in regional New South Wales
Event Management and Community Development
Tourism Planning and Impacts
Guest speakers will include John O'Neill from Tourism NSW, Chris Bastic from the NSW Major Events Board and Dr Jeremy Buultjens from the Centre for Regional Tourism.
For further information go to www.lgsa.org.au/tourism_conference.

WORLD SUMMIT ON ARTS & CULTURE – TRANSFORMING PLACES, TRANSFORMING LIVES
14 – 18 June, NewcastleGateshead, England
A four day international summit on the role of the arts and culture in regeneration, organised in partnership with the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA). The Summit will explore three broad types of regeneration through arts and culture:
1. Transforming places – regeneration of the physical environment (places, spaces, buildings, cityscapes, rural environments)
2. Transforming lives – regeneration of the social environment (people, pride, identity, communities, spirit, diversity, migration, culture)
3. Transforming economies – regeneration of the economy (investing in creative industries, artists’ economies, cultural tourism).
As well as hearing from international keynote speakers and panellists the Summit will feature case studies from across the world. Delegates from the arts, government agencies, international trusts and communities in over 50 countries will provide inspirational examples of transformation of places and people’s lives through arts and culture. Website www.artsummit.org.

GROWING REGIONS CONFERENCE
25 – 27 July, Brisbane
Registration is now open for this two-day conference supported by the Australian Government. A current draft program and downloadable DVD about the conference, as well as information about accommodation, registration and pre/post conference tours is available on the website. Website www.dotars.gov.au.
Early bird registration closes 24 February

PERFORMING ARTS MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM – YOUR INPUT SOUGHT
September, Mackay
A two day symposium planned to be held in Mackay in conjunction with the RAA Pacific Edge Conference in September. The aim is to increase the skills of health care practitioners to appropriately treat performing artists, both where they live and work and when on tour in regional areas. The organisers are seeking input from interested parties on a questionnaire they have developed to gain a better understanding of the present level of health problems encountered and health care cover for performing artists. The results will be used to develop the sessions in the symposium. To obtain a copy of the questionnaire contact Marilyn Bliss Tel 07 4956 2618 Email marilynbob@ozemail.com.au.

Grants, Fellowships + Residencies

AFC – PRACTITIONER SUPPORT: INTERNSHIPS
Grants to assist emerging and experienced practitioners whose careers would benefit by an attachment to a person, a production or an organisation. Internships may take many forms and can involve features, documentaries, animation, interactive digital media, TV drama and comedy series. Max per grant: $10,000. Contact Tel 1800 226 615 Website www.afc.gov.au
Closing 10 February

A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY – ARTIST RESIDENCY
Applications now open for funded residencies through Hothouse Theatre of Albury Wodonga. Any group of artists working towards the creation of a piece of theatre can apply to use the facilities for up to five weeks. Successful groups have access to a five-bedroom farmhouse with a large adjacent studio in a beautiful location five minutes from Albury as well as assistance with travel, a living allowance and, if necessary, access to a vehicle. Contact Tel 02 6021 7433 Website www.hothousetheatre.com.au
Closing 15 February

MUSEUMS AUSTRALIA 2006 CONFERENCE BURSARIES
A range of bursaries are available to assist unpaid workers (volunteers), part-time workers and full-time students from local, regional, remote museums, galleries and keeping places to attend the Museums Australia Conference to be held 14 to 17 May this year. A small number of bursaries are available for full-time paid workers employed in small museums, including local government (but not those employed by state or federal government institutions). Contact Kerri Laidlaw Tel 07 3215 0843 Email conference@museumsaustralia.org.au Website http://www.museumsaustralia.org.au/
Closing 24 February

OZCO – BUZZ YOUTH MUSIC PROGRAM
bUzz offers flexible support for young musicians, sound artists and music-related arts workers through grants with the fixed amount of $2,500. Open to musicians and arts workers 26 years and under, the program provides funding for performing, recording, professional development and creating new work. A strategy of the Australian Government's Young and Emerging Artists' Initiative. Contact Skye O'Meara Youth Music Officer Toll-free 1800 226 912 Tel 02 9215 9127 Email music@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au.
Closing 1 March

AFC – ANIMATION DEVELOPMENT GRANT
Funding for the development of pitching materials for one-off animations of up to 15 minutes and the development of pitching materials for animation series with individual episodes of any length. Max per grant: $10,000. Contact Tel 1800 226 615 Website www.afc.gov.au.
Closing 3 March

JB SEED ARTS GRANTS PROGRAM
Expressions of interest currently sought for The JB Seed Arts Grants Program 2006. This year, the aim is "to focus on developing the skills of artists to represent themselves in the industry and become self sufficient". This year's categories include:
Social Activism Through the Arts – Grants of up to $5,000
Professional & Skills Development – Grants of up to $3,000
Indigenous Touring – Grants of up to $5,000
Publicity/Marketing – 3 opportunities available valued at approximately $6,000 each
The JB Seed Initiative: Management Workshop – 10 opportunities available.
Contact Email grants@thejbseed.com Website www.thejbseed.com.
Closing 8 March

BRITISH COUNCIL AUSTRALIA – SCOTLAND SCHOLARSHIP
Applications for the British Council's Scotland Scholarship to study in a Scottish institution are now open. Applications can be for a taught Masters course in science, technology or the creative industries for the academic year 2006/07. The scholarship covers tuition fee, living allowance and return economy air fare. Contact Shampa Kaiser, Scholarships and Opportunities Manager, British Council Australia
Tel 02 93626713 Website www.britishcouncil.org.au
Closing 17 March

OZCO COMMUNITY CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS & AWARDS