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

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

________________________________________

Highlights

2006 Casuarina Sculpture Walk
1 – 23 July, Casuarina Beach
The spotlight is on Casuarina Beach this month, as one of Australia's richest and newest sculpture awards is about to be announced. 25 local, national and international artists compete for three $20,000 acquisitive prizes in a stunning collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures along the beautiful 1km Casuarina Beach Boardwalk curated by Merran Morrison and Rebecca Townsend. A partnership between the Tweed River Art Gallery, Casuarina Beach Domain Resort and Tweed Shire Council. All works for sale. Contact Rebecca Townsend Tel 02 6680 7904 Website www.domainresorts.com.

AquaLux II
21 July - 28 August, Bathurst
‘…in the midst of this fire that burns not…’ An exhibition at the Australian Fossil Museum by Western Sydney artist, Peter E. Charuk, which was developed during his participation in an artist in residence program with the CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research group in Hobart. Charuk explored the use of video and still imagery in the seabed mapping research. The result is an astonishing body of work that responds to the ocean's landscapes, as well as images recorded in the laboratories and workshops of the CSIRO Biodiversity and Conservation Group. Contact The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum – home of the Somerville Collection Tel 02 6331 5511 Website www.somervillecollection.com.au

NAIDOC Week 2006
2 – 9 July, Statewide
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The theme for 2006 is: Respect the Past - Believe in the Future and all Australians are encouraged to participate. Celebrations culminate in an awards ceremony and ball which will be held this year in Cairns on 8 July, where national awards will be presented to Indigenous achievers in a number of categories. More information and posters contact your local Indigenous Coordination Centre Freecall 1800 079 098 Website www.naidoc.org.au.
Look for the NAIDOC Week events in the 'What's On' section of this e-Bulletin.

Bega Stories
7 – 29 July, Bega
An exhibition of works produced by local Aboriginal artists as part of mentorship with Sydney-based Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative artist, Jeffrey Samuels. Boomalli worked with the Kari Yalla Aboriginal Artists Coop in Eden and the Bega Valley Regional Gallery to deliver a series of hands-on workshops over six months for eight local artists under the program with grant from the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund. The workshops incorporated hands-on work, critiques and discussion. Tutors included Cecile Galiazzo from the Megalo print organisation (Canberra) as well as other local artists and Mr Samuels. Works on show include paintings, drawings and lino-block prints and everything is for sale. The exhibition is part of the Bega Valley Council's NAIDOC Week Celebrations. Contact Bega Valley Regional Gallery Tel 02 6499 2187 Website www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au

2006 Byron Bay Writers Festival
31 July – 6 August
The tenth annual Byron Bay Writers Festival will be held from 3 - 6 August this year, with workshops and feature events from 31 July. The Festival features more than 100 writers, with audiences travelling from all over Australia to take part in workshops and experience panel discussions, theatre, poetry readings and more (including an extensive schools program). Set in the glorious grounds of Becton's Byron Bay Beach Resort, the Festival marquees will overflow with crowds who come to enjoy listening to their favourite writers and engage in conversations about books and major issues. Always a sell-out event, the 3-Day Byron Bay Writers Festival is the hottest item on the Australian literary calendar! Tickets now on sale and selling fast. Website www.byronbaywritersfestival.com.au.

>> Back to top

________________________________________

Regional Arts NSW News

RANSW presents a cultural policy forum at Writers Festival
4 August, Byron Bay
As a special event at this year Byron Bay Writers Festival (above), Regional Arts NSW will present a discussion panel on the topic of the need (or not!) for a cultural policy for Australia. Titled, "Where are we now: does Australia need a cultural policy?" the forum will be held on Friday 4 August from 9.30am to 11.00am at the Byron Community & Cultural Centre. Panellists are:
Neil Armfield
Professor Stuart Cunningham
Margaret Fink
John Harding and
Professor David Throsby.
Regional Arts NSW Audience Development Specialist, Lisa Andersen, will introduce the panel.
A free event sponsored by Regional Arts NSW.

New Communications Officer at Arts OutWest
Natalie Kent, a former professional journalist from Dubbo, has joined Arts OutWest this week in the role of Communications Officer. Natalie joins RADO Hannah Semler and Finance Officer Bronwyn Giovenco in the Bathurst Office. Her new role will see her preparing and delivering regular radio segments and producing the monthly ArtSpeak newsletter as well as maintaining and developing the Arts OutWest website. Contact Natalie Kent, Arts OutWest Tel 02 6338 4657 Email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au
Full story on the Regional Arts NSW website here.

A new era at South West Arts
South West Arts has just announced a new staffing structure and three year Business Plan for its program which services communities in the Deniliquin, Hay, Balranald, Berrigan, Conargo, Wakool, Jerilderie, Murray and Murrumbidgee Local Government Areas. Nina O'Brien-Hehir, former Project Officer (pictured: middle) has moved into the role of Regional Arts Development Officer on a part time basis, and Julia Stephenson, recent University of Wollongong graduate in Creative Arts in Sound, Music and Production (pictured: left) has been appointed as Project Officer, full-time. Jo Begbey (pictured:right) remains the part time Finance Officer. Contact South West Arts Tel 02 6993 2010 Email ninaobrien@bigpond.com.
Full story on the Regional Arts NSW website here.

Outback Theatre incorporates
Outback Theatre, which to date has been a project of South West Arts, is set to become a fully independent organisation following the announcement of grants from both State and Federal Government sources to provide essential infrastructure.
Full story on the Regional Arts NSW website here.

>> Back to top

_______________________________________

Other News

Qld Artworkers Alliance extends insurance coverage to NSW & Vic
Queensland's Artworkers Alliance, the State's peak body for visual art, craft and design practicitioners, has announced that NSW and Victorian artists can now also access insurance packages as part of the Artworkers' accredited membership. More information on the QAA Website www.artworkers.org.
Deadline 7 July

The Pacific Edge announces a 'Who's Who' of keynote speakers
15 – 17 September, Mackay
Organisers of Regional Arts Australia’s Biennial National Conference, The Pacific Edge, have announced the line-up of keynote speakers for the event, to be held in Mackay on 15 - 17 September 2006. They are:
Rhoda Roberts, Festival Director of The Dreaming.
Bill Hauritz, principal creator and organiser of the Woodford Folk Festival and
Barbara Schafer-Bacon co-director of Animating Democracy, a program of Americans for the Arts.
More information on the conference below. Full program details, including registration, on the official website at www.thepacificedge.com.au.

Arts funding in the 2006 – 2007 State Budget
The NSW 2006 - 2007 State budget announced in June allocates $421.2 million to the Department of Arts, Sport & Recreation, with $206.9 going to arts grants and activites and funding allocated as follows for the State's major institutions:
The State Library of NSW: $84.6 million
The Australian Museum: $34.6 million
The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (inc. Powerhouse Museum and the Sydney Observatory): $46.2 million
The Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales: $23.9 million
The Art Gallery of New South Wales: $37.6 million
New South Wales Film and Television Office: $10.1 million
Additional capital expenditure includes $13.7 million for the ongoing development of a contemporary performing arts centre at Eveleigh Carriage Works. More information www.treasury.nsw.gov.au
Arts Hub's assessment is that "overall, there appeared to be no significant or new investment initiatives for the sector." Read the full story online here.

Regional NSW arts workers honoured
The Queen's Birthday Honours list announced last month included a number of people from regional NSW whose work in the arts has been recognised with OAs. Regional Arts NSW congratulates:
John Henry Absalom, Broken Hill: for service to the visual arts as a painter, and to the community through fundraising for a range of charitable organisations.
Bea Ballangarry, Toormina: for service to the community through proactive roles to improve social justice, economic advancement and education for Indigenous people.
Helen Dickie, Berrigan: for service to politics through the National Party of Australia, and to the community through a range of rural and regional arts organisations.
Herbert Flugelman, Bowral: for service to the visual arts as a sculptor and teacher and through support for educational, professional and benevolent organisations.
Search the lists and find out all about Australian Honours at www.itsanhonour.gov.au.

AYO to hold auditions in regions for the first time
For the first time ever, regional centres will will host auditions for Australian Youth Orchestra this year, with auditions for the 2007 program to be held in Albury and Orange in August and September. Until now, regional applicants have had to audition via cassette tape or CD or travel long distances, at considerable expense, to their nearest metropolitan audition location.
Full story on the AYO's website here.

Council seeks court approval to sell half a painting
Armidale Dumaresq Council will apply to the Supreme Court for permission to sell a half share in a painting from the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM). The council became the trustee for the NERAM after it accumulated debts of $400,000.
Full story at ABC News Online here

NORPA announces new Artistic Director
After a national advertising campaign, NORPA is pleased to announce the position of Artistic Director, recently vacated by Lyndon Terracini, has been filled by Julian Louis. "Julian is one of the most talented young Directors in Australia and it is with tremendous confidence that I pass the baton to Julian at the end of this year." says Terracini. Julian is currently working with NORPA staff on the 2007 program from his base in Sydney and plans to make the Northern Rivers region home from January in 2007. Contact Wendy Gava, NORPA Tel 02 6622 0300 Email marketing@norpa.org.au Website www.norpa.org.au.

2006 Watermark Literary Fellow announced
The 2006 Watermark Literary Fellow is Barbara Brooks. Barbara will commence an eight week residency in the Camden Haven on the mid north coast in August, where she will work on the second draft of her novel. The Fellowship includes mentorship from renowned writer, poet and historian, Eric Rolls. Web www.watermarkliterarysociety.asn.au.

Call for volunteers for The Pacific Edge
Organisers of The Pacific Edge have called for sixty volunteers to assist in an array of roles from venue assistant managers to marshals to meet and greet personnel. Volunteers will be an essential part of the event as delegate numbers are expected to come close to 1000 and conference sessions will fan out over the more than eleven venues. Volunteers are expected to come from all walks of life, be of all ages and nationalities and have a vast array of skills, knowledge and experience. It is hoped that such diversity will help to make the event unique and exciting.
Go to the website for more information www.thepacificedge.com.au.

AART.BOX winners announced
Accessible Arts has announced the winners of its AART.BOXX competition held earlier this year in conjunction with NOISE, the youth arts initiative managed by the Australia Council for the Arts. A number of small grants have been allocated to emerging artists who submitted works in the competition and an online gallery exhibition of finalists works is in development and expected to be ready next month.
Full story, including the list of AART.BOXX winners, highly commended and finalists is on the Accessible Arts website at www.aarts.net.au.

New Country Music Literary Award
The Australian Country Music Foundation (ACMF) has announced a new award for country music writers and journalists.The winner of the inaugural award will be announced in July during the Hats off to Country Festival in the Nation's Country Music Capital, Tamworth. The recipient for the 2006 award has already been determined by the ACMF Board, though the foundation welcome nominations for future years.
More information on the ACMF website at www.acmf.org.au.

WA Survey to unearth stats on why people leave small towns
In what is believed to be a world first, the WA Wheatbelt Area Consultative Committee has been working with Our Community and 44 local shires to develop a survey to help create a better understanding of why people leave the 170 rural communities in the area. The survey is designed to compile data to influence decision-making around the need for future services and facilities. The survey has also been circulated among the national network of 56 Area Consultative Committees for use Australia-wide.
Full story on the Our Community Website [PDF] here.

Growing Regions sponsors Australian youth
The Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, has announced that 15 young people from around Australia will be sponsored to attend the Australian Government's upcoming international Growing Regions Conference in Brisbane later this month.
More information on the DOTARS website here.

>> Back to top

_______________________________________

Project Reports

But That's Another Story
2005 + Until 30 July, Tallangatta
An outcome of major project managed by Murray Arts (the Regional Arts Board for the Albury Wodonga region) which involved an innovative collaboration between community museums and local artists. 'But That's Another Story' is an exhibition which captures the unique living memories and rich cultural heritage of communities along the Murray River between Wodonga and Corryong in a showcase of short digital films that bring to light intriguing insights and delightful stories behind significant objects, places and events. Mon, Wed, Fri-Sun 10-4 at Tallangatta, in Towong Street, next to the newsagent (!) Free. Tel 02 6071 2227 or Karlie Hawking at Murray Arts Tel 02 6021 5034.

Public art that 'matters'
Now, South East region
Noted public art consultant, Pamille Berg, who is known for her success in facilitating the creation of public art works which really "matter" to the local community, has been engaged to work with the South East Arts Region ( the Regional Arts Board for the South East) on the design phase of two public art projects for the Eurobodalla and Snowy River Shires. Arts NSW has provided funding for the project and SEAR is establishing a public art register for artists and designers who may wish to tender expressions of interest in the projects later this year. Formerly a director for 14 years of MGT Architects, the architectural design firm responsible for New Parliament House in Canberra and other major public projects throughout Australia and Asia, Pamille is now Director of Pamille Berg Consulting Pty Ltd, working on projects across Australia.

Pamille is giving a free public lecture and slide presentation in Bega on Tuesday 18 July. See below.

Art infiltrates the Ute Muster
2005 + 29 – 30 September, Deniliquin
The arts program at this year's Ute Muster is bigger than a ute lover's bull-bar thanks to a growing collaboration betwen South West Arts and the Deni Play on the Plains Festival & World Record Ute Muster. Together with Country Energy, they have developed an expanded cultural program for this year's festival which will see slightly naughty giant bouncing kangaroos; the completed TransmUTE Community Ute Mosaic (both funded by the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program or CASP); massive Snuff Puppets of cows and the Boom family; a Muster Moments Photographic competition; and a new collaboration with Deniliquin TAFE showcasing YardART – Women who weld. All roads lead to Deni this September. Contact Nina O'Brien-Hehir at South West Arts ninaobrien@bigpond.com or The Deni Ute Muster Tel 03 5882 6249 www.deniutemuster.com.au.

ConVerge: Northern Rivers Touring Exhibition
5 July, Brisbane – 2008, NSW & Qld
An initiative of two of the Northern Rivers' leading ceramic artists, Geoff Crispin and Bob Connery, who have curated a superb exhibition of works by 20 local artists. ConVerge has been developed and is managed by the Arts Northern Rivers Project Officer, Cath Fogarty, with the support of the three regional galleries in the area. Works range in styles from traditional woodfired pieces to contemporary sculptural and installation works. An exquisite 64 page colour catalogue has been produced including essays by Grace Cochrane, Kerry Selwood and Liz Stops. The tour begins in Brisbane on the 5 July at the Victor Mace Gallery in Brisbane and the exhibition will be officially opened on 12 July during the VERGE 2006 National Triennial Ceramic Conference, which is expected to attract a national and international audience. ConVerge will then tour to 13 regional galleries across Queensland and New South Wales into 2008. Contact Cath Fogarty Tel 02 6628 8120 Email norrapo@tpg.com.au Web www.verge2006.org.au/exhibitions/converge.shtml.

'Songs in the Key of Bloke'
Coonamble | Sydney, July
Over $6000 has been raised at a fundraising concert in Sydney for boys from western NSW to attend a regional choral festival to be held in Coonamble later this year. The Leichhardt Espresso Choir performed Rutter's "Mass of the Children" in a concert at Abbotsleigh on 25 June with the proceeds going towards the establishment of a new scholarship fund for country boys. The Moorambilla choral festival will be held on 15-17 September in Coonamble and is expected to be one of the region's largest ever gathering of men and boys in song. Contact Michelle Leonard Mob 0412 333 579 Email mllec@tpg.com.au Website www.moorambilla.com

Write in the Heart
June, Condobolin
Forty writers, poets and dreamers turned up for Lachlan Arts Council's inaugural 'Write in the Heart' literary festival over the long weekend in June. Over half of the audience travelled from Canberra, Sydney and Victoria to attend the event, which included readings and workshops with workshops with Les Murray and Irina Dunn. Organiser Helen Dalton said, “We couldn’t have had a better weekend. The authors were brilliant, the workshops were a great success, the locals' stories and yarns were both hilarious and touching and the community rallied behind the event." 'Write in the Heart' was made possible with a grant from Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund. Planning for next year is already underway. Contact Helen Dalton Tel 02 6895 7636.

>> Back to top

________________________________________

What's On

The Sydney Sympony Orchestra
1 July, Bathurst
Come and hear one of the world's finest orchestras for one night only at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Tel 02 6333 6162.

FreshArt
1 – 15 July, Port Macquarie
An annual festival in the Hastings with an exhibition of over 200 artworks and a huge program of workshops, including digital sound, film, graffitti art, dance and rapping, theatre backdrop and make-up, all of which will be leading up to a closing night performance. The Youth Arts Network will meet every Wednesday at 4pm until the end of the Festival. All welcome. Contact Mary Tyquin, Festival Coordinator Tel 02 6581 8684 Mob 0419 489 088 Email freshart@pmhc.nsw.gov.au Website www.hastings.nsw.gov.au.

Njapa
1 – 30 July, Gilgandra
' Njapa' means 'water, and that is the theme of this eExhibition of mixed media works by Indigenous artis,t Johanna Parker at the Gilgandra Coo-ee Heritage Centre Tel 02 6817 8700.

Musica Viva Concerts
1, 28 & 29 July, Various
1 July, Wagga Wagga, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Ensemble at t he Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre at 8pm Tel 02 6926 9688
28 July, Coffs Harbour, Seraphin Trio at the Education Campus at 8pm Tel 02 6659 3093
29 July, Tamworth, Seraphin Trio at the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium at 7pm Tel 02 6765 8953

The Sunburnt Country
1 July – 4 August, Coonabarabran
Dorothy Sullivan and members of the Warrumbungle Art & Craft Inc present works by Sullivan depicting the Australian landscape. Official opening 1 July, 12:30pm at The Art Gallery of C. Tel 02 6842 1462 Email info@theartgalleryofc.biz.

Black Cockatoo
2 – 8 July (NAIDOC Week), East Nowra
A cultural event featuring traditional and contemporary entertainment by Koori and non-Indigenous students. There will be art and craft displays as well as cultural heritage information, with elders from the local community giving talks. The exhibition features worked by a large number of talented individuals and groups that local Koori students are involved with. BBQ lunch provided. At the Shoalhaven Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC). Contact Aunty Marie Stewart Tel 02 4421 8588.

The Blake Wilner Quartet – Live Jazz
2 July, Dubbo
Blake Wilner is a young Australian guitarist who has been studying and playing in the UK since 1999. He is accompanied by Brandon Allen (one of the leading saxophonists in the UK today) and Sam Anning (one of the top bassists in Australia). Presented by Dubbo Jazz Club at the Dubbo RSL Club Theatrette at 3pm $25/$20. Tel 02 6882 4649.

Dreamtime Stories
4 & 5 July (NAIDOC Week), Albury
Hear Dreamtime stories told by a Wiradjuri elder on Tuesday 4 July at 11am at the Albury Library and 5 July at 10.30am at the Lavington Library. Tel 02 6058 5500 or Tel 02 6051 3470.

'Respect the Past – Believe in the Future' NAIDOC Luncheon
5 July, Albury
Members of the local Indigenous community are invited to attend a luncheon which celebrates the survival of the Indigenous culture and the Indigenous contribution to modern Australia. 12-2 at the Albury Regional Museum. Free, but bookings essential. Tel 02 6051 3450.

QED, a play by Peter Parnell
6 – 22 July, Canberra
Join safecracking, bongo-drumming, Nobel prizewinning physicist, Richard Feynman as he challenges accepted views and tells us what science is really about - a long history of learning how to not fool ourselves! Charismatic and charmingly eccentric, Feynman helped develop the first atom bomb, reconstructed quantum electrodynamics, discovered superfluidity, and explained the Space Shuttle Challenger's explosion. The West Wing writer, Peter Parnell, has created an electrifying tour-de-force capturing the free spirit, unstoppable curiosity and brilliance of one of the greatest minds of the 20th century. This production fuses science and art to astonish and delight intellectually, visually and emotionally. At The Street Theatre Tel 02 6247 1223.

The Apollo Trio
7 July, Dubbo
Works by Haydn, Frank Martin, Bloch and Beethoven. The Apollo Trio features Maria Lindsay on violin, Thomas Tsai on cello and Daniel Herscovitch on piano. Presented by Macquarie Conservatorium at the Dubbo Civic Centre at 7.30pm. $30/$20 Tel 02 6884 6686.

Kate Grealy
7 July, Wodonga
Warming winter melodies. Join former Albury singer songwriter Kate Grealy as she returns to her home-town for a night of music. An accomplished guitarist and singer, her style is comparable to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Jeff Buckley. Kate is supported by locals Meg and Lachie Smith with their upbeat mixture of contemporary and classic folk tunes. Arts Space Wodonga $12 / $8 (children free) Bookings essential Tel 02 6022 9600 Website www.kategrealy.com.

Cosmodome – the portable planetarium
7 – 8 July, Albury
Combine learning and entertainment when you visit this travelling cinema where the film totally surrounds the audience. Featuring: Earth's Wild Ride - moments in history with dinosaur extinctions, volcanoes, floods and Ice Ages - as pictured from an imaginary moon settlement during a solar eclipse in 2075. 9-5 at Gateway Island. Gold Coin Donation. Sessions hourly. Bookings suggested as places are limited. Contact Albury Regional Museum Tel 02 6051 3450.

On The Banks of the Snowy River
7 – 9 July (NAIDOC Week), Dalgety
The Snowy River Shire Council and the Kari Yalla artists group, together with the Dalgety Chamber of Commerce invite you to help celebrate National Aboriginal and Islanders Day with an exhibition of all new works from Kari Yalla Members. At Dalgety Memorial Hall. Contact Cheryl Davison Tel 02 6496 2254 or Julie Pearson Tel 02 6456 5130.

Flix in the Stix – March of the Penguins
7 – 9 July, Coonabarabran
Emperor penguins in their thousands abandon their deep ocean home and clamber onto the frozen ice to begin their long journey - on foot - of over 100 kilometres, into a region so bleak, so extreme, it supports no other wildlife at this time of year. On arrival, they start finding their mate for this season and face the hardest part. Rated G, 80 Minutes. Presented by the Coonabarabran Arts Council at the Coonabarabran Dramatic Society Hall, Friday & Saturday at 7.30pm, Sunday 2pm. Tel 02 6825 4364.

Pinocchio
8 July, Albury
The Greatest Little Show on Earth! A rollicking musical comedy for the entire family. It tells the classic tale of the stringless puppet, whose quest to become a real boy has captivated and entertained children and audiences of all ages for generations. 10.30am – 1pm at the AlburyCity Performing Arts Centre. $12.90. Tel 02 6051 3051.

15/15 Film Festival screenings
8 July, Wodonga
The fast and furious 15/15 Film Festival encourages and supports films created by emerging and independent filmmakers across the globe. During March, participants were challenged with the task of making a film of up to 15 minutes in length, in just 15 hours. The films are now complete. The international program will be screened at 7pm at the Arts Space Wodonga, with a headline of films from the Albury-Wodonga region. $12/$10. Also from 3 to 4pm, budding film makers have the opportunity to participate in a free workshop that covers issues from pre-production through to post-production. Contact Arts Space Wodonga Tel 02 6022 9600.

Some Of The Children Came Back
8 July – 31 July (NAIDOC Week), Bathurst
Nyree Reynolds' home, indigenous heritage and activism are the source of inspiration for her solo exhibition at the Central West Women's Health Centre in Bathurst this month. The exhibition is set in two parts ' Some of the children came back' - A NAIDOC Week 2006 event and 'at the Pet Backpackers', a collection of Pet Portraits in pastel. “My Indigenous paintings are inspired by the Stolen Generation people and of the stories that my Mum was unable to tell as she was brought up to be ashamed of her Aboriginal heritage, ” said Nyree. The Centre is located at 20 Williams Street and is wheelchair accessible. Tel 02 6331 4133 Email information@cwwhc.org.au

Glittering Guitarring
8 & 9 July, Moruya
Two sublime concerts at the Mechanics Institute with award-winning classical guitarist, Harold Gretton, and soprano Sarah Shalders offering raw flamenco and sumptuous bel canto on Saturday at 7.30pm. Sunday's concert will feature the intricate music of the Baroque including works by Bach & Dowland, at 4pm. This concert is part of the Going Public program for the Mechanics Institute, the first cultural venue of Eurobodalla Shire Council under the management of SEAR and made possible with a grant from the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund. Tel 1300 667 136.

Murray Music Club
9 July, Wodonga
Featuring Acoustic Soup: edgy guitar picking, skillful piano playing, rich vocals and beautiful melodies and exceptionally well-crafted lyrics. Plus Open Microphone - you never know what fantastic performances might turn up! 2pm at the Hume Building Society Butter Factory Studio, Gateway Village.
Just $5 Tel 02 6021 5034.

Exquisite Corpse
Until 14 July, Wagga Wagga
An exhibition of large-scale mixed media works by Vanessa Barbay at the HR Gallop Gallery at CSU. The works document animals found in various states of decay, where processes of natural mummification have rendered the animals to barely recognisable skeletal remains. In documenting death these works ironically cause us to consider our lives, mortality and metaphysics, and that of the animals that surround us. Contact Vanessa Barbay Tel 02 69 252 449

At Tweed River Regional Art Gallery
Until 16 July, Murwillumbah
Defending the North: Queensland in the Pacific War: a major touring exhibition commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of the Pacific war. Featuring Sir William Dargie, Max Dupain, John Brack, Gwendolyn Grant, Nora Heysen, Douglas Annand, Ivor Hele and Frank Hinder.
Memories of the Island - Digby Moran: Digby's work tells stories about his ancestors, the richness of his environment and his link to one place, the special place that is a key to his culture.
Reduce Speed - Jasna Spiranovic: A series of paintings and drawings map the creation of new road scapes through the choreography of human toil and the movement of brightly coloured apparatus.
Tel 02 6670 2790 Website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/artgallery

Up Close & Spineless
Until 17 July, Bathurst
An exhibition of winners and best entries from the Australian Museum’s annual Up Close and Spineless photographic competition. Budding and professional photographers have tracked down and snapped usually camera-shy invertebrates. Features over 50 photographs displaying the otherwise intimate world of insects, crustaceans, spiders, coral, cockroaches and caterpillar by school children and professional photographers. At The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum Tel 02 6331 5511 Email Mace.Dennis@bathurst.nsw.gov.au Website www.somervillecollection.com.au

Winter Threads
Until 17 July, Braidwood
Textile artists Liz Mertens, Lucie Verhelst, Martine Peters present works at The Birdhouse in The Studio, Duncan Street Braidwood. Thur - Mon 10-5. Tel 02 4842 1289 Email info@birdhouse.com.au Website www.birdhouse.com.au

Puss in Boots
11 – 22 July, Canberra
Top Hat Productions presents one of the best-loved traditional English pantomimes, Puss in Boots. Featuring the talented dance students from the Canberra Youth Ballet School, this panto is jam-packed with magic, fun, and laughter - the best school holiday show on in Canberra! The Street Theatre. $23.00 Tel 02 6247 1223.

The Amish People: Their History, Culture & Quilts
17 July, Dubbo
One in a series of lectures presented by the Australian Decorative and Fine Art Society. Jan Jefferson from Pennsylvania is an authority on Amish quilts and textiles who writes and broadcasts regularly on the subject. This lecture will discuss the Amish people of Pennsylvania, who maintain a simple, unworldly way of life, without cars or electricity, and provide a close look at their history, clothes, textiles and way of life, as well as their splendid quilts. Wesley House, 6:30pm Tel 02 6884 7298 Website www.dubbo.adfas.org.au.

Roteract Antiques & Collectibles Fair
21 – 23 July, Dubbo
Talks, demonstrations and lots of collectible items plus entertainment and door prizes, all in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Gala Event (+ supper) at Dubbo Civic Centre on 21 July $20. Proceeds to Dubbo Artz Public Fund for the Regional Entertainment Convention Centre. Tel 0409 814 654.

The Dissolution of Flesh and Empire
Until 23 July, Chinderah Bay
Observations of human frailties of flesh and empire, where even the best of intentions weather and dissolve in time and space. Works by Clare Bryant at the Curious Art Co-operative. Tel 02 66745340 Email curart@bigpond.net.au Website www.curiousart.org.au

Off The Shelf Bookfair
23 July, Bangalow
The only bookfair and market in Australia that focuses on self-publishing. Off The Shelf offers a great opportunity to network with authors and specialists and promote your books or services. Specialists are on hand to discuss, advise and refer enquiries on all aspects of self-publishing. Exhibitors may include anyone involved in the production and marketing of self-published books. Table stalls $25. Entry to the fair is free. Contact Sandra Heilpern Tel 02 6680 8222.

Up to Date Art Exhibition
28 – 30 July, Coolamon
The picturesque small town of Coolamon (pop 1500), 40km NW of Wagga Wagga, has invited artists to exhibit works at their inaugural exhibition in sections: traditional - oil; contemporary - any medium; watercolour; drawing; sculpture and miniature. Jenny Newbound and Dot Wilkin will be artists-in-residence for the weekend. 10-4 at the Up to Date Store Entry $2 Tel 02 6927 2506.

Land Exhibition
28 – 30 July, Bourke
5 – 26 August, Rylstone
A collective exhibition exploring connection with land, featuring contemporary artists from the Central West region of NSW. At the Gidgee Guesthouse, Bourke & Rylstone Tel 02 6379 1345.

OzOpera presents Bizet's Carmen
29 July, Dubbo
OzOpera's production of Bizet’s Carmen is on tour - don’t miss this opportunity to see live opera accompanied by chamber orchestra in the Central West. With a case including a bull-fighter, a soldier, and a cigarette-factory worker alongside smugglers and gypsies, Carmen is one of the first operas tell a story about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Brought to life by Opera Australia's renowned touring company OzOpera. Sponsored by Australia Post. Presented by Macquarie Conservatorium at the Dubbo Civic Centre 8pm. Tel 02 6884 6686.

Bell Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet
3 – 5 August, Orange
A first glance of love lingers like a perfectly formed smoke ring. Outside forces blow tumultuously and the delicate perfection is distorted and eventually destroyed. Body heat rises, pupils dilate, skin moistens as adrenalin surges... Love and hate consume with a burning sickness that will turn deadly. This is the world of Romeo and Juliet: passion rising unabated. Life lived – and ended – at boiling point. A Bell Shakespear Company production at the Orange Civic Theatre. Tel 02 6393 8111
Also: Meet the company on 1 August.

Armidale International Film Festival
4 – 5 August, Armidale
Back for the third time, the Armidale film festival continues to screen highly acclaimed films from across the world. In 2006, films from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East make up the 13 features to be screened at the Belgrave Twin Cinema. All films will be subtitled, and passes for all 13 screenings are just $50 (that's less than $4 a movie!) Tickets for individual films also available at the regular screening price. What better way to spend a chilly winter weekend?! Bookings Tel 02 6772 2856 Website www.armidaletourism.com.au. Festival Info: Andrea Schalley Tel 02 6773 3655 Email iff@une.edu.au Website www.une.edu.au/iff.

What's your cup of tea?
Until 29 September, Wagga Wagga
The ritual of tea drinking is explored through prints from the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery’s Collection and prized tea cups from private Riverina domestic collections. Includes some 200 cups and saucers; prints and teacups by local artists including Tumbarumba artist Emma Ernst and Wagga Wagga artists, Jenny Ashby and Rebecca Tapscott. Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Tel 02 6926 9660 Email gallery@wagga.nsw.gov.au Website www.waggaartgallery.org
The Gallery will host a special Tea Ceremony on 8 July at 1pm and 3pm.

>> Back to top

________________________________________

Seminars, Workshops + Training

Tango Salsa Samba Soiree
1 July, Byron Bay
Samba and Zouk dance workshops in the Ewingsdale Hall from 1pm – 5pm. All levels of skill $15.
1pm Open Samba (women & men)
2:05pm Open Zouk (women & men)
3:10pm Open Salsa Styling (women only)
4:15pm Intermediate – Advanced Salsa (women & men)
The day will end with a performance of Combined Tango/Salsa Soiree at 8pm ($10). Contact John Tel 02 6684 9196 Mob 0418 281 487.

Digby Moran teaches dot painting for children
2 July (NAIDOC Week), Murwillumbah
Exhibiting Bundjalung artist, Digby Artist, offers a fun opportunity for children to engage with traditional Aboriginal dot painting techniques in celebration of NAIDOC week. Suitable for 5-10 years. Limited places - bookings essential. 11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm or 2pm at Tweed River Art Gallery. Tel 02 6670 2790

Zine-making workshops for 12 to 18 y.o's
4 – 7 July (School Holidays!), Eastern Riverina
Booranga Writers’ Centre, Riverina Regional Library and The Eastern Riverina Arts Program (ERAP) present 4 x 2-hour workshops with Anna Poletti, Australia's only Dr of Zines. Zines are lo-fi DIY publications that are very cheap to make and can be about any topic of interest to you. They can be funny, serious or totally absurd and in the forms of booklet, comic, graphic novel, poetry and even origami. Each workshop costs $5 per person, including materials. Places are limited, bookings essential. Contact Sarah Last, Booranga Writers' Centre Tel 02 6933 2688 Email booranga@csu.edu.au
Wagga Wagga: Tuesday 4 July 11am – 1pm, Wagga Wagga City Library.
Junee: Wednesday 5 July 11am – 1pm, Junee Library.
Cootamundra: Thursday 6 July 11am - 1pm, Cootamundra Library.
Tumut: Friday 7 July 11am - 1pm, Tumut Library.

Painting as a means of pushing boundaries
8 – 10 July, Coorabell
Transforming common preconceived ideas about painting, demonstrating new ways of helping the eye and brain to understand and translate what we see around us, into art. A workshop with Clifford Frith (Adelaide), a generous and engaging mentor and teacher. Cost: $280. Contact Ruth, Byron Bay Art Workshops Tel 02 6687 1256 Mob 0411 306 660 Website www.byronbayartworkshops.com.

Japanese Scroll-making workshops for kids
11 July (School Holidays!), Cowra
The Cowra Art Gallery present two winter school holidays Youth Art Workshops with Mary Taguchi:
Makimon (Rolled Scrolls): 10am-11.45am, for children aged 6-11. Instruction about the lettering and characters, making their scrolls (learning the proper techniques) and writing a traditional story.
Kakemono (Hanging Scroll): 1-4pm, for children aged 12-18. Learn about sumi-e calligraphy, practice this style of printing, and then make a scroll.
Scrolls will be made using kits suppled by the tutor, as will proper calligraphy pens and inks. Workshops are free, though bookings are essential and students are asked to bring $3 donation for refreshments. Contact Cowra Art Gallery Tel 02 6340 2190.
Made possible with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program.

Hip Hop Dance Workshop
11 – 13 July, Byron Bay
Presented by NORPA Dance Action, with Eka Darville at the Byron Bay Scout Hall. Contact Tel 02 6685 7927

Ballroom & Latin American dancing
From 13 July, Coolamon
A new four-week mixed beginners course in Ballroom & Latin American dancing at the Coorabell Hall, covering a selection of the following dances: the cha cha, samba, rumba, jive, rhythm foxtrot and waltz. Cost $50 Bookings essential. A Stage 2 course is also starting on 10 July. Contact Kylie Mowbray-Allen Tel 02 6687 1176.

Bangarra Dance Theatre Workshops
14 July, Lismore
Bangarra Dance Theatre is one of Australia's most unique and innovative dance companies, with living traditions that go back at least 40,000 years; but it also reflects the lives and attitudes of Indigenous people today. Company members will conduct a free workshop with local Indigenous youth while on tour in Lismore. Lismore City Hall Dance Studio. Free to Indigenous students. Contact Emma Newman, NORPA Dance Action Tel 02 6622 3279.

Good Process for Great Public Art – Free lecture by Pamille Berg
18 July, Bega
Noted public art consultant, Pamille Berg (see Project Report above) is giving a free public lecture and slide presentation on good process for great public art at the Bega Valley Regional Gallery at 4pm. Pamille will show images of a variety of past commissions pertinent to the scale, character, and opportunities for rural shires. Her presentation will address the means by which artists can be encouraged to create works with meaning which “matter” to the local community as well as visitors and how artists’ rights can be respected in public art processes while maintaining a council’s or community’s interests. Places limited and bookings essential Tel 1300 667 136.

Exploring B&W imagery on glass
20 – 22 July, Murwillumbah
A three day workshop with Deb Glass. Day one will involve working images into designs or narratives on paper. Glass test panels, exploring the technique, will then be made. Day two involves working with your designs on a glass bowl and a flat glass panel. The pieces will then be taken for firing and returned on day three for critique and collection. 10am - 12noon at Tweed River Art Gallery. Cost $230 inc materials. Strictly limited places. Contact Tel 02 6670 2790.

AbaF's Australia Cultural Fund – Free information session
21 July, Sydney
Learn how you could benefit from AbaF's Australia Cultural Fund, which enables donors to make tax deductible donations to organisations that do not have DGR status, and to individual arts practitioners (who are unable to obtain DGR status in their own right). A free seminar for bona fide practising artists and non-profit cultural organisations who do not have deductible gift receipt (DGR) status. Topics include:
Tax deductibility
Eligibility criteria for the Australia Cultural Fund
Information about who makes donations
Ideas for generating donations from businesses and individuals and
Real life case studies
Places are limited and early registration is strongly recommended to secure your place. Contact Luisa Mastrangelo Tel 02 9215 9318 Email mastrangelol@abaf.org.au Website www.abaf.org.au.

NIDA On Tour
11 – 14 July, Dubbo
Experience NIDA’s world-renowned drama training in a short courses in Dubbo. It’s fun and challenging, with expert tutors, many of them NIDA graduates, who are available to extend and develop creative skills and give an insight into industry careers. With courses for teenagers and adults, NIDA on Tour has something for everyone. Dubbo Senior College. 11am – 5pm, for 16 yrs+ and 12-15 years. Contact NIDA Open Program Tel 02 9697 7626 Email open@nida.edu.au Website www.nida.edu.au.

Haiku/Sumi-e Poetry workshop
22 July, Murwillumbah
Compose a haiku and illustrate it using the black ink technique of Sumi-e. A Repeat workshop due to popular demand, with turo Janice Bostok. Cost: $55 ($45 for Dangerously Poetic members).11am - 4pm at Tweed River Art Gallery. Contact Bev Sweeney 02 6680 5986.

Henry Kendall Oration
5 August, Kendall
Presented by the Watermark Literary Muster, the 2006 Henry Kendall Oration will feature poet Les Murray. 12.30pm at the Kendall Services & Citizens Club, Graham St Kendall $25 (includes lunch), available from muster@watermarkliterarysociety.asn.au or Tel 02 6559 9953.

Getting Them Going: attracting, engaging & retaining your audience
12 August, Deniliquin
Deniliquin Arts Council and Regional Arts NSW present a free one-day intensive with RANSW's key marketing and audience development personnel, Lisa Andersen and Rachael Vincent. Offering tailor-made, practical help and inspiration for anyone who relies on attracting (and keeping) an audience, the workshop will introduce strategies to establish and maintain relationships with audiences and include case studies, information sharing, discussions and hands-on activities. Places are limited to ten and allocated on a first come, first served basis. Contact Julia Stephenson, or Nina O'Brien-Hehir Tel 02 6993 2010 Email ninaobrien@bigpond.com.

Disability Awareness & Access Training
21 August, Newcastle; 18 September, Bathurst
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. New date for Sydney, Newcastle & Bathurst just announced due to demand:
Newcastle: Monday 21 August 9.30am-1pm (venue TBA)
Bathurst: Monday 18 September 9.30am-1pm (venue TBA)
Workshops in Sydney on 31 July, 23 October, 14 November & 12 December. Contact Katy Mercer, Accessible Arts Training Officer Tel 02 9251 6499 Email kmercer@aarts.net.au Website www.aarts.net.au

Measuring the value of museums – research briefing
25 August, Sydney
Do you know the impact of your museum in your local community? This seminar will look at the outcomes of research undertaken by UTS, the Australian Museum, MGnsw and Arts NSW to develop and trial a set of tools to provide regional and small museums with data to help them demonstrate the impacts they have within their local communities. Covers: a volunteer-managed museum in regional NSW; a council-funded museum in metropolitan Sydney and a Keeping Place in regional NSW. 3 - 5pm, Australian Museum. Free - bookings required. Contact MGnsw Tel 02 9358 1760 Freecall 1800 114 311 admin2@mgnsw.org.au
Registration closes 18 August

National Rural Youth Convention
27 August – 2 September, WA
Whether you work on a tractor, truck, motorbike or office chair, this Convention provides the chance for young adults (18+) from all over Australia to come together for a week of unique personal and professional development opportunities. Visit some of WA’s most innovative agriculturel sites; attend workshops; hear guest speakers and attend the Young Farmer Competition National Finals! Contact WA Federation of Rural Youth Tel 08 9284 4002 Email admin@ruralyouthwa.org.au Website www.ruralyouthwa.org.au

Northern Rivers Arts Law Week
4 – 8 September, Northern Rivers Region
The Arts Law Centre of Australia presents a week-long program of free legal workshops and clinics. A partnership with Arts Northern Rivers and the Tweed Shire Council City of the Arts Program, the program will include sessions on visual arts, writing and entertainment law, festivals and events and governance issues for arts organisations, in a range of venues from Tweed Heads to Grafton. Contact Arts Northern Rivers Tel 02 6628 8120 Email artsnorthernrivers@tpg.com.au.

The Pacific Edge – RAA National Conference
15 – 17 September, Mackay (Qld)
A must-attend event for all involved in the arts in regional Australia, The Pacific Edge is fast approaching and promises to be the largest arts gathering in the country. With over 150 presenters and performers, up to 11 venues running simultaneously and a heady mix of presentations, workshops, performances, screenings, panels, forums and debates, the program is incredibly diverse. Featuring artists, artsworkers and performers from the Mackay region, across Australia and the world, The Pacific Edge provides a platform for cross-cultural exchange, the discussion and debate of regional arts in new contexts and the development of new directions and strategic solutions. Download the full program and enrol online or contact I AM Events Tel 07 3834 3333 Website www.thepacificedge.com.au.
Earlybird registration closes 24 July

Travel Assistance for NSW volunteers to attend the RAA National Conference
A limited number of small grants have been made available from the Regional Arts Fund to assist NSW volunteers to attend The Pacific Edge. More information and application forms on the Regional Arts NSW website here.
Closing 7 July

Grants, Fellowships + Residencies

Power Institute Studio Residency 2007, Paris
Offering artist residencies at the Cité Internationale des Arts in the Rue de L'Hotel de Ville, in the Marais quarter of Paris. Six months for practising artists/craftspeople and three month residencies for art critics, writers, curators, historians or administrators, or staff and research postgraduates of the University of Sydney and its affiliates. Contact The Power Institute Tel 02 9351 4211 Email power.institute@arts.usyd.edu.au Website www.arts.usyd.edu.au
Closing 7 July

Volunteer Small Equipment Grant
Grants of up to $3,000 available from the Department of Familiy and Community Services to help organisations purchase small equipment to support volunteers whose work contributes to encouraging and developing stronger families and communities. Applications must be community non-profits and will be ranked on the selection criteria. Tel 1800 197 760 Email vseg@facs.gov.au Website www.facs.gov.au.
Closing 21 July

The Danks Trust & Annie Danks Trust Grants
The Danks Trust disburses funds twice a year to projects/community and non-profit organisations that fit the categories of religion, education and the relief of poverty (broadly interpreted). The Annie Danks Trust is the same but funds can be disburbed to any charitable cause. There is no formal application form but guidelines for a submission on organisational letterhead are provided. A single application addressed to the Danks Trust/Annie Danks Trust is very acceptable. Contact Graeme Danks, Trustee Tel 03 9264 5007 Email dankstrust@danks.com.au or anniedanks@danks.com.au Website www.eqt.com.au.
Closing 31 July

Australian National Commission for UNESCO
The Australian National Commission for UNESCO assists projects which will further UNESCO priorities and objectives. Up to $75,000 is available annually to be divided amongst competing Australian projects. The National Commission will decide, based on the criteria, which projects are to be funded and the level of funds approved for each project. Contact Mr Les Humphries Tel 02 6261 2773. Website www.dfat.gov.au
Closing 31 July

ANAT Quick Response Fund
Australia's peak network and advocacy body for artists working with technology, the Australian Network for Art and Technology, has a quick response fund for Australian artists to attend national and international events. Offers grants of up to $3,000 for travel, accommodation, per diem and registration fees. Applicants must be members of ANAT. Contact Tel 08 8231 9037 Email anat@anat.org.au Website www.anat.org.au/pages/conwork.htm
Closing last day of every month

Arthur Boyd's Bundanon – 2007 Artist-in-Residence Program
Emerging and established artists are invited to apply for the Bundanon Artist in Residence Program in 2007. Offers individual artists and groups across all art forms access to five living and working spaces in the purpose-built Bundanon Artists Centre. There are 3 categories:
Artist in Residence: for a maximum of 6 weeks, by application and selection process.
Distinguished/International Artists: for distinguished Australian and international artists, by invitation.
Artist/Teacher: for teachers working in schools, by application and selection process.
Contact Sarah Bowden Tel 4422 2103 Email visits@bundanon.com.au Website www.bundanon.com.au
Closing 4 August

MGnsw Incoming Touring Grant 2006
Providing assistance to visual art organisations and craft and design centres throughout NSW to provide rural and remote organisations with access to high quality visual arts and craft exhibitions that they might otherwise not be able to bring to their community due to costs and/or distance. Public galleries or art organisations in NSW with a proven commitment to the development of exhibitions of contemporary visual art, craft, design and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art are eligible to apply. Contact Sarah Johnson, Visual Arts Project Officer Freecall 1800 114 311 Email sarahj@mgnsw.org.au Website www.mgnsw.org.au
Closing 18 August

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

>> Back to top

________________________________________

Competitions, Awards + Prizes

The Shoot Out
7 – 9 July, Newcastle
Australia's only 24 hour filmmaking festival for film makers with guts! The Shoot Out challenges you to make a 7 minute short film in 24 hours. Come and find out what you're made of! Up for grabs is a whopping $18,000 industry prize package to help you further your filmmaking career. The top ten films will be given their debut airing and judged by a panel of celebrity and industry judges at a special screening on Sunday 9 July at Panthers Newcastle and the winner of the 2006 festival announced. What are you waiting for? Website www.theshootout.info
Closing 5 July

Expressions 2006: The Wool Quilt Prize
To promote excellence in this art form, The National Wool Museum is offering an award of $2,000 with the winning entry to be acquired for the Museum's contemporary wool quilt collection. Quilters, textile artists and those who may not yet realise that they are actually making quilts encouraged to enter. Tel 03 5227 0701 Website www.ozquiltnetwork.org.au/
Closing 14 July

The 2006 Dolphin Awards
Presented by the North Coast Entertainment Industry Association in the categories of: album of the year, song of the year, new recording talent, male vocal, female vocal, production / engineering, instrumental, youth, music for children, adult contemporary / acoustic ballad, world / reggae, folk, blues, country, devotional, protest, jazz, pop, rock / metal / alternative, funk / urban / hip-hop, electronic dance, chill & ambient, promotional artwork / website. Awards night at the Beach Hotel on 10 October. Tel 6622 0222 Website www.nceia.org.au
Closing 17 July

Yvonne Cohen Award for Creative Indigenous Australian Youth
This is the second year of this award which remembers the late Yvonne Cohen, a non-indigenous artist who lived on Timara Island and supported the work of indigenous artists. Open to individual artists under 30 years. Award: $5000 towards professional development. Applicants must be nominated by an organisation or individual, and cannot nominate themselves. Contact Michelle Evans Tel 03 9685 9345 Email m.evans@vca.unimelb.edu.au Website www.vca.unimelb.edu.au
Closing 28 July

North Sydney Public Art Competition
Entries invited from people with tertiary qualifications in Fine Arts, Architecture, Design, Landscape Architecture, related arts practices, and/or equivalent experience in art projects to participate in a competition to design a high-quality public artwork to be installed in the heart of the North Sydney Centre. Contact The Art Advisor Tel 02 9936 8100 Email artadvisor@northsydney.nsw.gov.au
Website www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au
Closing 28 July

Glenfiddich Independent IF Award
Offered in recognition of an individual or a team of no more than three key creatives who, despite highly limited resources and/or challenging circumstances, have demonstrated the creativity, tenacity and independence of vision required to make a compelling film of any length or genre. Prize package worth over $12,000. Tel 02 9318 4400 Email polly@if.com.au Website www.ifawards.com
Closing 28 July

Ztudio What IF Award
An award for Best Unproduced Screenplay, which aims to discover a writer and script with enormous potential. Judges are looking for screenwriters who have been enthusiastic and proactive in getting their screenplay developed, but have not yet been successful in getting it from script to screen. The winner will be flown to a country of their choice to meet with agents and / or producers to pitch their script and themselves. Tel 02 9318 4400 Email polly@if.com.au Website www.ifawards.com
Closing 28 July

2006 Short & Sweet playwrighting competition
Entries from playwrights and independent theatre companies, and expression of interest from actors and directors, for the 2006 season of Short & Sweet at the Arts Centre are now open. Short & Sweet is an open invitation competition based on 10-minute plays. It encourages the participation of aspiring and emerging playwrights, directors and performers to explore their creativity in a supportive professional environment. Offering $20,000 in cash prizes + professional development opportunities. Email shortandsweet@theartscentre.net.au Website http://assets.theartscentre.net.au
Key closing dates:
Entries from playwrights closing 31 July
Expressions of interest & interviews with directors closing 31 July
Proposals from independent theatre companies closing 31 July
Expressions of interest & auditions with actors closing 31 August

Awards Australia: Regional Achiever Awards & Community of the Year Award NSW/ACT
Two types of awards focused on recognising rural and regional achievers: businesses, community groups and individuals who work tirelessly in developing their chosen fields of endeavour. Prizes:
Business Enterprise Award – TVC airtime package on the Prime Network
Events and Tourism Award – TVC airtime package on the Prime Network
Regional Service Award – Commonwealth Bank AwardSaver Account of $5,000
Environment and Landcare Award – Commonwealth Bank AwardSaver Account of $5,000
Community of the Year Award – Commonwealth Bank AwardSaver Account of $5,000 (3 categories)
Contact Awards Australia Tel 02 9899 7251 Email info@awardsaustralia.com Website  www.awardsaustralia.com
Closing 11 August

Gilgandra Coo-ee Poetry Competition
Written poetry competition. Sections include adult, high school and primary sections with varying themes including traditional, humorous and coo-ee march sections. Winning poets have the opportunity to perform to a live audience at the Coo-ee Festival. Tel 02 6847 1248 Website www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au
Closing 18 August

ABC Radio's Regional Short Story Project
If you come from regional Australia and have a story to tell, ABC Radio’s Regional Short Story Project would like to hear from you. Stories must be original, previously unpublished and less than 1000 words in length; imaginative but need not necessarily be fiction; a great yarn that will engage the reader and translate well to radio. Ten winning stories will be produced for radio and broadcast on Radio National and ABC Local Radio stations around Australia. Winners each receive $700. Ten runners-up have their stories published on the ABC website and receive $50 ABC Shop gift vouchers. Website www.abc.net.au/shortstories
Opening 17 July
Closing 18 August

The Iremonger Award
An award for non-fiction works of political, social and cultural commentary that deal with contemporary Australian issues and contribute to public debate. Offered by Allen & Unwin, the prize is $10,000, guaranteed publication, royalties on book sales and editorial support to develop the proposal into a finished manuscript. Contact Rebecca Kaiser, Managing Edtior, Allen & Unwin Tel 02 8425 0123 Email rebeccak@allenandunwin.com. Website www.allenandunwin.com
Closing 25 August

Thanks Dad! Photo competition
Thank men for positive times with our children by entering photos in the Thanks Dad Photo Competition. $1,000 prizemoney donated by TP Health. Thanks Dad Photos is a national, not-for-profit competition with some government funding. Ask about running a local or regional competition in your local area. Invite our People’s Choice Exhibition to your local school, shopping centre or community venue. Contact Chris Hawke, Community Connections North Coast Tel 02 6622 3143 Website www.thanksdadphotos.org.
Closing 25 August

Red Lens International Photographic Competition
CSU's annual competition recognises photographic talent of all ages and offers several sections. The Community Education Open Section is again open to photographers of all ages and levels, and entrants are in the running for up to $10,000 in cash and prizes. Winners will have the opportunity to have their photograph published in Photo Review Australia magazine. Contact Hannah Hogan Tel 02 6338 6109 Email commed@csu.edu.au Website www.csu.edu.au
Closing 28 August

Screen Producers Association of Australia: digiSPAA 06
Now in its second year, digiSPAA is a session of competitive screenings for the best Australian or New Zealand feature length project, shot digitally and developed with a clear plan on how to exploit the project using a range of digital platforms. First Prize is a return airfare, accommodation, and free registration to the prestigious Rotterdam Cinemart feature film market. Contact Owen Johnston Email owen@spaa.org.au Website www.if.com.au
Closing 30 August

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.

>> Back to top

_______________________________________

Available to Tour

Thanks Dad! Photo Competition
See details above.

Only A Man by Belinda Mason-Lovering
On the back of a very successful Visions Australia national tour of the Intimate Encounters Disability and Sexuality Exhibition, photographer Belinda Mason-Lovering's new work Only a Man, confronting the prejudice and type-casting of men and emotions, is now available for touring. First shown at the Seymour Theatre Centre (March to May 2006), this telling work features the journey of 30 men who have exposed their bodies, minds and souls by providing an insight into their most intimate thoughts and emotions. Each one shares their experiences of growing up, male beauty, identity, war, work, divorce, fatherhood, disability, ageing, grief, and death. Contact Lisa Cahill Tel 0409 228 397 Email lisa@intimate-encounters.com.au Website www.artwhatson.com.au/intimateencountersonlyaman

Photo: Adam Milgate's story was the inspiration for Mason-Lovering's Only a Man collection. His image was Highly Commended at the 2002 Josephine Ulrick National Photography Prize held at the Tweed River Regional Art Gallery.

>> Back to top

________________________________________

New Resources

FRANK– The 'wired awake' mag for young women
FRANK (meaning: honest, open, to the point) was created by Karen Miles, Katie Delaney & Jessica Kiely. A free virtual magazine, soon to move into print, FRANK is run wholly by a socially responsible company of volunteers who assist schools, universities, colleges, corporates and organisations to inspire and develop youth and adults. After working as a journalist for many years, Karen Miles dreamed a big dream in 1998…to create a magazine for young women that contained positive, attainable, genuine information about living a happy, healthy life. Forget dieting, models, celebrities, and stupid tips, Karen wanted the magazine to be about inspiration, real career advice, relationships, current affairs, and education. FRANK was born. Check it out and download the latest issue at www.youth2youth.com.au/frank.asp.

National Craft Mapping Project
Last Month Craft Australia launched the National Craft Mapping Project: Service provision for professional craft artists and designer/makers, a report on sustainability and skills development in the Australian craft and design industry. The report addresses the fine balance between makers' needs and infrastructure support provided by service organisations to ensure growth in the industry. An order form for your free copy of the report can be downloaded from the Craft Australia Website www.craftaustralia.com.au.

>> Back to top

________________________________________

About this e-Bulletin

Deadline for next e-Bulletin
The Regional Arts NSW e-Bulletin is published on the 1st day of every month (or next business day), with a deadline for contributions of seven days before the end of the month.
The deadline for contributions to the August e-Bulletin is 25 July.

No repeats! (But everything is archived online)
The Regional Arts NSW e-Bulletin contains no repeat listings but there are always other opportunities, grants and/or prizes still available from previous editions. Access them on the archive here.

Contributions
All contributions to the e-Bulletin are welcome. Email a one paragraph, suitably worded listing to the editor, by 25 July (but please note we can not guarantee inclusion for inappropriate material).

Print it out!
The e-Bulletin is designed to be printed out so you can pass it on to those who don't have internet access or take it away to read elsewhere.

Spread the word!
If you know anyone you think might like the e-Bulletin, feel free to pass it on but do please suggest that people subscribe directly themselves - that way we know how many people benefit from the service.

Subscriptions
Sign up here.

Feedback
Yes please! Email the Editor.

Credits & thanks
The Regional Arts NSW e-Bulletin is part of the Regional Arts NSW Communications Program, made possible with funding from the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia.

>> Back to top

________________________________________

Regional Arts NSW

Regional Arts NSW is the peak body for the arts and community cultural development in regional and rural New South Wales Tel 02 9270 2500 Email admin@regionalartsnsw.com.au
Website www.regionalartsnsw.com.au.

Regional Arts NSW receives funding from the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia and the NSW Ministry for the Arts.

>> Back to top