e-Bulletin Mar 07

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Highlights

Stainless steel mesh sculpture by Anna Eggert and oil paintings by Margaret AcklandCome Hither: Interpretations of the Boudoir
Until 8 April, Wagga Wagga
Derived from the French work 'bouder' meaning 'to sulk', traditionally the 'boudoir' has been imagined as a room for luxurious pampering and seduction ... or has it? This new show, developed for the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery by curator, Susi Muddiman, explores the idea of a woman's bedroom as a private, personal and sometimes secretive place. Featuring a gorgeous array of works on canvas, in textile, glass, and other media, Come Hither features artists: Anna Platten, Anne Wallace, VR Morrison, Deborah Klein, Florence Broadhurst, Shane Jones, Maria Kontis, Geoffrey De Groen, John Brack and David Warren. Contact Susi Muddiman, Manager, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Tel 02 6926 9661 Email muddiman.susi@wagga.nsw.gov.au Website www.waggaartgallery.org

Roland Peelman, Artistic DirectorThe Song Company presents: Chronicles
16 March, Orange
17 March, Bathurst
18 March, Wentworth Falls
21 March, Wollongong
22 March, Newcastle

Michelangelo ... the Sistine Chapel ... a grand view of history from the Creation to the Last Judgment. The Song Company's latest regional tour this year extends itself to Orange, with a program celebrating music written for the Sistine chapel, including the famous yet rarely heard Sibylline Prophesies (1555) by Orlandus Lassus and music by Byrd and Monteverdi. Recognised as one of the most outstanding vocal ensembles internationally, the Song Company's latest venture into the sublime promises to be truly uplifting. Tickets $45 / $40 / $25. Contact Renée Jones Tel 02 92511600 Website www.songcompany.com.au

Back-a-Bushie: Drought appeal art auction
17 March, Crookwell
Adam Cullen, MagafaunaNational and international artists are coming to the rescue of drought-stricken farmers in the Upper Lachlan Shire with a large-scale donation of works set to be auctioned to the public in a drought appeal with a difference. Up for grabs will be works by some of Australia's finest artists: Archibald Prize winners, Adam Cullen and Cherry Hood; Archibald finalist, Margarita Georgiadis as well as Max Cullen, Graeme Townsend and John Dawson (US). Artworks are expected to reach bids from $500 up to $20,000 for some exclusive and rare pieces. Funds will go towards the drilling of 14 community bores essential to the Shire's use of non-potable water for garden, livestock and fire-fighting resources. Crookwell Memorial Hall, open from 10am, auction at 2.30pm. Contact Hank Spirek Tel 02 4830 1000 Email hspirek@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au

Opera in the PaddockOpera in the Paddock
17 March, Inverell
A few thousand opera lovers will gather in a paddock under the stars this month to hear operettas and song performed by exceptional classical voices at the 6th annual Opera in the Paddock. Featuring exquisite solos and ensembles from a repertoire of Gluck, Rossini, Puccini and Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, as well as Viennese composers and a touch of the Irish, the concert boasts a splendid line up of professional sky-singing maestros, including Peta Blyth, Roxane Hislop, Richard Greager, Shaun Brown, David Hibbard and Sydney Conservatorium student, David Commisso, supported by the Mimosa Instrumental Ensemble. Made possible with recent funding from Inverell Shire Council and sponsorship from QantasLink for a schools workshop. Contact Inverell Visitor Information Centre Tel 02 6728 8161 Email operainthepaddock@bigpond.com Website www.operainthepaddock.com.au

Jazz in the Tops 2007
9 11 March, Coolah
Photo courtesy Jazz in the Tops, by Peter Joyce Coolah Tops National Park will come alive this month with the swinging sounds of top national and international jazz artists playing in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The line-up for the 5th annual Jazz in the Tops’ festival its its biggest yet, with Saturday’s concert starring vocalist Elana Stone. Also on the bill: crowd favourites George Washingmachine and Didjeridu Dingo, Bogalusa Strutters, The Dan Barnett Songbook and Howler’s Classic Five plus Blues Point, the RAAF Air Command Band and the Dubbo Jazz Band. The 3 day festival also includes a Big Jazz Breakfast; a Gospel show; school performances and workshops; jazz in the pubs and a special youth rock concert. Camping is available and there is also a children's program. BYO alcohol and chair. Share some country hospitality and find out why Coolah was named the NSW/ACT Community of the Year. Contact Freecall 1800 242 881 Email info@jazzinthetops.com.au Website www.jazzinthetops.com.au

Kwinana Living in Harmony Project, WAHarmony Day
21 March, Statewide
Right across the State, arts groups and others will use Harmony Day as an opportunity to bring people from different backgrounds together and make them feel part of their community. Celebrating respect and acceptance, participation and a fair go for all, this year Harmony Day has a special focus on schools, providing new opportunities to develop community harmony in regional and rural areas. Last year there were over 800 Harmony Day events in NSW and organisers expect even more this year. Start planning your event by visiting the website to to find out what’s across NSW. Harmony Day is part of the Department of Immigration & Citizenship's Living in Harmony Program, which funds projects and partnerships that create opportunities for people to participate in the Australian way of life and promote Australian values. Website www.harmony.gov.au

Ironfest: An arts festival with a metal twist
ribal Belly Dance Troupe, Ghawazi Caravan are a popular event at Ironfest28 29 April, Lithgow
Combining the metallurgic with the artistic in a festival for the whole family, Ironfest offers a mixed pot of crossovers from technology and metalwork to live art, song and performance. The festival brings together artists, designers, performers, musicians, historical re-enactors and machine enthusiasts. Demonstrations and workshops include: blacksmithing, wire working, mask making, belly dancing and musical instrument making. Historical displays contextualise the rituals and regalia of medieval metalcraft, with exhibitions and reenactments that re-live the creativity of colonial and middle-age societies. Ironfest also boasts an eclectic mix of classical music, jazz, rock, country and western, bush, medieval and modern experimental to create a feast of the new and unexpected. Contact Tel 02 6353 1638 Email ironfest@lisp.com.au Website www.ironfest.com.au

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Regional Arts NSW News

Exhibition of works by Sharon MuirEight new projects get 'Quick' support
Eight new projects have already got the go-ahead this year with funding from the Regional Arts NSW Quick Turnaround Grants program. The list includes work in a diverse range of artforms: dance, music, theatre, circus, literature and craft, with projects spread across seven different regions. Strong demand has seen the funds for the first quarter of 2007 expended in just two months.
Full story on the Regional Arts NSW website here.

Arts a big part of National Rural Health Conference
NSW Regional Arts Board, Murray Arts, has developed a comprehensive arts and health strand for the National Rural Health Conference to be held in Albury this month.
See story in the Project Reports section of this e-Bulletin or full story on the Regional Arts NSW website here

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Other News

Gulargambone cafe|gallery wins national tourism award
Some of the members of the 2828 team collect their awardGulargambone's '2828' community-run cafe and gallery has won a coveted major national tourism award. Named after the town's postcode, '2828' beat a field of big interstate centres to take out the General Tourism Services Award at the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney on 23 February. Entirely run by volunteers, 2828 is a lovingly renovated building in the town's mainstreet comprising a cafe, landscaped courtyard, gallery, library and function centre. The centre runs monthly movie nights and storytelling as well as hosting functions, running a craft shop and secondhand bookshop and operating as a visitor information centre. The 2828 success story is one of a small town community fighting rural decline.
Read all about 2828 on their beautiful website here.
Full story of QANTAS Australian Tourism Award winners online here.

Cultural development an election issue says Local Government
Local arts and culture require additional $5.5m annually, says LGSA
Cultural development is a key lobby issue for Local Government in the lead up to this month's State election. The NSW Local Government & Shires Associations (LGSA), yesterday released their Cultural Development Policy Platform, which calls for an increase of $5.5 million in State annual arts funding to provide a number of investment pilots for new cultural infrastructure and to develop council cultural plans. The Cultural Development Policy Platform is the last of seven policy platforms developed by the Associations in the lead up to this month's State election. The other lobbying issues for the LGSA are:
The Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program (CTWSSP)
Planning
Waste
Rural health
Community wellbeing – which includes education, recreation and welfare – and
Public libraries.
View the full LGSA Policy Platform for the 2007 Election, including the Cultural Development Policy, on the LGSA website here

Connie Looking BackBooligal short film selected for Popcorn Taxi
A seven-minute short film shot in Booligal, 75kms north of Hay, has been selected for the Popcorn Taxi/ Tropfest 'Best of the Rest' Film festival. The festival is a national program of the best short-listed films entered into Tropfest in 2007. The film, Moon Water, was written and directed by Outback Theatre for Young People Artistic Director, Amy Hardingham, in collaboration with her Sydney based partner, The Chaser's War on Everything editor, James Edwards. Moon Water explores the story of siblings who deal with the drought by remembering the landscape's hidden magic. Shot in Booligal, the film features local Hay talent and was produced by a range of community collaborators.
Moon Water is screening in the Popcorn Taxi/Tropfest 'Best of the Rest' in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth and will be screening in Hay on 10 March as part of the 'In The Bin' touring film festival.
Contact Amy Hardingham, Tel 02 6993 1715 Email director@outbacktheatre.com

Bell Shakespeare expands regional program
The Government Inspector with Darren Gilshenan and William ZappaThe Bell Shakespeare Company will be touring to regional NSW this year, with a number of towns on the schedule for this year's major works Macbeth, Othello and The Government Inspector. Nothing unusual in that. But this year the company will also be offering student and teacher workshops in Wagga Wagga, Orange, Armidale, Griffith, Bathurst, Newcastle and Lismore as part of an expanded Education Program which includes special performances in schools by the company's 'Actors At Work' program. In addition, one teacher from regional NSW will be selected to participate in the Regional Teacher Scholarship program a new initiative for 2007 and the Regional Performance Scholarship will provide new opportunities for students in regional areas to spend a week in Sydney with the company.
More information on the Bell Shakespeare website here

Regional filming fund | NSW projects
The NSW Film & Television Office (FTO) has announced two feature films and an ABC Television series have been awarded almost $250,000 to be filmed on location in regional NSW. The two films are: Newcastle, a coming of age surf movie set along the Hunter coastline; and Cactus, which explores a husband and wife relationship through a kidnapping that goes tragically wrong, to be shot on location in the Central West. The ABC TV series is East of Everything, which traces the lives of broken-hearted individuals whose futures begin to take an upwards turn, to be shot in the Northern Rivers
More information on the FTO website here

AFC brings Tropfest to the regions
This year's Sony Tropfest was screened in regional locations across Australia for the first time, thanks to the Australian Film Commission’s Regional Digital Screen Network (RDSN). Participating venues are independent cinemas with a proven record of screening Australian programs and working with the AFC on the Big Screen regional travelling film festival. They were, in NSW: Wagga Wagga's Forum Cinema 6 and the Rosepoint Cinemas in Singleton. This year's winning film was the animation An Imaginary Life, written, directed, produced and edited by Brisbane's Steve Baker. Telling the childhood story of forgotten imaginary friends, the film was screened in front of 90,000 viewers in Sydney's domain.
More information on the Tropfest website here

Country Energy launches Art Prize for Landscape Painting
Artists have been encouraged to paint not just what they see but their connection with the landscapes around them in this year's $35,000 Country Energy Art Prize for Landscape painting, which was launched yesterday at Dubbo Regional Art Gallery. The prize is open to artists who live within the Country Energy network distribution area, which covers most of the state from the coast to the outback. For the first time this year, the Country Energy Art Prize will be non-acquisitive, allowing the winner to keep or sell their work and still retain the prize. Since its establishment five years ago, the Prize has become a mainstay on the visual arts calendar. The prize is open to all artistic styles, mediums and contexts. Entries to the Prize close on 20 July.
More information on the Country Energy website here

NFSA establishes Sounds of Australia
The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) today announced the establishment of Sounds of Australia, a public registry of significant recordings that will be added to each year, celebrating Australia’s unique culture and history though sound. The registry invites nominations of any recordings made in Australia or by Australians that are at least 20 years old, on disc, tape, hard drive or cylinder – material may be as diverse as a political speech or news broadcast, a great sporting moment, a single song, an album, an artist or a body of work, or even recordings of bird songs or frogs. The oldest item in the foundation registry is the first known Australian recording: a Warnambool shop assistant imitating a chook, which dates from 1896.
Contact NFSA Freecall 1800 067 274 Website here

New $100,000 prize for art about sport
Melbourne's Ian Potter Museum of Arts has announced a major new initiative in partnership with philanthropist, Basil Sellars: a $100,000 prize for a work of art on the theme of sport. Inviting artists to engage imaginatively with an issue at the core of Australian's national mythology, the Director of the Ian Potter Museum, Dr Chris McAuliffe said, "Basil and I both share a passion for sport, but we're also aware that the best artists bring a critical eye to contemporary life. An artist may celebrate sport but we also expect entrants to ask pointed questions and perhaps explore the murkeir backwaters of sporting culture." The closing date for entires to the new prize is 29 June with an exhibition to be held at the Ian Potter Museum from July to September 2008.
More information in the Prizes section of this e-Bulletin here and on the Basil Sellars Art Prize website here

New CEO to shake-up the Australia Council?
A streamlined Australia Council with fewer executives and staff is one option to be explored by the organisation's chief executive, according to an article in The Australian by Corrie Perkin. 'The federal Government's main arts funding body will also forge closer ties with the business community as a way of generating cash support for the low-income sector,' says the report.
Full story on The Australian's website here


Dubbo student wins Linden Postcard Show
Former Dubbo resident and Monash University student, Beatrice McDonald, has won first prize at the Linden Postcard Show with a photograph of her six-year-old sister, I Wish I Was My Big Sister. McDonald's work beat around 2300 other works to win the $5,000 award.
Full story at the Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts Website here.

Slim Dusty songs discovered
The Country Music Bulletin reports that the National Archive of Australia (NAA) has "found" four never-recorded songs copyrighted by Slim Dusty in 1943 when he was just 15 years old. 'Beautiful Aussie Land', 'I’m A Yodeling Guy From Texas', 'Why Don’t You Come Round?' and 'Ramblin’ Along' were never recorded, says the Bulletin, 'but they all show signs of the unique Slim Dusty characteristics that made him a star.'
Full story on the Country Music Bulletin website here

Grantseekers Guide 2007: Community PartnershipsOzCo | 2007 Grant Seeker's information program, guides now available
The Australian Council invites interested artists and community organisations to attend an information platform about their funding programs and grants. The sessions will be held in all major centres across the country from now until 1 June and provide a chance to talk to staff and find out more about what programs are offered and how to apply. Contact Tel 02 9215 9000 Email mail@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au
Also now available: The Australia Council for the Arts' Grant Seeker's Guides – eight handbooks outlining the Australia Council's grants and funding programs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts; Community Partnerships; Dance; Inter-arts and media arts; Literature; Music; Theatre and Visual arts. Copies of the handbooks are now available for download from the Australia Council's website or Contact Tel 02 9215 9000 Freecall 1800 226 912
Email mail@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au

Cover of the Local Yellow & White PagesArts champion a household name in Hawkesbury
This year's Hawkesbury Yellow & White Pages features local resident Margaret Ginnings as part of its 'Champions of Community' theme. Margaret is well known in the Windsor area for her significant contribution to the community particularly through the art scene. She was involved in lobbying the Hawkesbury City Council to establish the gallery and helped run a fundraising campaign that won the NAB CommunityLink Award for Art & Culture. The cover picture shows: Greg Hansell, Michael Ginnings, Margaret Ginnings and Sheila Sharp at the Artists Trail, Arthur Streeton Lookout.

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New Resources

Indigenous Visual Arts & Craft Resource Directory
A resource for artists, arts administrators, curators, commercial galleries, public galleries and museums and government departments. This 164 page directory published by DoCITA is designed to support the Australian Indigenous arts and cultural industry by making the depth and range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork accessible and helping to close the gap between many Indigenous artists and the marketplace, particularly for artists in remote locations. The directory identifies more than 500 organisations involved in Indigenous arts production and marketing and provides summaries and contact details for each.
The guide is accessible at the DCITA website online here [PDF]

Arts NSW: Guidelines for Cultural Grants 2008
Arts NSW (formerly the NSW Ministry for the Arts) has released its new Guidelines for Cultural Grants for 2008 and Fellowships, Scholarships & Awards for 2007-2008. The book includes full descriptions of each program area - CCD, Dance, Literature & History, Museums, Music, Performing Arts Touring, Theatre and Visual Arts as well as a range of fellowships, scholarships and awards. Closing dates for applications range from 16 March 2007 (for the NSW Premier's History Awards) to 9 November 2007 (for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards). Most program areas close in May, June or July. Contact Arts NSW for a copy of the Guidelines Freecall 1800 358 594 Email mail@arts.nsw.gov.au Website www.arts.nsw.gov.au.

Arts Insurance HandbookThe Arts Insurance Handbook
The 2nd edition of this user-friendly guide to the insurance world for artists and non-profit arts organisations, written by Catherine Fargher and Seth Richardson and published by the Arts Law Centre of Australia. A practical guide which outlines the various types of insurance available and offers tips on what to look out for when buying insurance; reducing insurance costs; public liability and insurance for volunteers. Including a basic introduction to the legal and commercial aspects of insurance and an analysis of the needs of specific arts areas, the book also compiles a useful glossary, a list of brokers and pointers to specialists in the industry. Available through the Arts Law website for $27.50. Website www.artslaw.com.au

The Mural ManualThe Mural Manual
An oldie but a goodie. First published in 1982 by the Arts Council of NSW, The Mural Manual : A guide to community mural painting in Australia includes practical sections on a wide range from topics on every stage of mural making from planning to completion and even promotion. An excellent resource for anyone interested in making a mural or indeed in the history of this artform in Australia.
Email us for a free copy!
Regional Arts NSW has a limited number of copies of The Mural Manual to give away to the first 10 people to send their name and postal address in an email with 'Mural Manual' in the subject line to  admin@regionalartsnsw.com.au

Arts on Tour NSW | Marketing Connect
Planning touring can be time-consuming. Bringing together the presenters, producers and marketing personnel working on a tour, Marketing Connect is a free teleconference forum that now allows all parties to chat and swap marketing ideas and hot tips. The service is available for any tour and can be arranged quickly, simply and at a convenient time. Kits are available which include information on how to successfully coordinate a teleconference and how to ensure that it is beneficial for all. Marketing Connect is a free service provided by Arts on Tour NSW with support from Arts NSW. Contact Arts On Tour NSW Tel 02 9571 6799 or Freecall 1300 667 469
Email marketing@artsontour.com.au Website www.artsontour.com.au

Picture of Grafton Gallery from the new websiteGrafton Regional Gallery online
Grafton Regional Gallery's new website includes everything you need to know about the gallery (from opening hours to maps and contact details) as well as information about current exhibitions, events and education programs, media releases and gallery newsletters. Also online are the gallery’s collections including the John William Lindt photographs, O’Grady collection and JADA (Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award), complete with selected images and background information. Website www.graftongallery.nsw.gov.au

Talking Theatre: three years in review
Talking Theatre is the culmination of a three-year Queenland University of Technology study into the practices and preferences of non-theatregoers in regional Queensland and the Northern Territory. The report details the 'whys' and 'why nots' of theatre attendees through open dialogue and consultation with over 230 participants across 14 performing arts centres. A must read for regional performance organisations and theatre-makers looking to strategically develop stronger audiences.
Read the report online here

Arts OutWest logoCentral West Cultural Planning Calendar 2007
Arts OutWest’s new Cultural Planning Calendar 2007 is a good call when trying to select a suitable date for an arts or cultural event in central west NSW. The calendar is updated weekly and features all the major events, activities, concerts, performances, exhibitions, festivals and workshops happening in the region for 2007. Available for download from the Arts OutWest website www.artsoutwest.org.au

Media Team Australia
Community organisations across Australia may use Media Team Australia to help raise their profile by enhancing their public relations and communications activities. Offering a new range of training workshops, Media Team Australia is a not-for-profit organisation working with other non-profit bodies to streamline and boost expertise in the creation of public images. The free booklet Going from worthy to worthwhile in six steps: Media Team Australia's Guide to More Effective Communication is available by email and a series of online tools are soon to be launched. Email admin@mediateam.com.au Website www.mediateam.com.au

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Project Reports

Works by L-R: Greg Galy, Peter Wilson and John OlsenEarthly Encounters
5 March 21 April, Mosman
Featuring some of Australia’s most well known artists and craftspeople alongside less known ceramicists from Bathurst, Mudgee, Lithgow, Orange, Blayney, Cowra and beyond, Earthly Encounters is collection of ceramics put together by Arts OutWest to showcase work that best characterises the ‘studio tradition’ which is the hallmark of the region. With forms, clays and glazes that reflect characteristics of the local landscape, the works are vibrant, diverse in styles and exceptional in quality. It's first time that a collection of fine Central West ceramic works has even been put together. The exhibition came about after a long process of negotiation, beginning with a professional development held with ceramicists at Ceramics Focus in 2002. Earthly Encounters premiered at the Orange Regional Gallery in November 2005 before moving to the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery last December. Next stop is the Mosman Regional Gallery where the exhibition will be on show from 5 March 21 April before moving on to the Bega Regional Gallery from 4 May 2 June.
Contact Natalie Kent, Arts OutWest Tel 02 6338 4657 Email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Earthly Encounters
was a 'Stories of the Central West' project made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund.

Journey of a Generation
2 28 March, Nowra
Twenty two students from four Shoalhaven high schools attended three one-day workshops at the Boyd Education Centre, Riversdale, in west Cambewarra in October and November last year as part of a program run by the Bundanon Trust. Revealing and exploring your ambitions, hope, fears, depression and delightes is not easy, especially when you're in high school. But for these students, the exercise resulted in a major art work, Journey of a Generation, which will be the highlight of an exhibition this month at the Shoalhaven City Arts Centre. The artwork was begun with poetry and text produced by the students about their experiences and feelings for the city. The students also took part in a series of dry point etching and mixed media workshops facilitated by Bundanon staff. The completed work will be presented for inclusion in the Shoalhaven Art City Collection at the official exhibition opening on 3 March.
Contact Alan Baptist, Arts Development Manager, Shoalhaven City Arts Centre Tel 02 4429 3460

Marimba workshop with Jon MadinArt at the heart of National Rural Health Conference program
7 10 March, Albury
The arts feature strongly at this year’s National Rural Health Conference thanks to a major program put together by Murray Arts that places arts and culture right at the heart of a healthy lifestyle in rural Australia. Around 1,000 health professionals from across the country will get to hear about existing projects of national significance and learn new skills in a range of workshops based on successful arts in health programs, as well as being entertained by song, dance, circus, exhibitions and other performances. Delegates will also make their own entertainment, coming together each morning to sing and finally perform as a choir at the conference’s conclusion. In development since June 2006, the art and health program was funded by the National Rural Health Alliance and the Australia Council for the Arts’ CCD Board. Contact Chris Pidd Mob 0409 454 119.
Full program on the 9th National Rural Health Conference website here
More details on the arts component of the conference on the Regional Arts NSW website here

Children unearth their cultural backgrounds in Heritage Books project
March 2007, Narooma
Narooma Public School pupils exploring the story behind a family treasure, a 1920's typewriter.A pilot project is underway at Narooma Public School that involves 30 pupils in years 5 and 6 in the production of a heritage "artist" book based on their family history. The aim of the project is to identify and celebrate the cultures of the families of the South Coast region. Under the guidance of visual artist, Virginia Catts and writer and family historian, Myfanwy Thompson, each pupil is researching, recording and illustrating their family story. Many 'Australian' children have been delighted to discover that they have Dutch, Welsh, Scottish, Italian, Burmese, Native American, German, Italian or Chinese ancestry. There are two Aboriginal pupils in the group, too. The completed heritage books will be displayed in the local library before being presented in a major exhibition at The Mechanics Institute in Moruya in November this year. Each of the pupils will retain their own book as a family keepsake.
The South East Arts Region (SEAR) is keen to see the project extend into other parts of the region and interested primary schools are invited to contact Penny Bonnell, Cultural Officer Tel 02 4474 1088 Email pbonnell@sear.org.au

The Cultural Wellsprings project was made possible with a grant from the NSW Commission for a Multicultural Australia and the support of the Eurobodalla Shire Council and the Queanbeyan Multilingual Centre.

Table by YardART women weldersYardART – Women who Weld
September 2006, Deniliquin
YardART was an artistic welding course for women run by Riverina Institute of TAFE in the lead up to last year's Deni Plain The Plains Festival and World Record Ute Muster. Part of the developing cultural program produced for the festival by South West Arts, the course resulted in an exhibition featuring the best of the students' 'Yard Art' and metal sculptures in the Muster Moments Exhibition Centre throughout the festival. Students were on hand to describe their form of artwork to patrons and to encourage people to learn not only a new form of art but new trade skills. Works included metal sculptures of birds, kangaroos, plants and this wonderful table created from garage tools.
Contact Nina O'Brien, South West Arts Tel 02 6993 2010 Email admin@southwestarts.com.au

YardART was made possible with a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program

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What's On

Expanse (red diagonal) 2005 Type C photograph by Ruby DaviesExpanse, Inland Sea, Vantage
Until 11 March, Wagga Wagga
Artist Ruby Davies expresses her interest in the broad expanse of the outback landscape of the Murry Darling Basin. Her images show the beauty, while also visually suggesting the contested nature of European interaction with land and water. Part of the Links Gallery program at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Contact Tel 02 6926 9660 Email gallery@wagga.nsw.gov.au Website www.waggaartgallery.org

Patricia Piccinini, Nature's little helpers - Surrogate (for the Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat) 2004Strange Cargo: Contemporary art as a state of encounter
Until 18 March, Broken Hill
See creatures that defy biology, unnatural landscapes beyond our reality and ideas from the future made real in this exhibition, curated from the Newcastle Region Art Gallery's collection, which displays the engaging and often bewildering nature of contemporary art in Australia. Leading Australian artists represented include James Angus, Hany Armanious, Peter Atkins, Lionel Bawden, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Fiona Hall, Bill Henson, Rosemary Laing, Tim Maguire, Tracey Moffatt, Patricia Piccinini and Hossein Valamanesh. Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery is the first stop in a tour of the show that will include Bendigo, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Tweed River and Ipswich. Contact Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery Tel 08 8088 6897 Email artgallery@brokenhill.nsw.gov.au

Finding our way to the end
Until 20 April, Hill End
The Hill End Art Gallery presents this exhibition featuring a selection of photographs by Tamara Dean and Dean Sewell from their 2005 Hill End residency. Contact Tel 02 6333 6555 Email brag@bathurst.nsw.gov.au Website www.hillendart.com

Mindscapes
Until 11 May, Maclean
An exhibiton of works by four local artists who journey into the imagination; Mason Brown, Kerrie Hilton, Marea Hill and Ranee Hanlen work on Einstein’s premise that ‘imagination is more important than knowledge’. TNN Gallery, Woolitji House.
TNN Gallery will also host an Easter art and artisan exhibition in the gallery courtyard in a market style format with local musicians. Interested contributors, exhibitors, performers can contact the gallery. Contact Anne Worboys Tel 02 6645 1259 Email anne@tnn.net.au

Judy Campbell’s Mosaic, with Bandika Ngao
2 March, Taree
An impressive nine-piece band presenting a joyous weave of East African and contemporary jazz, with the special addition of guest, Bandika Ngao’s rhythmic inventiveness. With piano, guitar, percussion, bass and a compilation of fantastic voices, this promises to be a superb concert. One lucky patron will win an Ipod Nano preloaded with Mosaic CDs. 8pm Manning Entertainment Centre Tickets $25 / $20 / $15 Bookings Tel 02 6552 5699.

Hay Girls Reunion
3 4 March, Hay
Hay Gaol & original truck used to transport the girls, photo by Amy HardinghamAa busload of women will arrive at Hay Gaol this weekend for an emotional reunion and memorial service. The "Hay Girls" are former inmates of the Institution for Girls, Hay, a total security annex to the Parramatta Girls’ Home that operated between 1961 and 1974. The women are part of a larger group identified as the ‘Forgotten Australians’ by the 2004 Senate Committee Report into Institutional Care. Events open to the public include a Saturday evening program featuring Outback Theatre for Young People who will present scenes from Eyes to the Floor by Alana Valentine, a play inspired by verbatim accounts of former inmates. The evening, which includes supper, will conclude with an open forum: Hay Girls Tell It Like It Was! On Sunday there will be a memorial service and ceremonial rose bush planting followed by a luncheon. Tickets $10 by pre-purchase from Travelscene Hay. Contact the Hay Visitor Information Centre Tel 02 6993 4045 Website www.visithay.com.au

Australian National Bush Poetry Championships
2 4 March, Dunedoo
Carrying on in the tradition of Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson, the best of the country's bush balladeers will vye for over $5,000 in prizes and trophies for the honours of bearing the coveted title of Australia Bush Poetry National Champion 2007. Caravan accommodation, markets, music and yarn spinning competitions will accompany the poetry to make a fun weekend of wordsmithing in the outback. Contact Tel 02 6375 1975 Website www.abpa.org.au

An Inconvenient Truth
4 March, Grafton
Al Gore’s fascinating and controversial climate change film An Inconvenient Truth wll be held in conjunction with The Philosophy Science and Theology Festival at the Parish Centre at 6.30pm. A light supper will be served after the screening with an opportunity to discuss the film and its themes. Tickets $10. Contact Tel 02 6642 8684 Email enquiringminds@pstf.com.au Website www.pstf.com.au

In The Bin Touring Short Film Festival
3 26 March, South West
A new partnership between South West Arts, Local Government bodies and Country Energy will see eight communities throughout the region screening some of Australia's best short films, as well as featuring films produced by local youth as part of the festival's educational program. The finale in Deniliquin on 26 March features a showcase of local films, 'Shooting the Bin in the Great South West'.
In The Bin 3 March, Hillston Lions Park 7pm
7 March, Balranald Theatre Royale 7pm
10 March, Hay Railway Station 7.30pm
14 March, Coleambally Outside Community Building 7.30pm
17 March, Finley High School 7pm
21 March, Tooleybuc Central School, Evening
24 March, Moama Soundshell, 7pm
25 March, Jerilderie Luke Park, Evening
26 March, Deniliquin High School, Time TBC
Contact Julia Stephenson, Projects Officer, South West Arts Tel 02 6993 2010 Email projects@southwestarts.com.au

What's on at Grafton Regional Gallery
7 March 15 April, Grafton
Lyndall Adams: the indeterminate precision of narrative a series of paintings and digital prints that speak to Lyndall's life in regional NSW, with emphasis on the games children play to prepare them for the adult world.
Arthur Wicks perspectives from the Solstice Voyeur who quietly observes and photographs the world's shortest and longest days, and compiles huge images that record the state of the earth in these moments.
Anne Falkner: reflections using the environment, Grafton-based Falkner captures long moments in time through reflections.
Postcard show a major fundraising exhibition offering postcard-sized artworks from local and national artists, for sale through a silent auction.
Contact Director Jude McBean Tel 02 6642 3177 Website www.graftongallery.nsw.gov.au

IWD | Celebrating Women
8 March, Broken Hill
Broken Hill Writers Centre is teaming up with the Regional Art Gallery to offer an enjoyable and insightful event to celebrate the success of women in regional areas. 6.30pm8pm Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery. Contact Amelia Thurley Tel 08 8088 3317 Email admin@bhlibrary.go.au Website www.bhlibrary.org.au

Four PlayFourPlay String Quartet
9 March, Bangalow
Fourplay bring a rock’n’roll mentality and pop sensibility to their finely honed skills as classical musicians. Their use of extended instrumental techniques combined with an array of hard rock effects gives them a truly unique sound. Their new album Now To The Future features original songs ranging from pop to post-rock to "Bollyrock", with influences as diverse as klezmer, tango, slide guitar and folktronica. Bangalow Catholic Hall, 8pm. Tickets $20. Contact Ku Promotions Tel 02 66 847 921

Black Light
10 March, Collector
Readings and conversations with three Aboriginal women writers, Jenni-Kemarre Martiniello, Kerry Reed-Gilbert and Anita Heiss, whose novel Not Meeting Mr Right has just been launched in both Sydney and Canberra. Regular ABC TV viewers will know Anita from Geoff McMullen’s new show as a panel member. She is an engaging and thought provoking speaker. 3-5pm at Collector Gallery. Tickets $20 includes catering. Bookings essential by 8 March. Contact Barbie Robinson Mob 0419 492 658 Email artspace@collectorgallery.com.au Website www.collectorgallery.com.au

Luminesca | Pro Musica 2007
11 March, Grafton
Two of Australia’s most prominent musicians join forces in the unusual and exquisite combination of an Australian cello and guitar duo.Trish O’Brien and Gareth Koch will offer a feast of strings at the Clarence Valley Conservatorium. Drinks at 4.30pm, performance at 5pm. Tickets $30 / $27 / $25 / $22 / $5 from Buckleys Grafton Music Store or the door. Contact Heather Brown Tel 02 6643 3555 Email verona2@bigpond.com

Songs, poems & yarns of the Australian bush
14 March, Goulburn
In celebration of Seniors Week, Goulburn Library presents esteemed author and singer Warren Fahey in a rare chance to hear the real stories and songs of the Australian bush. Fahey is an ABC broadcaster and vocalist and will be accompanied by Australian fiddle champion Marcus Holden to create an evening of folk balladeering followed by real bush supper. Goulburn Library, 6pm8pm. Free. Contact Tel 02 4823 4435

Yackandandah Folk Festival
16 18 March, Yackandandah
Celebrating 10 years of festivals in Yackandandah with additional venues including 300 seat marquee. Featuring performers from the UK, USA, Canada and Philippines as well as the cream of Australian talent. This year’s program encompasses the flavours of the traditional folk genre and stretches the boundaries of what people traditionally regard as folk music that is interspersed with blues, rock, country and jazz; all making for some wonderful musical storytelling and reasons to dance. Headliners include Mad Violet, folk rock duo from Canada and fun family entertainer Keith Donnelly from the UK, not to mention Laura Love from the USA who mixes folk melodies, jazz, bluegrass and blues into an exciting stew that she calls "folk-funk". Tickets $65 / $45 Website www.folkfestival.yackandandah.com

Zykado
Zykado17 March, Bangalow
In playful experiments with musical and emotional parameters, Matthias Loibner plays the hurdy-gurdy and Tunji Beier provides percussion, sounds and live looping. Together they achieve a multilayered simultaneity of sounds, styles and feelings. The unique experience melds Tunji Beier's roots from African (Yoruba), South Indian and jazz techniques with Matthias Loibner's classical training in European and African (Buganda) music. Bangalow Catholic Hall, 8pm. Tickets $18 / $16. Contact Ku Promotions Tel 02 66 847 921.

Hands on History
17 March, Millthorpe
Millthorpe and District Historical Society invite museum members and friends to this celebration of the 25th anniversary of Jacoba Craft Cottage, featuring the official handover of the Clayton and Shuttleworth traction engine by the Department of the Environment and Heritage. Golden Memories Museum. Contact Tel 02 6366 3980 Email millthorpemuseum@bigpond.com

Blue Mountains Music Festival
16 18 March, Katoomba
Traditional folk bands, a capella groups, guitar wizards, gypsy fiddlers, raging blues combos and more gather to exchange tunes for this eclectic festival in the mountains atmosphere. Featuring internationally renowned Aboriginal performing artist Kerrianne Cox, as well as food and craft stalls and intimate performance settings, the festival offers a fine mix of food, craft, wine and music in an evocative landscape. Day tickets from $90 / $70, weekends $160 / $135. Contact Email info@bmff.org.au Website www.bmff.org.au

Rory McLeod
21 March, Bangalow
Dynamic live performer Rory McLeod (UK) tours original songs from his seventh albumn Brave Faces. A modern travelling troubadour, McLeod uses tap shoes, acappella, harmonica, guitar, trombone, spoons, finger cymbals, bandorea, and various percussion instruments to generate extraordinary energy across his most innovative musical instrument: his body. 8pm Bangalow Catholic Hall Tickets $22 / $18. Contact Ku Promotions Tel 02 66 847 921 Website www.rorymcleod.com

Who is smiling? By Stephen KaldorStephen Kaldor: Real, Unreal, Remastered
22 March 17 April, Port Macquarie
Weird, wacky and wonderful, this retrospective exhibition of Sydney-based artist Stephen Kaldor’s works is a must see. From realistic landscapes to twisted faces to re-worked classics, each piece is entirely unique. Stephen Kaldor is a well respected artist in the community and is represented in numerous private and public collections locally and internationally. Everglades Gallery. Tel 02 6583 4182 Email art@evergladesgallery.com Website www.evergladesgallery.com

Kiss Me KateKiss Me Kate
23 March, Deniliquin
Sing along to the rollicking fun of Kiss Me Kate, the legendary musical version of Shakespeare's tempestuous classic, The Taming of the Shrew. A storyline of feuding egos (and love!) between two old Hollywood stage masters: Fred Graham (as Petruchio) and ex-wife Lilli Vanessi (as Katherine). A Co-Opera production presented by the Deniliquin Arts Council, Waring Gardens, 6.30pm. Tickets $30 / $25. Contact Sue Mulligan 03 5881 3100 Email greenacres@bordernet.com.au

Kate CeberanoMildura Wentworth Arts Festival | Kate Ceberano
24 March, Mildura
Renowned singer, songwriter and multiple ARIA Award winner Kate Ceberano performs at Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival's celebratory closing night: Music Under the Stars. Supported by exceptional local performers, Deb Banks, Ailsa Thomson and Erica Graf, Kate and musicians will play an eclectic mix of jazz, folk and ballads. Contact Festival Director Helen Healy Tel 03 50215100 Email info@mwaf.com.au Website www.mwaf.com.au

Richard ClaptonMolong Music and Arts Festival
30 March 1 April, Molong
The third annual Molong Music & Arts Festival will have rock and blues enthusiasts’ ears in heaven, with Aussie icon Richard Clapton, international blues artist Lisa Hunt from the USA and the very popular Bondi Cigars performing on Friday night. ‘Saturday in the Street’ will take place from 10am – 3pm in Bank Street, Molong on Saturday. There will be the ‘Molong Stories’ banner parade; sculpture workshops; Bank Street stage performances; Molong Exposed, a ‘Waste to Art competition/ exhibition; Naked Ladies art exhibition; a student art competition, street performers, stalls, food and more. The Saturday night live gig will feature a big name band Thirsty Merc, supported by American musician and blues legend, Eugene ‘Hideaway‘ Bridges. Contact Tel 02 63 668 012 Website www.molongfestival.com.au

Two Fires Festival
30 March 1 April, Braidwood
Celebrating the legacy of poet and activist Judith Wright, the Two Fires Festival 'stokes' the conjoined issues of art and activism with a range of contemporary and relevant workshops and showcases. This year's theme focuses on identity and the environment, including poetry readings, energy and future issues forums, an Indigenous art exhibition and song-writing workshops. Day tickets from $20, weekend $80. Contact Sylvia Douglas Tel 0421 796 952 Email sylviarobyn@bigpond.com Website www.twofiresfestival.com

Nosh on the Namoi
31 March, Narrabri
Nosh on the NamoiThe drought isn't going to stop the community from putting on a fabulous spread of food and wine at its 5th annual Nosh on the Namoi. Over 40 producers provide a huge array of local produce including regional wines. Find a seat in the shade and listen to the jazz band while you enjoy the view over the Creek. Featuring: cooking demonstrations by food guru Ed Halmagyi; a Courier Cook Off; The Mighty Red Relish Tomato Float race and free circus activities in the children's marquee with The Gunnedah Circus School. Contact the Narrabri Visitor Information Centre Tel 02 6799 6760 Website www.noshonthenamoi.com.au

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

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

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Seminars, Workshops & Training

Access & participation in the performing arts
2 March, South Tweed Heads
A presentation by Kat Worth, former Artistic Director of Adelaide’s Restless Dance Company, on participation by children and adults with disabilities in the performance arts. Kat is visiting the Tweed as a guest director and mentor for a partnership and performance project between Tweed Shire Council, NORPA (Northern Rivers Performance Arts) and Tweed Valley Respite Service. A unique opportunity to add insight about arts practice in working with people with special needs. 9.30am - 11.30am at South Tweed Heads Bowls Club. Contact Denyelle Tel 07 5524 8185 Email tvrs@norex.com.au

Bandika Ngao | East African percussion workshop
3 March, Wauchope
Kenyan master percussionist Bandika Ngao's introduction to East African percussion features traditional percussive instruments such as the Mijikenda hand drums, marimba and kayamba, all handmade by Bandika, who counts instrument-making among his many talents. 5:30pm7pm, Wauchope Arts Hall. $15 / $10. Participants who own a drum are asked to bring it along. Contact Krissa Tel 02 6585 4733.

Writing masterclass
10 March, Broken Hill
A unique opportunity to learn from former feature and news reporter for the The Advertiser, Angela Goode. Angela has written on rural issues for 20 years, publishing five books as well as broadcasting on the ABC Country Hour. Broken Hill City Library. $5 drinks and refreshments included. Contact Amelia Thurley Tel 08 8088 3317 Email admin@bhlibrary.gov.au Website www.bhlibrary.org.au

Autumn Energy Dance Course
17 March – 21 April, Austinmer
An expressive good time: funk, fly, unfurl and be free! Explore movement through the pathways of your bones, muscles and organs and be inspired by the joys of funk, soul, hip hop, world music and electronica. 1pm – 2.30pm over six Saturdays starting 17 March. The last class will be accompanied by the 'awesome' Energy Dance musicians. Energy Dance encourages your own creative, dancing spirit. At the Moore St Yoga Room, Austinmer (near the station). Cost: $100 / $90 concession. Contact Annalise Mob 0421 170 263 Email slapsista@slapsista.com Website www.slapsista.com

MGnsw | Access to Funding Workshop
17 March, Yamba
Aimed at small to medium museums, the annual Museums & Galleries NSW workshop offers an introduction to key grants available in 2007 and gives practical advice on drafting successful grant applications. Hosted by The Story House Museum. Contact Lyndel Wischer Tel 02 9339 9905 Freecall 1800 114 311 Email lyndelw@mgnsw.org.au Website www.mgnsw.org.au

Business Planning workbook Business Planning workshop
17 March, Bowral
One in a series of eight accredited Creative Volunteering – No Limits courses on offer across NSW this year. Carry Out Business Planning is hosted by Wingecarribee Shire Council and Southern Tablelands Arts (STARTS). The course de-mystifies the process of business planning and management for regional not-for-profit and cultural organisations. Participants will look at where their organisation is now, where they want to be and how to get there, and then draft the key elements of a Business Plan. 10am – 4pm $25 Bookings essential. Contact Tony Trapnell Tel 02 4883 9393 Email admin@regionalartsnsw.com.au Website www.regionalartsnsw.com.au

Creative volunteering – No Limits is an initiative of Regional Arts Australia supported by the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund through the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

Why don't we read poetry anymore?
25 March, Camden Haven
Emeritus Professor Julian Croft hosts a literary lunch addressing society's lost love of poetry. A poet and a novelist and a specialist in Australian literature, Professor Croft is has also published on Anglo-Welsh poetry, West African literature, Australian film and American literature. 12pm Lake Cathie Bowling & Recereation Club. $25 for a Chinese banquet, bookings essential. Contact Camden Haven Arts Council Tel 02 6584 8434.

Wednesday writers forum
28 March, Broken Hill
Writers are invited to join this monthly forum to connect with other writers and collaboratively engage with new ideas and techniques. The group will be inspired by a visiting writer each month. Leoni Norrington is March's feature writer. She will discuss her path to writing and some tips she has learnt along the way. Meets the last Wednesday of every month, 6pm7.30pm. The Writers' Centre, Broken Hill City Library. Contact Amelia Thurley Tel 08 8088 3317 Email admin@bhlibrary.gov.au Website www.bhlibrary.org.au

Art as an Industry Symposium
23 March, Tamworth

An opportunity for artists, art teachers and students, galleries, arts and crafts suppliers to gain an insight into effective ways of engaging with art as an industry. The symposium will be of equal value to others linked to the industry, like business suppliers for the arts and crafts industry or lovers of art. Features a great range of speakers including Cultural Economist Prof David Throsby, Public Art Consultant Pamillle Berg, Commercial Gallery Director Damian Minton, the Department of State and Regional Development's Bobbi Ballas, and regionally based artists, Terrence Allen, Michelle Hungerford and Ross Laurie. Contact Arts North West Tel 02 6732 4988 Website www.artsnw.com.au

Contemporary Australian Fiction Festival
24 March, Sydney
In conjunction with the UTS Centre for New Writing, the NSW Writers' Centre's first Contemporary Australian Fiction Festival features a cross-section of experienced and respected writers, poets, playwrights, publishers, editors and mentors. Panel sessions include: On Writing the First, Second, Fifth Novels; New Writing; The 'in thing' in Children's and Young Adult Fiction; Poetry and Playwrighting: The Poor Cousins of Fiction?; Can Creative Writing Be Taught?; Editing, Mentoring and Assessing Fiction; Publishing Fiction; and Judging Fiction. Also there is the First Paragraph Competition, a competition to produce the best opening paragraph of a novel. Tickets $30 / $25 / $20. 10am6pm, NSW Writers' Centre. Tel 02 9555 9757 Website www.nswwriterscentre.org.au

Riverina Playwrights Workshop
Riverina based or connected playwrights are invited to submit a one act or full length play for consideration for the Riverina Playwrights’ Workshop at Griffith Regional Theatre later this year. Two writers will be invited to a week long workshop with a nationally recognised professional playwright, director and cast to work their play “on the floor”. The workshop will culminate in staged readings of the plays. This is a new initiative developed under the Theatre Access Program (TAP) of Griffith Regional Theatre. It aims to provide Riverina based writers an opportunity for their work to undergo a creative development process, and increase the potential for local work to reach wider audiences. Contact Scott Howie Tel 02 6961 8371 Email scott.howie@griffith.nsw.gov.au Website www.griffith.nsw.gov.au
Closing 30 March

MGnsw | The Big Chill: Self-Censorship in An Age of Uncertainty
30 March, Sydney
The first in the 'Altered perspectives: re-examining museum and gallery practices' 2007 seminar series presented by MGnsw and The Museum of Sydney. This seminar will examine whether the current political, social and cultural climate has made museum and gallery curators over-sensitised to potentially controversial exhibitions and activities. Keynote Speakers are Paul Sheehan (Sydney Morning Herald), Sheona White (Art Gallery of New South Wales) and Dr Peter Stanley (National Museum of Australia). Panel members are Katherine Giles ( Arts Law Centre), Alan Sisley (Orange Regional Gallery) and Kon Gouriotis OAM (Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre & Liverpool Regional Museum). Contact Tel 02 3598 1760 Freecall 1800 114 311 Email info@mgnsw.org.au Website www.mgnsw.org.au

Clay Sculpture workshop
28 29 April, Hillston
A two day clay sculpture workshop with Glenda Cornell at The Red Dust and Paddy Melons Community Gallery. $50. Places limited. Bookings essential. Contact Jo Coleman Tel 02 6967 1594 Email gcbyrne@bigpone.com

Arts Activated conferenceArts Activated Conference call for papers
26 27 September, Sydney
Accessible Arts' 2007 Arts Activated Conference will be a celebration for all those passionate about people with disabilities and their active inclusion and participation in the arts. Individuals and organisations are invited to submit a proposal for presentation or workshop at the conference. Proposals can discuss a broad range of topics. Those in non-traditional formats, such as performances along and research based papers particularly encouraged. Contact Tel 02 9251 6499 Email kmercer@aarts.net.au Website www.thespasticcentre.com.au/artsactivated
Closing 5 April

Museums in a changing climate
17 20 May, Canberra
Museums Australia's National Conference presents two days of speakers, forums and workshops, followed by an opportunity to take in Canberra's national museums, galleries, libraries, gardens and heritage sites. The conference highlights advances in all areas of museum specialisation, expanding the interdisciplinary work of museums and their changing public position and interface with new audiences. It also boasts a specialist regional and remote workshop on 19 May. Old Parliament House. Contact Debbie Milsom Tel 02 6273 2437 Email conference@museumsaustralia.org.au Website www.museumsaustralia.org.au

Communities in Control Conference | From Advocacy to Policy
4 5 June, Melbourne
The fifth annual Communities in Control Conference Australia's biggest and most popular gathering of community workers, volunteers and supporters will bring together delegates from all sectors and from all over Australia, and a fantastic array of speakers, including: US social change trailblazer Angela Glover Blackwell; renowned social forecaster Bernard Salt; High Court Judge and community leader Justice Michael Kirby AC; social critic Eva Cox AO; architect of the "green bans" movement Jack Mundey AO, and many more. This year also features a pre-conference skills day on Marketing, Media and Advocacy (3 June) and a Youth in Communities Forum (6 June). Registration online from $292. Website www.ourcommunity.com.au

Bodyweather with Tess De Quincey
12 21 October, Tathra
Tess De Quincey's well-known Bodyweather workshop will again journey to Tathra for an Intensive co-taught by Yasunari Tamai, from Bodyweather Farm in Japan. In the natural environment of the Sapphire Coast, participants can immerse themselves in Bodyweather practice and also explore site-specific performances. Full 10 days $990 (early bird $900), weekend participation from $300 (early bird $275). Prices include food and accommodation. Bookings essential. Contact Tel 0410 080 598 Email administration@dance.net.au Website www.bodyweather.net
Closing 15 September

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Opportunities

Still/Open | ANAT Media Lab 07
ANAT’s Still/Open Media Lab 07 will run throughout September as a series of workshops and forums in three locations across Australia. The focus is on open source approaches in networked art, software development, science, print and online publishing. An opportunity exists to present artwork that embraces open source ideology to be hosted by the Still/Open website which is being developed to profile the program. The site will have an ongoing life as an open source community resource. One page submissions of ideas are now sought, including a short description of the proposed work and brief biography with links to previous online works if available. Work will need to be ready to go online with the launch of the website at the beginning of June. Contact Kate Moskwa Tel 08 8231 9037 Email membership@anat.org.au Website www.anat.org.au
Closing 9 March

ArtStart design opportunity
ArtStart, the arts and cultural program designed for young people aged 12 to 24 in NSW, is looking to commission a young artist or graphic designer to develop the new image to promote ArtStart 2007. The selected artist will be paid a fee of $500 for the use of their artwork and may be invited to work with a professional graphic designer. Interested young artists/designers are invited to submit an Expression of Interest form including four examples of their artwork. Contact Email artstart@tafensw.edu.au Website www.artstart.com.au (click through to 'Design Opportunity').
Closing 14 March

Dragone auditions: acrobats, aerialists, gymnasts
19 20 March, Sydney
Belgium's internationally acclaimed physical spectacular company, Dragone, is holding auditions for exceptional athletes, gymnasts, acroboats, circus artists and aerialists to become part of its ensemble projects that tour to Asia and Europe, and to fill roles in its next spectacular, The Dream. Auditioners can submit a resume and recent headshots to be invited to audition. Email casting@dragone.be Website www.dragone.be
Closing 18 March

EOI: major public art works (Vic)
The Shire of Yarra Ranges seeks Expressions of Interest from artists or artistic teams for the creation of the first in a series of major public artworks that identify the thresholds of the Shire and embody the environmental values of the community. This is a unique opportunity to be one of the first artists to create a major public artwork in the community of the Yarra Ranges. Contact Jane Sinnamon Tel 03 9294 6351 Emai j.sinnamon@yarraranges.vic.gov.au Website www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Closing 23 March

Cracker Comedy Festival cyberspace open mic comp
1 April, Sydney
Think you have what it takes to make people laugh but haven't ventured up to the stage? Currently doing the circuit of open mic and looking for your next break? Cracker Comedy and myspace have joined forces to offer budding comedians a place in their cyberspace open mic competition. Upload your best 90 second recording onto myspace and send your video link to Cracker Comedy. Next step is to tell your Mum, Dad, Nan, Bro, Sis, your mates, workmates, sport and pubmates and basically anyone who will listen to vote for you at www.myspace/crackercomedy. Twelve finalist will get the chance to perform at Sydney's newest comedy venue, The Factory in Enmore, on 1 April. Contact Cracker Comedy Email info@crackercomedy.com.au Website www.crackercomedy.com
Closing 25 March

Melbourne International Film Festival
MIFF is calling for feature films and feature documentaries as well as shorts. MIFF shorts, Australia’s largest short film competition with the richest cash prize pool of $35,000, is calling for animation, experimental, documentary and fiction shorts. Contact Tel 03 9417 4500 Email louise@limelightpr.com.au Website www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au
Closing 30 March Short Film
Closing 20 April Feature Film & Feature Documentary

Electrofringe artist call-out
Australia's biggest electronic arts and culture festival is calling for artists, researchers, curators, producers and digital/screen or web-based artists to submit proposals for works to become part of the Electrofringe program. Offering a five day festival of workshops, forums, artist presentations and random events dedicated to anything electronica, Electrofringe is part of the This Is Not Art Festival, challenging the mainstream with technology, innovation and quirky installations. Contact Website www.electrofringe.net
Closing 31 March General proposals
Closing 31 May ElectroProjections and ElectroOnline

Across the Board Art Show
Artists are invited to submit original artworks on skateboards to be exhibited in late 2007 in Sydney as part of a one hundred-deck showcase featuring designers from Australia and internationally. Across the Board uses the motif of skateboarding to inspire artists to consider the bigger themes of freedom of expression and the individual, and the idea that life, like skateboarding, can be done anywhere. All sales will be donated to the Cancer Council and artists are provided with a blank skateboard deck as canvas. Contact Email Becc@acrosstheboardart.com Website www.acrosstheboardart.com
Closing 31 March

Youth crew for Young Endeavour
Young Australians aged 1623 can now apply to sail the tall ship Young Endeavour for a youth training program. Voyages are for eleven days with departures from Townsville, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Bundaberg, Brisbane, Southport, Newcastle, Hobart, Devonport, Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Sydney, available from June – October 2007. Participants do not require any sailing experience. Application forms online. Tel 1800 020 444 Website www.youngendeavour.gov.au
Closing 1 April

Tutor Database
Accessible Arts, the peak arts and disability organisation across NSW, is currently looking for community-minded people with skills as trainers, practitioners and facilitators. The database will be an online resource for arts, disability and community organisations to employ trainers and match them to projects. Applications are open in the following areas: theatre, dance, visual arts, video, multimedia, photography, digital storytelling, sound, music, object design, technical production, community cultural development. Contact Tel 02 9251 6499 Email jcavallaro@aarts.net.au Werbsite www.aarts.net.au
Closing 1 April

ASA Mentorship Program
The Australian Society of Authors is offering twenty mentorships to emerging writers in 2007. Applications are now open in the areas of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, young adult, children’s writing and picture book illustration. Writers must submit a 3,000 words excerpt (or the poetry equivalent), have a manuscript in process, and have no more than two published works. Contact Tel 02 9318 0877 Email jill@asauthors.org Website www.asauthors.org
Closing 2 April

In the Bin Short Film Festival
In The Bin on the screen'Australia's widest film festival' is calling for films under 15 minutes in all genres: documentary, drama, animation and experimental for consideration for its 2007 and 2008 programs. Over 40 films will be selected to screen at this year's festival, with the opportunity to be part of next year's regional In The Bin Tour, with screening fees payable every time a film is shown. Films must be no older than one year from the screening date of 22 September 2007. Contact Jed Cahill, Director Tel 07 5593 4265 Email jed@inthebin.net.au Website www.inthebin.net.au
Closing 29 June

A Month In The Country: performing arts residencies
This national residency program established by HotHouse Theatre brings artists from across Australia to Albury Wodonga for between one and five weeks during the creative development phase of new theatre projects. Artists, ensmbles and collaborative teams can propose projects in development stages to be workshopped against an inspiring regional background. Contact Heather Broadfoot Tel 02 6021 7433 Email heather@hothousetheatre.com.au Website www.hothousetheatre.com.au
Closing 15 August

Workplace Giving 'Charity Registers'
The Charities Aid Foundation Australia Charity Register is a useful tool for not-for profits to promote themselves as a potential workplace giving recipient to corporate Australia. Registration is free, but organisations must have deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. Being listed does not guarantee funds via CAF, but it does increase exposure to CAF's client base (of givers) and the general public. Contact Tel 02 9929 9633 Email info@cafaustralia.org.au Website www.cafaustralia.org.au
No closing date

Our Community | Community Heroes
The Community Heroes initiative celebrates the unsung heroes who go out of their way to make the world a better place. Nominees might include aged care workers, volunteers who fundraise or sports coaches who go the extra mile in encouraging and supporting community expertise and growth. Monthly winners will receive a certificate and a public feature on the Our Community website and newsletter. For nominations Contact Tel 03 9326 6859 Email kathyr@ourcommunity.com.au Website www.ourcommunity.com.au
No closing date

Artemis of Aberdeen: Call for artists
The Artemis of Aberdeen Gallery in the Upper Hunter Valley is inviting new artists to exhibit their works in the 2007 and 2008 progam. May and July tourist influxes into the region make the opportunity a worthwhile showcase to a broad range of art collectors and visitors. Artists can expand their networks and exposure. Contact Cheryl Egan Tel 02 6543 8023 Email info@artemisofaberdeen.com.au Website www.artemisofaberdeen.com.au
No closing date

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Employment

Learning & Outreach Coordinator
Salary $50,696 $55,713pa, Albury
Albury City Council seeks a Learning & Outreach Coordinator to lead the development of a range of public programs and support in-house and touring exhibitions whilst building networks between Albury cultural facilities, educational and learning facilities, community and special interest groups, to ensure program and product relevance and community engagement. Contact Carina Clement, Cultural Programs Team Leader, Tel 02 6023 8700 Email cclement@alburycity.nsw.gov.au Website www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au
Closing 2 March

Regional Museums Officer
Salary $59,335 $65,260pa, Wagga Wagga
The Museum of the Riverina is seeking a person with a background in cultural heritage policy and procedure to assist museums in the Riverina with the conservation, documentation and interpretation of collections as well as to promote the collections to visitors and the community. The Museums Officer will also assist museums in identifying projects suitable for funding and provide assistance in the preparation of applications. Contact Madeleine Scully Tel 02 6926 9652 Email scully.madeleine@wagga.nsw.gov.au Website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Closing 5 March

Operations Co-ordinator, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Salary $36,000pa pro rata, Wollongong
IPAC seeks a part-time Operations Co-ordinator to assist its Production Services Manager with all operational aspects of the centre, including the co-ordination of various service providers in areas such as security; building, plant and equipment maintenance; and IT and telephones. The successful candidate will have strong administrative and communication skills, some experience working with contractors and suppliers and an ability to work autonomously. Experience working in a performing arts environment is preferable but not required. Contact Jamie Dawson Tel 02 4226 3699 ext 104 Email jdawson@merrigong.com.au Website www.merrigong.com.au
Closing 12 March

Administrator, Tantrum Theatre
Salary $38,000 pro-rata, Newcastle
Working with the Artistic Director, the part-time Administrator will be responsible for the financial and event management and administration of this exciting youth theatre company. Candidates should be self motivated with a minimum of 2 years experience using MYOB, including payroll and have excellent communication and organisation skills. Previous experience preparing and acquitting funding applications, a car and current drivers license and experience in Windows XP and Microsoft Office are highly desirable. Contact Terence Mahony Tel 02 4962 2707 Mob 0409 466 052 Email terencemahony@transqual.com.au Website www.tantrumtheatre.org.au
Closing 12 March

Educational Consultant, Cowra Regional Art Gallery
6 Month Contract $13,440 (inc GST + travel)
The Cowra Regional Art Gallery, a facility of the Cowra Shire Council, is rapidly developing a strong youth focus. The consultant would help the gallery put in place sound strategies for moving to the next level with the educational outreach of the gallery. Applicants should in their applications address ways in which the key outcomes could realistically be achieved, a current cv and two referees. This position is on a contract basis for pay of $13,440 (includes GST & travel) with a 6 month completion target date from date of engagement. Contact Cowra Regional Art Gallery Tel 02 6340 2190 Email cowraartgallery@cowra.nsw.gov.au Website www.cowraartgallery.com.au

Theatre Director, North West Theatre
Contract $800pw, Bingara

The North West Theatre Company is seeking a director two work on two one act plays on the same bill for performances at the Roxy Theatre, Bingara. The Director will locate to Bingara for a five week period prior to opening and audition, and cast and direct the two plays until the close of June. A weekly retainer, motel accommodation and expenses equivalent to the travel between Sydney and Bingara will be paid. Interested directors should provide a CV and two professional referees. A short list of prospective plays should be provided with reasons for their nomination. Contact Rick Hutton Tel 0428 255 380.
Closing 18 March

Administrator, Circus Monoxide
Salary $38,000pa pro-rata, Wollongong
Circus Monoxide seeks an enthusiastic, skilled person for the role of Administrator to handle all aspects of the general administration of the company, with an emphasis on financial operations book-keeping, payroll, billing, accounts payable, day-to-day monitoring expenditure against budgets. A working knowledge of MYOB is essential. Other duties include office management, handling of all general enquiries, assistance
with various marketing and sponsorship related tasks. A full position description is available on request. The role is part-time 22.5 hours per week. Contact Hall Murray, Circus Director Email hall@circusmonoxide.com.au
Closing 23 March

Administration & Marketing Assistant, SEAR
Salary $30,000pa pro-rata, Bega
This new position with the South East Arts Region (SEAR) is for 2 days a week at $30,000 per annum, pro-rata. Based in Bega on a 12 month contract, the selection criteria will focus on experience in office administration and arts marketing. Position description available on the website. Contact Jen Hunt, RADO, SEAR Tel 02 6499 2286 Email jhunt@sear.org.au Website www.sear.org.au
Closing 23 March

Contemporary Dance &/or Gym Tutor
Hourly rate neg., Bega
This position will assist with the weekly training program of Fling Physical Theatre. An hourly rate will be negotiated based on qualifications & experience. Contact Lee Pemberton Mob 0429 909 433 or Jen Hunt, RADO, SEAR Tel 02 6499 2286 Email jhunt@sear.org.au Website www.sear.org.au
Closing 23 March

EOI: Trainee Production Manager
Contract neg., Bega
Expressions of interest are invited for this role with Fling Physical Theatre which will offer training & mentorship. Employment on a contract basis per production for right person. Contact Lee Pemberton Mob 0429 909 433 or Jen Hunt, RADO, SEAR Tel 02 6499 2286 Email jhunt@sear.org.au Website www.sear.org.au
Closing 23 March

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Grants, Fellowships + Residencies

Metro Screen | Jump Start
Offering $40,000 annually for filmmakers to have access to reliable, sought-after equipment, current technical facilities and production support. For productions that: inspire and encourage original screen content; allow professional development for emerging screen practitioners; provide an opportunity for those generally excluded from mainstream media production; and encourage communities to use video and digital media as a cultural development tool. Contact David Opitz Tel 02 9361 5318 Email d.opitz@metroscreen.org.au Website www.metroscreen.org.au
Closing 5 March, 4 June, 4 December

ASI SMART Scholarships
The ASI SMART Company Scholarship Fund is open to professionals wanting to undertake study directly relevant to their work in the not-for-profit sector across Australia and New Zealand. ASI works with more than 400 Australasian fundraising organisations and associations providing software solutions and support via its leading product iMIS. Website www.advsol.com
Closing 13 March

Ozco | Literature: Skills & Arts Development
Provides writers and picture book illustrators with a supportive environment for professional development, research and creative risk-taking through residencies and studios in Australia and overseas. Grants of up to $15,000 towards travel and living for six months in The Keesing Studio in Paris or the BR Whiting Library in Rome. Applicants must have published at least one full length work (over 30,000 words); at least five children’s books (up to 30,000 words) or at least two works of junior fiction (minimum of 30,000 words). Contact Tel 02 9215 9054 Email literature@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au/grants/grants_literature
Closing 15 March

Ozco | Literature: Presentation and Promotion
Supports activities which foster greater awareness and appreciation of outstanding Australian creative writing. Proposals must focus on multi-state, national or overseas literary publishing and/or promotional activities. Applications will be accepted in the genres of fiction, literary non-fiction (defined as autobiography, biography, essays, histories, literary criticism or analytical prose), children’s literature poetry and creative writing for performance or new media. Contact Tel 02 9215 9054 Email literature@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au/grants/grants_literature
Closing 15 March

The JB Seed logo The JB Seed: An Arts Grant Fund
Musician John Butler's sponsored arts and music funding programs support a range of dynamic and inspiring categories for the development of new arts and musical initiatives:
Speak Indigenous Hip-Hop Competition: for Indigenous hip hop artists with original material to record a 5 track EP, collaborating with Buchman (AKA Tony Buchen) to produce, arrange, record, mix and master music.
Social Activism through the Arts: making $5,000 available to artistic projects that serve to educate, create debate and awareness on particular social issues. This year's engagement is with 'Nuclear debate' and 'Indigenous insight'.
Professional and Skills Development: offering grants of up to $3,000 for musicians and technicians to enhance their skills and career by undertaking a mentorship or further study with a recognised practitioner of excellence either nationally or internationally.
The JB Seed Initiative: Twenty places available in a management workshop which will address practical strategies for managing a band or performer in the establishment phase of their career by bringing together a group of significant professionals in the music industry and sharing knowledge and strategic advice.
Application forms for all programs online. Email grants@thejbseed.com Website www.thejbseed.com
Closing 16 March

Artstart | Arts North West
Organisations from across the New England North West can apply to Arts North West for funding towards arts based projects that encompass youth arts and skills workshops and festival activities. Arts North West has received $51,000 from the State Government’s Department of Education and Training for projects that focus on skills development for young people in any artform. Contact Arts North West Tel 02 6732 4988 Website www.artsnw.com.au
Closing 16 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 2007/08. The scholarship covers tuition fee, living allowance and return economy air fare. Contact British Council Australia Tel 02 9362 6713 Website www.britishcouncil.org
Closing 16 March

OzCo | International Pathways 2007
Assists Australian musicians with strategic international artistic and market development activities. Individuals, groups and organisations can apply for projects which may incorporate international touring and showcasing; development of publishing and distribution networks for composers and songwriters; support for not-for-profit organisations in the international market development of Australian music and musicians. Contact Andy Rantzen Tel 02 9215 9115 Email music@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au
Closing 30 March

State Library of Victoria Fellowships
The prestigious State Library of Victoria Creative Fellowships are on offer to Australian writers, academics, artists, composers and researchers. Funded by the State Library of Victoria Foundation and awarded by the State Library, the $100,000 Creative Fellowship program encourages the scholarly, literary and creative use of the Library's rich collections. The Fellowships are for periods of three or six months, with stipends of $12,500 for three months and $25,000 for six months respectively. Application forms online. Contact Dr Dianne Reilly Tel 03 8664 7182 Email dreilly@slv.vic.gov.au Website www.slv.vic.gov.au
Closing 30 March

OzCo | Write in Your Face
Grants of up to $8,000 to support young writers, with funding from the Australian government’s Young and Emerging Artists’ Initiative. Proposals invited from young writers(<30) who are using language in innovative ways. This may involve writing for zines, e-zines, comics, multimedia, multi-artforms or cross-media works, websites, live performance and spoken word. Selection criteria: innovative excellence; potential to advance the artistic expression and development of young writers; evidence the project is well planned and achievable within timeframe and budget. Collaborative and multimedia projects are encouraged. Contact
Robyn Tooth Tel 02 9215 9057 Freecall 1800 226 912 Email r.tooth@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au
Closing 30 March

OzCo | Community Partnerships: Key Producers
Offered every five years, this new funding strategy offers a six-year support period to Key Producers, organisations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and success in community cultural development. Organisations are supported in the production of high-quality work in and with communities. Application requires consultation with the Australia Council, the submission of an initial proposal and, if invited, the submission of a full application. Funding offers may be withdrawn if they are dependent on co-funding that is not secured. Contact Tel 02 9215 9025 Email cp@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au/grants/grants_ccd
Closing 1 April

OzCo | Community Partnerships: Program Grants
Supports community art and cultural activities and projects for twelve months to organisations that have demonstrated the capacity to deliver significant and innovative community art and culture activities with cross-sectoral partners. Application requires consultation with the Australia Council, the submission of an initial proposal and, if invited, the submission of a full application. Funding offers may be withdrawn if they are dependent on co-funding that is not secured. Contact Tel 02 9215 9025 Email cp@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au/grants/grants_ccd/program_grants
Closing 1 April

Spark young artist mentoring programOzCo | Spark young artist mentoring program
Offers support, training, advice and funding for young artists (aged 18-26 years) to focus on creative ideas through a mentorship with a professional artist of their choice. Emerging artists in theatre, dance, interdisciplinary artforms and those working with or in communities can submit proposals for a project, research or skills development idea to be mentored by a professional artist. Contact Spark Program Manager, Youth Arts Queensland Tel 1300 55 8892 Email spark@yaq.org.au Website www.yaq.org.au/spark
Closing 6 April

OzCo | Visual Arts: Fellowships
$45,000 over two years is available to craftspeople, designers, media artists, visual artists and arts writers of outstanding ability to enable them to realise ambitious projects and develop their practice to new levels of achievement. Applications should demonstrate outstanding professional achievement and the artistic merit of the activities proposed for the Fellowship period. Contact Tel 02 9215 9068 Email vab@ozco.gov.au Website www.ozco.gov.au/grants/grants_visual_arts
Closing 15 April

Telstra Foundation | Social Innovation Grants
This fund supports community-based projects that connect children and young people to their communities, with priority given to projects for children and young people who are socially or geographically isolated. Grants of $75,000 per year for up to three years are available to help young people to have a better quality of life in three new program areas: social innovation; Indigenous community development, and the 'Spotlight Issue' of 2007, which is the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Contact Tel 1800 208 378. Website www.telstrafoundation.com
Closing 20 April

OzCo | Inter-Arts: Projects & Fellowships
Contemporary Australian art is fuelled by the experimentation and innovation of artists creating work at the edges of established arts practices. The Inter-Arts Office supports new artistic practice that does not fall within the existing funding guidelines of the artform boards: creative processes such as interdisciplinary and hybrid arts, and cross disciplinary projects involving artists and practitioners from other fields. Grants in the categories of Projects and Fellowships are now open for applications. The purpose of the Projects category is to support artists exploring interdisciplinary art, hybrid art and new artistic practice. The Fellowship is offered to artists working in interdisciplinary art, hybrid art or new artistic practice to further enhance their capacity to provide leadership to the field. Website www.ozco.gov.au/ia_projects (Projects) or www.ozco.gov.au/ia_fellowships (Fellowships)
Closing 1 May

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Competitions, Awa