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Highlights

ConVerge: Northern Rivers Ceramic Exhibition
Until 1 March, Lismore
An exhibition of works by 20 ceramic artists from the north coast area of New South Wales, which has sustained a 40 year long tradition of ceramic production and innovation. ConVerge was developed and is managed by the Arts Northern Rivers with the support of the three regional galleries in the area. Demonstrating a striking variety of methods and styles, the exhibition features a range of works from more traditional decorative and functional objects to contemporary sculptures and installations made from clay. Works mix spiritual, Indigenous, Middle Eastern and Asian influences, along with fresh coastal, organic and landform references which evoke and reference the local landscape. The artists in ConVerge are Aine, Bob Connery, Geoff Crispin, Virginia Jones, Margaurite Josephson-Buivids, Catherine Lane, Garth Lena, Suvira McDonald, Judy Martin, John Mawhinney, Malina Monks, Merrill Orr, Tamasin Pepper, Jasmine Scheidler, Bevan Skinner, Avital Sheffer, Andrew Stewart, John Stewart, Liz Stops and Ishta Wilson. At Lismore Regional Gallery Tel 02 6622 2209 Email artgallery@lismore.nsw.gov.au Website www.lismoregallery.org

In The Bin short film festival tour launch
7 – 10 February, Deniliquin
This popular travelling short film festival originated on the Gold Coast and has become a much loved national event. The 2008 festival tour will be launched in the NSW farming town and 'Ute Muster' capital of Deniliquin, against the back drop of the Edward River. Ten communities entered a competition to host the launch, but it was Deniliquin’s initiative to incorporate some unusual additional events, such as the Ute pull and the Aboriginal Cultural Display, that clinched the judges' decision. The Aboriginal Cultural Display was designed to complement Black Screen, the Australian Film Commissions’ Indigenous Film Collection, which will also be hosted by In The Bin. The festival will be officially launched on 9 February in the beautiful Waring Gardens, with Jack Thompson as special guest, as well as music, lights, dancing and general razzmatazz. The showing of the films and launch will begin at dusk. Catering available and it is a free event. Contact Joy Mason Mob 0447 628 196 Website http://inthebin.net.au

Cobargo Folk Festival
22 – 24 February, Cobargo
The historic town of Cobargo is celebrating its 13th Festival of music, dance, song comedy, theatre and poetry this month with over 200 performers providing a pageant of Australian and international talent at the Cobargo showground. Seven venues will operate simultaneously with continuous concerts, performances, dance displays, choirs, workshops and instrument forums. There are intimate blackboard concerts and sessions and a separate program and venue for the kids including craft workshops, Punch and Judy and a pirate show. Facilities include exotic foodstalls, bar and refreshment area, craft and market stalls and a festival shop where you can buy performers' CDs and buy sell or exchange pre-loved musical instruments. Outrageously good value: earlybird weekend tickets (before 18 Feb) just $55 adults / $20 youth. Contact Tel 02 6493 6758 Email cobargofolkfestival@bigpond.com Website www.cobargofolkfestival.com

The 2008 Bald Archy Prize
Until 2 March, Wagga Wagga
Stars, pollies, sportsmen and royalty all feature amongst the 42 finalists in this year's Bald Archy Prize which opened in Wagga late last month. Politicians Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and Peter Garrett; broadcaster John Laws; sports star Ben Cousins; entertainers Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban; businessman Richard Pratt; and Prince Frederick and Princess Mary have all been caught by the brushes of competing artists in the infamous Prize, which is judged by Maude, the sulphur-crested cockatoo. Creative director Peter Batey OAM said, "Maude has not been influenced by her own political preferences, as usual, and has chosen a wide selection of finalists, including several irreverent portraits which will have the shockable appropriately shocked." The show includes works by many first-time artists as well as the faithfuls from around the country. See the exhibition in Wagga before it moves to Canberra where the winner will be announced on 10 March. Contact the Museum of the Riverina Tel 02 6926 9654 Website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum

AFC's Big Screen: taking Australian films to the bush
22 – 24 February, Yamba
29 February – 8 March, Mildura
Last year over 16,215 people in 27 regional, remote or rural parts of Australia experienced Australian features films, short films and documentaries at a Big Screen festival and this year is expected to be just as big. The tour kicks off at the Coldstream Cinema in Yamba this month with some new Australian films and surfing newsreels to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Yamba Surf Life Saving Club, the oldest regional surf life saving club in Australia. Big Screen at Mildura includes special guest Brian Brown presenting the local premiere of Cactus, along with other films, at the Deakin Cinema and under the stars at the Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival. Cactus is an outback thriller starring Travis McMahon, David Lyons with Brian Brown and Shane Jacobson shot in Bathurst, Broken Hill, Cobar, Sydney and Wilcannia. Other regional NSW destinations for Big Screen this year include Broken Hill, Port Macquarie, Nambucca and Gunnedah. There are also some free screenings of Australian films for school children. Contact Jacqui North, Big Screen Festival Coordinator Email jacqui.north@afc.gov.au Website www.afc.gov.au/bigscreen

Mitchell Conservatorium's 30th Anniversary
14 – 23 February, Bathurst
Located in the historic West Wing of the Bathurst Court House, Mitchell Conservatorium is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and with more than fifty concerts, events, festivals, recitals and workshops taking place throughout 2008, the conservatorium is set for a wonderful year of celebrations. This month's calendar of events features The Trio d’Amore Valentines day recital; a chamber music recital with young local performers Kate Proctor and Matilda Davis; and choir conducting workshops. The conservatorium will also hold an open day on 23 February. Full details on the website. Contact Tel 02 6331 6622 Website www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au

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Regional Arts NSW News

Arts Northern Rivers appoints Indigenous Arts Officer
Arts Northern Rivers has created a new position of Indigenous Arts Development Officer and appointed multi-award winning local artist, Frances Belle Parker to the role. The aim of the Indigenous Arts Development Officer position is to support the many Indigenous artists in the Northern Rivers region, to develop and promote their work and to create a strong visible network of Indigenous artists through marketing, sales and business development initiatives. Frances Belle Parker comes to the role with a strong background in the visual arts and with a number of awards to her name.
Full story on the Regional Arts NSW website here

New RADO for Murray Arts
Murray Arts has a new General Manager/Regional Arts Development Officer: Karen Gardner. Karen has ten years' experience working on cultural development projects and events, across a wide range of artforms, both in local government and as a project manager. She spent five years working at Warringah Council in Sydney as the Cultural Projects Officer and Cultural Planner and has also worked on some of Sydney’s largest events including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Centenary of Federation Parade and the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Born in Canberra, Karen has lived in Bathurst, England and Sydney, and has relocated to Albury to take up the position. Karen has a long standing commitment to the arts, which started when she was still at school. She completed a BA in Theatre and Media at Charles Sturt University and has a Masters in Cultural Performance. Karen says she is looking forward to the new challenges of working at Murray Arts, and getting to know the region.
Contact Karen Gardner, RADO Tel 02 6021 5034 Email kgardner@murrayarts.org.au

New acting RADO in Eastern Riverina
Following the departure of former, Melissa Delaney, the Regional Arts Board for the Eastern Riverina, ERAP, welcomes Joy Cornish to the role. Joy has been a Community Arts practitioner for over three decades, training and working with Sydney's PACT Youth Theatre from 1976 to the early '80s. She has also worked with the NSW Ethnic Arts Co-op; in fashion and costume design; and was a practicing visual artist and photographer in Sydney for ten years before making town of Young her base in 1986. Since that time Joy has worked with Harden-Murrumburrah Arts Council; the Community Youth Support Scheme; Young Adult Education Centre and PCYC as a Community Educator and Artworker. Joy has a vast understanding of the regional arts community and is looking forward to working with ERAP in continuing the development of arts and culture in the region. Joy will be working in the RADO role over the next three months until the position is advertised.
Contact Joy Cornish, RADO, Eastern Riverina Arts Program Tel 02 6921 4584 Email joy@erap.org.au

Country Arts Support Program applications closing soon
Don't miss out! Applications for funding under the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP) are closing on 14 February. If you have an idea for an arts project and need some help to run a workshop, create a piece of public art or bring an artist to town, CASP may be able to help. CASP provides small grants of up to $3,000 to arts and community organisations in regional and rural New South Wales for short term, locally initiated arts projects. A total pool of $200,000 is available for 2008, with funds to be directed towards artists' fees, travel and accommodation. But you'd better be quick. The 2008 Guidelines and Application Forms are available on the Grants pages of the Regional Arts NSW website or contact your local Regional Arts Board or the Regional Arts NSW Funding Officers Tel 02 9270 2502 Email funding@regionalartsnsw.com.au
Download the guidelines and application forms here
Read the list of this year's successful projects here
Closing 14 February

Creative Volunteering – arts business skills workshops return for 2008
The Creative Volunteering workshops are an initiative of Regional Arts Australia to support arts and cultural development in regional Australia with accredited training for arts & community organisations and volunteers. There are eight one-day workshops in the series: Carry out Business Planning, Develop Funds and Resources, Undertake Marketing, Work with Collections, Plan & Program Events, Network Within Communities, The People Factor and Good Governance. Workshops are nationally accredited and are delivered in New South Wales by Regional Arts NSW in partnership with CCDNSW. The Creative Volunteering kicks off again this month (see ‘Seminars, Workshops & Training’ below) and several workshops are scheduled over the coming months throughout regional NSW. The full schedule is available on the Regional Arts NSW website.
Contact Kate Reynolds02 9270 2509 Email admin@regionalartsnsw.com.au Website www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/projects/c-vol/c-vol.html

Postcards from Art at the Heart
Organisers of the 2008 Regional Arts Australia (RAA) National Conference, Art At The Heart, on in Alice Springs this October, are sending out 'postcards' in the lead up to the event. RAA's national conferences are the nation's largest arts conferences and this year's event is expected to be the biggest yet, as well as promising a massive line-up of presentations from around the country and a unique experience for delegates in our country's desert heart. The 'postcards' are a bi-monthly news service for subscribers to the RAA Online Mailing List, providing updates on all aspects of the development of the conference. The first ones includes information about presentation submissions, registration, travel arrangements and some general information about Alice Springs.
Check out the postcard and sign up to receive future postcards at www.artattheheart.com.au

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Other News

Bathurst artist wins international award
Bathurst artist Joy Engelman has just returned from Italy with a Medici Medal for Art from the Florence Biennale for her work of 3 panels Menindee, Mungo and Willandra, painted in mixed media, acrylics on canvas (2.4 m x 1.5 m). "When I was invited to exhibit 18 months ago, it was a dream, something so difficult to imagine that I decided it was a challenge worth pursuing," said Joy. Joy was awarded fifth place out of a field of 840 artists from around the world at the Biennale, which is the world's biggest democratic and artist supported exhibition, including over 2,500 artworks on display at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, Italy. Twelve Australian artists were represented at the event.

Yackandandah writer a winner in international literary comp
A novel by Yackandandah writer, Louise D’Arcy, The Weekend, has just been awarded fifth place in a major international marathon writing competition. Louise was one of the four writers from the Booranga Writers Centre who took part in the 30th Annual International 3-Day Novel Contest last September. The contest saw a record 611 writers register for the challenge, out of which 482 managed to complete and submit a novel. First prize was awarded to Canadian writer, John Kupferschmidt, for his work, In the Garden of Men , which will be published by 3-Day Books in August 2008. Second prize was won by US writer Erin Jeanne Foster O'Riordon for Five Days Home, and British Columbian writer Matthew Claxton took out the third prize for his work, The Tithonians.
Website www.3daynovel.com

Tamworth a festival of winners
With weather conditions some of the best ever this year, the 2008 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival has seen record-breaking crowds at one of its successful seasons. Tamworth Mayor, James Treloar issued a statement on the official closing of the Festival on 27 January thanking all the staff, volunteers and the local community for all their work. "There are so many people and organisations involved in the Festival and I think that’s what makes it so unique and diverse," he said.
For all the latest news on the winners of the festivals huge array of awards run at the Festival, including the National Fiddle Awards, the Star Quest, the Calvalcade as well as the 2008 Golden Guitar Awards, check out the Country Music Bulletin online here

Ten years of spectacular photos now a screensaver
A collection of 115 the best photographs submitted to the Life and Light of the Western Catchment photographic competition in the past ten years has been made into a commemorative screensaver by the Western Catchment Management Authority to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the competition. The images were chosen from over a thousand submitted between 1998 and 2007. "The photographs reflect the changing seasons of the Western Catchment: from droughts to flooding rains; good times and bad," said Western CMA spokesperson, Maree Barnes. A slideshow of images will be put up on the Authority's website shortly and the screensaver is available on CD, free of charge, from the Western Catchment Management Authority Tel 1800 032 101 Email western@cma.nsw.gov.au
Full story on the Western Catchment Management Authority's website [PDF] here

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Three new art galleries open in Central West
The gallery business is booming in the Central West, with three new exhibition spaces set to open in Gulgong, Bathurst and Canowindra over the next two months. In Bathurst, ceramic artist Louise Ranshaw, has developed her former gift shop into a gallery for quality artworks by regional artists. The new Gallery On Bant will open on 1 March with an exhibition of paintings and ceramics by Orange and Bathurst artists (contact Tel 02 6334 3513). Ryall Street Gallery is the latest edition to Canowindra’s strong gallery scene. Owned by artist Edward Bennett, it will open on 8 March with a showing of abstract paintings and experimental video Art. Cudgegong Gallery in Gulgong will open their second space at 89 Mayne Street on 9 February with an exhibition of ceramics and paintings by local artists. The building includes a gallery space as well as a studio and accommodation for a new artist-in-residence program. Expressions of interest for the 2008 program for both artists and writers are also now open. Contact Tel 02 6374 7630.

Arts venue on Yellow Pages cover
The cover of this year's Bathurst Yellow Pages features Canowindra residents Bob and Margaret Craven outside their arts business, 'Taste Canowindra', which combines gallery space, performance space and leather work studio with restaurant and tourism venture. Founders of the Canowindra Springfest in 2002, Bob and Margaret began ‘Taste Canowindra’ in 2006. “It was the realising of a dream," Bob said, "We wanted to open a wine, food and art centre that showcases local creativity as a seamless cultural experience. "The Cravens are strong supporters of the growing Canowindra arts scene and Bob is a Director of the Regional Arts Board for the Central West region, Arts OutWest.

New Federal Arts Department
Following the appointment of the new Federal Labor Government Ministry in December, the federal arts portfolio is now part of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, under Minister Garrett. Information about all Federal Government arts and culture programs, including all funding programs offered directly through the Australian Government, has been migrated to new temporary site at www.arts.gov.au.

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New Resources

ABC TV's Sunday Arts ArtMap
The ABC's Sunday Arts ArtMap features arts events around the nation, and now has regional sites for easier searching! Log-in to find events by State or Region and upload your own event, quickly and easily. The site is promoted every week on Sunday Arts (on Sundays at 5pm on ABC TV). In 2008 Sunday Arts returns to your screens on 10 February the 10th and this year will also been screening on ABC2. The ArtMap is one way to both reflect the diverse and rich art happening right across Australia - and help promote the great work being done by artists in regional and rural areas, all year round!
Website www.abc.net.au/tv/sundayarts/artmap

LGSA Cultural Awards online project showcase
The Local Government & Shires Associations have produced a terrific new website for the 2008 Local Government Cultural Awards which not only enables councils to submit their applications online (in stages, if they like) but also gives everyone with internet access the chance to browse through all the submissions – by Council, by A-Z and by Award Categories – and, all importantly, to vote for their favourite one. Already there are dozens of great stories and pictures online to browse through featuring great arts and cultural projects from local councils across the State. It's well worth checking out ... and casting your vote.
Website www.culturalawards.lgsa.org.au
Closing 29 February – lodging projects for competition
Closing 31 March – voting for the People's Choice Award

A Sustainable Arts Sector
The new Platform Papers essay, titled 'A Sustainable Arts Sector: What will it take?' has recently been published by Currency House and is available from Currency House. The catalyst for this paper was the highly successful forum, Sustainability — Fantasy or Reality?, presented by Metro Arts and the Brisbane Institute in late 2006. This forum debated what the concept of sustainability might mean in the context of the arts and the recently published Platform Paper progresses this discussion. After analysing the last 40 years of Arts policies and programs in Australia and the UK, Cathy Hunt, Co-director of Positive Solutions and Phyllida Shaw, UK-based researcher and facilitator, argue that sustainability is about much more than money. Among other essential criteria, they argue strongly for the need for high quality and valued art-forms and the need to stimulate demand for those valued artistic products and services within the community.
Website www.currencyhouse.org.au

AbaF | Interview with Helen Noonan
Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) interviewed performer, creator and producer, Helen Noonan - whose critically acclaimed show, Voicing Emily, was funded almost entirely by philanthropy - for a recent issue of their e-news. Noonan speaks about her creative approach to raising money. Will be of interest to any arts producer looking to attract philanthropic support for their work.
Website www.abaf.org.au/communicationscentre/enews/dec07/VoicingEmily.html

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Projects

Big Screen in the Outback
West Darling region, November 2007
In a partnership with West Darling Arts, The Australian Film Commission's Big Screen toured outback NSW last November. Over 1,346 people enjoyed the program of contemporary and classic Australian films, a record attendance for the festival in the region. At the 4th Big Screen Festival in Broken Hill, the features Clubland, Lucky Miles, Romulus, My Father and Elephant Tales screened for the first time. Special guest Bruce Spence introduced Mad Max II and Mad Max III - Beyond Thunderdome in which he starred as Jedediah the fearless pilot. The post-apocalyptic action film was directed by George Miller shot around Silverton, Mundi Mundi, and Broken Hill and was a worldwide box-office hit in 1981. Spence spoke to the audience about filming Mad Max and other highlights of his 36-year career including his role in Baz Luhrmann's forthcoming feature, Australia. The Big Screen tour also went to Wentworth, Wilcannia and Ivanhoe. Contact James Giddey, RADO, West Darling Arts Tel 08 8087 9035

Ironbarks Printmaking Summer School
Central West region, January 2008
Called ‘A Week in The Country’, the Inaugural Ironbarks Printmaking Summer School ran 14 - 18 January at Ironbarks Creative Arts Centre in Stuart Town. Tutors were Tim Winters, winner of the 2007 Country Energy Art Prize, Marianne Courtenay and Mary Dorahy, who taught a range of printmaking styles and skills including relief printmaking (wood and lino cut), collagraph prints and etching to eleven participants ranging from professional artists to absolute beginners. An exhibition of some of the works created during week was held on the Friday night and attended by artists and special guests from across the Central West. Held with the support of the Orange Regional Arts Foundation, the Summer School was praised by tutors both the venue and quality of equipment available as well as for the local support it had received. The school is now set to become an annual event, with many participants already putting their name down for the next one and some shorter print making courses also planned for this year.

Your Project story here?
Regional Arts NSW would love to publish your project stories and let everyone know about the great work being done by artists and artsworkers across the state. As well as this section of the e-Bulletin, we will also be featuring Projects on the front page of our new website (coming very soon), which has over 30,000 visitors a month. So why not send us a short account of your project (ideal length 150 words, absolute maximum length 170 words), including the date and location of the project, and contact details, along with at least one good picture, and (with very few exceptions) we'll put it in. Contact Kate Reynolds, Administration Officer Tel 02 9270 2509 Email newsletter@regionalartsnsw.com.au.

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What's On

Precious Bodily Fluids
1 – 2 February, Albury Wodonga
Albury, 1961. A boy, a pub, the Murray River, and the getting of wisdom...teeth. Fishladder Theatre of Benalla is delighted to bring their original 2007 production of Precious Bodily Fluids, adapted by Cate Kennedy, to Wodonga this February. Fishladder’s cast and crew create a poignant and hilarious adaptation of Charles Waterstreet’s story of growing up in a country pub in a more innocent era of Australia’s history, when the Show was the biggest thing to come to Albury, Ben Hur was on at the movies and there was dancing in the beer garden on a Saturday night. Bring your grandparents or bring your children to this great family show! At the Hume Building Society Butter Factory Theatre Wodonga at 2.00 pm and 8.00 pm. Tickets $23 / $17. Contact HotHouse Theatre Tel 02 6021 7433

51st Maitland International Salon of Photography
Until 3 February, Maitland
In what has become an annual tradition, Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) is hosting the 51st International Salon of Photography, presenting this year's best 100 prints from countries across the globe. From small beginnings at the Maitland Show back in 1934, the Salon has progressed to be regarded as one of the best in the world with over 3,000 entries received from 500 to 800 entrants in over 51 countries each year. Australia has four international photographic exhibitions which are run each year but Maitland's is the oldest and largest. Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High Street Tel 02 4934 9859 Website www.mrag.org.au

Murray River International Music Festival
Until 10 February, Mildura, Swan Hill, Cohuna, Echuca, Shepparton & Katunga
Featuring some of Italy’s finest performers in unique Murray River locations in both Victoria and New South Wales, with an emphasis on regional food and wine. The Festival opens in Mildura with concerts in gardens, wineries, historic buildings and a recital featuring a meal prepared by Stefano de Pieri, before along the Murray River to Swan Hill, Cohuna, Echuca, Shepparton and Katunga. The line-up of festival artists includes renowned accordionist, Mirko Satto and guitarist, Peiro Bonaguri, described by the great Segovia "soon to be a famous name among the best guitarists of our time". Full program online. Website www.mrimf.com.au

The Robinson Clan
Until 16 February, Kyogle
The Robinson Clan' is an exhibition of art by indigenous artists Peter Robinson, his twin brother Paul Robinson and their cousin Lisa Robinson. Related not only by clan group but also birth these three artists all take a different approach to their art. Peter's work explores the use of found earth pigments to produce mediums for painting images that reflect tradition life patterns and contemporary life issues. His identical twin brother Paul approaches his work in a slightly different fashion, exploring landscape painting as a mechanism to expressing his cultural link to land and country. Lisa Robinson, who is a Grafton based artist looks at using a variety of vehicles to do her paintings on. She produces works on fabric and canvas but also paints on turtle shells and emu eggs. Roxy Gallery, 143 Summerland Way, Kyogle. Tel 02 6632 3518 Website www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au

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Offshore Processing & Streaming
Until 1 March, Lismore
Two exhibitions by Pamela Mei-Leng See to celebrate Chinese New Year at Lismore Regional Gallery. Offshore Processing draws from Chinese folk symbolism to consider the recent commencement of Australian citizenship testing. The artwork, ‘the rooster advised the ducks they could enter, if they could speak his language’ features the Chinese symbol for government (the rooster) and two migratory ducks is on show at Lismore Regional Gallery’s 24:7 Window Artspace. See’s second exhibition, Streaming, is a community show which makes reference to place, consumer culture and to the symbolism of water and is on show at NORCO Artspace, at the front of the NORCO Factory, Union Street Lismore. Contact Lismore Regional Gallery Tel 02 6622 2209 Email artgallery@lismore.nsw.gov.au

Beneath the Surface & Between Seasons Showing
1 February – 17 March, Gulgong
Beneath the Surface is a group exhibition featuring ceramics by Margaret Ling, Melanie Manser, Marjo Roberts, Valerie Stuart and Pauline Wellfare, and Between Seasons Showing is a group exhibition of two dimensional works. Both showing at t Cudgegong Gallery, 102 Herbert Street, Gulgong. Tel 02 6374 1630 Email mail@cudgegonggallery.com.au Website www.cudgegonggallery.com.au

This month at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery
1 February – 30 March
Meg Buchanan: Five Years On –- This five year survey of the work of Canberra based artist Meg Buchanan incorporates a selection of works related to her 2006 Hill End residency. Incorporating physical scars and detritus as an integral part of the landscape, these works set a visual tension between the pictorial and the abstract.
Marian Hosking: Jewellery – The third in Object’s widely applauded Living Treasures: Masters of Australian Craft series this exhibition celebrates one of Australia’s foremost contemporary jewellers and silversmiths.
Lost Arts of the 1970s – An exhibition by Karen Gollard (visual artist), Tracy Sorensen (writer and video artist) and
Michelle Stockwell (composer and musician) exploring domestic crafts of the 19070’s: macrame, string art, hobbytex, copper art and others.
Kathy Cavaliere: Day Dreams – Katthy Cavaliere turned the studio at Murrays Cottage into a Camera Obscura. The resulting photographs have a dream like, ethereal quality which evoke themes of presence, absence, emotion, memory and history. From the Hill End Artist in Residence Program.
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, 70-78 Keppel St. Tel 02 6333 6555

This month at Cowra Art Gallery
2 February – 1 March
A Day in the Life of Cowra – Photographers will be invited to contribute to A Day in the life of…. exhibition at the Cowra
Regional Art Gallery, a companion show to Making Hay. Contributions open to all, the only restriction being that the photograph, taken within the last two years, must document in some way life scenes in the Cowra Shire District.
Making Hay – Over a period of two weeks in April 2006 27 professional photographers were invited to Hay NSW, and asked to document life in the district, with no limitations on what they could shoot. The exhibition of over 100 photographs is an eclectic mix of subjects, techniques and styles that captures the essence of a small vibrant country town.
Cowra Art Gallery, 77 Darling Street, Cowra Tel 02 6340 2190 Website www.cowraartgallery.com.au

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Artists of Steel: The Art of Australian Stamp Engraving
2 February – 27 April, Dubbo
Between 1930 and 1960 the one-colour, intaglio process was in use for the production of Australian stamps. This was the time of the 'artists of steel' – when a few skilful craftsmen hand-engraved the steel dies of intaglio stamps at the Note Printing Branch in Melbourne. Hunched over the die, the engraver intently concentrated as they cut the stamp design into the steel's surface, making cuts as shallow as one 500th of a millimetre and engraving the design in reverse. The extraordinary skills of hand engraving on steel, an art no longer practised in Australia, are celebrated in this amazing exhibition. This is a Post Master Gallery Exhibition, at the Western Plains Cultural Centre Tel 02 6810 4444 Website www.wpccdubbo.org.au

Russell McQuilty: Sculpture
2 February – 4 May, Dubbo
Russell McQuilty is a local artist who creates large scale and miniature sculptures of steel construction. In the past Russell's sculptures have been included in the popular exhibition "Sculpture by the Sea" in Bondi, and he was recently short listed on of the "Next Generation Sculptors to Watch" in Michael Reid's publication How to Sell and Buy Art. Russell is a self-taught artist who took up the practice at age 45 –- he is now highly successful and his dynamic yet simple works can be usually viewed at The Defiance Gallery in Newtown, Sydney. It will be fantastic to see Russell's work back in the region. Some of Russell's work can also be viewed at www.defiancegallery.com Western Plains Cultural Centre Tel 02 6810 4444 Website www.wpccdubbo.org.au

Musica Viva | Galapagos Duck
3 February, Coffs Harbour
Part of the Musica Viva Countrywide series which presents over 70 concerts a year across regional New South Wales. Galapagos Duck is presented by the Friends of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden and Musica Viva Australia. 5.30pm at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Hardacre Street, Coffs Harbour. Tickets Tel  02 6648 4188. For further information about Musica Viva, contact Giselle Hoarau Tel 02 8394 6621 Email ghoarau@mva.org.au Website www.musicaviva.com.au

That 1 Guy & True Live
7 February, Bangalow
Ku Promotions presents "two mighty musical experiences join forces for a string of dates guaranteed to blow minds." Both acts – That 1 Guy and True Live – are described as impossible to pigeonhole. Each has their own loyal fan base but fans of either are promised to enjoy the other. Together they offer a genre-bending blend of hip hop, jazz and contemporary beats. At A&I Hall, Bangalow. Tickets from Mullumbimby Bookshop, Barebones Bangalow, All Music and Vision Byron Bay/ Lismore $20/$25 at the door. Contact Ku Promotions Tel 02 6684 7921 Website www.kupromotions.com.au

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12th Australian Blues Music Festival
7 – 10 February, Goulburn
Billed as The National Festival of Australian Blues Music, the Australian Blues Music Festival is held in a variety of venues throughout the historic Goulburn CBD on the second weekend of February every year. The Festival showcases the very best of emerging and established blues acts from around Australia and features workshops with the artists, a weekend-long open mic, Youth in Blues Jam, buskers vintage guitar and amp shop, markets, industry 'meet and greet' forum, the Australian Blues Music 'Chain' Awards and the traditional end of Festival highlight – the All Star Pro Jam. Full details and tickets available online. Tel 1800 353 646 Website www.australianbluesfestival.com.au

Gems from the National Art Glass Collection
7 February – 30 March, Murwillumbah
An exciting opportunity to view some of the most exquisite collection of glass works from Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. This exhibition celebrates the diversity of style and techniques throughout the history and development of the Australian studio glass movement. At Tweed River Art Gallery, Cnr Tweed Valley Way & Mistral Road, Murwillumbah
Tel 02 6670 2790 Website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/artgallery

Two Centuries of Jenolan Discovered
9 – 10 February, Jenolan Caves
Regarded as Australia’s most outstanding cave system – with 11 spectacular show caves, pure underground rivers and amazing formations – Jenolan Caves is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world. This month is Jenolan Caves’s premier weekend in its series of 'history tours'. As well as all the usual cave tours of ten spectacular caves, the weekend will feature eight fun – and fascinating – tours led by long-dead characters from Jenolan’s unusual past. The event also includes a memorabilia exhibition and a fascinating talk for cave enthusiasts. At Jenolan Caves (via Oberon). Tel 1300 763 311 Website www.jenolancaves.org.au

Byron Bay Film Festival
9 – 17 February, Byron Bay
An annual festival that spotlights filmmakers, acknowledges tradition and looks to new directions in film while creating a unique programme of films that inspire, inform and enlighten. The Byron Bay Film Festival is an initiative of the Byron Community and Cultural Centre and local filmmakers. The program initially focused solely on Australian films and the back catalogue of our local filmmakers but metamorphosed into an International Film Festival in its second year. In 2007 the festival featured over 100 films from 24 different countries, including 46 Australian premieres and 15 world premieres. Festival program online. At the Byron Bay Community & Cultural Centre, 69 Jonson Street Tel 02 6685 6807 Email info@bbff.com.au Website www.bbff.com.au

Who let the dogs out: the dog in contemporary Australia art
9 February – 30 March, Lake Macquarie
Australia has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the world and since our artists reflect our world back to us, it’s no surprise that we might sometimes discover the familiar features of the dog. This exhibition celebrates the canine form in all manner of media and affirms that contemporary Australian artists are still fascinated by the dog. Many clearly make images of companions and co-opt the dog as a metaphor for the codified human qualities they have come to embody. Indigenous artists paint the dingo dreaming, some artists enter the violent realm of illegal sport and hunting, while others adopt a dog-persona to explore identity or to comment on the emotional life of the dog. At Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, First St, Booragul. Tel 02 4965 8260 Email artgallery@lakemac.nsw.gov.au Website www.lakemac.com.au

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Turramurra: Baribunma-gudhing
9 February – 23 March, Muswellbrook
A survey of four years of art making by the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander inmates of St Helliers Correctional Centre. Showing with a survey of four years of art making by Gilbert Hermon, The Journey So Far, plus Copse, selected tree pictures from the Max Watters Collection. Opening night on 8 February at 6pm features guest speaker, Jacinta Ledlin, Senior Correctional Education Officer at St Helliers. At Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, Cnr Bridge & Market Streets, Muswellbrook
Tel 02 6549 3880 Website www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au/visitors/ArtsCentre

The View Inside, The View Outside – The Constant Moment
9 February – 30 March, Dubbo
Local artist Kath Morgan presents a series of works that engage with hidden narratives that '....suggest tension, something happening, a moment in a dream – where something can become something else or where the hidden can come into view; where a moment is caught between its inception and transformation – some people have to write, I have a need to paint my stories.' Bright and colourful, full of hidden perspectives, the artwork is complex and yet compelling. Contact The Western Plains Cultural Centre Tel 02 6810 4444 Website www.wpccdubbo.org.au

Judy Campbell's Mosaic, with Bandika Ngao
10 February, Katoomba            15 February, Wodonga
16 February, Mittagong             21 February, Goulburn
22 February, Wagga Wagga    23 February, Hay
Sydney-based ensemble, Mosaic, is on their third Australian tour with Kenyan master percussionist Bandika Ngao. Featuring music from their latest CD, Colours of Kenya", a fusion at the cusp of contemporary jazz and East Africa that has been widely described by reviewers, radio presenters and audiences as 'joyous'. "Jubilant and spiritual in its vocal harmonies and danceable in its grooves, this collaborative band is sounding as tight as the skin on the Kenyan Mijikenda drum …" – Peter Wockner, ABC Limelight. Full concert and venue details online. Contact Genevieve Abbey, Tel 0403 754 241 Email genevieve.abbey@gmail.com Website www.maju.com

David Kas – Nature Studies 2003 – 2008
15 – 29 February, Byron Bay
An exhibition of works by David Kas presents five series of landscape studies, produced over the last five years. Beginning with the deconstruction of the landscape, the bodies of work progressively chart the precinct between abstraction and representation, evolving into figurative works with a romantic, narrative context. Exhibition opens on Friday 15 February, at 6pm. At In Good Company, Cnr Fletcher & Marvell Streets, Byron Bay Tel 02 6685 5491

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BROOM(E)
16 & 17 February, Braidwood
Jane Ahlquist's new one-woman show incorporates interpretations of a series of remarkable dreams collected from the Braidwood community, performed inside a circle of foot-operated lights. BROOM(E) tells the story of a holiday that goes out of control and becomes a journey into the world of night language and paranoia, as the ultimate road trip staggers on to its last appointment. Two performances only at 7.30pm at the Anglican Hall, Wilson Street, Braidwood. Tickets $26/$20 from the McLeod Gallery or contact Tel 02 4846 1041.

Stringmansassy
22 February, Bangalow          
23 February, Uki
Ku Promotions presents a rich tapestry of unique, contemporary Australian music in two concerts. Lovers of music in all its forms, Kacey and Aaron’s performances retain elements of their influences: Bobby McFerrin, Cleo Laine, Ella Fitzgerald, Sting, Tuck and Patti, Middle-Eastern, African & Celtic traditional music. Crowd pleasers on the Australian festival circuit, this highly innovative group has released three independent recordings since they began in 1996 and is planning a 4th for 2008. "Kacey Patrick possesses a voice of unparalleled clarity, so smooth and precise it’s like listening to a melting ice sculpture.” – Matt Connors, Time Off Magazine. At Bangalow Catholic Hall and Uki Hall. Doors open 7.30 for show at 8pm. Tix at door $20. Contact Ku Promotions Tel 02 6684 7921 Website www.kupromotions.com.au

Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival
22 February – 9 March
The Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival features theatre, comedy, film, literature, contemporary music, visual arts, performing arts in a range of unique regional venues and locations with strong community involvement. The 2008 program includes world premiers through to highlights such as Ben Lee at Perry Sandhills Concert, Opera by the Lock, the Big Screen Film Festival and the Mardi Gras Street Festival, where 10,000 spectators and participants take over the streets of Mildura, along with cutting edge events such as the Puppet Cabaret and Elements and the critically acclaimed A thousand doors, a thousand windows. Full program online. Website www.mwaf.com.au

Musica Viva | Coco's Lunch
24 February, Coffs Harbour
This concert is part of the Musica Viva Countrywide series. Presented by Friends of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden and Musica Viva Australia. At the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Hardacre Street, Coffs Harbour at 5.00pm. Tickets 02 6648 4188 Further information contact Giselle Hoarau, CountryWide Manager, Tel 02 8394 6621 Email ghoarau@mva.org.au Website www.musicaviva.com.au

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Dunedoo Bush Poetry Festival
28 February – 2 March, Dunedoo
Hot on the heels of holding the National Bush Poetry Championships last year, the Dunedoo Bush Poetry Festival is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with more entertainment. Friday night features a Yarn Spinning competition, with bush music band, ‘Johnson’s Antidote. Saturday morning markets will be peppered with poets spruiking, bush music, a world class puppet show and street theatre, before the poetry competition begins. Popular entertainer Jim Haynes is the attraction on Saturday night with compeers Carol Heuchan, 2007 Poet Champion, and Greg North, 2007 Runner-up. Wind down on Sunday morning with Breakfast with the Poets in the Park and have a laugh with the ‘Poets Brawl’. Contact Jennie Kubowicz Tel 02 6375 1975 Email jennie_54@hotmail.com Website www.abpa.org.au

Didgeridoo Dingo
1 March, Jenolan Caves
A combination of the rhythmic drone of the didgeridoo, the haunting melody of the didjeribone and the drive of drums, bass and rhythm guitar section. Includes a brief tour of Lucas Cave. Hugely popular concert in 2007 back again this year. Tickets $45/ $25 conc. 4pm, Jenolan Caves (via Oberon). Tel 1300 763 311

A Country Girl the Tenor and the Piano
1 March, Woodstock
Julie O’Connor, Willian Amer and Stewart Bruce. These three versatile entertainers perform popular and classical music. Shows also in Harden/ Murrumburrah, Young, Cootamundra. $20. Soldiers Hall, Rankin Street, Woodstock. Tickets at the door or reservations Tel 02 6345 0147 Email info@eventions.org

Luminesca: Nights in the Gardens of Spain
3 March, Albury
The first event for this year’s Refractions series at Murray Conservatorium will feature ARIA award winning guitarist Gareth Koch and celebrated cellist Trish O’Brien: Luminesca. The acclaimed duo will present works by Spanish and South American composers including Manuel de Falla, Astor Piazzolla, Heitor Villa-Lobos and Enrique Granados. Formed in 2006, Luminesca has literally burst onto the Australian music scene as Australia’s newest and most successful classical act. 6.00pm at Arts Space Wodonga Contact Murray Conservatorium Tel 02 6042 0901 Website www.murraycon.edu.au

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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
Central 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’ monthly e-bulletin at www.outbackarts.com.au
Mid North Coast – Arts Mid North Coast's e-Bulletin at www.artsmidnorthcoast.org
Northern Rivers – Arts Northern Rivers e-Bulletin available on request 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-monthly newsletter, ArtsBark, available on request by email
South West – South West Arts bi-monthly e-bulletin available on request by email

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

More What's On listings around the ACT
Canberra Arts Marketing publishes a fabulous free fortnightly Arts Around Canberra newsletter in PDF which is available by subscription or on their website here. They also publish a Kids newsletter and the Arts Around Canberra website which is full of things to do and see in the Capital region. Check it out here

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Grants, Fellowships + Residencies

ArtsLab 08 | Shopfront residencies
ArtsLab08 is an intensive laboratory and one year hot housing residency inviting seven young artists from across Australia to set the pace for a new generation. Expressions of interest of ArtsLab08 are now open. Contact TJ Eckleberg on Tel 02 9588 3948 Email ad@shopfront.org.au Website www.shopfront.org.au
Closing 8 February

NAVA | Janet Holmes à Court Artists Grants
A grants program managed by the National Association for the Visual Arts to provide assistance towards the costs of public presentation of visual arts, craft and design – which can include, but is not limited to: framing, media releases, media photographs, advertising, space rental, installation costs, promotional printing, mail outs, documentation, freight, travel, equipment rental, insurance, technical assistance and opening costs. Amounts available are: $500 for individuals and $1,000 for groups. Website www.visualarts.net.au/grantsprizes/vcags
Closing 15 February, 15 May, 15 August, 15 November

A Month In The Country: performing arts residencies
Likened to the famous Sundance Institute established in the USA by Robert Redford, 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. Now in its third year, A Month In The Country has assisted many Australian theatre artists to bring their work to fruition. A Month in the Country is a service to the national theatre industry, allowing groups of artists to experience the intensity of a regional working experience. Applications for residencies are accepted twice each year. This program is delivered with the support of Albury City, Arts NSW, Arts Victoria, the Australia Council, Perpetual and The Myer Foundation. Contact HotHouse Theatre Website www.hothousetheatre.com.au
Closing 15 February & 15 August

DEWHA | National Arts & Crafts Industry Support
A major grants program providing direct funding to Indigenous art centres and arts support organisations, with the overall objective to help them to become stronger and to build a more sustainable Indigenous visual arts industry. Funded is targeted to: strengthen governance and business management practices in the industry; provide opportunities for artists to maintain, develop and extend their professional art practice; and provide opportunities for arts workers to develop professional skills and experience. The program supports both art centres and art support organisations to conduct activities which contribute to the development and sustainability of the industry in urban, regional or remote parts of Australia. Any organisation may apply for funding in accordance with the program guidelines. Contact the regional officer at your nearest ICC, details online. Tel 02 6271 1000 Email nacis@dcita.gov.au Website www.arts.gov.au
Closing 28 February

DEWHA | Indigenous Culture Support
A program to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to maintain and develop their cultures by fostering new forms of cultural expression, transmission of knowledge and skills across age groups and participation by members of Indigenous communities. It encourages cultural exchange among Indigenous communities and between Indigenous and other cultures in Australia. The program aims are: to maintain Indigenous culture through community involvement; to support new forms of Indigenous cultural expression; to increase public awareness of Indigenous culture, including through the presentation and exchange of culture; and to support the sustainable development of community organisations involved in cultural activities. Any organisation may apply for funding in accordance with the program guidelines. Contact the regional officer at your nearest ICC, details online. Tel 02 6271 1000 Website www.arts.gov.au
Closing 28 February

DEWHA | Maintenance of Indigenous Languages & Records
A program to assist the revival and maintenance of Australian Indigenous languages as living systems of knowledge shared by communities and passed down from generation to generation. It aims to address the steady erosion and loss of Australia’s estimated 250 Indigenous languages by providing funding support to record, document and increase awareness and appreciation of Indigenous languages. The emphasis is on supporting community based projects by language groups, language research and the development and coordination of language resources. The program aims to: support the maintenance of Indigenous languages; increase the use of Indigenous languages in a range of fields and media, including greater Indigenous community engagement; increase public appreciation of Indigenous languages; and support the sustainable development of community organisations involved in language activities. Contact the regional officer at your nearest ICC, details online. Tel 02 6271 1000 Website www.arts.gov.au
Closing 28 February

DEWHA | Indigenous Broadcasting Program
A funding program to address the broadcasting needs of Indigenous people living in remote, regional and urban areas of Australia, with main focus on radio. Indigenous owned and controlled organisations, Indigenous broadcasting organisations, peak bodies, registered media training providers, radio content producers and aspirant broadcasting organisations, which are able to demonstrate they are representative of their local community, can apply. The program aims to support the operations of Indigenous owned and controlled community radio broadcasting services; support the development and broadcast of programming that focuses on the promotion of local Indigenous culture and languages; enhance Indigenous broadcasting services by supporting national representation; support broadcasting services that inform and educate Indigenous Australians on accessing health, legal, education and housing services; and assist in developing an Indigenous broadcasting sector that meets all governance requirements. Contact the regional officer at your nearest ICC, details online. Tel 1800 079 098 Website www.arts.gov.au
Closing 28 February

The Foundation for Young Australians | Buzz Grants
Buzz Grants offer flexible support for young musicians, sound artists and music-related arts workers through grants of up to $2,500. Individuals aged 12 - 26, or groups with a majority of people aged 12 - 26 involved in a music or sound project may apply for a Buzz grant. This can be done with the support of an organisation. In 2008 there will be two rounds for Buzz Grants. Applications to be considered in the first round will need to be received by 3 March 2008. Buzz is a project of the Australian Government's Young and Emerging Artists' Initiative, through the Music Board of the Australia Council for the Arts, and the Australian Government arts funding and advisory body. For more information on Buzz Grants Tel 03 9670 5436 Website www.youngaustralians.org
Closing 3 March

OzCo Community Partnerships | Project & Professional Development
Project and professional development (category B) grants of up to $20,000 for one-off community arts and cultural development projects that involve a range of collaborating partners and that may or may not have a public outcome.
‘Partners’ here refers to individuals or organisations that will help make the project happen. The partners will work in collaboration towards a shared vision and may contribute financially or in kind to the project. Individuals, groups and organisations are welcome to apply, including individuals pursuing professional development opportunities. First time applicants are encouraged to apply. Full details, eligibility requirements and applications forms online. Tel 02 9215 9025 Email cp@australiacouncil.gov.au Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 3 March

OzCo Community Partnerships | Projects with Public Outcomes
Projects with public outcomes (category C) grants support one-off community arts and cultural development projects that must have a public outcome and involve collaborations with a range of cross-sectoral partners. ‘Cross-sectoral partnerships’ here refers to individual and organisational partnerships from non-arts sectors that will help make the project happen. Individuals, groups and organisations are welcome to apply, provided they have sought financial support or co-funding from other sources. The community partnerships committee may determine to make an allocation of seed funding to assist in securing other co-funding opportunities for the project. Amount: $20,000 to $35,000. Full details, eligibility requirements and applications forms online. Tel 02 9215 9025 Email cp@australiacouncil.gov.au Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Closing 3 March

The JB Seed | Indigenous Recording
A grant to provide the opportunity for an Indigenous musical performer or act in any genre, with original material, to record a 5 track EP. The grant winner will collaborate with Buchman (AKA Tony Buchen) to produce, arrange, record, mix and master their music in his studio in Sydney. The JB Seed will provide and arrange transport, accommodation, and living expenses whilst recording, and provide a budget for artwork and to manufacture 1,000 copies of the EP. Applicants need to provide a sample of their music on CD, a brief biography of the performers involved and a vision of what they hope to achieve by recording this EP. Details and application forms online. Email grants@thejbseed.com Website www.thejbseed.com
Closing 16 March

The JB Seed | Professional & Skills Development
A grant is open to musicians and musical technicians who wish to enhance their skill base or career choices by undertaking further study, residencies, mentoring relationships, seminars, or conferences with recognised practitioner/s of excellence. Applicants must include an abridged relevant biography, their vision of the benefits of their project, an abridged biography of the proposed practitioner and confirmation that the practitioner is willing and able to be involved in the project. The program can occur within Australia, or if the expertise exists only overseas, then in an international setting. Grants of up to $3,000. Details and application forms online. Email grants@thejbseed.com Website www.thejbseed.com
Closing 16 March

The JB Seed | Social Activism Through the Arts
This program embraces all art forms and is open to any projects or initiatives that serve to educate and/or create debate and awareness on current, socially relevant issues. Applicants will be required to explain their project idea, who will be involved and what they want to achieve, as well as how their art form (whether music, film, painting, sculpture, performance, etc) will be used in the project. A brief plan for how the project will be marketed is also required.
As a guide, examples of successful projects supported in previous years can be viewed online. Grants of up to $5,000. Details and application forms online. Email grants@thejbseed.com Website www.thej