|
________________________________________
Highlights
 The
Four Winds Festival
21 – 23 March, Bermagui
Truly a highlight of the regional arts calendar, Four Winds has gained national
critical attention for its program of ground-breaking new works and classics played
by pre-eminent artists in a sublime natural amphitheatre nine kilometres south
of Bermagui. Over 50 Australian musicians and ensembles are expected at this
year's event, including Synergy, Halycon, William Barton, Diana Doherty, Paul
Wright, Graeme Jennings, Riley Lee and Genevieve Lacey. They will be joined by
international performers, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, master Indian flautist, Dr Natesan
Ramani and French soprano, Valerie Gabial in the most ambitious program ever in
the biennial festival's 17 year history: a magical blend of harmony and cultures
put together by Artistic Director, Christopher Latham. The festival opens with
a free concert and percussion spectacular at dusk on Bermagui Oval on 21 March.
Critical reviews, full festival program, pictures, profiles, a fascinating history
and, of course, bookings on the Festival website. Contact Tel 02 6493 3485
Email fourwinds08@gmail.com
Website www.fourwinds.com.au
Live from the Opera House to a cinema near you: Carmen
12 March, Wagga Wagga & Singleton
 Opera
Australia and the Australian Film Commission will present the first live transmission
of an opera from the Sydney Opera House to regional cinemas across Australia this
month. On the evening of 12 March, Opera Australia’s new production of Carmen,
conducted by Richard Hickox, will be beamed via satellite from the Sydney
Opera House Opera Theatre to the eight regional cinemas in the AFC’s Regional
Digital Screen Network: in Albany (WA), Devonport (TAS), Hervey Bay (QLD), Yarram
(VIC), Katherine (NT), Port Augusta (SA), Wagga Wagga and Singleton (NSW). Opera
on the Big Screen will be screened free of charge to an audience of up to 7,000
people, including 4,000 at a live site on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, 1,000
at Federation Square in Melbourne and over 2,000 in cinemas across Australia.
Full story on the AFC's website here
or on the Opera Australia website here
 The
Living Sound Festival
7 – 9 March, Bathurst,
Lithgow & Forbes
Three towns, ten venues and more than twenty musicians, the Living Sound Festival
storms into Bathurst, Lithgow and Forbes this March. Featuring headline acts Mr
Fibby (Canberra), Arabesk (Sydney), Trio Apoplectic (Sydney) and Chaos Math (Sydney),
the festival brings contemporary jazz, gypsy and hip hop to the heart of the Central
West. Local artists Georg Mertens, Fiona Thompson, Cindy Bailey, Jamie Briton,
Robin Yeatman, Michelle Stockwell and Jonothan Stephens will support headline
acts on Saturday 8 March at major festival gigs. Festival pass $50 or tickets
$20/$15 now on sale from Lithgow, Bathurst and Forbes branches of Mitchell Conservatorium.
More information online. Website www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
The Living Sound Festival has
been made possible with a grant from the Australian Government's Regional Arts
Fund and Festivals Australia.
Euan Macleod: Connections & Collaborations
Until 30 March, Murwillumbah
 The
work of internationally acclaimed artist Euan Macleod employs a bold, expressive
style that is evident in both his painting and artist’s prints. Emotive and
convincing, Macleod’s work can be placed within the recent international
return to figurative expressionism. His work displays a strong sense of the masculine,
the looming figure filling a dramatic presence within the work and providing a
central focus. Macleod’s work also exhibits an interest in memory and subjective
experience, the gestural marks on either his canvas or printing plate speaking
volumes of emotion and physical exertion. Connections & Collaborations
combines a rarely-viewed mix of the artist’s paintings and his more recent
exploration of printmaking. At Tweed River Art Gallery, 2 Mistral Road (Cnr Tweed
Valley Way), Murwillumbah South. Website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ArtGallery/ArtGalleryHome.aspx
The Glory
27 March – 5 April, Albury Wodonga
HotHouse Theatre Artistic Directorate member Aidan Fennessy (Ruby Moon, Oleanna)
directs an outstanding cast in this world premiere production of The Glory.
A HotHouse Theatre commission, The Glory, by playwright Ross Mueller was
the winner of the 2006 Wal Cherry Play of the Year. As Australia awakes to discover
the tragic death of a high ranking soldier in a foreign war zone, his military
family in the suburbs of Sydney is not only coming to terms with the death of
a brother and an uncle but with public and government expectations of how to bury
a nation's best mate. But what actually happened to Brigadier Martin Connors at
the end of a long and distinguished career? Against a backdrop of the 'War on
Terror' and heightened homeland security, Mueller has fashioned both a heartbreaking
family drama and an urgent moral examination from events as contemporary as last
night's news bulletin. At The Hume Building Society Butter Factory Theatre, Wodonga.
Bookings Tel 02 6021 7433 Website www.hothousetheatre.com.au/season/theglory.htm
>> Back to top
________________________________________
Regional Arts NSW News
Regional Arts NSW Communications Manager bids farewell
 After
seven years in the hot seat, the Regional Arts NSW Communications Manager, Rachael
Vincent, has resigned. Rachael initiated the Communications & Promotions Program
at Regional Arts NSW following the restructure of the organisation from the Arts
Council of NSW in 2000. She revived and reinvigorated the Regional Arts NSW magazine,
ArtReach, bringing regional arts project stories, sector news and analysis
to arts-lovers and decision-makers across the state. She developed the Regional
Arts NSW website, which now numbers over 350 pages and attracts around 30,000
visitors a month, and she conceived and produced the Regional Arts NSW e-Bulletin.
Now in its 94th edition, the e-Bulletin is acknowledged as one of the best of
its kind in Australia and has been a tearaway success with readers of all stripes,
from artists and arts project managers to Local and State Government and the media.
Rachael has also been responsible for managing media relations and for promotions
of programs and events at Regional Arts NSW, including the RAA National Conference
in Albury Wodonga in 2002. "I'm very proud of what I've achieved for Regional
Arts NSW and the sector, and I'll be very sad to leave," Rachael said, "But
it's time to hang up my gloves get my teeth into something new."
 New
Communications Co-ordinator for West Darling Arts
West Darling Arts has appointed Del Hughes as its new Communications Co-ordinator.
Based in the West Darling Arts office at Broken Hill, Del's first task will be
to update the West Darling Arts' website and to create and administer an e-bulletin.
Despite being a relative newcomer to 'The Hill', having moved there two and a
half years ago, Del already has local experience as an Events Assistant at the
Far West Regional Development Board and as a partner in a a successful catering
business as well as being involved in volunteer work among the aged. Del says
she is looking forward to spreading the news on arts and cultural events within
the region in her new position.
Contact Del Hughes Tel 08 8087 9035 Email del@westdarlingarts.org.au
>>
Back to top
_______________________________________
Other News
NSW Government renews its support for regional arts
 On
22 February the Minister for the Arts, Frank Sartor, announced more than $17m
in funding as part of the Government's $26m 2008 Cultural Grants Program. The
list includes some 308 grants in categories including Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual
Arts & Craft, Community Cultural Development, Capital Infrastructure, Museums,
Performing Arts Touring, Literature & History and the Western Sydney Arts
Strategy. Funding has continued for for Regional Arts NSW and the Country Arts
Support Program (CASP) as well as for the network of Regional Arts Boards (RABs).
In addition to the core funding provided for each RAB under a triennial funding
agreement (which is delivered in partnership with Local Governments), the Far
West RAB, Outback Arts, has received a $75,000 grant to initiate a new
Regional Indigenous Cultural Officer's position; Arts Northern Rivers'
strategic development project, the Visual Arts Network (VAN) project has been
granted $40,000 to continue its operations; Arts Mid North Coast has been
awarded $35,000 towards its strategic arts and craft industry development initiative,
BuildingBlox and the Eastern Riverina Arts Program (ERAP) has received
$20,000 for a W I R E D local sound artist collective project. A total of $836,474
has been invested in fifteen capital infrastructure projects in regional and rural
areas of the State in addition to support provided for a range of programs and
activities across all artforms.
Full story and list of grants on the Arts NSW website here.
 New
art education facility for Lake Macquarie
A new art education facility is under construction at Lake Macquarie City Art
Gallery. The extension to the existing building, designed by Colin Still, will
enable the gallery to deliver long-awaited art education programs to complement
the exhibition program and sculpture park. The facility will include a purpose
built art education room suitable both for seminars and practical arts based workshops,
allowing the gallery to conduct and develop more innovative adults and kids workshops
and provide a space for lectures by visiting artists and academics. The project,
which will cost $546,000 to complete, affirms Lake Macquarie City Council's commitment
to culture and education in the area and is expected to be finished in mid-May.
Contact Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery Tel 02 4965 8260 Website www.lakemac.com.au
Jetty Theatre's 2008 program to include world premiere
 Coffs
Harbour's Jetty Theatre will present the world premiere of Rhoda Roberts' new
one-woman play, Bible Boxing Love, this April as part of its 2008 season
line-up. The play, which will open in Coffs Harbour before appearing at Australia's
international Indigenous festival, The Festival of the Dreaming, later this year,
is the first to be produced by the Jetty Theatre, and has been made possible with
the support of the Australia Council for the Arts. Launched on 8 February
by patron and acting legend, Jack Thompson, the Jetty Theatre's 2008 season builds
on the success of its inaugural program last year which resulted in sell-out shows
an audience of 3,500. Tickets for this year's program go on sale to the general
public on 3 March. Contact Tel 02 6652 8088.
Full story and program on the Coffs Harbour City Council website here
 Artist
donates $15,000 work to help support local talent
Internationally acclaimed glass artist, Klaus Moje, has donated a specially
made piece of work worth $15,000 to the Far South Coast Living Artists Projects
to help raise funds for their 2009 scholarship. The Far South Coast Living Artists
scholarship provides twelve months financial support – around $35,000 –
to an emerging artist from the Bega Valley to develop a professionally curated
and exhibited body of work and is part of a broader goal to raise the profile
of art and artists in the region. The project was started by a group of local
residents, including well-known artist Prue Acton and gallery director Karen O’Clery,
in March 2007. Together with the help of the Australia Cultural Fund of the Australia
Business Arts Foundation, they solicited donations and held an art auction to
raise funds for their inaugural award, which went to talented ceramicist, Poppy
Benton. Benton, who had been forced to find full-time work in Goulburn and stop
practising, has now completed her scholarship and is opening her first solo show
at Narek Galleries in Tanja on 1 March (see What's On). Moje's
exquisite glass piece is now offered as the prize in a raffle, with the winning
ticket to be drawn at an art auction of around 40 works by big name local and
national artists in Tathra on 8 June. Applications are also now open for the 2009
scholarship (see Grants)
More information on the Far South Coast Living Artists Projects website here
Read about the history of the project in this article on the AbaF website here
Creative business plan for the Clarence
 Clarence
Valley has launched an Australian first with Council adopting the Clarence Creative
business plan. The aim is to build a cluster that enhances marketing, product
development, and business capacity whilst establishing the Clarence Valley as
a creative hub. A volunteer working group has supported the project, the first
of its type, over the last 12 months and Clarence Valley Council extend their
appreciation to all who contributed to what is a very significant outcome.
Download the plan from the Clarence Valley Council's website here
[PDF]
Walgett Shire may promote Indigenous art under new plan
ABC Western Plains NSW reports that a new Aboriginal Reconciliation Plan could
see the Walgett Shire Council's information centres promoting and selling works
by local Indigenous artists. The strategy is one of a number contained in the
shire's first Aboriginal development and reconciliation plan, developed by Aboriginal
Liaison officer, Victor Beale. Mr Beale says he hopes his document promotes cultural
awareness and Aboriginal reconciliation through partnerships, Aboriginal employment,
arts strategies and youth development programs.The council will consider the plan
and public submissions in April.
Full story on the ABC Western Plains NSW website here
New Director-General for the NSW Department of Arts,
Sport & Recreation
The Minister for the Arts, Frank Sartor, and the Minister for Sport and Recreation,
Graham West, have announced the appointment of Carol Mills as the new Director-General
of the Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation. Ms Mills brings a broad range
of public sector experience to the role. As Deputy Director-General of the Department
of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Ms Mills has been responsible for the delivery
of strategic planning and policy as well as the delivery of services to 35,000
clients. Mr Sartor and Mr West also thanked Peter Loxton from the Department of
Premier and Cabinet for acting as the head of DASR following the retirement of
former Director-General Bob Adby.
Code bolsters Indigenous artist protection
The ABC reports that a new national Code of Conduct on Indigenous Art is expected
to be implemented within the next two months, providing Aboriginal artists with
more commercial protection. The code is the first of its kind specifically for
Indigenous art, and prescribes what is appropriate behaviour between artists and
dealers. Although not to be enforced by legislation, the code is intended to provide
the industry with a set of standards on how to achieve best practice.
Full story at ABC News online here
Federal film & TV agencies merger
The Federal Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett has announced the formation of
a new centralised Australian film and television industry agency. Screen Australia
will incorporate a merger of the Australian Film Commission (AFC), the Film Finance
Corporation (FFC) and Film Australia. ABC Arts Online reports that Mr Garrett
says the new agency will help Australian creative talent withstand competition
from overseas. Legislation has also been introduced into the Parliament to make
the National Film and Sound Archive an independent statutory authority.
Full story on ABC Arts Online here
>> Back to top
_______________________________________
New Resources
Heywire: ABC Regional Youth Online
 Featuring
blogs, profiles, feature stories and regional youth news, the ABC's regional youth
site, Heywire, is an online space where regional Australian youth can broadcast
their stories and new material is being added all the time. Forty seven young
rural and regional Australians have just returned home from the Heywire Youth
Issues Forum in Canberra where they met with the who's who of Canberra and created
a shared vision for the future of young people in rural and regional areas. Read
all about it on their
blog. The Heywirers also shared a moment in history when they were at Parliament
House as part of National Sorry Day. Read their points of view here.
Perhaps you'd be interested to hear a word from some of the Heywire alumni and
the work they are doing in rural and regional Australia; that's here.
Website www.abc.net.au/heywire/
 Biennale
of Sydney Online Venue
The 2008 Biennale of Sydney Online Venue is a website which brings together previews
of artworks, texts and links selected by Artistic Director, Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev,
based on her exhibition theme, Revolutions – Forms That Turn. Enjoy stumbling
upon these – not knowing what may be a few clicks away! Works will be continuously
uploaded to the venue, creating an ever-changing constellation. The 2008 Biennale
of Sydney: Revolutions – Forms That Turn will run (in real time) in Sydney
from 18 June – 7 September 2008.
Website www.bos2008.com/revolutionsonline
Digital Artists Handbook
 A
free online handbook which offers an up to date, reliable and accessible source
of information for digital artists – introducing different tools, resources
and ways of working related to digital art. The handbook aims to be a source of
practical information and content that bridges the gap between new users and the
platforms and resources that are available, but not always easily accessible.
Over time, the handbook will be slowly filled with articles by invited artists
and specialists, talking about their tools and ways of working. Some articles
are introductions to tools, others are descriptions of methodologies, concepts
and technologies. The site hosts articles on a wide variety of topics related
to the bits and bytes of digital art practice, including project management tips,
open content guides, instructions for digital video, digital graphics, sound tools
and hardware development strategies.
Website www.digitalartistshandbook.org
 Art_a_base:
NETS Victoria touring exhibitions database
The new edition of Art_a_base, the National Exhibitions Touring Support (NETS)
Victoria database for touring exhibitions is now online. Art_a_base is a beautifully
designed, 34 page booklet which aims to inform and support public gallery sector
in programming and touring exhibitions, with a list of exhibitions available in
Victoria and interstate. Exhibitions listed might be in development, on show at
a venue, or already on tour. Art_a_base is a free publication produced and distributed
by NETS Victoria in February and July each year. Available in PDF from the NETS
Victoria website
Download from the NETS Victoria website www.netsvictoria.org/pdf/art_a_base-02062008.pdf
[PDF]
>> Back to top
________________________________________
Projects
The Puppet Caravan 2008
Until 8 March, NSW
Until April, National
 Nine
Australian and international puppeteers left Lismore late last month on a four
and a half week, 6,000 kilometre journey to Perth, bringing puppetry performances
and workshops to regional and remote communities along the way. Their destination
is the UNIMA 2008 World Puppetry Festival and Congress in April – the biggest
puppetry event ever staged in Australia and the first time it has been held in
the Southern Hemisphere. The Puppet Caravan will be in NSW until 8 March and is
offering workshop and performance opportunities to the communities of Quirindi,
Dubbo, Carinda, Bogan, Nyngan, Wilcannia, Broken
Hill and Wentworth. Suitable for all age groups, the workshops cover
the making and manipulation of different styles of puppetry from hand, rod and
shadow puppets to illuminated lanterns and puppets made from plastic bags and
other discarded items.
To book, contact Lara Mob 0401 231 119 Email lara@krinkl.com.au
Websites www.puppetryaustralia.info/puppetcaravan
or www.unima2008.com or
www.krinkl.com.au
The NSW ‘leg’ of the Puppet
Caravan was made possible with a grant from the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian
Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia.
 Dorrigo
Folk & Bluegrass Festival | Youth Media Project
October 2007, Dorrigo
Run by the Dorrigo Youth Service (DYS) in conjunction with the festival
organisers, the Youth Digital Media Project was an integral part of last year's
Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, with significant benefits for both the
festival and the participants. Project Facilitator, Tony Allison, described it
as "a fantastic opportunity to involve local youth in a fun, supportive and
dynamic festival atmosphere while providing valuable event documentation skills."
It also offered real life experience in an event environment dealing with protocols
and communications between organisers and performers; and fulfilled the aim of
promoting and developing local youth positively within their community. For the
festival committee there are obvious benefits. With approximately 2,300 photos
taken, they now have a selection of high quality archival digital stills and the
opportunity to utilise image documentation for future event planning, promotion
and marketing.
Contact Tony Allison, Digital Media Project Facilitator Mob 0401 562 526 Email
ecodigitography@gmail.com
Website www.dorrigo.com/festival
This project was an outcome of a
digital storytelling project run by DYS in 2006, which was made possible with
a grant from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
>> Back to top
_________________________________________________________
What's On
Head Up!
 Until
16 March, Maitland
An exhibition by prominent Australian
artists Vicki Varvaressos and Richard Larter at Maitland Regional Art Gallery
(MRAG). Since her first exhibition 1975, Vicki Varvaressos has held over 28 solo
exhibitions and has been included in numerous group shows. In 2002 she was the
winner of the prestigious Portia Geach Memorial Award. Richard Larter came to
Australia from London in 1962. He has been in numerous major exhibitions and is
well represented in the Australian National Gallery, all State Galleries and other
collections. To complement the exhibition, MRAG has curated an exhibition of portraits
from the collection featuring a unique painting created by Brett Whitely and Charles
Blackman. Included is also a selection of photographs featuring famous Australian
artists in their own homes. At Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St Maitland.
Website www.mrag.org.au/
 Parliament
of NSW Indigenous Art Prize & Wilcannia Mission School Kids
Until 23 March, Broken Hill
The Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize is a $20,000 acquisitive
prize for Indigenous artists born in NSW and belonging to a NSW language group.
This year's winner is Milton Budge, for his two part work, Ration Day Times.
“It’s great to win the Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize,"
said Budge, "You’ve got these mission artists; these different artists,
different from the centre and the top-end. We suffer in national competitions
so it is important to see this other side.” The exhibition features Budge's
winning work and works by the 40 finalists in the Prize. Also on display will
be work by five Wilcannia artists in Wilcannia Mission School Kids. The
name of the exhibition carries forward a theme developed by Badger Bates several
years ago when he was working on arts projects at Wilcannia. The exhibition will
feature recent work by Badger, Phillip Bates, Murray Butcher, Willy Don Hunter
and Muriel Riley. At Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, 404-408 Argent Street Tel 08 8080 3440
Website www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au
From the South Seas: Australian South Sea Islander descendants
Until 30 March, Murwillumbah
 From
the South Seas: Australian South Sea Islander descendants is a Tweed River
Art Gallery touring exhibition. The exhibition showcases Gilbert Bel-Bachir’s
powerful photographic portraits of descendants of South Sea Islanders, brought
to Australia during the 19th and early 20th century. This series of 35 portraits
was selected from Bel-Bachir’s collection of over 170 images, considered
by some to be the largest visual archive of contemporary descendants of South
Sea Islanders. The images were taken between 1988 and 1995, a time leading up
to the first recognition by the Australian government of South Sea Islanders as
a distinct ethnic group in Australia with their own history and culture. At Tweed
River Art Gallery, 2 Mistral Road (Cnr Tweed Valley Way), Murwillumbah South.
Website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ArtGallery/ArtGalleryHome.aspx
>> Back to top
 This
month at Orange Regional Gallery
Until 6 April
Sink or Swim: Innovative large format works on paper, incorporating a range
of print media by printmakers Geraldine Berkemeier and Gary Shinfield.
21 March – 27 April
Svea's Cup of Tea: Svea Bjornsson's wearable art is inspired and spontaneous.
Her works are usually created from tea bags, which she transforms into beautiful
works of art.
The Mary Turner Collection: Australian modern masters donated by Mary Turner
OAM, includes works by Sidney Nolan, Ian Fairweather and Grace Cossington Smith.
Orange Regional Gallery, Byng Street Orange. Tel 02 6393 8136
Walala Wasala: The Fabric of African Politics
 Until
4 May, Wollongong
A rare opportunity to glimpse an integral part of pan-African cultures through
contemporary manufactured textile culture. The 75 textiles presented are from
thirteen countries, from Botswana to Zanzibar. Many were acquired through the
propaganda fabric sections of political parties in power in the nations represented.
Voters wear fabrics that are literally voting cloths, give-aways at political
rallies. The show includes 35 portraits of past and present African heads of state,
and a variety of other themes including sporting heroes, international celebrities,
traditional African themes, religious figures and common and desirable commodities
still denied to most Africans, like clean water, electricity and housing. At Wollongong
City Gallery Tel 02 4228 7500
 Poppy
Benton: Imbue
1 March – 16 April, Tanja
On 1 March, the Bega Valley regional community will celebrate the outcome
of the first Far South Coast Living Artist Projects 12 month scholarship, which
was awarded to a local outstanding emerging visual artist, Poppy Benton (see News).
Under the program, over the past year, Poppy has been provided with both financial
support and professional mentorship in her art practice. The result is Benton’s
first solo exhibition of hand-built porcelain which will open at the internationally
renowned Narek Galleries in the old Tanja Church, Tanja this month. Narek Galleries, Old
Tanja Church, 1140 Tathra-Bermagui Rd, Tanja. Website www.narekgalleries.com
Puppet Caravan presents "...before a Duck"
2 March, Bourke
A man lets go of all his inhibitions and kneels before a duck. In doing so he
sifts through his internal seasons and is helped on the odd occasion by this duck.
As part of the Million Puppet Project, the Puppet Caravan presents an indoor illuminated
lantern puppet show, combining colour and shadow. This collaboration between multi-award-winning
Krinkl Theatre and LightnUp Inc, who have delighted thousands since the last century,
will see the poetic language and graceful, yet quirky images of renowned cartoonist
Michael Leunig come to life in ways they have never before. At Gidgee Guest House,
Bourke. Contact Andrew Hull Mob 0427 919 964 Email amhull@bigpond.com
Website www.millionpuppets.com
>> Back to top
 Jessamin
Frank: Soaked
3 March – 5 April,
Coffs Harbour
Soaked is an exhibition of charcoal drawing and oil painting exploring
birth and motherhood. Jessamin Frank is a local artist, having recently moved
to the Coffs Coast. Her work explores psychological realism in a quest to find
material embodiment of internal experience. "My work centres on the image
of a child, yet also seeks to contain metaphors of a much broader human condition
of experiencing ourselves as both self and other, both separate yet connected.
…a meditation on the nature of being human, in all its complexity, fragility,
imperfection, resilience and ultimate transience." At Space Gallery, Jetty
Theatre, Tel 02 6652 8088.
 Coolah
Jazz in the Tops Festival
7 – 8 March
Coolah Tops National Park will be buzzing this March with the smooth tones and
cool grooves of their sixth annual jazz festival. Feature vocalist is Julie O'Hara
– well known in Jazz circles for her vocalese (using her voice as another
instrument) and will perform jazz from various styles including hip hop, bebop,
swing and Latin grooves. On stage, Julie will be reunited with George Washingmachine,
with whom she has produced swing, country, and western swing albums. Also appearing
will be the RAAF Jazz Ensemble, Howlers Classic 5, Bogalusa Strutters, and Aaron
Flower on guitar (Aaron won the 2007 National Jazz Awards in Wangaratta). The
entertainment begins on Friday night with jazz acts at all of Coolah's pubs and
clubs and the Festival will commence at 1pm on Saturday at the Coolah Tops National
Park. On Sunday there will be a Big Jazz Breakfast and Gospel Service in Coolah.
Tickets available on eBay or Tel 02 6378 5030 Website www.jazzinthetops.com.au
Art in Tent (Ceci n’est pas Baba)
8 March, Gosford
 A
presentation of past projects in the Click Here! series of art interventions in
the centre of Gosford, in a tent. Art in Tent is also an opportunity for people
to contribute to a psychogeographic 'mapping'of the town and roundtable discussions
about aspects of contemporary art practice in the region. Keynote speaker will
be Dr Steffen Lehmann, the Artistic Director of the ‘Back to the City’
project in Newcastle. No harm will be inflicted unnecessarily on elephants in
the room, real or imagined. Art inTent is organised by Brown’s Cows Art Projects
and Gosford Art Flux Forum with financial support from Gosford City Council. At
Kibble Park, Gosford from 11am.
 Miriam
Morris exhibition & recital
Until 15 March, Wodonga
Artist and musician Miriam Morris's third solo exhibition at Arts Space Wodonga
features a series of works on paper. Miriam is also a viola da gamba player of
international repute who has pursued a varied career as a soloist and chamber
musician. Often heard on the ABC she plays with Consort Eclectus and enjoys a
busy career as a solo bass violist, performing throughout Australia and in the
US, New Zealand, England and Sweden. Morris will perform a a solo recital of works
at the Space on 14 March from 6pm. Arts Space, cnr Lawrence & Hovell
Streets. Tickets $15/$10 Tel 02 6021 5034 Email vnaimo@murrayarts.org.au
>> Back to top
CMC Rocks the Snowys
14 – 15 March, Thredbo
The Country Music Channel's roots and country music festival is set to rock Thredbo
over two big days this month. Friday Flat is the venue with the Easy Does It ski
slope catering for the crowd. Thredbo will provide the perfect alpine backdrop
to an all-star line-up, including some impressive international idols like Sugarland,
Gary Allan, Patty Griffin and Jim Lauderdale teamed with some Aussie icons including
the John Butler Trio, Shannon Noll, Mia Dyson, Steve Forde, Brian Cadd, the McClymonts,
Shea Fisher, Morgan Evans and Catherine Britt. Weekend pass $170, Friday only
pass $95 and Saturday pass $120 from Ticketek or Thredbo Resort Centre. Bookings
Tel 1300 020 589 Website www.thredbo.com.au
or www.countrymusicchannel.com.au
 Molong
Music and Arts Festival
14 – 16 March, Molong
The Molong Music and Arts Festival (MMAF) is a major flagship event of the Central
West showcasing great Australian blues, country and rock. The festival includes
the popular Saturday in the Street carnival in the town's historic main street
and, for the first time, this year the big concert will be free. Check out the
range of art exhibitions on in town – the popular Naked Ladies exhibition
will certainly tickle your fancy. Contact Tel 02 6366 8660 Website www.molongfestival.com
 Kowmung
Music Festival
14 – 16 March, Oberon
The festival opens with two Viennese masterpieces paired with the meditative 'Blue
Silence' by Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin in the woolshed on Middle Creek
Station near Oberon. On the Saturday night it moves to nearby Laureldale Farm
where a tour of chamber music of the dancing variety by Bach, Haydn, Beethoven,
Brahms, Stravinsky and Strauss and others fills the festival tent. On the Sunday
gather for piano masterpieces changing the soundscape of this peaceful bush setting.
Laureldale Farm, off Mount Olive Road, approx 15 km north of Oberon. Tel 02 6335 6307
Website www.kowmung.com.au
 Waste
to Art Exhibition
14 – 27 March, Coonamble
15 March, Bourke
19 March – 13 April, Warren
Waste 2 Art is a community exhibition and competition that shows creative works
made from reused and recycled waste materials. The purpose of the project is to
encourage the concept of 'reduce, reuse and recycle' whilst changing attitudes
about ‘rubbish’ and what we throw away. Check out the amazing entries
from local residents! At Coonamble Shire Council, Coonamble Tel 02 6827 1900;
Old Central Hotel, Bourke Mob 0488 522 245; Warren:
contact the council for venue Tel 02 6847 6600 Website www.netwaste.org.au/projects/wasteToArt.htm
SBS Youth Orchestra
15 March, Orange
Orange residents will be treated to the sounds of the SBS Radio & Television
Youth Orchestra as they come to Orange between their tours of Germany and the
Czech Republic. Directed by Russian born conductor Matthew Krel, they will pay
pieces by Wagner, Puccini, Holst and Tchaikovsky. Featuring alongside them will
be the Kinross Wolaroi School Orchestra, with students extremely excited to be
playing with fellow musicians at this level. Matthew Krel will be taking the students
through workshops throughout the day of the concert. Starts 7.30pm. Kinross Wolaroi
School, Bathurst Road Orange. Tickets $100 Family or $34/$25 Bookings Orange Ticketek
Tel 02 6393 8111.
>> Back to top
 Gadgets
15 – 16 March, Coffs
Harbour
Former Circus Oz funny man, Joel Salom, has devised an exciting and demented rollercoaster
ride through technology and live music with his spectacular laser-triggering rhythm
juggling. Musicians Jim Dunlop and Michael Lira perform a bent mix of pop, classical,
death metal and jazz fused with gypsy swing. Gadgets combines physical theatre,
feats and beats with Joel's musical sidekicks sparking moments of hilarious improvisation
and audience participation. Special guest, Erik the Dog, is a smooth-talking irreverent,
remote-controlled tin terrier with attitude; he's a sick but lovable puppy. Performed
by Joel Salom, Jim Dunlop and Michael Lira at The Jetty Theatre Cnr Harbour Drive
& Edinburgh Street, Coffs Harbour Tel 02 6652 8088 Website www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au
Opera in the Paddock
15 March, Delungra
 A
selection of opera, operetta and song, performed by Peta Blythe, David Hamilton
Shaun Brown and David Hibbard. From its inaugural concert in 2002, the event has
grown from four artists to six singers, a small instrumental ensemble, a pianist
and compere, with a total of eighteen performers this year. Set in the beautiful
bush setting on the property 'Mimosa', patrons will enjoy a wonderfully social
time prior to the commencement of the concert on dusk. A program of works by Handel,
Mozart, Bellini Rossini, Puccini, Wagner and more will be performed. This highly
successful outdoor music event is now an integral part of the North West NSW arts
calendar, attracting an audience from throughout the State and interstate, regional
centres and city alike. At "Mimosa" Delungra (30kms west of Inverell).
BYO chair and picnic. Tickets $50/$25/$20, available at the Inverell Visitors
Centre, Bookings essential Tel 02 6728 816. Maps, program and details
online. General Enquiries Tel 02 6724 8248 Email operainthepaddock@bigpond.com
Website www.operainthepaddock.com.au
 Sibylla
Macdonald & Rogue Sculptors Group
15 March – 16 April
Taste Canowindra supports new works in March with the opening of Sibylla MacDonald's
first exhibition of two dimensional works. This young central west artist will
impress with her large scale paintings. well known local sculptors and ceramists
Di Colman, Chris Cowell, Tony Dagg, Mary Douglas, Carol Endean-Little, Colin Fenn,
Aileen Francis, Amanda Hammond, Ken Hutchinson, John Jablonskis, Christine Lanham,
Kathleen McCue, Jocelyn Moles, Natalie Reid, Cheryl Trudgen, Jillian Trudgen,
Rachel Young presenting new pieces in their first showing as the Rogue Sculptors
Group. Taste Canowindra, Crn Ferguson and Tilga Streets Canowindra. Contact Tel 02 6344 2332
Website www.tastecanowindra.com.au
>> Back to top
Story time: Doggy tails (oops) tales!
19 March, Lake Macquarie
Escape the dreary weather with the littlies for stories and art at Lake Macquarie
City Art Gallery. As part of its current exhibition Who let the dogs out: The
dog in contemporary Australian art, the gallery is running a series of free
special activities for pre-schoolers to enjoy. Stories about dogs will entertain
and enchant the kids and doggy artworks of all shapes and sizes will inspire those
budding artists. Join us for story time and then go for a wander through the exhibition.
Kids can also make their own dog tag to take home or leave a dog drawing on the
Dog Tag Wall. Free craft materials are provided in the activity corner in the
foyer as part of the exhibition. Doggy Tales will be run with the help of Lake
Macquarie City Council Libraries as part of their on going Story Time program.
Suitable for children under 6 years. Contact Madeleine Snow Tel 02 4965 8260
Email publicprograms@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
Tullamore Irish Festival
20 – 23 March, Tullamore
It's a long weekend of all things Irish in the otherwise sleepy town of
Tullamore in central NSW. It starts on Thursday evening with the gala opening
of a new visual arts exhibition. Across town there's entertainment at the Tullamore
Bowling club and Tullamore Hotel also a campfire concert at the festival village.
On Saturday around 2000 visitors are expected at the showground for 13 hours of
non-stop Irish music dance, Irish horse hurdles, kids entertainment, food and
beverages. Sunday starts with a poets breakfast, an ecumenical service lunch and
wind up with a Irish Hooley led by the festival performers. At Tullamore, via
Parkes. Contact Robert Edwards Tel 02 6893 7229 Website www.tullamoreinc.com.au/irishfestival.php
This month at Cudgegong Gallery, Gulgong
21 March – 5
May 2008
Entropa: a solo exhibition featuring paintings by Margarita Georgiadis.
East Wind: a group exhibition, guest curated by Mitsuo Shoji, featuring
works by Ken Yonetani (Japan), Takeaki Totsuka (Japan), Won Seok Kim (Korea),
Kwirak Choung (Korea), Anna Choi (China) & Yi-Hui Wang (China).
102 Herbert Street, Gulgong. Tel 02 6374 1630 Email mail@cudgegonggallery.com.au.
Website www.cudgegonggallery.com.au
 Nerida
Cuddy records her new album live
22 March, Canowindra
Folk and blues singer/songwriter Nerida Cuddy will record her new album Harvest
Moon in front of a live audience in the central west NSW town she has come
to call home. Cuddy follows up her successful first two albums Living Desert
and Journal with a new live album to be recorded at Taste Canowindra on
Easter Saturday 22 March. Nerida, whose songs speak of the land, of landscapes
and of family, will be joined by special guest artist Sophie Payten. Bookings
Tel 02 6344 2332.
>> Back to top
 Candelo
Village Festival
29 March, Candelo
The inaugural Candelo Village Festival is one day festival of music, arts and
local culture featuring the local, interstate and international acts performing
on three stages through the town from midday to midnight. There will be free session
venues at the cafe, park and pub; an open mic youth stage; blackboard concerts;
a lantern parade; children's activities, food and market stalls. Tickets $35/25,
Under-12s free. Tickets may be purchased on-line tickets or from the Candelo General
Store and Magpie Music. Contact Heath Cullen Tel 02 6493 2846.
Website http://thebegavalley.org.au/candelovillagefestival.html
Armandito Y Su Trovaon
29 March, Narromine
 Cuban
fever will be hitting Narromine this March with a visit from Musica Viva Australia
performers Armandito Y Su Trovason, whose heady rhythms and sensual melodies are
bound to have the audience in rapture. This traditional six piece Latin band featuring
its musical director, Cuban trumpeter, Armando Garcia Perez, has performed in
many events and festivals throughout Australia. The band is characterised by a
high energy and its distinctive Latin sound that blends traditional Cuban music
with improvisation. The addition of sophisticated vocal harmonies and dynamics
creates a truly distinctive, fresh and exuberant sound. With a repertoire which
covers all the popular Latin rhythms of Cuba, ranging from traditional to modern
styles, like Son, Rumba, Conga, ChaChaCha, Bolero, Mambo and Salsa, Trovason has
always played traditional Cuban music whilst continuously seeking new material.
The result is a night not to be missed. Contact the TNT Arts Council Mob 0419 288 739.
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
>> Back to top
______________________________________
Seminars, Workshops &
Training
SVA | Taking Care of Business for non-profits
6 – 7 March, Redfern
Social Ventures Australia presents this 2-day workshop billed as offering 'the
essentials of sustainability, growth and fiscal fitness'. Covers topics such as
stakeholder management, developing a communications strategy, asset management,
retaining talent and using fiscal management to make informed decisions. Costs
start at $231. Australian Technology Park, Redfern. Website www.socialventures.com.au/content/Taking_Care_of_Business/
Gaze: Printmaking Workshop with Peter Schardin
6, 13, 20 & 27 March, Murwillumbah
This workshop will cover several intaglio processes: drypoint, etching, aquatint,
softground and mezzotint used in a little
more unconventional manner using steel, copper and aluminium plates. Although
the workshop will have an experimental nature, students will learn the correct
procedures for processing the plates to attain a competent final image. There
are no shortcuts in printmaking: it requires a certain procedure to achieve a
required and predictable result. Cost $300 includes all materials. 10am –
3pm at Tweed River Art Gallery Tel 02 6670 2790 Website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ArtGallery/ArtGalleryHome.aspx
Smart Arts | Art industry networking &
info seminar
7 March, Newcastle
This arts industry networking function and information seminar will detail funding
opportunities for artists and arts organisations with presentations by the Australia
Council for the Arts (Community Partnerships) and Newcastle City Council’s
Community Assistance Program. 5– 5.30pm Industry Networking, 5.30– 7.30pm
Information Sessions.
Plus: a 30 minute project specific discussion time can be scheduled with
the Australia Council during the day.
At Lovett Gallery, Newcastle Region Library, Laman St, Newcastle. RSVP for catering
purposes by 3 March to Mardi Ryan Tel 02 4974 5327 Email mryan@ncc.nsw.gov.au
Website www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au
The Great Poetry Escape
8 March, Batemans Bay
This half-day workshop gives a taste of what poetry can offer. Following on from
his successful workshop at the Batemans Bay Library during Poetry Week last year,
Harry Laing will be offering a three and half hour workshop in which he promises
to surprise you how much he will cover. There will be voice-freeing exercises,
some editing work, a chance to hear some great poems and most importantly, plenty
of fun. Harry Laing is a published poet, comic performer and creative writing
teacher. He is a dynamic and exciting presenter and loves switching people on
to poetry. 10am – 1.30pm at Batemans Bay Library, Seminar Room 2. Bookings
essential Tel 02 4472 5850.
The art of digitising: turn your precious
artwork into 1s and 0s
18 – 19 March, Bega
26 – 27 March, Cooma
2 – 3 April, Moruya
Artists, bring your artwork to a one day workshop where you will be guided through
the art of digitising your work.
You will learn to digitise, catalogue and publish your work. You will create files
for use in electronic submissions,
an increasing requirement of competitions. “Digitising your own artwork allows
you to create, manipulate and share your art in new ways. The art of digitising
transforms the way we practice art, the way we communicate, even the way we think.”
Course facilitated by Rewa Nolan. 10 places available. Cost $30. 9am – 4pm.
Contact SEAR Tel 1300 667 136 Website www.sear.org.au
This project has been made possible
with a grant from the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund and specialised
technology provided by photoaccess, ACT.
>> Back to top
MGnsw | Access To Funding Workshop
29 March, Corrimal
Staff from community managed museums, galleries and cultural organisations in
or around the Illawarra region are invited to attend this workshop providing valuable
information and techniques for securing funding for projects. Speakers include:
Elizabeth Brown, Executive Officer & Regional Arts Development Officer, Southern
Tablelands Arts; Erin Stephens, Coordinator Community Heritage Grants, National
Library of Australia; Lisa Nolan, Coordinator Cultural Services, Wollongong City
Council; John Monteleone, Deputy Director, Wollongong City Gallery; Megan Barham,
Sector Development Coordinator, MGnsw. 9 – 4 at Corrimal District Library
& Community Centre, 15 Short Street. Cost $65/$50 $40 or earlybird (before
14 March) $55/$45 conc./$35 special offer. Contact Jessica Tyrrell Tel 02 9358 1760
Email jessicat@mgnsw.org.au Website www.mgnsw.org.au
3D: The Figure in Stone with Denis Hopking
29 – 30 March, Murwillumbah
The figure, in full or part, is your challenge! Gesture can be achieved in the
slightest manner by a turn of the head, the way in which the arms are placed or
simply by placing all the body weight on one leg to bring a more angular posture
to the body. Learn the importance of proportion, how to translate your drawing
into 3D form, visualise your concept “in the round” and how to achieve
gesture with simple carving techniques. Choose from a selection of blocks for
a size and shape to suit your form. Fee includes block and use of all required
tools. Denis Hopking has been working in the visual arts for over 35 years, originally
a potter and now a sculptor in stone. He is an enthusiastic teacher with extensive
experience, numerous exhibitions and commissions. Cost $223. 10.15am – 4.45pm
at Tweed River Art Gallery Tel 02 6670 2790 Website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ArtGallery/ArtGalleryHome.aspx
 Project
Springboard
From 31 March
Springboard is calling for entries for their exciting new design mentoring program.
The 12 month initiative will enable 100 of Australia’s most promising furniture,
accessories and homewares designers to develop their professional careers in local
and international markets. The encompasses two stages of valuable training, delivered
though workshops and one-to-one mentorship. Stage One workshops commence on 31
March with participants developing their individual design practice with the guidance
of six leading business professionals. The program will cover sustainable best
practice, financial management, contractual law, media relations, IP, manufacturing
process, retail and export strategy. Mentors include eco-design specialist John
Gertsakis, former brand consultant for Apple Computer Europe Bradford Gorman and
guest mentor Liane Rossler, the cofounder of Dinosaur Designs. Contact Madeleine
Hinchy Email springboard@australiandesignunit.com
Website www.australiandesignunit.com
Closing 10 March
Springboard
a joint venture between Parcel & Studio Propeller supported by the Australia
Council and the Australian Government's Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business
program.
>> Back to top
Grafton Artsfest
16 – 20 April, Grafton
Grafton Artsfest is offering an amazing program of workshops in the creative arts,
consisting of twenty-eight five day workshops all running concurrently. All workshops
are tutored by professional artists chosen carefully not only for their art but
more importantly for their ability to pass on this knowledge to their students.
The workshops tutored by Robert Wade, Greg Allen and Judith White are fully subscribed
all others are available for registration. Workshops offered are Watercolour,
Pastels, Oils, Acrylics, Mixed Media, Life Drawing, Etching, Woodwork, and Sculptures
in Hebel Block. Bronze, Clay, Clay Jewellery, Glass Knitting, Baskets using recycled
materials, and Millinery. Full program online. Tel 02 6643 1528
Website www.artsfestgrafton.com
Australian Regional Economies Conference
11 – 13 May, Terrigral
Initial interest in this year's The Australian Regional Economies Conference has
been strong – clearly the development issues facing regional Australia are
at the front of many minds and the opportunity to learn from the experience of
others and exchange information in a friendly environment has great appeal. Interested
delegates are advised to book early to secure one of the limited places available
and to take advantage of the early bird registration discount. Website www.arec2008.com.au
Our Community | Communities in Control Conference
16 – 17 June, Melbourne
 Once
a year 1,500 remarkable people gather in Melbourne to exchange ideas & wisdom,
be re-energised, be inspired at Australia's largest, most intimate, most popular
community conference. This year's conference will explore the challenge of building
political, environmental, social & economic pathways towards true social inclusion.
Keynote speakers include 2007 Australian of the Year Tim Flannery; Executive Deputy
Secretary-General of Amnesty International in London Kate Gilmore; leading international
health expert Fran Baum; "mouseclick campaigner" Brett Solomon (GetUp!);
CEO of National Indigenous TV Australia Pat Turner, and more of Australia's top
thinkers and speakers. Other features include a pre-conference special skills
day on Working with Government (on 15 June) as well as community entertainment,
a networking event and a special guest Community Idol presenter. Cost $285. Register
before March 14 March and receive a 1 year subscription to the Board Builder Newsletter,
valued at $165. Website www.ourcommunity.com.au/cic2008
>> Back to top
______________________________________
Opportunities
 Re-Picture
Australia
Make your mark on history and expose your work to a national audience. The National
Library of Australia, through Picture Australia – which offers some of the
nation’s best pictorial collections online – invites image-makers
to “mash-up” selected public domain historical images into new artworks,
incorporating their own illustrations and photographs into montages which will
then play a role in the national record – or may be acquired by a collecting
institution. Picture curators from libraries, archives, galleries and museums
from around the country have provided high-resolution images from their collections
for the project. Image-makers will load their ‘mash-ups’ to the popular
photo-sharing website, Flickr after which they will be transferred back to Picture
Australia to ‘Re-Picture’ Australia. Selected works from the project
are also expected to be included in Picture Australia’s contribution to the
Vivid National Photography Festival, 11 July to 12 October in Canberra, including
a multimedia display at the National Library of Australia. Website www.pictureaustralia.org
Bundanon | Volunteer Program
 The
South Coast's own national art institution, Bundanon, is looking for volunteers
to help with a range of activities carried out on the 1,100 hectare estate. Nestled
on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, Bundanon encompasses the historic Bundanon
Homestead and Arthur Boyd's former studio, the Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Education
Centre, a collection of over 3,000 art works, a herd of Brangus cattle, a busy
program of artists-in-residence and an exciting schedule of events. Volunteers
are sought to help with cataloguing (training provided), guiding tours, working
with the cattle, gardening and landcare. Volunteers of all ages and ability are
welcome. A great way to gain work experience at a National arts institution. Contact
Jennifer Thompson Tel 02 4422 2100.
Central Coast Community Congress | EOIs
August 2008
The theme for the Central Coast Community Congress Conference in 2008 is Power,
Passion and People – Conversations and Stories for Pro-Active Communities.
Focussing on conversations and interactions (Powerpoint not necessary), the congress
is looking for projects which bring local people together, build on strengths
and assets in communities, promote cooperation and include as many different community
members as possible. Possible topics for expressions of interest include: Equal
Partnerships – fact or fiction community building, Community Leadership –
troublemaker or inspirer, Community Development as Core Business, Engaging Communities,
How to Market Community Development, Stagnation vs Change. Contact Jodi Livesley
Tel 02 4304 7072 Email jodi.livesley@gosford.nsw.gov.au
Website www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/community/community_congress
Closing 6 March
SPARK national young artists mentoring program
Young artists working in theatre, dance and communities are invited to ignite
their artistic careers with a SPARK. Get support, training, advice and funding
to focus on your creative ideas through a SPARK mentorship with a professional
artist of your choice. Applications are now open to young artists (aged 18-26
years) from all over Australia. Further information and application forms available
online. Contact the SPARK Program Manager at Youth Arts QLD Tel 07 3252 5115
Email spark@yaq.org.au
Website www.yaq.org.au/spark
Closing 28 March
>> Back to top
Electrofringe 2008 | proposals sought
2 – 6 October, Newcastle
Electrofringe is a five day festival of electronic arts and culture occurring
as part of This Is Not Art in Newcastle. Organisers are now calling for proposals
from anybody practising in the fields of electronic, experimental or new media
arts for this year's festival. All proposals are considered by the Electrofringe
directors for inclusion in a program of workshops, screenings, performances and
panel discussions. Electrofringe is dedicated to furthering the creative use of
technology and electronic art forms with focus upon skills exchange and development.
In an exciting new development Electrofringe 2008 is also including a residency
program during the lead up the the festival. This initiative aims to support a
selection of artists who will create site-specific works for inclusion in the
festival. Proposals are sought in the following program areas: artist and project
presentations, panel discussionsm workshops, special events, electro-online (web
based art) and electro-screen (single channel video based works), site specific
residencies. Contact Alex White Email alexewhite@gmail.com
Website www.electrofringe.net
Closing 31 March
Poets On Wheels | call for poets
16 – 23 October, Across the west
Give your poetic life a charge! Australia's best-known poetry touring project
is up and running again, this time exploring West of the Range NSW by train for
a week in October. Selected poets will be performing and running workshops in
a range of venues from pubs to schools. Learn a lot, sell books, be enthused and
exhausted as you meet new landscapes & communities. Applicants will need to
have some experience in reading and workshopping, be flexible, have or be prepared
to get an ABN, be a member of the Poets Union (you can join at the same time you
apply), and be a resident of NSW. Poets will be paid $875 and have all NSW train
travel ex Sydney plus 'on tour' accommodation covered. This is a landmark experience
for established poets. Interested applicants should send a CV detailing relevant
experience, along with five pages of sample poetry to Poets Union PO Box 755 Potts
Point NSW 1335. Contact Tel 02 9357 6602 Email info@poetsunion.com
Closing 30 April
Film New England North West | Crew + Resources
Directory
Film New England North West is a new initiative designed to attract film,
television and TVC productions to the New England North West region of NSW. It
is a contact point for filming, providing support and referrals for filmmakers
shooting in the area. Filmmakers with industry experience are invited to submit
their names for inclusion in the Crew + Resources Directory attached to the Film
NENW website. Film NENW covers Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir,
Guyra, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield,
Uralla and Walcha Councils, in collaboration with Arts North West, the Northern
Inland Regional Development Board, the NSW DSRD and the NSW FTO. To be included
in the Directory complete the online registration form or contact Jack Ritchie,
RADO, Arts North West Tel 02 6732 4988 Website www.filmnenw.com.au
Brown's Cows Projects | artists sought to
participate in Gosford's revitalisation
As part of the 'Click here!' project, Brown's Cows Art Projects and Gosford
Art Flux Forum invite expressions of interest from artists and arts organisations
to be part of a multi-artist project to create a unique Contemporary Art Town
on the NSW Central Coast. With derelict and vacant retail and business premises,
an ongoing water crisis, identity confusion, abandoned private urban space and
a bankrupt shopping mall, CCTV surveillance and no contemporary art centre, film
theatre, university, botanic garden, museum or research library, perhaps the best
word to describe this opportunity is 'potential'. Says Brown's Cows Art Projects'
Neil Berecry-Brown, "This opportunity would suit self-funded artists and
organizations who believe in the power of art to effect positive social change."
Brown’s Cows Art Projects and Gosford Art Flux Forum are available to work
cooperatively to secure financial and material resources and discuss brokering
proposals with local government, arts organisations, community groups and businesses.
Contact Email gaff@brownscows.com
Website www.backpagefree.blogspot.com
& www.gosfordtimes.blogspot.com
>> Back to top
________________________________________
Employment
AlburyCity Council | Team Leader Collections
& Assets
Salary $60,804 to $66,832 pa + super, Albury
The Team Leader manages and/or assists in the development of the key physical
assets of Cultural Services e.g. the cultural precinct, buildings, equipment and
integral services with a major emphasis on collection management, development
and dissemination (lending, presentation, access) of information, books, CDs,
fine art and museum objects and documents. With other key council staff the position
develops the strategic direction of cultural services in line with relevant council
plans and best practice management. Full position description and application
details online. Contact Tel 02 6023 8700 Website www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au
Closing 7 March
AlburyCity Council | Collections Co-ordinator
Salary $52,301 to $57,479 pa + super, Albury
The Collection Co-ordinator manages all aspects of the Albury City Collection
(the local history collection, museum collection and art gallery collection) including
the sourcing and acceptance/purchase of new items, registration, cataloguing,
digitalization, appropriate storage, exhibition and general public access within
agreed collection and exhibition policy. With other key staff, develop a high
public profile for the Albury City Collection. Full position description and application
details online. Contact Tel 02 6023 8700 Website www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au
Closing 7 March
AlburyCity Council | Cultural Programs Co-ordinator
Salary $52,301 to $57,479 pa + super, Albury
This position manages a small team to co-ordinate all aspects of exhibitions,
screening and performance programs at the Albury LibraryMuseum, Lavington Library
and Albury Art Gallery developing an exhibition and performance program that is
relevant to and engages with the community. This position has responsibility for
the operational management of the Albury Art Gallery, assists in the management
of city wide public art projects and in co-ordinating cultural marketing and promotional
processes in liaison with the AlburyCity Communications team. Full position description
and application details online. Contact Tel 02 6023 8700 Website
www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au
Closing 7 March
AlburyCity Council | Cultural Administration
& Audience Development Officer
Salary $42,135 to $46,297 pa + super, Albury
This position will work as a Cultural Services team member and undertake
a range of day-to-day operations at the Albury Art Gallery, assisting in the provision
of quality customer service as well as providing administrative support to the
Cultural Services Customer Service and Operations Co-ordinator. The position will
also be responsible for implementing and maintaining a range of audience research,
evaluation and customer relationship management mechanisms for AlburyCity cultural
facilities. Full position description and application details online. Contact
Tel 02 6023 8700 Website www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au
Closing 7 March
Project Officer, South East Arts Region
(7 months)
Salary $40,000 pa pro rata, Eurobodalla
This position with the Regional Arts Board for the South East, South East Arts
Region (SEAR), will be based in Eurobodalla and is for 3 days p.w at $40,000pa
pro rata for an initial contract of seven months. The project officer will be
responsible for increasing the service and profile of SEAR on the coast through
the delivery of specific cultural projects. Position description and information
pack available from Jen Hunt, RADO, SEAR Tel 1300 667 136 Website www.sear.org.au
Closing 28 March 2008
>>
Back to top
________________________________________
Grants, Fellowships + Residencies
OzCo Literature | Breaking New Ground
The purpose of this one-off grant initiative is to create a stimulus to assist
in the creation of important new work by established Australian writers and picture
book and graphic novel illustrators which breaks new literary ground for the writer
and will also have a high expectation of publication or production. Amount: $40,000.
Funding is available for living allowances and/or assistance with travel and research
costs associated with the preparation and writing of nominated projects. Applications
will be accepted in the following genres only: fiction; literary non-fiction (defined
by the board as autobiography, biography, essays, histories, literary criticism
or analytical prose); poetry; children’s and young adult literature; writing
for performance. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants/grant_items/breaking_new_ground_-_literature
Closing 7 March
OzCo Literature | Publishing & Promotion
Publishing and promotion grants are designed to improve the vitality and viability
of the Australian literature sector by supporting activities, which foster greater
awareness and appreciation of outstanding Australian creative writing. (In previous
years, this category was known as presentation and promotion.) Proposals must
focus on multi-state, national or overseas literary publishing and/or promotional
activities. Applications will be accepted in the following genres only: fiction;
literary non-fiction (defined by the board as autobiography, biography, essays,
histories, literary criticism or analytical prose); children’s literature;
poetry; writing for performance or new media. Full details online. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants/grant_items/publishing_and_promotion_-_literature
Closing 15 March
OzCo Literature | Residencies
Residencies foster excellence in writing by providing individual writers with
a supportive environment for professional development, research and creative risk-taking.
Support is available to individual writers and picture book illustrators through
residencies and studios in Australia and overseas. (Residencies were formerly
known as skills and arts development grants.) This category is open to individual
writers only. Individuals must have achieved at least one of the following minimum
publication/performance requirements: one full-length work published (including
works of young adult literature or junior fiction over 30,000 words) or one full-
length work performed; five children’s books published (up to 30,000 words).
These works must have been published by professional publishers with effective
national distribution or performed/produced by professional theatre companies
or radio stations. Full details online.
Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants/grant_items/residencies_-_literature
Closing 15 March
NRMA | Community Help Grants Program
This program helps to support community organisations that are committed to making
the community safer, particularly in the areas of crime and injury prevention,
emergency services and the environment. Not-for-profit community organisations
are eligible for projects that fall within one of the following categories: crime
reduction, injury prevention, emergency services, and the environment. More information
online. Website www.nrma.com/pub/nrma/community
Closing 28 March
>>
Back to top
FRRR | Small grants for small rural communities
This program from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) supports
projects & activities that offer clear public benefit for communities living
in small rural and remote locations in Australia, contributing to their development
in social and community welfare, economic, environmental, health, education or
cultural areas. Organisations demonstrating community partnerships will be preferred
to multiple applications from one community. Website www.frrr.org.au
Closing 28 March
NSW Law & Justice Foundation grants
The Foundation's grants program supports projects that meet their objectives of
improving access to justice, particularly for socially & economically disadvantaged
people of NSW. No organisation is excluded from applying but preference will be
given to applications initiated at the community level or with substantial community
input. The Foundation is committed to a number of important principles including:
meeting identified need, especially for socially and economically disadvantaged
members of the community; working cooperatively, sustainability; and appropriate
evaluation mechanisms. Website www.lawfoundation.net.au/grants
Closing 31 March
OzCo Inter-arts | New Work
The Australia Council's inter-arts office will offer a one-off funding initiative
for the creation of new interdisciplinary artworks. The purpose of this category
is to provide funding support for individual artists and groups to mount a public
performance or exhibition of new work created through interdisciplinary or hybrid
arts processes. The inter-arts office encourages applications from individuals
and groups producing interdisciplinary or hybrid works that interrogate and challenge
traditional relationships between artwork, audience and artist. Please note this
grant is to support the production of new work that has not previously had a public
outcome. This funding category is open to individuals and groups of artists only.
Applications must demonstrate: artistic merit of the proposal in the context of
interdisciplinary and hybrid arts; effective hybrid or interdisciplinary approach
to the creative process and outcome; calibre of the artists and other professionals
on the project team; evidence that the proposal is well planned, viable and has
appropriate support from project partners and/or other sources.
Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants/grant_items/new_work_-_inter-arts
Closing 31 March
FYA | Partnership Grants
The Foundation for Young Australians is seeking applications from youth-led
organisations for Partnership Grants 2008. Partnership Grants is a two-stage funding
opportunity supporting young peoples’ participation in decision-making, that
results in meaningful change for young people aged 12-25. Through Partnership
Grants, the Foundation seeks to provide an opportunity for groups and organisations
to deveop their own criteria in response to the needs of young people and their
communities. The partnership approach is based on developing youth-led initiatives
together, using the shared resources and expertise of young people, the partner
organisation and the Foundation. Further information, guidelines and application
forms online. Contact Tel 1800 252 316 Website www.youngaustralians.org
Closing 1 April
DEWHA | Visions of Australia
Visions of Australia aims to enable more Australians to enjoy our diverse culture
by accessing exhibitions of cultural material. It provides funding to eligible
organisations to develop and tour exhibitions of Australian cultural material
across Australia. Exhibitions should have a predominantly Australian source or
theme. There are two funding rounds each year. Website www.arts.gov.au/arts/visions_of_australia
Closing 1 April
>>
Back to top
OzCo Visual Arts | New Work
Grants to support the creation of new work by emerging and established craftspeople,
designers, media artists, visual artists and arts writers. Where the main focus
of the project is new work, proposals may be submitted for costs incurred in making
or researching new work or with the development of work for an exhibition, production
and/or publication. There are two types of new work grants, one for emerging artists
of up to $10,000 and one for established artists of up to $20,000. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au
Closing 15 April
OzCo Visual Arts | Fellowships
Fellowship grants provide extended support to craftspeople, designers, media artists
and visual artists of outstanding ability to enable them to realise ambitious
projects and develop their practice to new levels of achievement. This category
is open to individuals. Applicants may only submit one application to the new
work, skills and arts development or fellowship categories in 2008. Applications
will be selected that best demonstrate: outstanding professional achievement,
and the artistic merit of the activities proposed for the fellowship period. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au
Closing 15 April
OzCo Inter-arts | Residencies
The inter-arts office will consider artist-initiated residency proposals from
artists creating work through interdisciplinary and hybrid arts for this opportunity.
Artists may propose residencies of three months or more, with a host of their
choice, to the value of $20,000 per residency. Residencies longer than three months
may be negotiated at the discretion of the artist and host within the funding
constraints of the program. Applications must demonstrate: the calibre of the
artist (primarily assessed on the basis of examples of previous work and artist
CV); the potential for the residency to contribute to the applicant’s professional
development and their work in interdisciplinary and hybrid arts; the ability to
participate in consultative and collaborative situations; evidence that the project
proposed for the residency period is well planned and achievable. Website www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants/grant_items/residencies_-_interdisciplinary_arts
Closing 1 May
Living Artist Scholarship: Bega Valley Shire
Emerging visual artists are invited to apply for the 2009 Living Artist scholarship
of $35,000 provided by Far South Coast Living Artist Projects (FSCLAP). To be
eligible for the 2009 Living Artist Scholarship, applicants must permanently reside
in Bega Valley Shire; be a practising visual artist with a body of work; have
some exhibition experience and be willing to speak about and promote their work
as a Living Artist in public forums. The scholarship’s judging panel includes
Michael Le Grand, Karen O’Clery, Prue Acton and Tim Moorhead and the intention
of the scholarship is to support the professional development of emerging artists
in the region. Finalists will be announced in June 2008 at the long weekend Living
Artist fundraiser Celebrity Art Auction in Tathra at the Primary School Hall and
the winner will be announced in August 2008. Contact Karen O’Clery Tel 02
6494 0112 Email info@narekgalleries Website http://livingartist.org.au/
Closing 1 May
 The
Foundation for Young Australians | Your Eyes Only
Your Eyes Only is a creative funding opportunity for young people 12 to 15 years
to submit a creative entry that celebrates the strengths of their community through
their eyes. Applications will be judged by a committee of young people aged 12
to 15 years from across Australia. Successful entrants will nominate a community
group working with young people in their community (for example a school, youth
group or sporting group), to receive a donation of up to $3,000. This donation
would then be used by the community group to further its work by purchasing much
needed equipment or adding funds to an existing program. Contact Tel 03 9670 5436
Website www.youngaustralians.org
Closing 2 September
>>
Back to top
________________________________________
Competitions,
Awards + Prizes
 The
Tallis Foundation 2008 National Works on Paper prize
28 May – 6 July, Mornington Peninsula (Vic)
National Works on Paper is one of Australia’s most prestigious awards and
acquisitive exhibitions. A biennial exhibition, its role is to support and promote
contemporary Australian artists working on or with paper. Over 40 forty works
will be chosen for exhibition. The prize has three components: The John Tallis
Acquisitive Award $15,000; Mornington Peninsula Regional Shire Acquisition Fund
$20,000; and Friends of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery Acquisition
Fund $10,000. Winners will be announced at the opening of the exhibition on 31 May.
Contact Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery Tel 03 5975 4395
Email mprg@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Website http://mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au/nwop/
Closing 10 March
NSW Premier's History Awards
These awards are offered annually to honour distinguished achievement in history
by Australians. There are six categories, each worth $15,000: the Australian History
Prize; the General History Prize; the Community and Regional History Prize; the
Young People’s History Prize; the Audio/Visual History Prize; and the John
and Patricia Ward History Prize for Use of Archives in Writing History. Works
nominated must have been first published, produced or performed between 10 March
2007 and 7 March 2008. Contact Tel 02 9228 5533 Website www.arts.nsw.gov.au/
Closing 14 March
 Head
On
1 May – 7 June, Sydney
Now in its fifth year, the Head On alternative photograph portrait competition
has established itself as one of Australia's major photographic portrait exhibitions
and prizes. Organisers are committed to advancing photography as a popular art
form and to supporting photographers from all genres through its exhibition. Photographers
are now invited to submit works to the 2008 competition. Prizes will be awarded
for the best three images – the selection of images is based on the power
of the photograph rather than the celebrity of the subject or photographer. Further
prizes will be awarded to images selected by ‘The Critic’ and for ‘People’s
Choice’. Total prize money is approximately $32,000. Head On finalists will
be exhibited at the Australian Centre for Photography, in Sydney 1 May – 7 June
and then at the M16 Artspace, Canberra 9 – 22 July
as part of Vivid National Photography Festival. Website www.headon.com.au
Closing 28 March
The Sovereign Art Foundation | European &
Asian Art Prizes
The Sovereign Art Foundation in Hong Kong is now accepting entries for the 2008
European Art Prize and the 2008 Asian Art Prize. New updated terms and conditions,
slightly modified from the previous years’, can be found on the website,
together with the entry form. Email art@sovereignartfoundation.com
Website www.sovereignartfoundation.com
Closing 31 March and 30 June
>>
Back to top
The 2008 Richard Wherrett Prize for Excellence
in Playwriting
The Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG), with the generous support of Copyright
Agency Limited (CAL) Cultural Fund, present the 2008 Richard Wherrett Prize, the
nation’s richest playwriting prize. Launched in 2007 the Richard Wherrett
Prize recognises excellence in playwriting and rewards theatre companies showing
commitment to new Australian works. The $40,000 cash prize is shared evenly between
the playwright and the production company that first produced the winning play
in Australia. The prize is designed to encourage, reward and foster creativity
in the Australian theatre community and further enhance our reputation as a nation
that produces new, innovative and exciting works for the stage. To be eligible
for nomination scripts must be entered into the 2008 AWGIE Awards in the Stage;
Community and Youth Theatre; Theatre for Young Audiences; or Children's Theatre
categories and been first produced between 1 January and 31 December
2007. Website www.awg.com.au/artman/publish/article_505.shtml
Closing 31 March
 Cancer
Council Victoria Arts Awards
The Cancer Council of Victoria's Arts Awards give Australians touched by cancer
an opportunity to share their experiences creatively through art, writing and
film. The Arts Awards are an opportunity to remember loved ones and provide hope
to people currently facing cancer and also offer entrants the chance to win cash
prizes and to share their works with the public. For an entry form and more information
Contact Tel 1300 656 585 Email arts.awards@cancervic.org.au
Website www.cancervic.org.au/artsawards
Closing 4 April
National Awards for Excellence in
School Music Education
Applications are now sought for the 2008 Awards for Excellence in Music Education,
which aim to recognise music teachers and school leaders for their exceptional
contribution to enhancing the status and quality of music education in their schools.
Up to eleven teacher awards and two school leader awards will be offered. Each
winner will receive a certificate and a cheque for $5,000, which is intended to
be used to further their professional learning related to music education. Website http://musicawards.asme.edu.au/
Closing 8 April
Sydney Writers' Festival | writenow! students
competition
Students in Years 7 to 9 in NSW and the ACT are invited to take part in this competition
which involves completing one of three stories which have been started by by best-selling
children’s authors – J.C. Burke, Michael Gerard Bauer and Ursula Dubosarsky
. Select your 'story starter' then continue the narrative, completing a short
story of no more than 1000 words in total. Entries must be the original work of
the student, written during 2008. They should be typed, with double spacing, on
A4 paper, submitted either online or by post. Strictly one entry per student.
Prizes will be awarded in three categories according to school year. Prizes include
MP4 Players, BigPond Music Vouchers and a book packs including a selection of
titles published by Allen & Unwin, Random House Australia and Scholastic.
Winning entries will be published on The Sydney Morning Herald – Education
and Sydney Writers’ Festival websites. Prizes will be presented at Sydney
Writers’ Festival School Days at Sydney Theatre, Walsh Bay on 21 May at 9.15am.
Contact Tel 02 9252 7729 Email writenow@swf.org.au
Website www.swf.org.au/writenow-competition/
Closing 11 April
>>
Back to top
FEHVA art auction & art prize
29 May, Bangalow
Artists are invited to submit artwork for the Forty Eight Hours of Visual Art
(FEHVA) exhibition and art auction 2008 in Bangalow. The art exhibition will be
opened on Sunday 25 May and the art auction and banquet will be on Thursday 29
May at the Bangalow A & I Hall. Submission details and forms can be downloaded
from the website. All exhibited artists will be eligible for the inaugural FEHVA
art prize valued at $1,000. Website www.fehva.com
Closing 15 April
FEHVA Video Art Prize
Following the success of last year’s inaugural FEHVA video art prize, new
media and video artists are invited to submit artwork in DVD format for the FEHVA
2008 video art prize. A screening of entries and announcement of the winning artwork
will be on Saturday 31 May at the Bangalow A & I Hall. The video art prize
is valued at $500. Website www.fehva.com
Closing 15 April
FEHVA Young Artist Award
Young artists between the ages of 16 to 18 or students in years 10-12 are now
invited to submit artwork for a special Young Artist section of the FEHVA art
exhibition and auction to be staged from Sunday 25 May at the Bangalow A &
I Hall. Up to 10 artworks by young artists will be selected to be hung as part
of the FEHVA exhibition and website gallery. FEHVA schools program sponsor, Southern
Cross University will award the winning artist a $500 incentive prize, this artwork
will be auctioned at the gala FEHVA art auction and banquet on Thursday 29 June.
Details online. Website www.fehva.com
Closing 19 April
Australian Museum Eureka Prizes
Presented annually by the Australian Museum, the Eureka Prizes reward excellence
in the categories of Research & Innovation; Science Leadership; School Science;
and Science Communication & Journalism. There is something for everyone in
this year’s competition with 20 prizes worth over $200,000 available. In
addition, the always-popular Sleek Geeks Science Prize has been expanded to include
Primary, Secondary and University students. And the New Scientist Science Photography
Prize is open to anyone over 17 years of age. Full details online. Website www.austmus.gov.au/eureka/
Closing 2 May
Short & Sweet Regional Festival | Call
for scripts
From 23 July, Woy Woy
Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore ... Woy Woy! The world’s biggest little play
festival, Short & Sweet is coming back to the NSW Central Coast and local
writers are invited to join the fun. Gosford City Council will again host a week-long
festival of short plays at the Peninsula Theatre this July, featuring local actors
and directors and showcasing the work of local playwrights. The same ten plays
are performed each night, a panel of judges selects the Best Director, Best Actor
and Best Actress and the audience selects the winner of the People's Choice Award.
Scripts are now sought of ten minutes or less on any topic, in any style. (The
only condition is that they must not have had a public performance in NSW before.)
Organisers are looking for are the best 10 scripts, no matter whether they are
written by seasoned professionals or first time playwrights. Contact Brenda Logan
Mob 0419 256 530 Email ablogan@cirruscomms.com.au
Website www.shortandsweet.org
Closing 16 May
>>
Back to top
Shirley Hannan Portrait Awards
7 June – 5 July, Bega
Bega Valley Regional Art Gallery is calling for entries for the Shirley Hannan
Portrait Awards, with finalists to be exhibited at the gallery later this year.
This year's prize will be judged by Mr Paul Delprat, Principal of the Julian Ashton
Art School. The prize is for the best portrait painting in any medium including
pastel (but excluding sculpture, photography, digital media or base relief) being
a realistic depiction of a particular living person. First Prize $ 30,000 Second
Prize $2,500, People's Choice $500. Full details and entry forms online. Website www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/Community/Art_Gallery/ShirleyHannan/ShirleyHannon.htm
Closing 16 May
PressPress Chapbook poetry award
The PressPress Chapbook Award 2008 is for an unpublished chapbook length manuscript
of poems. The winning manuscript will receive $300 and publication by PressPress.
The manuscript should be an original poetry of chapbook length (ie. 20
to 40 pages). It must be unpublished and not on offer to another publisher in
Australia or elsewhere (except that individual poems can be already taken or on
offer to journals, sites or anthologies where you keep the copyright). The Award,
which will be announced in July, will be made to the best overall chapbook received.
Entry fee: $15. Submission guidelines and full details online. Email info@presspress.com.au
Website www.presspress.com.au/award.htm
Closing 30 May
The Max Afford Playwrights’ Award
The Max Afford Playwrights' Award was established to promote interest in Australian
drama and to encourage the writing of plays in Australia, to help and give incentive
to young writers of plays for either stage, TV or films. The award is an initiative
of the late Thelma May Afford in memory of her husband, Max Afford, who in her
will established a fund to offer a periodical prize to provide young writers with
a reward enabling them to improve their creative writing and through the above
means to improve the general public's appreciation of Australian drama and playwrights.
The 2008 winner will receive $7,500 cash prize; and expenses to a maximum of $2,500
for registration, accommodation and airline tickets to attend a reading of the
winning play at the Australian National Playwrights' Conference. Full details
and application forms online. Contact Cauz Group Tel 02 9144 2415
Email trustawards@cauzgroup.com.au
Website www.trust.com.au/philanthropy/awards/max_afford/
Closing 4 July
>>
Back to top
 Play
Now Act Now: Party Smart
Offering the chance to share in $12,000 in cash and prizes, Play Now Act Now is
a film, graphic design and writing competition for young people aged 16 to 25
in NSW. A health education initiative, Play Now Act Now invites young people to
produce creative resources focussing on issues associated with the usage of alcohol
and other drugs eg health, social, political, moral or ethical issues.
There are three main competition categories: film/video; creative writing; and
graphic design. This year’s theme is 'Party Smart'. Finalists will be selected
primarily on content and the artist’s ability to convey their story. Creativity,
knowledge, insight and an opinion on the topic will be vital. Finalists from each
category will be showcased at an Award Presentation and on the 2008 DVD &
Education Resource. Contact Katrina Douglas, Project Manager, Metroscreen Tel 02 9361 5318
Email partysmart@metroscreen.org.au
Website www.playnowactnow.net.au/competition.html
Closing 25 July
Inscription Awards
Inscription is one of the country’s richest prize pools for film, television
and play scripts to support the next generation of talented Australian writers.
With a total prize value of $200,000, including a trip to Los Angeles and the
chance to work with a stellar cast of leading international script developers,
writers and actors, the third bienn |
