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New RADO for Outback Arts
10 September 2002
The Outback Arts Regional Arts Board (RAB) has appointed Queensland
teacher and community theatre practitioner, Rod Ainsworth as its
new Regional Arts Development Officer (RADO). Based in Coonamble
and servicing the far west region - which includes the shires of
Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Walgett and Warren
- Rod will start at the end of September.
Rod replaces Cath Fogarty, who was instrumental in establishing
the Outback Arts RAB around four years ago.
In an article for the September issue of ArtReach
magazine, Rod writes about why he has decided to become a RADO:
"As I write this, I watch a tacky Hollywood 'blockbuster'
on the box. It reminds me why I work in the arts in regional communities.
It's everything that Hollywood is not - non-corporatised, non-globalised,
relevant and proud. I'm a firm believer in the power of thepeople
involved in the arts sector to make change and galvanise communities.
As you can see, I'm an idealist - shamelessly.
"I have worked in film and television (yes, making corporate
garb), as an arts educator and in community theatre as a writer
and director. I've also worked for many of Queensland's theatre
companies in a research capacity. For the past five-odd years,
I have worked as a secondary drama teacher and have been active
in the arts industry in Bundaberg. My varied roles in the arts,
in both professional and volunteer capacities, mean that I understand
how community-based art works on many levels.
I'm champing at the bit to take up my new role as RADO with
Outback Arts at the end of September. I'm looking forward to finding
out what makes the Far West region tick - its people, culture
and environment. One warning, though ... I am a Queenslander,
so please speak very slowly."
Rod can be contacted after the end of September at the Outback
Arts office in Coonamble.
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