The exhibition will attempt to depict the famous ships of Australia’s First Fleet which changed the historic, future, cultural and social context for ever for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. The exhibition will depict these ships along with the artist’s perception of the emotions at that time through dada, abstract, expressionist and impressionist paintings and sculpture.

“Being of Aboriginal Australian heritage myself, I find this concept striking, as the works themselves would be totally void of traditional Aboriginal artistic style, breathing new life into such an tried and tested visual subject matter with new styles and mediums such as wax excite me”- Jack Andrew Wilkie-Jans

Theatre has defined inspiration for Brett Walsh in recent years – though he’d tell you he doesn’t glean much inspiration from the seventies British comedies that recycle through Cairns theatres. Brett believes only new work will inspire new audiences, and the cultivation of youth theatre is how Brett chooses to wield his inspiration.

Brett’s vision of live performance wasn’t reflected in the local theater landscape, thus he founded Jack in the Box, a youth-oriented theatre production company.

Brett had no illusions about how difficult setting up your own theatre production company might be: “But how do you start doing instead of talking? It’s important to meet people, bottom line.” Brett says the support of COCA and JUTE was paramount to Jack in the Box coming to fruition.

Jack in the Box’s first show, Munted, debuted this month.

Munted is a live narrative performance infused with multi-media that explores drug addiction and its painful confines. It begs the question: when all you’ve known is the party, how do you plan on getting out?

Brett plays lead character Sam, who is torn between his conscience – a fishnet wearing temptress – and his girlfriend, Keira, who wishes Sam escape with her into the colourful, noisy, unpredictable world of sobriety…of reality. Humour was ever present in this candid portrait of addiction, which made for a very entertaining show.

Having co-written Munted with director Malachi Aird, the play is largely autobiographical. Once stuck in the mire of addiction himself, theatre was a lifeline for Brett; and though he has a hard time convincing people, he replaced the disingenuous and empty rush of drug use with the very real and gratifying experience of live performance.

Brett brings this zest for live performance to his role as Heyday Festival Performance Coordinator. Chiefly Brett will unearth Far North Queensland based performers, work with those performers to develop and showcase their talents to the highest standard and assist in creating a diverse and exciting festival programme.

As part of the Heyday team, Brett hopes to impart and share his exuberance for performance with absolutely anyone he can. He’s excited to meet people who are creating new work, especially in terms of performance – he may even need them in his hopes to tour Jack in the Box shows around Australia.

And if the standing ovation that met him and the Munted crew is any measure…may inspiration light their way.

- Luke Madsen, Heyday Festival Writer

THE WORLD´S FIRST INTERNATIONAL TEACHING ARTIST CONFERENCE

http://www.seanse.no/default.aspx?menu=180&id=153

SEANSE ART CENTER is proud to present the first international conference to focus on TEACHING ARTISTRY.

We invite artists, arts educators, administrators, and interested professionals from all over the world to join us for an unprecedented three days of intensive inquiry into this worldwide phenomenon, this rich opportunity, this growing trend.

Presenters include: ERIC BOOTH (USA), ANNA CUTLER (UNITED KINGDOM), GIGI ANTONI (USA), AMANDINA LIHAMBA (TANZANIA), GRACE GACHOCHA (TANZANIA), HILARY EASTON (USA), JUAN FELIPE MOLANO (COLOMBIA), JUAN ANTONIO CUELLAR (COLOMBIA), SARAH JOHNSON (USA), MARIT MOLTU (NORWAY), ANNE BAMFORD (UNITED KINGDOM), BRAD HASEMAN (AUSTRALIA), JOHANNES JONER (NORWAY), AND MARIT ULVUND (NORWAY)

The conference will take place at:
The House of Literature
August 29 -31, 2012
Oslo, Norway

Email: EEEBBB@aol.com
Web: http://www.seanse.no/default.aspx?menu=180&id=153

RETURN is a solo performance work- multidisciplinary in its approach, that draws on elements of theatre, dance, spoken word, film and installation;

This is theatre of epic nature, it embraces times of adversity, independence and challenge, it leads with a question, which has no one true answer.

It is bold, stylistic and unapologetic in its response to central themes of urbanisation, change and the allure of “big city lights”

A photographer is currently sought to work in partnership with artist Jessi Lewis to develop a series of bold, contemporary photographs to accompany the media push for this work.

Get in touch!

lights”.

This is Kansas City is a work that asks you to enter an augmented reality where a series of phone calls to your mobile, from two voices, the Monster (a criminal) and The Authorities, direct your body, gaze, and imagination around the cultural centre and Brisbane River.

To kick-start the shaping of this work, I took a two-week residency in the CIA studios in Perth, run by the PVI Collective, of who my mentor Steve Bull is co-director. During these two weeks I had daily contact with Steve, for feedback, chats about other artists doing similar work, and conversations about the creation of participatory performance, with and without digital devices work.

In the two weeks, with Steve’s help, and with input from various bodies around at the studios, I put together a rough run of the work in an adapted park with a lake (the work will always be adapted to a place with a water feature). I took feedback from the test-run in Perth and worked it into my Brisbane performance of This is Kansas City, running 17-19 May.

Back in Brisbane I’ve had a space to work at The Edge. Partnering with The Edge has also been immensely helpful. Not only have I found collaborators for the performance, but have been using the space to write and record the work, as well as using the space as a registration/induction point for the beginning of the performance journey. I’ve also had assistance with poster design and media comms to help give the work some profile.
It was important for me to find a place to work by the river, as it is the main source of creation for the piece. The writing comes from historical, personal, political, environmental, impressions of the riverside and the built environment around the cultural centre. By interpreting these impressions I have attempted to represent the voice of the city and the voice of the river in the work. By situating the work at a specific site with specific themes I hope that the work is current, accessible, and engaging to Brisbane audiences.

It’s an experiment, so the festival has come at a great time for the first showing of the work. The practice of participatory performance using mobile devices is still new to me and perhaps Brisbane audiences, so to have a work as part of a non-curated festival gives emerging artists like myself an opportunity to present a finished product in a festival context.

I’m still testing the form and with it the content, so to get audiences in to try it out is key to learning, practicing, and growing with this form and shaping future projects.

Call-out for National steering committee members

If you’ve ever been interested in being involved with Young People and the Arts Australia (YPAA), now is the perfect time!

YPAA is now calling for applications for national steering committee members for the National Theatre Summit for Young and Emerging Artists in Canberra in 2013.  It’s your chance to make a difference to the national landscape of theatre for children and young people, and to have your voice heard.

The purpose is to create and develop the thematic agenda for the 2013 National Theatre Summit for Young and Emerging Artists during youth week next year.  It follows the first National Theatre Summit for Young and Emerging Artists, which was held in Melbourne in 2011.

Age suitability:  16 to 30 years
For more information including selection criteria, and how to apply, visit the new YPAA website.
Deadline:  Sun 13 May

National Symposium- Speaking in Tongues

You may recall that in June 2010,  YPAA held a National Symposium at The Edge called Changing Habitats:  Are children and young people democratising culture?

Perhaps I’m biased, but from all accounts, it was a really great event. It explored the connection between arts, culture, and the creative lives of young people – it was really inspiring and challenging.

YPAA has now launched the next biennial Symposium, 11-13 July this year, called Speaking in Tongues:  How do we translate the collective language of the arts. It’s about how we speak to each other in the sector, but mainly, how we speak to others about what we do in a language they understand.

This year, the Symposium is going to be based in Sydney, at the Casula Powerhouse.  It’s in Western Sydney, which is a really interesting area due to its population being characterised as being both young and extremely culturally diverse.  It also nicely supports the concept of translation and ‘speaking in tongues’.

Over three days, the Symposium will encompass a broad range of professional development activities including international masterclasses, and keynote presentations, workshops, panels and events to support sector wide artistic and professional development.  If you are interested in working in the youth arts sector, I strongly recommend you to consider attending this event.  It will be an amazing opportunity for you to develop your career and your professional networks.

(There really are so many job opportunities in the youth arts sector.  If you haven’t already, do consider the option of creating your work for, or with, children and young people.  For inspiration, check out the list of national YPAA members)

It’s also going to be a lot of fun. The Symposium takes place alongside the Way Out West Festival for Children, also at the Casula Powerhouse – so it’ll be fantastic to be amongst the children and participate in the festival activities.  There’s also going to be networking events, entertainment, performances, and a symposium dinner where delegates will feast with a massive hangi.

Hope to see you there! (Perhaps you could apply for a grant to go?).

Cheers, Imogene

I am Eloise, Queensland Young Member for National Youth Week.  And can I just say, National Youth Week is a wonderful time!  It is a time when the grown-ups hand over the reins and let young people take over.

In Queensland, the week included theatre shows put on by Inter-Urban Arts, a walk where you shared shoes and stories, workshops in youth detention centres, a party called Queeriosity, horror-movie make up workshops, giant photography exhibitions in the CBD and foreign exchange students popping hip hop moves.

And all of this was created and showcased by young people.

I was also lucky enough to tour my conversation show, Spark, between Cairns and Brisbane.  Through this, I discovered some wonderful stories of struggles and triumphs for young people living in both regional and metropolitan areas of our state.  Most vividly, I remember a girl named Priscilla, who was living with a disability in Cairns.  She was very nervous about coming to the show and speaking infront of lots of people.  Once she was in the show she spoke bravely about the difficulties that come with being disabled, especially when looking for work and about her dreams to become an artist and social worker.  Her carer informed me that the show was incredibly cathartic for her; which I think perfectly highlights the importance for young people to feel heard and supported (not patronised) for their views.

National Youth Week is a vow to support youth and through them, the future: to become the best community filled with the best people it can be. Of course, we are a long way off – youth stress rates are on the rise, communities are spiraling out of focus, the environment must be preserved with increasing urgency, the arts should be better supported and marginalised youths need much greater access to services. But youth week is one step in a direction that sees young people get the support and empowerment they so deserve.

Grants and initiatives are made financially possible by donations from within the music and arts community and it’s thanks to our many donors, most of whom are industry professionals, that we are able to offer grants to artists in the early stages of their careers.

Applications are completed online.  For any enquiries contact info@theseedfund.org

2012 Grant Categories:

MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP // Up to 25 opportunities available

The Management Workshop is a one-stop shop for practical strategies to manage artists in the establishment phase of their career. Now in it’s seventh year, the workshop has hosted some of Australia’s leading emerging managers. The Management Workshop provides a platform for strategic advice and ways to enhance opportunities for bands and solo artists forging pathways in the music industry.

In a creative industry where is no set path, the most effective way to learn is by sharing knowledge and seeking out those who have gone before. Providing access to an unrivaled list of industry experts from managers to publishers, lawyers, publicists, promoters and media representatives, the Management Workshop provides an opportunity for managers to come face to face with leaders in their field.

Applications will be accepted from managers, self managed solo musicians or band members who are managing their own band. The Seed will provide and arrange transport, accommodation and meals for all successful applicants. Should you be successful all you need to do is get yourself to your closest major airport!

“The Seed Workshop was an amazing and enlightening experience. To have the opportunity to be surrounded by such talented industry professions and like-minded peers was a very special and unique opportunity. The
impact it has had on my career is immeasurable. I have drawn on the information and skills learned on a daily basis since. I cannot recommend it more highly.” Laura Wallbridge – Manager, Gossling

“Can’t pump The Seed up enough! The program, the incredible quality and quantity of speakers, the great one on one access to everyone involved and the relationships forged with other managers nationally; all great.  Personally I feel that I received great assistance for specific issues I faced at the time and I like to think I am better manager all round for the experience.” Rick Chazan – Manager, The Boat People, Dan Parsons, Emma Louise, Skinny Jean

PUBLICISE IT // Grants of up to $5000 // Up to 3 opportunities available

This category exists in line with The Seed’s philosophy, to nurture artists throughout their careers.

The Seed recognizes that publicists play an increasingly important role in the promotion of emerging artists and we are therefore seeking to fund managers (including self-managed artists) to contract a publicist for a promotional campaign up to the value of $5000. The campaign must be in support of a new Australian release (EP or Album only) or a campaign involving an Australian release and associated tour.

Applications will only be accepted from managers who have attended a Seed Management Workshop. Managers will be responsible for contracting the publicist and providing a letter of support that details their commitment to the upcoming campaign. Campaigns should begin after August 2012.

ART ON THE STREET // Grants of up to $5000 // Up to 2 opportunities available

We are seeking to fund visual artists who are undertaking projects delivering art to outdoor, or prominent indoor public spaces. These art pieces should be a form of social commentary, communication and inspiration, between the artist and the general public. The art must be made available at no financial cost to the general public.

Projects supported could include, but are not limited to: artistic responses to social justice issues; issues of significance to the community; murals; exhibitions; graffiti pieces; stencil work; photography; multimedia; print;  paint.

For more information including eligibility criteria, selection criteria and strategic initiatives, head to the Seed website.

Urban Smart Projects are currently seeking artists of all ages to paint traffic signal boxes (TSB) around South East Queensland.

If you are an artist, painting traffic signal boxes is a wonderful activity that gets your work out on the streets, enhances roadways, livens up your locality and fosters community pride.  Furthermore, it seems we may have some lovely autumn painting weather coming our way!

There are many boxes that need to be completed before the 30th of June this year.  To encourage artists to paint a box in the next few months, Urban Smart Projects will be giving away a copy of the book “Brisbane Traffic Art” to celebrate the completion of each artwork.

An annual artwork award system is also running with prizes including $200 for Best School, $250 for Best Under 18, $200 for Best Under 12, $200 for Best Organisation (other than a school), $500 for overall runner up and $1,000 for the overall winner.  The awards are held in November each year and are judged by independent authorities.

The first step in the process is to go to the “PAINT A BOX” page of the website and chose a box to paint.  Zoom in on the map to find your neighbourhood and look for the little green box icons which show where available boxes are.

Anyone is welcome to apply to paint a TSB.   The requirements for each project can vary but as a rule four essentials are that:

- You must live, work or study in the municipality of the BOX

- You must have your design approved by Urban Smart Projects

- You must abide by the details outlined in the Participant Agreement (which you sign and return before painting your BOX)

- You must use the paint and safety equipment that we provide to you

For any enquiries contact Catherine Overden or Nicole Gaunt at info@urbansmartprojects.com, or phone (07) 3211 7178.

Artslink Queensland and regional partners present a series of two-day workshops that will address how best to build regional creativity.

Participants will have an opportunity to reflect on existing art and cultural activity and collaboratively develop plans for action ensuring regional distinctiveness.

The workshops will explore strategic approaches on how to achieve regional prosperity, well-being and sustainability through creativity by identifying successful practices and the assets and strengths of other regions.

The Friday workshop is designed for local government, cultural groups and agencies interested in regional development. By using the “world café” technique participants will examine how to position their communities and regions for the challenges ahead. Local community champions and visiting experts will discuss how to adopt creativity into all levels of decision-making and planning.

The Saturday workshop explores practical project management for arts and cultural initiatives determined by participants. An operational approach to guaranteeing quality engagement will be actively presented to ensure the design, development and delivery of projects relevant to local communities. The exchange of perspectives will help build the creative partnerships for future success.

Who should come?
Local government, arts practitioners, arts workers, community groups, tourism and education representatives, media, volunteers, artists and local business owners.

Locations:

Rockhampton
Friday 1 June – Saturday 2 June
Archer Park Rail Museum

Townsville
Friday 15 June – Saturday 16 June
Townsville Civic Theatre

Gympie
Friday 29 June – Saturday 30 June
Gympie Civic Centre

The registration fee for all or part of the two days Arts Matters workshop is $30 and includes morning tea and lunch.  Registration deadline is seven days prior to each event, or when the event is fully booked. There are limited places so register early.