hello Pilar

ART + CULTURE: Place, People and Projects

Summer is in the air! It is like a firefly dancing around the world, bringing us together in community spaces for festivities and celebration, where art and culture come to the fore.

During the month of October 2011 the CAN WA team have been busier than ever, which included CAN WA's Managing Director Pilar Kasat presenting at the 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture (see pictured above).

Read on to find community artistic endeavours that tickle your fancy, and feed your wonderful creative souls!

Emma
Communications and Marketing Coordinator @ CAN WA

Submit your news, events and opportunities for the November edition of Around the Campfire by Friday, 18 November 2011 to emma@canwa.com.au.

Image I 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture 2011 Conference Dinner. Pictured from left to right Carolina Triana, Coordinator Café Carnivale Musica Viva NSW, Alu Alake, Director of November Ventures UK, Pilar Kasat, Managing Director CAN WA, Christian (Bong) Ramilo, Executive Director, Darwin Community Arts.

Our Managing Director Pilar Kasat was invited to speak at the 5th World Summit on Arts & Culture held in Melbourne 3 - 6 October 2011, co hosted by the International Federation of Arts Council and Cultural Agencies (IFACCA) and the Australia Council for the Arts.

"Creative Intersections" was the theme of the World Summit, which provided much food for thought for individuals from all around the world. It was particularly relevant for Australians contemplating the role and future of community arts and cultural development practice within the National Cultural Policy.

Pilar Kasat, CAN WA Managing Director shares with us her highlights from the Summit:

Community arts and cultural development practice has been a champion at intersecting with other sectors, showcasing the impact and benefits of this practice in communities is fundamental to the way we work.

It was such a stimulating environment to be in with more than 400 delegates representing over 74 countries from all over the world. My only regret is that I didn't get the chance to speak to all of them!

'It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and discuss how the arts intersects with other sectors in our daily lives.'

I was honoured to be invited to speak at this event. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to talk about the work CAN WA is doing with communities here in Western Australia. I am very humbled by this experience which also makes me optimistic for the future of community arts and cultural development, our role is without a doubt, gaining recognition world wide. 

I wish to congratulate my fellow community arts practitioner Lockie McDonald who was one of the panellist at the conference. Lockie currently works using the arts to promote and increase health services in Aboriginal communities.

By Pilar Kasat, CAN WA Managing Director

Look at the 5th World Summit on Arts & Culture presentations and papers here.

Image I 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture

Community Arts Network WA (CAN WA) submitted a response to the National Cultural Policy Discussion Paper this month, advocating that the policy fosters real and meaningful arts and cultural engagement in which people have the capacity to create their own cultural content and products.

'A cultural policy needs to foster a voice for the diversity of communities in Australia and in particular for Aboriginal communities to rebuild and reclaim their own cultural practices as they see fit.'  CAN WA Managing Director Pilar Kasat

You can download our CAN WA National Cultural Policy submission via our CAN WA website.

It is worth checking out some of the 170 stories showcasing community arts and cultural development practice that were presented during the National Consultation Forum on 13 October. Also an edited version of the discussion from session 1 of the Community Arts and Cultural Development sector's  is available to be viewed online.

CAN WA, in partnership with Future Now has established an Arts Administration Advisory Committee (AAAC). The committee is made up of industry representatives. The aim is to consult with the broader arts and culture industry and advise the State Government on the need and benefits of an Arts Administration traineeship in the creative sectors.

The AAAC believes that arts organisations are an integral part of our community contributing socially, environmentally and economically to a sustainable society.

As arts organisations’ profiles increase the need to employ, retain and attract, and professionally develop the best people, is essential particularly in a period of labour challenges facing the third sector.

A traineeship allows your employees to develop new skills and refine existing skills whilst participating in accredited training that can result in a qualification. Delivery is flexible and is determined by the trainee and the organisation.

Participating arts organisations may be eligible to receive government incentives for supporting a trainee and acts as an incentive encouraging people without higher qualifications into the industry.

Without industry support the Arts Administration traineeship will not exist.

• Would you like to know more about a potential Arts Administration Traineeship?
• Could you be willing to support AAAC’s application to the State Government?

AAAC would like to hear from arts workers and arts organisations, and other interested parties.

Please contact Monica Kane from CAN WA on monica@canwa.com.au or Paul Muenchow from Future Now on pmuenchow@futurenow.org.au if you would like to know more.

You can also download AAAC’s draft proposal via our CAN WA website here.
 

By Monica Kane, CAN WA Training and Business Development Manager

Image I CAN WA CECP Course, August 2011 I Photo by Annette Gohl

CAN WA’s Aboriginal Arts and Culture programs from the Wheatbelt will be showcased at the annual Wardarnji Festival. CAN WA will also host an interactive Noongar doll making workshop and Noongar art lessons.

When: 12noon - 5pm, Saturday 26 November 2011
Where: Fremantle Arts Centre Grounds, 1 Finnerty St, WA

FREE ENTRY

Image I CAN WA Aboriginal Arts and Culture Trainee Sonia Kickett making her doll as Nicola Kickett looks on.I Photo by Nicola Davison.

Who would have thought the handmade dolls from the Southern Wheatbelt would inspire children to tell such imaginative stories?

Through the animation workshops held at the WA Museum in the October school holidays, each doll was brought to life, using the iPad program Puppet Pals.

IT company Xcite Logic generously loaned CAN WA 7 iPad’s, with local photographer Luke Thompson as facilitator, supported by CAN WA’s regional and metro staff, 75 animations were created by imaginative young storytellers!

Photos taken of the beautiful dolls from the Yarns of the Heart exhibition were used to create the animations – some more popular than others! “Queen” by Nikki Littlecott was transformed into a myriad of different characters – including “Dr. Bird”, an evil pizza, an alien, “Gordon”, a void, a snake, and a giant. Who knew she was so versatile?

Thanks to all the participants who took part, and for creating such entertaining viewing!

You can view the animations on our CAN WA Vimeo site here, and choose your favorite and post your comment via our CAN WA facebook page.

Don't forget to check out the Yarns of the Heart exhibition before 31 January 2012 if you haven't already:)

By Nicola Davison, CAN WA Project Coordinator

Image I Animated storytellers Jack and James Hutchens, detail of 'Queen' by Nikki Littlecott I Photo by Luke Thompson

Quairading District High School and Community Arts Network WA (CAN WA) celebrated the handing over of a $50,000 award from the NAB School’s First program in recognition for the community based partnership between CAN WA, Quairading District High School and the community. 

The award celebrations took place as part of the opening of the the new Quairading Community Resource Centre on the 21st of October.

Over 150 guests attended the event, including the Hon. Mia Jane Davies MLC BMM and the Hon. Brendon Grylls MLA. Manager of the Kellerberrin regional NAB branch, Carolyn West, presented the cheque and congratulated Quairading District High School and CAN WA on the outstanding community events and art projects produced as part of the partnership.

CAN WA took the opportunity to acknowledge the high level of commitment and enthusiasm from staff and students which ensured the success of the partnership.

The award ceremony took place amongst a photographic, film and prop exhibition of the events and projects which have taken place as part of this partnership, including the Keela Dreaming Festival and the Voices of the Wheatbelt: Wheat Beats Hip Hop showcase.

The WA, NT and SA Impact Award announcements were hosted in Adelaide on Tuesday 25th October 2011. We wish to congratulate Clontarf Aboriginal Collage (WA), who were the deserving winners of the WA Impact Award 2011.

By Ivy Penny, CAN WA Strategic and Cultural Development Manager

Image I Top, left to right: Hon. Mia Jane Davies MLC, Jason Cleary (CAN WA), Carolyn West (NAB Kellerberrin). Bottom, left to right: Shannon Bubb, Jessica Whyte, Ricky Henry and Jiah Reidy  (QDHS Student Councillors) I Photo by Ivy Penny.

Rebecca Fitzgerald (CAN WA Aboriginal Arts and Culture Coordinator) and Michelle White (CAN WA Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Development Manager) were proud to be a part of the Commonwealth People’s Forum Indigenous Peoples workshop held during the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth.

The workshop was billed as a journey celebrating the strength, depth and diversity of Indigenous people and their achievements, but at the same time, it also provided a forum for much unfinished business.

Several influential and inspirational speakers addressed the forum throughout the day. Jim Morrison, Aboriginal co-chair of the Stolen Generations Alliance (SGA), gave an impassioned presentation about the ongoing impact of the intergenerational trauma created by the stolen generations and the need for more healing centres to help overcome disadvantage.

We also heard via video link from representatives of Hollow Water Community Holistic Circle Healing group in Canada. The group shared their experiences in developing community based healing circles to deal with the issue of sexual abuse in their community.

Other empowering speakers included Njaki Njaki Nyoongar man Michael Hayden, Pilbara filmmaker Curtis Taylor, award winning author Kim Scott and human rights advocate Tammy Solonec.

PS. The macaroons at afternoon tea were also amazing!!!

By Michelle White, CAN WA Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Development Manager

Image I CAN WA's Michelle White and Rebecca Fitzgerald

On the night of Friday 7 October we were treated to presentations from two very diverse and talented community artists working in the digital realms – Charlotte O’Shea (CAOS) and LADY BANANAS!

From one end of the spectrum to the other, Charlotte ran us through her development of digital art in engaging communities in the creation of public art pieces, and her own beautiful digital artwork.

LADY BANANAS then followed with a discussion on cutting edge digital art, including her entry in the Nokia PUSH N900 campaign, creating a digital spray can program called ‘Light Hack’.

After a quick break, all who attended had the opportunity to play with iPad 2’s, and iPad Touch’s, courtesy of Xcite Logic, and discovered the potential to create digital masterpieces, compositions, movies and comics.

By Nicola Davison, CAN WA Project Coordinator

Image I Lady B playing with a iPad 2:) I Photo by Annette Gohl

This month we want to embrace upcoming creatives out there that want to use their art in aid for a better community!

Are you one of our much-loved folk who speed-scrolls through our E-News every month, gingerly testing out the waters before becoming a fully-fledged Community Artist?

Take the plunge! Become a CAN WA member!

This month we are offering a FREE MEMBERSHIP to one artistic soul wanting to get their foot in the community arts door. All you have to do is send a few sentences explaining that special thing you do, or want to do to Zoe admin@canwa.com.au by 5pm Friday 11 November.

The emerging artist with the most creative and topical practice will get one year’s worth of CAN WA membership benefits for free, AND be featured on our frequently-visited Facebook page, which boasts over 430 followers!

To check out what goodies are in store, head over to our CAN WA website! You’ll find that the membership benefits are perfect for someone starting out. Start dreaming and get writing!

The exciting waves of community engagement through the arts await you...

By Zoe Chua, CAN WA Administration and Training Officer

Image I CAN WA Strong Culture, Strong Community Narrogin launch I Photo by Bo Wong

How a community art project is helping bring vibrancy back to a shaken populace

Stephanie Morison and Lorinda Curnow work together at Rodeo, a creative communications agency based in Adelaide. Both of them are avid crafters, meeting with girlfriends to make, socialise and sip after hours.

One day they pitched an idea to their respective friends… to marry their creative design and textile skills with imagery capturing the essence of Rodeo’s work in visual language.

Receiving an enthusiastic response, the plan was simply to display the crocheted artwork during a SALA Festival which grew into a striking collaboration to help Christchurch.

Be inspired and read about their project on their website: www.asfaraseyecansee.com

Community Arts and Cultural Development testing ideas in the National Cultural Policy

On 13th of October the Key Producer Network hosted a Forum at the Sydney Opera House to discuss the new National Cultural Policy.

Leading community arts and cultural development practitioners from across the country were joined by a panel of partners and stakeholders from a range of different sectors to test the ideas proposed in the Policy Discussion Paper and feed into a submsission.

Artists contributed more than 170 stories to a showcase of community arts and cultural development practice that was presented during the Forum. 

Crowdfunding Creative Projects and Ideas: Made Pozible

Francis Italiano and Michelle Hovane from the Sensorium team are going to the UK to work and train with 3 of the leading Sensory Theatre companies who make work specifically designed for kids with special needs, thanks to all of the support and funding gathered through the Pozible crowdfunding website. Watch their video here.

Pozible provides project creators with a platform to present their ideas to a worldwide audience. If anyone likes the idea, they can support it by pledging money to the creator's project. In return for support, the project creators will offer rewards depending on the level of funding; essentially differentiating itself from the normal funding process.

Check it out: http://www.pozible.com.au/

AbaF Woodside Better Business: Working with the Media workshop

Maximise your media profile and explore a range of practical topics to help get your project noticed. Ideal for individual artists and staff of cultural organisations.

When: 1 - 2.30pm Friday 25 November
Where: Arts and Cultural Development Council, 33 Marine Terrace, Geraldton

Visit the AbaF website to register. Learn how AbaF's Australia Cultural Fund (ACF) can assist with your fundraising on the same day!

Karratha Leisure Complex Public Art Brief Workshop Session

This free workshop session presented by the Shire of Roebourne and Archipelago Arts will give attendees an exclusive first look at the Karratha Leisure Complex public art brief.

When: 6.30 - 7.30pm, Monday 7th November 2011
Where: Shire of Roebourne Council Chambers (Welcome Road, Karratha)

RSVP before Friday 4 November 2011 to projects2@archipelagoarts.com.au

Artists Networking Event with visiting Public Artists

Local artists and community members are invited to this casual networking session with three Perth based public artists who are visiting the region.

Jason Hirst, Bridget Norton and Tim Macfarlane Reid will be coming to Karratha for the day to present their public art concept designs to the Project Control Group for the Shire of Roebourne Frank Butler Community Centre Public Art Commission.

When: 5 - 6pm Wednesday 9th November 2011
Where: Shire of Roebourne Council Chambers (Welcome Road, Karratha)

RSVP before Friday 4 November 2011 to projects2@archipelagoarts.com.au

Image I Detail of 'As far as eye can see'

It is needed for a TAFE Cert 1 painting, textiles, wearable art, sculpture and community art projects class running from Tuesday 8 - Friday 18th November.

Please email Bernadette Aitken beait_8@yahoo.com.au before Tuesday 8 November if you have one spare.

Thanking you,

e m m a

Join the discussion: Help transform Perth into a work of art!

FORM Gallery have launched a new website - City of Walls http://www.city-of-walls.com/ to ignite the debate around street art in Perth city – legislation, activation and creative licence being the main points of discussion.

City of Walls offers the opportunity to identify our city’s walls and blank spaces that have the potential to act as canvases for urban artwork. It also encourages a more liberal view on what things like ‘street art’ or ‘urban art’ really mean – and how they can contribute to making a city more intriguing, creative and compelling.

Job Opportunity: WA Circus School Inc. General Manager

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a community arts background ideally in circus or performing arts to join the non-profit WA Circus School Inc. as General Manager.

Contact the WA Circus School on (08) 9335 5370 to find out more...

Applications due by 4pm 17 November 2011

Job Opportunity: Ausdance WA Project Manager

The Project Manager is responsible for managing the organisation’s annual program of dance projects.

This role will suit someone with previous experience in the delivery of quality arts projects. The position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and a sound knowledge of the Western Australian dance sector.

Contact Ausdance WA for more information.

Applications due by 5pm 14 November 2011.

Mid West Art Prize 2012 - Geraldton Regional Art Gallery

In 2012, the Mid West Art Prize will again attract artists from across the Mid West and Western Australia and provide a showcase of some of the region’s most talented artists.

The Mid West Art Prize 2012 has been announced, and entry forms are available from the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery website.

Artist in Residence programme: City of Vincent

The City of Vincent is calling for artists to express interest in conducting a four to six week residency for 2012 . Payment to the artist is up to $25,000 . The programme is open to local, national and international artists(open to all art forms). For more information visit the City of Vincent website.

Expressions of Interest due by 16 December 2011.

WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Competition

To celebrate World Wetlands Day 2012 on February 2, WetlandCare Australia is hosting their 5th annual Australia wide art and photography competition. The categories in the competition have been designed to give as many people as possible the opportunity to submit entries.

For more information and entry forms go to www.wetlandcare.com.au or call 02 6681 6169

Competition closes 2 December 2011.

Host your own Outdoor Film Event

From December 2011 - February 2012 the City of Fremantle and FTI is making the iconic Bohemia Outdoor Cinema available for public hire. For community groups this is an excellent fundraising opportunity and a chance to take advantage of the huge crowds expected to accompany the ISAF World Sailing Championships this December.

Contact: FTI on (08) 9431 6700 or email fti@fti.asn.au

Calling all Artists! - Eco Art Competition

The Fremantle Eco Shop and Wall of Contemporary Art are inviting submissions for their first Eco Art Competition. Round One of six has just opened and the theme is ‘water’. Submissions of any kind are welcome, whether you’re into photography, textiles, sculpture, digital art or something totally unique.

Go to their facebook page for guidelines and more information. 

Submissions close on November 11.

City of Mandurah's new Acseller8 Creative Retailing Incubator

If you are an artist, designer/maker of clothing, jewellery, homewares, ceramics and collectables and are interested in learning the tricks to high street retail while selling your work in Mandurah’s retail hotspot... Why not consider showing off your works in the City of Mandurah’s new Acseller8 creative retailing incubator?

Spaces are limited! If interested, email jane.tillson@mandurah.wa.gov.au  or ph (08) 9550 3842 Jane Tillson, Arts & Cultural Development Officer, City of Mandurah.

Applications close 4 November, 2011.

Image I City of Walls I Photos courtesy of City of Perth

DCA Artist Talks: Young People and the Arts International Scholarship

Are you a young artist or arts worker looking to pursue overseas study? If you answered ‘yes’, and you’re aged 29 years or under, the Young People and the Arts International Scholarship could be for you!

Join us for this inspiring and informative session about DCA’s annual $30,000 Young People and the Arts International Scholarship and learn about other funding available to young emerging artists.

When: 6 - 7pm, Wednesday 30 November 2011
Where: Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA), Perth Cultural Centre

RSVP by Friday 25 November, contact Dianne Johnston via email youngpeople@dca.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9224 7300*

* DCA is on the move, from Monday 14 November 2011 call (08) 6552 7300.

REMINDER: Community Grants Program - Office of Multicultural Interests

The current round of the Office of Multicultural Interests (WA) Community Grants Program is open. The grants encourage participation, equity and promotion of all Western Australians in projects and events that remove barriers and enhance cross cultural engagement.

There are two grant categories:

• Community Initatives and Projects (up to $15,000)
• Small Projects (up to $5,000)

For more information regarding closing dates, eligibility requirements and to download application forms and guidelines: visit the Office of Multicultural Interests website, email or call the Grants Officer on (08) 6552 2169.

The current round closes at 4pm Monday 7 November 2011.

Funding forum for culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities - Tuesday 22 November, 2011. See News & Events for more info above.

YCulture Regional - Country Arts WA

YCulture, a Healthway youth arts fund, is designed to promote the Drug Aware message. Up to $3,000, or up to $5,000 is available for applications that support young people make their own youth arts and culture projects.

Applications must be submitted a minimum of 8 weeks in advance of the project start date. For more information visit the Country Arts WA website or email Jess Anderson.

Australia Cultural Fund - AbaF

Offer your donors a tax deduction. Practising artists and small cultural organisations can register with AbaF to offer their donors the chance to make tax deductible donations.

AbaF offers this as a free service to donors, arts organisations and artists thanks to the generous support of the Macquarie Group Foundation. This means that 100% of donations go directly to an arts organisation or artist once approved by our board of business leaders.

Visit the AbaF website to read Australia Cultural Fund fact sheets, and inspiring art project examples.

Learn how AbaF's Australia Cultural Fund (ACF) can assist with your fundraising: ACF Information Session in Geraldton: Friday 25th November, 2011.

Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) - Australian Government: Department of Regional Australia

The Australian Government has allocated almost $1 billion to the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) to support the infrastructure needs and economic growth of Australia's regions.

Round Two applications are open in November, 2011. Visit their website for more information and to download the RDAF fact sheet.

The Janet Holmes a Court Artists' Grant - National Association for the Visual Arts Ltd. (NAVA)

This grant is designed to provide financial assistance to professional artists for the public presentation of their work. Individuals are eligible to receive $500 and groups are eligible to receive $1,000.

Closing dates: 15 February, 15 May, 15 August, 15 November

Go to the NAVA website for more information or via email.

Audience and Industry Engagement Program - ScreenWest

The Audience and Industry Engagement Program (AIEP) seeks to support the expansion of the Western Australian screen industry through projects that encourage and facilitate dialogue and interaction between the screen industry and the Western Australian public.

For guidelines and important information visit the ScreenWest website.

Applications due on: 20 February 2012

Image I Detail of 'Apathy for the Setting Sun' by Joshua Webb, Rhode Island Convention Centre, 2009 I Photo supplied by DCA.

Via Debbie & Rachel's blog: Midwest Millefiore - A Thousand Mid West Flowers

http://athousandmidwestflowers.blogspot.com/

Debbie Crothers and Rachel McKenzie, share a common passion for the polymer clay medium, along with an enthusiastic desire to work with and assist the development of regional Western Australian communities through the arts.

Debbie is a well establish and respected member of the Australian Polymer clay community and has been working with Polymer for many years. She is a well accomplished polymer clay artist who has a strong desire to develop her facilitation skills so she can satisfy her desire to work with regional WA communities and be involved in community cultural development projects.

Rachel is an experienced community cultural development worker and facilitator and has had many years working through out WA in a broad range of community arts and development projects. Rachel being a long time jewellery ‘tinkerer’, developed a passion for Polymer clay through the recent Made by hand; Inspired by Nature jewellery making project that she coordinated in Mullewa. Through the publicity this project received Debbie and Rachel met and began to dream of expanding the possibilities of Polymer clay in regional WA.

This has lead this passionate pair to dare to dream of attending the La Vegas Clay Carnival and meet one on one with some of their Clay Hero’s!

With the assistance of Community Arts Network WA Catalyst Professional Development funding for community artists and community cultural development workers and a lot of hard work (and penny pinching), Debbie and Rachel made this dream come true!

This blog is their way of sharing this journey with you!

CALL TO ALL COMMUNITY ARTISTS

If you are a community artist who would like to be recommended when projects arise: join our free CAN WA community artist listing or flick me an email if you would like to be profiled in our next eNews bulletin: emma@canwa.com.au :)

Image I Midwest flower poker chips by Rachel McKenzie