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May: The month of creative intersections!

Image I Participants at the Community Engagement and Cultural Planning Course 2010 I Photo by Monica Kane

To all our avid readers,

This month we bring you a mountain of opportunities and celebrate the projects and events that enabled creatives and the community to intersect over the past month! The CAN WA artist's networking session on Friday 13 May brought together a diverse mix of community artists with some inspiring presentations made by Mat de Koning, Iris Whitelock, Warren and Simone Hicks and Poppy van Oorde-Grainger (find out more about Poppy's community art projects in the chinwag interview below). Everyone also got into the swing of things with the Swing Zing Dance School providing an impromtu lesson. Read on to find out how you to can get into the swing of things and get your first class free!

Be sure to read up about the CAN WA Training and Skills Development opportunities, in particular the Creative Networks Fund and Community Engagement and Cultural Planning Course, registrations due by the end of June.

Lets work together to ensure that culture, creativity and the arts continue to flourish!

Till next time,

Emma, Communications and Marketing Coordinator @ CAN WA

I would love to hear from you for news, events and opportunities for the June edition of Around the Campfire by Thursday, 16 May 2011 via email.

Here is a great opportunity!

The Creative Networks fund (CNF) is designed to support local regional government authorities (LGA’s) to develop their capacity to use art and culture to improve the lives of their citizens.

CNF grants are available to regional local government authorities, to provide skills development, mentoring and networking with intensive training over a period of ten months, with an ongoing connection to CAN WA and like-minded LGA’s for three years. Participants will have the opportunity to attend CAN WA’s nationally recognised Community Engagement and Cultural Planning Course.

Expressions of interest for 2011 are now open.

The Creative Networks Fund closes Thursday 30 June 2011 at 5pm, for the program commencing from 20 July 2011.

For more information and application details, contact Sian Brown, Arts and Cultural Development Manager, via email, ph: 9226 2422, or visit our website.

The dates for the 2011 Community Engagement and Cultural Planning (CECP) course have been announced!
The first instalment of the course will occur on 20, 21 & 22 July,
with the second half happening 18 & 19 August.

The course covers the concepts of:

• culture
• community cultural development
• creative community consultation and engagement
• cultural mapping/planning and evaluation

and includes two units of competency:

• LGACOM502B Devise and conduct community consultations
• LGAGOVA606B Develop and maintain a community cultural plan

Responses from the Community Engagement and Cultural Planning workshop participants 2010:

‘I enjoyed the sharing circle… hearing others stories’

‘Getting right to the heart of cultural planning…’

‘Anne’s group consultation was captivating with her sculptures and hearing her advice of engaging youth was particular helpful for me working towards a youth festival’

Register by emailing Sian Brown, Arts and Cultural Development Manager, ph: (08) 9226 2422, or visit the CAN WA website for more information and course costs.

Image I 2010 CECP Course participants I Photo by Monica Kane

Becoming a qualified trainer is an exciting and meaningful career move!

CAN WA is organising a TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in June and there are only 4 places left!

The program is a blended delivery of the 10 units over 5 days. The qualification is aimed at people in the arts sector who want to improve their facilitation skills and or wish to facilitate for a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). If you already provide nationally recognised training for an RTO then this course meets the Australian Qualification Training Framework (AQTF) Standard 1.4 (a). More information about the units and the program can be found on our website.

Course Details

• When:    20 – 24 June 2011
• Where:   King St Art Centre, Large Meeting Room, 2nd Floor
• Cost:     $1100 per person

If you would like to enrol please follow the instructions and complete the enrolment form on the website.

If you have any questions please contact Monica Kane, the Training and Business Development Manager at CAN WA on (08) 9226 2422.

Here is highlights from the response from The Chamber of Arts and Culture WA's Board Member, Jude van Der Merwe:

'The 2011 Federal Budget sends a disappointing message of neglect to the
many Australians who understand and value the widespread and vital
contribution that arts and culture makes to Australian society.'

'Critically, and perhaps of greatest disappointment, for Western Australian
artists and organizations is that there are no specific plans to address the
shortfall of Australia Council funding to Western Australia compared with other
States. This inequity urgently requires rebalancing to reflect Western Australia's
population growth and economic activity.'

To read the full article go to the Chambers of Arts and Culture website, whereby you can also find out their response to the WA State Budget.

To read more about the 2011 Federal Budget click here. 

Creative Intersections is the theme for the 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture 2011 in Melbourne on 3-6 October, bringing together government and cultural leaders from over 80 countries to explore how artists can give voice to diverse communities and concerns through collaborations with experts in health and well-being, the environment, education, business, new technologies, cultural identity and more.

We are proud to note that CAN WA's Managing Director Pilar Kasat has been announced as one of the speakers this year.

To find out more information about the summit and to register visit their website before Thursday 30 June and you will receive an earlybird rate.

From 4pm on Friday 3 June, the Narrogin Skate Park will be rocking, with the all-ages launch of CAN WA’s Voices of the Wheatbelt: Wheat Beats.

To be launched by David Marshall, from the WA State Office of the principal funding partner – the Department of Families and Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), this event will showcase the hip-hop songs created by young people in the Wheatbelt.

With a premiere screening of the Wheat Beats music video clips and behind the scenes documentary, the afternoon will also include a BBQ, stencil art stall, live performances from Wheat Beats MC’s, BMX and Skate demos, a DJ mash set featuring local dance crew Part Time Royalz, and a special performance by hip-hop act Optamus!

All are welcome, and for more information contact Nicola on 9226 2422

• What: Voices of the Wheatbelt: Wheat Beats launch
• Where: Narrogin Skate Park, Gordon St
• When: 4pm onwards
• Cost: Free!

Also Voices of the Wheatbelt: WheatBeats will be launched in Perth!

• When: Friday 17 June, 6:30pm
• Where: FTI Cinemas, 92 Adelaide St, Fremantle

This event will be the premiere Perth screening of the Voices of the Wheatbelt: Wheat Beats music clips and behind the scenes documentary. Voices of the Wheatbelt: Wheat Beats features the third phase in a community arts project occurring across the Wheatbelt. This phase was carried out between July 2010 and June 2011 in the towns of Kellerberrin, Quairading, Brookton and Narrogin. Young people aged 11 - 15 from schools and communities in these towns participated in workshops learning the history and skills of Australian hip hop, traditional Aborignal dance, and filmmaking as a contemporary avenue to express their connection to their culture and community.

Anyone interested in film, filmmaking, music, or hip-hop should come along, to hear a talk from WA Young Filmmaker of the Year 2011 – Mat de Koning, who was one of the facilitators and directors of the project.

The night will also include a ‘Panel Beat’, where the young MC’s from the workshops will form a panel to talk about their experiences of the project.
Come and meet the stars of Wheat Beats! And see the amazing music clips and songs they created!

We also want to share with you the terrific news that the Voices of the Wheatbelt: Wheat Beats footage has been picked up by National Indigenous TV (NITV) to be featured over the next three years!

On Saturday 21 May 2011, a group of young guys who participated in the hip hop program in Gosnells, launched their songs and film clip to about 30 friends and family.

For 10 weeks CAN WA, in partnership with City of Gosnells and Centrecare delivered a hip hop lyric writing and music filmmaking program. The aim of the project was to develop the creative skills of young people through narrative and visual story telling and providing accreditation in a nationally recognised unit, CUECOR02C Working with others.

The recording was held at the new Soundlab@Amherst studio at Amherst Village Community Centre with renowned industry professional Optamus (from Downsyde) and 2011 WA Young Film-maker of the Year, Matt de Koning.

The launch and end products were fantastic with the presence of proud family members and facilitators, interested friends and satisfied kids.

Big mobs of thanks to the boys from Gosnells, artists - Matt and Scotty, Centrecare, City of Gosnells and the CANWA team for another successful and valuable community arts program!

Image I Workshop participant Donald Irwin I Photo by Jason Cleary

For two days the beautiful dolls created by Noongar women of the Southern Wheatbelt, through CAN WA’s Strong Culture, Strong Community project were on display in Narrogin. The Narrogin Nursery Café and Gallery hosted the exhibition, including the official opening night on Friday, 13 May.

With presentations by participants, a sneak peek at the documentary on the dolls, and local community member Erica McGuire on guitar, the night was a huge success, showcasing the amazing work done by the artists.

Everyone who attended voted for their favourite doll on display, and the 'community choice' prize was awarded to Leanne Kickett, for her doll ‘Mavoda’, which represented her grandmother’s (Mavis and Rhoda), and their generation of strong, proud and assertive women who cared for and raised strong children.

From here, the participants will continue their weekly workshops, creating more dolls, and leading to the exhibition at the WA Museum. This exhibition will run from September 2011 to January 2012, so be sure not to miss it!

Image I  Barbara Abraham, Lizzie Riley, Karen Gow, Susan Guy at the opening I Photo by Nicola Davison

On Tuesday April 19 CAN WA and NowGreen (the National Green Jobs Corps) started work on cleaning and re-designing the Poles along Gnarojin Creek. NowGreen participants have been busily clearing the area around the poles, ready for artist Jahne Rees, who undertook a one day workshop to teach skills in sanding, carving, and how to transfer designs onto the poles.

National Green Jobs Corps is the Australian Governments environmentally focused work experience and accredited training program for 17 – 24 year olds. The NowGreen participants will work along the creek, clearing the area around the poles and creating a path so everyone can walk up to the poles, and see the art work up close!

The Narrogin Creek Revitalisation project was initiated by CANWA’s Narrogin Office after consultion with the local Nyoongah Community. The Creek was identified as an area rich in Noongar history and culture, however, until recently, there was no representation of this strong cultural connection along the creek.This project represents an opportunity to reclaim a cultural hotspot and to showcase the area’s rich Noongar culture and heritage. It is also seen as a catalyst for healing, bringing the community together through cooperation, pride, reconciliation, acknowledgement and sharing.

Image I NowGreen representative Graeme Miller I Photo by Nicola Davison

ABC Radio National are replaying Noongar Voices of the Central Eastern Wheatbelt on the Awaye! program (810AM), with the first program going to air on Saturday 4  - 19 June. Awaye! is produced and presented by Aboriginal broadcasters and is Australia's only national Indigenous arts and culture program. Tune in next Saturday!

Noongar Voices of the Central Eastern Wheatbelt is a three part radio documentary series, whereby Noongar people have shared their life stories. The series draws on extracts from oral history interviews conducted by Mary Anne Jebb and Bill Bunbury for Community Arts Network WA (CAN WA) as part of the three year Strategic Partnerships Initiative. The aim of the story-sharing project is to assist Noongar people to record their life stories and provide opportunities for the broader community to gain an insight into Noongar life in the Wheatbelt.

‘The programs give Noongars a chance to tell their own stories and histories, how they had to adapt to a white world and how they kept their culture alive through stories of their people and the land.’ said radio producer, Bill Bunbury.

The project is funded by Healthway, promoting the Respect Yourself, Respect Your Culture message; Australia Council for the Arts and Department of Culture and the Arts.

Image I Elders Hazel Winmar and Irene Jetta, Noongar Voices I Photo by Mary Anne Jebb

On a chilly Merredin night, community members from Kellerberrin, Tammin, Quairading, Bruce Rock and Merredin stepped out to enjoy a performance of Jack Davis's ‘Honey Spot’. The performance provided a great reason for community leaders from around the region to come together, share a meal and discuss new projects in their communities. It was also an opportunity for CAN WA to say a big thank you and to celebrate the contributions these volunteers make in building community and in keeping a strong Noongar culture.

To see future Honey Spot performances in Perth read the News & Events below.

Image I Pam Jetta, Bonnie Winmar, Irene Jetta and Muriel Collard at The Cummins Theatre, Merredin I Photo by Ivy Penny

Earlier this year CAN WA began a Cultural Mapping and Community Governance pilot program with the Gnaala Karla Booja (GKB) group. In April CAN WA held a ‘Back to County’ residency workshop with GKB at Lake Navarino in Waroona. With artistic facilitative methods the group began culturally mapping three chosen sites, documenting and recording stories, memories, knowledge and culture as a means of developing the foundations of their community governance structures.

Amongst the long hours and hard work we managed to sit around the karla, eat damper and have a lot of laughs.

Some of the visions individuals shared for their people included:
“Identify leaders in Aboriginal communities; Use land and culture as healing to teach our children; Create a space and place to grieve and allow time; and the black history of Australia to be told, recorded and taught in schools…”

GKB will gather again on Sunday 5 June 2011 at Pumphreys Bridge to continue working through the Cultural Mapping process and identifying potential governance structures for their community. If you would like to know more about CAN WA’s Cultural Mapping and Community Governance Project please visit the CAN WA website.

 Image I Pinjarra Massacre site I Photo by Pilar Kasat

Congratulations to the applicants who were successful in receiving funding in the March 2011 round of Catalyst funding.

Keep an eye on the CAN WA website to read the list of successful applicants.

Image I Facemap project I Photo by Natalie Manton

LEARN TO SWING DANCE AT SWING ZING!

Meet people, get fit and have fun learning the original swing dances of the 1920s, 30s and 40s! No bookings or partner needed. Check out their website for course starting dates or call 0421 514 528 and rock up and simply mention CAN WA to get your first class for free.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company presents Honey Spot by Jack Davis

Jack Davis’ celebrated play is about the power of friendship that can overcome all. Set in regional WA in the 1980s, Honey Spot is a play about two cultures living together, about two different philosophies on land conservation and about how friendship can overcome racial differences. One of Jack Davis’ most celebrated theatrical works, Honey Spot is a piece of quality Indigenous theatre for all ages.

Starring: Lynette Narkle, George Shevtsov, Katya Shevtsov, Phillip Walley-Stack and Ian Wilkes.
Director: Kyle Morrison
Writer: Jack Davis

When: 7.30pm (Thursday - Saturday)16 - 25 June 2011
Where: Yirra Yaakin Theatre Space, 65 Murray St, Perth

Book tickets now via the website or call (08) 9202 1966.

A portal to Indigenous media and the arts in Australia is here!

Thousands of artists, musicians, actors and other arts/media practitioners can now be found profiled on The Black Book website which is a virtual showcase of Indigenous talent and achievement in Australia. Check it out!

Freemantle Arts Centre: Benevolent Asylum exhibition by Lily Hibberd

Benevolent Asylum follows the course of the historical relationship between asylums and rivers. Blending documentary and fiction, Benevolent Asylum examines the story of exile and confinement in Australia while questioning the asylum practices that continue today.

When: 21 May - 17 July

'Big Rain Coming' exhibition at FORM Gallery

Big Rain Coming is the name of an exhibition by Roebourne Art Group. The artists in Roebourne Art Group have been painting together for a long time and now, in the green season when the thunderclouds build on the horizon, their big rain is coming: with exhibitions, a new art centre and a training program: one which has led to a collection of stunning public art pieces made with the artists’ own hands, minds and stories. Read more about the project on the FORM website.

When: 27 May - 26 August
Where: FORM Gallery, 357 Murray St, Perth

4th Human Rights Arts and Film Festival

The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) is bringing award-winning world-class films about the human spirit to the heart of Perth this June. Featuring human rights stories that will illuminate the triumphs and plights of people all over the planet, the festival will screen 4 films at Cinema Paradiso from June 10 to 12 including films titled: 'Moving to Mars 12th & Delaware' , 'They Came for the Gold, They Came for it All',  'I Was Worth 50 Sheep'. For more information visit their website.

Artlink Indigenous: a bumper issue out soon!

Artlink Indigenous: Beauty and Terror 2011 follows in the footsteps of the groundbreaking blak on blak issue of 2010 with abundant images, incisive profiles of contemporary Indigenous artists, sharp analysis of exhibitions of Aboriginal art in Australia and overseas, and cutting edge polemics on the politics of Aboriginal art. Go to the Artlink website to subscribe.

An animation that educates wins award

Coolgardie based Health Worker, Alison Dimer, has won the 2011 Dr Ross Ingram Memorial Competition, run by the Medical Journal of Australia. Alison won award for her work writing “Alfie The Tooth Fairy.”The competition recognises writing and artwork by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people working in health-related areas that conveys original and positive ideas promoting health gains and equity for Indigenous Australians. Read the full article here.

Shaun Tan's The Red Tree adapted for stage: a must see!

Perth audiences will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Academy Award winner Shaun Tan in July when Barking Gecko Theatre Company presents an adaptation of his book, The Red Tree. Audiences will be transported to a strange world of peculiar creatures and dream-like landscapes. Join our friend as she travels across the pages, accompanied by her constant companions who create a live soundtrack for her bold journey.

Suitable for ages 5+ and families
Book at BOCS Ticketing
When / Where: Tue 12 – Sat 23 July 2011, 10.30am & 1pm Subiaco
Wed 13 July, 1pm, Auslan performance
Sat 27 August, 1pm & 6pm, Joondalup performance at Prendiville Catholic College, Performing Arts Centre

I Spy with my Little Eye at Mundaring Arts Centre

The exhibiton features works by four artists who 'spy' their environment at various levels for inspiration and try to make us aware of issues and eco-systems that often we are too busy or too pre-occupied to consider.

When: Friday 20 May - Sunday 19 June
Where: Mundaring Arts Centre, 7190 Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring

Regular New Spoken Word Gigs in Perth

Poets, Spoken Word fans and anyone looking for a unique and thought provoking night out in Perth, might be interested in this new series, about to hit Perth. In the spirit of Geoffrey Robertson, Strictly Hypothetical is social commentary meets live comedy.
Each show explores a fictional scenario, based on a real world issue. Join three of Perth’s most talented comic facilitators as our live, unrehearsed panel grapple with juicy issues, confronting ideas and surprise twists. And as an audience member, you get to ask the questions, and ultimately determine the outcome.  

Shows on 9, 23 June and 14 July. Full details and bookings can be found at : www.strictlyhypothetical.webs.com.

YMCA HQ Gallery : Free Gallery Hire

YMCA HQ Gallery in Leederville is offering free gallery hire for artists under 26 who earn less than $30,000 a year, or the gallery can be hired for $100 per week.

What you get: Professional lighting, a hanging rail, weekend openings, publicity and a full time Monday - Friday gallery attendant.

How to apply: email Poppy Van Oorde-Grainger, or ph (08) 9328 3221, or visit the YMCA HQ website

Job Opportunity: Youth and Community Services Program Manager

YMCA Perth is a not-for-profit community based organisation, operating across WA. This fixed term (12 months) fulltime role reports to the Youth and Community Services Executive Manager and is integral to the development, growth and financial sustainability of YMCA Perth's Youth and Community Services (Y&CS) department. For more details go to the YMCA website.

Applications close: Monday 6 June, 2011.

Job Opportunity: Victoria Park Centre for the Arts – Director

An exciting position in this community-focused and expanding art centre. The key focus of this position is to bring to fruition the goals of the Centre’s Strategic Business Plan, coordinate workshops, exhibitions, the gift shop, community arts projects, the Annual Victoria Park Art Award and other cultural initiatives. A strong focus on community cultural development and strategic and financial management is required, and demonstrated experience in applying for and getting grants is essential.
Please contact Sonja Vujic for a copy of the Job description and selection criteria on 9470 5520 or via email.

Applications close at 4.00pm on Friday 3 June 2011.

Screen Australia’s new Call to Country Indigenous filmmaking initiative

The Indigenous Department of Screen Australia, in association with the ABC, is pleased to announce Call to Country, a new initiative to unearth Indigenous Australian documentary makers.Led by award-winning filmmaker Beck Cole, Call to Country will provide opportunities for passionate, new and emerging Indigenous documentary filmmakers to dig beneath the surface and uncover a slice of Indigenous life never before represented on Australian screens.

The Call to Country guidelines and application form are available on the Screen Australia website.
Application deadline: Friday 24 June 2011.

Have your say! Planning for Community Needs

The City of Perth and EPRA are holding workshops inviting the community to share its views about community needs in the development of a Community Infrastructure Plan. This includes facilities for cultural activities, sport and recreative, community centre, childcare and after school centre and libraries.

Where: EPRA Cafe, 12 Lindsay Street, Perth
When: Thursday, 2 June 2011, 6.00pm-7.30pm

Refreshments will be provided at the workshop. Registration for the workshop is required.

Please RSVP to David Lanfear or Coffey Commercial Advisory on 9355 7100 or email AdminConsult@coffey.com

Call for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders actors

A film casting agency is looking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander actors nationwide for a two hour TV movie titled 'Blackfella',  about the life of the Australian hero Eddie Koiki Mabo. In particular there are many roles for men in their late 20's - 50's, and kids aged 11-18 years old, alongside female roles. Filming would occur from August through to October 2011.

Please contact Anousha from Anousha Zarkesh Casting directly if you wish to find out more information or are interested.

Ph: (02) 9964 9625 / Mob: 0413 689 495
Email: azarkesh@iprimus.com.au

Performers wanted

The Centre for Cerebral Palsy is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year and one of those celebrations is a community festival to be held on 23 October 2011 from 11 – 3 pm at the Yokine Reserve, Bradford Street, Coolbinia. They are having a community fair type event and and are keen to hear from performers who would like to be part of the event– juggling, circus acts etc!

If you are interested in performing please contact Jan Williams at The Centre for Cerebral Palsy, please find her details below:

Ph: (08) 9443 0546 / Mob: 040 3342 100
Email: Jan.Williams@tccp.com.au

Support for up-and-coming Indigenous Researchers

Indigenous Australian researchers and research students can join a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network, which will help them seize more research opportunities and advance their research in a supportive environment. The Australian Government is providing up to $800,000 a year over four years, through the Australian Research Council, to establish and support the new network, which will build the capacity and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers.

A call for proposals will occur in coming months, to be advised by the Australian Research Council. For more information on the scheme and the Government's support for Indigenous researchers, visit www.arc.gov.au and www.innovation.gov.au.

Barking Gecko Theatre Company: Generation Project Seed Funding

Since the success of 2010, Barking Gecko Theatre Company is extending the Generation Project to include practical workshops, forums with industry leaders and creative development seed funding. The idea is to turn WA into a creative hub for children and young peoples theatre, one that encourages artistic excellence and creative risk taking.

One seed grant of $5,000 is up for grabs for artists looking to develop a new work for young audiences. The seed funding includes one weeks worth of funded creative development, and the opportunity to present the work at a showing for young people and industry peers.

Applications close on Friday 24 June 2011. For full information and an application form please visit www.barkinggecko.com.au or contact Kate Hancock, Program Manager, via email or ph 9380 3085.

FaHCSIA Volunteer Grants 2011

Grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to help eligible not-for-profit organisations purchase essential equipment, contribute to fuel costs, training courses and background checks.To support people most in need, preference will be given to organisations with volunteers that assist disadvantaged individuals, families and communities, organisations located in regional and rural areas and organisations affected by recent natural disasters.

For more information, application guidelines and the application form please visit the FaHCSIA website or call 1800 183 374.

Applications close at 5pm (AEST) on 8 June 2011.

The Freedman Foundation Travelling Scholarship

This scholarship provides assistance towards travel (for educational purposes) and/or tuition costs for emerging artists, building a career in the visual arts broadly in the areas of painting, photography or sculpture. Applications to travel overseas to undertake formal study, a residency or a planned program with a professional artist or mentor will be considered, as will informal study for a planned research project.

Closing date: Sunday 5 June
Notification date: mid July

Go to the National Association for the Visual Arts website for more info.

DCA Arts Development Grant

This grant is open to all applicants working in all eligible art forms for projects that involve the exploration of new ideas, the development of new skills, the creation of new work or a fresh interpretation of existing material. Start conceptualising and speak with the relevant Project Officer prior to submitting your application. The 2011 Arts Grants Handbook and Application Package are both available on the DCA website.

Deadline: Friday 1 July 2011
For activity starting after: 1 December 2011

ScreenWest: Audience and Industry Engagement Program

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. Applicants submitting funding for a film festival, screening program or touring program may be eligible for Screen Australia's funding program for Australian Festivals, Special Events and Conferences . 

Applications close: 5pm Monday 4 July, 2011. Go to the ScreenWest website for more information.

AbaF Premier's Arts Partnership Fund

Also, if you are an arts organisation with a new business partnership, you may be eligible to apply to the AbaF Premier's Arts Partnership Fund. The Fund doubles the value of new cash partnerships between business and the arts (from $1000 to $10000). For more information visit the Australia Business Arts Foundation website.

Chinwag is a regular profile of artists who are part of CAN WA's Community Artist database.

This month we get some great insights into facilitating community art projects through having a chinwag with Poppy Van Oorde-Grainger: YMCA HQ Community Art Coordinator, freelance artist and Kirk Robson Recipient. Poppy has got an expansive portfolio of projects which have been part of the Perth International Arts Festival, London International Festival of Theatre, AWESOME Festival and Artrage Festival for example. Read on to hear about her terrific work!

What inspires you? The communities I work with are a constant inspiration. They always have new approaches and ideas that keep things fresh and exciting. The biggest difference in working with communities compared to working on my own is that independently I often struggle to pick a subject matter but when I work with communities, after a few questions and conversations, we always have something to say.

How do you describe your artistic style? I work across a range of media and am particularly adept at working with groups of young people to utilise materials and experiences from their lives to create contemporary artworks. I often use digital media as the outcome i.e. photography and video, because it is slick, has street cred, is easy to display and distribute and most people can relate to it. I also use more tactile mediums in the process such as costume-making, installation and print-making.

What would be your dream project? I love working on community projects in a team of artists and arts-workers. Rock Hole Long Pipe for CANWA and Trashcatchers for LIFT were the two projects where I felt most supported and consequently we had great artistic and social outcomes. For example, Rock Hole Long Pipe was a one year project that employed an artistic director, project manager, production manager, stage manager, assistant stage manager, actor, project evaluator, pyrotechnics team, lighting designer, Aboriginal Elder, parade designer, three visual artists, six musicians, two photographers and six dancers.

My dream project would be working full-time for a Perth-based organisation that produces large-scale, long-term CCD projects that are showcased in mainstream media e.g. TV, national galleries and newspapers.

How do you work with and/or for communities? Usually the project will have three phases:

1) Consulting: Consulting involves ice-breakers and brainstorming, talking, writing, surveys, painting, acting, drawing, taking photos, interviews, dancing, games, puppet shows, exploring and so on. Sometimes we then vote to narrow it down to a single focus point.
2) Making: Making is the most fun part. How much direction the group needs depends on their confidence, experience and background. Sometimes I direct 80% of the work and sometimes 10%. It’s a balancing act and I always play it by ear.
3) Presenting: Presenting for me means showing the work in the best possible light and really engaging the audience. I often use non-arts venues for presentations both for practical and aesthetic reasons and because art-spaces can be intimidating.

What are you most proud of professionally? That I’ve been doing what I love for ten years and while it’s been a struggle I can now survive financially without having to do an unsatisfying job on the side.

To see some great images of Poppy's projects check out: www.poppyvog.com.

Here is a invaluable list of websites that Poppy has compiled where she seeks her inspiration:

www.gelitin.net
www.woofwanbau.com
www.michelgondry.com
www.bighart.org
www.curiousworks.com.au
www.liftfestival.com
www.projectphakama.org
www.ted.com
www.ifea2008.com