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J u n e 2 0 1 1

Note from YPAAA note f r om YPAA headquarter sDear YPAA Members,

It is with some excitement I write to you having recently returned from the ASSITEJ Performing Arts Festival for Young Audiences and 17th World Congress in Copenhagen/Malmoe.

Our hosts, ASSITEJ Denmark and ASSITEJ Sweden were incredibly warm and welcoming to their region. It is an amazing part of the world, as are its people.

Denmark and Sweden are joined together, between Copenhagen and Malmoe by a bridge of breathtaking scope and awe inspiring engineering.....And so the theme for the Congress and the Festival...Building Bridges Crossing Borders.

The opportunity to see work from every continent, meet with colleagues from across the globe, and to be connected to our international community was simply extraordinary.

The opportunity to meet with many Australians from across our own continent and engage with them in discussion pertinent to our own sector was invaluable.

It was inspiring to engage in international forums where Australian artists often led the debate, outlining groundbreaking collaborations and work across forms.

One Australian artist made clear that without the international collaborations in which he was engaged he would most likely be a part-time artist in Australia.

Membership of ASSITEJ, in this case through YPAA, had a direct impact in supporting his work internationally, and his ability to live and work as an artist full time.

Another lauded the opportunity provided by membership of ASSITEJ to work on the Next Generations project, a three year project bringing together young artists from across the world.

The festival and congress threw up its challenges as well. At times there was a sense of disconnection for some participants as they navigated a festival in two cities separated by subtle but important differences in currency, the sea and some distance between cities and venues.

The international program, while representative of many nations, at times lacked consistency of quality, and suffered, for this correspondent, from a lack of young people in the audiences.

(To be fair, many young people were on holidays at this time).

Certainly, the OFF Festival at Christiania in central Copenhagen provided a welcome dose of young folk in the audience at an intriguing venue, and some beautiful work.

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The Danish and Swedish Cavalcade, of course, was a potent reminder of the benchmark that is Scandinavian Theatre for Young Audiences.

In terms of ASSITEJ, the organisation...

Many thanks go to the hard working Executive Committee (including our own Noel Jordan) over the past three years, and after three full days of the general assembly, in which 55 nations sat down to thrash out a new constitution and elect a new President and Executive Committee, real change has been achieved. (More on this later in this newsletter)

It is an exciting time to be members of ASSITEJ as it evolves into a more dynamic, responsive and inclusive organisation.

This evolution includes the establishment of two international meetings now set down for Okinawa Japan in 2012 and Linz, Austria in 2013 to coincide with the Kijimunafesta and Schaxpir Festivals respectively.

Australia has an important role to play in supporting this change and the new Executive Committee.

It was a privilege to have attended the Festival and Congress and to meet such committed and talented and friendly individuals from all over the world.

And for me, on many levels, the experience provided compelling evidence of the value of the work that is taking place in Australia and/or by Australians, at home and internationally.

It also was compelling evidence of the value of YPAA membership in opening up international networks and opportunities through ASSITEJ.

Cheers,

Jim Lawson

YPAA Executive Director

YPAA NEWS

17th ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival for Young Audiences, Update

Jim LawsonThe 17th ASSITEJ World Congress and Festival is marked most conspicuously by a sense of renewal and change • the election of a new President and a new Executive

Committee; • Constitutional change • The institution of yearly international meetings

Mr. Wolfgang Schneider retired as President and was farewelled in style in Malmoe after the ASSITEJ Awards ceremony where he was fittingly invested as the Honorary President of ASSITEJ. Professor Schneider has given a decade to the role of President. His jovial persona often belying his extensive and often unsung commitment to theatre for young audiences across the world. Most recently his behind the scenes work in supporting the development of theatre for young audiences in India has been outstanding. YPAA - ASSITEJ Australia send our very best wishes to Wolfgang Schneider upon his retirement as President of ASSITEJ and formally thank him for all his efforts.

In a comprehensive endorsement from the Congress, former ASSITEJ EC member and treasurer, Yvette Hardie of South Africa, was elected President of ASSITEJ. Her gracious opponent Maria Ines Falconi from Argentina was elected to the Executive Committee and subsequently to the position of Vice-President.In her acceptance, Ms. Hardie saluted her opponent and delighted that the candidates were.. “....two strong women, and both from the southern hemisphere..”

Along with Ms. Hardie a diverse and dynamic Executive Committee was elected. Crucially for the organisation the Committee retains extensive experience and introduces new and dynamic younger members from a diverse range of nations.

In an endorsement of his work of the past three years, our own international representative, Noel Jordan, was re-elected to the executive Committee and appointed as Treasurer.

In a significant shift, the constitution of the organisation was amended to be more inclusive, allowing membership to be broadened and to ensure the organisation is more responsive to its members and to a ‘living’ working plan.

To demonstrate the commitment and resolve of the committee two countries were in fact expelled from ASSITEJ until further notice.

As indicated in the introduction to the newsletter, the organisation has voted to allow international meetings to take place. So that instead of a three year gap between the members coming together, it is now possible to meet yearly to update projects and the working plan and to broaden the range and understanding of work for young people by attaching the meetings to existing festivals.

The first will take place in Okinawa in 2012 and the second will take place in Linz in 2013 culminating in the 18th ASSITEJ Congress and Festival for Young Audiences to be held in Warsaw, Poland in 2014.

Below: Retired ASSITEJ President Wolfgang Shneider with Ivica Simic, Secretary General and Dora Jelacic Buzimski, Executive Assistant

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Not a YPAA member? Join YPAA today! Be part of our significant network to collectively shape and influence the future of youth arts in Australia.

New and renewing members are encouraged to join at one of two times 31 January or 30 June. All existing members in this mid-year round and new members are therefore encouraged to join by 30 June 2011. Late memberships will be accepted, but will expire 30 June 2012.

Receiving this newsletter is not guarantee that you are a financial member of YPAA. YPAA members receive a whole lot of benefits, other than just this newsletter!

2011 Membership benefits include:

• Receive representation from your peak body and/or participate in advocacy led by YPAA on government policy initiatives

• Know that YPAA is continuously advocating for children and young people’s rights to access the arts and culture in Australia, through a number of different initiatives

• Participate in national and international networking

• Promote your work in the monthly e-newsletter, which is distributed to over 500 members and 1000 national and international industry contacts

• Increase national and international exposure of you or your organisation by uploading your profile and contacts on our website.

• Participate in free networking discussion groups, called Blueprint groups. These groups link practitioners associated by practice by landline telephone, so you can access it Australia-wide.

• Attend professional development sector activities free or at a heavily discounted rate. Eg - National Symposiums, Master classes, Youth Arts Markets

• Contribute to proposed professional development activities to ensure that they are always relevant to you

• Opportunities to showcase your work at state-wide youth arts market events

• Attend face-to-face group sector meetings, or meet with YPAA staff individually.

• Receive personalised professional advice and support (eg: grants, funding, working conditions, referrals etc)

• Access new fundraising support opportunities through www.pozible.com.au at a discounted rate (of 5%)

• Access new industry resources and research

• Receive updates on industry news, activities, and positions vacant and staff movements

• Voting rights at YPAA AGM and more.

2011 Membership fees are unchanged from June 2010 and are as follows:

Cost (all inc GST):

• Individualmembershipcosts$77

• 3membershipsfor$165

• 5membershipsfor$275

• 10membershipsfor$550

Please consider the following when chosing which membership tier suits you:

• Individual members may only provide an personal profile on our website (eg, personal photo and bio).

• Group members may only provide one group profile on our online group profiles (logo & company/group blurb).

• To accommodate different types of groups, you do not need to be staff members of the same business to receive the group membership benefit.

• Although we do accept groups of practitioners not necessarily staff members of the same organisation to receive group membership benefits, please consider how you would like to be represented on our website.

• We do not cater for groups of 2. We encourage you to join as a group of three, where you will then receive a saving of $20 per person (plus GST). We suggest engaging workshop facilitators, your board, students.

If you require an invoice prior to payment, please return the 2011 membership form via email to info@ypaa.net first. You will then be emailed the invoice according to your request.

If you do not require an invoice prior to payment, please either:

a) post the form with a cheque or money order

b) pay by direct bank transfer and then return the form via email with details of your payment

All existing members expiring in this period will be contacted by YPAA about which date you fall under, however, feel free to ask us if you are unsure.

2011 Membership form: http://www.ypaa.net/join_now

Is YPAA for me? http://www.ypaa.net/ypaa_me

All further details you need are on the membership form. If you have any questions please do not hesitate tocontactImogeneon07-3254-0553orinfo@ypaa.net

YPAA MEMBERSHIP

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Noel Jordan, YPAA ASSITEJ Board Representative

& Newly appointed ASSITEJ Treasurer

It was great to see 36 Australians at the recent 17th ASSITEJ International World Congress and General Assembly held in Copenhagen & Malmo.

Next Generation members, independent freelance artists, YPAA Board members, our new YPAA Director, Artistic Directors and General Managers/Executive Producers of some of our leading theatre companies all alike made their presence felt by their warmth and ability to join in on almost every level.

The outgoing ASSITEJ Executive Committee submitted a redrafted Constitution that in effect was almost a two-thirds re-write of the document. With some minor exceptions the draft was accepted and the new Executive Committee have been given the task of continuing to work on the document until our next General Assembly in 2014.

In a nut shell the changes acknowledge that we live in a different world than the one in 1965 when the Constitution was first written.

Membership has now been opened up beyond national centre’s from countries to embrace networks such as ITYARN (International Theatre for Young Audiences Research Network) and individual memberships - the details are still to be finalised. The new Constitution also provides the opportunity for the global network to meet annually at official ASSITEJ Meetings. Two were immediately offered and voted for 2012 - Okinawa, Kijimuna Festa (a fantastic international festival held in late July each year in Japan) and in 2013 at the SCHÄXPIR Festival in Linz, Austria (held in late June/July each year).

The next World Congress will be held in Warsaw, Poland in 2014.

The chance to meet each year is an acknowledgement that our members are very much interested in getting together regularly to share work and ideas. This new plan of action will only provide further opportunities for us all to network and exchange ideas and thinking. Further

accepted changes were the adoption of a new voting system for the President and Executive Committee.

I myself successfully stood for re-election to the Committee and was then proposed and adopted by the floor as the organisations Treasurer for the next three years. Busy and exciting number crunching times!

On a personal note I would like to say a big thank you to all the Australian delegation who attended and our members back home. Your support and friendship over the 10 day Congress and over the past three years in my first term was fantastic. I look forward to embracing the new working plan and a new younger and engaged Executive Committee.

I also look forward to working closely with our first female South African President, Yvette Hardie. Yvette is not only extremely eloquent, forward thinking but a genuinely beautiful person.

About ASSITEJ: http://www.ypaa.net/assitej_australiahttp://www.assitej-international.org/english/home.aspx

ASSITEJ International World Congress and General Assembly

Above: Yvette Hardie, ASSITEJ President (elect)Below: the retiring ASSITEJ Executive CommitteeFar Below: the newly elected ASSITEJ Executive CommitteeLeft: The ASSITEJ General Assembly voting for constitutional change

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YPAA NEWS

YPAA Members at ASSITEJ,Otherwise known as ‘The Aussie Posse’

The Congress and festival was, and is, an intense time filled with workshops, theatre, forums, debate, exchange, networking, searching for venues, catching trains, speaking other languages, meals on the run, friendship and laughter,,,just to name a few things...

On May 27, a group of Australians were fortunate enough to gather at the Comfort Hotel Malmoe. This gathering provided an intriguing and exciting snapshot of our sector.

It was a rich mixture of generations and experience... from Boomers through Gen X and Gen Y; artists and programmers, educators and producers. We heard from everyone, ...what they are up to, where they are headed, where they have come from.

It was just as exciting to hear that Polyglot Theatre was about to open a show in China as it was to hear about the plans of newer companies like Drop Bear Theatre and their passion to grow and develop.

It was a crucial opportunity for us to share and understand what is happening across our own nation, from:• Terrapin in Tasmania • Buzz Dance, Barking Gecko and Southern Edge Arts in WA; • Australian Theatre for Young People, Monkey Baa, The

Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre Company and Casula Powerhouse in NSW

• Brisbane Powerhouse, Imaginary Theatre and DeBASE Productions in QLD;

• Patch Theatre, Cirkidz and Windmill Theatre in SA • The Arts Centre, Insite Arts, Tipsy Teacup and Pocketfool

Productions in Victoria• and our independent practicioners such as Verna Curr,

Angela Betzien, Finnegan Kruckmyer, Jacob Boehm, Fleur Elise Noble; Melinda Collie-Holmes and Sally Chance.

At a time when ASSITEJ embraces the New World, ...a time when our young artists are choosing to work in this sector because of the unrivalled opportunities it offers...and when there is a wealth of experience upon which to draw...the Australian Theatre for Young Audiences sector is in a great place - nationally and internationally from which to continue to grow....to extend its influence and to culturally embed its practice.

P.S.Sadly, we did not get to meet with Princess Mary, patron of the Festival, but...the Australian contingent dispelled any disappointment through outstanding commitment to great dancing at the closing party!...and we salute Andy Packer of Slingsby for demonstrating best practice planking.

Top: Alex Desebrock and Katherine McLeanCircle: Finegan KruckemeyerBelow: Angela Betzien, Verena Curr, Fiona MacDonald, Liz SkitchFar Below: Asian Alliance of Theatre for Young Audiences gathering

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YPAA NEWS

Pocketfool at ASSITEJby Jennifer Andersen

Jennifer Andersen and Heidi Weatherald from Pocketfool have just returned from Denmark where they participated in a week-long international exchange on interactive theatre hosted by Denmark’s Carte Blanche (http://www.cblanche.dk), followed by attendance at the ASSITEJ Congress and Festival.

The exchange, with nine theatre makers from Denmark, Australia, Spain, Germany and Belgium, involved an intensive exploration of strategies for audience interaction in theatre. Each day the participants devised short scenes which were then trialed with local school children.

The process was documented by researcher Thomas Rosenthal who then presented his summary of it at the ASSITEJ Congress in Malmoe, Sweden the following week. It was such a pleasure to explore a wide variety of ideas with a very creative group and many questions were raised for further development in this fascinating field.

The highlight of the ASSITEJ Festival for Pocketfool was participation in the three day Small Size workshop. The Small Size Network is a European network of organisations creating and researching theatre for the very young. It is an inspiring model of cooperation, development and creativity, and the workshops themselves were fun and stimulating.

Contact: http://www.pocketfool.com

Powerdating at ASSITEJby Liz Skitch, deBASE productions, creating brilliant, new

comedies, Brisbane, AustraliaIt sounds like a networking event, inspired by the recent trend of speed dating and whilst I did almost fall in love with a tall dark Latvian, the purpose of the three- day workshop was theatrical experimentation. And without realizing it at the time, this is exactly what I needed. I was at ASSITEJ thinking, “I must network”, “I must promote”, and in the hustling bustling existence of the independent theatre maker about to present two new works at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, one can very easily get overly consumed with self promotion and neglect the creative self. And choosing what to see and do at a conference on the other side of the world can be difficult but I got lucky with the Power dating workshop. Each day we were given a piece of inspiration (an object, a piece of text, some art) and worked solo, in ‘couples’ or in groups to devise and present. Our creations were very diverse with participating artists from Korea, Wales, Latvia, America, Australia and Denmark employing a wide range of influences and styles. Thanks to Lotte Farrup and Mark Van Der Veldenfor (Denmark) for creating and sharing this very unique workshop experience as well as many cups of coffee and delicious local lunches!

More info: http://www.debaseproductions.com

Below: Asian Alliance of Theatre for Young Audiences gathering

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YPAA NEWS

ARTSWORK UK - National Youth Arts Development Agency

Prior to attending the ASSITEJ Festival and Congress, Jim Lawson was fortunate enough to meet with Jane Bryant, Chief Executive of Artswork in London.

Artswork is the National Youth Arts Development Agency in the UK and manages ENYAN, the English National Youth Arts Network ENYAN is a membership body designed to create connections throughout the diverse youth arts sector at national, regional and grass roots levels. ENYAN aims to raise the profile and support for youth arts within England, and by doing so create more opportunities for the creative and personal development of young people, especially young people at risk. www.enyan.co.uk

The meeting was very fruitful and both parties agreed there were enough similarities between the respective organisations and importantly, enough differences, for us to gain a great deal from further engagement, exchange and exploring potential collaboration opportunities.

Two of the programs YPAA is looking to investigate are the ARTSMARK and Arts Award Programs initiated and developed by Artswork. Both programs are excellent initiatives to support broad engagement in the arts for young people in ways that attain national acknowledgement and capacity building.http://www.artswork.org.uk

Lowdown Online & YPAA SurveyYoung People and the Arts Australia are working with Lowdown to ensure that you receive information about the youth arts sector in the most effective way. We wish to gauge your needs for a national youth arts magazine or news avenue and advertising resource. We would like to know what you value in the existing Lowdown, what you’d like to see in the future, and who you are.

Your feedback will affect the way that we both communicate sector information through the YPAA e-newsletter and Lowdown Online.

Please complete this short online survey by Wednesday 8 June: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ypaalowdown

This survey is open to all Lowdown and YPAA members, in addition to non-financial members and all consumers of Lowdown Online. All Lowdown subscribers will be contacted directly from the Lowdown office on June 14 .

For your information, Lowdown is the national magazine for youth performing arts in Australia. It can be accessed online at: http://www.lowdown.net.au

Apologies for accidentally ommitting TAS from the list of states & territories on this survey. It has now been rectified.

Attending the AYAC Youth Affairs ConferenceInterrupting Transmission: youth | change | policy | practice.

Imogene Shields, YPAA GM I was fortunate to be granted a bursary which enabled me to attend this three-day AYAC national youth affairs conference. Attending this national youth sector conference allowed me to spend time networking with a sector full of new faces; people who also work within the youth sector to enrich the lives of young people, but in different ways.

It allowed me to set up a range of new contacts, share stories of your successful projects, and discuss ways that the arts can be used as the avenue to reach young people. It is important for YPAA to continue to make links with these youth workers and local governments who do not do not necessarily consider themselves as arts workers, but often use arts in facilitation. I was pleased to see at the conference, two examples of theatre being successfully used to teach the understanding of both law and sexual health, in two separate presentations.

I see the vital importance to continue to increase through collaboration with new connections to groups of young people the opportunity to communicate messages of everyday youth issues such as the indigenous disadvantage, health, citizenship, participation and belonging.

The program included these following awesome speakers, who were particularly inspirational:• Jan Owen – CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians• Simon McKeon – the current Australian of the Year• Bensen Saulo and Samah Hadid – Australia’s Youth

Representative to the UN in 2011 and 2010• Australian diver, Matthew Mitcham

Some of my notes include the following interesting tid-bits:• It is predicted that there will be 3.9 million young people in

Australia by 2021.• The widespread use of theatre for social change and as a tool

to encourage young people to share stories (by people who don’t necessarily consider themselves arts workers).

• What if you engaged a dedicated ‘young person’ as a mentor?• The need to promote youth arts as an occupation in order to

raise its profile in the community, public accountability, and increase recognition of skills and community value.

• 71% of media on young people is negative• Social workers, youth workers, community cultural

development workers, arts workers and educations - all are working towards the same goals of enriching people’s lives; they have common conversations, but all have different accountabilities, education and agendas. Perhaps it’s time for more cross-over to occur?

• 35,000 young people are interrupting their traditional education system every year and choosing to enter alternative schools that cater for different types of learning.

• The strong need for all to address the indigenous disadvantage• Youth engagement - the need to continue to meaningfully

engage yp in our decisions, so that it’s not ‘tokenistic’?• There is a growing movement of youth led organisations vs

youth social services

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YPAA News

Blueprint Groups:Last month, YPAA actioned the ADGM and the Theatre for the Very Young Blueprint groups. This month we will run the ‘Arts in Education’ and ‘Working with Young People aged 13+’ groups.

These will be held the week 20-24 June. Please RSVP to participate in the groups that interest you by using the links below and identify ALL of the times that you may be available to attend. Your feedback allows us to ensure a time that has maximum participation.

Arts in Education:http://www.doodle.com/3edn8s5vcacb2ihk

WorkingwithYoungPeopleaged13+:http://www.doodle.com/2bimfg55vacfpf7u

Provided you leave your name when you RSVP, will contact you with the confirmed date and time once you RSVP. Please do take note of the time difference.

PleaseRSVPby10am,Wed15June

Things to know about

Write Local, Play GlobalPlaywrights, directors, educators, dramaturgs, producers, arts managers, students, actors, choreographers, presenters, publisher, anyone interested in plays for children and young people are invited to sign up to the virtual cafe, write local. play global. write local. play global, the latest project under the umbrella of ASSITEJ International, is an online meeting place where you can read about, make new connections, and connect with people from around the world. Online editors use information submitted from visitors and members to share the latest news and opportunities for TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) playwrights, and to profile events, organizations and people.

write local play global wants to hear from you!

If you value plays for young audiences, please:1. Join the online community now to comment on posts,

interact with other members, receive email updates, and become part of the online community.

http://writelocalplayglobal.org/registration/2. Submit blogs or send news and information via the “inform

us” page. Playwrights can also send a 150-200 word biography. http://writelocalplayglobal.org/information/

3. Participate through the Facebook page. htt ps://w w w.facebook .com/pages/Wr ite- local-Play-global/168755656506730?sk=wall4. Drop by and check out what’s happening – and keep the

universe informed of what’s happening in your part of the world. Visit write local play global website and joing the ongoing conversations.

More info: http://writelocalplayglobal.org/

The Australia Council for the Arts welcomes the budget announcementof$10millioninnewfundingforartists.

The initiative will support artists across all artforms to deliver new artistic works, undertake fellowships and create additional presentations to Australian audiences over the next five years as part of the Government’s commitment to invest in a creative Australia.

Through the initiative, grants of up to $80,000 will be available for new work and up to $50,000 for additional presentations to Australian audiences. It also provides for fellowships for Australia’s young and emerging and mid career artists. “Our Artist careers research shows that a lack of time, work opportunities and financial return from creative work are the major factors inhibiting artist’s careers,” said Kathy Keele. “So these grants are an important step in providing the time, space and financial support needed for them to simply create inspiring work.” “The investment in presentation is also crucial,” continued Kathy. “If our artists are busily creating new work, we have to make sure audiences can access it – particularly to communities outside of major metropolitan areas. So, this is good news for artists, but also for Australian audiences.”

Council will specifically focus on attracting applications from artists facing specific access barriers such as artists with a disability, artists from non-English speaking and culturally diverse backgrounds, and artists in regional and remote areas.

Source: http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au

Victorian arts budget announcedThe Victorian State Budget will provide an additional $73.5 million to the arts over the next four years.

This includes the Government’s election commitments and new arts initiatives; the continuation of a number of lapsing arts and cultural programs that have a proven track record and are well supported by the community; and other initiatives required to maintain Victoria’s unique strengths and leadership in the arts.• $24 million over four years to support and strengthen the

VCA.• $15 million to redevelop the old Collingwood TAFE site as

the new home for Circus Oz.• A $4 million Regional Arts Transformation package,

including a new program that will support arts projects in small town communities and support for regional tours by major arts companies.

• A new $1 million, four-year Sculpture Initiative including awards for public sculpture and support for the placement of outstanding works in prominent public spaces across the state - from civic squares to sculpture gardens.

• a $480,000 boost over four years for Multicultural Arts Victoria to enrich the diversity of arts and culture in Victoria, and

• $400,000 over four years to stage the finals of the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition and the Asia Pacific Chamber Music Competition at the Melbourne Recital Centre

More info: http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/

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Things to know about :

New ACT Arts Minister and BrandingFollowing on from the departure of former Chief Minister and Minister for the Arts and Heritage, Jon Stanhope MLA, new ministerial arrangements were announced on 17 May. A summary of changes that are relevant to artsACT and the local arts sector are:

- Ms Joy Burch MLA is the new Minister for the Arts. Ms Joy Burch has also been appointed Minister for Community Services, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Women and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.

If you would like to forward art event invitations to the Minister, they can be sent to: Minister for the Arts, Ms Joy Burch MLA, GPO Box 1020, Canberra ACT 2601

artsACT is now part of the new Community Services Directorate (but will continue to operate out of the Nara Centre). Mr Martin Hehir is our new Director- General and our Executive Director is Ms Bronwen Overton-Clarke.

Branding for the ACT Government has also now changed. Please note that the artsACT logo will also now cease to be used. If you are an artist or organisation that needs to acknowledge ACT Government funding, please visit their website for details on how to download the new logo.Source: http://www.arts.act.gov.au

Things to be insp i red b y

Museum and Thomas are world-record breakersThe Workshops Rail Museum, Ipswich has engaged children to their rail museum by partnering with Mattel, Fischer-Price and HIT Licensing to break a world record, confirmed by the Guiness Book of World Records for the “World’s Longest Toy Train Track”.

Andrew Moritz, Director of The Workshops Rail Museum was a guest panelist at the Queensland Youth Arts Market in 2009 ‘Big Questions for the Big end of Town’. He mentioned at the time the issues with engaging children and young people with a rail museum, and ideas floated at the discussion included an exhibition on the history of graffiti art.

Arts Minister and Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan said the museum broke the world record in November last year when a team of 20 track builders built a 2.014KM track, 364 metres longer than the existing Guinness World Record held by Japan.

The total length of the track was six times the height of the Eiffel Tower and could have surrounded the Melbourne Cricket Ground four times.http://www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3432 5100

We think this is a great way to get your community involved in your org, and put you on the world map!

TED Talk: The World Peace Game for 4th GradersJohn Hunter puts all the problems of the world on a 4’x5’ plywood board -- and lets his 4th-graders solve them. At TED2011, he explains how his World Peace Game engages schoolkids, and why the complex lessons it teaches -- spontaneous, and always surprising -- go further than classroom lectures can.

Teacher and musician John Hunter is the inventor of the World Peace Game (and the star of the new doc “World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Achievements”)http://www.ted.com/talks/john_hunter_on_the_world_peace_game.html

Industr y Events

2011 RYDON Conference “Not Drowning, Waving” Staying Afloat of Youth Mental Health and Youth Legal IssuesThe 2011 RYDON conference will cover a range of topics relating to Youth Mental Health and Youth Legal Issues. Speakers from across the Mental Health and Legal Sector will delivery presentations and run workshops around issues that specifically affect young people today. Date: 27 and 28 JuneVenue: Hunter Valley, NSWMore info: http://www.rydon.org.au

Youth Affairs ConferenceDelegates from the youth sector across Queensland will will share their insights, successes and stressors in working together for young people to ensure socially just, equitable and fair outcomes.Topics will include youth health, education and training, workforce development and innovation, youth housing, youth justice, and more. When: 20-21 JulyWhere: Royal on the Park, BrisbaneMore info: http://www.yanq.org.au/

The Youth Action & Policy Ass. NSW Youth Work ConferenceWhen: 24–26 AugustWhere: Sydneyhttp://www..yapa.org.au/yapa/events/conference/index.php

APACA Conference, WA. In 2011 the APACA Performing Arts Conference will join forces with both the Australia Council for the Arts’ annual Marketing Summit as well as the Blue Heeler Network’s National Long Paddock Touring Forum.• 29&30August:AustraliaCouncilfortheArts’

Marketing Summit ‘Finders Keepers’ 30&31August:Disrupt!CreatingMomentum,APACA Conference

• 1 & 2 September: Blue Heelers Network, Long Paddock National Touring Forum

Where: Perth More info: http://www.apaca.com.au/conference

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Convictions+Connections:Australian Theatre Forum 2011. Coinciding with Brisbane Festival, this forum will see cultural leaders and contemporary thinkers teasing out some of the big issues around theatre practice, infrastructure and sustainability. It’s an opportunity to collectively recognise the innovations that are taking place in the sector and sketch out the changes yet to be made. What needs to be held on to? What can be left behind? With vision and conviction, join the forum to dream, assume responsibility and take action.

Registrations are open from 15 June, when:• Independent artists can register first with

rebecca@metroarts.com.au to ensure equitable state/territory representation.

• Company delegates can register directly on http://www.australiantheatreforum.com.auWhen: 14 to 16 September 2011Cost inc GST: $66 for independents; $275 for delegates from companies turning over up to 500K; $385 (turnover 500K-999K); and $715 (turnover over 1million). Where: Brisbane Powerhouse More info: http://tnv.net.au

Open Your Eyes Regional Arts Conference, Country Arts WAOPEN YOUR EYES is an issue led conference bringing the arts in from a peripheral vision in society into the centre, into the eye of society’s most heated debates – Mining & Ethics, Climate Change & Lifestyle, Racism, Politics & The Economy, Aboriginal Culture & Sovereignty, Technology & Democracy, Bogans & Elitism, Suicide, Asylum Seekers.

Participants are encouraged to lead the conference, centre stage with your voice. Over two days, your recommendations and ideas will be recorded and distilled to create a historic 2029 Manifesto, scheduled to be delivered to Parliament House. Development from the 9 debate themes to be handed to the Premier of Western Australia, this manifesto will place a marker in the sand to focus on the ideal arts state for 2029, the bicentennial marking the settlement of European colonisation. The Manifesto will be renewed and taken further at each of Country Arts WA’s future quadrennial conferences in the lead up to the bicentenary of Western Australia in 2029.More info: http://www.openyoureyes2011.com.au

Where: Geraldton, WA When: 13-16 Sept

Funding for young people 26 and under to attend is available from the DCAWA Apply by 17 June to www.dca.wa.gov.au

YOUTHIPEDIA: The A – Z of Youth DevelopmentThis conference aims to build the skills and capacity of youth development focused workers and advocates to better respond to needs, issues, experiences and ideas of young people across Queensland. Most suitable for: local government staff, youth advocates, peak bodies, state and commonwealth government representatives.When: 28–30 SeptemberWhere: Sunshine CoastContact: Katie_edmiston@lgaq.asn.au (website coming)Cost: $350

5thWorldSummitonArtsandCulture,VICThe Summit will bring 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.When: 3-6 October 2011 Where: Melbourne More info: http://www.artsummit.org/

The 8th Australian and New Zealand Adolescent Health ConferenceWhen: 9–11 NovemberWhere: Darling Harbour, SydneyMore info: http://www.youthhealth2011.com.au Abstracts for this conference are closing on 20 June.

Theatrespace Symposium, NSWThe major findings of the TheatreSpace study will be launched at the TheatreSpace Symposium. This forum will be the first of its kind to incorporate theatre companies, arts venue managements, educational providers and young theatregoers. The event will also host international presenters and convene panels made up of performing arts industry members, teachers and young people involved in the research. When: 14-16 November 2011 Where: Sydney, Opera House More info: http://theatrespace.org.au/events

Australian Performing Arts MarketApplications are now open to all Australian performing artists and companies to showcase or pitch at APAM 2012.You can register as:• AustralianPerformingArtists• BoothHolders• ProgramMakers,ProducersandPresentersSpotlight *- for new works premiering in 2010 and 2011 that you plan to tour nationally or internationally.Searchlight *- for current works in development that you’d like to ‘pitch’ in front of an audience of national and international presenters to promote discussions around future touring and investment.Application deadline: 2pm CST, Friday 22 July 2011.More info: http://www.performingartsmarket.com.au/Dates: 27 February to 2 March 2012Cost: $650

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Resources

A Picture of NSW Children, NSW Commission for Children and Young PeopleThis new online data book provides a picture of children in NSW, produced by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People in collaboration with the Social Policy Research Centre. A module on demographic characteristics is already available with modules on health and wellbeing, juvenile offending, economic wellbeing, childcare and education, children in communities and harm and injury to be progressively released.

It builds on the Commission’s Kids Stats and provides demographic information on the children and young people of NSW aged 0-17 years and their families. In addition, data is also provided on aspects of their lives including child care and education, health and well-being, economic well-being, harm and injury, crime, and information about the communities they live in.Access: http://picture.kids.nsw.gov.au/1/1/1/

Commissioner for Children & Young People, WATwo new policy briefs released by the Commissioner show that fun, activity and friends play a major role in the positive wellbeing of children and young people. Speaking out about wellbeing : Children and young people speak out about friends and Speaking out about wellbeing : Children and young people speak out about fun and activity reveal that kids feel happier and healthier if they have strong social networks and plenty of opportunities for sport and play.

The policy briefs present the views of the children and young people who participated in the Commissioner’s wellbeing research and will be of interest to organisations and individuals working with 0 to 17 year-olds. “A consistent message that children and young people gave me during the research was that they need fun and friends in their lives,” Ms Scott said. “These are simple things yet they can make a big difference to the wellbeing of children and young people, including reducing stress and providing a sense of belonging.” Questions or feedback can be directed to Lorilee Beecroft on 6213 2218 or lorilee.beecroft@ccyp.wa.gov.au.http://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/content.aspx?cId=326

Writing your business plan Business plans can be difficult to do well, but vital in order to attain funding. For advice or help with planning, raising finance or writing your business plan, visit:http://www.business.gov.au/pages/default.aspx

Changemakers Australia An online hub with a range of papers and resources for navigating social change and the importance of the not-for-profit sector! Check out the resources link at:http://www.changemakers.org.au

Where are you going with that? AYAC research regarding the recording of c&yp’s advice.This report by the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) is the culmination of an exploration of young people’s inclusion in decision making, their experiences and their perceptions about to what level their ideas have been heeded by policy makers. In addition to looking at young people’s perceptions, AYAC takes an important step forward in looking critically at youth participation practices by attempting to identify barriers that prevent young people’s impact on policy and how organisations can evolve to be more open to young people’s views.h tt p : / / w w w. aya c .o r g . a u / w p - c o n te n t / W h e re - a re -y o u - g o i n g - w i t h - t h a t - A u s t r a l i a n -Yo u t h - A f f a i r s -Coalition.pdf

SOLID ARTSSolid Arts is an online resource with free legal tools, practical advice and links to other sites. It is useful for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and non-Indigenous people who are connected to Indigenous art. The types of resources include information shets, sample agreements, case studies and audio/video recordings. http://www.solidarts.com.au/

Australia Council’s research hubThe Australia Council’s research team has been working on a new research hub, to make it easier for you to connect with people and ideas about the arts in Australia. You can them a question, put your name down to receive the first issue of Art Smarts, or contribute to our arts and cultural research digest Arts RiPPA. It was redeveloped after a survey of over 350 people. From this, it was clear that the research hub was a very attractive proposition - 88% of respondents indicated that they were ‘interested’ or ‘very interested’ in the overall proposal. The results of the survey are available here: http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/research_hub

National Manifesto for Drama, Theatre & Young People, EnglandThe Drama and Theatre Manifesto recognises a common sense of purpose and a shared belief in the contribution drama and theatre makes to the quality of children’s lives in school and beyond. It is a call to action to young people, parents, teachers and theatre practitioners to unify their efforts and ensure that young people have access to drama and theatre

In 2008 the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA) brought together a group of people from across drama, theatre and learning to explore ways of working together in order to raise the profile of our work. Funding was secured from Arts Council England to commission a study into the feasibility of a drama and theatre manifesto for children and young people.h t t p : / / w w w . a r t s c a m p a i g n . o r g . u k / i n d e x .p h p ? o p t i o n = c o m _ d o c m a n & t a s k = d o c _details&gid=499

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Grants and FundingArts ACTApplications are invited from individuals, groups and organisations wishing to undertake projects and activities that develop or provide access to the arts in the ACT in 2012.• Project Funding, Communities Working With Artists

Funding, Program Funding, by Wed 8 June • ACT Creative Arts Fellowships, by Wed 8 June • Key Arts Organisation Funding category will close

Thurs 30 June• Key Arts Organisation Funding and Program Funding

categories must meet with artsACT prior to lodging an application.

All applicants are encouraged to attend an information session that will outline the types of funding available and provide helpful hints on submitting an application. More info: http://www.arts.act.gov.au/

National Film and Sound Archive Indigenous FellowshipAre you an Indigenous performer, artist, researcher, film-maker, cultural custodian or archive professional? The National Film and Sound Archive are looking for an applicant with an innovative project who will work with the national audiovisual collection to produce exciting outcomes. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to explore and use the NFSA’s collection to find inspiration for a new sound or moving image installation, publication, exhibit, live audiovisual event, symposium or a combination of these and other elements to be completed using outside production facilities.. They can also research material to take back to their community, leading to cultural repatriation, such as developments in song, dance and ceremony. Not exclusively for young people, the grant of $10 000, includes travel and living expenses. More info: http://www.nfsa.gov.au/Contact: Dr Jennifer Gall, 02 6248 2129, Jenny.Gall@nfsa.gov.au Deadline: 13 June 2011

Arts SA funding for South Australian based independent artists, writers, performers & organisationsindependent makers and presenters program • Professional development opportunities• Individual Development• Building PathwaysLast minute presentations• Once a year opportunities:• Emerging artists mentorship• Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Japan Travel Fund• Artists in residence• Fellowship• Major CommissionThe above all close 5pm, Friday 17 JuneMore info: http://www.sa.gov.au

City Of Melbourne Arts Grants 2012: SIGNAL & ArtPlayThe City of Melbourne’s annual Arts Grants are now open for 2012 projects. Between $5,000 and $20,000 grants are on offer to artists and organisations presenting projects that engage children and families (ArtPlay) or young people aged 13-20 (Signal).

Attend an information session on Thursday 16 June, 6pm - 7pm at ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr (behind Federation Square) to learn more, meet the staff and ask any questions you might have about the Arts Grants.Deadline: Friday 24 June.RSVP to the Information Session: signal@melbourne.vic.gov.auMore info: http://www.signal.net.auPhone: (03) 8696 5400

Regional Arts NSWRegional Arts NSW has announced a call for applications to the 2012 Regional Arts Fund (RAF), with grants of up to $20,000 available for arts and cultural activities in regional NSW. Deadline: 12 August 2011More info: http://www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/

Hands Across Australia School CompetitionGenerationOne and the Australian School of Performing Arts invite all Australian schools to get involved in this national school competition. Hands Across Australia School Competition aims to raise awareness and get young Australians actively involved in the initiative to end Indigenous disparity in one generation – this generation.

The Hands Across Australia School Competition encourages schools to perform and film their own version of the GenerationOne theme song Hands Across Australia, or create their own song or rap which addresses their response to Indigenous disparity. Winners of each category will win $15,000 for their school. More info: http://www.generationone.org.auDeadline: 23 September 2011.

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Awards :NAB Schools First Program, National

Your arts based partnership may be eligible for a slice of $5m!

Art based organisations and groups in partnership with primary and/or secondary schools are urged to consider applying for a share in this year’s $5-million of NAB Schools First awards. Rewarding schools that partner with communities for improved student outcomes, NAB Schools First has already awarded $10.15 million to 195 Australian schools countrywide. Many of these NAB Schools First winning partnerships have been arts related.

Applications open: 20 June 2011 More info: http://www.schoolsfirst.edu.au

Scho larsh i p s andTrave lFunds

Travelling Scholarship Sir Arthur Sims - Enables graduates of Australian universities to undertake graduate study or research in Great Britain (ie. England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland). Deadline: 30 June, 2011More info: http://cms.services.unimelb.edu.au

Youkoubo Art Space Residency - Japan Provides accommodation and studio space to artists for a given period of time, and a non-profit gallery for the presentation of new work. As a ‘studio (‘kobo’) for ‘you’ (‘you’ in Youkobo meaning ‘play’ in Japanese), Youkobo aims to create a space which gives many people the opportunity to experience and become more familiar with art and culture by supporting the autonomous activities of artists. To date, 150 overseas artists from 20 countries have been welcomed to Youkobo, and exhibitions of over 100 Japan-based artists have been held in what has become a place for rich cultural exchange.Deadline: 30 June, 2011More info: http://www.youkobo.co.jp

2012 Anne & Gordon Samstag International Visual Arts ScholarshipStudy overseas in the visual arts from 2012. Deadline: 30 June, 2011 More info: http://www.unisa.edu.au

The Dyason Bequest A travel grant offered to Australian art students who have already won a travelling scholarship, to assist with the cost of overseas travel. Deadline: 30 June, 2011. More info: http://archive.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Realise Your DreamsApplications are open to people of any age, from any creative field. You just need to be in your first 10 years of creative practice and tell us how you’ll benefit from the chance to connect with Britain’s best. British Council is looking for applicants who show motivation and leadership in their field, can demonstrate their creative potential, and have a clear vision for their practice and for how it will benefit from a professional development trip to the UK.

More info http://www.realise yourdream.org.au

below: if you’re a ‘big fry’, realise your dream.

Volunteers In Community Engagement (VoICE) programYouth Challenge Australia’s (YCA) exciting new Volunteers In Community Engagement (VoICE) program offers skilled young Australians the opportunity to volunteer on short term professional placements.

The first round of VoICE placements departs in September 2011, with placements in India for 15 weeks. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience working alongside YCA’s partner organisations, local counterparts, and local communities to build the capacity and strengthen the sustainability of local development initiatives. YCA is proud to have the support of the Australian Government’s AusAID ‘Australian Volunteers for International Development’ program for these placements, as recognition of the substantial contribution which the VoICE program will make to cross cultural understanding, poverty reduction and sustainable development. VoICE in India has a range of placements suitable for volunteers from a range of backgrounds, including those with skills and experience in a wide range of areas including Film & Photography, Education, Health, Research, Policy, Human Rights and Development.Age suitability: between 21 and 30 (at time of departure)More info: http://www.youthchallenge.org.au/VoICE Deadline: 10am (EST) Monday 20 June

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Public Art Opportunity for young artistsSignal Screen Commissions 2011Signal, in collaboration with the City of Melbourne’s Public Art Program, is supporting a series of screen-based commissions to be created by young artists and exhibited on the Signal Screens in 2011.

If you’re aged 16 - 20, are an emerging artist, and have a great idea that you’d like to see up on Signal’s iGlass screens, contact Signal to obtain Information Sheet and Expression of Interest form. Deadline: Monday 20 June 2011.More info: http://www.signal.net.auContact: signal@melbourne.vic.gov.au or (03) 8696 5400

Australian Youth Orchestra - Applications for place closing soon!The AYO’s recruitment campaign for our 2012 programs has been launched. With applications for auditions closing on 10 June we are expecting close to a thousand young musicians to be competing for places in the AYO next year.

Following auditions in August 2011 successful applicants will have the opportunity to develop their ensemble skills in activities ranging from the National Music Camp directed by Howard Penny, The Australian Youth Orchestra with conductors Simone Young and Christopher Hogwood, regional residencies in Far North Queensland and Armidale, and AYO Chamber Players in Perth. Auditions will be held in all capital cities plus regional locations around Australia. Our 2012 application guide provides all the eligibility information for each AYO program and the online version includes video introductions from conductors, directors, and current participants. Please consider applying or passing on this guide to friends and family.Deadline: 10 June 2011More info: http://www.ayo.com.au

CarclewYouthArtsScholarships$12,500Carclew Youth Arts is calling for applications for its 2012 Scholarship Program and Independent Arts Foundation Creative Writing Mentorship. Scholarships are available for talented young artists who are demonstrating outstanding talent and potential in the area of:• Performing Arts• Visual Arts• Creative Writing• BHP Billiton Film and New Media ScholarshipThese three scholarships are offered in conjunction witht he Independent Arts Foudnation Creative Writing Mentorship $3250 to support the professional development of a South Australian Creative Writiver (aged 26 and under) to work with a mentor to further develop their art. Bookings essential for info session. Phone: 8267 5111More info: http://www.carclew.com.au

June is National Young Writers’ MonthYoung writers under the age of 25 are encouraged to set a writing goal. Launched by Express Media, National Young Writers Month will involve blogging, podcasts, online forums, workshops and lectures to support and encourage writers to achieve their personal goals over the one month period.

The program aims to celebrate the diversity of Australian writing and writers, and can be as intensive as each young person likes: one writer may set a goal to write a novel in a month; one might set a goal to write the perfectly structured sentence.

State Ambassadors in every state will be roving the country from May, talking to youth centres, schools, universities and other organisations to encourage young people to register online.

More info: http://www.expressmedia.org.au/nywm

TranSCRIBE, NSWThe Transcultural Mental Health Centre, The Transcultural Mental Health Centre is calling for undiscovered creative writers aged between 12-24 years across NSW to enter the 2011 Young Writer’s Competition, TranSCRIBE. The theme for this year’s 8th Young Writer’s Competition is ‘Half Way Home’. Entrants are encouraged to write about one of two topics:

Topic 1: Write about a young person living with and/or recovering from mental health issues either personally, in their family or with their friends, orTopic 2: Write about a young person from a culturally and/or linguistically diverse community and their journey to or within Australia and how this has shaped their view of the world they live in.

More info: http://www.dhi.gov.au/tmhc/transcribeDeadline: 1 August 2011 Prizes are available for outstanding entries and successful entries are published in a booklet of winning entries.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

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Barking Spider Visual Theatre at Scienceworks, MelbourneBarking Spider Visual Theatre finished a spectacular season of “That’s My Turf ”, presented at Scienceworks in April.

Spectacular because the company employed giant bug puppets, which included a two-metre long Praying Mantis, a metre-wide Green Jumping Spider and an enormous Sheep Blow Fly that spewed on the audience as it flew around (that certainly got the audience going). Creepy crawlies to the max.

The theme of the work, which integrated science into the dramatic content, was everyday insects from the backyard. The 500-seat amphitheatre was packed twice a day during the school holiday season. Written & directed by BSVT AD Penelope Bartlau, Performed by Dan Goronszy, Sarah Walker & Penelope Bartlau.Contact: penelope@barkingspidertheatre.com.auOnline: http://www.barkingspidertheatre.com.au

Shockwave2011!QLDShockwave, a key activation of Human Ventures’ year round Creative Pathways in the Central West Program, is a chance for young people to showcase their talents, learn from professional artists and also be involved in the production process.

An annual Festival in Blackall, Central West Queensland, Shockwave encourages young people and those young at heart to explore their creative side and celebrate the region. Kicking off the first weekend of June, the Shockwave Festival included live performances by emerging local artists, street stalls, skate competitions, disco with live DJs and professional arts workshops across the mediums of song-writing, hip hop dance, theatre, film, poetry, photography, stencil art, DJ-ing ,Hip Hop MC-ing, light graffiti and more. Some of our wonderful artists who ran workshops included Hip Hop MC Candy Bowers, Volt Design, Fresh Elements Dance Studio and Sue Loveday.More info: http://www.human.org.au/shockwave Contact: Brooke Newall on brooke.newall@human.org.au‘

TerrapinPuppetTheatre’s30thAnniversary,TASTerrapin has celebrated its 30th anniversary by awarding Life Memberships of the company for the first time. At a lavish function at Government House, His Excellency The Honourable Peter Underwood AC, Governor of Tasmania, presented Life Memberships to six people who have provided outstanding service to Terrapin. Before an audience of artists, staff, Board

members and volunteers who have been part of Terrapin overs its 30 years, Terrapin’s Chair, Stephen Wicks, named and cited the contributions of the life members.More info: http://www.terrapin.org.au/news.html

Music for Everyone, Rock Academy

Youth rock bands from Music For Everyone’s Rock Academy had great success at the Australian National Eisteddfod in May, scoring several gold, silver and bronze medals in the 16 yrs and 18 yrs and under sections, and then going on to take out 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in the Open section.

The winner of the Open Section was band Venom Inside, who have an unusual line-up that includes electric cello. This is the second year that Rock Academy bands have dominated this competition, demonstrating the excellence of Music For Everyone’s innovative band mentoring program. Bands formed at Rock School, the week long holiday workshops held in January and October, are encouraged to stay together and enrol in the Rock Academy program, where they attend weekly rehearsal and tutorial sessions, working with professional local musicians as their mentors, and performing at local festivals and youth centres.

Music For Everyone, Act Up Sing Out

Music For Everyone’s Act Up Sing Out youth music theatre program is heading into a busy time. The Junior Workshop presents four performances in June of The Gathering of the Animals, a musical about children, animals and the natural world we share, written specially for Act Up Sing Out by composer Ian Blake and writer Robyn Mellor, and first performed in 1998.

The Youth Workshop begins rehearsals for their October school holidays production of The Snow Queen, a delightful version of the fairytale by H C Anderson with music by Edvard Grieg. And the third production for the year will be an exciting new work commissioned by Music For Everyone from composer Michael Sollis and writer Cathy Petocz about a very popular subject, Dinosaurs, to be premiered in November. All three productions are directed by Act Up Sing Out program director Dianna Nixon, with assistant director Vanessa Nimmo.

More info: http://www.mfe.org.au

MEMBERS NEWS

Photo: Music For Everyone’s Rock Academy band Venom Inside, winners of the Open Section of the Australian National Eisteddfod 2011

Photo: Tree spirits from Music For Everyone’s Act Up Sing Out production of The Gathering of the Animals.

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Barking Gecko Theatre Company’s Generation Project, WABarking Gecko Theatre Company is looking to fund and support an artist to develop a bold and innovative new work for young audiences through its Generation Project.

The Generation Project is Barking Gecko’s financial support and program of activities dedicated to the growth of WA theatre for children and young people. The project encompasses many different aspects of the arts, from the creation of new work to inspiring and skilling up artists who create work for young audiences. Through the project, Barking Gecko aims to create theatre that displays artistic excellence and creative risk taking.

Applications are now open for artists to apply for The Generation Project’s creative development seed funding. The successful applicant will receive a seed grant of $5,000 towards one week of creative development, culminating in a showing of the work in development for a small audience of young people and select industry peers.Applications for The Generation Project’s creative development seed funding close on Friday 24 June 2011.More info: http://www.barkinggecko.com.auContact: Kate Hancock on 9380 3080.

Australian Girls Choir Opening in PerthThe Australian Girls Choir was established in 1984 by Judith Curphey OAM, with 150 girls rehearsing in 4 classes in the Melbourne suburb of Burwood and Judith as the sole tutor. The appeal of Judith’s unique approach to combining dance with choral music meant that it was not long before chapters of the organisation opened in other cities with classes commencing in Adelaide in 1984 and Sydney in 1986. We launched in Brisbane in 2002 and we are absolutely thrilled to be opening in Perth in July 2011, particularly as Judith was born in Perth and lived for most of her adolescent life in WA, before moving to Melbourne for university. We will be launching classes on Saturday mornings in Subiaco (Perth Modern School) and our full spectrum of classes will open in Subiaco and Kingsley in February 2012. Interested girls and families are invited to come along and try a free class at our Open Day on Sunday July 3.

More info: http://www.ausgirlschoir.com.au

Western Youth Arts Network Brimbank City Council, Victoria.Charlotte Hilder Youth Arts and Events Officer for Brimbank Youth Services initiated a Western Youth Arts (WYAN) network in the western suburbs of Melbourne.

The first meeting was held at the Visy Cares Hub Youth Centre in Sunshine Melbourne on May 24. Attendance from agencies was fantastic, it was a great way for services to get to know each other better and discuss youth arts initiatives in the West. The first guest speaker at the WYAN meeting was from the Melbourne Immigration Museum, the Museum are delivering an outreach project in Brimbank for young people to compliment their Identity, yours mine ours exhibition.

The next WYAN meeting will be held in July at Barkly Arts in Footscray Melbourne, for more information on the network please contact Charlotte Hilder Youth Arts and Events Officer Phone: (03) 9091 8210 Email: bys@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Polyglot Theatre makes a Chinese MuckheapMelbourne’s Polyglot Theatre lived up to its name last month, premiering a brand new Chinese-language version of its hit Muckheap at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing on Saturday 24 May. ‘Polyglot’ literally means “many languages,” and the company celebrated the tenth anniversary of Muckheap by mounting a new production created in partnership with Chinese artists based in Shanghai.

Muckheap is the fast, funny and fantastically messy story of two people trying to clean out their shed. In the process, they find everything they thought of as junk is too interesting, too useful or too full of sentimental value to throw away. Its universal message encourages children to become their own story makers and encourages imaginative play through whatever they have at hand at home.

The popular work has toured nationally and internationally for ten years.

More info: http://www.polyglottheatre.com/muckheap

MEMBERS NEWS

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Multicultural Arts Victoria recieves major fundingThe Baillieu Government has announced in the 2011 budget an increase to Multicultural Arts Victoria of 120k per year for the next four years, honouring their pre-election commitment to diversity and the arts.

Multicultural Arts Victoria has in four decades made a unique contribution to the Arts in Victoria and beyond. ‘MAV’s role is to help artists to develop and to find their audiences; to provide forums and meeting places; to encourage discourse; and to connect artists and communities cross-culturally in a complex world. This additional support will allow Multicultural Arts Victoria to develop our important work.’ Ruth Rentschler, Deputy Chair MAVContact: Jill Morgan, Executive Officer, MAVOnline: http://www.multiculturalarts.com.au

Latest funding icing on the cake for NICAThe National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) has received a $15,000 grant from Arts Victoria to support Melbourne’s first-ever circus festival. The festival, which will be the cornerstone of NICA’s 10th birthday celebrations, will be a week-long celebration of circus featuring current students and NICA alumni. The NICA Melbourne Circus Festival will run from 26 September to 1 October 2011. Save the date!

NICA inspires Christchurch (NZ) studentsChristchurch’s CircoArts circus students are relishing the specialised training at the National Institute for Circus Arts (NICA) at Swinburne University of Technology, following the devastating earthquakes that damaged their training facility in February. Nine CircoArts students, from the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT), were offered places in the Diploma year of the three- year Bachelor of Circus Arts at NICA.

Many of the CircoArts students are finding that the greater range of specialised training is quite inspirational, because it allows for a higher level of skill development. NICA is Australia’s Centre of Excellence in contemporary circus training and for the rest of the year the students can make the most of NICA’s trainers and contribute to the explosive energy in the custom-built facilities. NICA is also benefiting from having the famous Russian clown and CircoArts circus teacher, Stanislav Schukin, join them through an exchange.

NICA students perform in the Victorian Education Excellence AwardsEvery year the prestigious awards recognise the innovative, passionate individuals and teams who go the extra mile. Those nominated are from schools and kindergartens across Victoria. It is fitting then that Certificate III in Circus Arts students from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and NICA, along with the Certificate IV in Circus Arts students performed at the sold-out event at Crown Palladium on 13 May.

Event project manager, Christine McElroy said “everyone has been thrilled with the evening and especially the spectacular performance by NICA.” The performance was directed by Neill Gladwin.More info: http://www.nica.com.au

POZIBLE Fundraising Project for Sri Lankan studentsby YPAA Member Steph VajdaThe Hambantota Rotary Club is delivering an English Education Project with a group of young people aged between 10 and 15 from Bundala, a small village located on the south coast of Sri Lanka. The project has been requested by the Bundala School to assist disadvantaged Tamil young people learn skills that will help open up greater opportunities for them in the future. lkCreate is collaborating with Rotary to deliver creative expression workshops using multimedia and visual arts, to help connect young people with technology and to help them express their interest in learning English, their perspectives on their community and the world around them.

The creative element of the project operates through lkCreate, a project by Steph Vajda of Ferment Collaborate (formerly SpeakOut Events), involves monthly creative arts workshops using film, photography and visual arts to create short films and ‘zines’. The content created will be showcased for the Bundala community at an event at the end of the program’s initial 6 month delivery phase, as well as being accessible through the lkCreate website. These creative workshops aim to encourage young people to develop confidence in the way they see the world and to break down barriers which limit their ability to do so.

In addition, the program attempts to increase the school’s resiliency and ability to connect with the use of technology and, through this, network with other communities. lkCreate aims to support Rotary in its delivery of the program, by assisting with workshop design advice, teacher skills development and through the development of support resources to encourage further use of creative practices in learning.More info: http://www.pozible.com/index.php/archive/index/1038/description/0/0

Photo above: Bundala Creative Arts in Sri Lanka. Photo by Steph Walton.

Photo left: NICA Cabaret Vertigo. Photographer: David Wyatt

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Arena Theatre Company

Following a return season from June 15 to June 25 at the Malthouse Theatre, Arena Theatre Company’s production of Moth will tour to the Brisbane Powerhouse in August. Moth enjoyed a sell out season in 2010, critical acclaim and a number of awards including Best New Writing for the Melbourne Stage at the 2010 Green Room Awards along with the 2010 Malcolm Robertson award for 26 year old playwright Declan Greene.

Arena Theatre Company developed the show with the direct input of young people and is aimed at young people aged 15 and over.

Moth at the Malthouse: Beckett Theatre 15 June to 25 JuneMoth at the Brisbane Powerhouse: 3 August to 6 AugustMore info: http://www.arenatheatre.com.au

Propel Youth Arts’ Free from fear exhibition, WARefugee Week 2011 is an Australian-wide celebration of the importance of refugee’s contributions to Australia in creating a culturally rich and diverse society.“Be treated fairly no matter who you are, where you are from, what language you speak, what you believe or where you live.” Article 2; United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child.Propel Youth Arts WA is excited to partner with the Department of Communities; Office for Youth and Save the Children to bring Free from Fear Art Exhibition. The exhibition provides the opportunity for young people with refugee background to use visual pieces to share their life experiences with the Western Australian community. Moving paintings, photographs and visual art pieces capture their thoughts and feelings on being free from fear as well as explore the basic rights that all children should have. When: 20 – 24 June 2011, 9am to 5pmWhere: Foyer @ Central Park,152-158 St Georges Tce, PerthMore info: http://www.propel.org.au

Youth Circus Performance, Between You & Me, FlipsideCircus,QLDFlipside Circus presents eight performances of Between You & Me at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Wednesday, June 29 to Saturday, July 2, 2011. Artistic Director, Chelsea McGuffin, whose show Cantina won the 2011 Innovation Award at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, describes Between You & Me as a raw and energetic show.

Flipside CEO, Deb Wilks says, “As well as Flipside’s trademark “storm” of energy, this year our Powerhouse show will provide moments of reflection and wonderment, beauty and laughs. We’re very excited to incorporate Tim Lamacraft’s work as a backdrop to the show because it will add a different dimension to what audiences have come to expect of most circus performances.”

The young performers of Flipside Circus ranging in age from 12 to 18 present a level of skill that can only be attained through effort, commitment and dedication to the art of circus. Flipside Circus Holiday performances have always been popular with families during the June/July school holidays. Where: Brisbane PowerhouseWhen: 29 June to 2 July, 10am and 1.15pmCost: $28 adult, $20 child/concession, $85 Family of 2 adults, 2 children. Groups $16pp for 50 or more.More info: http://www.flipsidecircus.org.au/

BULLY BEEF STEW, PACT centre for emerging artists, NSWBully Beef Stew is a fearless theatrical exploration of Aboriginal manhood by three young Aboriginal men working together to transcend usual notions of what it is to be an Aboriginal man today. Drawing on their own personal experiences and taking inspiration from their fathers and other Aboriginal men in their lives, past and present, they have cooked up a performance which promises to feed your heart and soul. At times achingly beautiful - at others, raw and exposed - these men bring to the stage a resounding spirit, a dreaming – an initiation of sorts.Where: 107 Railway Pde, ErskinevilleWhen: 29 June - 9 July, Wed-Sat 7.30pm + Sat 3.30pmCost: $22 full, $18 concMore info: http://www.pact.net.au

World Premiere: CROSSED by emerging young Melbourneplaywright, Chris Summers.Platform Youth Theatre, and Appetite present the world premiere of Chris Summers’ CROSSED. CROSSED is a collision of five strangers in gritty suburbia caught in the unseen ripple effects of a violent tragedy that unfolds in their local community. As a challenging and confronting theatrical work, CROSSED highlights the consequences of people left disconnected and alienated without the ability to simply move on.Where: LaMama Courthouse, MelbourneWhen: 9 June – 19June 2011Cost: $25 Full, $15Concession, $20 Key WorkersMore info: http://lamama.com.au

MEMBERS SHOWS

Image above: Crossed

Pos i t i ons Vacant

Artistic DirectorCome Out Festival, SAAustralian Festival for young peopleContact: Abi on 08 8201 1116More info: http://www.comeout.on.netJob info: http://jobs.locher.com.au/job/job_details.cfm?id=622766&from=direct

Jump Program Manager, WAPart time, 2 days per week$40- $45,000 pro rataDeadline: Wed 8 JuneMore info: http://www.propel.org.au/about/jobsContact: monique@propel.org.au

SA Manager, Artsupport AustraliaArtsupport Australia is seeking a dynamic manager for this newly created role, to grow philanthropic support for arts and culture in South Australia.Deadline: Fri 10 June, 5pmContact: Louise Walsh, Director, 9215 9022More info: http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/

National Institute of Circus Arts, VICExecutive Assistant$50,000Contact: Pamela Creed on (03) 9214 6058 Deadline: 10 June 2011More info: http://www.nica.com.au/work

Vital Statistix Theatre CompanyGeneral Manager, SA$60,000Contact: Emma Webb, Creative Producer 08-84476211Deadline: 5pm 13 JuneMore info: http://www. vitalstatistix.com.au

Museum of Contemporary Art, NSWYouth & Programs Coordinator 3 year contract $58,122 +Deadline: 13 JuneMore info: http://www.mca.com.au/default.asp?page_id=45

AusDance, VICCommunications & Operations Coordinator, VicMaternity Leave Cover for an ongoing role commencing 11 July to 24 February 2012 with the possibility of extension. $39,000Deadline: 17 June 2011More info: http://www.victoriandancedirectory.com.au

Australia Council for the Arts, NSWAdministration Officer, Arts Funding$42,124Deadline: Friday 17 June 2011 by 5.00pmContact: Karen Tait, Section Coordinator, Arts Funding 02 9215 9366 or toll free on 1800 226 912More info: http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au

AboriginalCentreforthePerformingArts(ACPA),QLDStudent Support/Youth Workers x 2 (Male & Female)This position is identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PeopleContact: Helen Hewett 07-3846-7211 or helenh@acpa.net.auDeadline: Fri 17 June 11More info: http://www.acpa.net.au

Administration & Marketing CoordiantorWestside Circus, VICPart Time (3 days per week)$40-45,000 pro rataDeadline: 20 June 2011More info: http://www.westsidecircus.org.au

Flipside CircusMarketingCoordinator,QLDPart time - 3 days per weekContact: debbie@flipside.org.auMore info: http://www.debbie@flipside.org.au

SYN, General Manager, MelbourneYouth run media organisation$50-60,000Deadline: Fri 24 June 2011More info: http://www.syn.org.au

Industr y movements ]

Courthouse Arts welcomes new Artistic DirectorCourthouse Arts is very proud to announce the appointment of its new Artistic Director, Ross Mueller. Ross is excited to be joining the Courthouse at a time of great change. A newly renovated Courthouse Arts venue will reopen later in the year after a $6.5 million dollar renovation. When open the venue will become an exciting hub to promote the work of young and emerging artists of the region. Ross will take over the reins from outgoing Artistic Director Ben Laden on 1 July.More info: http://www.courthousearts.org.au

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Internationa l news

Published Friday 20 May 2011 at 10:32 by Natalie WoolmanNo arts organisations are to be funded by London Councils beyond this summer, as the umbrella body’s rerun decision process leaves the cultural sector even worse off than first time round.

London Councils had announced plans to cut £3 million financial support for the arts across the capital in December 2010, affecting companies including Theatre Royal Stratford East and Clean Break. In February, a High Court judge ordered that the decision process be rerun, quashing all of London Councils’ original funding cuts.

However, the new decisions are worse for the arts than the initial ones made in December. Not one theatre company will have its funding reinstated and the two strategic bodies that were going to be funded - the Independent Theatre Council and Audiences London - have also lost their support.

Chair of London Councils, Jules Pipe, said: “Overall, London’s boroughs provide more than £1 billion support to the voluntary sector annually and London Councils’ grants programme is a small but significant part of this. Deciding its future has been just one of the many tough decisions that London’s 33 local authorities are consistently being forced to make in these times of straitened budgets.”

ITC chief executive Charlotte Jones said she hoped the organisation will continue to offer all of its services and that it was prepared for its £80,000 grant from London Councils to be

cut. However, regarding the wider picture of London Councils’ decision to cut financial support to all arts organisations, she added: “There is something about the real loss now of recognition of the importance of culture.

“You can’t really be a funder of pan-London services and schemes without recognising the importance of culture. It is such a great way of making some of the things that they want to happen, happen. It’s a great way of including people, it’s a great way of educating people, it is a great way of getting people out of deprivation and poverty.” An Arts Council England spokesman added: “It is disappointing the equality impact review of London Councils’ funding has resulted in a discontinuation of funding to culture. The collective approach of the London Councils grants scheme has enabled cultural organisations to extend their reach across the capital and to work with some of the most disadvantaged communities.

“The local authorities are facing some difficult challenges, but we will work with them to ensure that politicians and the public understand the value of the arts to local civic life.” Funding to all arts organisations will cease by August 15. A statement from London Councils says that individual boroughs can then decide whether to financially support the organisations at a local level.

The overall pan-London grants funding pot has decreased from £30 million per year to £20.8 million for 2011/12.

http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/32247/london-councils-withdraws-all-funding-to-arts

London Councils withdraws all funding to arts organisations