The Regional Arts Australia Volunteer Awards recognise, reward and encourage regionally-based artists and cultural volunteers who have made a substantial contribution to the arts in regional communities in Australia.

The awards will be presented at Junction 2010 - connecting the future, Regional Arts Australia's national conference to be held in Launceston, Tasmania from 26-29 August 2009.

Nominations are now open and close on 26 March 2010. 

Nominate yourself or someone you know who has made a difference in your community. Young people are particularly encouraged to apply.

For more information click here

The Regional Arts Australia Volunteer Awards Program is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Government's arts funding and advisory body, through its Community Partnerships section.

Award categories

Sustained Contribution
To recognise and reward a regionally based arts volunteer who has made a signfiicant contribution to the arts in regional Australia over a period of five years or more.

Outstanding contribution
To recognise and reward a regionally based arts volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to an arts project, event, organisation or community in regional Australia.  Young people are particularly encouraged to nominate.

Award benefits

Award recipients will receive:

• A commissioned artwork by a regional artist engraved with the recipient's name
• A framed certificate signed by the President of Regional Arts Australia and CEO of the Australia Council for the Arts
• Public recognition through a high profile award presentation event and the media and communication channels available through RAA and its member agencies
• A complimentary registration for Junction 2010 - connecting the future, the RAA national conference in Launceston from 26-29 August 2009 and tickets to the conference dinner
• Complimentary travel and accommodation for Junction 2010

Nomination

Nominations open 19 February and close 26 March 2010. Join the Country Arts WA e-mail list by contacting Megan Roberts on mroberts@countryartswa.asn.au

Eligibility criteria

Regional
Nominees must either be a resident in regional Australia or have been a resident in regional Australia when they made their contribution to the arts.  Each RAA member agency will be responsible for defining "regional" in their state/territory.

Voluntary
The nominee must be a volunteer in relation to the particular contribution being acknowledged.  This does not entirely exclude paid artists, arts workers and employees of arts organisations as long as the nominee has engaged in substantial volunteer work beyond the scope of their paid role.  The definition of "substantial" will be at the discretion of the selection committee in each state.

Citizenship or residency

• The nominee must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Proof of citizenship or residency may be required.
• Nominations of temporary residents may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Age

• Nominees for both award categories must be at least 18 years of age (as at 27 August 2010)
• There is no age criterion for either category, although young people are particularly encouraged to apply, especially to the Outstanding Contribution category.

Association with Regional Arts Australia
Regionally-based arts and cultural volunteers who have an existing association with Regional Arts Australia are not excluded from nomination, as long as they meet the above eligibility criterion.  However, past and present RAA board members are not eligible for a period of five years after leaving the board.

Further information

Further details will be available when nominations open in February 2010. 

Enquiries to Jo McDonald, Project Officer, Regional Arts Australia, ph: 08 8444 0428, mobile: 0402 070 021, email or WA enquiries to Megan Roberts, Communications Officer, Country Arts WA, ph: 08 9200 6202 or regional freecall 1800 811 883, email

History

The awards were first presented in October 2008 at the sixth national regional arts conference, art at the heart

The successful applicant will have a background in arts development and strong management, strategic planning and community engagement skills. The ability to manage a team and to develop relationships with a broad cross-section of clients will be important to this position. Experience working with young people, Aboriginal artists and communities, and working in regional or remote communities is desirable.

Country Arts WA is based at the Kings Street Arts Centre (Perth) where a dedicated team of 13 staff deliver a dynamic and responsive arts program to all regions of the state, as well as being involved in national arts initiatives.

This position will require occasional intrastate travel. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply.

Position Profiles including Selection Criteria are available here by emailing info@countryartswa.asn.au or phone 08 9200 6200 or regional freecall 1800 811 883.  

Applications close at 4pm on Monday 8 March 2010.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, the Hon Peter Garrett recently announced $713,800 of funding for arts and cultural activity in regional, rural and very remote/isolated Western Australia thanks to the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund.

The following individuals, projects and organisations were funded from the August round of the Regional Arts Fund.  

Mentorship Funding (emerging)

Elaine Tribbick  $15,000
My Family Tree | Pilbara
Over the course of her mentorship Elaine will learn all processes involved with publishing a book. She will devise, author, illustrate and create a children's book with guidance from her mentor author/artist Matt Ottley.

Manjimup Family Centre   $6,680
B@M Recording Studio Training Program | South West
A group of young people in Manjimup will be mentored by Western Australian music industry leaders Brett Nelli, George Nikoloudis, Shaun O'Callaghan and Stuart Giblett to gain the skills necessary to operate of an existing recording studio, to be used by young musicians and bands, including skills in recording, mixing and mastering.

Mentorship Funding (mid career)

David Hyde | Goldfields-Esperance   $25,000
David will work with South West-based photographer John Austin to further develop his skills in fine art photography and professional development as artists. David plans to present a major exhibition of work portraying people and place in the South West and Goldfields-Esperance regions as an outcome of the mentorship.

Projects & Residencies Funding

Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation   $15,120
Evolution (Through Our Eyes) | Pilbara
Juluwarlu will provide specialist arts development and community based cultural project experiences for nine Indigenous people in Roebourne.

Shire of Mullewa   $20,000
Made by Hand, Inspired by Nature | Mid West
Shire of Mullewa will offer jewelry making workshops to the local community. The workshops will be run by artists-in-residence.

Wila Gutharra Community Aboriginal Corporation   $7,000
Old School Sense of Place Workshops | Mid West
Wila Gutharra Community Aboriginal Corporation will offer a series of workshops at the Old School Site that will celebrate sense of place. Participants will gain skills in a range of art forms including, mosaic and metal. The project seeks to overcome barriers for unemployed Indigenous people in the Northampton community.

Theatre Kimberley   $25,000
An Ideal Husband | Kimberley
Theatre Kimberley will produce and perform a Broome version of Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband. Performers will be drawn from the core of young people between the ages of fifteen to twenty. The show will tour to Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and possibly Port Hedland.

Strategic Regional Partnerships (funds over 3 years)

Ngaanyatjarra Media Aboriginal Corporation  $150,000
Ngaanyatjarra Music Development Program | Goldfields-Esperance
Over three years Ngaanyatjarra Media Aboriginal Corporation will work with communities in region to establish a vibrant music industry.

The program will include music skills development, performance and festivals, recording, touring and business development.

Kimberley Language Resource Centre   $150,000
Halls Creek Arts Development Project | Kimberley
The Kimberley Language Resource Centre will develop an arts program in Halls Creek that provides opportunities for the development of sustainable social and economic capacity based on the local Indigenous art and culture.

Arts Agencies (funds over 3 years)

Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts (DADAA)   $150,000
DADAA Regional Arts and Health Program | Statewide
DADAA will work in the South West, Goldfields-Esperance and Kimberley regions, extending the cultural aspirations and community participation of regional Western Australians with a physical and/or intellectual disability and/or mental illness and/or those experiencing disadvantage through an engaging multi-arts community cultural development program.

Western Australian Music Industry Association (WAM)  $150,000
WAM Regional Program | Statewide
WAM will employ a fulltime Regional Officer who will provide support for regional Western Australian musicians/bands. WAM will also provide travel funding for the key members of its Regional Round Table, create two audio recording through skills development projects in the Wheatbelt and Mid West and will complete a pilot touring circuit /audience development project in the Wheatbelt. 

Applications for 2010 Regional Arts Funding are now being sought. Applications for the first round of Projects and Residencies will close on 12 March 2010 for projects beginning on or after 1 July 2010. For more information click here

The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional, rural and very remote/isolated Australia. Country Arts WA manages the program in Western Australia.
http://www.arts.gov.au/arts/regional_arts_fund 

Country Arts WA is currently inviting organisations to put forward a project concept to be considered for the 2010 round, for projects occurring between May 2010 and April 2011.

Organisations may apply for a maximum $20,000. Click here for more info including guidelines and application form.

Applications close on Friday, 5 March 2010.

All potential applicants to Louder must attend a concept meeting with Katie Harford, Manager - Performing Arts Touring, and Simon O'Leary, Performing Arts Touring Officer, to discuss their project concept. Concept meetings will be held between 1 and 5 February 2009 at the Country Arts WA office or via teleconference.

Please contact Simon on regional freecall 1800 811 883, 08 9200 6204 or soleary@countryartswa.asn.au to arrange a meeting.  

Country Arts WA's Chief Executive Officer, Jessica Machin, launched the organisation's 2010 program last night at an event celebrating the Country Arts WA's successes in 2009.

"Next year the priority areas for the organization will continue to be Indigenous Arts and Culture, Children and Young People, Technology and Health and Wellbeing" said Ms Machin.

Highlights of the 2010 program include the beginning of the four-year Gascoyne Focus Region in partnership with the Gascoyne Development Commission, the second year of the Sand Tracks remote Indigenous music touring initiative and the 2010 Regional Arts Australia volunteer awards.

Machin also officially launched the Western Australian Aboriginal Art Centre Hub (WAAACH) project, set up to establish a peak body for a network of Aboriginal Art Centres throughout the state.

Ms Machin said that Country Arts WA is in an exciting stage in its development and over the next three years will be focusing more on developing its own strategic artistic program.

"In addition to our regular funding, state and national touring programs and lobbying and advocacy for the sector, Country Arts WA will continue to build dynamic partnerships and develop its own artistic program." she said.

Country Arts WA's Chair, Catherine West, spoke about the organisation's successes in 2009 including the landmark corporate sponsorship from BHP Billiton Iron Ore to coordinate the Legacy Project in partnership with Artsource and CuriousWorks in Newman, the inaugural Sand Tracks remote Indigenous music tour and the coordination of consultations in Western Australia as part of Regional Arts Australia's National Consultation. 

For more details download the 2010 program launch slideshow here (3MB PDF)

Country Arts WA is an independent, not-for-profit, membership based organisation based in Perth, Western Australia. We exist to help regional Western Australian communities use culture and the arts as part of their community's development through a range of funding, advice and touring services.

For media enquiries, interviews or print quality images contact:
Megan Roberts, Communications Officer
08 9200 6202 or regional freecall 1800 811 883
mroberts@countryartswa.asn.au

At the ceremony held at the Design Centre in Launceston the minister said that- "Junction 2010 will unleash an explosion of ideas and creativity from Australian and overseas delegates through a stimulating and thought-provoking conference program and arts festival that celebrates, connects and challenges."

The conference is held every two years and is Australia's biggest and most eagerly awaited regional arts event. Junction 2010 will be held in Launceston from 26 August to 29 August 2010 and is presented in partnership with Tasmanian Regional Arts and the host community of Launceston.

With over 1,000 delegates participating in the conference, Junction 2010 will bring together people from across Australia and international borders. It will involve leading thinkers and practitioners from the arts and other sectors exploring a range of questions, issues and ideas under the conference themes of Footprints, Threads, Resilience and Momentum.

Mr. Steve Grieve, President of Regional Arts Australia said "the conference themes urge us to think about our impact and influence; they encourage collaborations and connections, and reminds us to focus on our capacity, knowledge and action for change". 

An arts festival will envelop and intersect the conference program, showcasing the best of regional arts with a particular focus on Tasmanian work.  The program will include theatre, dance, opera, visual arts, screen based works, writing, installation and more.  A great program of short works will be featured in a genuinely cool festival club.  Ian Pidd has been appointed as the artistic director of the arts festival and the festival program will be launched in March, 2010.

The conference website provides an interactive forum for artists, academics, arts workers, students, volunteers, all levels of government and community to contribute, discuss, debate and voice their thoughts about the questions and issues being addressed at the event.

Speaking about the website Lee Cole, president of Tasmanian Regional Arts said that "keeping in mind the power of the internet as a medium to connect, the conference website will be the platform to bring together the delegates, speakers, artists and the community before the conference next year."

The expressions of interest and call for presentations for the conference are now open with details available on the website www.junction2010.com.au  

Country Arts WA will tour the following shows in 2010 through its Shows on the Go regional touring program. Download the full information sheet here

To express your interest in presenting one or more of these show in your regional community contact a member of the Touring Team at Country Arts WA on regional freecall 1800 811 883 or touring@countryartswa.asn.au

The Yabu Band: Touring 19 April to 19 May 2010

Multi-talented brothers, Delson and Boyd Stokes, known today as The Yabu Band, create a powerful, unique sound aptly described as Desert Rock/Reggae.

The brothers are originally from Kalgoorlie, where they draw their heritage, culture and inspiration for their music. 'Yabu' means Rock/Gold in their language, Wongatha.

Yabu is more than just an Indigenous band; they provide a message through song, a vehicle of inspiration that has inspired children through to adults to achieve all that they can. They believe there is nothing more important than encouraging today's youth to have self-worth and to chase their dreams.

"Without a doubt it is one of the most inspirational and uplifting performances we have seen."
- Director, Australia Day Council of WA

3 Blokes and their Barbies: Touring 14 June to 11 July 2010

Presented by Tropic Sun Theatre, written by Daynan Brazil, directed by Karen Gibb.

This delightful and wicked comedy invites the audience into the sacred domain of blokes; the backyard barbie... and not a missus in sight.

3 Blokes and their Barbies is a delicious exploration of the great Aussie pastime that is barbecuing, an inside look at some dinkum Aussie blokes burning meat on a grill while sharing backyard wisdoms.

For these blokes, beer is the answer to the meaning of life and the love of a good woman will never compare to a Sunday spent fishing in the tinnie.

Join them for some laughs, a cold beer and the rules and regulations of the Aussie BBQ.

"If I had to sum up this unusual mix of comedy sketch, musical and theatre in one word, I'd pick HILARIOUS." - ABC North Qld

Krakouer!: Touring 8 October to 5 November 2010

Presented by Deckchair Theatre, written by Reg Cribb, directed by Marcelle Schmitz.

More than a tale of football prowess...

Mount Barker's most famous sons, Jim and Phil Krakouer took the Australian football world by storm in the early 1980's.

Their unique and anarchic brand of football, dubbed ‘black magic', captured the imagination of the nation.

This is the story of the challenges they faced in their rise to the top of their game; their skill, daring and resilience both on and off the sporting field, and the controversy and adversity that has met them throughout their lives.

"The play has its tense moments but there are plenty of laughs too, making Krakouer! a brilliant show" - Fremantle Herald

Shows on the Go is made possible through support from the State of Western Australia through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest, Healthway promoting a Smokefree WA, ABC Local Radio and WIN Television

Four year arts and culture focus for the Gascoyne

Over the next four years the Gascoyne region will receive focused funding and support to increase community capacity, resources and enthusiasm for arts and culture.

Country Arts WA's Chief Executive Officer, Jessica Machin, today announced a partnership with the Gascoyne Development Commission to implement the Focus Region Initiative.

The Gascoyne Development Commission was successful in its bid to attract the highly successful model and will receive benefits including a full-time Regional Arts Development Officer stationed in the region; the Out There youth arts development residency program; priority for performing arts touring initiatives; a dedicated arts funding program and the opportunity to host Country Arts WA's 2015 State Regional Arts Conference, which is expected to attract more than 300 people to the region.

The partnership follows on from a placement of a Gascoyne Arts Development Officer in the region by the Department of Culture and the Arts. Sarah Trant was based in the Gascoyne from 2004 until 2009 and worked with artists and arts organisations on a range of projects which developed arts practice in the region.

Country Arts WA is currently advertising for a Regional Arts Development Officer who will be based in the region for the term of the partnership and will guide the Focus Region Initiative.

Gascoyne Development Commissions Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Yule, said, "We are very pleased to be in partnership with Country Arts WA to provide a full-time Regional Arts Development Officer in the Gascoyne.

"The Officer will build on the excellent work already undertaken by Sarah Trant and foster development of the arts and cultural development activities for existing and emerging artists in the region."

Country Arts WA Chief Executive Officer, Jessica Machin, said, ".This is an exciting partnership for Country Arts WA and will see us have our very own Regional Arts Development Officer in the region for the first time "

" This partnership will initiate a period of vigorous transformation for the region, supported by sound planning and advice, new resources and personnel, local partnerships and broad connections, and an escalating level of stimulating arts and cultural activity in the Gascoyne" she said

Country Arts WA's will end its current Focus Region Initiative with the Mid West at the end of 2009.

Mid West Development Commission Chief Executive Officer, Steve Douglas, said that the Initiative has provided strong and lasting benefits for the region.

"The Mid West Development Commission has valued its four year collaboration with Country Arts WA. Particularly in more remote communities, the arts have provided a productive, positive focus for many people and there are clear linkages between the arts, sense of community and community development.

"Many Mid West communities have benefited from this Initiative and we expect positive outcomes for years to come. We strongly endorse the Initiative to other regions and would welcome the opportunity to be a Focus Region again in the not too distant future."  he said.

For more information about Country Arts WA visit http://www.countryartswa.asn.au/ or contact a staff member on regional freecall 1800 811 883. For more information about the Gascoyne Development Commission visit http://www.gdc.wa.gov.au/ 

For media enquiries, interviews or print quality images contact:
Megan Roberts, Communications Officer
08 9200 6202 or regional freecall 1800 811 883
info@countryartswa.asn.au

Regional Arts Australia recently released its goals for the next five years. After consulting with regional Australians across the country the views of regional Australians were considered during a Regional Arts Australia National Roundtable Conference.

The Hon. Peter Garrett AM MP opened the national roundtable at the start of a conversation about building partnerships between arts and other organisations to help create strong and healthy regional communities.

Roundtable participants were Chairs and Chief Executive Officers of regionally active agencies, service and advocacy bodies, regional media, the philanthropy sector, economic development sector, and regional not for profit organisations.

Julie Boyd, President of Regional Arts Australia says that ‘with over 85% of Regional Arts Australia constituents believing that the arts play a vital role in community wellbeing and entertainment, and 85% also advising that partnerships between the arts and other organisations are happening within their communities it's time to get our heads together for some combined action to create better lives for regional Australians.

A child growing up in regional Australia is likely to have their first arts experience at a local Agricultural Show, in a workshop run by the local CWA, or at a street fair run by the local Rural Fire Brigade.

Regional Australia is a unique place to grow up, with unique challenges, and we want to make it even better!'

The consultation and national directions proposed by Regional Arts Australia represent a new way of working - in partnership, where the arts can work with a wide range of allied organisations to help achieve the broader goals of regional development.

Organisations represented at the National Roundtable include Barossa and Light Regional Development Board Inc, Federation of Ethnic Communities' Council of Australia, Economic Development Australia, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Volunteering Australia, Philanthropy Australia, Centenary of Canberra, National Rural Health Alliance,

YMCA Australia, Australian Hotels Association, University of the Third Age Network, Disability Services Australia, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, ABC TV, SBS, Australian Library and Information Association, National Institute for Rural and Regional Australia, Reconciliation Australia and Museums Australia.

Download a copy of the consultation report at www.regionalarts.com.au

Further information please contact:
Beverly Growden, Coordinator National Roundtable beverly.growden@bigpond.com or Ph: 0417903318

SBS SHOWCASES THE ARTS IN REGIONAL COMMUNITIES

In partnership with Regional Arts Australia, SBS has launched a series of unique vignettes that showcase the depth of arts talent across regional Australia.

The artists' stories were unveiled on Thursday 8 May at the Sydney Opera House by SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown and Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, the Hon Peter Garrett MP.

The vignettes were created for the launch of SBS's split regional signal which will reach 12 specific regional audiences across Australia.

Developed and produced by SBS, the stories demonstrate SBS's commitment to Australia's artistic and cultural community.

"SBS's partnership with Regional Arts Australia is another innovative example of how SBS is supporting the artistic and cultural community in Australia," said SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown.

"All of our content, apart from news, current affairs and sport, is commissioned from the independent production sector, which creates jobs, skills and investment in this important sector of the Australian economy.

"The vignettes we launch today are a unique way that SBS can marry its commercial imperative with our public service remit and our desire to support community groups who lack the resources to reach a broader audience."

The Chair of Regional Arts Australia, Steve Grieve, said: "This is a wonderful chance to take the art and artists of rural and remote Australia into lounge rooms across the nation. With one-third of Australians living outside our metropolitan centres, this is a great way of telling their stories and recognising the contribution that arts and artists making to enriching community life.

"We are extremely grateful to SBS for making this possible and for demonstrating such a commitment to regional Australia," said Mr Grieve.

Based on a Regional Arts Australia book, Big Story Country: Great Arts Stories From Regional Australia, a series of eight 60, 30 and 15-second vignettes feature the unique stories of regional artists working in local communities around Australia.

All vignettes offer a unique perspective on arts in regional Australia combined with a true sense of local community.

• From Northcliffe in the South West of Western Australia, Fiona Sinclair shows how a small community with big, bold ideas created the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk.
• From Bega, NSW Fling Youth Dance Company by Lee Pemberton, the story of how Fling was created, its remarkable success, and the opportunities Fling offers young regionally-based Australians.
• From Lake Condah in Victoria, Possum Skin Cloak by Vicki Couzens, about the resurgence in the traditional practice of making possum skin cloaks.
• Filmed across country Victoria, Football Stories by Malcolm Mckinnon is a series of short films which document the central role football plays in country communities.
• Devonport, Tasmania is home to Rod Westbrook, a photographer whose fine detailed images are really Slices of Nature. Rod has spina bifida and tells how he has created his own genre of work he calls rodograms.
• Leaving the city for a life in Mitchell, Queensland, inspired Jenny Buckland to record A child's life on the station. Her story shows us the wonderful life of children in rural communities.
• At the heart of Australia in Alice Springs, Peter Lowson tells the extraordinary story of Drum Atweme, a group of young talented Aboriginal drummers and the success they are achieving.
• The final vignette tells the story of the Fleurieu Biennale, the richest landscape prize in Australia which is held in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia and shows what a passion for art and pride can achieve in your region.

The vignettes have been filmed by James Ashburn of Luscious Motion, with music scored by Song Zu.

 Download the full press release here

Visit www.regionalarts.com.au for more information.