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Crossing Divides Statewide Exhibition
Art from the Margins Exhibition
My Expression Exhibition - Jeffrey Finlay
Brisbane Indigenous Grandparents BBQ
Currumbin Creative Community Celebration
Access Arts Community Showcase Event
Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra: Cathedral Classics
Multicultural Assistance Program Grants

Access Arts is a membership-driven organisation, and we would like to hear from our members about what you’ve been doing. If you’ve seen a performance, a show, an exhibition or an Access Arts event either with an Access Arts group or as an individual, we would like to know what you thought about it. If you’ve performed at a gig, exhibited your work or have an event coming up, please send us all the details and we will include it in our “What’s On” section free of charge (you must send us the info as early as possible to ensure it gets in the newsletter before the event).
If you are a budding writer or poet and would like to get your work out there, please send it to us and we will include it in our Members’ section.
If you have any other feedback on Access Arts’ events, workshops, newsletters, website or anything else, whether it’s suggestions for improvement, or a ‘keep doing what you’re doing’, please contact us by phone: (07) 3358 6200 or 1300 663 651 (local call cost for regional members), by email or by post: PO Box 1034 New Farm Q 4005.
You are also welcome to drop in the office for a coffee and a chat (office hours are 9:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday).
Access Arts offers a range of programs, from the social level workshops to individual professional development.
As a member of Access Arts, you are entitled to:
If you would prefer to receive Access Arts’ newsletter by email, please send us an email with your name and email address.
We hope to hear from you soon!

On Saturday July 19th, 10 enthusiastic performing artists gathered at the Roof Top Terrace in the Brisbane Powerhouse to participate in an Access Arts performing arts forum.
The day started with a Sound Circles workshop facilitated by experienced facilitators Peter Vance, Majella Jacobson and Sally Josephson. The focus of this session was to get to know everyone in a relaxed informal way. This was achieved when individual members introduced themselves and the rest of the group responded to them using spontaneous sound and movement as a welcome and reflection of their name. Out of this, some beautiful music and dance moves emerged and the group got to know each other very well! The session ended with creative versions of the traditional Sound Circles activities “Sound Bath” and “Whoosh!”.
After a scrumptious lunch and a lot of networking, the group then participated in world renowned vocal dance facilitator Aviva Sheb’a’s workshop. During this workshop, the group was lead through a series of movement and voice based activities which re-energised and inspired the participating performing artists. Through Aviva’s gentle guidance, the group explored the relation between their voices and bodies and were able to truly let go of any inhibitions.
Aviva Sheb’a learned ballet from age eight as therapy for severe asthma. Aviva has performed or taught in over twenty countries, in settings as diverse as Chorus Captain with the Compagnia Italiana d’Operetta, war zones, art galleries, Jazz clubs, TV, film, cabaret, street, intimate and large theatres, conferences and rap poetry evenings in America. She’s the innovator of Vocal Dance: a performance and teaching technique incorporating dance and voice. This combination of breathing, movement and sound is a unique way to release tension and experience energy that flows on into daily life. Overall, the day was a great success. It served as a great opportunity for arts workers and performing artists to make new connections with their peers and to reinvigorate their arts practice with new activities and ideas.
Access Arts will be holding similar professional development forums in the future and would like to hear from emerging or professional artists in any art form interested in attending. We would also like to know which areas you would like the forums to cover. If you’re interested in attending, or giving us some suggestions, please contact Emma or Sally at Access Arts on (07) 3358 6200 or by email.

Access Arts Inc (Qld) was pleased to co-host the Arts Intersections Symposium on 17th & 18th July with Griffith University - Griffith Abilities Research Program.
This was a two day symposium to develop collaborations between community arts, disability, and research organisations in and around Brisbane.
Sixty delegates attended over the 2 days.
The symposium started with Sound Circles™, facilitated by Access Arts. All agreed that Sound Circles was a great way to introduce the themes that would emerge over the 2 days, and to create a welcoming and safe environment.
Throughout the 2 days, presentations, panel discussions and case studies covered the following topics:
Ross Barber, Executive Director of Access Arts presented on case studies of community arts practice and Emma Bennison, Assistant Director, presented on professional development.
No gathering like this would be complete without a wine and cheese reception, to complement the art exhibition.
Access Arts’ vocal quintet IF performed at the reception. Thank you to Chenoweth Environmental Planning and Landscape Architecture for sponsoring the wine and cheese event.
Networks have been developed and strengthened through the symposium. We look forward to receiving the final report and continuing to work with Griffith Abilities Research Program.
Comments from delegates:
“Possibly the most challenging, rich and inspiring platform I have been at for many years.” - Gabrielle Mitchell
“The recent Arts Intersection Symposium gave Integrated Images Australia, as a new service provider in the arts and disability’s sector, a great opportunity to hear firsthand what others are doing and the results they are achieving with a range of programs. The types of events and programs were wide and varied and covered nearly every aspect of the arts, but the interesting observation was, the majority identified new and innovative activities and/or provided new opportunities for people with disabilities and mental health issues to express themselves through art. Griffith University and Access Arts are to be congratulated for organising this symposium as it also brought together academics, service providers, government, private enterprise and artists in a mutually agreeable forum where, without exception, we all gained a better understanding of the issues, the resources available and the needs of our clients.” – Richard McLaren
“The Arts Intersections Symposium was two days of total inspiration and education. To be honest I was on a natural high the whole way through. I learned about others using or researching the positive effect of arts on people with illness or disability. I was very proud to be able to talk to others about the wonderful work of Access Arts, and particularly to be able to connect with like-minded people who share the same vision. Sound Circles was a really great way to create real inclusion and cohesion, and it was a huge hit with everybody!” – Jodi Johnstone


On Friday the 1st of August, was the opening of Access Arts’ state-wide member’s exhibition Crossing Divides. There was plenty of finger food and drinks. The standard of Art Works was of a high standard and well displayed.
Greg Murphy, Regional Executive Director of Disability Services Queensland, opened the exhibition. He remarked that you could tell how a painting can speak a 1000 words, that each person would interpret the painting differently, and what the painting reminded him of. Greg reminded the artists that when others give feedback on their work, some people would know what they were talking about, while others would have no idea!

Tasmania Arts Link thanked Assess Arts for their being able to join this exhibition, and for the wonderful things they have achieved in the short time of being open. They did this by reading a poem written by one of their members.
Access Arts’ vocal a cappella group IF performed at the event.
This is what the audience thought about the event:
Peter liked the food and art.
Steve liked people coming together, friendliness, music and inspiring art.
Angela enjoyed Greg’s speech, the art and curating.
Emma liked the great food, artworks, and fantastic music.
A big thank you to:
The artists who exhibited their work.
Jasmin Jacobson and Renae Burton for their hard work in preparing, organising, curating and installing this exhibition.
Greg Murphy for officially opening the exhibition.
Volunteers who assisted in the lead-up and during the exhibition.
Most art works in this exhibition are for sale. The catalogue is available on request.

Access Arts was recently involved in the Art from the Margins Exhibition on 25 – 28 July, which was brought to life by the Albert Street Uniting Church Congregation. They held this Exhibition in response to the need of the many homeless and marginalised people of inner Brisbane who express and enrich their lives through the arts. This provided an avenue which gave the artists both recognition and self esteem, this coming from the pure joy of displaying their pieces, and the pride of perhaps selling a work of art.
I spoke to several of the exhibiting artists, each viewing the show from a different perspective:
Stephen Corti-Griffiths
Stephen won first prize at the Exhibition, which included $1000 toward furthering his artistic development. When asked for comments, he said:
“It’s very uplifting.... people like my artwork!!! To be amongst people, being alive- it’s so rewarding and fulfilling. That’s how I feel. I am meeting new people as well, which is so good. I think it’s a good opportunity for people - it makes us feel good and wanted, and it’s a good chance to improve. You’re a person as well, you’re a somebody, but not big headed - still humble - but with a smile.”
Lisa Blake
Lisa received a highly commended for her work at the show, and had this to say:
“It was a good opportunity and a good venue. I thought Stephen did really well, he did Access Arts proud.”
Peter Hughes
Peter sold a work at the exhibition........he was enthusiastic as ever about it !!!!
Louis Lucas
This was Louis’s first ever exhibition. He thought:
“The people who put it together did a really marvellous job. I was very happy to volunteer for it. I worked on the front desk - it was good to put a bit in for it.”
Caron Murphy
Unfortunately, Caron couldn’t make it to the opening, but she was there to help out a few other times...
“I thought it was really good!! It was quiet when I was working in the gallery, but quite a bit of work was sold. I think it was a very good thing.”
Andrew Pemberton
Andrew’s support worker, Kerry, said that Andrew was happy, excited and very interested by the exhibition. His response was:
“Good...I enjoyed seeing my works in the exhibition. It was good to see.”


A large crowd from the Cairns community attended the opening of Kuku Yalanji artist Jeffrey Finlay’s Exhibition My Expression at the Tank Arts Centre in Cairns on Monday 28th July. Mr Seith Fourmile delivered the Welcome to Country and Ms Angela Brook, Acting Principal Project Officer at Disability Services Queensland formally opened the Exhibition.
The opening also coincided with Jeffrey’s return to his place after a long period away due to health issues. The community and family from Mossman Gorge were there in force and the traditional dancers conjured up the lives of the beautiful images of animals, fish and birds depicted on Jeffrey’s canvases. We congratulate Jeffrey and wish him a bright future. As a result of this exhibition, Jeffrey has been commissioned to undertake five works to celebrate Disability Action Week in FNQ.
Access Arts would like to thank the Tanks Art Centre, Arts Nexus, St John’s Gordonvale, Mackay and Districts Spinal Injuries Association, the Eacham and Cairns RADF Committees who contributed generously to this successful exhibition development and all who attended.


Our Friday drumming session is going ahead in leaps and bounds. Sessions are on Fridays, from 12 noon 'til 2pm. Here the general rule is that we all start together, have much fun in the middle and end together. We have a special introduction to rhythm and drumming that soon puts people at ease and able to easily join in. So don’t worry if you’ve never played drums before, it’s a breeze. Also, as well as having a good time and getting to know each other in a friendly atmosphere, we also prepare for special performances. Our past performances include Sunsets Sounds, Access Arts Open Day and our latest Community Workshop Showcase. We have also had special sessions with North Pine Rivers Respite Centre and a road trip up to old Petrie village.
A good range of drums and hand-percussion instruments are supplied, and you can bring your own drums if you like. We encourage people to sing along and have a segment with guitar music, as well. So, if you are free on Fridays from 12 noon 'til 2pm come along and get in the happy groove. Everybody is most welcome.
Please call Access Arts on 3358 6200 to enrol or if you would like to book the drummers for your event.

On Saturday July 26th, Access Arts provided painting and clay workshops to a group of Brisbane Indigenous grandparents and their grandchildren at the picturesque South Bank Parklands. The group meets on the last Saturday of the month in order to catch up, have a BBQ lunch and participate in relaxed and creative activities.
Most of the group are based in the Zillmere community, while some also come all the way from the outer southern suburbs. Access Arts has been involved with the group since late 2006 through a partnership with Centacare Fortitude Valley, who provide additional support for the group.
Arts worker Richelle Spence was a great hit with both the kids and grandparents with her variety of artistic choices on hand and her relaxed and humorous facilitation style. The grandchildren in the group created many art works including colourful paintings (on professional canvases!), clay animals, bowls and boomerangs as well sculptures using materials from the surrounding gardens. Many Aunties and Uncles of the group also joined and created beautiful pieces worthy of any gallery.
During this afternoon, the group also participated in informal feedback sessions around Access Arts’ service delivery. These discussions were part of the organisation’s Continuous Quality Improvement Project, a project which focuses on strengthening and extending Access Arts’ partnerships with Indigenous communities throughout Queensland.
In the future, Access Arts hopes to establish regular drama sessions with the young people of the group, as well as continue providing exciting activities for their monthly BBQ’s. Access Arts would like to thank the group for having us along (especially Aunty Lucy for her great conversations!), Centacare Fortitude Valley for their continued partnership and Richelle Spence for facilitating the workshops.


The Creative Community Celebration held on Saturday 12th July at the Currumbin Community School Farm was an absolute success. The afternoon gave the Crossing Divides team, participants, families, friends and the creative community of Currumbin an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the young artists involved in the workshops. There was goanna painting (not real ones!), jewellery making with a mini kiln, plenty of fabulous food, and of course, the highlight, a performance by The Black Mamba, with guest didgeridoo.
‘It was absolutely electric, the energy from the participants, the warmth generated by everybody involved and the sense of community – I loved it.’
Karen Roberts (Access Arts – Membership Services)
‘I really enjoyed the day. It was a great atmosphere and now we know we can do it……we can do it even better next time. The whole band was so passionate about performing and we sold out of all of our CDs’.
Ben Tew (The Black Mamba)

‘I really liked it as it made me feel like I was part of a real band’......
Jesse Patterson (The Black Mamba)
And a real band they were, stealing the limelight at the end of the afternoon. The Black Mamba had the audience dancing and singing along and lining up to buy their first CD.
Thank you to all those who made it such a special day.
Keep a look out for our end of year event that will be bigger and better.

On Friday 18th July Access Arts held a highly successful community workshop showcase at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Over 120 audience members joined Access Arts artists and performers in celebrating their artistic creations in a feast for the senses - sound, sight and taste! For only $5 entry, attendees were treated to a diverse range of performances, a visual arts exhibition and delicious hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.
To kick off the evening event, the Access Arts’ drumming group involved audience members in their high-energy performance of original rhythms and beats. Access Arts’ two singing groups followed, performing popular songs which were a hit with the audience, who joined in with enthusiasm. The Keepin’ It Real hip hop group then performed their original track to a roaring crowd. This was their first ever performance at a public event.
A highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the debut performance from Sunshine Coast based performing artist, Taz! Heard. Her play, “One Big, Fat Terrifying Experience”, had the audience in stiches as she recounted her experience of being hit by a giant banana. This play is based on a story she wrote about her experience recovering from a serious accident, with a very humorous twist. Following this successful performance, Taz! hopes to bring her story to the Royal Children’s Hospital and develop a full length play for local and international festivals and events.
The visual arts section of the event focused around an exhibition of art works from emerging artists from Access Arts’ community visual arts workshops. Many art works were sold on the night, with all proceeds going to the artists.
Access Arts’ Assistant Director, Emma Bennison said: “This event completely exceeded our expectations in terms of the broad range of performance styles and the huge attendance from people who are new to Access Arts. As a result there has been increased interest in our organisation from the broader community and we look forward to the benefits this will bring for artists.”
Access Arts’ community workshops are open to the whole community and provide opportunities for participation from artists at all levels from entry level through to emerging and professional artists. They also provide opportunities for professional arts workers wanting to gain employment in the sector. Access Arts has a particular focus on promoting the employment of arts workers with disabilities. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Access Arts, who has been established as the peak body working with artists, cultural workers and their communities across Queensland.


Take It For...?
I’m telling you that,
This is what I take it for
For granted, for privilege to the highest point to,
Get what I’d like & what I need.
At times I even take it to the extremes
Make a big deal over it,
When there’s no need
Because, I’m gifted in that area plus, it happened to me!
Not you but me, it happened to me!
& I’m telling you that,
This is what I take it for.
When I feel like it, when I want, this is what I, what I do with it,
Take it for, I’ve got to live my life with these facts every day,
I need to except myself for who I am!
Because, of what has happened,
Happened to me!
I’ve got to watch others grow up, watch others marry, have babies together & I mean,
When’s that going to happen to me?
I see the news, I read magazines, I hear about what’s going on in the world.
About famous people & do I try?
But I mean,
When’s that going to happen to me?
So I’ve figured, there’s no use in hiding I’ve got to accept the facts.
For granted, for privilege to the highest point
For advantage, for needs, to get what I want.
That’s what I take it, take it for!
Some- times I can’t help it, what I do
At times I need to be stronger, stronger then you.
Because, because of what’s happened,
Happened to me!
I want to be accepted for who I am &,
I don’t want to live with the memory of,
For granted, for privilege to the highest point
For advantage, for needs, to get what I want.
That’s what I take it, take it for!

Brisbane Keepin’ it Real facilitator and facilitator and coordinator of the Crossing Divides Performing Arts program in Currumbin.
1. Q: When did you come to AAI?
In January of this year.
2. Q: What made you decide to work for AAI?
Because I believe in sharing my skills with other people, as I wasn’t given the opportunity to do so when I was younger, and I believe everyone should have the chance to be creative.
3. Q: What did you do before coming to AAI?
I’ve been involved in the music industry for ten years, performing, DJ’ing, and MC’ing, with technical production and recording.
4. Q: What is your favourite food?
Mexican!!! Because I have travelled to Central America twice, and I feel right at home in Mexico, thus love to eat their food...
5. Q: What is your favourite movie?
La Haine ....it’s a French film about growing up in the ghetto, and it has a sound track by one of my favourite bands... “Asian Dub Foundation” I actually watched the film at the Powerhouse one night, and the band played the score to the film.
6. Q: What is your favourite song?
Burial is the artist, and the song is “Untrue”. It’s an exciting new style of music coming out of London called “dubstep”, and its bass heavy, reggae, hip-hop, sounds.
7. Q: What is your star sign?
Gemini...We are misunderstood...we are not two faced, but have many chameleon like personalities...
8. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
A guitar, fruit and vegetable seeds, and a loved one...
9. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Living in the bush, near the beach, with a studio, and with a family and lots of toys!!!
10. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
To be in touch with yourself, whilst always remaining communicative with others.


Everyone can dance!
When: Wednesdays 3- 24th September, 11-1pm
Where: Acacia Ridge Hall (Coopers Plains Senior Citizens Hall), 13 Coley St Acacia Ridge
Cost: $15 a week
Facilitated by: Kerri Hollier- Dancing Wheelies Inc.
Refreshments are provided but please bring your own lunch if needed.
Kerri became involved in wheelchair dancing in March 2006, she then formally trained as an instructor in March 2007. In July 2007 Kerri co-formed Dancing Wheelies Inc. and now teaches two classes a week in Morayfield and also regularly teaches classes for Respite agencies.
Everyone is welcome (you do not have to be in a wheelchair to participate).
Please contact Sally at Access Arts on 3358 6200 or by email to enrol.
Proudly supported by: Enhanced Care Association Inc and Access Arts Inc.

The Community Choir has reformed as THE MUSIC WORKSHOP. It meets each Saturday, between 2pm and 3pm at the Access Arts office – Level 1 Stores Building, Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St, New Farm.
Some original members and some new ones have come together to create a very relaxed and inclusive group. Initially, the aim is to develop singing techniques combined with the playing of percussion instruments. Everyone participates at his own level and anyone can join – no past experience necessary.
The cost is $10 per week and refreshments are provided.
Please call facilitator Robert Eastcott on ph 3255 1096 to enrol.

Remember: Screen Printing Workshops begin on August 23rd, going through to September 13th, on Saturdays from 1-3pm, in Access Arts BOA Studio.
Please contact Sally at Access Arts to enrol on 3358 6200 or by email.

You’re invited to celebrate the vibrancy, laughter, fun, beauty and the strong culture of the Pasifik region.
Pasifika is a five-day festival bringing together people, dance, music, theatre, markets, visual arts, food and ideas from Wednesday 27th – Sunday 31st August. There’s a stack of free and ticketed events featuring traditional and contemporary styles of performance of local, national and international fame.
Come and see the Brisbane Powerhouse take a dive into the Pasifik brisbanepowerhouse.org.

Cathedral Classics
2pm Sunday 24 August
St John's Cathedral, 373 Ann Street, Brisbane
Conductor: Philip Davis
Weber - Oberon Overture
Haydn - Trumpet Concerto Trumpet: Yoram Levy
Pergolesi - Stabat Mater Soprano: Angelina Witten-Hannah Mezzo Soprano: Gabriella Witten-Hannah
Tickets: $25 Adults, $20 Concessions
Tickets available from 4MBS Ticketing Book online at 4mbsclassicfm.com.au
Tickets are also available at the door. For more information visit bpo.org.au

Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival - 15-17 August
Guest cellist for Shostakovich Quartet no.8, Pärt 'Fratres’, Francaix Octet and Brahms Sextet.
Experience world class performances in the most sublime setting. Hear some of Australia’s top musicians perform iconic pieces from the chamber music repertoire in the perfect intimate environment. Also join with us after the performances and enjoy wine and food and a chat. Come and enjoy a truly unique and memorable weekend at North Stradbroke Island.
Info & tickets online: www.stradmusic.org
Bangalow Music Festival - 29-31 August
An enchanting weekend of music in an intimate setting. Showcasing a vibrant cross-section of musical styles in the beautiful setting of the town of Bangalow, this Festival is a world-class event. Just ten minutes from Byron Bay, this annual event is held in the historical A&I Hall in the beautiful heritage town of Bangalow.
Info & tickets online: www.southernxsoloists.com
Tyalgum Festival - 5-7 September
Guest cellist in Saturday night's Piano Trio Concert featuring a Mozart and Beethoven trio with Mendelssohn’s epic D minor and Sunday's Viennese Coffee Morning concert performing Schubert’s Octet. Stunning acoustics, stunning program, stunning location – Hopefully a stunning dress!
Info & tickets online: www.tyalgumfestival.com.au
‘Romantic Rhapsody’ with Pascal Rogé - 13 September
Carnegie Hall comes to Cairns – Leigh Paine – artistic director, the cultural dynamo strikes again! Cairns Hilton, Ballroom 5:30pm.
Info & tickets - Online: www.paradiseconcerts.com - Phone:4031 9555
‘Earth Spirit Dancing’ - 21 September
Oboe with String Quartet ‘Swoon Concert’ 2pm @ Caloundra Regional Art Gallery, Omrah Avenue.
Tickets: $35/$25 concession, early bird, AUSTA & 'Friends of the Gallery'/$10 Students.
Don’t miss out – limited seats!
Info & tickets - Email: artgallery@caloundra.qld.gov.au - Phone:5420 8299

The opening of the Multicultural Assistance Program for 2008-2009 has recently been announced by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth, the Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr MP. The Multicultural Assistance Program is an initiative under the Queensland Government's Multicultural Policy: Multicultural Queensland – making a world of difference.
The Multicultural Assistance Program grants are allocated to events and projects that strengthen multiculturalism, foster harmonious community relations and participation, and build community capacity, including improved access to services in Queensland.
The funding guidelines and grant application form are available at www.multicultural.qld.gov.au.

Brisbane City Council Employment Services is calling for expressions of interest for the Carole Park Residential Path Linkages Project participants.
The project will employ 8 people for 4 months period, commencing on 25 August 08.
Carole Park Residential Path Linkages Project is partnership between Council, Department of Employment and Industrial Relation and Community Renewal to construct new footpaths in Carole Park to connect residents with local facilities such as the community centre, school, shopping centre, child care centre and parks.
This project will target people from Carole Park and migrants and refugees living outside the suburb to participate in this project. We are also looking to target local (Carole Park, Inala) young people and Indigenous applicants.
If you require more information please call me on 3403 5582.
If you want to apply for this position please fill in the referral form, attach your resume and email to Lilly Matich by 4 August 08.

LifeTec Queensland is offering a range of free public seminars at our Newmarket display centre. See and experience hands-on a range of equipment covering various areas of assistive technology. Experienced health professionals will also be available to discuss your individual needs.
Seminars will take place every Saturday from 11am – 12pm. Please phone 3552 9000 for more information and to book your place.
The deadline for inclusion in the September newsletter is 2nd September. Please send newsletter items to Karen by email or post to Access Arts.

Access Arts Inc (Queensland)
Ph: 07 3358 6200
Fax: 07 3358 6211
Local Call Cost: 1300 663 651
Level 1 Stores Building
119 Lamington St
PO Box 1034
New Farm QLD 4005
Web: www.accessarts.org.au
Email: info@accessarts.org.au