Access Arts Inc® - The Key to Success in the Arts

Some readers may be aware that I gave birth to a baby girl who was five weeks premature via emergency caesarean in December. I had planned an unmedicated birth in water which would include my husband and son. Instead I ended up with a general anaesthetic, a blood transfusion and a baby who I had to visit in special care for ten days. Nothing compared to what many parents have to go through following a premature birth, but a huge deviation from my plan nonetheless and a very traumatic experience for myself and my family.

Lest you wonder whether Access Arts’ News has turned into a parenting magazine, I will now get to the point; my reflections on how this experience has parallels to artistic practice. I have come to realize over the years that flexibility is one of the crucial keys to being successful as an artist. It is essential to have solid, realistic artistic goals which can provide a purpose for what we are doing. However, it is important that they don’t blind us to the opportunities which present themselves in day to day life, which at first glance may seem uninteresting, risky or which we may be over-qualified for and which do not seem to have any relationship to our goals. They may in fact open an important door which we may not have considered.

I speak with many aspiring professional artists who firmly state that they do not wish to explore a particular aspect of their chosen art form or do non-arts related jobs in arts organizations or outside the arts altogether. I am not for a moment suggesting that it is appropriate to settle for second best. Having ambitious goals is a great motivator, but it is important to consider how the seemingly less attractive opportunities may lead indirectly to the goal.

For example, I always wanted to be a singer, but have needed to be flexible about the types of music I sing and where I am prepared to perform in order to find work. Over the years I have been able to increasingly perform the repertoire I prefer and have used composition and arranging as a means of supplementing my creative urges. My goals have also changed as I have had more experience which has opened my mind to different musical genres and provided the opportunity to work with a range of artists. When I was studying for my Bachelor of Music I would have been horrified if anyone had suggested I could ever have made money from singing jazz because I was firmly focused on opera and didn’t think I was a jazz singer. But subsequently I gave it a try and found I enjoyed it immensely and wanted to do more of it.

I have also held administrative positions outside of the arts which have given me the experience to move into arts administration. At the time I was frustrated by them and saw some of them as dead end jobs, but ultimately they have helped me develop a range of organizational, information technology, communication and research skills which have undoubtedly benefited me in my arts practice and as an arts administrator. Hence I do not regret the seemingly endless hours of answering telephones and stuffing envelopes.

So now I have attained my long-held goal of having a second beautiful baby and I will be returning to work shortly. I am very lucky to have her in spite of the fact that the experience was quite risky and a far cry from what we had planned. We certainly love her just as much, if not more because there was the risk of losing both of us in the process. The arts provides a wonderful opportunity for us to learn, take risks and ultimately grow, as long as we are prepared to give every opportunity which presents itself a second glance, even if it initially seems unthinkable. If we can find the courage to do that, the end result might be as great as or even better than our original goal.

Emma Bennison – Assistant Director

Term 2 Dates

We look forward to seeing you at our workshops in Term 2:

Brisbane Outsider Artists Studio – Mon. April 28th
Singing Workshop – Wed. May 7th
Drawing Workshop – Sat. May 31st
Drumming Workshop – Fri. May 2nd
Sound Circles™ Workshop – Sat. May 3rd
Sound Circles™ Mid-week Youth Workshops – Wed. June 4th

Contacts for regional Sound Circles™ workshops are listed in the Access Arts’ program, (see website below.) Please see our program www.accessarts.org.au/aai_2008_program.htm for more details or call Access Arts on 3358 6200 or 1300 663 651 (local call cost) to enrol in these workshops.

Welcome to 2008 Management Committee

Thank you to everyone who attended our AGM on Saturday 29th March.

Welcome to the Management Committee for 2008:

Jodi Johnstone: President
Hayley Kitchener: Vice President
Sjivonne Grimsey-Smit: Treasurer
Michael Whelan: Secretary
Ria Parsons: Ordinary Member
Heidi Muenchberger: Ordinary Member
Alan Parsons: Ordinary Member

The profiles and photos of the new management committee members are now on our website www.accessarts.org.au/aai_profiles.htm. The members and staff of Access Arts look forward to working with the new management committee and appreciate their commitment to supporting Access Arts in 2008.

Thank you to our out-going management committee JM John Armstrong, George Chapman and Tom Cullinan who have served 3 years on our committee during a period of significant change and growth.

We wish management committee member Paul Jenkins good luck as he recently accepted a position in Tasmania with the Regional Arts Council.

Congratulations to John Armstrong and Nick Reilly who were awarded life membership in recognition of their outstanding service to Access Arts and its members.

Policy in Profile

Regular readers of Access Arts News will know that in 2007 we featured an Access Arts policy each month to enable you to know what to expect when receiving services from us. We wanted to continue this practice in 2008 and welcome your feedback and suggestions on policies you would like us to feature. If you would like to know more about our policies and procedures, please visit our website, www.accessarts.org.au/quality_assurance.htm or call us on 3358 6200 or 1300 663 651 (local call cost).

Disability Access Policy

All Access Arts policies relate to all Staff and Members.

Access Arts Inc. defines a Member as any person who has filled out a membership form to join the organisation.

Staff are defined as persons engaged in Office, workshop/project or program, Volunteer or Student placement work at Access Arts Inc.

Purpose:

Access Arts is committed to providing their staff and members with equitable access to the arts, employment and appropriate education and training opportunities.

Aims:

To ensure that all Access Arts projects are accessible to all members, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) through the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC).
To ensure that all organisations that Access Arts partners with are accessible to all Access Arts members.

General Access:

Access Arts is committed to providing their members with equitable access to the arts.

This includes ensuring the office space, all workshops, events, and projects are completely accessible.

Access Arts is situated at the Stores Building on Level 1 in the Brisbane Powerhouse precinct. Transport is available by the City Cat, taxi, bus and train to Brunswick Street Station. The Brisbane Powerhouse has a free parking facility with designated disability parking accessed via Lamington Street. A lift operates from the car park to all levels of the Stores Building.

Access Arts provides newsletters, mail-outs, policies, and all other required information in alternate formats, on request, including Braille, large print, audio and html or word.doc email. Access Arts’ website complies with w3c web access standards of using html based web design to enable accessibility for those who use screen reading software. Access Arts advocates for the accessibility of websites and electronic forms of funding bodies through both Queensland and Commonwealth Government and other funding sources. Access Arts also encourages other arts organisations to comply with these web access standards.

Staff Recruitment and Development:

Access Arts recognises the considerable contribution and skills that employees experiencing disability brings to the workplace. Access Arts encourages people experiencing disability or disadvantage to apply for all advertised positions. The organisation proactively recruits and employs skilled administrators, arts workers, cultural workers and volunteers experiencing disability or disadvantage. Developing local, regional, national and international reciprocal partnerships and the provision of appropriate training and skill development opportunities are an essential element of our philosophy for staff, volunteers and members.

Access Arts is also strongly committed to Indigenous members. We endorse the community’s desire for self determination and our staff are participating in gaining knowledge of Indigenous protocols. This provides a base for the Indigenous community members to build more collaborative networks, strengthen cultural activity and gain access to training and employment through programs of creative development.

The accessibility of the Access Arts workplace is a significant factor in making it conducive for staff with disabilities. The flexibility exists for staff to support one another when unexpected issues arise. These could include illness, family commitments or having time out to deal with the impact of each individual’s particular disabilities.

All Access Arts office and workshop staff and volunteers attend compulsory Disability Awareness Training as part of the induction process.

Access Arts adheres to the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 and supports employees experiencing disability to receive the appropriate workplace modifications in order to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all staff.

Disability access and equity considerations are addressed in all of Access Arts’ policies, procedures and organisational operations.

Feedback from Members and Community:

Access Arts has a commitment to its members, staff and community members experiencing disability to ensure that the quality of services is of a high standard. Access Arts invites feedback from members and staff regarding the accessibility of its programs, workshops, media material and venues.

As part of this commitment to continuous improvement, Access Arts hold regular focus groups of members throughout the year in order to receive feedback on our services and programs. These focus groups also help Access Arts to understand the needs, interests and aspirations of our members in the arts. Members of the community participating in or witnessing our programs for the first time are invited to provide Access Arts with written or verbal feedback on the accessibility of our programs.

Staff members receive regular supervisions sessions and are encouraged to share any access or equity issues relating to their employment with their supervisor and/or the Executive Director.

Access Arts Program Updates

Creative Respite Options Update

The talented crew from Access Arts’ Creative Respite Options program have continued to create fantastic artistic masterpieces this month, some of which will be revealed at the showcase on May 2nd (please see below for details). Here’s some of the great stuff they’ve been up to:

Greg Johnston and Richelle Spence

Greg has been creating a stick man animation for the past 2 months with Artist, Richelle Spence. He has devised and directed the entire creation entitled Mr Atlas, a soon to be 5 minute animation. This may not sound long but in the animae world it’s a lot of work. Greg has a fantastic sense of humour and it bubbles through as you join in the ride with Mr Atlas. Here's a teaser from his quirky animation:

"I gotta stop these midnight swims... I keep losing the earth!" Mr Atlas exclaimed whilst scratching his head. Tune in next for the search of the lost moon.

Come along to the Creative Respite Options Showcase!

Come along to this exciting evening event to experience the performances and artworks created by our talented Creative Respite artists.

When: Friday May 2nd 5:30-7:30pm

Where: Rooftop Terrace, Level 3 Brisbane Powerhouse,
119 Lamington St New Farm

Cost: Donations at the door.

A light supper and refreshments will be provided.

All are welcome so please invite your family, friends and anyone else!

For catering purposes please RSVP by 25th April by calling Access Arts on 3358 6200 or Sally email.

Breakaway & ROPE

Sound Circles at Redcliffe

There is a new gathering at the Redcliffe Church of Christ on Tuesdays as Breakaway & ROPE come together for Sound Circles. With a RADF grant Carollyn Furner, Coordinator (Post school) Day Program has brought together 25 enthusiastic staff and guests for this new project. Access Arts facilitators Majella Jacobson and Peter Vance are very excited by the progress so far.

The first week brought the two groups together in “a good casual approach creating an atmosphere for involvement and allowing participants to let go,” said one staff member. Individuals felt comfortable to step out and dance, sing and clap, with some just happy to take their first step into the circle. At one point we all became connected… to a Cha Chaa-ing… Choo Choo-ing… moving, grooving, train exploring the space with a tunnel testing the driver’s skill towards the end.

By the second week a good balance and variety of vocal/movement/percussion opportunities were emerging. A flowing material danced through the space as the new whirlies whipped up some amazing sounds and harmonies which encircled the percussion ensemble for a beautiful orchestral blend in the second half.

Everyone enjoyed their first Sound Bath being described as “a different experience!” It enabled some in the bath to be “totally focused,” to have “a very relaxing experience,” while in the outer circle the amazing variety of sounds and some joyful facial expressions let us all know that we were truly engaged in the celebration!”

During the first weeks we are “getting to know each other… going with the flow” all sharing and developing our skills, talents and resources. No doubt new sounds, new stories and ways of expressing them will emerge as we continue to create and have fun on our new Sound Circles journey.

Sound Circles Brisbane Report

Sound Circles is most certainly having another successful year. We have averaged about 20 participants each week, with quite a few new ones on board this term. We have appreciated the support of many volunteers...Alyssa, Sam, Lucas, Bernie and overall, everyone worked brilliantly together.

Our original goal was “Sound Circle Idol”. It is still in the pipeline, but in the true fashion of the workshop, we have allowed ourselves to explore other tangents.

We have experimented with song writing, musical performance and some of the more traditional Sound Circles activities such as making music with objects that were found in the environment, creating sound scapes with voice and movement, and basking in sound baths.

Many of the members have taken up working roles in the group, such as leading some activities, and supporting others to participate which is absolutely fabulous to see. There has been a noticeable degree of harmony and RESPECT within the workshops, with a brilliant creative energy.

There is freedom whilst still having control...an individual growth in people whilst still a group feeling....and as always....blissful organized chaos.

Karen Lee Roberts & Katya Skorik – Brisbane Sound Circles Term 1 facilitators

Hip Hop Workshops

The first term of hip hop workshops was a great success. For a pilot program the indication is clear that this course is valuable and accepted. The goals and objectives were reached within the capacity of the class and its transient participation. Reaching numbers of as little as 8 and up to 25 – 30, the classes showed much diversity and artistic expression. The participation of indigenous teachers was a great benefit to the classes and also to make contact with these communities for future projects. Overall, a successful and fulfilling project.

We have applied for further funding to continue these wonderful workshops.....We’ll keep you posted on the outcome of these proposals.

BOA Visit to the Gallery of Modern Art

On Monday 17 March the BOA group visited the Andy Warhol exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art. It was a great day. The group had a guided tour of the exhibition, then had lunch and some of the group even managed to visit the Qld Art Gallery in the afternoon. Below are some comments on the day from the BOA members:

Peter Magner: It was a really good day.

Alex Crombie Van-Ewyk: The Andy Warhol exhibition was very good. I really liked the use of colour and the memorabilia cabinets. I also liked the super market and the silver factory. I would give the exhibition a 10 out of 10!

Andrew Pemberton: I really liked seeing the art.

Belinda Peel: I enjoyed meeting up for lunch!

Stephen Corti-Griffiths: I enjoyed the company, the friendliness of the group and the discovery of new ideas. Mandy Johnstone: Yes, I had a good time.

Visual Art Events

The Boa Studio members currently have an exhibition From Darkness to Light showing at the Garden City Library until April 30. The exhibition launch on Sunday 6 April was a success, with Sharan Harvey, Manager of Library Services from Garden City Library, opening the exhibition. Access Arts life member Peter Vance also sung at the opening. Many thanks to Dan Cox, Josie Haynes and Stephen Corti-Griffiths for generously volunteering their time to assist with catering at the exhibition launch. The exhibition was a result of a partnership between Access Arts and Garden City Library – Brisbane City Council. Special thanks to Nigel Kimber, at Garden City Library for his support with this exhibition.

Contemporary Visual Arts Report

The Contemporary Visual Arts Workshops with Renae Burton and Monique Menzel were a success. Workshop participants focused on developing their skills in painting, print making, drawing and collage with some wonderful results. This workshop series will be offered again in Term 2 for those that missed out on a place in Term 1.

Emerald Community Workshops

Emerald Community Participation Service recently hosted a very successful ‘Celebrating Cultural Diversity’ Art Workshop with funding from the Regional Arts Development Fund in conjunction with the Emerald Shire Council and Access Arts Inc Queensland through Disability Services Queensland’s Building Supportive Communities Program.

Rockhampton artist Sue Kraatz conducted the workshop over a period of 6 days with clients from Emerald Community Participation Service and community members. Sue has a Diploma of Visual Arts and a Certificate IV in Disability Work, and has many years of experience working with people who experience a disability.

Participants completed individual works, soft sculptural works, as well as working with a number of mediums during the workshops to create collaborative banners which will be displayed at the Easter Sunflower Festival and the Multi Cultural Festival to be held on Saturday 19th April. A number of works produced in the workshop will also be exhibited as part of Access Arts’ State-wide Crossing Divides Exhibition at Metro Arts in August, funded by Disability Services Queensland.

Crossing Divides Regional Initiatives Partnership - Currumbin, Qld

Spaces are now available to young people wishing to become involved in the Crossing Divides pilot project. Based in the Currumbin community and in partnership with the Currumbin Community Special School Parents and Citizens Association, Term 1 of the project will begin on April 16th.

What is Crossing Divides? Crossing Divides is a post school Creative Industries program that offers a diverse range of pre vocational workshops for young adults experiencing disability or disadvantage who have just left school or are currently completing year twelve. The project is accessible for participants aged 16 – 25 years, however this is flexible.

Crossing Divides consists of an extensive workshop program, community activities, showcases and events throughout the year. Workshops will run in terms similar to schools and community activities will be open to the whole community and take place in dynamic local spaces during school holiday periods. All of these project activities will prepare participants for entry into wider social, educational and economic opportunities.

The workshop program comprises of five creative workshop formats: Visual Art / Theatre / Hip Hop / Digital Storytelling / Sound Circles™. These workshops are set at a pre-vocational training level that caters for individual learning needs through skilling not currently available through mainstream programs.

Crossing Divides will develop a sustainable model of community cultural development for young people experiencing disabilities and disadvantage which leads to increased access to life-long learning, ongoing training and employment outcomes not currently available in the region. The program actively assists in increasing social inclusiveness and community support for young people experiencing disabilities and disadvantage to participate fully in employment and vocational based training.

How did this project come about? In 2006 Access Arts was invited by Parents & Citizens management committee of the new Currumbin Community Special School in SE Queensland to partner with them to develop the school facility for use by the wider Gold Coast community. Community consultation with young people, families and agencies followed, including a forum, using Access Arts’ Sound Circles TM program to promote active imaginative participation.

Through this process, the primary objective evolved to develop the school as a community hub for post-school activities, where sustainable and innovative Creative Industries based-training and life-long learning programs could be offered, meeting the needs of all young people, including those experiencing disabilities and disadvantage, in cooperation with the families and agencies that provided services for them.

How to become involved:

If you live in the Gold Coast region and would like to participate in this exciting project please contact Jessica Townsend at Access Arts on (07) 3358 6200, Local Call Cost: 1300 663 651 or by email.

Actors Anonymous

Editor’s note: Actors Anonymous is a group of actors who come together to develop their performing arts skills and are supported by Access Arts.

Just a reminder to everybody that Actors Anonymous is back in action. Term 1 has just finished, and Term 2 will recommence on Wednesday 7th May.

Facilitated by Alyssa Maughan and Nic Vogelpoel, we rehearse on Wednesdays.

When: 12:00-2:00 PM

Where: 10 Cameron St, Fairfield

Cost: $5.00 per head.

Should you require further information, or want to join, please call Alyssa on 0400 703 159, Access Arts on 3358 6200, or by email.

Alyssa Maughan: To all of our current members, we are missing you, and would love to have you rejoin us. We would also like to ask that if you are an enrolled participant, could you please notify us if you will not be attending at any time. This way, we can plan activities and the workshops can progress. We are currently working on an exciting script based on family life on a farm, The Lonely Man (2). It was written by David Roosje, and was chosen by our members as the focus for this first semester. It is the sequel of a work which was performed both at Sunset Sounds (Brisbane Powerhouse) and at a disability action week celebration at Kyabra Community Association Inc in July of last year.

Professional Development Forum

Are you a young person experiencing a disability?

Are you a visual artist or musician from Brisbane who has an interest in developing a professional career?

If this is you then Access Arts Inc (Queensland) would like to invite you along to our second professional development forum for this year!

Why come along?

Artists will have the opportunity to share their experiences with other artists of their field as well as hear from experienced professionals e.g. University lecturers and practicing professional artists.

You will have the opportunity to gain some useful information as well as the chance to participate in small group skill development workshops relevant to your chosen field.

Access Arts welcomes participants from our previous forum as well as any new people who might be interested.

When: Tuesday May 27, 2008.

Time:

6pm - 7pm (for musicians)
7pm - 7:30pm (networking and light supper for all)
7:30pm - 8:30pm (for visual artists)
8:30pm - 9pm general discussion for all.

Please note: you may wish to attend only the section relevant to your art form or the entire forum.

If you are interested please RSVP to Hayley or Sally on (07) 3358 6200 or email.

Arts Intersections

A two day symposium to develop collaborations between community arts, disability, and research organisations in and around Brisbane.

Location: Griffith University Logan Campus

Date: 17-18 July 2008

Intersections Art Exhibition to be held Thurs 17th July 5:30 pm following Day 1 of the Symposium.

The symposium will feature papers, panel discussions, and workshops on the following:

Cultural considerations: the place of art making and wellness in our society;
Case studies of successful inclusive programs for art making and health or wellbeing;
Research methods for identifying and evaluating the impact of community art programs;
Skills development and growth in arts related employment for under- represented populations
Reflections from community practitioners and artists on how they practice in relation to art making and the outcomes of this practice;
Links between art making, personal development, and happiness;
Ethical issues in community art making with vulnerable populations.

Registration is free. Contact Griffith Abilities Research Program by email for more information.

Proudly hosted by the Griffith Abilities Research Program in conjunction with Access Arts Queensland.

Member's Corner

Smartcare / Access Arts collaborative music/poetry session

Autumn day in Ashgrove
Summer sun has gone
Cool, soft, warm, breeze
The community meets to celebrate
Explore possibilities
Meeting in friendship & hope
Music lifts our spirits
And we all build more safeguards
This is our music
We own it
Shake those hips
Tap those feet
Clap those hands
We are happy
We are one

Volunteer Profile: Sam Hill

1. Q: When did you come to AAI?
I came a week before Hip Hop started, so on Wednesday the 13th of February.

2. Q: What made you decide to volunteer for AAI?
Darren started telling me all about it, and I really wanted to get some work, and I thought it would be really good...and it was!

3. Q: What did you do before coming to AAI?
I finished school last year, and started doing Job Seeking Training…it was awful!!

4. Q: What is your favourite food?
My most favourite food would be lasagne and spaghetti boll.

5. Q: What is your favourite movie?
Scary movies...all of them!!

6. Q: What is your favourite song?
Akom’s “Sorry I Blamed You”.

7. Q: What is your star sign?
Leo.

8. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
If I were sent to a desert island, I’d be taking nearly everything!!!

9. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
It could be anywhere between Hip Hop and modelling.

10. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
Achieving something that I never have done before.

Student Placement Profile: Kristen Barros

1. Q: When did you become a volunteer at Access Arts?
At the end of March.

2. Q: What made you decide to volunteer at Access Arts?
I saw Access Arts on the list of agencies I was given at uni and looked it up on the internet. I found that it combines both my drama and human services degrees in one agency so I thought it would be the perfect starting place to see where I could go after I graduate.

3. Q: Which workshops and/ or activities do you volunteer in?
At the moment, I’m doing a bit of office work but once the term starts I’ll be helping Jess out with the Crossing Divides Project at Currumbin.

4. Q: Why did you choose these particular ones?
It brings in the drama side of my degree.

5. Q: What are some uplifting experiences you have had whilst here at Access Arts?
I sat in on a drumming workshop just before it ended for the term. It was really great to watch everyone just take on a rhythm whether they were drumming to their own beat or following someone else.

6. Q: What are your best assets on offer to us, being one of our volunteers?
As a student, I think one of my best assets is the willingness to learn. This is a whole new environment for me and I’m looking forward to making the most of it.

7. Q: Who is your mentor in life...someone you’d like to reflect?
My mum is one of my mentors. She’s a youth worker and the energy, commitment and effort she brings to her job everyday is something I would like to aspire to.

8. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
I’m not sure. I hope that I’ll be working within a youth arts environment as well as a performing artist in the theatre world. It’s great being able to bring your passion into your workplace so I’m sure I’ll be happy wherever I end up 10 years from now.

9. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
If it feels right, then do it.

Amy's Dream

(Presented by Amy Wright at the Access Arts Toowoomba Arts Forum held on 28 February 2008).

Everyone has a dream and this is the story of my dream.

I was born with an intellectual disability and ever since I was a little girl I have had a love of the theatre. When I was about ten years old I had my first drama lesson. I loved these lessons and they really helped me to feel confident and special.

As the years went by I also learnt some ballet, tap and jazz dancing, Irish and Ballroom dancing, and had the occasional singing lesson.

My big ambition was to perform on stage at a theatre in the town where we lived. This happened when I was part of the high school Musical “Oliver”. What a thrill that was!

Several years later I played the lead role in a play called “The Convict Maid” which was produced by the Endeavour Foundation for able-bodied and disabled persons. This was a great hit and everyone involved had a wonderful time and felt like they were part of the community.

Since moving to Toowoomba in 1999, I have had the fantastic experience of being part of the “Don’t Dis My Ability” production sponsored by Anglicare and produced by Kate Judith.

This involved about ten intellectually disabled young adults who met every week for approximately six months.

We did activities which allowed each of us to express who we were and to get to know each other.

There were lots of volunteers from the community and they were rewarded for their efforts by seeing each individual blossom into confident and happy people. At the end of the six months we performed a concert for the public and their response was overwhelming.

I danced a Butterfly Dance and by the end of my presentation there was not a dry eye in the audience. The whole experience was so positive for us all, and we hoped that we would be able to continue with a similar project the next year.

Unfortunately this was not to be and consequently many disabled people were left feeling flat and unmotivated. Fortunately the “Que Able” Group started up and this then became the “Able” Group. Many people have benefited from this drama experience but it is quite expensive. More people would be able to participate if the cost was less or even free.

This brings me to My Dream which is to have a Theatre School for the Disabled here in Toowoomba.

I can imagine disabled people learning simple skills and gradually building up their talents to perform for the public.

I have seen how people like me can blossom and grow in such an environment. What a wonderful dream this is and I hope and pray that one day soon it will become a reality.

What's On?

Calling All Visual Artists!

Access Arts is calling for submissions for Crossing Divides - an annual state wide survey show of Access Arts members from across Queensland.

Visual artists who wish to submit work for the show can access the Crossing Divides information sheet and entry form through our 2008 Program webpage here or contact Access Arts on 3358 6200 - Regional (Local Call Charge) 1300 663 651.

Digital images and artist statement due by Friday 18 April.

Exhibition dates: Tuesday 29 July – Saturday 9 August.

Opening: Friday 1st August 6-8pm

Where: Metro Arts Gallery 1
Level 2 Metro Arts 109 Edward St, Brisbane

Gallery hours: 10.00 am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday
2.00pm to 5.00pm Saturday.

Indigenous Business Australia

Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (MSIT) is conducting free training on behalf of Indigenous Business Australia. The purpose of these workshops is that IBA Enterprises assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to acquire, establish and develop commercially viable enterprises.

IBA offer support to:

Develop your business idea
Develop a marketing strategy and products
Plan your business
Obtain training in how to manage and operate your business
Grow an existing business

These workshops are offered free of charge to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For information free phone Christina Macdonald on 1800 235 993 or 07 3826 8476.

Brisbane Festival – Volunteer Callout!

Join us in presenting one of the largest international arts festivals in Australia by becoming a Brisbane Festival Volunteer! Brisbane Festival 2008 is going to explode onto the streets from 18 July to 3 August. We’d love your help in areas including, ushering, meet and greet, stage management, administration and more. If you can spare two hours or two weeks, and want to experience what it’s like to work on a major arts gig then hop to it. To apply go to www.brisbanefestival.com.au and follow the Volunteers Link. Applications close 5pm, 30 May.

Back by Polular Demand

Contemporary Visual Arts workshops with Renae Burton

Following a highly successful 6 week workshop series in term 1, Renae and her fabulous assistant Monique are back again in term 2 for another 8 weeks of painting, print making and general visual arts fun!

When: Wednesday May 7th – Wednesday June 25th, 10-1pm

Where: BOA Studios, Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St New Farm

Cost: $15 per week or $120 for the full term.

Number of participants: 8-10 (Priority will be given to those who missed out the first time round). All community members are welcome!

Proudly supported by Access Arts Inc.

Drawing Workshops

When: Sat. 31 May to Sat. 21 June, 2008 1pm - 3pm

Where: Stores Rehearsal Room, Brisbane Powerhouse

Cost: Cost $40

Suitable for anyone who wants to improve their drawing skills whilst developing their own style. In the four, two hour sessions, participants will use charcoal to experiment and discover how to draw, render tones and textures and recognise tonal values.

Tutor Alicia Maroto is a full time painter who has exhibited and worked as an artist in residence both in Australia and overseas. She has received numerous awards, conducted painting workshops and is a facilitator with Access Arts.

Contact: Access Arts Inc on 3358 6200 or by email.

Artist's Opportunity

Accessible Arts in partnership with the Bundanon Trust are providing an artist in residency opportunity for a NSW artist with a disability. Artists practising in the visual arts, design, digital technologies, film, literature, dance and theatre are eligible to apply. The successful applicant will undertake the residency in November 2008 and will receive a $3000 stipend to undertake the residency. As a gift to the Australian people, Arthur Boyd’s vision for Bundanon was to provide an inspirational haven for artists at all stages of their career.

Applications close Friday April 18.

Application Form: www.aarts.net.au.

Enquiries: Josie Cavallaro, Accessible Arts (02) 9251 6499 ext 4, jcavallaro@aarts.net.au.

For further information on Bundanon, visit www.bundanon.com.au.

Photography Club

To be held once a month on a Sunday from 10am till 2pm, starting in May 2008 at Coomera Family Central, 3 Jowett St, Coomera QLD.

If you are or know someone with a Disability that maybe interested in participating or a person who would like to volunteer within the program, please contact Kylee Stenos on 0405 386 848 or by email.

New Accessible Audio Description Website

Media Access Australia has revealed a new-look innovative audio description website, www.audiodescription.com.au. This accessible website has been developed in collaboration with Energetica, IT consultants who specialise in the not-for-profit sector. It has been developed with the blind and visually impaired in mind. The site is easy to navigate due to its innovative design, which functions smoothly with screen readers.

Users of the site will get a comprehensive view of what is happening in audio description both in Australia and the rest of the world. On the website you can find out what audio description is and how it works, a list of audio described DVDs and information about theatrical performances and other events. There are also many ideas about what you can do to get involved and promote this essential service.

For more information go to www.audiodescription.com.au.

2high Festival 2008 Coordinator Callout

Want to be involved in the biggest, boldest, longest-running celebration of independent artists in Brisbane? Then sign on for the 2008 2high Festival!

This ground breaking event provides mentored opportunities for anyone aged up to 26 years with an interest in: marketing, publicity, production, or event, festival and company management.

Find out more by calling Backbone Youth Arts (07) 3210 2666, or send your details to info@backbone.org.au.

Young Playwrights Program – Ages 13 to 26

Queensland Theatre Company's Young Playwrights Program is an opportunity for up to three playwrights between 13 to 26 years of age to participate in a program to develop their script and refine their writing skills.

Each selected playwright receives:

professional script development
tickets to productions at Queensland Theatre Company
a rehearsed reading of the play by professional actors
invitations to industry events and other opportunities

The one-act scripts should be submitted by 8 May.

For more information please contact Rebecca Smith, Youth & Education Officer on 07 3010 7606 or by email.

The deadline for inclusion in the May newsletter is Tuesday 29th April. Please send newsletter items to Karen by email or post to Access Arts.

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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