Editorial- July 2007 (reprinted from 'The Arts Guide 3E Innovative')

Something is rotten in the arts and cultural state of OZ, at this point in time there is a critical need for arts, cultural organisations and venues as providers of goods and services to recognise that we have a moral and importantly a legal obligation that we are required under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act to provide reasonable and adequate services to people experiencing disabilities. Of course we might forgive the general sector for its tardiness to comply at least in the spirit of the act given that there is a dearth of 'disability' arts and cultural policies at national and state levels. It appears to me that given that the arts and cultural sector see ourselves as being on the 'high ground' in relation to cultural development, human rights, free speech and such matters, it puzzles that few in the sector are acting on the issues facing people experiencing disabilities accessing the diverse arts and cultural activities that most of us working in it enjoy. For example: poor accessibility to venues and events, inadequate professional development opportunities, barriers to tertiary education and opportunities to work within the sector.

I am also concerned that we don't validate a current extremely narrow view, that somehow people experiencing disabilities are only viewed from an arts business perspective as simply potential consumers or audience. Artists and creative individuals work as professionals in the sector, and their developmental needs as artists first and persons experiencing disabilities second are not serviced by the type of policy intervention suggested in the Australia Council document, Access All Areas: guidelines for marketing the arts to people with disabilities. I encourage you to download the document as an example to this well meaning but one dimensional level of thinking.

www.ozco.gov.au/arts_resources/publications/access_all_areas/

Finally I wish to alert you to a simple but profound proposition about people experiencing disabilities and disadvantage "One does not know a culture until one knows the perspectives of its disabled citizens"- Kinzaburo Oe, Nobel Prize Winner

One of the most powerful things we can do as a sector is recognise that a number of people experiencing disabilities are active arts and cultural producers across all art forms and many more could be and would appreciate your active support in assisting it to happen.

Ross Barber
Centenary of Federation Medal for: Distinguished Service to the Arts
Executive Director
Access Arts

If you would like to comment or respond to Ross' editorial please address your responses to Letters to the Editor, PO Box 1034, New Farm 4005. Alternatively you can email Sally Josephson. Exciting prizes will be awarded to the most interesting letters!

Later on in the year we also plan to have a themed newsletter. If you have any suggestions on this theme please also write to the postal or email address above.

Reminder to all Members: Workshop Dates

Access Arts' workshop program kicks off again for term 3 this month so whether you're a regular participant or wish to join in for the first time please take note of the information below:

Sound Circles - From Saturday July 21st - Saturday September 8th at the Stores Rehearsal Room, Brisbane Powerhouse from 10-12pm.

Wheelchair Dancing - From Saturday 18th August- Saturday September 8th at the Stores Rehearsal Room, Brisbane Powerhouse from 1-3pm.
(Everyone is welcome to join in this workshop. Wheelchairs will be available for use so please advise Access Arts beforehand if you need to borrow one.)

Brisbane Outsider Artists (BOA) - On Mondays and Tuesdays from Monday 9th July- Tuesday September 4th at the BOA Studios, Brisbane Powerhouse from 9:30-3pm.

Drumming Group - Every Friday from 12-2pm at the Brisbane Powerhouse. The exact spot the drummers set up changes from time to time but you'll be able to hear them. Otherwise, just come up to the Access Arts office (Level 1, Stores Building) for directions.

To register your interest for any of these workshops please call Access Arts on (07) 3358 6200 or email Sally Josephson

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GAINING EMPLOYMENT IN THE ARTS SECTOR?
DO YOU EXPERIENCE A DISABILITY?

Access Arts has just what you've been looking for .... (And perhaps a little bit more!)

With funding from Disability Services Queensland, Access Arts is offering a flexible skills development program to people who experience a disability and have a background in the performing arts. The aim of the program is to encourage and support participants to develop the skills to gain employment in the arts industry.

Access Arts' award-winning program Sound Circles', a voice and movement program which encourages creative expression in a group-directed process, will be used as a catalyst to identify participant training needs and to develop a wide range of skills in the arts. The program will be flexible dependant on participant needs and interests and may include, but is not limited to arts tuition, one on one mentoring and training in small groups.

The program will focus on individual strengths and goals in whatever area of the arts participants choose. These may vary from drama to singing, dance and instrumental workshops, to business skills in marketing, administration and grant writing.

If you are interested in participating in this program please register your interest with Emma Bennison or Karen Roberts by the 17th August by calling Access Arts on (07) 3358 6200 or emailing Emma Bennison

Outcomes of Queensland Community Foundation

General Fund 2007 Grand Round

The outcomes of Queensland Community Foundation's inaugural grant round have been confirmed, and Access Arts is one of the six organisations that have been approved.

The criteria for these grants came from the Philanthropy's Future in the Smart State report to which many of our sub funds were contributors. The report showed just what was needed in the charity and non profit organisation sector - Grants that made a difference and grants with a difference. Alongside the major and minor grants for capital projects the report highlighted a need to support the growth of the core businesses.

Consequently, this year the grants are being given for evaluation of existing programs. Like any sound business there is a need to review and evaluate how a program is going. Is it meeting the need? Is it using the latest technology? Can it be better tailored? All these questions and more help the many organisations in our community provide the quality services and support to those in need.

Access Arts has been successful in securing funding for our Sounds Circles Program, which brings creative training opportunities to people who experience disability or disadvantage through an education training program.

Congratulations Robert Plant!

Access Arts would like to extend our congratulations to Robert Plant for receiving one of this year's Disability Action Week awards under the Individual category. This award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to improving the quality of life of Queenslanders with a disability by promoting their inclusion in community life. He received this prestigious award at the Disability Action Week Awards Lunch on 17th July.

It's not who you know it's WHAT you know!

This new section is dedicated to informing members about their rights as a member of Access Arts. As part of this segment, each month Access Arts News will be highlighting a policy and procedure. This month we are featuring the Grievance Policy.

Definition:

A grievance is a formal statement of complaint.

Purpose:

To provide all Members and Staff with an appropriate process for making a complaint or grievance.

Policy:

1. There will be no recrimination against any Member or Staff who makes a complaint about Access Arts Inc. activities and/or Staff.
2. All grievances will be handled in a confidential and sensitive manner consistent with the Access Arts Inc. policy on privacy, confidentiality and freedom of information.
3. All Members and Staff have the right to invite, at any stage, an independent advocate to assist them to resolve a grievance with Access Arts Inc.
4. All Members and Staff have the right to speak directly to the Access Arts Inc. Management Committee. An advocate may only respond to the grievance when invited by the complainant.
5. A member of the Access Arts Inc. Management Committee shall be nominated to assume the responsibility of dealing with matters pertaining to sexual harassment.

Grievance Procedure

1. Access Arts Inc. Staff shall report all Members' grievances and complaints to the Executive Director, except if the grievance concerns the Executive Director. The matter shall then be reported to the Chairperson of the Access Arts Inc. Management Committee. The role of the Executive Director or Chairperson in such instances is to arrange a meeting with the complainant and his/her advocate as the initial step to resolution of the grievance.
2. Before any formal action can be taken, the grievance must be written, signed, and lodged with the Executive Director or the Chairperson of the Access Arts Inc. Management Committee (using the Grievance Report Form). Members and Staff may enlist the support of an advocate to assist them to formulate a written grievance statement. The advocate must sign a disclaimer which states that they are acting on behalf of the complainant.
3. Should discussions with the Executive Director fail to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of both parties, then the matter shall be referred, by either party, to the Access Arts Inc. Management Committee for assistance.
4. Should the initial meeting with the Access Arts Inc. Management Committee fail to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of both parties, then the matter shall be referred to an independent arbitrator for assistance.
5. Members and Staff lodging a grievance claim shall, within a month of the initial complaint to Access Arts Inc, receive a written response advising or confirming the action to be taken. If, after three (3) months, the grievance has not been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties, a mutually agreed upon independent arbitrator shall be appointed to become part of the resolution process.
6. If one (1) month after the independent arbitrator has been appointed the grievance has not been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties, a special general meeting of the Members will be called to resolve the matter.
7. If the special general meeting doesn't resolve the matter to the satisfaction of both parties it may be referred to the Disability Services Queensland Complaints Process.
8. After the grievance process is resolved, and if the grievance was proven, a review will be held by either Staff and/or Management Committee members and appropriate action will be taken to make improvements to service.

If you have any questions or suggestions on this policy or any others, please email Emma Bennison or Sally Josephson or phone: 3358 6200/ 1300 663 651 (local call cost for regional callers).

Sensational Success for Sunset Sounds

An impressive number of community members along with Access Arts staff, members, performers, friends and family attended Access Arts? Sunset Sounds on Friday 13th and what a great night we all had! The evening began at 5-30pm with the drummers playing several fantastic pieces as people arrived.

We were very privileged to sit back and listen to the newly formed Community Choir coming together for their first public performance. There was also an incredible solo performance from Lucas Eddy and a duet from Community Choir facilitators Alyssa Maughan and Hayley Kitchener. The Actors Anonymous crew had everyone in hysterics with the debut play "The Lonely Man" written by up and coming playwright David Roojse. The interval then saw people enjoying refreshments and food while the performers prepared for the second half.

The Choir began the second half with more fantastic singing. An excerpt of the play "The Black Wedding" written by Jeannie Lavalee then followed performed with the aid of shadow puppets. The drummers played for us again and the Actors Anonymous crew concluded the play and the night with the wedding ceremony itself performed by Andrius, Jeannie, Julia, Alicia and Damian.

A very big thankyou to the Brisbane Powerhouse for the wonderful venue. Thank you also to all the wonderful performers including the Community Choir, the Drumming Group and Actors Anonymous, volunteers and Access Arts Staff who made it all happen. Alicia Jones in particular deserves special thanks for all the work she put into organising the event.
Last but not least to everyone who supported Sunset Sounds by coming along THANK YOU!
See you all at the next one!

Julie Jones, Membership Services Officer
(Photos by Richard McLaren)

Microsoft Software Donation to Access Arts

Access Arts would like to express our great appreciation to Microsoft and Donortec for their generous donation of operating systems and other office software to the value of $46,000. Donortec, a partnership between CISA's CommunIT Project and TechSoup, a US-based non-profit technology capacity building organisation, is an online technology donation and discount service for not-for-profit organisations. They facilitate the donation, for a small administration fee, of software and hardware donations on behalf of Microsoft, who produce the operating systems and office suites such as Windows Vista and Office 2007 that run on 93% of the world's computers, and Cisco, one of the world's leading providers of networking technologies. This donation to Access Arts will allow us to continue to provide high quality publications, media, information and other technical services to our members, and assists us to stay up-to-date with the benefits and possibilities that Information Technology provides.

Thank you to Queenslanders with Disability Inc.

Access Arts would like to thank Greg Wagner from QDN for organising the Braille embossing of Access Arts News. This has enabled our newsletter to be converted into an audio format by radio announcer and audio engineer Vaughn Bennison which is available on our website at www.accessarts.org.au

(A big thank you also to Vaughn, your expertise is greatly appreciated!) Braille newsletters are available to members upon request, please call Access Arts on 3358 6200 or 1300 663 651 (local call cost for regional callers).

Student Placement Profile: Jodi Ball

Hi, my name is Jodi Ball and I am a new member of the Access Arts team. I live on the Sunshine Coast and enjoy the slower more relaxed lifestyle up there. I am a very busy girl working and studying, but when I do have some spare time I love to play touch football, read, and enjoy good food with family and friends.

1. Q: When did you come to AAI?
2. I started at Access Arts in the first week in July. I am here Monday through to Wednesday for a few months as a student placement from QUT, where I am doing a Bachelor of Human Services.
3. Q: What made you decide to work for AAI?
4. I decided to do my placement at Access Arts as I have a background in the arts field, having done a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Theatre. I have never worked in the disability field and thought that it would be a good experience to combine something I knew about - arts, with something I knew nothing about - the disability sector.
5. Q: What did you do before coming to AAI?
6. I currently work at Kmart as a team leader to pay the bills while I finish my degree, but I have done lots of different things to get to this point. I have worked as a stage manager at the Metro Arts Centre as well as with an events organizer in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. I have been a librarian, an office administrator, a cook in a road house and a family support worker. I believe that the wide range of jobs that I have had has helped to shape the way I work as a human service worker.
7. Q: What is your favourite food?
8. My favourite meal would be either a good Indian Curry with some Garlic Naan Bread or a Thai Penang Curry with coconut rice. I love spicy exotic food.
9. Q: What is your favourite movie?
10. My favourite movie would have to be 10 Things I Hate About You. It is a modern take on a Shakespearian classic. I love Julia Stiles, and the connection between her and Heath Ledger is fantastic viewing. The music in this film is pretty good as well.
11. Q: What is your favourite song?
12. My music taste changes from week to week, but my most recent favourite song is Hinder's 'Lips of an Angel'.
13. Q: What is your star sign?
14. I am a feisty Scorpio.
15. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
16. One of the first things I would definitely take are a few good books, I love to read. I would need a satellite phone to keep in touch with family. And lastly I would need my fiancé as I would miss him too much if I left him behind (also he is a big strong man who could keep me safe from scary things like bugs and monsters).
17. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
18. In ten years time I see myself as having a happy family and working in the human service field in an area that I could make a positive difference to people?s lives.
19. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
20. My philosophy for life is that I will try anything once. Things always seem scary before you give them a try, but you can be surprised by the outcome when you give it a try. There is always the option of not doing it again if you don't like something, but if you pass up an opportunity without giving it a go you could miss out on an amazing experience.

Member's Corner

A quick word from Lyn (Actress Extraordinaire!)

I go to the Actors Anonymous acting group on Friday with Alicia Jones and besides the other group I really enjoy it. We do have some fun and we read script of "The Lonely Man" by David Roosje. Some parts of this play are a bit funny and I try very hard to keep a straight face! We do really have a lovely group going and we get on well together. So please feel welcome to join us every Friday morning from 9:30 till 12pm at 10 Cameron St, Fairfield. We performed "The Lonely Man" and another play, "A Black Wedding" at Sunset Sounds on July 13th. This successful event was held at the Roof Top Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse and had tasty food and drink. If you would like to join Actors Anonymous please call Alyssa Maughan on 0400 753 159.
- Lyn Flanagan (Actors Anonymous)

Member Profile: Alex Crombie-Van Ewyk

1. Q: When did you become a member of AAI?
2. Ever since I saw your newsletter. This was in 2005.
3. Q: What made you decide to become a member of AAI?
4. Hmm. The things that AAI do to help others. And I like to help others.
5. Q: What area(s) of the arts are you interested in?
6. Painting, ceramics, drawing etc.
7. Q: What is your favourite food?
8. Cherries and all kinds of chocolate stuff!
9. Q: What is your favourite movie?
10. Flushed Away.
11. Q: What is your favourite song?
12. I don?t have one as there are so many good ones out there.
13. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
14. A portable house that I can inflate and have instant shelter and a coconut cutting kit.
15. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
16. Travelling the world with my family.
17. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
18. Life is like a soft toy; cherish it as best you can.

What's On

29@South Bank exhibition

Exhibition showing from
Hands On Art Gallery
The Boardwalk
South Bank
Ph: 07 3844 4589

Access Arts is providing Tour Guides to assist people with vision impairment to experience the exhibition. Bookings can be made by phoning Access Arts on 3358 6200 or 1300 663 651.

Soapstone Sculpture

Dates: Thursday, 2 August - 6 September 2007, 10am - 1pm

Tutor: Madeleine van Leer

Sculptor, Madeleine van Leer will again be offering a series of 6 workshops exploring the expressive beauty of Soapstone. Soapstone is soft and easy to carve and great for those who are new to sculpture or those with more experience. Madeleine says..."come and experience the softness, the colours and textures that emerge, as you hand-carve and polish the stone".

Workshops commence Thursday, 2 August, 10am - 1pm and will be held in the BOA Studio space, behind the Stores Building, Brisbane Power House, New Farm. Cost is $180 ($30 per week) and includes all equipment. Stone is an extra $15 - $25. Payment options are available including a subsidy for Access Arts Inc members. People are welcome to bring their own carer, as personal care support is not provided.

Please direct all inquiries to Madeleine van Leer, phone 0438 705 527 and forward payment to 3 Dacre Street, Toowong by Monday 30 July.

AART.BOXX Competition - Entries now Open

Accessible Arts has recently opened applications nationwide for AART.BOXX 2007! AART.BOXX is an initiative that aims to showcase the creative drive of young Australian artists under 25 with a disability. Following last year's success and overwhelming response, the opportunity to get your work OUT THERE is being offered again. Selected works for AART.BOXX will be exhibited at the iconic Sydney Opera House in November 2007 in conjunction with celebrations for International Day of People with a Disability (IDPWD) 2007.

This year, artists are encouraged to consider themes on perception and disability. The works need to have been created since January 2006 and can be in any medium including SCULPTURE, ZINES, MIXED MEDIA, ANIMATION, DRAWING, PAINTING and MULTI MEDIA. To find out more visit the AART.BOXX page on the Accessible Arts website www.aarts.net.au under 'Our Projects' and download the Pre-selection Form. Or click on this link: http://www.aarts.net.au/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=500&page_id=144

"AART.BOXX is essentially the launch pad to the careers of many of these emerging Australian artists" Sancha Donald, CEO Accessible Arts.

Deadline for Pre-Selection form only: Monday 6th August 2007 Cost: FREE For any media enquiries contact Nadia de Ceglie by email and for AART.BOXX 2007 project enquiries contact Josie Cavallaro on 02 9251 6499 or via email.

Black Box Sculpture Exhibition

Exhibition showing from Monday 16th to Tuesday 31st July
Exhibition closing function Tuesday 31st July, 3pm
Footsteps Gallery
Old School of Arts Building
166 Ann Street Brisbane
Ph 07 3229 0395

The Black Box Sculpture Exhibition features paintings and sculptural work by BOA artists Belinda Peel and Stephen Corti-Griffiths, as well as Access Arts staff member Travis Mitchell.

The Chess Exhibition

Exhibition showing from 7th - 28th July
Robyn Bauer Studio Gallery
54 Latrobe Terrace
Paddington
Ph - 07 3369 6573

This is a solo exhibition of paintings and sculptures about chess, birds and Robyn Bauer's personal symbolism that combines the two.

Presentation by the Queensland Police Force

A constable from the Queensland Police Force will give a presentation about general safety and their role in the community. There will also be an opportunity to take photographs. The presentation is open to members of the community as well as other community organisations.

When: Monday 30 July
Where: Access Arts
Time: 1-3pm
Cost: Free
Bookings: Please phone the Access Arts office on 07 3358 6200 or 1300 663 651 to book for the presentation.

A Wonderful Winter Concert by Bundaberg Sound Circlers!

The Bundaberg Sound Circles group has worked tirelessly to present a Winter Concert featuring the debut performance of "Percival the Very Proud Peacock".

Where: Avenell Heights Progress Hall
When: Saturday 21 July 2007, 2.30pm
Cost: Admission $2.00 (Includes light supper)

Tea, coffee, cold drinks and snacks on sale.

YELL-OWT! Festival: Celebrating Disability Action Week

When: Saturday 21 July 2007 - 10am to 2pm
What: Festival, Fete, Food, and Family Fun! Prizes to be won! Free Performances! Rides and more!.

There are two main performances on the day. The first, a film and live performance, is a celebration of the amazing creativity, struggles and joy that is the life stories of people who have intellectual and physical disabilities. The second is performance by the "Southside Singers", a choir directed by Anne Flood.

Where: Multicap - 269 Padstow Rd, Eight Mile Plains, 4113.

Please RSVP to (07) 3340 9000

Recovery Day - Exploring, Expecting and Engaging

Presented by "A Place to Belong" and "Enlightened Consultants", this Recovery Day will consider more deeply the realities and practices of recovery from mental health difficulties. The day will explore questions like: What does it mean to recover from mental health difficulties? Can this be a transforming process? How do we participate in this process in our own lives? How do we support and encourage others in their recovery? How can mental health services/systems support our journey of recovery and transformation?

Who is the day for?

This event will be of interest to anyone interested in recovery from mental health difficulties. It will be highly relevant to people living with a mental health difficulty, their families and those who stand alongside them, as well as professionals in the field.

Date: Saturday 4th August 2007
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Venue: Griffith University Eco Centre, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan (accessible by public transport).
Cost: Registration is $40.00. This is negotiable according to what you are able to pay.
RSVP: Friday 27th July. There are limited spaces available.

For more information: Contact Penny - phone 3217 2522, email or Gemma 0424820264; email.

Please see Access Arts for a registration form.

Major refurbishment for Brunswick Street Station

From 14th July Platforms 3 & 4 will be closed to the public to ensure safe construction practices. During this time, trains that normally set down on these platforms will not able to do so.

Passengers from the Shorncliffe and Caboolture line should change at Platform 3 Eagle Junction station and move to platform 1 for a train to Brunswick Street platform 1.

Passengers from Sunshine Coast line, Wooloowin and Albion stations should change at platform 3 Bowen Hills and move to platform 1 for a train to Brunswick Street platform 1.

Passengers from Ipswich / Rosewood lines should change at platform 6 Central station and move to platforms 3 & 4 for a train to Brunswick Street platform 2.

Citytrain apologises for any inconvenience while this important station upgrade is completed.

Reminder: Nominations for Arts and Culture Awards

The Australia Council for the Arts calls upon members of the community to consider candidates for nomination in three community arts and culture award categories offered in 2007.

Important: The closing date for nominations has been extended to 31st July 2007. For further inquiries please contact Fiona Sprott, Project Co-ordinator, Australia Council for the Arts, on 02 9215 9036 or toll-free 1800 226 912.

Actors Anonymous and Community Choir Performance

As part of the Disability Action Week celebrations the Actors Anonymous group and Community Choir, with support from Access Arts, will be performing at the Kyabra Community Association from 10-2pm on Friday 20th July. Acting and singing workshop will also be available on the day.

Cost: Free
Please bring a plate of food to share.