A warm winter welcome to all Access Arts members!

In order to help combat the chilly weather, this month Access Arts has put together a mammoth newsletter chock-full of interesting articles to snuggle up and read with a nice cup of hot chocolate.

Firstly and most importantly, this newsletter contains information on Access Arts’ audit which will be carried out in September in accordance with the Disability Services Queensland Service Standards. Information on a focus group, also to be held in September as part of the audit process is also included. We also provide information on how to access our policies, procedures and forms and introduce a new regular feature which highlights a new policy each month. Additionally in this section, we introduce the four members of our Advisory Committee.

We also farewell our longest serving employee, Training and Quality Assurance Manager Robert Plant, whose commitment to Access Arts and the disability arts sector has been inspiring to us all. Other feature articles this month include a range of reports from our Saturday workshop program including the Community Choir, Sound Circles and Contemporary Arts. There’s also a report on the Sunshine Coast Sound Circles facilitator training and an update on one of our programs Creative Respite Options. We also say a big thank you to all our volunteers and have a yarn to new Sound Circles facilitator Helen Bradshaw.

In the Member’s Corner there’s another wonderful poem by Bill Thomas, we have a chat to music connoisseur Jonathan Craig and hear from Crissi Youhanna who recently performed her one woman show “Global Garbage”.

And finally, once again there’s the ‘What’s On’ section which has a multitude of info on what’s happening in the arts around Queensland.

Please Note: Our newsletter is now available on our website simply go to http://www.accessarts.org.au/latest_newsletter.htm. An audio version of each newsletter is also available on our website. Due to technical difficulties we have only recently been able to get last month’s up but we will endeavour to do this month’s as soon as possible.

Warm Regards,

- Sally Josephson (Project Officer)

Important information for all Members: Access Arts Audit 2007

Access Arts is funded by Disability Services Queensland and must comply with the DSQ Quality Service Standards. We have been working towards compliance since 2005 and will be audited in September 2007.

We welcome feedback and suggestions from members in order to improve our quality system. As part of the audit process Access Arts is required to hold a focus group. This is a process where an auditor and an auditor trained service user will facilitate a group discussion, and invite members to give their responses to questions based on the 10 Disability Service Standards. The aim of this activity is to gather evidence of how happy members are with the level of service and to create the opportunity to offer suggestions for further improvement.

This focus group is open to all members and will be held from 11-3pm in the Stores Rehearsal Room at the Brisbane Powerhouse on September 15th. No Access Arts staff member will be present in the room at the time of the focus group and members are encouraged to be open and honest. Morning tea and a light lunch will be provided for those who attend. For this session we need around 15 members to attend so please RSVP by September 5th.

Access Arts Policies and Procedures:

In order to ensure all members have easy access to all our policies, procedures and forms, Access Arts has made them available in a number of formats including:

• On our website at: http://www.accessarts.org.au/policies_and_procedures.htm
• Hard copies will be held in the Access Arts office, at every workshop site and are available upon request
• Individual policies, procedures and forms are also available in Braille, audio and large print formats on request.

Access Arts News will also be highlighting a policy and procedure in each issue in order to keep members informed. This month, we will be featuring the Mental Health Policy.

Mental Health Policy

Definition:

Mental health is how a person thinks, feels, and acts when faced with life's situations. Mental health affects how people look at themselves, their lives, and the other people in their lives; evaluate their challenges and problems; and explore choices. This includes handling stress, relating to other people, and making decisions.

Purpose:

To ensure that Members and Staff who experience a mental illness have the opportunity to receive services from and contribute to Access Arts and the broader community in a supportive, safe environment which assists them to maintain their mental health and reach their creative potential.

Policy:

• Members and Staff have the opportunity to disclose that they experience a mental illness to an Access Arts Staff member at any time. Any disclosure will remain confidential.

• Disclosure of a mental illness is encouraged so that Access Arts can provide appropriate support and services, and will not jeopardise the person’s employment or involvement with Access Arts Inc.

• Staff will receive mental health training as part of their induction.

• Staff will work with the person experiencing a mental illness to ensure that the environment is conducive to maintaining their health and that program flexibility is maintained to ensure that their needs are met.

• All Members and Staff who choose to disclose a mental illness to Access Arts must fill out a Mental Health Action Plan.

• All information disclosed in the Mental Health Action Plan must be kept in a confidential file and only used when the person becomes unwell.

• In the event that it is discovered that a Member or Staff has previously disclosed a mental illness (on a form, face to face etc) but has not filled out a Mental Health Action Plan, their name is to be referred onto the Assistant Director who will then work with that person to fill one out.

Mental Health Procedure

• A person can disclose their mental illness to an Access Arts Staff member face-to-face, via an enrolment form or on a workplace agreement.

• They will then be given the opportunity to complete a Mental Health Action Plan (MAP) with assistance from Access Arts Staff, their support person or advocate if required. The MAP will provide details about the process Access Arts should follow in the event that the person becomes ill. The MAP will also include contact details of the person’s emergency contact people including professionals and family members.

• The MAP will be marked “confidential”, stored separately in a secure filing cabinet and will only be accessible to authorised Access Arts Staff members.

• If a person chooses not to disclose their illness and Staff believe that the person may be unwell, they will discuss this with the person to assess the situation and decide on an immediate action plan.

• Upon consultation with the person, the Senior Staff Member will follow any action that they deem necessary in order to ensure the safety of the person and community members. This may entail making contact with the person’s doctor, family member or other support person.

• In cases where the person does not acknowledge that they are unwell, Staff will first attempt to contact their emergency person(s), or failing this, contact the person’s local mental health service.

• In cases where Staff assess that the person is a danger to themselves or the community they should call the police immediately.

For further information on this or any other Access Arts policy, please contact Sally or Emma in the office.

Please note that over the next few weeks, Access Arts will be in contact with members and staff who have previously disclosed their mental illness and attend Access Arts workshops, programs and office so that they can complete the Mental Health Action Plan.

Introducing Access Arts Advisory Committee:

As part of our Quality System, Access Arts has an Advisory Committee consisting of members and volunteers. These representatives take it in turn to attend Management Committee Meetings in order to ensure the membership is adequately represented. Advisory Committee members are nominated and consequently voted in at the Annual General Meeting each year.

Hayley Kitchener - Advisory Committee Member

Hayley Kitchener is a recent graduate from The Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, and has been volunteering with Access Arts since the beginning of this year. She has conducted master classes for singers and is working on a number of projects with the aim to assist artists with a disability to establish their careers.

Hayley has had an extensive performance history ranging from singing in opera and music theatre productions to performing contemporary ballads at corporate functions and clubs. Hayley also teaches singing, piano, composition and music theory as well as composing and arranging her own work. Hayley hopes to continue performing and composing works featuring all styles of music.

Andrius Byrne - Advisory Committee Member

Andrius has been a member of Access Arts for many years, and is a familiar face to many members. His gregarious personality and enthusiastic approach to life makes him a memorable participant at the many workshops and events he attends at Access Arts every year. He’s even been know to make the occasional impromptu speech and/or performance, such as to the Kyabra Conference audience in 2006 during a drumming group recital, of which he is a member and volunteer facilitator, and an unplanned percussion and interpretive dance performance with Adrian Fabilla on his electric slide didgeridoo at the Member’s Day in 2006.

Andrius always ensure his ideas are heard at the events he is part of, as well as the ideas of his fellow participants, making him an ideal candidate for the Member’s Advisory Committee. He is certain to make an individual and memorable contribution to Access Arts.

Alyssa Maughan - Advisory Committee Member

Alyssa is a reliable and hard-working volunteer for Sound Circles and cre8ve UnLtd. She is also a talented musician and is currently working towards the opening night of musical ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’ where she will be fulfilling her duties as an understudy and part of the chorus line. Alyssa also recently completed some research work for Access Arts’ pilot program Creative Respite Options.

Majella Jacobson- Regional Advisory Committee Member

Majella Jacobson is a community musician, music therapist and music educator. She has worked on community arts projects in Australia and over-seas as facilitator and music director. Majella was a Sound Circles team member that delivered a month long program at World Expo Japan 2005. She has also worked as a music educator with the Queensland Education Department and in tertiary education. Her work as a music therapist has involved her in the mental health, disability, youth and aged care sectors. "I have a love for the arts and their value in general, and of the process of creativity."

A HUGE thank you to all volunteers, facilitators and support workers!

Access Arts would like to sincerely thank all our volunteers who helped out during our weekday and Saturday workshops during term one and two. Our workshop program would not be able to run nearly as smoothly without the dedicated people who work so hard each week, often far and beyond the call of duty. These amazing people are:

Darren Nufer: who has regularly volunteered for nearly all of our weekday and Saturday workshops and is the only one who can handle the wayward PA trolley.

Monique Davies: a Sound Circles volunteer who is always ready with a smile and a bickie.

Alex Crombie: a new Sound Circles volunteer who has a fantastic talent for mask making and helping others unleash their creativity.

Taz! Heard: whose wild vibe gets us all in the mood to boogie at Sound Circles.

Stephen Corti-Griffiths: A friendly Brisbane Outsider Artist volunteer who’s strong aptitude for fixing and organising things around the office and in the BOA studios has really come in handy.

Helen Bradshaw: a new Sound Circles facilitator whose positive energy puts us all in a relaxed and happy mood.

Jane Barber: another new Sound Circles facilitator whose relaxed demeanour means she’s always up for a bit of “clowning” around.

Katya Skorik: A Sound Circles volunteer and trainee facilitator who’s an expert at creating funky beats.

Ria Parsons: a passionate Sound Circles, Community Choir and drumming volunteer whose always ready to assist anywhere she’s needed.

Alyssa Maughan: a Community Choir facilitator and volunteer for Sound Circles and the Actor Anonymous whose musical talent is a great asset to all three groups.

Andrius Byrne: a Drumming volunteer who’s both enthusiastic and reliable.

Alicia Jones: whose strong commitment to Actors Anonymous and cre8ive UnLtd groups has continued despite her busy baby schedule.

Tracey Reddan: who lent her photographic skills to recording the Sound Circles mask making workshop on June 9th.

Kathryn McSherry and Margaret Stephens: whose swift hands get all of our mail outs done in a flash!

Gregg Schouten: who helped out with absolutely everything during term one!

Tanya Cleary: who was a passionate BOA, Drumming and Sound Circles volunteer in term one.

And last but not least, Access Arts would also like to thank all the hardworking facilitators and support workers including Karen Lee Roberts, Peter Vance, Paul Bong, Sally Josephson, Julie Jones, Tracey Ward, Travis Mitchell, Hayley Kitchener and Meagan Babore.

Farewell to Robert Plant

As we bid goodbye to our Training and Quality Assurance Manager Robert Plant this month, we thought it fitting to look back at all the wonderful contributions he has made to the community throughout his career.

Robert Plant’s joy of life and sense of community is infectious. “My parents always treated me as a normal kid… always encouraging me to step out with no limits… to go for it!” says Robert. Throughout his life Robert has enabled many individuals, groups and communities to come together and achieve success. “They gain confidence in themselves… their own ability to step out both safely and with dignity” says Robert.

When he was only 18 years old, Robert became a member of Roteract Club of Fortitude Valley and recruited other people with disabilities as members and soon became Director of Community Service. One project, a Fijian night attended by over 450 people at UQ, raised not only awareness but also over $800 to purchase two electric typewriters to benefit students at a “State School for Spastic Children”.

At age 22, Robert was given an award for excellence in leadership and presided on the District Council of Roteract. From age 29 to 38 as Cake Committee Chair of the New Farm Lions Club, Robert was instrumental in acquiring a wheelchair access ramp into the Uniting Church, Merthyr Road, New Farm. He also received a Rotary Award in 2005.

Robert has been with Access Arts Inc from it’s beginning in 1983 and played an important role in building it to the leading professional arts company it is today.

In 1984, Robert lead 40 cast and crew on the first AAI national tour “Cast Off” to 4 major centres: Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. Despite the many poor physical access challenges along the way, the tour was very successful… a big first for Access Arts. Robert even got to take part on stage as ‘the Monk with a Bad Habit!’

From a direct involvement in the workshop, project and tour programs, Robert also recognized the need for appropriate support for people with a disability in the arts and established the very successful Disability Awareness Training program.

Robert co-lead an exchange tour to Indonesia in 1994, and more recently directed the Sound Circles Summit Tour to Cairns in 2005 and was team leader of the delegation to the Wataboshi Music Festival in Shanghai in 2006.

Robert set up Disability Awareness Training within Access Arts, initially aimed at staff, support workers and volunteers. This success lead to courses being run at TAFE and within the hospitality and corporate sectors. Training is carried out by Access Arts members, leading to a very innovative creative arts program where participants gain first hand experience. As a result participants are empowered to offer appropriate support for people with disabilities to be included in the arts and wider community cultural events. Robert and team have developed a manual ‘Working with People with Disability’. Through Robert’s work the focus has shifted from purely improving physical access, to people with a disability being accepted into the broader community for who they are and not what people think they are. “They gain confidence in themselves… their own ability” says Robert.

Robert was an inaugural member of the Queensland Disability Alliance set up in 1988 to put more decision making into the hands of people with a disability. The Alliance brought together an independent committee from across the disability sector, including government and non-government organisations.

From its early beginnings with a small gathering of stalls in Brisbane City Hall accompanied by two attention grabbing events: Abseiling down Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Harley Davidson Bike ride from Brisbane to Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast, it has grown to the prestigious state wide Disability Action Week we see today.

Robert was an inspirational chair of DAW for 11 years from 1990 guiding both government and community towards a better quality of life for people with a disability. Sponsors were drawn in to both assist on the committee, support awards and directly host community events.

Robert has been an active member of a number of boards and committees to ensure that people with a disability are heard. These include the Disability Advisory Committee to the Access Arts Board, the Brisbane City Council Cultural and Festival Grants Committee and he currently serves on the Volunteering Qld Board.

Robert was a committee member for the redevelopment of the Brisbane Powerhouse. He is still concerned that developers keep saying that you can’t make existing buildings accessible- the Powerhouse is a prime example of what can be done. And it hasn’t stopped with just physical access. Through Disability Awareness Training and personal advocacy Robert has helped ensure that the Brisbane Powerhouse creates a welcoming environment for people with disabilities to ensure that all people can be confident to step out not only Safely but also with Dignity!

Rob has been at the heart of Access Arts since its beginning in 1983 and we thank him for his loyal service and passionate commitment to the quality of life, professional development and creative arts programs for people experiencing disability. He has improved the lives of many and we wish him all the best for the future.

Creative Respite Options Update:

Through a partnership with Life Without Barriers, who received Commonwealth funding for senior carers, Access Arts has been able to continue the successful Creative Respite Options program. This program will continue to deliver creative supported time out and self- directed leisure activities to five families. Here’s what they’ve each been up to over the last couple of months:

• Working towards a solo exhibition and development of a photographic business

• Continued one on one arts lessons with an experienced visual artists with the view to showing works in an exhibition

• Transport support to attend Sound Circles’ Saturday morning group at the Brisbane Powerhouse

• Weekly outings with a support worker to do a variety of creative activities including developing computer skills, going to the library, painting, drawing and coming into Access Arts

• Participation in the Brisbane Outsider Artist workshops with a support worker; including the completion of a painted storybook entitled “Crime Book”.

Access Arts will be seeking recurrent funding following the conclusion of this arrangement, hopefully increasing the number of families we can deliver the program to.

- Sally Josephson (Creative Respite Options Coordinator)

Community Choir Progress Report

With the support of Access Arts two young artists Alyssa Maughan and Hayley Kitchener have been working together to establish a community choir. Over the passed four weeks people from all walks of life have been coming together each Saturday afternoon to make music. Under the direction of Alyssa and Hayley participants have come together in a creative environment making a harmonious sound.

During rehearsals members were given the opportunity to improve their skills in vocal agility through warm-up exercises, musical interpretation, choral technique and simply how to enjoy and appreciate music for what it is.

Although the choir has only been rehearsing for a short time choristers have already been working on a variety of repertoire. “The Sally Gardens”, “This Little Light of Mine” and “Love Changes Everything” are in their polishing stages and it is hoped that the choir will have the opportunity to perform these pieces at an event. Choir members have enjoyed rehearsing this repertoire and many have said that they have enjoyed the experience overall.

Each week the choir grew in numbers which was largely due to the effort that Alyssa and Hayley put into advertising in the Access Arts newsletter and in the local papers. Due to the increasing interest it is inevitable that the choir will be continuing. From June 23rd rehearsals will be held at the Metropolitan Senior Citizen’s Centre (9 Church St, Fortitude Valley) - some parking is available on site. Sessions will now run from 1:30-3:30pm and the weekly workshop fee is now $10, including afternoon tea. Alyssa and Hayley would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who wishes to join. Please call Hayley or Alyssa at Access Arts on 3358 6200 to register your interest or for more information.

- Hayley Kitchener, Community Choir Facilitator

Brisbane Sound Circles moves from mask to musical!

Allow me to begin this report on term two Sound Circles by saying that we have been graced by an assortment of Astonishing Altos and Spectacular Sopranos; Blossoming Ballerinas and Wonderful Wigglers; Raging Rappers and Sensational Songwriters; which leads me to announce the ever evolving outcome of our workshops….A Masquerade Musical about the Essence of Love, (and looking after each other), set on a Fantasy Island in the 60’s.

On Saturday June 9th, the group held a mask making workshop in order to create vibrant and diverse characters for the musical. These masks reflect our moods and emotions, using colour and texture to complement the fabulous sound and movement that is also being worked on by an excited cast and crew combined! It was decided upon by the group, that rather than simply choosing old favourite songs that we know by recorded artists, that we would compose our own pieces, as we most definitely possess the talent and creativity ourselves. Two songs have been written already,- one, a rap by Dan and Julia, and the other, a song by Lyn called “Put On A Happy Face” .

The musical, though fundamentally about love, also embraces the intensity of other emotions, which is where the journey becomes somewhat of a rollercoaster! Without giving too much away, (we want you to come and see the show for yourselves!), there is a giant apple- thanks to Alex!-, talking fluffy cats, a Campbell Soup Can, James Bond, mermaids, Cinderella, and a juxtaposed assortment of other characters, props and costumes.

All this being said, the most wonderful aspect to Sound Circles this term has been seeing people blossom and grow. Some who have been quite shy in the past, have got up in Café Crooning and blown us away with their rendition of Dancing Queen, or kicked a football right through the goals!!! Others have simply made our day by being an active part of what’s going on, and enjoying themselves- because after all, that’s what it’s all about in the end- not the outcome, but the journey getting there- and what a ride it’s been!!!

We aim to have our musical ready to perform by the end of the year, and as such will continue its development throughout term 3 and 4. New Sound Circlers are always welcome so feel free to come along and join in! Term 3 starts July 21st from 10-12pm and is held in the Stores Rehearsal Room at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

- Karen Roberts, Sound Circles Facilitator and Access Arts Membership Services Officer

Sound Circles Facilitator training makes a splash on the Sunshine Coast

Eleven enthusiastic participants took part in the Sound Circles facilitator skills development program on the Sunshine Coast on the weekend of the 26th and 27th of May. The majority of participants were connected to various agencies on the Sunshine Coast and three people came independently.

The first session on Saturday was a practical introduction and demonstration of what a Sound Circle is, and was facilitated by Emma Bennison and Debbie Welsh. Out of this came an opportunity for some participants to facilitate the afternoon session.

A general overview of Sound Circles was given and the principles of Sound Circles explained, along with what is required to establish a Sound Circle and reasons for focusing on collaboration with host organisations. Discussion and questions followed with the key points being: the role of support workers in the Sound Circle process, the importance of active participation, listening and responding, what flexibility really means, expecting the unexpected and finally the significance of a group directed process as THE most important principle of Sound Circles.

The afternoon session, facilitated by two participants, provided an excellent example of what a group directed process actually means. The circle response to the initial activity became two distinct expressions that were very different from each other, one being vocally robust and the other being quieter. This provided an opportunity to explain ways of responding to such a situation without changing the situation. The group established what direction it would take even if this presented challenges, for some and in so doing, demonstrated how a Sound Circle is always changing and often the circle is not uniform in expression because it involves individuals.

The Sunday morning session was held outdoors beside the lake. The didgeridoo provided an appropriate sound for breathing and vocal warm up exercises. Again, two participants were chosen to facilitate this session. The afternoon session that followed consisted of two groups: those who could attend the following day planned for Monday's Sound Circle and the remainder of the group planned a session for Emma, Karen and I.

It was decided that follow up training would consist of co-facilitation at the Nambour Sound Circle with reporting to be supported by myself and then passed onto Access Arts (Emma Bennison). If Nambour is not a possible location eg the participant from the Gold Coast, then attendance at Brisbane Sound Circle will take place. All participants were encouraged to experience other Sound Circles and to communicate with other facilitators.

I would like to thank both Emma and Karen for all their professional input and the trainees for their enthusiasm and unique contributions over the weekend of training.

- Majella Jacobson, Facilitator for the Nambour Sound Circle and Sunshine Coast Facilitator training.

Contemporary Visual Arts Workshop Report – Term 2

The Term 2 Visual Arts Workshops are going well. Initially, the workshops were designed to provide participants with a broad range of skill development in painting, drawing, ceramics/sculpture and printing making. However, as the workshops have progressed, the group has focused primarily on print making (lino prints) with some wonderful results. Several of the participants are interested in continuing the visual arts workshops after this series finishes on Saturday 16 June.

An exhibition of the work created during this workshop is planned to be shown in the Access Arts BOA Studio during Disability Action Week in July.

I would like to extend a big thank you to Paul Bong and Travis Mitchell for the wonderful job they have done in supporting the participants in the Visual Arts workshop over the last month.

June BOA Report

Term 2 in BOA has been eventful with the members being involved in several projects and developing some wonderful work. The book illustration project that several BOA members have been involved in is nearly completed.

I would like to acknowledge the effort and commitment that many of the BOA members have shown. Term 3 commences on Monday 9 July and continues to Tuesday 4 September.

Exhibitions

29@South Bank Exhibition

This exhibition features works by 29 emerging local, regional and interstate artists. Access Arts in partnership with Hands on Art are pleased to present this exhibition from Monday 2 July to Thursday 26 July at Hands on Art Gallery, The Boardwalk, South Bank. Gallery hours are10am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday. Please RSVP to Access Arts for the exhibition opening on 07 3358 6200 or 1300 663 651 (for regional callers) by Tuesday 26 July. Audio Tour Guides available on request.

Black Box Sculpture Exhibition – Monday 16 July to Tuesday 31 July.

All entry forms must be received by Friday 6 July – to RSVP for opening night or to obtain further information please contact Salubrious Productions on (07) 3855 3048 or email info@salubriousproductions.com

Exhibition showing at:

Work from BOA artist Belinda Peel is featured in this exhibition

Cross Polynesia

Tongan, Papua New Guinean, New Zealand and Torres Strait island artists exhibit new printed textile designs and dhari works.
This exhibition is showing from 14 June to 21 July.

Artisan - 381 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Contact: www.artisan.org.au or email info@artisan.org.au
Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday 10.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 10 to 4pm Ph 07 3215 0800

Hi-Touch Textiles Exhibition

23 June- 5 July
Caboolture Shire Community Arts Centre, Sunderland Drive, Bribie Island
RSVP – 07 5420 0088

Hi-Tech Digital Spectre Art Exhibition

3D Digital Media
University of the Sunshine Coast
Dates were unavailable at the time of printing so please call Access Arts for more information.

Arts Worker Profile: Helen Bradshaw

Helen Bradshaw is a new Sound Circles facilitator who is regularly involved with the Brisbane group on Saturdays. Helen is also an experienced visual artist and recently ran a 10 week arts project with Caboolture Centrecare in partnership with Access Arts.

1. Q: When did you come to AAI?
A: I came to AAI at the beginning of this year to introduce myself as I had just moved to Brisbane from Emerald in Central Queensland.

2. Q: What made you decide to work for AAI?
A: I had read about AAI a number of years ago and had kept the article because I was so taken with what the organisation stood for and the outcomes they were achieving. When I arrived in Brisbane, I came across the article (which I had photocopied). This was an immediate sign for me to come and introduce myself and find out more about the organisation.

3. Q: What did you do before coming to AAI?
A: I have a BA in Visual Arts and worked in the arts industry for about 18 years. After deciding I wanted to work more with other people, I studied for a Diploma in Diversional Therapy via correspondence. During this time, I worked as a Family Support Worker in mental health for Anglicare Central Queensland in Emerald. My role involved creating recreational, educational and social activities for people with a mental illness, their families and friends to assist them in enhancing their quality of life and community involvement. I did much of this incorporating my arts experience.

4. Q: What is your favourite food?
A: Good quality chocolate

5. Q: What is your favourite movie?
A: Officer and a Gentleman (I love Richard Gere!)

6. Q: What is your favourite song?
A: I appreciate lots of different types of music, especially if it has good rhythm

7. Q: What is your star sign?
A: Sagittarius

8. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
A: My family, music, our favourite family games, chocolate, a good Chardonnay and sun cream!

9. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
A: Ten years wiser and totally happy within myself

10. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
A: Believe in good

Member’s Corner

Member Profile: Jonathon Craig

Jonathon is a talented singer, musician and Sound Circles and Community Choir participant who is currently finishing his grade 12 studies.

1. Q: When did you become a member of AAI?
In November 2006.

2. Q: What made you decide to become a member of AAI?
I’ve been friends with Emma & Vaughn Bennison for a long time & they suggested I sign up.

3. Q: What area(s) of the arts are you interested in?
Music & writing.

4. Q: What is your favourite food?
I have no idea- Pizza probably!

5. Q: What is your favourite movie?
I really, really don’t have one!!!

6. Q: What is your favourite song?
I can’t really answer that- it’s not applicable. I like lots about every thing.

7. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
An instrument and something to write with.

8. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Hopefully having escaped University and having got a good job!

9. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
Live it, don’t ignore it!

A Word from Crissi (‘Global Garbage’ writer, director and performer)

Crissi is a member of Access Arts. You may have seen articles in previous newsletters advertising her multi-dimensional stage show "Global Garbage" which was performed in May. This show was proudly supported by Access Arts.

I'd just like to say a HUGE thankyou to all the incredible access arts people who helped to make my show possible! I'm happy to say I achieved all my goals, and managed to end up with a promotional DVD that will open up many other possibilities for me!
It has taken me a few months to edit it all together but it has all been worth it.

Special thanks to Angela, Nick, Emma (thankyou for the loan of the mic),Julie and of course Ross for all the support shown. When I have a website up I will let you know! Access Arts truly lives up to its name!

- Christina Youhanna, Access Arts member and performer

Olivia – by William (Bill) Thomas

Maybe I hang around here
Is how the song goes

As the beautiful, vivacious, multitalented, English born
Australian raised singer and actress sings with such appeal

With her extremely sweet, feminie, angelic voice which flows
Leaving me wanting her, with much zeal.

Olivia Newton John has stared in films such as “Grease” and “Xanadu” and she won a Grammy Award in 1974 for one of her biggest hit songs “I love you I honestly love you”. Olivia was born on the 26th September 1948.

What’s On

Spooky Sunset Sounds is set to scare!

Prepare to be thrilled, chilled and fulfilled when Sunset Sounds comes yet again to the Powerhouse on Friday 13th July, this time with a Black Friday theme on the appropriate date of Friday the 13th. With a variety of performances including two plays by Actors Anonymous, this spooky event will take place from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the Rooftop Terrace at the Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm.

The cost of admission will be $5 which includes entertainment, tasty nibbles and drinks. Audience participation is strongly encouraged so come dressed up as your favourite creepy character if you desire!

For catering purposes, please let us know if you’d like to come by Wednesday 4th July by phoning 3358 6200, 1300 663 651 (local call cost for regional callers) or email angela@accessarts.org.au.

As part of Disability Action Week (15th – 21st July) and NAIDOC Week (1st – 8th July) Access Arts and Hands On Art presents a group survey show of works from a diverse range of emerging artists. The exhibition is showing from Monday 2nd July to Thursday 26th July, 2007 at Hands On Art Gallery, South Bank. The exhibition features a range of paintings, works on paper, photography and sculpture by Outsider and emerging artists.

Official opening: Tuesday 3 June, 2007
Where: Hands On Art Gallery, The Boardwalk, South Bank, Brisbane (at the Maritime Museum end of South Bank)
Time: 4.30 – 6.00 pm
RSVP: To Access Arts on 3358 6200 by Thursday 26 June, 2007

Light refreshments available
Exhibition showing from 2 July –26 July 2007
Gallery hours 10am - 4pm Tuesday to Friday.
Audio tour guide available.

Disability Action Week

The Cooloola DAW Organising Committee is hosting a creative arts extravaganza entitled 'Artistic Heaven 2007' on Saturday 14th July 2007 from 11am to 3pm at the Fossickers Room, Gympie Civic Centre, Mellor St Gympie.

Lots of great artwork will be on display by some of the most celebrated talent in Cooloola. You will have the opportunity to meet with some of the artists. Live entertainment, face painting and refreshments will also be available on the day. Entry is free and open to the community.

Displays of artwork will also be available for viewing in a range of community venues from 13-27 July.

This event is proudly sponsored by Cooloola Human Services Network and supported by a Building Supportive Communities Grant from Disability Services Queensland.

We hope you can come along, enjoy, and be part of this fantastic celebration of ability.

Fit and Able Day

Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association is having a fun filled day.
This is an opportunity for people to meet our Paralympics athletes.
There is a lucky door prize; ½ hour massages, morning tea and a sausage sizzle. You can also try out specialised equipment with the staff to help you.
The first five to RSVP will receive a $10-00 taxi voucher.
Everyone welcome.

When: Friday 20th 2007 9am to 12noon
Where: 60 Edmondstone Rd, Bowen Hills
RSVP: 07 3253 3333 by 11th of July 2007

Ripples continue to emanate from REMIX!

REMIX was born out of a 2004 partnership between Access Arts Inc. and The Princess Alexandra Hospital Mental Health Service, managed by Helicon Dance. Following collaborations in music, song-writing, video, projections, movement and puppetry with installation performances, several of the group produced their own digital story in 2005.

REMIX Collective members will be running the Creative Space of the “Altering States” conference this 28, 29 June at the Sofitel in Brisbane, a conference to envision better mental health services. Anyone wanting to attend the conference can find all details at www.qldalliance.iamevents.com.au

- Julie Chenery and Scotia Monkivitch (Helicon cpr ‘Collaboration people relationships’)

THE ABORIGINAL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WITH THE SUPPORT OF QPAC PRESENTS: “REFLECTIONS”

Referendum 40 years and to the Future

Directed by Leah Purcell, “Reflections” is a performance piece of song, dance and narration; a theatrical journey which reflects back on the movement of the coming together of Black and White to take up the fight for the 1967 Referendum: Aborigines the right to vote.

To understand the determination, the struggle and the strength of our Peoples plight we heard our Elders speak their personal stories to inform, to encourage and to inspire us as today’s generation of what has to be done for the future.

In this performance, we pay our respect to the past by reflecting a prideful image of hope, integrity, beauty and strength to the future.

Performances

Cremorne Theatre QPAC
June 27th – 30th
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7.30 pm
Saturday 2.30 & 7.30pm
Tickets on sale from may 25th 2007
Tickets $12.50 & $7.50 concession
Booking through: QTIX 136 246
www.qtix.com.au

Proudly supported by: QPAC, Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts and Arts Queendland.

Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE Youth Pathways

Certificate IV in Development and Management of Arts Pathways Youth Initiatives 30620QLD

Get a Certificate IV in 12 weeks that will assist you in engaging young people in arts pathways. This is an exciting opportunity for those who wish to further develop their career with young people and expand their role to offer greater opportunities to engage in community activities.

This program is due to commence in August 2007 depending on interest generated. For further information please contact:

Ken Jones
Co-ordinator Arts Pathways Youth Initiatives
07 5459 3000 or go to Sunshine Coast TAFE

Backbone’s 2high Festival 2007 call for artists:

Are you a young and emerging artist who wants to get your work out to a wide audience, meet other young artists and make contacts within the Brisbane arts industry? Then the 2007 2high Festival may be just the opportunity you’re looking for. Coordinated by a team of talented young people, this multi artform festival is seeking artists to perform and exhibit original work. Whether it’s visual art, music, performance, spoken word, workshops or anything in-between, 2high wants to hear from you!

The 2high Festival will be held at the Brisbane Powerhouse on November 16 & 17, 2007. If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Cory at Backbone Youth Arts on (07) 3210 2666 or info@backbone.org.au. For an application form please see Access Arts.

Visual Arts Exhibition- Monsters, Mayhem and Moments in Between

Access Arts’ Brisbane Outsider artist, Peter Hughes along with eight other artists from Monte Lupo – Sean Davenport, Elizabeth Duffy, Jarrod Wendt, Brett Patzwald, Johanna Ford, Rachel Wright, Saki Yamaoka and Brooke Redenius have work in the exhibition - Monsters, Mayhem and Moments in Between at Doggett Street Studio.

Opening: Friday 15 June 6-9 pm – the exhibition continues until 7th July 2007.
Address: Doggett Street Studio
85 Doggett Street, Newstead
Tel/ Fax (07) 3252 9292
Opening Hours:Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm