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

Someone told me just the other day that I worry too much... This didn't come as a great surprise to me, as I am well aware of being overly concerned about things that I cannot change, no matter how desperately I wish I could. This raised a point within me...where does a small but healthy dose of worrying turn into full on anxiety? We are constantly being told to be concerned about our weight, skin cancer, food additives, the environment, global warming, our children and drugs, banks ripping us off, war overseas...the list is endless.

So how do we keep a healthy balance between appropriate concern, and alarming distress?

Finding a grounded point of view can be hard to do, but it must be done in order to live in today's society; especially when many of you, like myself, are living with a disability. It can make things seem even more overwhelming, and to touch base with reality sometimes seems impossible.

What one needs is perspective. Seeing things from a different angle and weighing up their level of importance in your life can be the answer to coping with 'the blues'.

But how do we do this? The answer is the Arts!

Throughout history, the arts have been a coping strategy for dealing with, seeing and expressing anxiety, stress and depression. On the other side of the scales, they also show the beauty, joy and wonder in life, so that the two halves meet to bring a balance of appreciation in whatever art form one chooses.

Through Access Arts the arts are made accessible so that our troubles- and our dreams and happiness, may be reflected in music, painting, writing, to the beat of a drum, rapping with the hip hop crew, in a photograph; in any way we wish. The world today is hard enough to live in without a disability...it's fantastic to see people as talented and determined as our members, volunteers, support workers and staff doing what they do so well making worry into works of art.

In this month's newsletter, we hear from member Kristy-Lee, and Volunteer Yuri, from Japan....BOA news..... Leah Purcell updates us on 'Sorry Day' ......a lovely wedding tale.....news from the songsters IF.....and plenty to read about in our 'What's On' section.

Enjoy the read...

Karen Lee Roberts - (Membership Services Officer)

AGM Reminder

Access Arts' Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday the 29th of March 2008. The AGM will be from 12.30pm- 1.30pm in the Stores Rehearsal Room, followed by a free light lunch.

The AGM is held to present the elect members of the Access Arts Management Committee, and to present the Annual and Financial Reports to its members.

All members are welcome.

Please contact Access Arts by Friday 21st March on 3358 6200 or email to advise if you are attending Access Arts' AGM or to send your apologies if you are unable to attend.

Term 1 and 2 Dates

All Access Arts term 1 workshops finish in the last week of March, a break from all workshops during April.

Term 2 workshops start back at the beginning of May:

Brisbane Outsider Artists Studio
Singing Workshop
Drawing Workshop
Drumming Workshop
Sound Circles™ Workshop
Sound Circles™ Mid-week Youth Workshop
Regional Sound Circles™ Workshops

Please see our program here for more details or call Access Arts on 3358 6200 to enrol in these workshops.

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 page on our website 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

Metro Arts Gallery 1
Level 2/109 Edward St, Brisbane

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

Visual Arts workshops leading up to the Crossing Divides State-wide exhibition are already underway at the Sunshine Coast, under the leadership of John Spring. The Emerald Community Participation Service has also begun some workshops with arts worker Sue Kraatz to create some work to submit in the exhibition at Metro Arts.

New Look Sunset Sounds

The Sunset Sounds scheduled for Friday 2nd May has been postponed. We are negotiating a whole new venue and setting for Sunset Sounds to encourage a new community audience. Watch this space for updates.

BOA Report

Welcome back to all BOA members for Term 1. It's great to see everyone has returned from holidays inspired and ready to start working towards the exhibitions that are planned for the year. I'd like to extend a warm welcome to a new BOA member, Terry Chetwood. Terry has joined the group this term and comes from a hospitality management background.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome and thank you to our new BOA volunteer Josie Hynes. Bernie Sanft is currently completing his work placement at Access Arts and is providing assistance in the BOA Studio on Mondays and Tuesdays. Eleni Hill is commencing a student placement from Bremer TAFE and will be supporting the Contemporary Visual Arts Workshops on Wednesdays in the BOA Studio.

Our next exhibition is planned for the 6 April at the Garden City Library. The Garden City Library is located on the corner of Logan and Kessels Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt. The exhibition will be showing from 6 - 30 April. On the 11th and 12th of March the work of BOA Studio members will be on show at the Mecure Hotel as part of a conference being held for staff of Disability Services Queensland.

On Monday 17 March the BOA group will be visiting the Andy Warhol exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art. The group will meet at Access Arts and catch a Maxi Taxi to the gallery and return to Access Arts by 3pm.

Day Services Professional Development Program Report

The Day Services Program has taken a new direction with the introduction of the Professional Development Mentoring Program. This program seeks to give young artists who experience a disability the opportunity to develop their skills and to achieve their aspirations in becoming professionals.

Hayley Kitchener a member, volunteer and casual staff member of Access Arts has been working with mentor Sally Josephson, Project Coordinator of Access Arts, to get this program up and running. Through this program, Hayley and Sally hope to assist more young artists achieve their dreams.

The program is designed to run over a 16 week period. Here artists will have the opportunity to work with a mentor one on one, as well as working in group mentoring sessions to network with other artists and to have the opportunity to facilitate and participate in workshops both at Access Arts and the wider community.

During the initial stages of this program Access Arts has developed other networks that may provide mentors and or artists for this program. On Wednesday the 5th March, Hayley and Sally conducted an information forum for any artists and or mentors who might be interested. The forum received a great response and about 13 people attended.

If you would like more information about this program please contact Hayley or Sally on (07) 3358 6200 or email

Australia Business Arts Foundation AbaF Arts Business Workshop

Thank you to Melinda Martin and Australia Business Arts Foundation for supporting Access Arts and the Currumbin Crossing Divides project by delivering the Artist Business workshop on 11th March 2008 at the Currumbin Community Special School. There were 20 participants in this workshop and we have received very positive comments on the presentation from the participants.

AbaF promotes private sector engagement with the arts.

They connect business, the arts, donors and foundations through three programs - Partnering, Volunteering and Giving. For any further information about AbaF and their programs, please contact Zoe Graham, Queensland Coordinator, by phone on 3211 8861 or by email, or see www.abaf.org.au.

Creative Respite Options Update

New families discover their creative sides..

Access Arts' successful Creative Respite Options program has had new families come onboard in recent months. Through this program, carers have been enjoying respite while their loved ones participate in some very creative endeavours, here's what they've been doing:

Malcolm Studholme has begun attending weekly outings with his support worker. The pair share a wicked sense of humour and enjoy seeing movies, going to visual arts exhibitions and of course eating some delicious food!

Greg Johnston and his family have also become involved in the program. Greg has creative sessions with arts worker Richelle Spence each week and the pair have been working on an original animation entitled 'Mr Atlas' ...stay tuned for its great unveiling very soon!

Finally, Jane Blakey is enjoying releasing her inner artist with weekly creative sessions. She has explored photography, collage and scrapbooking.

Stay tuned for next month's update when we look at all the fabulous artistic creations our resident photographer Matthew Lys has been up to!

Sally Josephson, Project Coordinator

IF

Once again, Access Arts' vocal quintet IF have joined together in song. IF had an incredibly successful end to last year, singing as far up the coast as Cairns, as high in the sky as the 42nd floor with United Way, and as low as Pete hitting a baritone E in Straighten Up and Fly Right! They did facilitation workshops, performances, forums, art exhibition openings, and at the moment are preparing to undertake some recording.

Next on the agenda will be a most interesting fusion project, which will take place in early April at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Rick Gedotti, a photographer, has asked them to accompany him in his exhibition, as the live music to complement his works; a sort of sight and sound installation piece. Later on in the year, they will join Griffith University's own band, and create another harmonious fusion, this time melding instruments and voice for the Arts Intersections Symposium.

So where can you hear IF? If you happen to be near the Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point on Tuesday 6th May, IF will be singing at the monthly Jazz Singers' Jam Night. Hopefully they will pop up for a sneaky inclusion at the next Access Arts function. And who are IF? Well, I've mentioned what IF stands for subtly throughout this article...Inclusion....Fusion!! And they are...The lovely Emma Bennison; beautiful Hayley Kitchener; the sweetest Angela Jaeschke; handsome Mr Peter Vance; and myself, Karen Lee Roberts. So listen out for their sound... and get Included in the Fusion!

Ria And The Gypsy Wanderers

Ria & the Gypsy Wanderers is a conga based ensemble consisting of Ria Parsons, Ross Welch, Darren Nufer, Sam Hill, with Bernie Sanft on acoustic guitar. The music is family friendly soft rock classics with some new material.

At the Shire Coffee & Tea Shop located in West End, Ria & the Gypsy Wanderers gathered at 6pm Monday 3rd March to present their first public performance.

Arrangements with the owner provided for four songs. When the group started playing there were six people in the coffee shop & during the hour that the group played the number of patrons increased to around 50.

The audience was varied and diverse - from two mums with their seven children, to teenagers who requested some old favourites. There were people during the performance sitting on cushions on the floor...all chairs were gone early on. The waiters were extremely busy during the gig delivering food to the busy crowd.

Having played many West End venues I can assure you this was a resounding success and the return of Ria and the Gypsy Wanderers is eagerly awaited.

Bernie Sanft

Sorry Day

As we at Access Arts are proud supporters of the Indigenous Community, the 'Sorry' Day was of great importance to us all. Leah Purcell, the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts' (ACPA) Resident Artistic Director, played a central role in the historic Federal Government apology to the Stolen Generations on 13 February.

Ms Purcell, invited by the Prime Minister to attend the apology in the House of Representatives, was the MC of the Apology Day concert held in front of Parliament House afterwards. She also performed her song for the Stolen Generations, Run Daisy Run, based on her grandmother's story, before the thousands of people gathered at Parliament House for the celebrations. Several members of Ms Purcell's family were members of the Stolen Generations. The day before, Ms Purcell and ACPA dance teacher Jeannette Fabila took part in another historic event at Parliament House, the welcome to country and celebrations heralding the opening of parliament for 2008.

Access Arts' Toowoomba Arts Forum

On Thursday 28th February, Ross, Sally, Jess and Angela from Access Arts travelled up the range to the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, to deliver a forum to the local disability support organisations, artists and representatives from Disability Services Qld and Toowoomba Arts Council.

The purpose of the forum was to bring these people together to begin some conversations around developing sustainable arts programs for people with disabilities in Toowoomba. 30 people attended the forum, and a very positive response was received by those who attended.

Thanks to those from Toowoomba who shared their experiences as part of the forum - actor Amy Wright; Able Theatre facilitator Archina Turner-Mobbs; Rosemary Carter, Toowoomba Arts Council; Jennifer Callachor, Friendship Program Coordinator Disability Services Qld. Thank you to all other participants who shared their stories and gave their comments and suggestions also.

A big thank you to the Toowoomba Regional Gallery for the donation of the meeting space, especially Evan Dean for the support in the set-up of the room.

Access Arts looks forward to working with Toowoomba - we have already had many follow-up conversations with people who attended the forum- we'll keep you updated on the outcomes of the forum.

Members Corner

Congratulations Amelia & Yoshi

On Saturday the 23rd of February, a wonderful event took place...Amelia Dowe, one of Access Arts' long standing and much loved members, married Yoshi who she met over in Japan. Amelia had been doing Sound Circles' overseas, amongst various other exciting projects, when she met Yoshi on a farming development. They worked together and eventually found their love growing too.

The wedding was held in Toowoomba at the Dowe's residence, in a beautiful garden setting, and was both breathtaking and moving- even the bride shed a tear!!

We wish the couple all the happiness in the world, and I include a poem which I presented to the two of them on the day.

Yoshi and Amelia

May all your time be spent in love,
Whether sun or moon be up above.
May all your time be full of bliss,
From morning's embrace to evening's kiss.
Each other's love keep close to heart,
Whether side by side or far apart.
Keep in your sight your dreams and goals,
For these are what connect your souls.
Confront all battles life may yield,
Each others strengths a sword and shield.
Know through joy and through despair,
The other always will be there.
For you have both most truly found,
A song of love with sweetest sound.
Hold it close, to soul and heart,
And in amorous bliss, may you never part.

Karen Lee Roberts

Member Profile: Kristy-Lee Lindsay

1. Q: When did you become a member of AAI?
I became a member at the first Sound Circles, on the 9th of February.

2. Q: What made you decide to become a member of AAI?
I really loved Sound Circles - I really enjoyed it!

3. Q: What area(s) of the arts are you interested in?
I like painting, drawing, and I love singing- My dream is to become a singer.

4. Q: What is your favourite food?
I love lasagna, hot dogs, sausages with pasta, and pasta bake.

5. Q: What is your favourite movie?
The movie 27 Dresses.

6. Q: What is your favourite song?
I'd have to say 'Lucky' by Brittany Spears.

7. Q: you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
I'd take a CD player, a torch in case of a storm, and some spare clothes, and a hair brush, of course.

8. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Being up on stage and singing away!

9. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
To have a good life and to be a better person.

Volunteer Profile: Yuri Katsuta

1. Q: When did you become a member of AAI?
Monday 25th of February

2. Q: What made you decide to volunteer for AAI?
Hope to go all the way in life- I need much experience.

3. Q: What did you do before coming to AAI?
I made glass beads, which I sold in a shop. Also I had a farm that grew vegetables, and worked in an establishment somewhat like a community centre.

4. Q: What is your favourite food?
Now she has tasted it- just last night-it is CROCODILE!!!!!-with KANGAROO a close second!

5. Q: What is your favourite movie?
A Japanese film called 'Letter to True' about a dog!!

6. Q: What is your favourite song?
Okinawa- a style of music from the Northern Island.

7. Q: What is your star sign?
Gemini

8. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
A pineapple.

9. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Together, doing everything I dream of, going all the way

10. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
I love many things, but as I said above, going all the way...

Poetry Corner

RSPCA - written by 10 year old Emma Gillman and sent in by William Thomas

If you are an RSPCA volunteer
You will need to know how to express loud and clear,
Violence to animals is against the law
And we will not tolerate it anymore.
We will fight for animal rights hand in hand
Until aggressive behaviour towards them is banned
Poaching will be stopped with not a second to spare
Just before all the animals roaming the world are stripped bare
Hitting animals no way
We will not have it, it will be stopped today
A world of difference all this will make
Not another animal ever
Will feel its life's at stake.

What's On?

Positive Exposure- The Spirit of Difference

The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society (Aust)Inc and Access Arts Inc (QLD) proudly present Rick Guidotti's Positive Exposure, which masterfully combines an appreciation of both Science and Art to explore society's concepts of beauty and stigma that are associated with genetic difference cross culturally.

When: Tuesday 1st April 2008 at 6.45pm
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse's Visy Theatre
119 Lamington St New Farm QLD

The evening includes Entertainment by IF, Access Arts' professional a capella singers

AND

The screening of a new documentary film 18q - A valuable life - An autobiographical film by Veronica Wain exploring family life with a genetic difference - a different kind of normal

Cost: $12 per person
Bookings with payment are essential prior to the night.
For further enquiries contact Marlene 0400-809-366 or Veronica on 0433-433-204.

Ozfrank Theatre

Ozfrank Theatre will be conducting a 4 day Intensive Training March 21 to March 24 (inclusive) (Good Friday to Easter Monday). The daily 4 hour sessions, aimed at students, professionals and drama teachers will include 2.5 hours training & a video showing of selected productions by Tadashi Suzuki followed by conversation & discussion!

Cost: $200 Full & $175 student/concession
Regular Ozfrank weekly session attendees - $120
Location: Merivale St Space, 12 Merivale St, West End
Sessions: 4.30pm to 8.30pm
Contact Jacqui Carroll & John Nobbs to register by email.
Website: www.ozfrank.com.

Gold Coast Multicultural Festival Public Forum

Meeting Date and Time: Friday 29 February 2008 at 7.30pm.
Location: Southport Community Centre, Lawson Street (next to Southport RSL)

A public forum will be held on Friday 29 February for individuals and organisations interested in participating within the inaugural Gold Coast Multicultural Festival to be held in November 2008.

Forum will cover:

Participation in sub-committees (Fundraising, PR, Event Program, Event Management)
Event Sponsors

Participation in the following opportunities:

Community Information Stalls
Art, Craft and Cultural Displays or Stalls
Food Stalls
International music, dance performances and other entertainment
Poetry and Reading (Story telling)
International Film Festival
Youth Soccer Tournament
Other Children/Youth-oriented events
Promotional and Community Stalls
Interactive Workshops and Games

It is anticipated that these activities will be held on the Festival Day and in the week preceding the Festival Day in November 2008.

For more information about the forum or to RSVP your attendance please contact Oz Sahin on 0439 799109 or by email..

Find out how AbaF can help you attract donations.

The Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) operates a unique facility which enables people to make tax deductible donations to AbaF and nominate a preferred artist as the recipient.

Learn how AbaF's Australia Cultural Fund is connecting donors with the arts in this FREE information session on Monday 31 March at Macquarie Bank, Level 26, Central Plaza One, 345 Queen St, Brisbane. To register go to: www.abaf.org.au/site_tools/workshops_register.asp.

Autism Awareness

As a part of Autism Awareness Month 2008, Autism Queensland is hosting its 2nd Annual Autism Queensland Creative Futures Recognition Awards.

The purpose of these awards is to recognise the many wonderful contributions by people within the Autism Community.

There are 7 categories:

Autism Queensland Professional Achievement Award
Autism Queensland Business Partnership Award
Autism Queensland Patronage Award
Autism Queensland Parent / Carer Award
Autism Queensland Individual Achievement Award
Autism Queensland 'Employer Award'
Autism Queensland 'School Community Award'

For more information on eligibility for each category please view Autism Queenslands' website.

If you know someone who you believe has made a significant contribution and deserves a nomination, or you wish to nominate yourself, please review the guidelines and complete a nomination form, which is available here, or from Autism Queensland's website here.

Awards will be presented at morning tea on Friday 23rd May 2008 by invitation only at Government House, Paddington.

Award Nominations Close on Friday 4th April 2008.

In conjunction with this, also happening is Autism Dress Differently Day on Wednesday May 14th 2008. As well as wearing different clothes, you can purchase wristbands, key ring holders, posters and postcards.

Forms for this can also be found on line at Autism Queenalands' website here.

For further information about the Recognition Awards. Autism Awareness Month & Dress Differently Day please contact Julie on 3273 0071 or by email.

The deadline for inclusion in the April newsletter is Tuesday 1st April. Please send newsletter items to Karen by email or post to Access Arts.

Access Arts Inc

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

Access Arts Sponsors

Access Arts Inc ® Queensland is funded by Arts Queensland, Disability Services Queensland, the Office of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and the Westpac Foundation.