Editorial - October 2007

Hello all!

The World of The Arts - Music, Theatre, Painting, Writing, Film, Television; what a colourful variety to explore; and indeed, to either excel or fail at, over and over again- for the true wonder lies not in the outcome, but in the journey - don't you agree?

I am made aware of this every day, both at home and when I am at work- be it singing at a gig, or at Access Arts. People all around me are constantly on voyages of creativity, reaching for horizons yet stopping to smell the flowers along the way.

Seeing the artists at work in BOA, covered in paint, exploring colours, textures, shapes and designs; it is certainly the enjoyment of actually creating the work that brings the most joy - no matter what the final result.

The same can be said about the inspiration of music. At the moment I am rehearsing for several different events, all completely unique. What I gain vocally from these encounters is uplifting, elevating, and enriching - as well as great fun. I learn and grow each time I practice, whether it be by myself or through the guidance of others.

Workshops such as Sound Circles ring true of this also - even if we are aiming for a finished product such as a film, or a song recording, it is certainly more the involvement everyone has, their participation, personal growth and enjoyment of the various activities along the way which are the true joy remembered in the project.

Each thought a writer has born unto their conscious - creating the plot, thinking up characters, the next twist in the story - this is where the true genius is.

And the making of a movie - doing stunts, going on location, creating the special effects, being around all the cameras and lights, getting make-up done - all this is what you remember, the path to the end result.

So whether you succeed in your chosen art form, or not - well, indeed, what is success - It really is the enjoyment of doing it - not the finished product - so on that note, go on, and be a star!!!

In our newsletter this month, we hear of the inspirational journey of Paddy Stoddart, plus the interesting profiles of member Denise Scassola and volunteer Melinda Jasmine. There's poetry by William Thomas, and a rundown of Lyn Flanagan's escapades in the Wheelchair Dancing workshops.

Also available, is the opportunity to participate in a focus group either on October 27th or 31st, which provides members with an important opportunity to give their input and suggestions into next year's programs, workshops and services. We also report on what we learned during the process of our audit against the Disability Service Standards; and remind members of the importance of the Privacy Confidentiality and Freedom of Information Policy.

You may wish to develop skills through Westside Social Program's The My Life Program (read on to find out more!!) and our Project Officer, Sally Josephson tells us of what opportunities arose from the Darling Downs Shared Visions Forum. Furthermore, in the 'What's On? section there's information on the vast array of exciting arts and cultural programs and events taking place this month across the state. If you have an event, project, exhibition or workshop coming up that you would like publicised in our newsletter please email the details to sally@accessarts.org.au or post them to PO Box 1034, New Farm, 4005.

So there's plenty to entertain and occupy your mind....well at least me thinks!!!

- Karen Lee Roberts, Membership Services Officer.

Calling all members... this is the opportunity to give Access Arts your ideas on workshops and services you would like to be involved in next year!

In order to determine our program for 2008 Access Arts would like to speak with all members about what they would like to participate in next year. Your suggestions for workshops can be anything (provided its arts based) whether you want to participate in workshops we have done previously or try something completely new!

The proposed model for the program next year will be taking a different form with Access Arts planning to partner with a variety of organisations to deliver workshops outside of the Brisbane Powerhouse. Sound Circles, BOA, drumming and community workshops will still be based at the Powerhouse. The Community Choir and Actors Anonymous will also be running as usual. What it means however, is that Access Arts members will be able to participate in a wider range of workshops at different venues; creating more opportunities to meet new people, gain new skills and explore new places. As part of the focus groups, Access Arts would also like to get your feedback on the proposed program changes as well as answer any of your questions.

When: Saturday 27th October 1-3pm and Wednesday 31st 10-12pm
Where: We will meet in the Access Arts office (Level 1, Stores Building, Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St New Farm) and then move over to New Farm Park.

Tea, coffee and light nibbles will be provided.

You must RSVP by Wednesday 24th October in order to attend a focus group. When you do so please also indicate which day you wish to attend. To RSVP please call Access Arts on 3358 6200 (1300 663 651 local call cost for regional callers) or email sally@accessarts.org.au.

Alternatively, if you are unable to make it on both of these dates please email your suggestions to sally@accessarts.org.au or post them to PO Box 1034 New Farm 4005.

Term 4 workshop dates:

Our workshop program is back for the last term of the year. The start and finish dates are as follows:

BOA - Monday 24th September- Tuesday 20th November from 9:30 - 2:30pm

Sound Circles - Saturday 13th October- Saturday 1st December from 10 - 12pm

Drumming - every Friday until November 30th from 12 - 2pm

Thank you!

Access Arts would like to thank Brisbane Sound Group for their assistance in purchasing a new PA & speaker package. Thanks also go to Quantum Technology for their support following the purchase of a Braille embosser for the office. These purchases have been made possible thanks to Disability Services Qld funding support through the Strengthening Non-Government Organisations Day Services program funding. This equipment will be a great asset to Access Arts for future programs.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Karen Roberts, Membership Services Officer, who recently received an Individual Professional Development grant from Arts Qld. This grant money will be used to cover the cost of two air fares to perform at the Asia-Pacific Wataboshi Music Festival in Malaysia in November. Peter Vance and Angela Jaeschke will make up the remainder of the delegation. Thank you Arts Qld for your support.

BOA - Visual Arts Update

BOA visit to Qld Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art - GoMA

On Monday the 15th of October the Access Arts studio members will visit the Qld Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art at South Bank. Exhibitions currently on display include: installation works by German artist Katharina Grosse - Picture Park; Xstrata Coal Emerging Indigenous Art Awards and a collection of British Prints - Pop to the 90's.

Art Box Exhibition

Congratulations to Alex Crombie-Van Ewyk and Peter Hughes on having their work selected for the Accessible Arts - Art Box Exhibition at the Sydney Opera House. Accessible Arts invites young artists under the age of 25 to participate in this annual exhibition. The exhibition runs from 20-22 of November.

African Community Group visit to Access Arts

On Friday the 26 October a group of 20 people from the African community of Brisbane will visit Access Arts for a day of visual arts workshops in the BOA Studio. The group will also join the drummers from 12.00 to 2.00pm.

Access Arts Global Mark Audit Report

Access Arts recently participated in an independent audit against the Disability Services Queensland's 10 Disability Service Standards. This audit, which was carried out from September 15th to September 21st, was a requirement for all services funded by Disability Services Queensland. Upon conclusion of the audit Global Mark has recommended Access Arts for certification and we will officially receive a certificate within the next few weeks.

Access Arts staff would like to express our gratitude for members support and patience during this time and thank those who gave up their time to attend the focus group on Saturday September 15th in order to provide their feedback on Access Arts' service delivery. Your input ultimately informed the auditor's decision.

- Sally Josephson (Project Officer)

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

This section is dedicated to informing members about their rights as a member of Access Arts. This month Access Arts News highlights the Privacy, Confidentiality & Freedom of Information Policy. You can find all our Policies and Procedures at www.accessarts.org.au/quality_assurance.htm.

Purpose:

To promote and affirm that all Members, Staff and Management Committee members have the right to privacy, confidentiality and freedom of information.

Policy:

1. All Members, Staff and Management Committee members have the right to privacy, confidentiality and freedom of information.

2. Any individual has the right to access information relative to him/herself.

3. Confidential information relating to an individual is not to be released to anyone without written consent from the individual.

4. The only information collected and stored by Access Arts Inc. shall be that which is directly relevant and necessary for Access Arts Inc. activities.

5. Should a Member or Staff member have no contact with Access Arts Inc. for a period of 3 years, all confidential information relevant to that individual will be shredded using either the office shredder or an onsite contracted shredding company.

6. Financial files must be kept for seven years, after which they will be shredded by an onsite contracted shredding company

7. All other files must be kept for a period of three years, after which they are shredded by an onsite contracted shredding company.

8. All Members, Staff and Access Arts Inc. Management Committee members shall be informed of these rights.

9. The security of Member and Staff Personal Data in the databases and documents on the computer is maintained by the use of passwords and permission restrictions.

10. All personal files for Members and Staff are secured in a folder and kept in a locked filing cabinet in the office. The office itself is secured by a locked glass door and an alarm system.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this policy or any others please contact Angela at Access Arts by calling 3358 6200 (1300 663 651 local call cost for regional callers) or emailing angela@accessarts.org.au.

Scholarship Opportunities to Study at Griffith Uni, UQ and QUT

If you are interested in applying for a Scholarship to study at Griffith Uni, UQ or QUT then follow the links below for more information:

Griffith Uni - www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships/available-scholarships/uni-start-scheme

QUT - www.scholarships.qut.edu.au

UQ - www.uq.edu.au/study/scholarships/index.html?page=58481

Innovative Vocal Workshop Invigorates and Inspires

On Saturday the 29th of September, betwixt the hours of one and three, twelve voices rang out from the Stores Building here at the Powerhouse. The illustrious tones echoed for two hours, led by the brilliant guidance of Emma Bennison and Hayley Kitchener, in a singing workshop which can only be described as a melodious masterpiece.

The workshop was run in an interactive format, with participants being encouraged to explore new sounds and experiment with their voices. There were outstanding solos from Jill Goodman, Alistair McKee and Lucas Eddy, with Alistair also leading the group in a rendition of 'The Water Is Wide'. The group was also fortunate to be joined by new members from FSG Australia who came all the way from the Gold Coast. Such beautiful tones and timbres made for a complete success for all involved, with Hayley and Emma finishing the day with a lovely duet.

Opportunities arise from Darling Downs Shared Visions Forum

Access Arts Executive Director Ross Barber and I headed to the blossoming city of Toowoomba on September 25th in order to attend the Disability Services Queensland Darling Downs Shared Visions Forum.

Toowoomba turned on a beautiful day for the event, with blue skies and warm weather adding to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There were a series of interesting presentations and workshops throughout the day including an insightful look into working with Indigenous communities in regional areas and an overview of the region's collective approach to respite. Ross also presented a showcase presentation to the whole forum on Access Arts' programs and our capacity to support further community arts development in the Darling Downs region. By far the highlight of the day however was the interactions with local parents, citizens and organisations who were interested in collaborating with Access Arts in order to deliver sustainable arts programs within their community.

The forum also presented the opportunity for all in attendance to discuss what was working and not working within the disability sector. From there, delegates were encouraged to work together to come up with new ideas on how to improve the disability services system. These ideas will then be put into a report and passed onto the recently appointed Minister responsible for disability services, the Honorable Lindy Nelson-Carr in order to inform the future direction of the sector.

The day ended with further group discussions and a speech from the Minister's Parliamentary Secretary Rachel Nolan. All in all, the forum provided a great insight into the issues experienced by people with disabilities, their families and the services that support them in the Darling Downs region, as well as an opportunity for Access Arts to connect with local artists and community members.

Following our individual discussions with community members, service providers, carers and artists throughout the day, it became evident that there was a strong interest from the region to establish further community arts programs. In response to this, Access Arts will be establishing a forum with local stakeholders in the New Year in order to discuss possibilities for further arts development in the region and ways to ensure future programs are sustainable and worthwhile. Stay tuned for further details on this forum!

Until next time Toowoomba, thank you for having us and we look forward to working with you in the future!

- Sally Josephson (Project Officer)

Volunteer Profile: Melinda Jasmine

1. Q: When did you come to AAI?
About three or four months ago.

2. Q: What made you decide to volunteer for AAI?
The opportunity to give back to the community, to share creativity, and to work alongside like-minded people.

3. Q: What did you do before coming to AAI?
Freelance events coordinating, and acting.

4. Q: What is your favourite food?
Sashimi!

5. Q: What is your favourite movie?
Singing In The Rain

6. Q: What is your favourite song?
India Rie's - I Am Not

7. Q: What is your star sign?
Aquarius

8. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
A sketch pad, a good novel by Paulo Coelho, an I-pod, a friend- and a nice yacht to escape when I need to!

9. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Creatively established, working within the art's industry, writing, filming and designing, and establishing my own production company.

10. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
Everything happens for a reason, and always ask or pray for help and guidance, and you will be advised and protected by your angel.

Member's Corner:

Wheelchair dancing workshop report

I did Wheelchair Dancing workshops on Saturday afternoons from August 19th to September 8th with Helen and her daughter from Wheelchair Dancesport Australia and I really enjoyed it very much and had fun. I was the only one in a scooter and I wanted to prove that not only wheelchairs but scooters can do it as well. I did have trouble catching up with the others but I got there. You would be surprised what wheelchairs and scooters can do on the floor. I would like to see more wheelchairs on the dance floor as everyone enjoyed themselves and had fun. I hope there will be more Wheelchair Dancing workshops at Access Arts in 2008.

- Lyn Flanagan (Access Arts Member and Wheelchair dancing enthusiast)

An inspirational word from Paddy Stoddart:

Hello my name is Paddy. After being hit by a car, I was left without the use of my legs. I am a paraplegic.

It is said that when you lose function of one or more of your senses, your other senses will improve. I have found this also to be true of disability

CHRISTOPHER REEVES has said 'It's about the ABILITY not the disability?

Five years have passed since that fateful September night. I now celebrate the 14th as an anniversary.

An anniversary, not of my accident, but an anniversary of my survival. Life continued.....We are all here still alive for a reason.

CELEBRATE LIFE

- Paddy Stoddart (Access Arts Member and avid writer)

Carol Burns

Carol Burns is a highly successful, talented, Brisbane actress,
Whose genius and versatile acting is the key to her success.
Her many roles in plays, films and TV range from 'Maudie Plover' in the 1977 Australian film 'The Mango Tree',
Through to her recent role as 'Amanda Wingfield' in the classic play 'The Glass Menagerie'.
And even more recently Carol played Del Holloway in the brilliant play 'Walking By Apple Tree Creek',
Which showcased and displayed Carol's amazing acting at her peak.
In the TV series 'Prisoner' Carol played the role of 'Franky Doyle' the bikie lesbian,
Which won Carol awards for her sensational acting proving her to be an excellent thespian.

The above poem was written on Tuesday the 11th of September 2007 at New Farm, Brisbane by William (Bill) Thomas.

What's On:

Unmasked Photographic Exhibition by Matthew Lys

Talented Access Arts member Matthew Lys interprets the world through his camera lens in a unique, creative and sometimes kooky way. In his first solo exhibition Matthew shares his eclectic array of beautiful photographs. A must see for all photographic enthusiasts!

Exhibition dates: 12- 31st October 2007
Venue: 2nd Floor Brisbane Square Library, 266 George St, Brisbane

Proudly Sponsored by the Brisbane City Council, Access Arts Inc. and Zouchai.com.

Do you enjoy having a cuppa with friends?

Recently, a few Access Arts members have indicated they would like to get together regularly with other members to catch up and enjoy a coffee.

The invitation to attend these gatherings is open to all who wish to come along!

If you too are interested in joining this group please call Sally at Access Arts on 3358 6200. Members will be asked to exchange contact details once we have heard from everyone who is interested. From there, a date, time and location for the first gathering will be decided upon by members.

My Life Program Vacancies

My Life is a program for people with an intellectual and/or psychiatric impairment who wish to learn independent living skills. Participants gain skills to enable them to access opportunities in the community such as education, recreation, and employment.

The program was developed by Westside Social Programs in conjunction with Westside Training. The program won the Minister's Training Initiative Award in 2006.

When and Where: The Queensland government, through Disability Services Queensland (DSQ), is funding continuing 13 week My Life programs to be delivered at Oxley and Stones Corner commencing in 2007. There will be three course semesters catering for up to 240 participants each year. Places on this program are free to people who satisfy DSQ's guidelines.

We offer two other options for tuition - one-on-one training or a 26 week group program both of which are fee-for-service. This training can be delivered in participants' homes or in a group setting at a negotiated location.

Please call (07) 3710 2013 for information on training delivery.

2007 Queensland Multicultural Festival!

Date: Sunday 14 October 2007
Time: 9am - 7pm
About: Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier will headline the festival in 2007 alongside Bobby Flynn. There will be something for everyone with World music, dance, craft, food stalls, children and family activities, roving artists and more.
Venue: Roma Street Parkland
Cost: Free
Contact: call 07 3224 5481 or visit: www.multiculturalfestival.qld.gov.au.

Four Films Four Fiddlers

Date: Sunday 7 - Wednesday 10 October 2007
Time: Various sessions available
About: This new film festival, which forms part of the Queensland Multicultural Festival, will showcase four films - Julian, The Red Violin, 'The Sound of the Violin in My Lai' and El Violin and four live virtuoso fiddlers in the foyer!
Venue: Palace Centro - James Street Fortitude Valley
Cost: Tickets on sale at the cinema
Contact: call 07 3224 5481 or visit: www.multiculturalfestival.qld.gov.au.

Uppin' the Amphi

Date: Saturday 13 October 2007
Time: 7pm - 10pm
About: Uppin' the Amphi is a new component of the Queensland Multicultural Festival in 2007 presenting some cutting edge new musical talent including Rock, World Music, Hip Hop and DJ'ing - featuring:

• The Red Paintings
• Kooii
• Kai Thomas
• Phoenix Fire Tribe
• Resonant Drummers of Rwanda.

Venue: Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre
Cost: Ticketed - Non-alcoholic event
Contact: call 07 3224 5481 or visit: www.multiculturalfestival.qld.gov.au.

The State Library turns up the volume

Queensland's top slam poets battle it out, word for word, in a spectacular State final slam-off.

Join the State's best slam poets as they speak, scream, howl and sing their original poetry, battling it out for the State title.

Hosted by award-winning poet David Ghostboy Stavanger, the Australian Poetry Slam Queensland State Final will also feature performances by the soulful Jess Harlen, singer/songwriter Jackie Marshall, and the innovative pop-poets Maiden Speech.

Don't miss out on a spectacular evening of words, rhymes and beats at this inaugural slam event.

Venue: Queensland Terrace, level 2
State Library of Queensland
Stanley Place
Cultural Centre, South Bank
Date: Sat 27 Oct, 7pm
Cost: $15, bookings qtix 136 246
For more information please visit www.slq.qld.gov.au/slam or call 3840 7307.

Expressions of interest: Artist for Mural project

Brisbane City Council are looking for expressions of interest from experienced artists to undertake a proposed Mural on the Toilet Block in Gregory Park, Milton. The Mural is to be created via a workshop process with students from the Milton Primary School. The project will involve 5 design workshops with the school; the mural design must come from this workshop process. Also including 1 day painting of the mural with the school children, most of the painting work will be undertaken by the artist. An anti graffiti coating will also need to be applied. The surface will already be prepared and ready to paint on.

As the project involves working with children the artist must have a current blue card and experience in working with children.

Proposed Time frame: October to January 2007.

To express your interest you must provide a quote for the Mural project (considering the above mentioned details), a current CV and no more than 10 examples of your work. Please forward to via e-mail to bianca.beetson@brisbane.qld.gov.au or Fax 33340227 By Friday 19th October.

For further enquiries please contact Bianca Beetson on 30274492 or 0438173906.

Acoustics on Sundays - Performances

When: Sunday 28 October
12 noon-2.30pm
Where: Brisbane Square Library
Level One
The music keeps coming! Some of Brisbane's finest singer songwriters will be performing in the library on the last Sunday of each month.
This month, don't miss the original sounds of Tania Majourie, Yolande Schafe, Gavin Ingham and Dermot Dorgan.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Would you like to audition for next year's program? Go to www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_2361 to find out more.

2007 One Book, Many Brisbanes Competition: Put your pen to paper and fingers to the keyboard and write your Brisbane story and enter it into the 2007 One Book Many Brisbanes competition. By doing so you could win $6000.

Download an entry form online (www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/bccwr/lib187/obmb2007_brochure.pdf) or visit your local library to pick up an entry form.

University of Southern Queensland Summer School:

USQ McGregor Schools are offering a range of arts classes and courses for summer January 2008 for more information go to www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor or call (07) 4631 2755.

QPAC DISABILITY ACCESS TO BE UPGRADED:

Rod Welford, Minister for the Arts recently announced that the main theatres at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) will be modified to improve their disability access. Modifications to the Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall will be undertaken from November 2008.

"This project will include general maintenance works at QPAC as well as modifications to the two main theatres," Mr Welford said.

"It will provide more seating choices and easier access for people with a disability and their guests.

"The Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall will be closed for four months from November 2008 to allow for the work.

"The rest of QPAC will remain open during this time and it will be business as usual in the popular Playhouse and Cremorne theatres as well as throughout the Cultural Centre."

Mr Welford said $1.38 million had been allocated for project in the 2007-08 State Budget.

"The work involves the installation of a ramp from the ticket office to the stalls area of the two theatres, additional wheelchair seats in the theatres and an additional toilet facility for persons with a disability," he said.

"There will also be modifications to the bar; box office and cloak room counter heights."

Mr Welford said November 2008 was the earliest possible time the works could occur while ensuring the least inconvenience for both hirers and patrons.

"The popularity of our leading performing arts centre means that it is heavily booked over the next 18 months," Mr Welford said. "The works are expected to be completed by February 2009."