Editorial - September 2007

Greetings Members

Hi all,

Spring has officially sprung and has brought with it blossoming flowers, blue skies, warmer weather, AND... a brand new edition of Access Arts News for you all to read!

The feature articles for this month include a fascinating story on Digital Storytelling, an Actors Anonymous update and a piece on long time member, volunteer and Sound Circles facilitator, Peter Vance who recently won the Senior Superstar singing competition. Karen Roberts recounts her recent experience at the Brisbane Shared Visions forum and our Visual Arts Coordinator Jasmin Jacobson's report will let you know all about what's been happening in the BOA Studios of late. On the Quality Assurance side of things, there's the regular section "It's not who you know it's WHAT you know" which this month highlights the Advocacy Policy.

This month we would also like to introduce Fine Arts/Visual Arts student placement Renae Burton, along with new member and passionate writer Paddy Stoddart, who has provided us with a poem in the Member's Corner. Speaking of the Member's Corner, this popular section also includes another brilliant poem by Bill Thomas.

As always there's a great variety of interesting and inspiring events, exhibitions and opportunities including Matthew Lys' solo photographic exhibition, and an employment prospect for aspiring illustrators.

Don't forget Access Arts' Sunset Sounds that is coming up on Friday 5th October from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse.

(Please remember that Access Arts News is available on our website: www.accessarts.org.au/latest_newsletter.htm and in Braille, audio and large print formats. Please contact Access Arts if you require your newsletter in an alternative format.)

Until next time,

- Sally Josephson, Project Officer

Digital Storytelling: A contemporary approach to an age-old practice.

"Digital Storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling. Digital stories derive their power by weaving images, music, narrative and voice together, thereby giving deep dimension and vivid colour to characters, situations, experiences, and insights."

- Leslie Rule, Digital Storytelling Association

Even before there were books to read, stories were a vital part of our lives. Telling stories was traditional, passed down from generation to generation. New technologies have allowed this oral tradition to be mixed with digital techniques to produce a new medium; Digital Storytelling. It all began at the American Film Institute in 1993; digital storytelling was the product of intensive workshops that produced a 2-5 minute film that combines aspects such as narrated pieces of personal writing, photographic images and even musical soundtracks. The basic premise behind this medium is to produce pieces of work that tell a story using moving images and sound.

Digital stories are a combination of spoken 'text' with images and sounds, to create a short 'mini-movie'. The main focus is on the script, not the technology used to create it. The vocal story is combined with a selection of images to create a powerful tool for communication. It is through bringing images to life with the help of digital imaging tools, that a powerful medium is created to represent those who are less able to represent themselves.

Through this medium, individuals and communities can create, record, share and have their stories valued. This creates a connection and understanding for them and others in a positive way. "Story telling and listening not only helps the teller in the telling, it helps the listener in the hearing, even across great distances of space and time" (Story Centre website).

Access Arts will be conducting workshops in Digital Storytelling in term four this year. It will start on Saturday November 3rd between 1-3pm. The final workshop will be held on Saturday the 24th of November. Ross will be conducting these workshops in the Access Arts offices at a cost of $10 each week. This is a great opportunity to tell a story in an unconventional way. It is the chance to reach an audience that traditionally aren't exposed to a diverse artistic range.

- Jodi Ball (Student Placement)

References:
www.electronicportfolios.com/digistory/index.html
www.icvet.tafensw.edu.au/ezine/year_2005/nov_jan/roving_digital_storytelling.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_storytelling
www.icvet.tafensw.edu.au/powerhouse_2005/session1.htm#tales
www.storycenter.org/whatis.html

SENIOR IDOL WIN FOR ACCESS ARTS ARTIST!!!!

Yes indeed, it was our own Peter Vance, singer extraordinaire, who took away the title, with his breathtaking rendition of that inspiring favourite, "Wind Beneath My Wings".

Up against sixteen other finalists- aged between 50 and 99, Pete dedicated the song to his mother, who was to celebrate her 89th birthday the next day, saying she is, and will continue to be, the wind beneath his wings throughout life.

Pete said that the competition was a magical, musical journey, where it was great to meet people, and interact on so many levels, whether it be rehearsing with friends, choosing material, working with respected personalities; such as the judges Hazel Phillips and Greg Moore, or simply the great opportunity of performing in such a grand space!

There were 1,800 people in the audience but it was family and friends who mattered most to Pete. Having loved ones in the crowd made this experience full of care and support, and to sum up in his humble way, this grand champion to us all, simply says: "It was an honour to win."

- Karen Lee Roberts (Membership Services Officer)

SHARED VISIONS: HOW IT OPENED MY EYES

As Jodi (QUT student placement at Access Arts) and I joined the hundred or so other attendees at the Brisbane Shared Visions regional forum on the 14th of August, I didn't know what to expect; but nothing could have prepared me for the fascinating series of lectures and information that I was about to become exposed to.

From the Minister for Disability Services, the Hon. Warren Pitt MP's informative talk at the podium, and at lunch with Jodi and I, to the fascinating work being done by Dr. Heidi Muenchberger in the field of Acquired Brain Injury; the content of the forum was both well presented and incredibly interesting.

The day was structured in a 'hands on' fashion, which made one feel a part of the proceedings, and gave people a chance to interact with the presenters directly. We would discuss ideas arising from presentations, such as Sam Riley and David Noonan's "Swimming without limits" project, and relate them back to the speaker in point form. This gave everyone the opportunity to have questions answered and to raise issues in a facilitated discussion.

"Hearing with the Heart", was one fantastic presentation I attended, hosted by two hearing impaired people, and a sign language interpreter. They related experiences of hearing impaired people also experiencing mental illnesses, and to be told of such amazing journeys in combination with incredibly expressive presenters made for an inspirational and informative seminar. The passion and drive these people have to aid people who are "deaf in a hearing world", and make it a journey, not just a destination, was commendable. Having Auslan interpreters available for psychiatric consultants, they were actively making an effort to aid people with a disability, and it certainly made an impression on me as to the importance of their work.

Overall, the Shared Visions forum was a complete success on every level for me. The presentations and ensuing discussions fully covered the topics politically, informatively, and emotionally, while also being a lot of fun at the same time.

- Karen Lee Roberts (Membership Services Officer)

Toowoomba Visual Arts Workshop Report

With funding support from Access Arts, our group comes together two days a week and has a lot of fun exploring different visual art mediums. This week we worked on fabric with stencils and fabric paint, and students seem to be very happy with what they're doing. We are also working on designs for the Toowoomba power boxes project. I met with Daryl Bates from Toowoomba council and showed him an artwork we made up from combining design elements from each student. We will probably start up with this project the Wednesday after next. The two power boxes I've selected to work on are the safest ones as they are away from the road but still are very prominent in the Toowoomba CBD. It's quite exciting!

- Anne O'Sullivan (Visual Art Workshop Facilitator)

BOA Report

Term 3 of BOA has been very productive with members designing and printing their own t-shirts, with some wonderful results. The members have also been completing works for future exhibitions. During this term the members have focused on creating some wonderful artworks using a range of mediums such as screen printing, painting and clay work. Next term the studio members will continue developing work for exhibitions to be shown at the Access Arts Open Day group exhibition, Raw Space Galleries, South Bank and Life Tec, Newmarket. Several members will also continue developing work for solo exhibitions. A group mural project and a gallery visit are planned for Term 4. The studio members will also be visiting the Monte Lupo Pottery Studio at Eight Mile Plains for the glazing and firing of work created during Term 4.

Looking forward to seeing you all again when Term 4 commences on Monday 24th September.

- Jasmin Jacobson (Visual Arts Coordinator)

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 Advocacy Policy and Procedure. You can find all of our Policies and Procedures at our Quality Assurance page.

Definition: An advocate is an informed person who speaks on behalf of another.

Purpose: To provide all Members and Staff with the opportunity to elect an advocate in order to promote and support them in their choice and decision-making.

Aims:

• To empower all Staff and Members in their choice and decision-making.
• To ensure that all Staff and Members are able to access a suitable advocate.
• To provide assistance to Staff or Members in finding an advocate if required.
• To assist Staff or Members to find an advocate in a way that does not negatively affect their autonomy.

Policy:

• An advocate can be a family member, friend, partner, carer or a person appointed in partnership with Access Arts.
• The person who requires an advocate to be appointed needs to be involved in the selection of the advocate to ensure he/she maintains active participation in the process.
• Access Arts Inc. Members and Staff are entitled to have their own advocates present at any meeting involving Access Arts Inc.
• All Members and Staff are entitled to an advocate when making a complaint under Access Arts Inc. policies and procedures (e.g. Grievance, Sexual Harassment Policies etc).
• Access Arts Inc. employees are not able to act as advocates for Members so an independent advocate must be appointed.
• The Access Arts Assistant Director will inform the Executive Director or his/her delegate if the advocate needs training.
• It is the responsibility of the Executive Director or his/her delegate to ensure that advocates are made aware of all Access Arts Inc. policies and procedures, and that they understand and comply with these policies.

Advocacy Procedure:

1. Members and Staff of Access Arts Inc. may bring an advocate to attend any meeting of Access Arts Inc.
2. Members and Staff who require Access Arts Inc. to appoint an advocate shall inform the Executive Director or his/her delegate.
3. The Executive Director or his/her delegate will nominate two suitable advocates to the Member who will then make the final choice.
4. The Executive Director or his/her delegate will ensure that the advocate is given all the relevant information and understands and complies with the policies of Access Arts Inc.
5. The advocate must then sign a declaration which states that they are acting only in the interests of the person they are advocating for.

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

Student Placement Profile: Renae Burton

Renae has been a practicing artist in Brisbane for the past six years. Originally coming from a graphic design background Renae started studying visual art at TAFE in 2002 and will now complete a Bachelor of Fine Art (visual art) at QUT Kelvin Grove in November 2007. Renae started with Access Arts as a freelance graphic designer and now assists Jasmin Jacobson in the BOA studio. She is also participating in a workplace learning program with Access Arts from 23rd August - 29th October 2007 assisting with the organisation of exhibitions and program planning for 2008.

1. Q: When did you come to AAI?
August 2007

2. Q: What made you decide to volunteer for AAI?
Workplace Learning Program through QUT Kelvin Grove and chose AAI because I really enjoy the atmosphere and services that the organisation offers

3. Q: What did you do before coming to AAI?
Graphic Designer and Fine Art Student at QUT Kelvin Grove

4. Q: What is your favourite food?
Vegetarian Indian

5. Q: What is your favourite movie?
I have many (anything with Johnny Depp in it is good)

6. Q: What is your favourite song?
Don't really have one, love jazz and blues, Fela Kuti is great, but my taste varies from one end of the scale to the other

7. Q: What is your star sign?
Leo

8. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
Champagne, dark chocolate, a sarong and a good book, possibly a chef too, maybe a good man (then again maybe not)

9. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Retired on a desert island (ha ha ha ha)

10. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
Life is in constant change so live each day to the fullest!

Member's Corner:

Member Profile: Paddy Stoddart

1. Q: When did you become a member of AAI?
At the end of July 2007

2. Q: What made you decide to become a member of AAI?
Access Arts Inc was suggested and recommended by my friend Rachel. It sounded like a good idea. A good forum for my work perhaps!

3. Q: What area(s) of the arts are you interested in?
Writing, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music and Comedy.

4. Q: What is your favourite food?
Chinese, Mexican, hot chilli and garlic.

5. Q: What is your favourite movie?
Dances with Wolves

6. Q: What is your favourite song?
Freestyler

7. Q: If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you?
Women and penguins

8. Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
In ten years time I may be well known for my writing. Known well for all the right reasons also and encouraged by this. I may even be required to write on certain topics with which I am well acquainted. I will write regular features for popular magazines. I will be gainfully employed and wealthy. My works shall have been reproduced in a publishable format and some even published. A lot more writing will have been done. I will have more certificates, knowledge and skills. I will be smarter, stronger and loving. All my efforts will be to the greater good. All my relationships will be loving ones. I will be busy with the many tasks that I am involved in. Still having many, many choices to make, as to how best to spend my time. I will still be fully aware of this and have undertaken to accomplish that which I feel important. My life having prepared me perfectly, in the next ten years. I will still be happy. Very happy. I probably will be in love with a beautiful woman and married to her. We will be living on a dessert Island with our beloved offspring, our dear penguins and our undying love for each other and the arts.

9. Q: What is your philosophy in life?
Love your life, it is a precious gift. Live for the moment - Now is all there ever is.

OCEAN MY FRIEND

Ocean my friend - you give me life
I rejoice in your waters, your waves purify my soul.
Ocean my friend - you give me fish to nourish my body and share with others.
Ocean my friend - you draw me unto you like a magnet, for in you alone
I am one, you set me free.

Ocean my friend - your seven seas surrounds your goodness abounds
Ocean my friend - I fear you - with the greatest respect.
Ocean my friend - you made a man of me, but never fail to remind me -
I am still a child.

Ocean my friend - you sooth my soul in your turmoil - I find peace
Ocean my friend - you are so very strong and powerful - but good.
Ocean my friend - we'll meet again my friend.
Ocean my friend - you are so very beautiful in all your moods, yet you are the harshest teacher of all.

Ocean my friend - purest of friends
Ocean my friend - I love you
Ocean my friend - will be there in the end
Ocean my friend - we'll be there in the end.

Ocean my friend - you are the only one I can count on to always be there for me
Ocean my friend - salty, wet joyous marine wonderland, you are so cool.
Ocean my friend - friends till the end
All power to you- Ocean my friend.

"WE SURF, WE FISH, WE LIVE, WE DIE - IN CONSTANT AWE OF THE AQUATIC PARADISE - OCEANA"

- Paddy Stoddard

Poem by William (Bill) Thomas

"Wendy Mathews" Written on Monday the 11th of June 2007

Wendy Mathews was born in Montreal Canada of Spanish/French and Indian descent. She also speaks French fluently.

The beautiful Australian based French Canadian multitalented versatile singer songwriter Wendy Mathews, can sing songs in many different styles ranging from folk, pop, rock through to soul, rhythm and blues.

Wendy is best known and famous for her multi-platinum, huge selling beautiful ballad song - "The Day You Went Away".

Another favourite song of mine from her 1992 album- "Lily" is the lifting, ethereal, haunting, historical, lovely, lullaby - homecoming song by Susannah Castaway.

Then from Wendy's 1997 album "Ghosts" came the dramatic, powerful hit song, "Then I Walked Away". Another song worthy to mention is Wendy's phenomenal rendition version of the classic gospel anthem song - "O Happy Day".

Wendy's big break through hit in the late 1980's came with her soaring heart wrenching recording of the song - "I Don't Want To Be With You Nobody But You".

And more recently in 2001 Wendy had a very successful hit with the exquisitely extremely soul searching soft melodic beautiful title song from her excellent album - "Beautiful View".

One last point of interest is Wendy's perfect interpretation of the Carly Simon hit - "I've Got to Have You".

What's On:

Sunset Sounds:

Access Arts Presents: Winner of Senior Superstar Peter Vance, Jodi Johsntone (accompanied by Damian Stewart), The Armenians, Chrissy Uhana and Jenny Noske (all the way from Cairns) for Sunset Sounds on Friday 5th October at the Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse. Cost is $5 which includes entertainment, light nibbles & drinks. Please RSVP for catering by 28th September ph 3358 6200 or email info@accessarts.org.au

Come along to the Frankie Armstrong Workshop!

Frankie Armstrong, acclaimed voice facilitator and professional singer is coming all the way from England to the Brisbane Powerhouse to deliver a voice workshop with Access Arts members, staff and anyone else who is interested.

Frankie's work has been one of the influences which contributed to the development of the Sound Circles program. Frankie believes that singing - expressing ourselves through melodic sounds- is our birthright. Historically we almost certainly sang before we created speech. It has been a way of bringing people together and sharing a wide range of human emotions for tens of thousands of years. Frankie helps us to relax and prepare the body in order to free the voice to play, experiment, explore a range of sounds and yes; even sing some simple chants and songs from different parts of the world. It's not necessary to have any previous experience of singing or music, all are welcome. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring an open mind and heart.

When: 1:00-3:00pm, 29th September 2007

Where: Stores Rehearsal Room, Brisbane Powerhouse

Cost: $10

Please let Sally know if you are interested in attending by phoning (07) 3358 6200 or emailing sally@accessarts.org.au

For more information on Frankie and her workshops please go to www.frankiearmstrong.com

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: 1- 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

ATTENTION ALL ILLUSTRATORS:

I am looking for an artist extraordinaire to do the pictures for my children's book, "Wilbur the Optical Whale" - a whale who wears glasses!

If you are interested, all you need to do is submit a fabulous colour drawing of Wilbur- wearing his glasses (they are lilac in colour!) to Access Arts. The drawing should be a bright, colourful caricature, not realistic, so to speak (but don't tell him that!!).

Other characters in the book are "the starfish from hell" and "wobbling jellyfish" - so if you want, you can include them in the background as well- it's not essential though!

The target audience is children, five to twelve, and you would be looking at a total of about eleven illustrations all up. This would be paid work- price to be negotiated- and they should be done within six to eight weeks - of course this is flexible. The initial illustration should be submitted by October the 15th, and sent to:

Attention Karen Lee Roberts
Access Arts
PO Box 1034
New Farm 4005

Just do what inspires you, and I hope you can inspire me too!
I look forward to seeing many be-spectacled whales...

- Karen Lee Roberts (Membership Services Officer)

HIGH BEAM GLOBAL TURNS 10

High Beam Global - Australia's international celebration of arts and disability turns 10 at Adelaide Fringe 08 Coinciding with the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the Australian Performing Arts Market.

To be part of the fun, it's time now to register your shows, exhibitions and forums about, by and/or involve people with disabilities or make their events highly accessible for people with disabilities. To register visit: www.artsaccess-sa.org.au/hbg/artists.php.

To ensure inclusion within the High Beam Global program, you should also register you events with the Adelaide Fringe: www.adelaidefringe.com.

Enquiries: Arts Access SA (08) 8224 0799, fring-highbeam@artsaccess-sa.org.au.

Applications close: 19 Oct 07, no late entries will be considered.

2008 Artist Residency Program

The Australia Council for the Arts is seeking applications for the: 2008 Camden Head Pilot Station Artist Residency Program. Artists or arts workers across the country who work in or with communities are encouraged to apply. The program will provide opportunities for professional development and will take place between August-September 2008 for a period of six to eight weeks. The Australia Council will contribute funding valued up to $14,000.

The aim of the residency program is to:

• Provide experienced community arts and cultural practitioners with an opportunity for reflection and to enrich his/her own arts practice
• Provide the Hastings region with an opportunity to interact with an experienced community arts practitioner to promote and extend existing community arts and culture practice in the Hastings Local Government Area and mid north coast of New South Wales.
• About Camden Head Pilot Station: The Camden Head Pilot Station is a self-contained 1950s three-bedroom cottage, garage and separate spacious boathouse/workshop studio space. It is located 6km from the village of Laurieton, 35km from the regional centre of Port Macquarie.

Interested candidates need to submit an application to the Australia Council. For an application form or to find out more details about how to apply go to www.ozco.gov.au/grants/grants_ccd/camden_head_pilot_station_residency.

Closing date: 15th November 2007

Decisions advised: January 2008

If you have any questions relating to the application or assessment process of your proposal please contact:

Hayley Johnson, Project Coordinator
Community Partnerships
Australia Council for the Arts
Telephone: 02 9215 9367 or
Fax: 02 9215 9161
Toll free: 1800 226 912
Email: h.johnson@ozco.gov.au

"Spring Sing" hosted by Choirbolical

All welcome!

Date: Saturday 15 September, 2007
Venue: Choral Hall, Cnr Bridge & Raff Streets, Toowoomba
Facilitator: James Cuskelly, Co-ordinator of Music Education and Aural Studies at UQ, St Lucia
Cost: $30.00 / person, $10.00 concession
RSVP & Enquiries: 4613 5126 or 4635 3783

Workshop Program:

Registration: 9.30am - 10.00am - cuppa & chat
Session #1: 10.00am - 11.30am
Morning tea: 11.30am - 12noon (provided by Choirbolical)
Session #2: 12noon - 1.30pm
Lunch break: 1.30pm - 3pm (bring your own or share)
Concert: 3pm - gold coin donation

For more information please go to: www.choirbolical.com.

Staff required at Southern Cross Printing:

If any of the new applicants are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, have an interest or worked extensively with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities it would complement our Traineeship Program.

Any interested people should call Arthur Williams, Production Manager by calling 07 3881 1303 or emailing sales@scscreenprinting.com.

Community Resource Unit Inc training:"Putting the Right Values into Action"
When: 15th November
Where: Brisbane (contact CRU for more details)
Presented by John Armstrong

About the workshop: this training will examine four sources of influence over everyday actions of workers:

1. Laws, regulations and policies
2. One's own (unconscious) values
3. Actions of peers and supervisors
4. The way the people who use a service are viewed

Who is the workshop for?

People with disabilities, family members, human service workers and coordinators, advocates and others who are interested in developing personal and collective strategies for maintaining a clear and conscious values base and examining their own actions in their daily involvement with others.

Those interested need to register by 1st November 2007 by calling CRU on (07) 3371 5700.