Welcome to the Creative Mackay e-bulletin 18 March – 29 April 2011

This e-bulletin provides the latest information on news, events and opportunities about arts and culture for Mackay and region. If you would like to contribute information to the e-bulletin, please email creative@mackay.qld.gov.au Find out more about…. 1. Exhibitions, Events and Performances (Go straight to this section) 2. Training, Workshops and Meetings (Go straight to this section) 3. Work and Opportunities (Go straight to this section) 4. Grants and Funding (Go straight to this section) 5. ebulletin Tid Bits (Go straight to this section) 6. Community Showcase (Go straight to this section)

₪ Mackay Regional Council presents Adventures in New Media Art

Adventures in New Media Art - a series of 6 workshop days, and a final forum which will include a small exhibition of works created by participants. New Media Artists Tim Humphrey, Madeleine Flynn and Jesse Stevens will be delivering these workshops. This series will build skills and awareness about what New Media Art can be and how to create it, and to also explore what might be an option for a major New Media Community Arts Project here locally. There will be 3 workshop days 7 – 9 April, and then a further 3 workshop days 2 – 4 June with the forum on the afternoon of the 4 June. Course One (Introduction to Physical Computing and Programming for New Media: Introduction to the Arduino IDE & Building simple interactive projects): Thursday 7 April 6.30pm – 9.30pm; Friday 8 April 10.30am – 3.30pm; Saturday 9 April 10am – 5pm / Course Two (The Cultural Interface: High-level languages, communication, and making new media artworks in context): Thursday 2 June 6.30pm – 9.30pm; Friday 3 June 10.30am – 3.30pm; Saturday 4

June 10am – 1pm / Forum & Mini Exhibition (New Media Art in Context: Society,

Community and Democracy. A facilitated workshop and forum): Saturday 4 June 2pm – 5pm / 5pm – 6pm participants works displayed with refreshments served. The workshops will be Free and limited to about 15 participants. Interested people who miss out on Course One will be able to access course info on a “wiki site” and purchase the Arduino Kits from Tim, Madeleine and Jesse for $150. People who have completed course one will be able to attend the June course if they choose. Anyone is able to attend the forum. Venue TBC. For more information contact Arts Development Officers Fiona Bishop fiona.bishop@mackay.qld.gov.au or Lara Payne lara.payne@mackay.qld.gov.au / phone 4961 9554. This project has received support from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). The RADF is a State Government, through Arts Queensland and Mackay Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

₪ Mackay Regional Council Regional Arts Development Fund 2010 / 2011 Funding Rounds

Round Four for 10/11 Closes Wed 25 May 2011, 4.30pm for projects starting after Mon 27 June 2011. Mackay Regional Council in partnership with the Queensland Government offers arts and cultural grants for arts workers, individuals and community groups from the Mackay Regional Council area. The RADF funds one-off, short-term projects that offer professional arts, cultural and heritage opportunities. More information and application forms can be found at www.mackay.qld.gov.au or by contacting the Arts Development Officer on 1300 622 529.

1. Exhibitions, Events and Performances…

☼ Sunday in the Park: Third Sunday of each Month / 20 March, 2pm - 4pm

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Tropical Sun Lawn, adjacent to the main entrance, 9 Lagoon Street, Bring a chair or a blanket, B.Y.O. picnic or purchase some yummy treats from the Lagoons Cafe which is open until 4pm, then settle back, and enjoy the sounds of local musicians at this free concert. The group is led by Dave Wilson who supplies the sound gear. Each month is different as a variety of musicians add their own flavour to the mix. The afternoon is run by the blackboard system, three songs per person initially. For more information, contact Dave Wilson Ph. 49424477 or contact Botanic Gardens 49527300 or botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

☼ The Ten Sopranos / Sunday 20 March 2011, 7pm

MECC Auditorium. The Ten Sopranos are a combination of classical and contemporary singers from the State Opera Company of NSW. They Deliver a varied repertoire of operatic favourites and well chosen popular songs from Puccini to the Beatles. The Ten Sopranos are visually pleasing, artistically clever and vocally exciting – they will simply mesmerize you with their vocal abilities. Nessun Dorma and La Donna Mobile, arguably the most famous melodies in the operatic repertoire, are handled with perfection and augmented with subtle new harmonies. Featuring the critically acclaimed soprano Penny Pavlakis, this show is original, world class and beautifully delivered. Tickets from $22. For more information please contact the Box Office on Ph 49619777 or purchase ticket online www.mackaytix.com.au

☼ A little bit of colour / Tuesday 22 March

The Living Arts Project, in partnership with Mackay Youth Connections, have organised a fun and positive community event "A Little Bit of Colour". We have been given around 120 white t-shirts donated for the flood victims. White is just not practical for flood cleanup, so we will be working with local at-risk young people to tie-dye the shirts and send them back to the Brisbane area, where they will be given out to flood affected residents. The date set is Tuesday 22 March, at Sensory Circus (the old church, 10 Hicks St). Starting time to be confirmed. If you would like to be involved, please contact Sandra at the Volunteer Hub on 49573088 to register.

☼ Band of Brothers / Thursday 24 March 2011, 7.30pm

MECC North Foyer. Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are regarded as two of Australia‟s finest classical guitarists. Joseph Tawadros is a master of the oud. His brother James, at the tender age of 18, has made a name for himself as a world-class percussionist, specializing on the Req, and Egyptian tambourine. Band of the Brothers repertoire crosses cultural and stylistic barriers… from world music to jazz, classical and traditional. Combining technical virtuosity and improvisation, audiences are taken on a musical journey which defies categorization. Tickets from $28. For more information please contact the Box Office on Ph 49619777 or purchase ticket online www.mackaytix.com.au

☼ Twisted / 24 March - 26 April, 10am – 4pm (Thursday to Sunday)

Gargett Gallery. Helen Pickering and June Willett collaborate to extend the boundaries of colour, form and texture in different textile mediums. For more information contact Lesley Kane on 4958 5024 / 4958 5120 / 0417 743 583.

☼ Milton House Open Day / Saturday 26 March, 9am – 2pm

For all artists, quilters, fabric artists, dressmakers, scrap-bookers, hobbyists, craft lovers, everyone.

Milton Picture Framers, 88 Milton Street. Art activities for kids. Huge Lucky door prize. Pallets of canvases and easels etc with consultants available. Boxes of pre-loved, slightly damaged, and mis-frames available at bargain prices. Discounts on art materials, framing, and printing. Demonstrations of new art products and techniques. Lunch time sausage sizzle. Consultants available throughout day for advice. 9.30am - 10.30am Design Magic on Fabric - using Paintstiks and Inktense to create special effects / 10.30am – 11am Polycolour Reflect and Inks on fabric (great for fabric artists and quilters) / 11.30am – 12.30pm Demonstration on Artisan Water Based Oils / 1am – 2am Information on Varnishes and Mediums. For more information contact 4951 1623.

☼ Bush to Beach Exhibition / Until 4 April

Cafe la de da, Wood St, Mackay. An exciting exhibition of contemporary and traditional works in a variety of media. For more details contact BRIZI 0428 455 188. Photo: Residence mixed media by BRIZI

☼ Contemporary Canvas: An Exhibition by Susan Riley Gee / Until 4 April

Lagoons Gallery and Cafe which is open Wednesday to Friday - 10am to 3pm, Weekends 9am to 4pm. Susan says having been in New Zealand for the past month I have all these colours implanted in brain. This beautiful country has inspired me to use these colours on pieces from New Zealand and home. Colours, can give the viewer pleasure, imagination, happiness, feelings, even changes in temperature, such is the pleasure I have in putting this on canvas. Susan Riley Gee‟s exhibition features acrylic and oil paintings. Acrylic painting featured is Lakes Depths. Cost Free. Contact Maya Harrison 49527300. botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

☼ Jimeoin. Something Smells Funny / Friday 1 April 2011, 8pm

MECC Auditorium. There is a hilarious aroma in the air. It‟s Jimeoin‟s now show Something Smells Funny. Join him and effortlessly breathe in his witty brand of charming humour. You will leave with the unforgettable stench of happiness. Please Note: Contains adult language and themes. Tickets from $34.90. For more information please contact the Box Office on Ph 49619777 or purchase ticket online www.mackaytix.com.au

☼ National youth Week 2011 / 1 – 10 April

National Youth Week 2011 is set to be Australia‟s biggest youth event, with events taking place all over the region from 1–10 April. You can take part by entering competitions or getting involved in events and activities happening near you. Mackay Events - Own it Community Celebration: April 2, 11am – 2pm, MECC Side Lawn, BBQ , Amusements and Stalls; Mackay‟s Got Talent, Youth Talent Competition, April 2, 2pm start, MECC Foyer For additional Information please contact Community Solutions on 4841 8888 or 0400 111 867.

☼ The Creole Choir of Cuba / Sunday 3 April 2011, 7pm

MECC Auditorium. Prepare to be blown away! This vibrant 10 piece choir – 5 men and 5 women who dance when they sing are a cornucopia of remarkable voices. They hail from beautiful Camaguey, Cuba‟s UNESCO World Heritage site. Multiple award winners, this Grammy nominated Choir sings the vital music from their Cuban homelands, songs learnt at home from grandparents and parents as well as contemporary songs from the Haitian scene. The Creole Choir of Cuba has been chosen by Peter Gabriel to record their debut album on Real World Records (Peter‟s record label), after he saw them perform at WOMAD. The Creole Choir has received raved reviews around the world and a five star rating at the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They are touring Australia‟s capital cities and other select venues in 2001 including Mackay! Phenomenal, sensational and exquisite are just some of the words used to describe this world class act. Tickets from $55. For more information please contact the Box Office on Ph 49619777 or purchase ticket online www.mackaytix.com.au

☼ Unleashed: A Photographic exhibition by Cheryl Eagers / 6 April – 1 May

Lagoons Gallery and Café, open Wednesday to Friday - 10am to 3pm, Weekends 9am to 4pm. Cheryl‟s Eagers exhibition is a visual exploration (by photographic investigation) on the thoughts of intimacy, desire and possession invoked by orchids, roses and lilies. Passion and love are human emotions regularly associated with the giving and sharing of flowers, both the exotic and common varieties. This sharing can cause pleasure and havoc. What lies beneath the giving and acceptance of a flower is human emotions. Utilizing the form, texture and lines of flowers this collection of series visually represents how emotions can be unleashed with the simple giving and/or acceptance of a flower. Showcasing images prepared for her Masters of Contemporary Art over the past 18 months. Cost Free. Contact Maya Harrison at the Botanic Gardens 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

Cheryl Eagers Flutterings

☼ K.M.E.I.A's 19th. Regional Choral Festival / Monday 11 April, 7.30pm

MECC. KMEIA's 19th Regional Choral is an uplifting choral experience with over 400 school children raising their voices in song under the direction of Rea Cseryni of So-la Voce Chamber choir. Mr. Anthony Young will prepare a Community Choir to which all members of the community are invited to participate. Tickets: $15 per seat. For more information contact 0419 204 312.

☼ Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Friends Planting Bee / Saturday 16 April, 9am – 12.30pm

One of a variety of regular activities the Friends of the Gardens group participate in. The Garden Friends will be planting in the Sarina / Proserpine Gardens at their next Planting Bee on Saturday April 16. This is a great opportunity to come along and learn more about the types of plants which grow in the Sarina and Proserpine areas of our Central Queensland Coast bioregion. Planting Bees also offers all budding green thumbs a chance to get their hands dirty and help the Gardens extend their plant collection. All Planting Bees commence at 9am sharp; with a “planting induction” and participants are asked to remember to slip, slop, slap and wear closed in footwear. Cost Free: Contact the Botanic Gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

☼ World Tai Chi and Qigong Day at the Botanic Gardens / April 30, 8am – 10am

Tropical Sun Garden Lawn. You‟re invited to join in. Come along to the Tropical Sun Garden Lawn, adjacent to the Lagoons Café at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Lagoon Street, West Mackay. Register at 8am for an 8.30am start and finish at 10am. Everyone is welcome. No Tai Chi experience needed. Wear cool loose clothing, walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. Join in this global healing event to change the world forever. This event will be conducted by Tai Chi registered instructor and members of Queensland Keep Fit Association Incorporated. Cost Free. Phone Dawn for more information on 4954 8860.

☼ River Rock to Mountain Top Community Festival / 6 -8 May 2011

Pioneer Valley, Mackay

☼ Call for Entries - AFS Friendly Care Pharmacy Art on Show Awards / Entries Close 27th May 2011. Mackay‟s innovative Art Awards & 3 Day Exhibition. Art on Show is a non acquisitive art competition with $10 000 in total Prize money. Artists can compete for prizes across six categories, with the overall winner receiving cash prize of $3000 . Entrants are then part of a 3 day exhibition, with the opportunity to sell their work. Viewed by over 40,000 patrons annually attending the Mackay Regional Show. Opening Night Monday 20th June 2011. 3 Day Exhibition, Tuesday 21

st – 23rd June. For entry forms, enquiries

or to volunteer, contact The Mackay Show Association on 07 49573916, or artonshow@mackayshow.com.au Entry forms also available online at http://www.mackayshow.com.au/ and at Artspace Mackay.

☼ Sarina Art Extravaganza / 28 May - 4 June, 10am to 4pm

Now in its twenty second year and with over $14,000 in prize money the Sarina Art Extravaganza is one of the biggest and most prestigious in regional Queensland. Categories include drawing, pottery, sculpture, photography, printmaking and painting. This is an extraordinary opportunity for regional artists, in particular, to show their work to a large and appreciative audience. As well as each category attracting prize money all works will be for sale. Make the most of this chance to begin or add to your personal collection or, acquire a piece of outstanding work to add to the atmosphere of your work place. Sarina Community Cultural Hall, Anzac St Sarina, 4737. Cost Adults $4. Café open for refreshments.

☼ C/o Poste Restante: Mackay Regional Council artists book collection / Until 12 June 2011

Cox Rayner Gallery, Artspace Mackay. Curated by renowned local artist, Wanda Bennett, C/O Poste Restante highlights a selection of works from the Mackay Regional Council‟s permanent collection of artists books. Increased use of electronic technology combined with the environmental need to work towards a paper free society, continuously threatens the book's role as humankind's primary communication tool. This threat to the well loved book has led to an increased interest in book arts amongst artists, with a growing number choosing to work with artists books and altered books as a way to define and express issues present in contemporary society. This exhibition explores and examines the preciousness and sentimentality of letters, diaries, journals, scribbled notes, travel tickets and indeed the art of handwriting itself. For more information contact 4961 9722.

☼ Paxton's Night Market / 6 May, 2 September, 16 December, 5.50pm - 9pm

River Street, end of Carlyle Street. Paxtons Night Market - Arts & crafts and handmade goods including woodwork, leatherwork, leadlight, cards, clothes, textiles, great coffee, light refreshments and live music. Incorporating 'Art Market' showcasing local artists and their work. For more information contact Julia 4959 1230.

☼ City Centre Markets - Victoria Street / Every Sunday 8.30am – 12.30pm

Fresh local produce, live entertainment by local artists, fresh flowers and delicious home-made cakes and treats plus local arts and crafts. Keep the kids entertained all morning with supersize board games and amusement rides. Indulge in alfresco dining at city cafés and enjoy 7 day trading at City Centre shops and boutiques. New stalls welcome. Phone: Janine Said 4961 9767 or 0448 998 162.

☼ Mobile Library Dates

The Mobile Library may be visiting an area near you. Why not check out the schedule and see when you can catch it. Visit www.mackaylibraries.com.au or phone 0408 775 936 / 4944 3000.

☼ Free Guided Walks / Every Friday at 9.30am

Did you know? Free Guided Walks are on again at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens every Friday at 9.30am. Scenic lagoons and glorious foliage make perfect backdrops during your informative stroll through the picturesque Botanic Gardens. (Approx an hour in duration). Join us 9.30 am Fridays (April – October) at the Administration Building or let us know you wish to come along by contacting the Gardens and booking a date with us. Cost Free: Contact Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens > ph 4952 7300. Are you needing refreshments later? Try the tantalising menu at the Lagoons Café and view the ever changing art exhibitions in the Lagoons Gallery. Lagoons Café and Gallery, Lagoon Street, West Mackay. Opening hours Wed-Fri 10am – 3pm> Sat-Sun 9am - 4pm. Contact 4952 4966.

2. Training, Workshops and Conferences…

NEW ☼ Sunday in the Park / Third Sunday of the month, 20 March & 17 April, 2pm - 4pm.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Tropical Sun Lawn, adjacent to the main entrance, 9 Lagoon Street, Bring a chair or a blanket, B.Y.O. picnic or purchase some yummy treats from the Lagoons Cafe which is open until 4pm, then settle back, and enjoy the sounds of local musicians at this free concert. The group is led by Dave Wilson who supplies the sound gear. Each month is different as a variety of musicians add their own flavour to the mix. The afternoon is run by the blackboard system, three songs per person initially. For more information, contact Dave Wilson Ph. 4942 4477 or contact Botanic Gardens 4952 7300 / botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

NEW ☼ Adventures in New Media Art: Course One - Introduction to Physical Computing and

Programming for New Media: Introduction to the Arduino IDE & Building simple interactive projects / Thursday 7 April 6.30pm – 9.30pm; Friday 8 April 10.30am – 3.30pm; Saturday 9 April 10am – 5pm. Adventures in New Media Art – This is the first of a series of workshops, and a forum that will build skills and awareness around what New Media Art can be and how to create it, and will also explore options for a major New Media Community Arts Project locally. New Media Artists Tim Humphrey, Madeleine Flynn and Jesse Stevens will be facilitating this series, there will be 3 workshop days 7 – 9 April, and then a further 3 workshop days 2 – 4 June with the forum on the afternoon of the 4 June. The workshops will be Free and limited to about 15 participants. Interested people who miss out on Course One will be able to access course info on a “wiki site” and purchase the Arduino Kits from Tim, Madeleine and Jesse for $150. People who have completed course one will be able to attend the June course if they choose. Anyone is able to attend the forum. Venue TBC. For more information contact Arts Development Officers Fiona Bishop fiona.bishop@mackay.qld.gov.au or Lara Payne lara.payne@mackay.qld.gov.au / phone 4961 9554. This project has received support from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). The RADF is a State Government, through Arts Queensland and Mackay Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

NEW ☼ BoardConnect Regional Residencies 2011 / Cairns 11 – 13 April & Townsville 13 – 15 April

BoardConnect is coming to you! Free development opportunities for regional non-profit boards Following the success of its residency in February 2010, BoardConnect is returning to North Queensland in April this year to continue its support for non-profit organisations, particularly arts organisations. The Residency provides an invaluable opportunity to build the capacity of the boards that are responsible for governing these organisations. BoardConnect Director David Fishel and Manager Kirsty Veron will conduct public workshops on board-related topics. Also contributing to the residency will be: in Cairns Heather Watson, Special Counsel of Brisbane firm McCullough Robertson Lawyers, and in Townsville, David Grace, Partner of Brisbane firm Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers. Cairns: Monday 11th April 1.15 - 2.45pm Talking About Art: the Board‟s role in discussing quality; 5.15 -6.45pm Conflicts of Interest and how to manage them / Tuesday 12th April 8.15 - 9.30am Turning Strategy to Action: ensuring the plan is implemented; 5.15 - 6.45pm Developing Entrepreneurial Companies / Wednesday 13th April 8.15

- 9.30am Legal Compliance. Townsville: Wednesday 13th April 1.30 - 3pm Talking About Art: the Board‟s role in discussing quality; 5.30 - 7pm Turning Strategy to Action: ensuring the plan is implemented / Thursday 14th April 7.45 - 9am Developing Entrepreneurial Companies; 5.30 - 7pm Conflicts of Interest and how to manage them / Friday 15th April 7.45 - 9am Legal Compliance. While workshops will be presented free of charge to participants, registration is essential. For more information contact The BoardConnect Team on Tel: 07 3891 2599 / Email: admin@boardconnect.com.au

NEW ☼ Metamorphism Magic - Life cycles / Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21st April, 10am – 12 noon or 2pm –

4pm. Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Almost magical changes happen inside chrysalises and cocoons. It is called metamorphism. Caterpillars which crawl along on stumpy little legs transform into delicate winged creatures called Moths and Butterflies. Many other creatures have metamorphism as part of their life cycles from egg to adult. During the 2 hour session, school aged children with Maya will discover creatures at different stages of their Life cycles during a Guided Walk through The Gardens finding, eggs, larvae, pupa or adult creatures. Then, take a closer up view of live creatures with magnifying glasses, anna-lupes and microscopes. Create their own magical creature using seedpods, clay, soft wire and leaves. Play “Life cycle” games and discover which creatures indulge in Complete or Incomplete Metamorphism magic. Bookings and early payment are essential as each session is limited to 10 children aged 5 and older. Cost is $5 payable before April 14. Please contact the Botanic Gardens 49527300 to register your interest and book your child‟s name.

NEW ☼ Community Lantern Making Workshop, Marian / Tuesday 19th April, 10am - 2pm

Great fun for people of all ages and abilities during the school holidays! Drop in for an hour or stay all day. Experienced local artists will work with you to produce lanterns for the River Rock to Mountain Top Festival‟s Lantern Parade, Friday 6th May. It is free to attend. Workshop is taking place at the Marian Community Hall, Marian. Please phone Wanda on 4958 5030 or Tracey on 4954 3745 for more information.

Lanterns at the 2010 River Rock to Mountain Top Festival Lantern Parade.

NEW ☼ Community Lantern Making Workshop, Eungella / Wednesday 20th April, 10am - 2pm

Great fun for people of all ages and abilities during the school holidays! Drop in for an hour or stay all day. Experienced local artists will work with you to produce lanterns for the River Rock to Mountain Top Festival‟s Lantern Parade, Friday 6th May. Workshop is being at Eungella Memorial Hall, Eungella. It is free to attend. Please phone Wanda on 4958 5030 or Tracey on 4954 3745 for more information.

☼ John Newman - Drawing Techniques, Beginners to Advanced / Tuesday 5 - Wednesday 6 April, 9am - 4pm.

John Newman is a successful Queensland artist - specialising in watercolour and pencil and ink drawing. His favourite subject matter is old historical buildings. His watercolour flowers are also exquisite. John teaches the traditional techniques that are the basis for good art. He is an excellent and patient teacher and his previous workshops have quickly booked out. So contact Colleen ASAP to reserve your place. Upstairs Old Town Hall, Sydney St, Mackay. Cost $135. Materials: List to be provided at a future date. Bookings: Colleen at Milton Picture Framers, ph 49511623 / office.admin@miltonhouse.biz

☼ John Newman - Watercolour Techniques, Beginners to Advanced / Thursday 7 – Friday 8 April, 9am – 4pm.

John Newman is a successful Queensland artist - specialising in watercolour and pencil and ink drawing. His favourite subject matter is old historical buildings. His watercolour flowers are also exquisite. John teaches the traditional techniques that are the basis for good art. He is an excellent and patient teacher and his previous workshops have quickly booked out. So contact Colleen ASAP to reserve your place. Upstairs Old Town Hall, Sydney St, Mackay. Cost $135. Materials: List to be provided at a future date. Bookings: Colleen at Milton Picture Framers, ph 49511623 / office.admin@miltonhouse.biz

NEW ☼ Working with Colour in Acrylic with Irene Coburn / 14 & 15 May, 9am – 4pm

Irene will be explaining the different attributes and versatility of acrylic paints and their mediums. With collage an optional extra, you will be encouraged to paint in your own style (that is either abstract or realist) and will be creating still life, landscape or your choice of genre. This sounds like a lot of fun. This workshop will be held from 9am - 4pm

each day at the Mackay Art Society. Cost: $100 members; $110 non-members. Please contact Maree Angus to book your place or for any enquiries on 0409564489 / maree.angus@gmail.com.au

NEW ☼ Adventures in New Media Art: Course Two The Cultural Interface - High-level languages,

communication, and making new media artworks in context / Thursday 2 June 6.30pm – 9.30pm; Friday 3 June 10.30am – 3.30pm; Saturday 4

June 10am – 1pm. New Media Artists Tim Humphrey, Madeleine Flynn and Jesse

Stevens will be delivering this advanced workshop series. This is the second in a series of skills building workshops to build skills and awareness around what New Media Art can be and how to create it. The facilitators will also be exploring with participants what might be an option for a major New Media Community Arts Project locally. To register your interest contact Arts Development Officers Fiona Bishop fiona.bishop@mackay.qld.gov.au or Lara Payne lara.payne@mackay.qld.gov.au / phone 4961 9554.

NEW ☼ Adventures in New Media Art: Forum & Mini Exhibition - New Media Art in Context: Society,

Community and Democracy. A facilitated workshop and forum / Saturday 4 June 2pm – 5pm; Mini exhibition, 5pm – 6pm. Venue TBC. Join in the discussion and have your say about a Major New Media Community Arts Project for the Mackay Region. To register your interest contact Arts Development Officers Fiona Bishop fiona.bishop@mackay.qld.gov.au or Lara Payne lara.payne@mackay.qld.gov.au / phone 4961 9554. This project has received support from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). The RADF is a State Government, through Arts Queensland and Mackay Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture.

NEW ☼ Watercolours, Fast Fresh and Free / 4 – 6 June, 9am – 4pm

A 3-day watercolour workshop will be taught at the Mackay Art Society by the popular tutor, Jenny Macnaughton. Jenny comes from Dorrigo in NSW, and likes to teach in a relaxed, fun-filled environment. On 4, 5 and 6 June, Jenny will be here to teach her “Watercolours, Fast Fresh and Free” class. Jenny will be teaching how to paint buildings, cottages and gardens, landscapes with the option of including flowers using her methods in this workshop. Check out her work on www.macnaughtonart.com This workshop will be held from 9am - 4pm each day at the Mackay Art Society. Cost: $150 members; $165 non-members. Please contact Maree Angus to book your place or for any enquiries on 0409564489 / maree.angus@gmail.com.au

NEW ☼ Artiz-Young Artist Development Program / Tuesday 28 June – Friday 1 July

James Cook University – Townsville. Artiz is the annual gathering of gifted and talented young artists aged 15-18 years old from Queensland high schools around the state. This four day visual arts event features a stimulating program of hands-on creative experiences as well as information, expertise and resources to provide students with a full picture of training, education and career opportunities. This is a must do program for young artists looking for professional training and career direction. $135 for four days - includes, workshops, seminars, excursions and some meals. Scholarships and some residential placements available. Register online before13 June 2011 For more information contact: (07) 3844 7211 or projects@flyingarts.org.au http://www.flyingarts.org.au/Artiz-Young-Artist-Development-Program-pg16469.html

NEW ☼ Terrain: Art Project for New Migrants / Every Saturday (excl. school & public holidays), until 2 July,

10.30am - 12.30pm. Crossroad Arts, The Loft, 39 Gordon St (cnr Gordon & Wood Sts). Are you a migrant recently arrived in Mackay? Do you wish to learn new skills in the visual arts? Would you like to share your story of migration and make new friends in a creative environment? No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn! Free participation. Crossroad Arts p. 07 4953 5122 e. admin@crossroadarts.com.au www.crossroadarts.com.au

NEW ☼ Purely Pastels – Beaches and Water Scenes with Karol Oakley / 9 & 10 July, 9am – 4pm

Nanango based artist Karol will begin with the basics of applying pastels, then will use a seascape and a landscape to explore what can be done with pastels to create vibrant, exciting paintings. Everything will be demonstrated and explained, and she will also be showing the effects created with acrylics and pastel on a toned ground. Karol paints beautiful beach scenes and this is one of her favourite genres. You can view her work at www.ozpastel.com.au This workshop will be held from 9am - 4pm each day at the Mackay Art Society. Cost: $130 members; $145 non-members. Please contact Maree Angus to book your place or for any enquiries on 0409564489 / maree.angus@gmail.com.au

☼ Artspoken, Queensland's Regional Arts and Culture Conference / 13–14 October 2011

Hosted by Bundaberg Regional Council. This biennial Conference will celebrate regional voices, explore new ideas and share excellence in regional arts and cultural development, based on these themes: building strong communities through arts and culture; encouraging community participation and engagement through arts and culture; supporting

vibrant regional arts and cultural practice; activating creative spaces. For Conference information see http://www.arts.qld.gov.au/arts/regional-arts-culture-2011.html

☼ IMPACT7: Intersections & Counterpoints / 27 – 30 September 2011, 6pm

Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. IMPACT 7: Intersections & Counterpoints will focus on the multiple identity of the print, exploring the cross-disciplinary nature of printmedia internationally and in the context of the Asia-Pacific region. Printmedia will be explored as a heterogeneous, diverse and all pervading aspect of contemporary culture. Often located at the intersections of disciplines and media, it is also a powerful political vehicle, generating discourse and debate by virtue of its wide dissemination and ability to offer counterpoints to the norm. The conference addresses practitioners, writers, critics, artists, theorists, and others working in the broad fields of print-related research. It aims to provide a platform in which practitioners and researchers can engage in a mutually productive exchange. Media identified by the conference will include but not be limited to: Printmaking; Photography; Graphic Design; Architecture; Drawing; The Artist‟s Book; Text; Animation; Film and Digital Media; Jewellery and Metalsmith; Glass, Ceramic and Textile. IMPACT 7 will reflect on the activities of an international community of artists, writers and designers. The conference will bring indigenous, migrant, and regional voices to the fore, with a focus on cultural diversity, creative collaboration, the artists‟ book, and communication in digital networks. See more details and RSVP on Artist Books 3.0: http://artistbooks.ning.com/events/event/show?id=2172913%3AEvent%3A51785&xgi=3HRor5k3ru0RVO&xg_source=msg_invite_event

NEW ☼ Badila Art Studio, Art Gallery / Open every Saturday & Wednesday, from 9.30am

Elsie Nash St, Pinnacle. We are local community based art studio/art gallery. Open to public and seeking new members. Project days Saturdays & Wednesdays from 9.30am, Bring your project, lunch and enjoy friendship in an open, friendly art & craft studio. Annual exhibition in June & on going fundraising. Everybody welcome. Gold coin contribution to running costs. For more information contact Dee at Marian on 0427 508 323 / Val at Pinnacle 4958 5254 / Pat at Eton 4954 1487 / badilaartgallery@hotmail.com

Studio painting day

NEW ☼ Postgraduate studies in contemporary art

Are you interested in furthering your studies in Visual and Performing Arts? The University of Tasmania is offering entry into the Masters of Contemporary Arts by distance learning through their prestigious Academy of the Arts. No relocation is necessary for Mackay or Queensland based applicants. This unique opportunity to develop your creative talents is being offered in visual arts, theatre, digital technologies, gallery practices, and design and arts administration. Candidates are carefully selected on the basis of: creative ability; proven studio practice record; capacity to work independently; and commitment to realising self-determined professional study projects. Entry into the Master of Contemporary Arts is being offered twice yearly, in February and July. If you are wishing to extend your arts practice in a dynamic environment, with results for new opportunities for work in the creative industries, then now is the time to apply. Visit the School of Visual and Performing Arts website at http://www.acadarts.utas.edu.au For more information contact the Mackay Marketing & Liaison Officer Janine Whitling by phone on 0413 550 944 or by email mcamackay@gmail.com.

☼ Kids Trails at Artspace Mackay / Open 10am – 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday

Artspace Mackay. A Kids Trail activity booklet is now available to accompany each Artspace Mackay exhibition. Children can use the activity trail to explore the exhibitions on display, drawing and writing as they go, then keep the booklet as a fun souvenir of their visit. Ask the friendly staff and volunteers at the front desk for a Kids Trail activity booklet and a pencil… and don‟t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. For more information contact 4961 9722.

☼ Craft Group / Every second Wednesday 12noon – 3pm

Do you want to learn Craft Skills? Would you like to meet some new friends? Come and join our group; Starting on 2nd February at George Street Neighbourhood Centre. Learn how to make cards, scrapbook, print photos and lots more. Have a cuppa and learn about George Street Neighbourhood Centre. Cost is $3 per class. If you would like to know more or to join this group contact Janette at George Street Neighbourhood Centre on 4957 2626 or drop in at 4 George Street.

☼ Professional Music Artist Press Kit Development Packages

Q Music is offering a brand new service which incorporates a professional bio and professional photo for print and online media from some of Brisbane‟s best writers and photographers and a one-on-one music action plan with an Industry professional. To register your interest in this package or for more information, please contact deb@qmusic.com.au. Please see the Art is in Calendar for an extensive list of weekly workshops. If you would like to receive a copy of the Art is in Calendar, please send your mailing address via email to creative@mackay.qld.gov.au.

3. Work and Opportunities…

NEW ☼ LitVids 2011 / 4 April - 26 June

Mackay Regional Council Libraries. Trail your way into Mackay libraries for your chance to win BRING books to life by creating a short film or animation for your chance to win in the second LitVids Book Trailer Competition 2011. Public workshops available for 12-19 year old. Contact your local branch of Mackay Regional Council Libraries for more information. Bookings required for workshops. Mackay Regional Council Libraries - Donna Kellion - Young Adult Librarian. Photo: Tristan Bancks will be presenting LitVid workshops!

NEW ☼ Artist in Residence Program 2011 / Applications close 13 April 2011

Arts Queensland has established a partnership with the Australia Council for the Arts and Education Queensland. The partnership was formed to provide an Artist in Residence Program (AIR) that recognises good practice and encourages innovation in arts and education programs in Queensland. The aims of the AIR Program are to: increase the engagement of Queensland students and teachers in creative practice; increase capacity of educators, artists and arts and cultural organisations to work collaboratively in the provision of high quality arts education programs; and enhance student learning outcomes. Arts Queensland is pleased to advise that the Artist in Residence Program guidelines and application form for 2011 are now available online. Projects must occur between 11 July 2011 and 30 March 2012. For more information visit http://www.arts.qld.gov.au/policy/artists-residence.html

NEW ☼ Seeking Expressions of Interest Queensland Arts Council Exhibitions is seeking Expressions of Interest from regionally-based Queensland artists and artist/community-run initiatives to tour in 2012/13. Expressions of Interest are due Monday 18th April 2011. Download the EOI Guidelines [WORD 120KB] / Download the EOI Application Form [WORD 192KB] Click here to visit the Exhibitions website.

Images: Gai Mabo Wild Yam (Ketai), Christopher Trotter Seahorse Working Drawing, Lee Bratt Grandma's House

NEW ☼ Sarina Art Extravaganza / 28 May - 4 June, 10am to 4pm

Now in its twenty second year and with over $14,000 in prize money the Sarina Art Extravaganza is one of the biggest and most prestigious in regional Queensland. Categories include drawing, pottery, sculpture, photography, printmaking and painting. This is an extraordinary opportunity for regional artists, in particular, to show their work to a large and appreciative audience. As well as each category attracting prize money all works will be for sale. Make the most of this chance to begin or add to your personal collection or, acquire a piece of outstanding work to add to the atmosphere of your work place. Sarina Community Cultural Hall, Anzac St Sarina, 4737. Cost Adults $4. Café open for refreshments.

NEW ☼ 2011 Queensland Regional Art Awards / Closes 4 July 2011

Regional Queensland. The annual Queensland Regional Art Awards is a prestigious art prize offering emerging artists the opportunity to expose and promote their work to a wide audience. It brings together visual artists from all around Queensland in a celebration of regional and remote art makers, their art work and the extraordinary places in which they live. In 2011 all participating artists will be featured in the online exhibition and have the opportunity to be selected for the touring exhibition, curated by Michele Helmrich (Art Museum Curator, University of Queensland Art Museum). Following a launch, the exhibition will tour throughout regional Queensland. $30 members / $35 non-members - enter online or request an entry form. For more information contact (07) 3844 7211 / projects@flyingarts.org.au http://www.flyingarts.org.au/Queensland-Regional-Art-Awards-pg16464.html

☼ New Online Career Support for Artists and Arts Educators

The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) announced a new initiative to assist Australian artists and arts educators across all art forms with their careers. The site will draw together resources for all artists, including dancers, musicians, visual artists and designers, theatre performers, writers and artists working across art forms. With recent research showing that incomes of most artists are still very low, this website will provide a valuable short cut to career-boosting opportunities. For further details go to: http://www.visualarts.net.au/newsdesk/2010/07/artscareer

4. Grants and Funding

NEW ☼ Curator Mentorship Initiative / Deadline: April 10

Funding Available. The Curator Mentorship Initiative (previously known as the Curator Development Initiative), supported by the Sidney Myer Fund, will provide up to $60,000 annually into the visual arts, craft and design sector and supports the professional development of emerging and mid-career curators of exhibitions and collections in Australia. The Initiative provides the opportunity for emerging and mid-career curators to gain mentored placements within a gallery, art institution or university. Four grants of up to $15,000 will be distributed annually, with up to $10,000 for the applicant and up to $5,000 for the partner organisation. The programs funds may be used in any way that the applicant feels would benefit their proposed project. Examples may include: salary for the curator while developing an exhibition including research and/or writing, costs of exhibition space, printing, promotional material or developing a website. Projects should be 3-12 months in duration and projects taking place in Australia will be given preference. Projects must start between July and December 2010. For more information google Sidney Myer Curator Mentorship Initiative.

NEW ☼ Community Heritage Grants / Applications close Friday 6 May, 5pm

The Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program provides grants of up to $15,000 to community organisations such as libraries, archives, museums, genealogical and historical societies, multicultural and Indigenous groups. The grants are provided to assist with the preservation of locally owned, but nationally significant collections of materials that are publicly accessible including artefacts, letters, diaries, maps, photographs, and audio visual material. Since 1994 over $3.6 million has been awarded to community organisations throughout Australia. The types of projects supported include Significance Assessments of collections; Preservation Needs Assessments of collections; conservation activities and collection management; and training workshops. for further information please visit: www.nla.gov.au/chg

NEW ☼ CATCH program / Applications close 13 August

Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal is offering funding for activities which enrich the life of rural and remote communities in the areas of culture and tourism, the arts, history and heritage. The CATCH program provides grants of up to $20,000 for projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities living in small rural and remote locations. Priority is given to communities with populations of 10,000 or less. For more information visit http://www.frrr.org.au/programsDetail.asp?ProgramID=10

☼ A Venue Program

A major boost is in place for regional Queensland's contemporary musicians, with funding to develop skills and opportunities in their own communities through the Queensland Government‟s A Venue program. A Venue is an important part of their contemporary music strategy, press play 2009 - 2012. Visit www.arts.qld.gov.au/policy/a-venue.html

☼ Community Benefits Program

In association with many of its new transmission lines Powerlink aims to support local communities and worthwhile community projects through its Community Benefits Program (CBP). Powerlink's CBP provides funding for selected projects that deliver tangible and lasting benefits to local communities in close proximity to new transmission lines.

Previous worthwhile community projects funded by Powerlink's CBP in other areas of Queensland include the installation of a shade shelter at a local school, purchasing books for a community lending library, and landscaping for a respite centre. Funding provided for the CBP is in addition to the compensation paid to landowners directly affected by easements for the transmission line project, and is allocated to selected community projects that can demonstrate broad community support. For more information visit http://www.powerlink.com.au/asp/index.asp?sid=5056&page=community/benefits

☼ PFTC Funding Schemes

The Pacific Film and Television Commission offers 13 permanent schemes of assistance, a number of Queensland film incentives, as well as regular development and production initiatives to help Queensland-based filmmakers get their ideas on screen. A number of these schemes are open all year round, including: - Project Development Scheme - Production Fund - Documentary Production Fund - Revolving Film Finance Fund Visit www.pftc.com.au/pftc/funding/content.asp?pageid=21&top=2

☼ Pushed for time? Volunteers don‟t have the time to search out suitable grants, and then write a winning

application. For assistance with your Grant Writing & Grant Searches Go to www.fundraisingbuddy.com.au/html/grants.htm

5. ebulletin Tid Bits… Did you know about…art + place…

6. Community Showcase…

Working on an interesting arts project? Been somewhere or done something you would like to share with our arts community? Email creative@mackay.qld.gov.au to make a submission for inclusion in the Creative Mackay ebulletin‟s „Community Showcase‟. Relevant photographs are welcome for inclusion with your submissions

SUBMISSIONS If you would like to contribute to Creative Mackay, click here The deadline for the next issue is 27 April. Contributions from the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac Regional Council areas are welcome. Submissions will be accepted from other areas however, inclusion is dependent on available space after all local submissions are received. Listings for arts/cultural activities and events are free. SUBSCRIPTION TO CREATIVE MACKAY

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Mackay Regional Council does not guarantee the accuracy of information published in the creative mackay e-bulletin. Views and information expressed in the creative mackay e-bulletin are not endorsed by Mackay Regional Council. A copy of Mackay Regional Council's privacy policy is available at www.mackay.qld.gov.au This email was sent by Mackay Regional Council, PO Box 41, Mackay QLD 4740, 1300 622 529 email: creative@mackay.qld.gov.au For further information please contact the Arts Development Officer at Mackay Regional Council.