Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts
April 2013
Forward to a friend
Arts Queensland’s monthly update of arts and culture This month Arts Update turns the spotlight on emerging talents, circus stars Casus and a new wave of Indigenous musicians from Far North Queensland. Tips from Sponsorship Manager with Queensland Theatre Company Nikki Porter and Grant Support Officer Linda Dreghorn are must reads for artists and arts workers.
Casus
Great state. Great opportunity. 1
Message from the Minister for the Arts I recently spent time in the United States where I attended the annual BIO convention in my official capacity as Science Minister. Whilst I was there I added a quick visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Another plus for the Queensland Art Gallery is new Director Chris Saines. We welcome Chris and congratulate him on his role and I know we will see great innovation and leadership with him at the helm. Before departing for the US, I attended the Meeting of Cultural Ministers in Hobart. This was a forum for energetic and engaged discussion and debate about the future of our nation’s arts and culture with my fellow Arts Ministers from Australia and New Zealand. I look forward to sharing more of the outcomes from the meeting with you in the future.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has partnered with the Queensland Art Gallery to bring its iconic touring exhibition California Design 1930–1965: Living in a Modern Way to Brisbane in an Australian exclusive from November this year.
Enjoy this edition of Arts Update and please read the updates on the Arts for all Queenslanders strategy consultation and the appointment of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) transition task force. We have lots of good news to share.
Having met the curators and visited this wonderful museum, I am excited by the synergies with Queensland culture and design. California’s relaxed approach and climate influence much of the design featured in the exhibition – lifestyle aspects shared with Queensland. Also, California during this period had fresh, exciting design energy, that many commentators have seen coming from Australia and more particularly Queensland in recent years. I am confident we’ll see a great response from Australian and Pacific audiences to this very urbane exhibition.
The Honourable Ian Walker MP Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts Minister Walker with new QAGOMA Director Chris Saines (right) and benefactor Tim Fairfax
2
Quee
Arts
for all
nslan
strate g
y
ders
Taking the arts to all Queenslanders Ensuring that Queensland has a strong and dynamic arts sector that delivers great arts for all Queenslanders is at the heart of the Arts for all Queenslanders policy. Arts Queensland is working on the Arts for all Queenslanders strategy in consultation with Queenslanders.
paper to be released for public consultation next month. Feedback from this paper will inform the final strategy to be released in December.
Consultation began in February when a draft overview was released to kick start discussions. This overview included data themes collated from the evaluation of progress and outcomes on recent strategies and plans such as: the Arts and Culture sector plan (2010–13), the Arts, Culture + Me – Children and Young People in the Arts Action Plan 2008–11 and artbeat: Regional Arts and Culture Strategy 2010–14. Arts Queensland received 288 responses to this overview.
Arts Queensland is inviting arts and cultural practitioners, theorists, educators and arts supporters to contribute to the developing strategy on aqblog. There will be more opportunities to gather ideas about Arts for all Queenslanders in the coming months through industry network meetings, workshops and forums from April to September. The final Arts for all Queenslanders strategy will be released in December 2013 Email your strategy ideas to aqpolicy@arts.qld.gov.au or call to speak with an Arts Queensland officer on (07) 3033 0762.
A workshop was held in Brisbane with arts sector representatives to discuss the draft overview and to get feedback on the important issues in relation to the Queensland Government Arts for all Queenslanders policy aims.
And watch out for the release of the discussion paper – your input is critical to keeping arts and culture strong and sustainable in Queensland for generations to come.
Input from this group has been incorporated into a discussion 3
FNQ musicians have industry listening up Doors are opening for an exciting new wave of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians from Far North Queensland following the launch of their first album. Will Kepa, featured on the first Listen Up project as an emerging artist, and provided valuable advice to the artists selected for Listen Up 2.
Listen Up 2 features Danny Bani (Thursday Island), Cold Water Band (Wujal Wujal), Ivana Gibson (Hope Vale/Cairns), Phoenix Rising (Cairns) and Colina and Nicholas Wymarra (Bamaga/Cairns).
“I really enjoyed being on the producing and mentoring side this time,” Will says.
Supported by Arts Queensland’s Backing Indigenous Arts initiative, the first of the Listen Up albums, launched in 2008, gave a platform for rising stars and Deadly winners, The Medics.
“I am full of praise for the hard work each of the groups put in and acknowledge how much they have improved their skills as musicians during the project.”
This new batch of artists is also reaching new audiences, with a Cairns concert in March live streamed by ABC Far North Queensland.
Musicians on Listen Up 1 and 2 are part of a new generation of Indigenous performers who are making exciting and innovative contemporary music. Other artists featured in Listen Up 1 were Dave Dow, Gudju Gudju, Will Kepa, Moses Warusam and The Medics.
Project mentors Will Kepa, Karl Neuenfeldt and Nigel Pegrum worked with the musicians to record Listen Up 2 in early 2013 and give emerging musicians an entrée into the industry.
Backing Indigenous Arts is a Queensland Government initiative that aims to strengthen the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry. For more information: http://bit.ly/AhUjlS
“Listen Up 2 helped the musicians gain valuable music and production skills through their recording experience,” Karl says. “Danny Bani is working on his own solo album while Cold Water Band is lining up a Queensland tour.”
Images top to bottom: Phoenix Rising and Cold Water Band. Photo: Karl Neuenfeldt
4
Judy breaking
FRESH GROUND equipment and performance venues; producing support and mentorship and assistance in the development and delivery of Strategic and Business Plans. Round 6 applications recently closed.
The Fresh Ground initiative at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts (Judy) is proving a dynamic platform for the launch of new works. Fresh Ground comprises two programs: the Fresh Ground Residency Program and the Fresh Ground Space Program.
The Space Program offers artists access to unallocated rehearsal spaces for artists and applications will be accepted at any time from 30 April.
The Residency Program is responsive to the needs of artists at any stage of their career path and offers medium to long-term support, which may include financial support; access to rehearsal spaces, technical
For more information visit http://bit.ly/ZHAQ7V The Danger Ensemble’s SONS OF SIN. Photo: Dylan Evans Photography 5
Casus success no chance encounters Casus, a name derived from the Latin for a ‘culmination of circumstances or a chance event’, is a Brisbane boutique circus company with big plans. Fresh from Paris and following rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Casus crew is a hard bunch to keep track of. Their schedule for 2013 includes the Spiegeltent in Melbourne and Hoopla Festival in Sydney, before touring Europe into the second half of the year – impressive for a company that only debuted in 2012. Arts Update caught up with Casus member Emma Serjeant to get her take on their success and why Brisbane is home to such a large number worldclass circus performers. Q: Although all four members have been performing in circus for some time, Casus is relatively new. What brought you together?
Knee Deep came out of a threeweek development period at the Judy (Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts).
Casus formed late in 2011. We had been friends for some time and were all interested in working together. The timing was right to start a new adventure, so we committed to making it happen and put together the first show.
We had no idea what kind of work we were going to make, if it was going to be a failure or a success or if we would still be friends by the end of the three weeks! Thankfully we found our groove and continue 6
to live the dream of creating work with your best friends!
of the community and the lack of needing recognition or stature.
Q: You’ve enjoyed international success in a relatively short time, what do you attribute this success to?
Everyone is doing their own thing with no right or wrongs; there are wonderful role models here and a great creative vibe.
I think we have been tremendously lucky in getting our name out there quite quickly. Our international debut was last year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, within 12 months of forming the company and creating Knee Deep.
Q: What is your vision as an arts company moving forward? Casus’ vision is to present circus on new platforms and challenge the art form, each other and ourselves constantly. Circus has an incredible ability to connect with people and audiences. We all have the desire to keep pushing the mould of what circus is and keep asking that question of our audiences and each other.
I attribute this to a relentless desire to be good at what we do and putting in the work. As a very small company we all wear many hats and if there’s anything I’ve learnt from working in the arts it’s that success doesn’t come knocking on your door, you need to go out and get it. Invite it for coffee occasionally.
We hope our work is challenging and interesting and we wouldn’t be a circus if we weren’t on the road, so touring is a big part of our aspirations.
Q: Brisbane seems to be taking on the mantle as Australia’s home of circus. Why is this and how do you think this has developed?
We all have strong cultural and community ties, so to be touring a successful show and involving ourselves in community projects all over the globe would be pretty much as good as it gets!
Brisbane has a very supportive circus community. There are a lot of Brisbane-based companies being influential and successful right now and I put this down to the support we give each other, the openness
Visit Casus at: http://on.fb.me/12mgd38 Casus
Congratulations to choreographer Lisa Wilson Fellow Fresh Ground artist Lisa Wilson has just had her dance theatre work, Lake confirmed for a national Road Work tour in 2014 through Performing Lines.
has included assistance in the development of national and international touring opportunities the work. Image: Lake featuring Lisa Wilson and Timothy Ohl. Photo: Fen Lan Chuang
Lake premiered at The Judy in 2012 and Fresh Ground support 7
Partnerships of possibility Through its inspiring education initiatives, Queensland Theatre Company’s influence reaches far beyond its main stage audiences and into the classrooms of some of the state’s furthermost corners. “Corporate sponsorship is a really challenging area and is largely dependent on the economic environment at the time,” Nikki says.
Long term partnerships with sponsors, Wesfarmers Resources and Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), have given the company cherished opportunities to impact on the lives of Queensland’s young people.
“However when you receive a positive response or the chance to deliver something really special with one of your partners, you remember this is a great job.”
For Nikki Porter, Corporate Development Manager with Queensland Theatre Company, these partnerships are vital for the company’s to fulfill its brief of state-wide reach.
Nikki has been in the role for six years. With some partnerships taking years to develop and others deepening and changing with time, Nikki feels longevity in her position has been an asset.
Queensland Theatre Company receives significant funding from the State Government; however corporate sponsorship and philanthropy allow it to reach more audiences in more areas, but also extend its education, community and regional programming.
“I think it has been helpful for me to really get to know our partners. Brisbane Airport Corporation has been with us for 10 years and Wesfarmers Resources is now in 8
“Enthusiastic board members can make a huge difference. Board members can make introductions at a very high level and act as your ambassador. Once the door is opened I can do all the work, but the introduction is key,” she says.
its sixth year of partnership,” she says. Queensland Theatre Company has three primary tiers of sponsorship - community partners, production partners and season partners. Community partners, such as Wesfarmers Resources, BAC and Energex, look for opportunities to support community arts and cultural engagement, sometimes with a particular focus on regional, Indigenous, youth or emerging talent.
“It’s also important to engage your partners as much as you can with your artistic team. I’m fortunate with Wesley (Enoch, Artistic Director); he values our partners and is so engaging. Having Wesley meet partners can make all the difference.”
Production partners select specific productions to support throughout the year, to help assure the delivery of quality arts experiences to Queensland audiences but also to access unique entertainment opportunities for their own clients. Season sponsors also receive exclusive invitations and opportunities for their employees and clients.
She also advises looking to national as well as Queensland companies. “Queensland has a lot of great companies, but it can sometimes seem like all the arts companies are knocking on all the same doors. It is essential that we look for opportunities in the national marketplace as well.” Queensland Theatre Company is showing Red, starring Colin Friels, at The Playhouse, QPAC until 19 May. Visit www.queenslandtheatre.com.au
Nikki says great care is taken to align the right plays with the interests, age groups etc of the partner’s client profile. “It’s always a risk,” she says. “You never really know how a play is going to be received but I am pleased to say that we mostly have very happy sponsors.”
Playwright Maxine Mellor taking part in the Brisbane Airport Corporation’s Artist in Residence program at West End State School. Photo courtesy Queensland Theatre Company
Nikki’s top tips are to work closely with your board and senior management. 9
Save the dates for CIAF Presents April was a big month for Cairns Indigenous Art fair (CIAF) with Arts Minister Ian Walker unveiling the transition task force and announcing the dates for CIAF Presents. The task force features a strong mix of arts, local council, community and tourism knowledge with members including: Ms Henrietta Fourmile Marrie, CIAF co-patron and Traditional Owner; Councillor Bob Manning, Mayor Cairns Regional Council; Mr Jim Cousins, philanthropist and Indigenous art collector; Mr Cameron Costello, lawyer, Indigenous community member and former CIAF General Manager; and representatives from Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland.
CIAF Presents is a celebration of Queensland Indigenous arts and culture that keeps the spirit of CIAF alive in its home community during this transition.
The task force had its first meeting in Cairns on Friday 19 April with lots of bold ideas for the event’s future bandied around. The group will be working hard consulting with the wider CIAF community and stakeholders in preparation for an announcement on CIAF’s future governance and delivery models due in December. CIAF returns in 2014.
Queensland’s Indigenous art centres will be at CIAF Presents, with the Indigenous Art Centre Alliance, the peak body that represents the community-based art and craft centres of far north Queensland, holding a major exhibition called Kinship at Tanks Arts Centre as well as a symposium and an art market. Stay tuned for further CIAF Presents program details and CIAF task force news or visit www.ciaf.com.au
The highlight of CIAF Presents will be a major free concert on 16 August with a headline act yet to be announced. The fourday program will also include three forums – UflaUpla: National Indigenous Textile Forum, National Indigenous Curators Forum and the National Indigenous Festival Forum – exhibitions and a food festival.
Minister Walker also announced 15-18 August as the dates for CIAF Presents.
Image: One of the Kawanji Dancers at CIAF 2012. Photo: Kerry Trapnell 10
Funding Update with Linda Dreghorn I was reminded when reading a blog post by Randy Cohen on the US site Arts blog http://bit.ly/YGjMRL about the importance of not only telling our stories but articulating them concisely and eloquently.
board members and staff to share stories through their own networks. Keep your website fresh and dynamic by including stories of your work and experiences. Consider nominating for awards – the profile raising that comes with winning an award can be invaluable. If you have a wonderful story to share, aqblog and Arts Update would like to hear from you!
In his blog, Randy Cohen emphasises the advantages of brevity in arts advocacy and then provides 10 compelling reasons why funders should contribute to the arts. I have been privileged to experience many sublimely beautiful and transformative arts experiences in recent years that people outside the arts sector rarely hear about.
How well you tell your story is especially important when applying for grants. When assessors and peers are reading multiple applications, a succinct and persuasive account of what you do or want to achieve is essential.
While arts administrators are mostly overburdened already, sharing your stories and successes does not need to be onerous and everyone in the organisation has a role to play. Encourage volunteers,
Please feel free to contact me at linda.dreghorn@arts.qld.gov.au / 07 3234 1092 if you have any enquiries.
Grant news Australia Council 2013 Funding
Producer; Program; Project; Projects with Public Outcomes
The Australia Council funding guide is available at: http://bit.ly/Wduryx Grants closing in May 2013 include:
Literature – Creative Australia Book2; Fellowships; New work; New Work – Digital & New Media
Market Development – Playing Queensland; Visions of Australia & Visions of Australia – Contemporary Touring Initiative
Regional Quick Response Grants
Music - Program
These grants offer assistance of up to $1500 to individual artists for professional development or $3000 for organisations for community arts projects. Visit http://bit.ly/JRmyrv
Visual Arts – Visual Arts Laureate Award and Medal Community Partnerships – Career Pathways: Fellowships, Professional Development and Structured Mentorships; Creative
11
Resources update BoardConnect: The ‘secret’ to fundraising success workshops, Brisbane 3 May & 19 June. Join BoardConnect and
AQ Blog www.arts.qld.gov.au/blog/ There are two new blogs from Arts Queensland’s Acting Deputy Director General Evan Hill. The first provides the feedback highlights from the survey on the Arts for All Queenslanders discussion starter and the second gives an overview of the first consultation workshop.
Dr Daniel McDiarmid from Global Philanthropic for a two-part briefing on The Board’s Role in Fundraising in Brisbane, hosted by Norton Rose. Visit http://bit.ly/10CdBBb
Arts Investment Advisory Board
Philanthropy Australia: Grant-seeker’s Guide to Assessing Social Impact 2013 workshop, Brisbane 21 May
The Terms of Reference and the Communiqué from the first meeting are now on the Arts Queensland website at http://bit.ly/10Cd7Lo
Presented by Dr Gianni Zappalà this seminar is designed for grantseekers, CEOs, program managers, development and fundraising staff from not-for-profit, educational and charitable organisations seeking philanthropic support. Visit http://bit.ly/XpndeM
BoardConnect: Creative Leadership Symposium, Townsville, 2 May. Board-Connect is presenting a Creative Leadership Symposium for board members, CEOs, GMs and senior staff of arts and non-profit organisations. Visit http://bit.ly/10CdBBb
Media releases Key task force named to lead CIAF into future
(QAGOMA). Read more http://bit.ly/11yaG83
Arts Minister Ian Walker announced the six-member task force to steer the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) through its transition to a new governance model. Read more http://bit.ly/ZNKR0Z
California design on show ahead of Brisbane exclusive Arts Minister Ian Walker visited the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to meet the curators of the touring exhibition California Design 1930–1965: Living in a Modern Way, on show at Queensland Art Gallery later this year. Read more http://bit.ly/13yJCqH
New era for QAGOMA Arts Minister Ian Walker welcomed Chris Saines on his first day as Director of the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Articles & Reports Ten reasons to support the arts by Randy Cohen Artsblog http://bit.ly/YGjMRL
Visual Arts Facts, Australia Council for the Arts http://bit.ly/10zKS9F
Got a great arts story? We want to hear from you. Please contact Arts Update by emailing jill.martin@arts.qld.gov.au About us: Arts Queensland is part of the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts. For more information on Arts Queensland go to www.arts.qld.gov.au or call 1800175531 For more information on Queensland Government go to www.qld.gov.au 12