Arts Update January 2013

Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts

January 2013

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Arts Queensland’s monthly update of arts and culture In the first Arts Update for 2013, we head to the Gold Coast to chat with Bleach* Festival Director Louise Bezzina about its sun and surf-inspired arts program; learn more about the future of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and its transition year in 2013; and reflect on the Queensland arts community’s recent loss of theatre legend Bille Brown and Torres Strait Islander artist Billy Missi. We’re looking forward to keeping you updated on arts news and wish you all the best for 2013.

Beachside Flicks are a key feature of Bleach* Festival. Image supplied Bleach Festival*

Great state. Great opportunity.

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Arts Minister’s Message As we start a new year, it is timely to reflect on the Newman Government’s commitments to the sector and how I see us working together to strengthen Queensland as the State of the Arts in 2013.

My priorities are to create a more customerorientated Arts Queensland, with less red tape and more transparent and streamlined processes. I know these are changes that the sector champions, as many of you have spoken with me about these issues. In 2013 I believe you will begin to benefit from the Arts Queensland restructure, the appointment of one-stop-shop Grant Support Officer, Linda Dreghorn, and the guidance of the newly-created Arts Investment Advisory Board. I look forward to hearing your ongoing suggestions and feedback on these changes.

In 2013 we’ll also announce the first recipients from the new Super Star Fund and the Playing Queensland Fund. I am a firm believer in these two new initiatives and know they will have a positive impact on the quality of arts and cultural experiences audiences across the state enjoy.

I am also confident they will bring great opportunities to reach new audiences and build skills for many Queensland artists and arts workers.

As I have often said, I am a grassroots Minister, and my main commitment is to stay in touch with the arts and cultural sector and listen closely to your issues and concerns. Together, I believe we can make Queensland an even more vibrant and cultural

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exciting sector. Wishing you all the best for 2013.

arts hub that enriches the lives of all residents, as well as driving cultural tourism.

The Honourable Ros Bates MP Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts

On Thursday 7 February I will deliver my first State of the Arts address where I will talk to you all about the Newman Government’s vision for the arts and how I want to hear your ideas and work with you to action my plans for this

Arts Minister Ros Bates enjoyed a morning with the team at Queensland Ballet

Queensland: the State of the Arts Next week Arts Minister Ros Bates will deliver her first State of the Arts address at a forum outlining the Newman Government’s vision and priorities for the arts sector.

7 February and you can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #stateofqldarts. If you miss the address visit Arts Queensland’s YouTube channel

To be held on Thursday 7 February, this State of the Arts forum is the first in a twice yearly series focused on generating a direct and vibrant discussion about the future and priorities of the Queensland arts and cultural sector with artists, arts workers, corporate and philanthropic supporters and the media.

http://bit.ly/X9oUbF or read an update on the AQBlog (www.arts.qld.gov.au/blog/) or in February’s edition of Arts Update.

The address will be live-streamed via www.slq.qld.gov.au from 9.10am on Thursday 3

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair looks to the future Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) looks set for a bigger and brighter future working with the Far North’s arts and business communities to take the event into the future.

“CIAF is an important and exciting event that celebrates Indigenous culture and helps achieve our goal of bringing arts to all Queenslanders,” she said.

On 19 January Arts Minister Ros Bates announced in Cairns that CIAF would move out of the Queensland Government to a new delivery model, with 2013 a transition year for the event.

“CIAF already has fantastic support but I now invite industry, business people and arts lovers alike to throw their support behind it even further.”

This follows recommendations from a report prepared for Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland. The report outlined recomendations for new governance, business models and frequency.

A taskforce appointed by the Minister will provide advice on the transition to a new delivery model.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning and CIAF co-patron Henrietta Fourmile Marrie, are already spear-heading the change.

Ms Bates said the new arrangement would increase CIAF’s ability to attract sponsorship and philanthropic funding, while giving the Far North the opportunity to take ownership of the event.

“We think CIAF is a great opportunity to establish something 4

focus on increasing its national and international profile. Early discussions for CIAF Presents suggest an exciting program of performances, exhibitions and activities in partnership with local organisations as well as a focus on professional development for Indigenous artists and art centres.

which will become much bigger than what it is,” Cr Manning said.

“This is one of the more exciting announcements we’ve had so far.

We should never be scared to go the next step.

“The idea is to cut the umbilical cord and let this thing stand on its own two feet.”

Ms Bates ensured the Government’s ongoing funding support of the event for two more art fairs, the transition process and the 2013 CIAF Presents.

Options for management of the event include a governmentowned company; a not-for-profit organisation; or a partnership with an existing organisation or other government body.

In 2013, Arts Queensland will work with the task force, Cairns Regional Council, artists and arts organisations to stage a CIAF Presents celebration, setting the scene for CIAF to re-launch in 2014, bigger and better, with a

L-R: Dramatic moves by a Zugubal dancer from the Torres Strait at the CIAF 2012 opening party; a daytime performance by the Mayi Wunba Dance Group; Bagu from Cardwell’s Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre 5

Sun, surf and the arts The Gold Coast’s Bleach* Festival (22 February – 3 March) celebrates the region’s beach heritage with more than 200 visual and performing artists across 13 days in a mix of free and ticketed events. Festival Director Louise Bezzina gives Arts Update a preview Q: Louise, can you tell us about the origins of Bleach* and how it began?

of coastline over 16 days. We are now gearing up for the second Festival.

A: The concept of a beach and surf culture festival leading up to the Quiksilver Pro (the launch of the surfing world tour) had been discussed for years. It makes perfect sense to have a celebration of this nature when the international spotlight is on the Gold Coast for such a prestigious event.

Q: Bleach* is inspired by the beach heritage of the Gold Coast – in what ways is that reflected in the festival?

A: The Gold Coast is a linear city that is built along the beach.

The beach lifestyle is intrinsic to everything here on the coast.

Bleach* takes the beach heritage through stories, photos and local identities to create the foundation for the artistic program.

I moved to the coast in February 2011 and was approached to direct the inaugural event. I was given a complete blank canvas, no name, brand or programming, just that it needed to celebrate the quintessential Gold Coast beach lifestyle and that it take place in February.

In 2013 we will be celebrating an inspiring local story of the longest wave possibly ever ridden in Australia from Snapper Rocks to North Kirra Beach and have curated a body of work that celebrates the idea of ‘place’. This has been done through installation, theatre and a historical photographic exhibition.

Within six months Bleach* was born, including a brand and an artistic and cultural program. The inaugural Festival in February 2012 featured 168 visual and performing artists and covered 10 kilometres

Q: What are your hot tips for this year’s Bleach*?

A: The Longest Wave project, which features the work of Michael Aird 6

and Mandana as curators, and Coastal Walks with Tim Baker as the writer and Melinda Collie Holmes as the director. Each of these artists is from the Gold Coast.

festival line-up on the coast. Most festivals that take place on the Gold Coast are outdoors which reflects the lifestyle and culture of the city.

The contemporary music program is also something not to be missed. We have some of the country’s greatest musical acts including Busby Marou, Urthboy, Oh Mercy, The Medics, Violent Soho and Diafrix performing at the Festival.

A: The Festival has had a great start with a wonderful energy and response from the community in its first year. The vision is to continue to build the festival into a nationally significant beachinspired coastal arts festival.

Q: What are your plans for the future of Bleach*?

The 2013 program has doubled in size from 2012. The Gold Coast City Council has identified Bleach* as a major event in building the city’s capacity in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games. Bleach* is unique and the name, brand, artistic framework and youthful energy makes it stand out. Bleach* is in conversation with Opera Australia about a world first event for 2014 and I look forward to revealing more about that soon.

Another coup is the world premiere of the 40-minute preview of Spirit of Akasha by Andrew Kidman accompanied by live music from The Windy Hills. The Spirit of Akasha celebrates 40 years of The Morning of the Earth.

Q: The Gold Coast is now home to a number of great festivals in addition to Bleach*, for example Swell Sculpture Festival, Gold Coast Film Festival. What does this mean for the Gold Coast as an artistic hub?

*Arts Queensland is a major supporter of Bleach* Festival providing $30,000 toward the 2013 event.

A: It is a very exciting time on the Gold Coast culturally, particularly in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in 2018. We have a great opportunity to build the capacity of the local creative community.

For more information go to http://www.bleachfestival.com.au/ L-R: Pop Up shipping containers transformed into art galleries. Photo: John Gass; Music on the beach is a key feature of Bleach* 2013. Photo: Claudio Kirac

The Gold Coast’s creative community is diverse, vibrant and growing with a strong youth energy.

I believe that this is reflective of the 7

Kids’ APT7

coming to a venue near you!

The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art’s (QAGOMA’s) hugely popular flagship exhibition The 7th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT7), children’s program Kid’s APT will soon be in your neighbourhood. explore and experience diverse contemporary art styles and approaches through activities including drawing, multimedia and moving image.

As part of its On Tour program, Kid’s APT7 is visiting 79 art galleries, libraries, community centres and hospitals from Darnley Island and Cooktown to Cunnamulla.

So don’t miss out, visit http://bit.ly/U06 Fun for touring venues and dates.

The program is expected to attract more than 24,000 children to take part in hands-on and interactive workshops created by internationally renowned artists Daniel Boyd, Parastou Forouhar, Uji Handoko Eko Saputro (aka Hahan), Roslisham Ismail (aka Ise) and Tromarama.

The Queensland Government is a Foundation Supporter of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. Children’s workshop, Memento masko 2012 by artist Uji Handoko Eko Saputro (aka Hahan) of Indonesia.

Photo QAGOMA Photography

The Kid’s APT7 workshops are designed for children to 8

Art an antidote to the ugly Mapleton weaver Kris Martin has found a way to turn his passion and artwork into a successful business.

He also tailors his project so they achieve community as well as artistic outcomes.

After more than 20 years making and then selling his baskets at local markets and exhibitions, Kris ventured into new business territory in 2012 establishing Artisean, a company specialising in installations and decorations for weddings, festivals and events.

He describes his move into the commercial world as a natural and organic progression.

“Recently I created a giant Mary River Turtle from Cat’s Claw – a project that had multiple benefits.

It used introduced weeds, Cat’s Claw and running bamboo, focused on an endangered species and brought the community together in free workshops.

“It was a natural progression for me, a way to get more serious and professional about work I had been slowly developing for years,” says Kris.

“Lots of people, incluyding a young girl with Down’s Syndrome, really engaged with the project and wove many baskets that became the turtle shell.”

“We need more artists to work commercially, as so much of the modern franchised world is repetitive and ugly.

Kris received a $30,000 Development and Presentation Grant from Arts Queensland to work with Sunshine Coast school children to create woven mullet sculptures that will feature in an installation work that will be a centrepiece of the 2013 Floating Land Festival.

“I feel our job is to provide a fresh, natural way of expression that is an antidote to an increasingly franchised and corporate world.

Kris offered the following advice to other artists thinking about starting up their own business.

“Make sure you completely love what you do, as if you do get money, it may well not be for years, may be very unpredictable, and may not be much.”

Kris Martin’s Ship of Fools Floating Land 2011 artwork. Photo Raoul Slater 9

Leading gamers emerge from studio to share trade secrets Did you know Fruit Ninja is on one-third of all iphones in the United States? Or that Fruit Ninja was created by Brisbane’s Halfbrick Studios?

Halfbrick is just one Queensland success story. The state is home to some of Australia’s most profitable game developers and designers.

local Indy sector and develop a program that is both a showcase of Queensland talent and a space to share skills and knowledge.

This dynamic sector is on show at the State Library of Queensland’s Garage Gamer, an exciting program of events and workshops, as well as an interactive gaming exhibition featuring the latest games created by local developers.

“There are a lot of developers working from home, creating great games. In many ways it is easy to create a game and get it out there, anyone can really do it. The challenge is getting it through the noise.

Since opening at the beginning of the month, Garage Gamer has been a hit with young audiences, with serious gamers and hobbyists sharing the space over the school holidays.

“Through our talks and workshops, we’ve created a space where new game creators can come together and talk with and learn from more experienced developers, such as John Passfield, and from this we are seeing initiatives, such as establishing a games incubator, gain strength.”

This popularity is no surprise.

Susan Kukucka, the program’s creator, was part of the team that delivered the blockbuster exhibition Game On at the State Library in 2008.

“Garage Gamer closes on 14 April. Check out info on creative workshops, special after-hours game nights, talks and conversations, as well as the upcoming album launch of the world’s first videogame musician, 7Bit Hero, at www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on.

“Game On was really successful, attracting the highest visitor numbers we’ve seen,” Susan said.

“So we knew the wide appeal of gaming to visitors. With Garage Gamer we’ve worked with some of the more successful companies, Halfbrick, Morgan Joffit and Defiant Developers, to tap into the

Get online for the latest games at the State Library of Queensland’s Garage Gamer 10

Light shines on Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre Visitors to Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre can now experience artwork and scenes from the outback more vividly following its recent lighting and facilities upgrade.

“We also presented The John Villiers Waltzing Matilda Outback Art Show 2012, a local art exhibition and competition, and the historical exhibition Building on the Sheep’s Back, which could not have gone ahead without the moveable walls.

The Centre’s Outback Regional Gallery, largely run by the Gallery Volunteer Group, is at the heart of the local arts community and an important piece of tourism infrastructure in the region.

“The new track lighting is fully functional and the lights can be moved easily by the staff and volunteers who set up the exhibitions,” says Waltzing Matilda Tourism Manager Craig Templeman.

“Feedback from the community about the upgrades has been outstanding.”

The Outback Regional Gallery is showing Waltzing the Outback – Highlights from the Winton Shire Collection until 7 March.

“Since the lighting upgrades, the Outback Regional Gallery was one of only three regional Queensland venues to present The Moderns, a travelling exhibition from the Queensland Art Gallery.

Arts Queensland funded the Gallery’s upgrade with a grant of $46,590 for new lighting, tracks and fittings, the installation of moveable walls and display plinths, and better disability access.

“The lighting was especially important for The Moderns as the new lights could be dimmed to their lowest setting, which was vital for the conservation requirements of the paintings.

The upgrade to Winton’s Outback Regional Gallery is having great benefits for the community’s arts lovers 11

Tribute The Queensland Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Wesley Enoch acknowledged the remarkable contribution Bille made to theatre in this country.

“The artistic community in Queensland and Australia has lost a true gentleman,” he said.

“Every actor, playwright, director, stage manager, designer, musician and all the teams who work in theatre in Queensland owe Bille a huge debt. He brought a sense of adventure, love and respect.”

Theatre says goodbye to a legend

It was perhaps Geoffrey Rush, Bille’s close friend and colleague for more than four decades who best summed up the magnitude of the actor and the warmth of the man.

He has been described as an elder statesman, a shining light, a legend, and a true great, yet these descriptions of the inimitable Bille Brown seem to portray only one side to the talented actor.

“Bille was a mighty stage animal who thrived on the smell of theatre and the roar of real life … With his passion as well as his delicacy; he was also a spirit who with ease and grace mentored an infinite number of young artists.

On his passing on January 13, after a battle with cancer, tributes flowed from those close to him describing Brown as humble, warm, sweet and gracious.

The larger-than-life Queensland actor seemed to influence everyone around him in a professional and personal sense.

Best known for his outstanding performance as Oscar Wilde in David Hare’s The Judas Kiss, Brown’s career went from his home town of Biloela to Broadway and everywhere in between. His dedication, his ability to really get inside a character and his focus inspired all who worked with him from seasoned actors to young artists.

“We have lost a great and truly original man of the theatre and I farewelled a brother … He will be profoundly missed by those who knew the pleasure of his generous, inspirational company.”

Farewell to a legend who will always be remembered and will continue to inspire.

Bille Brown memorial A public memorial will be held next week to honour the life and career of Queensland great, Bille Brown AM. The public celebration of his life, This is the Stuff, is on Monday 4 Februaryat 4pm at the Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Admission to the memorial is free but seats are limited and need to be reserved through qtix on 136 246 or http://www.qtix.com.au/

Cate Blanchett spoke of the enormity of his character saying: “Audiences have lost one of the country’s most unique, exuberant and accurate theatrical creatures.”

“He had this wonderful grace and poise, and a deep tenderness underneath,” said John McCallum, The Australian’s Sydney theatre critic.

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A descendent of the Wagedagam People, Billy grew up on Mabuiag where he learned the protocols, practices and heritage of Torres Strait culture through storytelling, songs and dance. His main totem was Kodal (crocodile) and he had affiliations with the Dhaghal (dugong) clan of Panai to the east and Kaigas (shovel nose ray) clan of Geomu to the south on Mabuiag Island. This heritage was significant to all his artworks and one of Billy’s greatest talents was his ability to describe his artwork and bring the stories and imagery to life for his audience. This desire to share his artwork and culture with a wider audience influenced his decision to become a founding member of Mualgau Minaral Artist Collective, a pioneer project and the first print making facility in the Torres Strait.

Vale Billy Missi Torres Strait Islander printmaking pioneer and renowned artist Billy Missi passed away in December last year.

Just 42 years of age, Billy died suddenly while having treatment for a diabetes-related condition just before Christmas and was buried in Cairns on 18 January.

This tragic loss has been keenly felt

by Queensland’s arts community, evidenced by the huge attendance at his funeral.

Billy was also a great advocate and supporter of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, showing at all four art fairs from 2009-2012. He was always ready and willing to share the stories of his artwork and his experiences as an artist with collectors, the media and general public. Many people learned a great deal through his enthusiastic interviews and artist talks. He also recently completed artwork designs for a stunning new public artwork that will feature in glass windows of the Inala Indigenous Health Centre expected to open later this year.

Billy was best known for his evocative linocut prints, exploring family ties, cultural protocols, traditional stories and the natural landscape of the Torres Strait.

Signature works include Sapur au kubi (dark flock of bats) 2006 and Kulba yadail (Old lyrics) 2006.

He was recognised as a ‘leading contemporary Torres Strait Islander artist’ by the Queensland Art Gallery in 2008, when it acquired three prints from his first major solo exhibition, Urapun Kai Buai (One big kin), at KickArts Contemporary Arts, Cairns. His work is also held by the Victoria and Albert Museum (UK), Cambridge Museum of Anthropology (UK) and University of British Colombia (Canada) among many others.

Billy leaves a significant artistic and personal legacy and the absence of his vibrant artworks, as well as his warm, colourful character, will be keenly felt by all in Queensland’s arts community.

Billy’s family would welcome donations towards his funeral expenses. Please contact Inkmasters Cairns Inc via inkmasters.cairns@hotmail.com

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Arts Queensland Media Releases Celebrating the Boy from Biloela – Bille Brown memorial

Queensland mourns a theatre legend

A public memorial will be held next week to honour the life and career of Queensland great, Bille Brown AM. Read more http://bit.ly/Tdb0sH

Arts Minister Ros Bates today said the passing of revered and respected Queensland actor Bille Brown AM was a tremendous loss for the arts and audiences alike.

Read more http://bit.ly/13scroV

A new era for Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Extra funds flow for regional arts tours

The Newman Government has announced major changes to the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), with the award-winning event moving to a new delivery model in 2013. Read more http://bit.ly/WNIKcm

Regional Queenslanders will have more access to arts productions thanks to the Newman Government’s Boost to Touring Fund. Read more http://bit.ly/U9Hr9j

Newman Government delivers vital Arts funding

Bleach Festival makes artistic waves on the Gold Coast

The Newman Government has provided important recovery funds to the Queensland Theatre Company (QTC), to help it get back on track following the 2011 Brisbane floods. Read more http://bit.ly/U6mADW

An eclectic mix of live music, visual and performing artists, photography, film and theatre will feature at this year’s Bleach Festival on the Gold Coast. Read more http://bit.ly/VsZMPW

Queensland Arts and Culture Case Studies Starburst Mentoring Starburst was a mentoring program in 2010 and 2011 for young people between the ages of 15 and 30 years living in regional and remote Queensland. Read more http://bit.ly/oILIkp

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 14