FOLIO 93 SEP- NOV 2014
VISIBLE Multicultural Arts Victoria Music Mentoring Program The 2014 Visible 9 album launches 2 October! Details at multiculturalarts.com.au/shop
CONTENTS
Foreword from the CEO
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Igniting Imagination
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Visible
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Do you speak Chinese?
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Emerge 2014 Ambassadors
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Emerge in Wyndham & Brimbank
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Mito Elias & Michael Adonai
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MAV Youth Steering Committee
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Righteous: Rights at the Round Table
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Genesis Project
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Patterns of Life
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Brokerage / Artist Agency
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MASH uP School Holiday Program
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Cover: Lalibelas (Visible 9) photo by Michelle Grace Hunder, Inside cover: Sadegh Raazdar (Visible 8) photo by Cesar Rodrigues
“It is a great privilege and honour to advocate for MAV because of its mission to reach out to the new arrivals to this country through innovative cultural engagements. It has brought better understanding and respect for all in Australia. Any advocacy for MAV that advances its mission is very essential and personally satisfying.” Jason Sau Lee Yeap OAM, MAV Patron
FOREWORD
From the CEO Jill Morgan AM Multicultural Arts Victoria’s program creates opportunities importantly for emerging artists, contributing to systemic change and creating a vibrant arts scene This issue we highlight our Visible Music Mentoring program, part of our Emerge Cultural Network, which was established as a response to ongoing community consultations with emerging and refugee communities that identified the need for increased participation and opportunities in the arts. Visible plays a pivotal role in reflecting and articulating community ideals and identity for currently under represented emerging and refugee artists and communities in Victoria through the arts. Visible has had huge success linking emerging refugee artists and communities with established professional artists, skilled facilitators and each other. It is currently funded through the Scanlon Foundation, Arts Victoria and Australia Council for the Arts, creating real outcomes which contribute in a very real way to increasing social inclusion and developing new cultural leaders. This year as part of our ongoing partnership with the Melbourne Festival our Igniting Imagination program at the Melbourne Festival Hub we will be 4
profiling and making visible some of the best of our current emerging and highly talented Visible artists. As an organisation we are constantly seeking new opportunities and collaborations to ensure significant long term outcomes for our artists and the wider community. MAV has proven its ability to maintain long term key partnerships which will sustain the organisation’s development into the future. Multicultural Arts Victoria and Melbourne Festival are proud also to present this year’s Festival Ambassadors, leaders in their artistic practice and Melbourne’s diverse communities. Our Festival Ambassadors create opportunities to build new connections and visitors are invited to connect with them on social media or in person at the Festival. The MAV program including the Visible project was presented to our members and supporters at our AGM held on Monday May 26th which was attended by the Minister for the Arts Ms Heidi Victoria who acknowledged the great work of Multicultural Arts Victoria. Minister Victoria stated, “We are renowned for our arts and cultural life and being a major multicultural success story. MAV helps us to experience the many different voices in our community”.
Minister for the Arts, Hon Heidi Victoria and Shadow Minister for the Arts, Martin Foley with MAV Board Chair Stefan Romaniw OAM, MAV CEO Jill Morgan AM and artists at MAV AGM 2014, photo by DWV Photography
At the AGM the Board, staff and members, welcomed Jason Yeap OAM as patron.
the next stage of development and growth. It is an honour to have Jason as our Patron.
“Jason is an inspiration and mentor in striving to bring diverse art forms to the broader Australian community. He has a passion and walks the talk.”
We also welcome David Wright to the Board of Management and welcome back Katie McLeish (Melbourne Festival) and Dr Brad Potter (Melbourne University) to the team led by Stefan Romaniw OAM. To the staff team we welcome Jade Ouk in Marketing and Communications and Robyn Gawenda as Project Officer. We are also proud to announce that MAV was successful in our application to Australia Council for the Arts the philanthropy mentoring program supported by Creative Australia. Kat Vane Tempest will be mentored by Susan Oliver. We look forward to having Susan’s guidance in this important area of development for the organisation. We all work passionately to make sure MAV is making a real difference! I look forward to seeing you at the Melbourne Festival Hub in October for some great new VISIBLE music!
Stefan Romaniw OAM, Board Chair, Multicultural Arts Victoria Jason Sau Lee Yeap OAM is a Malaysian-born property developer, lawyer and philanthropist who came to Melbourne to study in the 1970s. Graduating with a double degree in science and law from Monash University, Yeap began his career in 1985 as a practicing lawyer with Stamfords Lawyers where he spent 12 years progressing through the ranks to senior partner. Yeap is chairman of Mering Corporation and chairman of Herbaceutic Holdings Pty Ltd. An influential player in Melbourne’s business and art scenes, Yeap was appointed a trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria in June 2005 and reappointed in 2008 and 2011. He was made Chairman of the NGV Foundation in 2012. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in June 2010 for service to the arts, particularly through the National Gallery of Victoria, and to the community. Jason will offer wise counsel to the organisation in
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Melbourne Festival Ambassadors with Josephine Ridge, Katie McLeish, David Geoffrey Hall (Melbourne Festival), Jill Morgan AM & Jade Ouk (MAV), photo by Deshani Wickremasinghe
IGNITING IMAGINATION
Building the local arts through diversity and leadership Since 2011, Melbourne Festival has been joining forces with Multicultural Arts Victoria, to present Igniting Imagination, a project that builds dynamic new bonds with our culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and brings exceptional artistic talent from Australia’s emerging, Indigenous and refugee communities to the stage. Multicultural Arts Victoria and Melbourne Festival are proud to present this year’s Festival Ambassadors, leaders in their artistic practice and Melbourne’s diverse communities. This year’s Festival Ambassadors are: Abdullahi Ibrahim, Achilles Yiangoulli, Ajak Mabia Kwai, Daniel Seifu, James Henry, Lamine Sonko, Nilusha Dassenaike, Salvatore Rosano, Takako Enomoto, Victoria Chiu, and Wang Zheng Ting. Our Festival Ambassadors create opportunities to build new connections and you are invited to connect with them on social media or in person at the Festival.
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“I was so delighted to be chosen as one of the 27 SEPTEMBER 2012, 7.30PM Festival Ambassadors this year. The Ambassador ARTS CENTREway MELBOURNE, program is a wonderful to unite with our local HALL and international artists, HAMER hear and see new ideas, and develop connections with fellow ambassadors and our respective communities. The Melbourne Festival has out done itself this year! There are many significant events and among them is the legendary Pat Metheny, Snarky Puppy, Heiner Goebbles’ When the mountain changes its clothing and Clint Mansell.” Nilusha Dassenaike “I’m really excited to be a part of this program and can’t wait to join the other ambassadors and artists to share our passion for culture and the arts.” Salvatore Rosano Igniting Imagination is a unique program for Melbourne Festival and is only achievable by combining the strengths, resources and networks of Melbourne Festival and Multicultural Arts Victoria.
James Henry
Lamine Sonko
Salvatore Rosano
Daniel Seifu
Takako Enomoto
Abdullahi Ibrahim
Ajak Mabia Kwai
Nilusha Dassenaike
Wang Zheng Ting
Achilles Yiangoulli
Victoria Chiu
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VISIBLE
Building pathways and new leaders through music Over the past nine years, laying the bricks down on rocky terrain, MAV’s annual Visible Music Mentoring Program has helped smooth pathways for a diverse range of emerging musicians into Australia’s music industry. It aims to nurture a music scene representative of the diverse ecology of Australia. Operating over three streams, the program provides support for: younger emerging acts through intensive songwriting, mentoring and portfolio development; professional musicians and community groups through performance opportunities, professional photography and recording sessions; and thirdly, launched this year, the opportunity for two artists to record, release and market a full EP under a mentor’s guidance. Mentors include some of Australia’s top musicians and producers who share their knowledge, resources and networks, providing advice for an industry they too have had to navigate.
Monga comes from a strong family background and who better to call on then his uncle to play traditional African style guitar on the Swahilli songs. On two on the songs, we co-wrote lyrics and music arrangement, which I really like doing with diverse artists. Monga is a talented 18 year old!
We sat down with three from this year’s program for their thoughts.
Gossling and I have just been working on developing the song and giving it a solid sound and trying to create an appropriate atmosphere.
2014 X Factor star Jason Heerah has been a Visible mentor for the last four years. This year he worked with Monga Mukasa, an 18 year old singer/songwriter living in Shepparton, originally from Congo. Monga was selected to record an EP as part of the 2014 Visible program’s expansion. The EP will be launched in November and available digitally and physically at MAV events and Monga’s live performances. This is what Jason had to say about the collaboration… I had the pleasure of working with Monga this year for Visible. Monga’s attitude towards music and life in general is something that stands out in his personality. His humble nature in front of the studio mic is what makes his sound so unique. Monga came to me with four ideas of songs that were not all completed, which was good for our past work ethic as we tend to collaborate best in the studio. This time round I had Monga in the studio for a total of 33hrs which made the experience that week all the more productive. 8
Dani Sib is a 20 year old indigenous singer/ songwriter. Dani Sib will be performing in the ‘Visible Music Sessions’ as part of Igniting Imagination at the Melbourne Festival on Sunday October 12 at the Festival Hub. She has been writing her original tunes for a few years now. For Visible 2014, Dani was mentored by acclaimed Melbourne-based folk/ pop singer/songwriter Gossling, who helped her write and arrange her songs beyond the traditional guitar and vocal parts. The songs were then recorded by Jason Heerah. We asked Dani about her sessions with Gossling…
How was it recording with Jason? Recording with Jason was definitely a huge learning experience in just seeing how different people interpret the song and also the process of recording the song. What’s the best thing you have learnt from the sessions? Probably realising how many different elements you can add to a song to create the desired feel. Usually I only write songs with guitar and vocals. How do you feel you’ve developed throughout the year? A lot! The Visible sessions really helped me with figuring out my style and the sound I want within my music.
Hsar Pweh is an emerging musician of Karen background. He grew up in a refugee camp on the Thai/Burma border where he learnt to play guitar and write music. He quickly became the resident guitar teacher in the camp. On arrival in Australia he feared his music would be left behind. Hsar has since however forged friendships with fellow musicians and continued creative collaborations in his new homeland. For Visible 2014, Hsar worked with Ivan “Choi” Khatchoyan… What’s it been like working with him? It was really great working with him. He is a good brother and he also has brilliant ideas in music too. What’s the best thing you have learnt from the sessions? I learnt a lot from Choi in how he uses his recording equipment. I have become really interested in the recording program that he uses and I’m hoping to get some lessons from him about it. How do you feel you’ve developed throughout the year? I met new friends and shared our experiences, seeing how they worked to get things/music/ recording done and have taken this as personal development for my future productions. Download Visible 9 on Bandcamp or iTunes from 2 October! During Melbourne Festival see live ‘Visible Music Sessions’ 3pm, 12, 19, 26 October at the Foxtel Festival Hub as part of Igniting Imagination. The sessions feature past and present participants of the Visible Music Mentoring program including: Dani Sib, The Lalibelas, JAzmaris with Seble Girma, Birdz, Taqi Khan, Yirrmal and the Yolngu Boys and the specially commissioned collaboration of Amin Payne X The Mehr Ensemble from ReMastered Myths. Visible is generously supported by the Scanlon Foundation, Arts Victoria and Australia Council for the Arts (Community Partnerships) Hsar Pweh (Visible 9), photo by DWV Photography
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Victoria Chiu, Kristina Chan, Jill Morgan AM, Mr Qi Weiquan, Mindy Meng Wang
DO YOU SPEAK CHINESE?
Fostering international research and new creative developments “I have grown up with both a sense of shame about my ‘Chineseness’ and awareness that because of my appearance as a member of a cultural minority my voice has been marginalised, both consciously and subconsciously. My search for understanding about my cultural identity was the catalyst for beginning work on this piece. One feature of my practice that continues to develop is the relationship between personal stories and universal themes. This piece will continue exploration into manifestations of personal stories.” Victoria Chiu, a Melbourne based, talented choreographer and dancer, teamed with highly skilled Sydney dancer Kristina Chan to create new work. Both are of Chinese heritage and both grew up in Australia. However, both do not speak Chinese! Last year Multicultural Arts Victoria introduced Victoria and Kristina to Mindy Weng Wang, an exceptionally talented musician who
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was born in China and now resides in Melbourne. Mindy does speak Chinese! Their creative journey began together last year through MAV’s Meander Project with further development in SoMo so MAV and Mapping Melbourne. Guided by Victoria’s vision they produced Squarcle, the seed for the full length contemporary dance work, Do You Speak Chinese?, exploring their cultural heritage and ties to their fathers’ Chinese heritage. The artists travelled with Jill Morgan AM, CEO of MAV in June, first to Hong Kong then to various cities in China. “Being able to research in Hong Kong then China was invaluable for the development of this project and exactly what the project needed.”
Victoria Chiu, photo by Anne Harkin
The first stop was Hong Kong where they collaborated with the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. They then travelled onto Lanzhou to run masterclasses, share their stories and explore collaborative opportunities at the Northwest University of Nationalities through invitation from Mr Qi Weiquan. “In Lanzhou, we were able to witness a concert of their own work. I was deeply touched to see what music and dance looks like from the minority groups in China. I had never seen this type of music or dance before. Understanding more about minority groups in China – visiting the Tu People and the Tibetan Monastery also opened my eyes to the numerous cultures and differences between cultures that there are in China.” Chiu, Chan and Meng Wang immersed themselves in Chinese culture both in Hong Kong and on the
mainland to inform their creative work. The team then travelled to Shanghai where they met with the Shanghai Festival – their creative journey continues! “Meeting other artists, companies and festivals in China and Hong Kong offered a wealth of inspiration and now the opportunity to produce future collaborations, discussions and sharing of work. … This was a culmination of planning and dreaming over a long time. Many times it didn’t seem possible, but with constant questioning and work, the support of MAV and Chinese connections including Mindy Meng Wang it all came together. So from the moment I stepped on the plane it was a success and I felt very grateful that it was happening. Sharing cultures in China was something I didn’t know how would work and in the end it was an incredibly satisfying, humbling and inspiring experience.” Victoria Chiu, choreographer/dancer
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EMERGE 2014 AMBASSADORS
Acknowledging our cultural leaders in the community
“Being an Emerge Ambassador gave me a lot of opportunities to attend various events and see the ins and outs of how it all works. I also met many other ambassadors which come from different backgrounds and what kind of work they do and their experiences. Melbourne is such a diverse city and I’m so happy to be involved in this cultural chain and surrounded by amazing artists” 12
Paulo Almeida, Emerge 2014 Ambassador
Limbs2Riddims at Emerge in Brimbank 2013, photo by DWV Photography
EMERGE IN WYNDHAM AND BRIMBANK
Unearthing talent across Victoria and building our communities Over the past few years, Multicultural Arts Victoria has taken its community-driven Emerge program model and worked with outer metro communities in developing their own grassroots community festival showcase of talent from refugee and emerging communities from their municipality. In October and November, the Emerge Festival will unearth and showcase an inspiring and vibrant program featuring emerging artists from Wyndham and Brimbank respectively. In its second year, Emerge in Wyndham Festival brings an inspiring and vibrant program of talented local artists from refugee and emerging communities who now call Wyndham home. Guaranteed to surprise the whole family with music, dance, food, craft and traditional ceremonies, the Festival will give Wyndham residents the chance to celebrate their culture and make vital intercultural connections. This year’s program will include performances and workshops by the local Karen, Pacific Islander, Iranian, Indigenous, Sikh and African communities.
For its third year running, Emerge in Brimbank Festival features a free intergenerational program showcasing arts and culture from local refugee and emerging communities who now call Brimbank home. The Festival will feature a talent quest, music, dance, fashion and craft celebrating the unique culture and talent in Brimbank! Emerge in Wyndham is generously supported by Wyndham City Council, OMAC and Australia Council for the Arts. Emerge in Brimbank is generously supported by Brimbank City Council, OMAC and Australia Council for the Arts
EMERGE IN WYNDHAM Saturday 4 October, 12-5pm EMERGE: Paintings by Michael Adonai exhibition 9-28 September EMERGE: Patterns of Life exhibition 30 September - 2 November (Details page 20) Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton St, Werribee FREE EMERGE IN BRIMBANK Sunday 16 November, 12-5pm Errington Community Centre, Princess Street St Albans FREE 13
Exhibition installation, FANDATA, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, photo by Trinidad Estay
MITO ELIAS AND MICHAEL ADONAI
Bridging the gaps and fostering futures through visual art “When my visa to Australia was issued in October 2012, right away I started to google many aspects that could fit with me in Melbourne, and then I found MAV as a potential one and sent an email explaining who I was. When I got to Melbourne I found my Cape Verdean fellow Ras JahKnow who is a MAV member and he showed me the Visible CD he is represented in. Shortly after I went to Emerge in the West, became a MAV Member and attended the MAV AGM. From that, I got the opportunity for two solo exhibitions, to run workshops and hopefully many more opportunities to strengthen my career as an artist will continue.” Mito Elias, artist “[‘I did not choose to be a refugee’ as part of Emerge Festival 2014 was] my first exhibition as a refugee, and I am expressing my work without any limitation on my freedom, I consider it a different and an important exhibition … no shadows are following me, no one is controlling, no one is telling me what to do or what to present … as an artist I am expressing myself through my work in an atmosphere of freedom.” Michael Adonai, artist 14
Eritrean Michael Adonai and Cape Verdean Mito Elias are two talented visual artists who both recently presented solo exhibitions in Melbourne supported by Multicultural Arts Victoria. Both are celebrated contemporary artists in their home countries and had exhibited widely across the globe with works in major international collections. Both artists recently arrived to Australia and approached MAV for support to develop their professional careers. Earlier this year, MAV presented ‘I did not to be a refugee’ solo exhibition by Michael Adonai, in partnership with the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona. The show was presented as part of Emerge Festival 2014 commemorating World Refugee Day and paid tribute to the Lampedusa boat tragedy that claimed the lives of 359 asylum seekers on 3 October 2013. Adonai gives voice to the many victims who are forced to take such perilous journeys risking their own and their children’s lives for the chance of safety and a life free from persecution.
Image detail of Artwork titled ‘I Did Not Choose To Be A Refugee’ by Michael Adonai
Over 130 people including members of the Eritrean and local community and council representatives attended the opening event and over 500 people visited the exhibition from Frankston, Mentone, St Kilda and Box Hill as well as across the west and other outer areas of Victoria. Due to the huge interest, the exhibition was extended for 6 days. Collectors and organisations acquired many of the works and the exhibition garnered incredibly positive feedback, including strong sympathy and support for refugees and other issues relating to this in Adonai’s work. Adonai will also present a solo exhibition as part of Emerge in Wyndham (details on right).
Fandata was produced by Multicultural Arts Victoria as part of a long-running partnership with Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery. EMERGE: paintings by Michael Adonai 9-28 September Opening 9 September, 6.30pm-8.30pm Part of Emerge in Wyndham Festival Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton St, Werribee FREE FANDATA: by Mito Elias Until 12 September Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, 141 Queen St, Melbourne FREE
Running until 12 September, Mito Elias’s solo exhibition FANDATA features a series of new mixed media paintings – an implosion of watercolour and collage of writing spanning Creole oral fables to contemporary sayings. The works seek to explore the effect of immigration on language and how its form has adapted through cross-cultural journeys and through his own experience across diasporas. 15
Righteous Youth Forum 2013
MAV YOUTH STEERING COMMITTEE Giving youth a voice in the arts
The Multicultural Arts Victoria Youth Steering Committee (MAVYSC) is a voluntary committee comprised of young people (under 25) who are from diverse backgrounds and are passionate about the arts. The MAVYSC strategises ways to engage youth audiences with the MAV program and provide insights about emerging youth artists and issues that matter to them. It aims to provide young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to shape MAV’s youth program, give youth a voice in the arts in Melbourne, improve networks between young artists and provide opportunities for skills development. Since the start of 2014, the committee have been busy determining the topics for the Righteous Youth Forum in September and assisting in developing the structure, facilitators and activities that will happen on the day. Committee member and musician G-Storm said
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“It has been great being a part of the MAV youth steering committee because I have been able to give my opinion about what the Righteous forum should look like. It is important that young people are part of the planning and decision making at MAV because young people care about the arts in their communities and have great ideas to bring to the table. Being part of the youth steering committee has opened my eyes to see the real world. Being a young refugee here in Australia seems hard, but as part of the youth steering committee I have leant how to present myself in the Australian community and encourage other young people to share their voice.” The MAVYSC meet on the last Wednesday of each month. If you or someone you know is interested in coming to a meeting or joining the committee to have your say, contact Fablice Manirakiza (Fablice@multiculturalarts.com.au) or Robyn Gawenda (youth@multiculturalarts.com.au).
Righteous Youth Forum participants, photo by James Henry
RIGHTS AT THE ROUND TABLE Multicultural Arts Victoria and Melbourne Fringe present a youth driven forum providing a creative space for culturally diverse youth expression and celebration with a focus on human rights. Righteous is an equal platform and ‘round table’ for young people to present and discuss ideas, stories and struggles. This year’s forum will offer five hours of provocative thinking, performances, discussions and workshops in hip- hop, spoken word and zine making around the themes of racial profiling, knowing your rights as a young person in Australia and intergenerational relationships. “Rights at the Round Table is a forum for every young person to contribute in, being able to get your voice into mainstream media or the real world is very hard for young people, but Righteous is here to make it all happen.” Fablice Manikariza, recipient of Multicultural Arts Victoria’s Arts & Cultural Development Scholarship for refugee youth Righteous: Rights at the Round Table Sunday 28 September, 12noon-5pm Fringe Club, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne FREE
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Fostin Nshimirimana, photo by James Henry
Genesis, photo by Liz Arcus
GENESIS
Building young talent Fostin Nshimirimana was only four years old when he was taken from his family by rebels and forced to become a child soldier in Burundi. He spent many years training as a soldier before fleeing to a refugee camp in Tanzania in 2006 and finally arriving in Australia in 2007. Fostin has come a long way since his harrowing childhood in Africa, where he listened and danced to hip-hop music to escape from the daily fear and hardship. A few years ago Fostin began to write his own songs and started making his own music after joining the Arts Centre’s Dig Deep program. He also came through Multicultural Arts Victoria’s Fresh Mob 2 music mentoring project and has now established himself as a solo artist, Fofo, and performs with the Rap and RnB fusion group, Society Mind. In 2011 he received a commendation in the Brimbank Literary Awards for his poem Mother’s Love and has won several other leadership awards for his outstanding contribution to the dance and hip-hop scene in Brimbank and his work mentoring other young migrants. To hear some of Fostin’s music visit https://soundcloud.com/society-mind
In 2014 this inspiring young man was one of the lucky recipients of a City of Melbourne Arts Grant and a Victorian Multicultural Commission grant for his Genesis Project, a collaboration between African Australian hip hop and gospel music and artists from Melbourne and Shepparton. For the past three months Fostin has been busy collaborating, making music and putting together an amazing program that will feature some of the finest emerging gospel and hip hop talents from Melbourne and Shepparton. Hear Genesis, 6.30pm Saturday 8 November Deakin Edge, Fed Square, Melbourne
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PATTERNS OF LIFE: CONTEMPORARY TAPESTRIES BY KAREN REFUGEE WOMEN Strengthening pathways in the arts
Patterns of Life will feature a new range of tapestries by Karen refugee artists Mu Naw Poe and Shuklay Tahpo reflecting their new life in Australia. A selection of small, exploratory sample tapestries will be shown alongside a group of larger works which demonstrate the artists’ growing command of the language of tapestry and their passion for the medium. This exhibition stems from the tapestry training initiative produced by Multicultural Arts Victoria in early 2013, in collaboration with the Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW) with funding support by the City of Port Phillip. Entitled ‘Intertwined: stories on the Wall’, a group of Karen refugee women were invited to participate in the program, led by Professional Weaver Sara Lindsay. The project aimed to respond to those needs creating pathways for training and employment opportunities for these refugee women. Since the program’s completion, Sara Lindsay continued to work with two members of the group, Mu Naw Poe and Shuklay Tahpo, visiting their homes on a fortnightly basis, mentoring their skills development and design material. For Mu Naw, the program was a continuation of her artistic practice in weaving that she had learnt from her mother in Burma and continued in the refugee camp on the Thai/Burma border that she lived in for 20 years. Mu Naw arrived in Australia in 2008 and began producing colourful, patterned collages portraying the natural world in 2011. She adapted to tapestry weaving with great ease, demonstrating a highly intuitive use of colour and pattern. Shuklay also arrived in Australia in 2008 and has produced numerous collages as part of the Karen Art Group. Whilst having no experience of weaving prior to arriving in Australia, she quickly developed her significant
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lyrical style, which displays a deep passion for the medium. “When I am weaving I am happy”, she says. In 2010, Mu Naw was awarded 2nd prize and in 2012 Shulay received a Special Mention prize for their collages in the Heartlands Refugee Art Prize. Sara Lindsay worked as a weaver at the Victorian Tapestry Workshop (now the Australian Tapestry Workshop) from its foundation in 1976 until 1990, when she moved to Tasmania to teach at the Tasmanian School of Art. From 2007-2012, Sara held the position of Production Manager at the ATW. She received a MA (Fine Art) from RMIT University in 2003 and has won numerous Awards for her work which has been exhibited nationally and internationally, in solo and group exhibitions, and is represented in many major public collections in Australia. “I think an important seed has been sewn for something that is very rich in the women’s lives; it is the coming together of the group but also the learning of new techniques to express themselves” Sara Lindsay, Professional Weaver Over the course of these past two years with Sara’s guidance and support, each artist has developed a series of new tapestries that encompass vibrant colours and unique weaves, representing each artist’s joyful expression of their new environment and life in Australia. Emerge in Wyndham is generously supported by Wyndham City Council, OMAC and Australia Council for the Arts.
EMERGE: Patterns of Life Part of Emerge in Wyndham Festival 30 September – 2 November 2014 Opening: Wednesday 1 October, 6.30pm - 8.30pm Venue: Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton St, Werribee FREE
Background Image: Detail of Tapestry titled ‘Tree’ by Shuklay Tahpo
Sounds of Polynesia, Etihad Stadium 2014
BROKERAGE / ARTIST AGENCY
New partnerships: bringing diverse arts to the AFL Multicultural Arts works alongside the AFL in programming diverse artistic performances to complement their Multicultural Round. This year an energetic and rousing line up of musicians performed during the AFL Multicultural Round from 18-20 July. The Sounds of Polynesia, Qun Yi Lion Dancers, Maracatu Estrela do Mar and Rhythm of Life Drummers welcomed 36,686 people as they entered Etihad Stadium for the Carlton v North Melbourne match. Rhythm of Life then proceeded into the stadium and sat amongst the cheer squad, playing when the teams scored. The St Kilda v Fremantle match attracted 16,594 fans who would have seen Sounds of Polynesia playing on the field as the Saints ran onto the field and played their club song. Qun Yi Lion Dancers, Maracatu Estrela do Mar and Sounds of Polynesia again performed on the concourse and at the gates prior to game time.
For the AFL, the Multicultural Round offers a platform to celebrate the role multicultural communities have played in the game over the last 150 years and to encourage new communities to enjoy the game as supporters or players in the future. MAV is thrilled to inject diverse arts into their multicultural sports program and works with many other organisations in complementing their program with exceptionally talented and diverse, culturally rich artists. For further enquiries, please contact: Kate Hayes, Brokerage & Events, Multicultural Arts Victoria events@multiculturalarts.com.au, +61 3 9188 2681
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MASH uP A world of discovery – a new initiative for under 12s MASH uP will take over a different City of Port Phillip venue each day, during the second week of the upcoming Spring school holidays. With a focus on the importance of creative play and inspiring children and their families to enjoy the arts, each program is designed to engage and activate imaginations. There will be 3-4 exciting activities to choose from each day presented as small workshops and larger interactive shows. There will be something for everyone ranging from an intricate craft workshop using Indian designs and motifs to a high energy circus show with a family of Ethiopian acrobats, a Persian strong man and a Hula hooper! Beyond having loads of fun and getting “arty” this program has a greater purpose, to provide children with an opportunity to experience and explore diverse cultures in a fun and engaging way. MAV has presented children’s activities
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at many festivals and events over the years, including Viva Victoria, Emerge Festival and various school incursions. Having observed the connections made between children and artists during these short interactions motivated the idea of presenting more focused exchanges. The arts are one of the main ways that humans define who they are. They often express a sense of community and ethnicity. Because the arts convey the spirit of the people who created them, they can help young people to acquire inter- and intra- cultural understanding. The arts are not just multicultural, they are transcultural; they invite cross-cultural communication. They teach openness towards those who are different from us. By putting us in touch with our own and other people’s feelings, the arts teach one of the great civilizing capacities – how to be empathetic. To the extent that the arts teach empathy,
Noelani Le Nevez with Aria and Chanel - Nuholani Polynesian Entertainment(Dance Across the Pacific), photo courtesy the artist
they develop our capacity for compassion and humaneness. (Jeanneret, 2008) Through this program children are invited to learn new skills through traditional and contemporary cultural expressions including age old Polynesian weaving techniques with Master weaver Kui Taukilo and her granddaughter Nala Taukilo. This will be a unique experience where the group will weave an ocean full of fish together. All artists involved are very excited about the opportunity to share their skills and knowledge with the next generation. Thank you to Port Phillip Library service for sharing our vision and hosting MASH uP - it’s going to be a lot of fun! This program is co-produced with Port Phillip library service and generously supported by City of Port Phillip
MASH uP 29 September – 3 October Monday – Hola Music!, Paper Cuts! and African Party Theatrette, South Melbourne Town Hall Tuesday – The Broccoli Brothers Kids Show, The Incredible Bendy Twisty Show and African Party Port Melbourne Library Wednesday – Jungle Shimmy, Urban Safari, Dance the Pacific and Hola Music! Emerald Hill Library, South Melbourne Thursday – Bollywood Express, Weaving the Ocean, Hola Music! and African Party St Kilda Library Friday – Jungle Shimmy, IndyBindy Design and DIY Universe Albert Park Library Cost: Interactive shows - Free Workshops - $6 There will also be FREE activities 12 - 3pm each day Bookings essential: trybooking.com More info: multiculturalarts.com.au
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MAPPING MELBOURNE DECEMBER 2014 STAY TUNED 24
Image: Paper cut by Philip Faulks
STAND UP FOR DIVERSITY
IN THE ARTS BECOME A MULTICULTURAL ARTS VICTORIA MEMBER
How to become an MAV Member? It’s easy!
1. Turn over page and fill out the membership form 2. Tear off & send to MAV by email: office@multiculturalarts.com.au
by post: PO BOX 5113 South Melbourne VIC 3205 or visit us: Level 1, South Melbourne Towh Hall, 208-220 Bank Street South Melbourne VIC 3205
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MEMBERSHIP FORM PERSONAL INFORMATION Title
First Name
Last Name
Position
Organisation
Address
Postcode
Work Phone
Fax
Mobile
Web Site
ABN
GST registered? (please tick) YES
Are you an artist?
YES
NO
NO
If yes, what is your artform?
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MULTICULTURAL ARTS VICTORIA.
Multicultural Arts Victoria Staff Chief Executive Officer: Jill Morgan AM Artistic Program Manager: Anita Larkin Finance, Office & ICT Manager: Hung Nguyen Admin, Publicity & Design: Deshani Wickremasinghe Marketing & Communications: Jade Ouk Philanthropy and Fundraising: Kat Vane Tempest Creative Producer: Meg Larkin Social Enterprise/ Brokerage: Kate Hayes Project Officers: Jess Fairfax, Robyn Gawenda, Anne Harkin Project Officer Visual Arts: Trinidad Estay Arts & Cultural Development: Fablice Manirakiza Events & Operations: Graham Coffey Accounts Assistant: An Mai Interns: Millie Drysdale, Tamara Bouzo, Igor Ledermann, Van Tran Multimedia: Sebastian Avila
Address: South Melbourne Town Hall L1, 208-220 Bank Street, South Melbourne 3205 PO Box 5113 South Melbourne 3205, Australia T: +61 3 9188 3681 - F: +61 3 9686 6643
multiculturalarts.com.au Image: ‘Birds’ Tapestry by Mu Naw Poe (Karen Women’s Group), photo by Trinidad Estay Printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable inks
Multicultural Arts Victoria is generously supported by
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SUPPORT DIVERSITY IN THE ARTS “...cultural diversity creates a rich and varied world, which increases the range of choices and nurtures human capacities and values, and therefore is a mainspring for sustainable development for communities, peoples and nations.� UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions 2005 Multicultural Arts Victoria relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue its work with diverse artists and communities.
GIVE NOW You can make a fully tax deductible donation at www.givenow.com.au or contact Kat Vane Tempest at kat.philanthropy@multiculturalarts.com.au or +613 9188 3681 to discuss how you can make a difference. Image: Burundian Independence Day Celebrations Photo by DWV Photography
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