Discussions about Indigenous media development took place at the State Library of Queensland earlier this year.

The Indigenous Performance Writing project started earlier this year with the first visit by Kate Rowlands from the British Broadcasting Commission (BBC).

Kate, Head of New Writing for Radio, Television and Film at the BBC in London, will guide the project so it attracts a local and international audience, while contributing to Indigenous broadcasting through skills development and quality performance writing outcomes.

She attended information sessions on 28 March – 2 April 2008 at kuril dhagun, Indigenous Knowledge Centre at the State Library of Queensland.

Run by the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association (BIMA), the sessions focused on courseware and resource development with appropriate cultural considerations. Mark BinBaker, Ross Watson, Wesley Enoch, Fiona Doyle and Sam Wagan Watson took part in the information sessions.

Future training will be provided through an innovative blended approach incorporating online material and community visits by qualified trainers and industry experts.

Ultimately outcomes of this project will provide both education and entertainment to Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.

Communities will contribute to both courseware development and learn from industry experts. Participants will progressively develop skills while producing performance outcomes which can be utilised by the local radio station, the National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS) and National Indigenous Television (NITV).

Project partners include the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (course development); the BBC as industry advisors; NIRS, broadcaster to 120 Indigenous radio stations; NITV, broadcast provider to Foxtel channel 180; and Carbon Media (Indigenous TV producers and trainers).

Each partner has networks in the arts and non-arts sectors including all levels of Government, education providers, Indigenous communities and councils.

The first phase of the project is to develop an accredited Radio Performance Writing course for delivery to Indigenous Queenslanders.

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