In this Issue

In the news

Funding to companies boosts Queensland arts sector

In a major boost for the arts sector, Arts Queensland announced $10.1 million in funding to be granted to arts companies across Queensland for 2010.

This funding, as part of s2m (small-to-medium) program funding, will be distributed among 45 organisations.

The hardworking small to medium sized arts companies play a vital role in fostering community engagement and participation, providing regional access and supporting the professional development and employment of artists and arts workers.

The s2m funding program is a highly competitive process where organisations chosen to receive funding showed a strong ability to create strategic partnerships, offer dynamic and sustainable programs and to work well with the communities that support and cherish them.

The 15 organisations receiving annual funding are located between the Gold Coast and Cairns and many of these deliver their services statewide.

These include the Swell Sculpture Festival that recently turned the beaches at Currumbin into an outdoor art exhibition, Brisbane's Expressions Dance Company, Arts Nexus in Cairns and the Queensland Folk Federation, which runs the Woodford Folk Festival each year.

For further information about the program and a full list of funding recipients, please visit the Arts Queensland website.

2010 season a feast for performing arts fans

The state's premier performing arts companies have launched their 2010 seasons, with a mix of classics, contemporary productions and regional tours making the arts accessible to all Queenslanders.

Opera Queensland will showcase many exciting new artists in a season filled with love and laughter. Highlights are The Elixir of Love, The Merry Widow and Aida.

The Elixir of Love, Donizetti's comic romp about romance conjured by a magic potion, will open the season in May. This will be followed by the world premiére of Lehár's operetta The Merry Widow in July. Regional Queensland audiences will also have the opportunity to see the comic romp when the production goes on tour in August.

Verdi's Aida will bring the season to a spectacular close in October with a magnificent new production.

In 2010, the Opera will perform in more than seven regional centres and in classrooms in the north, south and west of the state.

Request a free season brochure by phoning Opera Queensland on 3735 3030, and visit the company's website for full performance details.

Audiences will be treated to a jam-packed program of love, drama, comedy and scandal during the Queensland Theatre Company's 2010 season.

The excitement will kick off in February with Douglas Carter Beane's tale of sex, lies and Hollywood glamour, The Little Dog Laughed, followed in April by a comedic look at Noosa's rich and retired in Let the Sunshine.

Other highlights during the season include Shakespeare's King Lear (May), Betrayal (october) and Australian Andrew Bovell's When The Rain Stops Falling (October).

Queensland Theatre Company 2010 Season Tickets on sale now. Please telephone 1800 355 528 or visit the website for full ticket information.

Queenslanders enjoy artistic success

Key Queensland artists and arts supporters received well-deserved kudos this month at the Deadlys,and Australian Business Arts Foundation Awards.

At the 2009 Deadly Awards, honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievers, Henry "Seaman" Dan was recognised for his Contribution to Music. He was one of many Queensland Indigenous artists as well as sports people to get a gong at the event.

The Queensland winners at the Deadlys were: Seaman Dan, musician from Thursday Island - Contribution to Music; Stephen Page, Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, who grew up in Brisbane - Achievement in Theatre or Live Performance; Leah Purcell, actor, writer, director and singer who grew up in Murgon - Female Actor of the Year; and Last Kinnection, hip-hop band, two of whom belong to the Kabbi Kabbi people of South East Queensland - Outstanding Achievement in RnB and Hip Hop.

The Queensland Deadly talent went beyond the award winners, with Rhoda Roberts taking the helm as artistic director for the ceremony, which was held at Sydney Opera House. For more information on the 2009 Deadly Awards, visit the website.

The national AbaF Awards dinner was held on 15 October, with 700 leaders in arts, business, philanthropy and government gathering to celebrate this year's outstanding achievers.

Philip Bacon was recognised at the awards, winning the Goldman Sachs JBWere Philanthropy Leadership Award. Bangarra Dance Theatre and Boral Limited took out the ABaF Partnership of the Year while Tasmanian Regional Arts won the City of Brisbane Encouragement Award, sponsored by Arts Queensland and Brisbane Marketing.

The full list of winners, please visit the AbaF website.

At this year's Queensland Export Awards, announced on 22 October, artist Vernon Ah Kee won the Premier's Special Award for his contributions to the Indigenous art industry.

Urban Art Projects were the winners in the Arts and Entertainment category, with runners up Cutting Edge and Battlefield Sports.

Proposals for new Indigenous theatre initiative now open

A new joint initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and the Australia Council for the Arts has been established to strengthen Indigenous theatre practice across the state.

Applications are now open for the $259,000 Indigenous Theatre Fund - a one-off initiative focused on providing theatre companies, playwrights, directors, actors and theatre professionals with the opportunity to produce new work for presentation in Queensland.

The fund was established following state-wide consultation with Indigenous communities and the release of a consultation report (DOC 171KB) which indicated the community wanted to forge relationships with state and nationally-based theatre professionals.

In August, the State Government launched the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Strategy 2009-2010, the first Indigenous arts strategy to articulate a common commitment and vision across the Queensland arts portfolio.

To view the Indigenous Theatre Needs Analysis Consultation Outcome Report and funding guidelines, please visit the Arts Queensland website or telephone (07) 3224 4896.

2high program launched in style

The 2009 2high Festival program launch on 19 October gave punters a tastes of what to expect from the event in November with performances by artists Sam Hales and Dot.AY.

This year will mark the 16th annual 2high Festival, making the event one of Australia's longest running youth arts festivals, and one recognised for the outstanding support provided to young people seeking forging careers in arts and event management.

The 2009 festival received a record number of applications from young and emerging artists resulting in an exciting program of 60 exhibitions, musical and performance acts. Artists to feature in this year's festival include Mr. Maps, Villains of Wilhelm, Dot.AY, Kieran Swann, Damien Matter, Zeal Queensland, Wagtail Studios and Little Dove Theatre.

Festival Manager Alanna Hankey leads up the team of 12 coordinators responsible for the event.

2high Festival is presented by Backbone Youth Arts, with Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Powerhouse, Zero Hour and Queensland Theatre Company; supported by Arts Queensland and Youth Arts Queensland.

For full program details and event information, please visit the 2high website.

New Code of Conduct to protect Indigenous artists

Minister for the Arts Peter Garrett and members of the Cultural Ministers' Council have endorsed the Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct.

The Code aims to set minimum ethical standards and define terms of trade and rights and responsibilities in the sale and management of Indigenous artworks.

The Commonwealth Government announced $544,000 in the 2009-10 Budget to support the industry's implementation of the Code, including establishing a Code Administration Committee and a website to promote and educate consumers and industry.

The Code has been developed to be consistent with Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) best practice principles for voluntary codes. Its operation will be overseen by the Code Administration Committee, currently being established, which will monitor and manage compliance.

The announcement of the endorsement of the code earlier this month won support from the National Association of Visual Arts (NAVA) which commended the Minister for his commitment to monitor the efficacy of this code over the first two years of operation.

Executive Director of NAVA, Tamara Winikoff said: "Ensuring a culturally sustainable and commercially successful Indigenous visual art industry is vitally important for the continuing development, health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australian culture.

"A Code of Conduct can help Indigenous artists to negotiate fair pay and appropriate conditions for their work. It helps to protect them against exploitation and the undermining of the cultural authenticity of their work," Winikoff said.

NAVA believes that alongside the Code, measures to give buyers greater certainty of an artwork's origin and authenticity should include unambiguous labeling of all works purporting to be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island products. This should clearly indicate where local and imported products are copies.

To view the Code please visit the website.

To read The Australian writer Nicolas Rothwell's report on the endorsement of the code visit The Australian website.

What's on at the Cultural Centre

Cultural Centre linked to CBD with stunning new bridge

The nationally-recognised Cultural Centre is now even more accessible to Brisbane's CBD with the unveiling of the brand new Kurilpa Bridge.

The opening of the bridge on 4 October saw 20,000 Queenslanders turn out to enjoy the sunshine and the stunning bridge design, the first of its kind in the world.

Arts Queensland staff and supporters were there under the Cultural Centre's brand-new nomadic tent, one of the many venue hire and event options. The unique Cultural Centre flip-wallets were a hit, with many people snapping up the handy cardholders.

Look out for for more exciting events, activities, exhibitions and displays at the cultural heart of Brisbane.

Explore design or relax mind, body and spirit at SLQ

Visitors to the State Library of Queensland this month can quench their thirst for knowledge or indulge their mind, body and spirit.

The 2009 Nielson Design Lecture on 6 November at SLQ will be the first of an annual three-year program of keynote talks by internationally-renowned architects and designers about their work, ideas and methods for ‘Designing for the Future'.

The speaker for the inaugural Nielson Design Lecture is Michael Sorkin, a New York architect whose groundbreaking international work, ongoing involvement with cities and green approach captures the vision and ambition that South-East Queensland has for its built environment, public spaces and urban policies.

Shrug away the stress and relax your mind, body and spirit at the Daybreak Series, all the way from India. There's a morning yoga class tailored especially for little ones, live Indian music and an Indian-inspired morning tea to tantalise the tastebuds. Perfect for all under 8s, their families and friends.

What:	Nielson Design Lecture
Where:	Auditorium 1, level 2 State Library of Queensland Stanley place Cultural Centre South Bank, Brisbane
When:	Fri 6 November, 6pm
Cost:	$40 plus booking fee, refreshments provided post lecture for one hour Bookings via the qtix website, telephone 136 246 or visit The Library Shop.

What:	The Daybreak Series
Where:	Queensland Terrace, level 2, State Library of Queensland Stanley place Cultural Centre South Bank, Brisbane
When:	Tue 3 Nov, 9.30am-10.30am
Cost:	$10 per person or $40 for family of 5 (+booking fees) Bookings via the qtix website or telephone 136 246.

Visit the Cultural Centre to discover an early Pacific art form and a fashion icon

Explore the distinctive form of paperskin art the Queensland Art Gallery and be sure to take in the stunning Easton Pearson exhibition during its final days at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).

Paperskin focuses on barkcloth, a visually breathtaking art form that has been practised across the Pacific region for centuries.

The exhibition features a range of works, from delicate, intricately patterned textiles and bold, striking pieces, such as the two-metre ornate masks used in ceremonies in Papua New Guinea. Innovative interpretive materials and an integrated public program will demonstrate the continuing influence of this art form on contemporary Pacific artists.

The Easton Pearson exhibition at GoMA has enjoyed huge success since opening in August, with a daily average of 1235 visitors taking in the stunning designs. Explore the designers' eclectic sources of inspiration and the edgy glamour, exquisitely embellished fabrics and vibrant colours that have made them one of Australia's most successful design teams.

It ends on 8 November to make way for the . 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT6) opening at QAG and GoMA in December.

APT6 will include the work of more than 100 artists from 25 countries, including collaborations and collectives, which reflect the diversity of practices across Asia, the Pacific and Australia.

Kid's APT will continue its groundbreaking program of interactive artworks and activities and the 11-day APT Summer Spectacular will coincide with school holidays in January 2010.

What:	Paperskin: Barkcloth across the Pacific
Where:	Gallery 4 Queensland Art Gallery Cultural Centre South Bank, Brisbane
When:	Daily from 31 October to 14 February 2010
Cost:	Free

Public Programs

Opening weekend talks
2.00pm Saturday 31 October 2009
Curator's talk
2.00pm Thursday 5 November

What:	Easton Pearson
Where:	Gallery 1.3 and Foyer Cabinet Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) Stanley Place, Cultural Centre South Bank, Brisbane
When:	Daily until 8 November 2009
Cost:	Free

What:	The 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT6)
Where:	Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) Cultural Centre South Bank, Brisbane
When:	5 December 2009 - 5 April 2010
Cost:	$20

Queensland Museum makes an amazing discovery and explores our state's history

It has been a busy time for Queensland Museum campuses and researchers across Queensland with a record dinosaur discover and two new exhibitions exploring the history of our state.

Recent State Government funded joint Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum digs unearthed three new Australian dinosaur species in Western Queensland.

The species were nicknamed after characters created by poet Banjo Paterson, who is said to have written Waltzing Matilda in Winton in 1885. Banjo (carnivorous theropod) and Matilda and Clancy (giant plant-eating sauropods) were found in a vast geological deposit near Winton that dates from 98-95 million years ago.

The discovery of the greatest concentration of dinosaur bones ever found in Australia has revealed to the world the first new sauropods to be named in Australia in over 75 years and the most complete carnivorous dinosaur skeleton ever found in our country. A paper describing the new dinosaurs is available online.

Visit Make It Modern 1959-2059 at Toowoomba's Cobb+Co Museum where you can travel back to 1959, compare it to today and look forward to 2059.

The exhibition, supported by the Q150 Community Funding Program, explores aspects of people's lifestyles including fashion, fads, furniture, holidays, families, entertainment and education. Highlights include an FC Holden panel van, 1959 Carnival of Flowers Queen crown and one of the first television cameras used in Toowoomba.

The Queensland Museum South Bank is also celebrating Queensland's 150th Birthday by hosting a number of historical displays on loan from the Queensland State Archives.

The Top 150: Documenting Queensland is a collection of Queensland's top 150 historical documents presented as a timeline of the decisions, events, people and places that shaped Queensland's identity.

Our Queensland is a timeline of photographs from the archives of The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail, chronicling this state's influential cultural, political, environmental and sporting moments; and Queensland Firsts looks back over 150 Queensland ‘firsts', achievements and milestones that shaped the state.

What:	Make It Modern 1959-2059
Where:	Cobb+Co Museum 27 Lindsay Street Toowoomba, Queensland
When:	Daily
Cost:	Free

What:	Q150 Historical Displays
Where:	Level 2 Queensland Museum Cnr Grey and Melbourne Streets Cultural Centre South Bank, Brisbane
When:	Daily until 29 November 2009
Cost:	Free

November at QPAC features a theatre classic and brand-new comedy

A gripping theatre classic and a critically-acclaimed musical comedy takes to the stage at QPAC during October and November.

The Queensland Theatre Company brings together a hugely talented cast in a contemporary take on Arthur Miller's masterpiece, The Crucible.

In a classic tale of hysteria, accusations and moral choice set during the 17th century witch trials, audiences will witness the fallout when a group of young girls wield a mesmerizing power as moral panic takes over the citizens of Salem.

Also in November, Eurobeat - almost Eurovision will take to the Lyric Theatre stage following a critically acclaimed season in London's West End,

A homage to Eurovision and the world's first interactive musical, Eurobeat - almost Eurovision pitches 10 countries head to head, battling it out through song and dance to win the coveted Eurobeat Award, as voted live by the audience. In a unique twist of protocols audiences are encouraged to bring their mobile phones to the theatre where they can vote for their favourite performance.

For further information please visit the QPAC website.

What:	The Crucible
Where:	QPAC, Cultural Centre, South Bank
When:	26 October - 14 November 2009
Cost:	$46.00 - $63.00 Bookings via 136 246 or online

What:	Eurobeat - almost Eurovision
Where:	QPAC, Cultural Centre, South Bank
When:	25 November - 6 December 2009
Cost:	$49.00 - $69.00 Bookings via 136 246 or online

Q&A

Volunteer coordinator - BWF

In the arts, volunteers provide valuable and very necessary support. Without the generous donation of time and knowledge by many people many events and festivals would not be possible.

Aimée Lindorf was one of the many volunteers to offer their assistance at this year's Brisbane Writers Festival.

1. What do you do when you are not volunteering at BWF?

I am currently in the last semester of a Graduate Certificate of Arts (Writing, Editing, and Publishing) at the University of Queensland. I work in customer services at Queensland Performing Arts Centre, am a workshop coordinator with Queensland Writers Centre, and freelance in events administration. I'm also working on a collection of short stories for young adults.

2. Was this your first year as a volunteer at BWF?

It's my second year volunteering with BWF. Last year I volunteered as an usher, but this year I took on a larger role as an assistant to the Volunteer Coordinator and also worked in the office.

3. Why did you decide to volunteer at BWF?

I had just returned from overseas and was looking for work in the arts and community sectors, but I didn't have a lot of industry-specific experience. I have volunteered at other events and got a lot out of it, both personally and professionally, so thought it would be a good way to develop new skills and contacts within the industry. I specifically chose BWF because it combined several interests: reading, writing, literacy, and education.

4. What were your duties?

Many and varied - as an assistant to the Volunteer Coordinator, my role was largely troubleshooting: anything from printing directional signs to escorting writers to their session; working the Information Booth to reorganising the roster. For a full day last year, I was an usher. This involved setting the room up, handing out collateral, greeting attendants, playing microphone jockey, liaising with the production team, and cleaning the room after. There's a lot of improvisation and it can be quite challenging, but I really enjoyed it and learnt a lot.

5. What was the best part of the job?

Meeting people and hearing some great speakers - and some interesting viewpoints. Each year I've been surprised by the sessions I've seen. Last year I worked a session for Richard Holmes, a biographer. He was discussing his latest work, The Golden Age, a collection of non-fiction about scientists in the Renaissance and their relationships with artists. Non-fiction and memoir, not to mention science, have never really been my thing but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It was a real highlight of the festival. I've made some great industry contacts - and some new friends - and it makes you feel a part of the Brisbane writing community, that you're contributing in some small way.

6. What advice do you have for people looking to volunteer?

Whether you're looking to develop practical industry skills, do community service, or meet new people, volunteer at events or for organisations that you are passionate about. Research the organisation and talk to the staff - find out what is required as a volunteer and be sure it's what you want to do. If you're looking for a free ride or a feel good ticket, volunteering is not for you. It's a big commitment and a lot of work. You definitely need to be flexible and open to learning new skills. That being said it is a lot of fun and volunteering at BWF is a highlight of my year.

For more information about how to volunteer in your area, please visit the Queensland Government website.

What's On

Tom Tom Crew take over JWCOCA

Direct from sell-out seasons in New York, London, and Edinburgh, Australia's own Tom Tom Crew makes its Brisbane debut this November and December at the Judith Wright Centre.

Audacious acrobatics, phenomenal beat-boxing, master scratching and indescribable drumming displays collide as some of Australia's most phenomenal talents join forces.

Returning to Australia following 21 consecutive sold out performances at the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, Tom Tom Crew are excited to finally show Brisbane audiences what the fuss is all about.

What:	Tom Tom Crew
Where:	Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts 420 Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley Brisbane, Queensland
When:	25 November - 12 December
Cost:	From $22

For bookings telephone the JWCOCA Box Office on 07 3872 9000 between 12 noon - 4pm or email.

JUTE Theatre assisting aspiring theatre makers in FNQ

JUTE Theatre in Cairns will assist in the professional development of independent theatre makers in Far North Queensland through their 2010 Indie Season of plays.

The Indie Season is an opportunity for regional theatre practitioners to have their own work included as part of JUTE's annual season, along with all of the resources and expertise of a professional theatre company.

JUTE provides both cash and in-kind support, and the independent producer has full creative control over their work. Applications are now open for the 2010 season.

Applications are assessed by a panel including the JUTE Artistic Director and Associate Director, as well as independent assessors from the professional theatre sector.

The producer must either live in regional Australia or a geographically isolated area to be eligible and they must show that their aim is to develop or maintain a career in professional theatre. Once selected, the successful applicant receives $5000 and in-kind support from JUTE Theatre in the form of expert advice in production, direction, design, marketing and budgeting. The Indie Producer will retain box office income from their production.

Applications close on Friday 13 November 2009 with the announcement of successful producers on 9 December 2009.

For more information, visit the JUTE Theatre website, or telephone 07 4050 9444 to arrange a time to discuss the suitability of a potential project with the Artistic Director.

Di Mauro survey on show at QUT Art Museum

footnotes of a verdurous tale: Sebastian Di Mauro 1987 - 2009 marks the first survey exhibition of works from celebrated Queensland artist, Di Mauro.

The new exhibition at QUT Art Museum incorporates a broad artistic practice including painting, sculpture and installation. The works explore the themes of transformation, the nature of existence and being, as well as Di Mauro's own personal history and cultural identity.

footnotes of a verdurous tale includes recreations of installations from the late 1990s as well as new works, previously unshown. The exhibition coincides with the launch of a major monograph about Di Mauro's work, funded by Arts Queensland.

What:	footnotes of a verdurous tale: Sebastian Di Mauro 1987 - 2009
Where:	QUT Art Museum 2 George Street Brisbane
When:	31 October - 31 January 2010
Cost:	Free

For further information visit the QUT Art Museum website.

Exhibition and auction to aid disaster-affected Asian and Pacific nations

Help the people in disaster affected areas of the Pacific and Asia by snapping up a work at the Emergency Architects Australia exhibition..

More than 30 Australian architects have donated an array of artworks for the exhibition and auction on 5 November at the State Library of Queensland.

Going under the hammer will be the drawings/paintings and Photographs by some of Australia's foremost architects including Colin Madigan, Graham Bligh, Lawrence Nield, Phillip Cox, Jon and Tanya Crothers, Michael Rayner, Shane Thompson, Richard Biggs, Hamilton Wilson, Andrew Bock, John Hockings, Rex Addison, Antony Moulis, Chris Battersby, Paul Memmott and Michael Sorkin.

Emergency Architects is a foundation that works alongside people who have lost all their possessions, helping them readjust to normal life.

Experienced architects and other built environment specialists travel to disaster areas to work in partnership with local communities, aid agencies, local architects, governments and funding institutions to rebuild devastated areas in a sustainable way.

The evening's special guest will be architect and academic Michael Sorkin, founder of Michael Sorkin Studio in New York City and Professor of Architecture and Director of the graduate urban design program at New York's City College (CUNY).

For more information, please visit the Emergency Architects website.

What:	Emergency Architects Australia exhibition and auction
Where:	The Studio State Library of Queensland Stanley place Cultural Centre South Bank, Brisbane
When:	6 November, 6:30 - 9pm