Presenters
Dr Bianca Beetson - Listening and Connecting to Country Activity
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Bianca Beetson
Dir. Indigenous Research Unit
Griffith Uni
The Bunya Pine Story- Listening and connecting to Country
9.10 – 9.45am Friday 14 May. Main Conference Room
The session will introduce you to idea of listening to country. ‘Listening to Country’ represents an innovative and creative approach to promoting cultural maintenance and wellbeing among First Peoples. It uses principles and processes from acoustic ecology, Indigenous story work, dadirri (deep active listening), and arts-led inquiry to explore notions of cultural connection and maintenance for the participants, and the effects of the process on their wellbeing. Participants will be given the opportunity to participate in ‘listening to country’ deep listening activity.
Bianca Beetson is a Kabi Kabi (Sunshine Coast) Waradjuri (NSW) woman.
She is an award-winning visual artist who works in a broad range of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, photography, fibre arts and public art. She is a former member of the seminal Aboriginal artists collectives Campfire group and Proppanow. Bianca also has a background in curation and community engaged arts practice.
Bianca was formerly the Program leader of the bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art degree at the Qld College of Art, Griffith University and is currently the Director, Indigenous Research Unit at the same institution. Bianca is a member of QAGoMA board of trustees and their Indigenous Advisory panel, and a Member of the MCA’s artist advisory group.
When Bianca is not creating artwork, she is a mother to her 2 boys and Native Title applicant for the Kabi Kabi Claim.
Peter Homan
CEO Southern Qld
Country Tourism
Strategies for Audience Development. Grow your business through data analytics
9.10 – 9.45am, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room
The Southern Queensland Country Tourism (SQCT) presentation to the Regional Arts Forum 2021 will provide insight into the importance of STK or mobility data and how it can assist the Regional Arts sector with planning, funding applications, marketing and provide a better understanding of who your audience is.
We will also present the SQCT app which provides opportunity for development and perspective into the role of the data for businesses. In the app we provide different educational options, webinars from leading experts and other informative tourism and marketing advice.
The data gives us insights through cameo segmentation into visitors and helps us build behavioural profiles about visitors. Where are they from…what motivates them to travel…what do they wish to experience? These insights enable us to build a picture of our visitors so that we can tailor our marketing to them and their look-alikes. It also helps us build product and experiences that suit that style of visitor.
Our presentation at the Arts Forum aims to demonstrate practical measures to overcome challenges, and to capitalise on opportunities presented by the data. As a data driven business, we offer valid outcomes to improve operations based on information that we build.
With over twenty years of experience across Tourism, Hospitality and Not-For-Profit industries, Peter Homan has demonstrated the ability to deliver world-class services by leading the development, translation and execution of a wide range of strategies including business development, community engagement, marketing, communications, business transformation and operations.
Peter has showcased the determination to resolve complex issues by leading research and analysis activities to identify inefficiencies, trends and root causes (e.g., economic, technological) while formulating innovative, sustainable solutions. Throughout his career, Peter has positively contributed to a number of organisation’s growth, development and success including improving the organisation’s capability, team performance, culture, brand awareness, stakeholder relationships and ultimately revenue.
- Presentation
Presenters
Ben Tupas
Artist and digital producer
LIT Festival. Stories In Light
10.40 – 10.50am, Saturday, Main Conference Room
Through LIT Festival. Stories In Light, Ben Tupas has engaged in an ongoing conversation about the role of public art in the regions. Drawing from his experience working on the arts event, Ben shares personal anecdotes about bringing together a brains trust, the art of chasing funding and how to work towards sustainability in the community arts sector.
Art Installation Waiting for Morning
Taking advantage of a landscape with minimal light pollution, artist Ben Tupas creates a meditative light projection that plays with memory and nature, against the backdrop of wide-open spaces.
Ben Tupas is a Filipino Australian artist and digital producer based in Toowoomba, Queensland. His arts practice explores ideas of identity, memory and place using a mix of video, photography, and sound. His current work explores the nuances of the migrant experience within the lens of the Filipino diaspora.
Ben is an advocate for making the arts experience accessible, through community engagement, public programming and arts education. He was the Artistic Director for LIT Festival. Stories In Light, a public arts festival that presents light-based art into Toowoomba spaces.
His work has been seen and heard on ABC TV, The Guardian, Metro Arts, Creative Mornings and at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.
Brooke Williams
Director FourFold Studio
Art and placemaking for social and economic prosperity
1.00 – 1.45pm Friday 14 May. Main Conference Room
Great places are loved by locals first. Across Australia we are seeing our main streets experience significant economic decline, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, whilst social isolation is skyrocketing.
At Fourfold Studio we are bringing life back to our streets and public places by working with local communities and creatives to take action. We call it collaborative city-making, but it works just as well in cities as it does in regional centres. We collaborate with local Councils, communities, artists and built environment experts to apply a holistic approach to place transformation and create places that reflect an authentic place identity and are loved, created for and activated by local people and businesses.
This collaborative process unlocks social, cultural, environmental, and economic capital. During this presentation Fourfold Studio Director, Brooke Williams, will draw on her project experience working with communities and creatives across Australia to provide you with inspiration and tools to bring about positive change in your community. During this session she will draw on project case studies including the multi-award winning Palmwoods Piccabeen Green program, Toowoomba’s Creative CBD program and the Lismore Laneways revitalisation project.
Talking Placemaking: Community led Design Perspectives Panel
1.45 – 2.30pm Friday 14 May. Main Conference Room
Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation
Welcome to Country
9.00am, Daily, Main Conference Room
Smoking Ceremony and Dance
5.00 – 5.30pm Thursday 13 May, Ceremonial Meeting Ground
Yarning Circle
4.30 – 5.30pm, Friday 14 May, Ceremonial Meeting Ground
Shannon Bauwens
An experienced cultural heritage practitioner and tribal custodian of the Wakka Wakka, I aspire to see the resurrection of cultural practice to facilitate and support unity amongst all people to ‘Heal country and strengthen song lines’. I want to share our story to create inspiration & appreciation, forming the desire to conserve our old ways in the management country which promotes the protection of all facets in nature; to which we all belong.
Paul Dawson
Paul has 20 years’ experience working with Aboriginal communities to re-establish custodial roles for country. Paul has led the delivery of Aboriginal caring for country programs in Tasmania and throughout the Burnett and Mary catchment areas. Paul has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, and a range of qualifications in Program development and management, and group facilitation.
Damon Anderson
Damon Miri Anderson is proud man from Wakka Wakka, Gamilaroi, Kullulli, Bundjalung language groups. Miri is passionate about reviving Aboriginal culture through language, song, dance and art. Miri is proud to be caring for country for the Bunya Peoples’ Aboriginal Corporation. Miri’s aspirations for the future is to be a positive role model, a cultural educator and cultural fire practitioner.
- Presentation
Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation
Welcome to Country
9.00am, Daily, Main Conference Room
Smoking Ceremony and Dance
5.00 – 5.30pm Thursday 13 May, Ceremonial Meeting Ground
Yarning Circle
4.30 – 5.30pm, Friday 14 May, Ceremonial Meeting Ground
Shannon Bauwens
An experienced cultural heritage practitioner and tribal custodian of the Wakka Wakka, I aspire to see the resurrection of cultural practice to facilitate and support unity amongst all people to ‘Heal country and strengthen song lines’. I want to share our story to create inspiration & appreciation, forming the desire to conserve our old ways in the management country which promotes the protection of all facets in nature; to which we all belong.
Paul Dawson
Paul has 20 years’ experience working with Aboriginal communities to re-establish custodial roles for country. Paul has led the delivery of Aboriginal caring for country programs in Tasmania and throughout the Burnett and Mary catchment areas. Paul has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, and a range of qualifications in Program development and management, and group facilitation.
Damon Anderson
Damon Miri Anderson is proud man from Wakka Wakka, Gamilaroi, Kullulli, Bundjalung language groups. Miri is passionate about reviving Aboriginal culture through language, song, dance and art. Miri is proud to be caring for country for the Bunya Peoples’ Aboriginal Corporation. Miri’s aspirations for the future is to be a positive role model, a cultural educator and cultural fire practitioner.
David Usher
Artist and Lecturer in Visual Arts (Ceramics), University of Southern Qld
Disrupting Form and Function
Masterclass, 3.00 – 4.30pm, Friday 14 May, Mirrabooka
Participants will. – (a) briefly discussing the significance of ‘form’ and how/why the notion of form might be dismantled or disrupted, and (b) participants will be hand-building a series of intimate forms that may (or may not) have function.
Notions of the Landscape Masterclass
6.30 – 8.00am, Saturday 15 May, Mirrabooka
Participants will (a) briefly discussing the significance/impact of ‘being in the landscape’ and how the en plein air experience might translate into studio works, and (b) painting intuitively to create a series of immediate studies as a response to the environment.
David Usher is an Artist and Lecturer in Visual Arts (Ceramics). He makes work using various methods of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art practice including wheel-thrown ceramic forms, hand-built forms, oil painting, acrylic painting and water-colour and pencil. David has been a practicing artist since 1988 and has exhibited nationally and internationally, with works held in a range of public and private art collections. He has studied at the Seven Hills Art College and University of Southern Queensland and holds a Master of Visual Arts from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). David is currently completing his Doctor of Creative Arts and is represented by Alexandra Lawson Gallery (ALG), Toowoomba.
David Usher
Artist and Lecturer in Visual Arts (Ceramics), University of Southern Qld
Disrupting Form and Function
Masterclass, 3.00 – 4.30pm, Friday 14 May, Mirrabooka
Participants will. – (a) briefly discussing the significance of ‘form’ and how/why the notion of form might be dismantled or disrupted, and (b) participants will be hand-building a series of intimate forms that may (or may not) have function.
Notions of the Landscape
Masterclass
6.30 – 8.00am, Saturday 15 May, Mirrabooka
Participants will (a) briefly discussing the significance/impact of ‘being in the landscape’ and how the en plein air experience might translate into studio works, and (b) painting intuitively to create a series of immediate studies as a response to the environment.
David Usher is an Artist and Lecturer in Visual Arts (Ceramics). He makes work using various methods of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art practice including wheel-thrown ceramic forms, hand-built forms, oil painting, acrylic painting and water-colour and pencil. David has been a practicing artist since 1988 and has exhibited nationally and internationally, with works held in a range of public and private art collections. He has studied at the Seven Hills Art College and University of Southern Queensland and holds a Master of Visual Arts from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). David is currently completing his Doctor of Creative Arts and is represented by Alexandra Lawson Gallery (ALG), Toowoomba.
- Presentation
Di Wills
Artistic Director Creative Regions
Come and Be Daring – Why regional audiences deserve better than ‘safe’
1.00 – 1.45pm, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room
Want to be energised and push your own boundaries? Know that our regional audiences deserve better than safe or conservative? Come and hear how one conversation led to creating new work that WASN’T allowed into a festival and why we knew we were nailing it. Join in the fray as we develop new content ideas, new collaborations and new pathways for work that should be programmed for the main arena and not just a fringe festival. Di Wills, Artistic Director of Creative Regions presents this workshop that is part presentation, part conversation, part chaos as we ignore rules and conventions and get on with making the kind of work that challenges, provokes, inspires and downright entertains. Will there by coloured post-its? You bet. Will there be lollies on the table? For sure. Will there by a trophy for the winning concept? You’ll have to come along to find out.
Di’s entry into the arts industry began with volunteering in theatre and the writers club while having a ‘real job’. After receiving support from a series of incredible mentors, Di pursued her passion, working in festivals, events, theatre, cabarets and more both learning and creating new work and new opportunities for others. Di has a passion for storytelling and theatre-making with several plays to her name. As the Artistic Director of Creative Regions, she is striving to build a creative environment that focuses less on fame and more on exploring unique, exciting and relevant content for regional audiences.
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Hamish Sewell
Sound Artist
Talking Placemaking: Community led Design Perspectives Panel,
1.45 – 2.30pm Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room
Hamish Sewell brings with him a considerable body of work of location-based sound experiences. Creating unique dimensions to art projects, these include animating old boarding houses, to site-specific radio documentaries, mobile-activated exhibitions that profile the voices, storytellers and collective memories on the streets of small regional towns. He is an advisor on the international Walk Listen Create panel, and his passion is as much about the art and craft of building immersive audio as it is about deploying digital technologies to bring to life the world around us. Hamish today is both a PhD candidate studying locative audio and the founder of the cultural tourism audio app, Soundtrails. He lives on the Sunshine Coast and works across Australia.
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Henri Van Noordenburg
Artist, Project Officer, Regional Services at the QLD Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Art as Exchange
9.45 – 10.30am, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room (Presentation with Terry Dean)
QAGOMA Learning has facilitated three Art as Exchange residencies beginning at the Bunya Mountains in October 2018, onto K’gari in May 2019 and most recently at the Carnarvon Ranges in October 2019. The program which aims to strengthen regional access to arts education for all ages, grew out of an extensive period of consultation with regional artists, galleries and art educators (from early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary sectors).
Art as Exchange residencies run across three days with only the second day being a full day on site. During what is essentially a 48 hour period of deep engagement with art and ideas on sites of profound cultural, historical and ecological significance, the program has generated research and debate; questions and answers; laughter and tears; conversation, collaboration and creativity; proposals and partnerships; commitments and actions.
Henri van Noordenburg was born in Amersfoort, The Netherlands, in 1967. During his early years he developed an interest in storytelling. Moving to Australia in 1991, he completed a Visual Arts and a Creative Writing degree at Griffith University from 1994 until 1999, followed by his Masters in Photography and Theatre at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 2003 – 2005. The result of was a one-man theatre production Two Roads in Green Pasture Landscape 2004 (Brisbane Powerhouse).
Since 2016 he works at the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art as Project Officer for Regional Services, and is a practicing artist. He worked as a lecturer in Photography at QUT and QUT International from 2002 till 2016, was Visual Arts Coordinator at the Brisbane Powerhouse from 2005-2007 and was Board Member for Queensland Centre for Photography (QCP). He delivered a paper at the 2008 Oral History conference Broome, as well as guest speaking at Estonian Arts Academy, Estonian Historical Museum, and Griffith University, Queensland College of Art.
Henri had his first international group show in 1997 followed by his first solo exhibition in 2005. Henri was an Artist in Residence at the Eesti Instituut, Tallinn, Estonia in 2004, resulting in his first publication and an international touring exhibition, both entitled Home / Kodu 2006 – 2008.
His work is part of several collections, including the Wallis Annenberg at Los Angeles County Museum of Arts (LACMA), NERAM Art Gallery, Caboolture Regional Art Gallery, Artspace Mackay, Gladstone Regional Art Gallery, Daryl Hewson Collection, Queensland Centre for Photography collection, Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, Rockhampton Museum of Art, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane; as well as several private collections (Australia, New Zealand, Israel, USA and Europe.
For the last decade he has developed a new technique of hand carving inkjet prints a technique similar to the sgraffito process. This unique technique in combination with photography marked a significant change in his art practice. In 2020 and 2012 he received the 1st prize in the Clayton Utz art competition, received the Career Development Grant in 2011, won the Jeff Spann Award 2016, Australian Pacific LNG Award 2014, and selected in the top ten of emerging focus folio review at Photo LA 13 (Los Angeles, USA).
In 2019 Henri completed an artist in residency at The Living Room in Manila and had three solo shows in Europe. Prior to this his work featured in the inaugural Manila Biennale ‘Open City’ 2018 and joint exhibition Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow with Brisbane based artist and long-time friend Kim Demuth at Pinnacles Gallery, Townsville, and One Space in Brisbane. His work was exhibited in several international art fairs, including Scope Basel and Kolner Liste and was showcased at Photo LA (2011 to 2015). The works by Publications; IANN magazine (2012), unless you will (blog) (2012) Lenscratch art blog (2013 and 2015), Art Monthly (2013), Installation magazine (blog) (2014) and publication by the Luicda Magazine and QCP (2009 – 2014), Silvershotz Magazine (online, 2015). Fabrik Magazine (USA, 2015), Artlines magazine (2017).
Henri is represented by Gallerie Kunstkomplex, Wuppertal Germany and Kunstkomplex+Mennuni.com Basel, Switserland.
Jacques Van Lill
Musician
Welcome Reception
6.00 – 7.30pm Friday 13 May, The Deck
Originally hailing from South Africa, Jacques van Lill is a Toowoomba-based musician who has spent the last five years playing a range of events, from the humble local pub gig, to opening festivals where he shared the stage with Australian greats like Jon Stevens, Johnny Diesel. He also entertained guests at Australia’s first ever KFC wedding.
Bringing fun and high energy to the stage wherever he is, Jacques’ personal sound reflects his broad tastes in blues, rhythm and soul mixed in with rock, pop and country. He sings a range of cover songs from as far back as the 50s through to the contemporary hits of today, and has recorded an EP to be released in coming months.
Available for bookings as a soloist, two-piece, or three-piece band, you can get a taste of what Van Lill Music can bring to your next function by checking out the socials @vanlillmusic.
- Presentation
Julie Tanner
Director Partnerships,
Arts Queensland
The Future of Arts Funding
11.00 – 11.45am, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room
Julie has spent the majority of her life living in Regional Queensland and is committed to working to maximise the opportunity’s for liveability and economic development for regional communities through arts and cultural led initiatives.
In her role as Director, Partnerships with Arts Queensland, Julie will discuss the key areas of Regional Programs and Partnerships that the Queensland Government supports through Arts Queensland investment in arts and culturally led programs that build community wellbeing, social impact, economic growth and regional development. In particular the programs include:
- Regional Arts Services Network,
- Regional Arts Development Program,
- Indigenous Regional Arts Development Program and,
- The Regional Touring Program
A key focus will be the learnings and opportunities as a result of the new approach to the delivery of arts services through the Regional Arts Services Network 2018 -2021.
Show me the Money! Arts and Culture Grants and Funding
11.45am – 12.30pm, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room
Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working across both public and private sector with a specific focus on arts, culture, and social impact. Highly skilled in Business Planning, Business Process Improvement, Business Strategy, Community Development and Change Management.
Strong business development professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Evaluation – Programs and Policy from University of Melbourne. Julie is personally passionate about sustainable arts and cultural growth across regional Queensland.
- Presentation
Julie Tanner
Director Partnerships,
Arts Queensland
The Future of Arts Funding
11.00 – 11.45am, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room
Julie has spent the majority of her life living in Regional Queensland and is committed to working to maximise the opportunity’s for liveability and economic development for regional communities through arts and cultural led initiatives.
In her role as Director, Partnerships with Arts Queensland, Julie will discuss the key areas of Regional Programs and Partnerships that the Queensland Government supports through Arts Queensland investment in arts and culturally led programs that build community wellbeing, social impact, economic growth and regional development. In particular the programs include:
- Regional Arts Services Network,
- Regional Arts Development Program,
- Indigenous Regional Arts Development Program and,
- The Regional Touring Program
A key focus will be the learnings and opportunities as a result of the new approach to the delivery of arts services through the Regional Arts Services Network 2018 -2021.
Show me the Money! Arts and Culture Grants and Funding
11.45am – 12.30pm, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room
Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working across both public and private sector with a specific focus on arts, culture, and social impact. Highly skilled in Business Planning, Business Process Improvement, Business Strategy, Community Development and Change Management.
Strong business development professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Evaluation – Programs and Policy from University of Melbourne. Julie is personally passionate about sustainable arts and cultural growth across regional Queensland.
Katie Edmiston
Creative Producer, Partnership Broker, Cultural Planner, and CACD Practitioner
Taking the arts online to survive a global pandemic
11.45am – 12.30pm, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room
The global pandemic made industries think outside the box in order to stay afloat. In this talk Katie will provide an overview of a range of project models developed, outcomes achieved, and lessons learnt from transitioning arts programming, networks, and community engagement online during COVID-19.
In addition, Katie will explain how her team at Creative Alliance supported creatives through this challenging time through the digitisation of their core offerings; including workshops, mentorship programs and collaborative projects. In addition, she will highlight her passion for creative projects that support the reconnection, reactivation and recovery of communities moving forward.
Katie is a leader in the engagement, capacity building, activation and revitalisation of local communities through arts and culture. She brings with her extensive knowledge and networks from her work in the arts sector, community organisations, state and local governments, peak bodies, universities, and creative business.
Over the past 2.5 years Katie has led the establishment and delivery of the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) in South East Queensland. Despite being an organisation of 1 FTE Katie has achieved significant results as part of the RASN program – employing hundreds of creatives and engaging thousands of audiences in projects and initiatives ranging from music development & mentoring for young people, a region wide gallery exhibition program, First Nations creative development residencies, temporary public art installations, venue activation and producing locally designed art merchandise.
Katie Edmiston
Creative Producer, Partnership Broker, Cultural Planner, and CACD Practitioner
Taking the arts online to survive a global pandemic
11.45am – 12.30pm, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room
The global pandemic made industries think outside the box in order to stay afloat. In this talk Katie will provide an overview of a range of project models developed, outcomes achieved, and lessons learnt from transitioning arts programming, networks, and community engagement online during COVID-19.
In addition, Katie will explain how her team at Creative Alliance supported creatives through this challenging time through the digitisation of their core offerings; including workshops, mentorship programs and collaborative projects. In addition, she will highlight her passion for creative projects that support the reconnection, reactivation and recovery of communities moving forward.
Katie is a leader in the engagement, capacity building, activation and revitalisation of local communities through arts and culture. She brings with her extensive knowledge and networks from her work in the arts sector, community organisations, state and local governments, peak bodies, universities, and creative business.
Over the past 2.5 years Katie has led the establishment and delivery of the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) in South East Queensland. Despite being an organisation of 1 FTE Katie has achieved significant results as part of the RASN program – employing hundreds of creatives and engaging thousands of audiences in projects and initiatives ranging from music development & mentoring for young people, a region wide gallery exhibition program, First Nations creative development residencies, temporary public art installations, venue activation and producing locally designed art merchandise.
Dr. Ken Wishaw
Board of Directors,
Australasian Dark Sky Alliance
Bunya Night Sky: Appreciating and photographing our precious resource
3.00 – 4.30pm, Friday 14 May, Warrigal
Most of the world’s population lives under light polluted skies, and millions in so called developed countries have never seen stars. The Bunya mountains night sky is one of the darkest locations in Australia, allowing views of the starry night that are breathtaking.
Much of the astronomical knowledge of Australia’s first nations people is reliant on a night sky free of light pollution. Yet it is easy to take this for granted. Artificial light at night in addition to bleaching the night sky, is harmful to wildlife and our own health.
This workshop will examine how photographing our pristine night skies is an effective way of raising awareness of its beauty and fragility. It will cover the equipment and photography techniques necessary, including lighting, composition and processing.
Astrophotography Workshop and Star gazing
8.00 – 9.30pm, Friday 14 May, Fisher’s Lookout
This workshop and the night sky activities will outline the beauty of the night skies, its features, its threats and how to take starscape photographs. The night workshop (weather permitting) will comprise of a laser guided tour of the night sky and instruction in creating starscape photos.
* Bring a DSLR camera, wide angle lens and a tripod you to create your own starscapes, and share with others how they are created.
Those who don’t have a DSLR camera, wide angle lens and a tripod can still take the opportunity to marvel at the spectacular dark sky of the Bunya Mountains.
Dr Ken Wishaw is retired medical specialist and also holds postgraduate qualifications in astronomy. He won his first astrophotography award in 1972. He was awarded the joint Queensland Astronomical Societies’ Astronomer of the year in 2019 for his research on dark adaptation of the human eye. He is Secretary of the Brisbane Astronomical Society, a Senior Fellow of the University of the Sunshine Coast, Dark Sky Ambassador for the International Astronomical Union, and founding board member of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance, a volunteer, non-profit charity, educating the public and policymakers about night environment conservation.
Kerryanne Farrer
Executive Officer,
Flying Arts Alliance
Show me the Money! Arts and Culture Grants and Funding Panel
11.45am – 12.30pm, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room
Throughout her career in the creative industries spanning 35 years, Kerryanne Farrer, has always been passionate Culture Champion, producing and facilitating countless contemporary arts and cultural experiences and enterprises.
Previously, in a career highlight, as Regional Arts Development Officer for Artslink Queensland, she facilitated teams of local producers in 15 communities across Queensland to re-imagine their towns through arts placemaking initiatives.
Currently in the pilot seat, as Executive Officer of Flying Arts Alliance, Kerryanne combines her dedication to creating opportunities for Regional Queenslanders to have access to arts and culture experiences equivalent to metropolitan counterparts, with her diverse art from practice, together with her working knowledge of the sector. At Flying Arts she manages a dedicated team of arts workers to support the visual arts sector to thrive in across the whole state of Queensland.
Dr. Kyle Jenkins
Senior Lecturer (Painting), School of Creative Arts, University of Southern Qld
It’s a War on Culture. Response to Arts Education funding cuts and jobs
11.00 – 11.45am, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room
In this talk Dr Jenkins will unpack the current Federal Government arts degree cuts as a ‘war on the arts’, and a narrow minded and short-sighted understanding of what ‘art’ really is. Nationally, the concept of art has been highly politicized, compared to other nations look to the arts for the ongoing mental health and future of their communities. The newly announced Federal Government focus on ‘job ready’ degrees begs the question: is this just a mono style of learning?
This talk will make comparisons to countries such as Germany, where studying the arts in university is compulsory as a response to a contemporary need within the commercial sector for more creative thinkers, not critical thinkers. Dr Jenkins will consider the loss of arts-based academia on a personal level, and consider how the economy of art has changed from being siloed discipline hierarchies to contributing to the well-being of ourselves and others. Dr Jenkins will challenge the notion that artists are invisible and hidden within their fields, and instead that they furnish measurable and innovative outcomes within many varying sectors of our society today, as agents of change in our businesses and communities by proxy.
Dr Kyle Jenkins is the Associate Head of Community Engagement (Outreach – Programs, Marketing and Schools), Coordinator of Visual Arts, Senior Lecturer in Painting and Art Theory, School of Creative Arts, USQ. He teaches painting across all Contemporary Art Studio and Project courses as well as lecturing in the various Creative Ideas courses in Visual Arts, and annually supervises Undergraduate, Honours, Masters, Doctorate and PhD candidates across an eclectic array of subject matter of traditional and contemporary ideas.
Holding a PhD from Sydney College of the Arts (University of Sydney), Jenkin’s practice is situated within aspects of radical, conceptual and non-objective art, including geometric and monochromatic painting, collage, photography, objects, artist and book publications, wall paintings, music and sound projects and works on paper. He has exhibited nationally and internationally since 1996 with over 360 solo and group exhibitions, with works held in museum and private collections nationally and internationally. Jenkins represented by MINUS SPACE, New York, Alexandra Lawson Gallery, Toowoomba and BLOCK Projects, Melbourne.
Leisha Walker
Training & Professional Dev Program Officer, Museum & Gallery Services QLD
Show me the Money! Arts and Culture Grants and Funding
11.45am – 12.30pm, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room
Leisha Walker is the Training & Professional Development Program Officer at Museums & Galleries Queensland. She has 15 years’ experience working in the cultural sector and has a degree in Arts and Cultural Management. Leisha works with museums and galleries across Queensland to help them find the right funding sources for their projects and providing tips and guidance for their grant applications.
Dr. Margaret Power
Senior Community Dev Officer, School of Creative Arts, University of Southern Qld
Evaluating Community Change. How to get the most from your arts funding program when it runs on the smell of an oily rag
3.00 – 4.30pm, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room
This dynamic workshop presentation will explore how to get the most from your RADF projects and program. The workshop will use a hands-on approach with a focus on the follow key areas.
• Navigating the complexity of evaluating arts-led community change and impact. How the process of impact is embedded in art participation.
• Developing a shared language to better communicate impact effects among funding stakeholders.
• Building community cultural capacity. How small changes in the way we manage our projects and deliver the RADF program can build community cultural capacity and sustainability.
Dr Margaret Power is the Senior Community Development Officer for the University of Southern Queensland’s School of Creative Arts. She has a PhD from the University of Southern Queensland. Margaret’s research interest is focused on the impact of government arts and cultural funding initiatives on regional communities and the role arts and cultural participation plays in building community capacity and social resilience. Her research into arts-led positive community change has enabled her to gather insights from a wide range of culture-led activities run by regional Queensland not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, Local Government and community artists and arts workers.
Dr. Margaret Power
Senior Community Dev Officer, School of Creative Arts, University of Southern Qld
Evaluating Community Change. How to get the most from your arts funding program when it runs on the smell of an oily rag
3.00 – 4.30pm, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room
This dynamic workshop presentation will explore how to get the most from your RADF projects and program. The workshop will use a hands-on approach with a focus on the follow key areas.
Navigating the complexity of evaluating arts-led community change and impact. How the process of impact is embedded in art participation.
Developing a shared language to better communicate impact effects among funding stakeholders.
Building community cultural capacity. How small changes in the way we manage our projects and deliver the RADF program can build community cultural capacity and sustainability.
Dr Margaret Power is the Senior Community Development Officer for the University of Southern Queensland’s School of Creative Arts. She has a PhD from the University of Southern Queensland. Margaret’s research interest is focused on the impact of government arts and cultural funding initiatives on regional communities and the role arts and cultural participation plays in building community capacity and social resilience. Her research into arts-led positive community change has enabled her to gather insights from a wide range of culture-led activities run by regional Queensland not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, Local Government and community artists and arts workers.
Odette Miller
Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Flying Arts Alliance
Social Media and Marketing Fundamentals
Workshop
1.00pm – 3.00pm, Saturday 15 May, Warrigal
The events of 2020 have been the final push to move our social interactions online, with more audiences turning to social media for information and a sense of community.
In this workshop, Flying Arts Alliance Communications and Marketing Coordinator Odette Miller shares the fundamentals of building a social media presence for your community group, organisation or personal brand. Learn the essentials of writing a marketing plan, understanding your audience, and implementing your social media strategy for maximum impact.
This is a hands-on workshop focused on understanding your brand identity and translating it into a memorable online presence through social media. This workshop is tailored for organisations or individuals seeking fundamental skills in social media engagement while working within a limited budget.
* Participants are to provide their own laptop or smart device.
Odette Miller is a Meanjin (Brisbane) based marketer, artsworker and writer with a Bachelor of Communications and Arts. She has previously worked in public relations and marketing for the Urban Development sphere and had her writing published in Australia’s premiere property and built environment publication, The Urban Developer. She has also facilitated professional development projects for emerging Queensland artists and arts writers, including exhibitions, publications and workshops.
At Flying Arts Alliance, Odette is responsible for the organisation’s media and marketing outreach, publicising the projects and practices of regional and remote Queensland artists and artsworkers. In the rest of her life she is a budding ceramicist and offers freelance marketing and public relations services to arts organisations, businesses and individuals.
Odette Miller
Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Flying Arts Alliance
Social Media and Marketing Fundamentals
Workshop
1.00pm – 3.00pm, Saturday 15 May, Warrigal
The events of 2020 have been the final push to move our social interactions online, with more audiences turning to social media for information and a sense of community.
In this workshop, Flying Arts Alliance Communications and Marketing Coordinator Odette Miller shares the fundamentals of building a social media presence for your community group, organisation or personal brand. Learn the essentials of writing a marketing plan, understanding your audience, and implementing your social media strategy for maximum impact.
This is a hands-on workshop focused on understanding your brand identity and translating it into a memorable online presence through social media. This workshop is tailored for organisations or individuals seeking fundamental skills in social media engagement while working within a limited budget.
* Participants are to provide their own laptop or smart device.
Odette Miller is a Meanjin (Brisbane) based marketer, artsworker and writer with a Bachelor of Communications and Arts. She has previously worked in public relations and marketing for the Urban Development sphere and had her writing published in Australia’s premiere property and built environment publication, The Urban Developer. She has also facilitated professional development projects for emerging Queensland artists and arts writers, including exhibitions, publications and workshops.
At Flying Arts Alliance, Odette is responsible for the organisation’s media and marketing outreach, publicising the projects and practices of regional and remote Queensland artists and artsworkers. In the rest of her life she is a budding ceramicist and offers freelance marketing and public relations services to arts organisations, businesses and individuals.
Dr. Rhi Johnson
Artist & Lecturer in Visual Arts (Printmaking), Uni of Southern qld
Introduction to Relief printing
3.00 – 4.30pm, Thursday 13 May, Mirrabooka
Participants will learn foundational skills in creating and printing small linocut stamps. This workshop will cover a range of carving techniques, as well as block inking and hand-printing processes. Participants will have the opportunity to carve a small single-layer block and print their design on various paper and fabric surfaces.
Introduction to Screen printing
6.30 – 8.30am, Friday 14 May, Mirrabooka
Participants will learn foundational skills in composing and printing multilayered screen-prints. This workshop will cover a range of compositional and printing techniques, including layering and varied ink opacities. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own hand-cut stencils to print on various paper surfaces.
Dr Rhi Johnson is an Artist and Lecturer in Visual Arts (Printmaking). She makes work using various methods of two-dimensional art practice including lino printing, screen printing, artist books and mixed media techniques. Rhi has been a practicing artist since 2007 and has exhibited nationally and internationally, with works held in a range of public and private art collections. She has studied at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and holds a PhD from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Rhi is currently represented by Alexandra Lawson Gallery (ALG), Toowoomba.
Shelley Pisani
Owner/Creative Producer, The Ideas Distillery and Makers’ Shopfront
Be bold! CQ Shopfront and Building Entrepreneurial Mindset in the Arts
9.45 – 10.30am, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room
Our experiences of 2020 have embedded entrepreneurial language into our world. ‘Pivioting’ and ‘diversification’ were things we were already good at in the arts pre-COVID. Not we just have additional language to describe it that matches in with trends in the tech-heavy ‘start-up’ world.
What have been our key learnings from all of this? How can we do what we do in the arts in a different way? These were questions we were already asking in an ever-increasingly competitive funding market.
In March 2020, Shelley Pisani started delivering a project called CQ Shopfront, working across 7 local government regions with 15 partners to build the entrepreneurial capacity of Central Queensland visual artists and makers. Then the pandemic was declared. New ways of delivering the project were required to keep delivering – pausing was not an option. Follow the journey of CQ Shopfront into its new platform Makers’ Shopfront and case studies of some of the participating artists that have changed up their thinking and strengthened their business models.
One on One Mentoring
3.00 – 4.30pm Thursday 13 May, Warrigal
Bookings required
Shelley Pisani’s career in the arts spans more than 25 years from studio artist to gallery director, curator, consultant and founding director of Creative Regions. Currently Shelley operates three home-based businesses – The Ideas Distillery that is an arts consultancy business specialising in arts-led innovation; Ink Block Designs that is her visual arts and design practice; and Makers’ Shopfront that will be an online platform to grow visual arts entrepreneurship launching in early 2021.
Shelley’s qualifications are in visual arts, arts management, gallery and museum practice, but her work has seen her manage cross-artform projects, festivals and large-scale regional Queensland projects. She is passionate about growing opportunity for regional artists to build their practice. She does this through mentoring; through working with local government; building cross-industry partnerships and designing projects and programs that focus on these outcomes.
Stephen Burton
Design Director POMO Studio
Art vs Design. Collaborative Creative Practice for Better Public Places
1.00 – 1.45pm Friday 14 May. Main Conference Room
Art has a key role to play in the design of successful public spaces. What defines a
successful public space is, in part, its ability to connect to the historical and cultural context
of the area in which it exists. Art and design can blend together to create a public
environment which is a unique expression of these place qualities. This presentation argues
that we should no longer be focused on the differences between artists and designers and
their traditional outputs, but rather seek to blend these practices in a cross disciplinary
manner in order to work towards creating public spaces that are meaningful, context rich,
creative and engaging. Artists, policy makers and designers have much to gain by shifting
their thinking towards the similarities between art practice and the practice of professional
designers in order to create better places for our communities.
Talking Placemaking: Community led Design Perspectives Panel
1.25 – 2.30pm, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room
Stephen Burton is the Design Director and founder of POMO, a multi awarded urban design and delivery practice based on the Sunshine Coast. Stephen’s practice specialises in creating bespoke public environments that are unique expressions of the places in which they exist. Stephen and his team have developed a methodology that involves research and engagement, highly creative design and deep collaborations with artists and makers.
Terry Dean
Head of Learning at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Art as Exchange
9.45 – 10.30am, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room (Presentation with Henri Van Noordenburg)
QAGOMA Learning has facilitated three Art as Exchange residencies beginning at the Bunya Mountains in October 2018, onto K’gari in May 2019 and most recently at the Carnarvon Ranges in October 2019. The program which aims to strengthen regional access to arts education for all ages, grew out of an extensive period of consultation with regional artists, galleries and art educators (from early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary sectors).
Art as Exchange residencies run across three days with only the second day being a full day on site. During what is essentially a 48 hour period of deep engagement with art and ideas on sites of profound cultural, historical and ecological significance, the program has generated research and debate; questions and answers; laughter and tears; conversation, collaboration and creativity; proposals and partnerships; commitments and actions.
Terry Deen is the Head of Learning at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. QAGOMA Learning launched in October 2015, with a view towards opening a Learning Centre based at the Queensland Art Gallery.
Terry’s work in arts learning is informed by ten years’ experience as a secondary art and design teacher. He is engaged in Queensland’s design education community as the 2014 Queensland-Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt Design Education Fellow.
Terry’s current role involves engagement across a broad array of communities, disciplines and practices including arts learning, cultural learning and digital learning. He is passionate about the role of arts advocacy and research as catalysts for advancing creativity and wellbeing for Queenslanders.
Community Led Approach: Case Studies In Practice
Saturday 15 May, Main Conference Room
Justyne Wilson
ARTS AND CULTURAL COORDINATOR, WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
Culture Shock: Transforming the impacts of COVID-19 on culture and the creative sector through digital innovation 9.10 – 9.30am
In an unprecedented time when many things are put on hold, artists were the first to suffer. Through the challenges of this global pandemic many were motivated to explore different ways to support artists and present art within a digital format. The Western Downs Arts Online is an exciting and innovative new digital website launched in 2020 as response to the global pandemic by Western Downs Regional Council. This ambitious online initiative has shifted programme delivery from the traditional format of bricks and mortar offerings to the virtual realm, inciting a ‘cultural shock’ to programming, and extending the reach and connectivity of regional Queensland artists to potentially engage in a more global audience.
A seasoned arts professional, Justyne has accumulated with over 10+ years’ experience in strategic engagement to deliver partnerships, programs and experiences. A graduate of the QUT Master of Business Administration, she applies a creative and analytical approach coupled with proven skills in leadership, management, and coaching teams to build organisational and community capacity, and make engagement work.
Nikeema Williams
MANAGER, WOORABINDA ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE
From Small Beginnings 9.30 – 9.50am
The recent launch of the first stage of the Woorabinda Arts & Cultural Centre was an exciting milestone and first for the First Nations community of Woorabinda and Central Queensland. Supported by Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network, artists in the region now have a dedicated art gallery and workshop space to create, showcase and retail their work. This presentation will trace the progression of the project from late 2018 as a journey of passion, dedication, and unwavering vision.
Nickeema has been working as a visual artist, community artist, project coordinator and cultural practitioner for many years and exhibited in numerous exhibitions across Australia. More recently Nickeema took part in the Australia Council Custodianship program which gathered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts leaders from across Australia to explore what custodianship and leadership means in diverse contexts. Nickeema is a passionate advocate for First Nations artists and is currently developing and managing the Woorabinda Arts and Cultural Centre, Duaringa, the first arts and cultural centre in Central Queensland.
Julie Barratt
ARTS ADVISOR, WOORABINDA ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE
From Small Beginnings 9.30 – 9.50am
The recent launch of the first stage of the Woorabinda Arts & Cultural Centre was an exciting milestone and first for the First Nations community of Woorabinda and Central Queensland. Supported by Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network, artists in the region now have a dedicated art gallery and workshop space to create, showcase and retail their work. This presentation will trace the progression of the project from late 2018 as a journey of passion, dedication, and unwavering vision.
Julie Barratt has an extensive background in arts management and producing, collaborative practice, curatorial and gallery management. She is a passionate community arts facilitator who has worked on projects both nationally and internationally over the past two decades. Julie managed her own contemporary art gallery, Barratt Galleries in Alstonville, NSW for five years. Passionate about inclusion and accessibility for all, she worked as Regional Arts Development Manager for Accessible Arts NSW for four years before relocating to Central Queensland where she worked in Public Programs at the Rockhampton Art Gallery before starting in her current position with CQ RASN.
Lesa Bell
SECRETARY, CREATIVE ARTS GYMPIE REGION
Creating Space for Possibility 9.50 – 10.00am
Creatives have long been drawn to the Gympie region, inspired by, and celebrating its unique and diverse landscapes. More recently a campaign for a dedicated space to host Gympie region’s creative community began with the intention to share ideas and build partnerships to forge a stronger, more resilient industry. This resulting Creative Arts Gympie Region has created space for possibility. This talk will explore the genesis and continued pioneering vision of this vibrant arts centre.Lesa has a theatre background, where she discovered the power of experimental, physical theatre and creative simplicity. Involved in tourism, culinary and arts projects, she is a passionate advocate for seasonal produce and localisation to build strong, healthy communities, A publisher of Gympie Living magazine, Lesa shares local stories on our creative community and living sustainably.
Nicole Harper
PRESIDENT, CREATIVE ARTS GYMPIE REGION
Creating Space for Possibility 9.50 – 10.00am
Creatives have long been drawn to the Gympie region, inspired by, and celebrating its unique and diverse landscapes. More recently a campaign for a dedicated space to host Gympie region’s creative community began with the intention to share ideas and build partnerships to forge a stronger, more resilient industry. This resulting Creative Arts Gympie Region has created space for possibility. This talk will explore the genesis and continued pioneering vision of this vibrant arts centre.Nicole has seen what amazing things happen in communities when people come together! Currently studying community and sustainability, Nicole has a background in economic development, arts organisations, regional progress associations, and has managed community galleries, whilst volunteering for numerous committees.
Bronwyn Davies
ARTS AND CULTURAL COORDINATOR, SCENIC RIM REGIONAL COUNCIL
Presenting a cultural and skill development program in a post COVID world – Arts dinners live and online south-west Queensland 10.00 – 10.10am
Scenic Rim Regional Council (SRRC) have been presenting their cultural and skill development series of Arts Dinner bi-monthly since 2007. When Covid-19 restrictions forced mass shutdowns, they became essential to maintain connections, networks and kept building development in the arts. In 2020 in partnership with RASN SWQ, SRRC started a four-month pilot project to deliver Arts Dinners Online. At the easing of restrictions this model was used in the delivery of Arts Dinners Live and Online across South West Queensland. This session will look at how the pilot project and subsequent Arts Dinners LIVE and Online navigate uncertainty in programming while still building connections, opportunities, and networks.
Bronwyn Davies has been working since 2006 for the Scenic Rim Regional Council. Through her work as a Cultural Coordinator of Cultural Services she works with a dedicated team to innovate, create, and manage a cultural development program and the running of three cultural venues. She has been creative producer for numerous events, festivals and complex cultural development projects including Cultural Trails and Open Studios of the Scenic Rim, Fires On Top of Mountains, ASSI 150, War Stories and Our Town and Arts Ablaze Queensland Regional Arts Conference in 2019. She is also a practising artist and her favourite place is her studio on Tamborine Mountain.
Wendy Zunker
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, CREATIVE REGIONS
Bang for buck – Give your project more than one outing 10.10 – 10.30am
How many times do you have an idea, do an incredible amount of work, get your outcome and pack up and move on to rinse and repeat? What if you could reach a range of audiences within your own region for the same project? Creative Regions shares their experience with ‘In The Shed’, a photography exhibition and podcast series that by the end of 2021 is tracking to have had four exhibitions in two regional locations and one city with local, national and international audience reach. Find out how they altered their delivery, toured their own region and how they intend on further roll-out of this initiative in the future.
Wendy produces and co-designs projects with creatives and the community to provide genuine opportunities for connection and storytelling for regional people. Experienced in all aspects of concept to delivery, including community engagement, partnership development, funding, logistics, and administration.
Wanda Bennett
CQ RASN PROJECT OFFICER/MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL ARTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Our resilient community: Community recovery through the arts 11.00 – 11.20am
In December 2018 unprecedented heatwave conditions led to catastrophic fires in areas no one thought possible – the rainforest. Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network supported two major community led Creative Recovery Projects in the townships of Finch Hatton and Eungella in Mackay hinterland. This presentation traces the communities’ creative recovery journey and acknowledges the benefits of the arts in facilitating recovery from disaster and connections for future resilience.
Wanda has been working in the arts Industry in Australia and overseas for over thirty years, spanning a diverse range of roles including arts administration, project coordination, community development and public programs. She has extensive experience managing large-scale multi-arts events and has been employed as a project coordinator, lead artist and workshop facilitator by many leading Australian and International professional arts organisations.
Dr Geoff Woolcock
SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW, INSTITUTE FOR RESILIENT REGIONS
Singing the praises: Evaluating the impact of regional music festivals 11.20 – 11.40am
Music festivals are increasingly popular across Australia, providing impetus for tourists, many of whom live in highly populated cities, to explore regional and remote area. Despite this, little is known about the impact that music festivals have on the wellbeing of the host communities. This study will follow the 2021 Queensland Music Trail (Outback Queensland), hosted during that state’s winter tourism season, to explore these impacts, and possibility that festivals lead to greater social inclusion, sense of belonging, and pride.
Geoff Woolcock is a Senior Research Fellow at the IRR, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Griffith University’s School of Human Services and Social Work and University of the Sunshine Coast’s School of Social Sciences. His work with large-scale public and private sector organisations concentrates on developing measures of communities’ strengths, closely collaborating with local communities. Geoff is an experienced social researcher with considerable expertise in social and community service planning and evaluation, including social impact assessment and project evaluation, social capital and community capacity building.
Meg Forbes
SOCIAL RESEARCHER, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
Singing the praises: Evaluating the impact of regional music festivals 11.20 – 11.40am
Music festivals are increasingly popular across Australia, providing impetus for tourists, many of whom live in highly populated cities, to explore regional and remote area. Despite this, little is known about the impact that music festivals have on the wellbeing of the host communities. This study will follow the 2021 Queensland Music Trail (Outback Queensland), hosted during that state’s winter tourism season, to explore these impacts, and possibility that festivals lead to greater social inclusion, sense of belonging, and pride.
Meg Forbes is a social researcher with a special interest in the wellbeing of First Nations and other communities in regional and remote Queensland. She is interested in authentic research methods such as yarning that help to bridge understandings between First Nations and non-Indigenous communities and has presented and published a book chapter on this issue. More broadly, Meg is committed to research that brings benefits to participants, and that can influence positive change for vulnerable groups.
Abi Dennis
SENIOR GRANTS AND RESEARCH MANAGER, QUEENSLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Singing the praises: Evaluating the impact of regional music festivals 11.20 – 11.40am
Music festivals are increasingly popular across Australia, providing impetus for tourists, many of whom live in highly populated cities, to explore regional and remote area. Despite this, little is known about the impact that music festivals have on the wellbeing of the host communities. This study will follow the 2021 Queensland Music Trail (Outback Queensland), hosted during that state’s winter tourism season, to explore these impacts, and possibility that festivals lead to greater social inclusion, sense of belonging, and pride.
Abi has over a decade of academic and non-academic communications experience with a professional background in administration and project management for non-profit arts organizations, including grant applications and acquittal. She is a freelance film, literature, and broadcast researcher and currently completing a PhD in English Literature at the School of Communications and Arts, at The University of Queensland.
Ben Tupas
ARTIST AND DIGITAL PRODUCER
Lit festivals: Stories in light 11.40 – 11.50am
Through LIT Festival. Stories In Light, Ben Tupas has engaged in an ongoing conversation about the role of public art in the regions. Drawing from his experience working on the arts event, Ben shares personal anecdotes about bringing together a brains trust, the art of chasing funding and how to work towards sustainability in the community arts sector.
Ben Tupas is a Filipino Australian artist and digital producer based in Toowoomba, Queensland. His arts practice explores ideas of identity, memory and place using a mix of video, photography, and sound. Ben is an advocate for making the arts experience accessible, through community engagement, public programming and arts education. He was the Artistic Director for LIT Festival. Stories In Light, a public arts festival that presents light-based art into Toowoomba spaces.
Mel Forbes
PROJECT MANAGER, OUTBACK WAY OUTDOOR GALLERY
Outback Way Outdoor Gallery 11.50 – 12.00pm
An exciting out of the box outdoor gallery that will span around 100kms of landscape on the Plenty Highway, east of Alice Springs, the Outback Way Outdoor Gallery proudly showcases art from remote and regional artists from along the Outback Way. This presentation discusses the growing relationships across cultures and sectors to be as inclusive as possible and gain support to create a new and emergent space.
Mel has a grassroots background covering community-based arts, community development, youth development, studio practice, public art. Currently, Mel is Director of TN Arts Projects Pty Ltd through which she is editor of the Granite Belt Magazine which promotes business and tourism within the Granite Belt region. Concurrently involved in the development and project management for the Outback Way Outdoor Gallery, nearing six years and coming very soon to completion.
Paul Perry
PROJECT FACILITATOR AND LEAD ARTIST
Building connections with communities through art (despite COVID): The Milbi Magic community mosaics project at Bargara 12.00 – 12.10pm
The project was completed and installed in Bargara in December 2020. While starting off in October 2018 and involved two hundred and fifty volunteers, five artists, four schools, the local South Sea Islander Community and Indigenous groups, and multiple other partners. The theme reflects the importance of connection: connecting; to communities, environment, and country. In this presentation Paul will share the process he followed to deliver this highly successful project as well as some of the frustrations and lessons learnt along the way.
An early career artist from Bargara, Queensland, Paul came to the visual arts later in life achieving a BVA at Adelaide Central School of Art in 2014, after a long career in Local Government. Using a process-based methodology, he has produced both 2D and 3D works with a variety of media. A recent focus mosaics has culminated in the creation and exhibition of several mosaic public art commissions in Bundaberg and Maryborough. Most recently Paul facilitated the creation of a major community mosaic project on the public toilets at Archie’s Beach, Bargara.
Sarah Sculley
SCULLEY DESIGN
Ladies on wall: From Indonesia to the world 12.10 – 12.30pm
From the kampungs of Indonesia, a collective of female artists was formed. Driven by their desire to create impactful murals: to spray paint walls and to feel safe doing it – Ladies on Wall was born. Open to opportunities and to support emerging female artists, the collective is growing in popularity in Asia. In contrast, in Australia there has been a lack of knowledge sharing and industry support in the street art scene, and under representation of females painting on walls. The Australian branch of Ladies on Wall is taking steps to mentor female artists, support practising artists and work with communities to give them a voice, one project at a time.
Sarah Sculley is a Sunshine Coast-based urban artist who creates Banksy-style stencil works with a kick of colour and energy. Inspired by the female form, typography and colour, Sarah mixes these elements to create her mural work. Sarah has been in the creative art space for over twenty years, studying a Bachelor of Design Studies majoring in Graphic Design and Visual Culture. As founder of the Australian branch of Ladies on Wall, Sarah’s passion lies in mentoring and supporting female creatives to paint impactful, expressive murals.
