Presented by Queensland-based arts organisation Artisan, it is an exhibition showcasing 100 stories of great Australian women who have broken down the barriers in arts, sciences, humanities and sports, and 100 brooches made in response to these stories by 100 women jewellers from across Australia.
 
Maitland Regional Gallery will also tour to Grafton in May 2014 with In[Two]Art, an exhibition exploring artist couples who are recognised as practising artists and who create works as individuals.
 
Lismore Regional Gallery will host Survivor, an interactive art project by contemporary Indonesian-Australian artist Dadang Christano.

Toured to the region by national arts network Kultour, the exhibition will combine performance art, photography and video installation and will run from 21 July – 26 August 2012.
 
Ms Saffin welcomed the touring of exhibitions to both regional galleries.
 
“This is a terrific opportunity for the region to experience these significant art and cultural exhibitions and celebrate Australia’s great creative talent,” she said.
 
“I would encourage all to come and visit and support our wonderful local galleries that enrich our lives with the exhibitions that they provide to us.”
 
The Visions of Australia program is part of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting exhibitions of Australian cultural material. Visual arts and craft exhibitions are supported through the Contemporary Touring Initiative, which is a joint program of the Australian, state and territory governments, under the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy.
 
For more information on the Visions of Australia program and the Contemporary Touring Initiative visit www.arts.gov.au/regional/visions-of-australia

The Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Barry Longland, said the Federal Government contribution was a valuable and greatly appreciated step towards realising a vision to establish the Margaret Olley Art Centre in the Tweed.

It follows an announcement this month by the Margaret Hannah Olley Art Trust that the late Australian artist had bequeathed $1 million to establish a recreation of her studio and elements of her home and wanted it built in the Tweed, where she spent time as a child.

Council formally accepted the Margaret Olley Trust’s offer last week, to establish the centre as an extension of the Murwillumbah gallery.

“Tweed River Art Gallery’s (TRAG) standing as one of Australia’s leading regional galleries will be further enhanced by the centre, which will include many treasured pieces by the iconic artist,” Cr Longland said.

“The Federal Government’s own contribution of $1 million will go a long way towards finding the extra funds needed to complete the extension.”

The Federal funding was originally allocated for the construction of a new Tweed regional museum at Tweed Heads, through the Better Regions program.

However, planning issues have delayed the completion of development approval for the Flagstaff Hill complex and it was evident that project would not be finalised before the funding deadline.

The president of the gallery foundation, Warren Polglase, said: “We’re thrilled the Federal Government has seen fit to redirect these funds to the Margaret Olley Art Centre.

“The gallery and the broader Tweed will be thrilled to be home to a monument to one of our nation’s best-known and loved artists. Today’s announcement takes the project a major step towards fruition.”

Cr Longland emphasised that the reallocation of funds would not have a significant impact on the upgrading of museum facilities in the Tweed.

“The extension of the Tweed River Regional Museum in Murwillumbah and the construction of a regional storage facility in South Murwillumbah, to help house the gallery collections, are funded separately and will not be affected at all,” he said.

“The Flagstaff Hill facility remains in the pipeline and will proceed once zoning issues and development approval is finalised and funds can be sourced elsewhere.”

Originally composed [1716] for the girls in the orphanage where Vivaldi was priest, it remained relatively unknown until 1939.

Since this performance in Siena, it has become a firm favourite with choirs and audiences for its theatrical quality and rich contrasts of texture and expression.

Also on the program will be a selection of settings of Ave Maria, of which many have been written but only four will be performed.

And the celebration? It is 400 years since the death of Tamas Luigi de Victoria, possibly one of Spain’s best composers and a master of intricate choral writing, often with the pipe organ as soloist, from the late Renaissance. His music has great intensity and emotional appeal that belies its era.

TWILIGHT PERFORMANCE:

Wednesday, 30 November, 2011 @ 6.00pm, St Mary’s Anglican Church, Ballina.

EVENING PERFORMANCE:

Thursday, 1 December, 2011 @ 7.30pm, St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore.

Tickets at the door, adult $12, concession $10, enquiries 0429 185 361.

The Ukitopia Festival, November 18-20 2011, is a Celebration of Uki Life Arts and Culture.

With only four weeks to go residents are encouraged to submit art pieces for the Images of Uki Art Exhibition, an all ages, all art form and all calibre of artist exhibition.

Residents are also encouraged to submit some creative writing pieces for the new Words of Wollumbin. 

Both the art pieces and the creative writing pieces are to be themed on Uki life or the local environment and displayed at the Festival. Applications are due November 10.

More creative opportunities abound at the Uki After School Care where children and adults are welcome to participate in making three installations for the festival – a pottery installation “Signs of the times”, a shadow puppetry installation and a paper bag lantern display. 

And for those who have not yet created a piece for the Images of Uki, you have a special opportunity to paint with Barb Suttie, who is doing a painting workshop starting Oct 29th.

“The more people who have some sort of fingerprint on our community festival, the more whole  and fun it becomes. I  am so looking forward to seeing what the community contributes,” Said Natascha Wernick, Festival Director.

For more information on any of the above workshops applications or opportunities contact Natascha 6679 7316 or visit www.ukitopiacollective.com, email ukitopia@gmail.com.

PICTURE: Barb Suttie (workshop facilitator), Rosie Mere (Words of Wollumbin Curator) with Natascha Wernick (Festival Director). Photo by Vibrant Imaging.

Gayathri Sama-rakoon, an author and contributor to Far North Coaster, is presently teaching in Brunei and she sent us these poems from students …

INTRODUCTION

Happy poems are simple lines of poetry which are used for self-expression. They are aimed at encouraging feelings of joy and sometimes are thought-provoking.

These happy poems are from Sekolah Menengah Rimba, a secondary school in Brunei Darussalam which is located on the island of Borneo. English is taught as a foreign language in Brunei by teachers from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and other countries. The teachers work for CfBT, a worldwide educational charity and consultancy based in the UK. Students in Brunei have a strong awareness of people from other cultures and countries and study English alongside their national language which is Malay. These poems are from students in Years 9 and 10. We hope you enjoy them.

Happy poems!!!
 
The colour Blue makes me happy because it reminds me of the cloudless skies,
Green colour makes me happy because it reminds me of tall green trees,
Pink colour makes me happy because it reminds me of my mother’s rose garden,  
Fried noodles make me happy because it reminds me of my 100-year old grandma,
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY CARE TO SHARE?
- Azmon Ahmad, 9a Rimba
 
Red Roses make me happy because it reminds me of my Ferrari back at home – Diyaulhaq, 5R2 
Melody makes me happy because it reminds me of a ‘flowing’ day – Murni 10E PMB
Swings in the park make me happy because they remind me of my days as a child –  Nabillah, 5R2
The Green fields make me happy because they bring peace to my mind – Farah 5R2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
 
The pink colour makes me happy because it softens my heart with its softness - Nur N’ Matul Sapar, 9sps
Green Koran makes me happy because it brings peace to my mind
Old pianos make me happy as it reminds me of old melodies
Melted brown makes me happy as it reminds me of ‘yummy’ chocolates,
Nor Nazratul- 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
 
The blue ocean makes me happy because it reminds me of my favorite teen cartoon
Azure skies make me happy because of my peaceful country
A toothy smile makes me happy because it reminds me of my naughty friends – Nur Aidatul Yusuf, 9sps
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY CARE TO SHARE?
 
Saffron yellow makes me happy because it reminds me of SpongeBob’s square pants
Multicolor make me happy because it reminds me of rainbow in a cloudy sky – MD Afiq Hasif 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
 
Sushi makes me happy because it reminds me of home, memories and ‘a normal day’
Jokes make me happy because it gives me joyful feelings
Stars make me happy because they remind me of life and freedom – Muhammed Hazim Juhari, 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

Schools make me happy because it makes me think of my future
Drums make me happy because the ‘dum-dum’ beat gives me a boost
Football makes me happy because it reminds me of freedom – Ak Muhd Yahya
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
 
‘Boom’ noise makes me happy because it reminds me of my MP3 player
Speed makes me happy because father always drives fast
Candy makes me happy because it reminds me of the ‘sweetness’ of life  
Muhd Wafiuddin Sohari- 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

Breeze on the beach makes me feel happy because it reminds me of ‘niceness’ of life
Indigo, pink, yellow rainbows make me happy because they remind me of God Almighty
Sound of violins make me happy because think of days alone
Hari Raya makes me happy because it brings me money – Nora Aboulaih, 9SPS 2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?

PICTURE: Some of the teachers at the school.

This incredibly popular exhibition has attracted thousands of visitors since it opened at Tweed River Art Gallery on 5 August. A total of 4313 votes were cast in the People’s Choice Award, which ran from 6 August to close of business on Sunday 4 September.

The work that received the most public votes in the People’s Choice Award at Tweed River Art Gallery was artist Adam Chang’s portrait of John Coetzee.

This enormous painting depicts novelist John Coetzee, and interestingly, this work was also voted the People’s Choice during the exhibiton at both the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney and the Victorian venue of TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville, outside Melbourne.

ANZ is the principal sponsor of the Archibald Prize 2011 and tour. Visitors to each regional gallery on the tour are invited and encouraged to register their vote in a People’s Choice Award. One entry, drawn from the huge number of eligible votes, receives the generous prize of an ANZ Visa Debit card valued at $500, valid for six months from the draw date.

This Prize was drawn by Ben Goulding of the Murwillumbah Branch of ANZ and the winner was Janice Edwards of Pottsville.

Of the 4313 votes cast, 1467 visitors indicated that they would like to receive more information on the Tweed River Art Gallery and its programs. Gallery Director Susi Muddiman said this number indicates the high level of interest generated by the popular Archibald Prize 2011.

“This exhibition has had a terrific impact on the Gallery. Visitor numbers have far exceeded our expectations. I am delighted that so many visitors from far and wide have travelled to the Tweed River Art Gallery to view the exhibition and see the Gallery for the first time. The People’s Choice Award has been a wonderful tool for the Gallery in terms of audience development, as now we have contact information for visitors keen to learn more about our beautiful Gallery,” Miss Muddiman said.

“The Gallery would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to volunteer Betty Hutchinson, who kindly donated an enormous amount of her time to process each of the 4313 votes.

“Betty has been an invaluable support to the Gallery staff, and she is one of the many Gallery volunteers and Friends who have generously given numerous hours of their time during this busy period. As anyone who visited the Archibald Prize 2011 would know, we couldn’t have coped without them. I can’t name them all – but I would certainly like to express my sincere gratitude for their help.”

The exhibition continues until Sunday 11 September. Gallery hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

PICTURE: People’s Choice draw winner Janice Edwards of Pottsville with her favourite portrait in the Archibald Prize 2011 Regional Tour, ‘Ray in Paris’, a portrait of art dealer Ray Hughes by Lucy Culliton. The work that received the most public votes in the People’s Choice Award at Tweed River Art Gallery was artist Adam Chang’s portrait ‘John Coetzee’.

Federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin said she was delighted that one of her ‘Page Priorities’ was one of 35 successful projects nationwide under the $150-million first round of the RDAF.

“I welcome Minister Crean’s announcement because Lismore City Hall is home to the Northern Rivers Performing Arts Group (NORPA) and this upgrade will ensure that the hall remains a significant asset for Lismore and the region for decades to come,” she said.

“I congratulate Lismore City Council on the high standard of its application. The upgrade will provide more opportunities for the performing arts by improved access and performance support facilities, and allowing a broader range of performers to use the venue, including those with disabilities.

“The opportunity to bring more diverse and varied performances to Lismore will increase employment opportunities for workers in the performing arts industry and with better performance equipment performers will have be able to expand their skills.

“I want all ‘Page Priorities’ to eventually get support and I shall continue to work with community members, organisations and local government to realise these projects. I encourage people to apply for Round Two of the RDAF program, which will open in November this year and be valued at $150 million.”

Mr Crean said Lismore City Hall was recognised as an historic venue for major commercial and independent production of music, theatre and dance, as well as conferences, trade shows and general community use.

“The hall upgrade will also allow different types of performances to come to the region including trapeze acts or flying elements, which currently can’t be catered for,” he said.

The project is due for completion by late 2013 and will generate jobs during the construction and sustain employment into the future. Lismore City Council’s contribution is about $1 million.

The project is endorsed by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers.

The RDAF program supports the infrastructure needs and economic growth of Australia’s regions. It is designed to leverage State, Commonwealth, local government, private and not-for-profit investments.

In Round One, $150 million in grant funding has been provided to 35 projects around Australia leveraging a total of around $418 million in project costs. 

A full list of the successful projects is available at: www.regional.gov.au

The first of its kind in the region, the Think Tank was an innovative two-day event designed to explore the risks and rewards of embracing new art, ideas and experience in the festival context.

Following hot on the heels of Splendour in the Grass 2011, the Think Tank capitalised on the success of yet another Splendour festival and brought locals, artists, students and event organisers together with key festival identities from across the country to discuss art in festivals.

Organised by NORPA, Lismore Regional Gallery and Arts Northern Rivers, and supported by Splendour in the Grass and the Australia Council, the program included speeches, panel discussions, Q&A and audience questions.

It was an intimate setting, with guests seated in lounge chairs, and warmly lit by lamps. They kept the 150 ticket holders fully engaged as they shared their experiences across venues, States and festivals.

According to organiser Carli Leimbach, the event was well-supported for a number of reasons.

“Firstly it is an area that is generating a lot of interest at the moment. People now think about festivals as much broader than just musical events, and there is a lot of excitement at the growth of a whole new realm of making and participating in art,” she said.

“Plus the calibre of our guests was crucial. We really did have some excellent speakers, including Brian Ritchie from MONA FOMA in Hobart, whose keynote speech was inspiring, and Imogen Semmler from Underbelly Arts, Lisa Havilah from Carriageworks, and Fernandos Llanos, a video artist from Mexico.”

Also participating in the event were two emerging artists whose work has been presented at Splendour in The Grass. Carl Scrase and Jordana Maisie are just two of the artists who have participated in the Splendid Program and developed works that were commissioned for inclusion at Splendour.

Jordana’s Close Encounters was a huge hit with festival-goers this year. The 20-metre wide mirrored spaceship, which could receive and send text messages, was located in the centre of the festival site, acting as
beacon, meeting place and curious diversion for attendees.

“On the first day, people were just sort of getting familiar with it,” said Jordana. “But on the second day it really
took off, and people started playing and getting more and more adventurous.

Jordana said the Splendid Program provides a unique opportunity for artists to be exposed to ‘massive audiences’, to learn skills like site analysis and to create projects for different spaces and different audiences.

“But by far the best thing for me about being involved in the program was the collaboration, getting to meet different people and make really important connections that will last forever,” she said.

Imogen Semmler from Underbelly Arts said: “There is a lot of art being made these days that depends on an audience, and cannot exist without an audience. In fact we had a couple of pieces at Underbelly that were created by the visitors as they interacted with the art.”

And, as Brian Ritchie put it: “The best way to get people to engage with the art is to put them inside the piece. If it is fun and mesmerising, they will soon forget that it is art that they are dealing with.”

The Splendid program was developed by partner organisations Lismore Regional Gallery, NORPA and Arts Northern Rivers, and supported by Splendour in the Grass (which is contributing $150,000 to the program over three years), and the Australia Council for the Arts.

PICTURES: Lisa Havilah and Brian Ritchie; Paul Gazola and Carl Scrase. Photographer: Nharyan Feldmann.

The work, by artist Ben Quilty, is one of the key attractions in the Archibald Prize 2011: NSW Regional Tour exhibition, currently on show at the Tweed River Art Gallery in Murwillumbah.

Thousands of visitors have already attended the gallery to view the prestigious exhibition. The gallery is the first venue on the Archibald’s tour throughout NSW.

Gallery director Susi Muddiman said the portrait would leave the gallery on the week beginning 22 August for the memorial service at the Art Gallery of NSW on Wednesday 24 August, and would return as soon as possible a few days later.

“While we regret any incovenience to those who are keen to see this wonderful work at our gallery, it is obviously an honour to Margaret to have the portrait at her State memorial service,” Miss Muddiman said.

“The Archibald Prize will be on exhibition until 11 September 2011, so there’s still time for everyone to view the Margaret Olley portrait as well as the 39 other excellent portraits in the exhibition.”

Brian Ritchie, Curator of MONA FOMA (Museum of Old and New Art Festival of Music and Art in Hobart) and founding bassist/multi-instrumentalist of the American alternative group Violent Femmes, is just one of the big names that will attend the Splendid Think Tank and share his knowledge and experience with local art practitioners, arts workers, festival directors and events organisers.

His keynote address on Thursday morning will answer the question: How do festivals act as experimental spaces for new cultural forms, new technologies and new modes of audience engagement?

On Thursday afternoon he will be joined by Marcus Canning, Director/CEO, ARTRAGE Festival, Perth; Lisa Havilah, CEO, Carriageworks; and Craig Walsh, Artist & Curator, Splendour in the Grass, for a series of presentations, discussion and interaction.

Think Tank attendees will then have the opportunity to book in with one of the guests for a one on one.

Day two of the Think Tank is a half-day Public Arts Lab facilitated by leading international artists including video artist Fernando Llanos from Mexico, performer Paul Gazzola from Berlin/Adelaide and Interdisciplinary artist, Técha Noble from Sydney based The Kingpins.

The Public Arts Lab will provide an opportunity to workshop ideas that promote audience involvement and ways to transform the festival site into an experimental playground.

The Splendid program was developed by partner organisations Lismore Regional Gallery, NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) and Arts Northern Rivers, and supported by Splendour in the Grass, and the Australia Council for the Arts, through their Opportunities for Young and Emerging Artists Program.

Now in its third year, the initiative has helped build the culture of experimentation and interdisciplinary arts practice in Australia by facilitating opportunities for young and emerging artists to conceptualise and create new art and performance for festival audiences.

As a finale showcase event for the Splendid program, the Think Tank is a way to connect with and fuel future collaborations between festival directors and artists.

Tickets for the Think Tank and Arts Lab are $45 ($25 concession) and can be purchased from the NORPA website at www.norpa.org.au.

There is also an optional Think Tank dinner on Thursday August 4, priced at $45.

Download the full program at www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au/pages/our-events.

PICTURE: Founding member of the Violent Femmes, Brian Ritchie (picture by Duncan Giblin).