13 - 15 MAY 2021 BUNYA MOUNTAINS

Arts on Top: Regional Arts Forum will invite new perspectives on the role of arts in our regional Queensland communities. BRAND STATEMENT creating the visual identity for the arts on top: regional arts forum brand.

The visual identity for the Arts on Top brand was developed with place and purpose in mind. COVID-19 MESSAGE The Bunya Mountains are rich in natural beauty, spirituality and culture. What better place to hold an arts forum? Arts on Top: Regional Arts Forum is a COVID Safe The branding uses hand-crafted typography, treated Event. You must not attend if you are unwell, or to resemble the texture and imperfection found in displaying symptoms of COVID-19, and the event lino or wood cuts used in relief printing. organisers reserves the right to refuse admission to any person identifying or displaying symptoms of The support graphics were crafted to represent the COVID-19. marks made by artists whilst conjuring thoughts of nature and the tactility of found objects. This event endorses good hygiene measures including maintaining a physical distance between yourself and people not from your household and Combing the support graphics with a lively colour regularly utilising hand sanitising stations. If you palette enables the brand to represent the energy become unwell you must inform an event team and spirit of the location and the wonderful member immediately. creatives taking part in the forum. The event organisers reserve the right to add, Lara Keilar withdraw or substitute presenters and amenities, Lead Creative | Yak Yak Design and to vary programs and audience capacity of the forum without notice. Hollie 1990 | Embrace | Acrylic on Paper | 1185mm x 1690mm

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the sovereignty and ownership of special kinship with the area. The area was often traditional custodial owners of all the First Nations the nexus of cultural, social, political, and natural on whose land we live and work, and acknowledge boundaries with traditional Custodial responsibilities both the past and present first peoples, their elders, held by four groups whose boundaries met in the languages, customs, culture and connection to this Mountains. wonderful country. Bonye Biar is the heart of the nation/ language group, with numerous clan groups within At the heart of Bonye Dargan is the Bonye Biar, the nation. Custodial groups associated within the Bunya Mountains. An area of highly significant Bonye Biar identify as: Wakka Wakka, Western cultural heritage with a long history of use by the Wakka Wakka (known as ‘the givers’ by aboriginal people from across Southern Queensland visiting groups) Barrungam, Wulli (Djakunde)/ and Northern New South Wales who have a Auburn Hawkwood peoples. FOREWORD // WELCOME

On behalf of Western Downs Regional Council, I and-bred local or visiting the region for the first welcome you to the inaugural Arts on Top Regional time, this brand-new Regional Arts Forum will Arts Forum. deliver the unique opportunity to explore the role of arts – and showcase the people that make it - in the We are thrilled to host this new event which is about beautiful location that is the Bunya Mountains. bringing like-minded people together from across Queensland to celebrate arts and culture in regional Thank you for supporting this brand-new initiative, communities. I have no doubt you will thoroughly enjoy the forum and even discover something new about our Arts on Top really captures the creativity and creative and innovative community. vibrancy of the Western Downs and we are excited to welcome you to this wonderful part of the Mayor Paul McVeigh world we call home where you will not only learn Western Downs Regional Council from leaders in the field, but draw on the inspiring surroundings to help you get the most out of your time here. The Western Downs is home to a large community of talented creatives and whether you’re a born-

4 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 PROJECT SPONSORS

Arts on Top: Regional Arts Forum is an initiative of Western Downs Regional Council, supported by South-West Queensland Regional Arts Services Network, and University of Southern Queensland.

Held at the Bunya Mountains 13 - 15 May 2021, the event will invite new perspectives on the role of arts in our regional Queensland communities. Over three days participants will be invited to develop skills and a deeper understanding of the arts industry through a multifaceted program with an emphasis on personal and professional development and empowerment.

You will meet other artists and arts professionals, learn and engage with experts and speakers through current topics, and participate in a mix of keynote presentations, and small focused sessions to expand your knowledge on current best practise and take away practical actionable information to apply in your own work.

The Arts on Top initiative is supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Western Downs Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. The Regional Arts Services Network is an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

THURSDAY 13 MAY Friday 14 May Saturday 15 May SUPPORT Response Approach

Funding programs and partners From the effects of natural Knowledge sharing is continue to implement measures disasters, to a global pandemic, increasingly valuable across the to support the arts sector arts play a critical role in arts industry to build approach, in many small and regional responding to change. Workshop forge valuable connections, and Queensland centres. Beyond and panels discussions will drive excellence and innovation. economic and financial support, explore innovative practises to This community focused day the forum focus is advocacy of build and create new markets, will explore peer led examples long-term sustainability of the evaluate change, and explore of best practise across multiple arts. The day will aim to map out ways to facilitate effective platforms, structures, and practical measures to tackle the intercommunication between cultural landscapes. Short challenges and opportunities government, peak bodies, arts sessions will consider models of facing the sector, through panel organisations, and individual engagement from established and workshop sessions focusing artists. residency programs, to emerging on mentorship, technology, and festivals, partnerships, and access. initiatives.

A Queensland Government Initiative proudly delivered by The Empire Theatre

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 5 KEY PLACES AND SPACES

1. National Park O ce 2. Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre O ce 3. Dandabah camping area 4. Ceremonial Meeting Ground 5. The Lawn 6. Mirrabooka & Warrigal Chalets 7. Bunya Mountains General Store 8. Poppies Hill Café (Registration desk & Main Conference Room) 9. The Bunyas (The Deck) 10. Public Toilets 10.

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BUNYA MOUNTAINS CHALETS 7. 5. 6. BUNYA MOUNTAINS BUNYA MOUNTAINS WALKING TITLES ESTATE 4. TRACKS

GREEN LOCKED 3. GATE RAINFOREST DRIVE

ORANGE LOCKED GATE FIREFLY DRIVE RAINFOREST DRIVE 1. 2. THE BUNYA BUNYA AVENUE

KINGAROY BUNYA MOUNTAINS ROAD MOUNTAINS MAIDENWELL BUNYA MOUNTAINS ROAD YARRAMAN TV TOWERS

DALBY TOOWOOMBA FISHER’S OUTLOOK RUSSEL PARK PICNIC GROUNDS

6 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 FOLLOW US

KEY PLACES AND SPACES

1. National Park O ce 2. Bunya Mountains @ARTSONTOP_REGIONALARTS Accommodation Centre O ce 3. Dandabah camping area 4. Ceremonial Meeting Ground 5. The Lawn 6. Mirrabooka & Warrigal Chalets Get involved in the 7. Bunya Mountains General Store 8. Poppies Hill Café (Registration conversation using the desk & Main Conference Room) hashtag #artsontop2021 9. The Bunyas (The Deck) 10. Public Toilets 10.

9. 8.

BUNYA MOUNTAINS CHALETS 7. 5. 6. BUNYA MOUNTAINS BUNYA MOUNTAINS WALKING TITLES ESTATE 4. TRACKS

GREEN LOCKED 3. GATE RAINFOREST DRIVE DESTINATION // INFORMATION

ORANGE LOCKED GATE FIREFLY DRIVE RAINFOREST DRIVE 1. 2. REGISTRATION DESK as numbers will limited. These buildings are not A registration and information desk will be in the easily accessed by wheelchair. THE BUNYA main event space in Poppies on the Hill Café and BUNYA AVENUE will be staffed 8.00am - 5.00pm Thursday and The Deck BUNYA MOUNTAINS ROAD MOUNTAINS Friday, and 8.00am - 12.30pm Saturday. The Welcome Reception will be held on The Deck at MAIDENWELL The Bunyas Coffee Shop & Tavern. Registration for BUNYA MOUNTAINS ROAD YARRAMAN NANANGO Main Conference Room this session is essential as numbers will be limited. TV TOWERS The main conference room is within Poppies on This venue is wheelchair friendly. the Hill Café. The venue itself is wheelchair friendly, DALBY TOOWOOMBA however the building is accessible by an unpaved The Lawn FISHER’S driveway. Located in front of Poppies Café, this site will be OUTLOOK RUSSEL PARK activated with public art and installations. This area PICNIC GROUNDS Ceremonial Meeting Ground is not easily accessed by wheelchair. The smoking ceremony and dance, and yarning circle will be held outdoors at the Ceremonial Walking Tracks Meeting Ground beside the Accommodation Hiking through the rainforest is a highlight of Centre Office. This area is not easily accessed by staying on the Bunya Mountains. Over 40km of wheelchair. tracks are marked, with walks ranging from 500m to 10km long. Fishers Lookout This new 350 square metre elevated viewing To note when hiking in the platform provides a vantage point to appreciate rainforest: the beauty of the mountains and the rich cultural • Ticks are active all year round. Check history of the area. This area is not easily accessed yourself for ticks after your walk. by wheelchair. • Avoid stinging nettles and giant stinging trees and leaves, even if they appear dead. Mirrabooka and Warrigal Some of the breakout sessions will be held in wood Further information is available through Department cabins beside Poppies, Mirrabooka, and Warrigal. of Environment and Science Registration for sessions in these venues is essential

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 7 GETTING THERE AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Accommodation All meals will be in Poppies on the Hill Café, with a Delegates need to book their accommodation selection of comfortable locations to sit down and separately. Choose from the range of enjoy. Food and drinks are available for purchase from Poppies on the Hill Café, The Bunyas Coffee accommodation on offer at the Bunya Mountains Shop and Tavern and The Bunya Mountains General or in nearby towns of Bell and Dalby. Airbnb and Store. Refer to their websites for more details camping provide further options. including opening hours.

Recommended booking sites include: Evaluation • Bunya Mountains Accommodation • Rice Log Cabins There is an evaluation form in your forum bag. Western Downs Accommodation Please fill in the form before you leave event • space and put it into the 'Evaluation Box' on the Registration Desk to go in the draw to win a prize Getting there (to be announced). The Bunya Mountains are in an isolated section of the , situated about 150km Mobile Coverage and Wi-Fi from the coast and lying almost centrally between Mobile phone reception at the Bunya Mountains Kingaroy and Dalby. Narrow mountain passes is limited and irregular with Optus providing the connect the Bunya Mountains with the outside best coverage. world. Note that there is no public transport to the Bunya Mountains or at the Mountains. Name tags • 45 mins from Kingaroy and Dalby Name tags are to be worn to all forum sessions. The • 90 mins from Toowoomba back of your name tag includes the concurrent • 2.5 - 3 hours from Brisbane or the Sunshine sessions you booked into at the time of ticket Coast purchase. • 4 hours from the Gold Coast or Hervey Bay Photography Photography and filming will occur during this Food and Drinks event. If you do not wish to participant, inform an The Western Downs and are event staff member at the reception desk. diverse regions renowned as some of Australia's largest primary producers. The Forum will feature Services this delicious produce from some of the best • The Bunya Mountains General Store has a basic contemporary dining experiences, to baked goods, selection of groceries and toiletries, including delis, and fresh produce. We hope this event will some good local wines and other alcohol inspire you to explore the foodie trail, to explore the • There is no petrol station on the Bunya flavours of the Western Downs enjoy the latest Taste Mountains, with the closest options being at Western Downs. least 30km away.

8 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 CULTURAL TOURS AND ACTIVITES

THE BUNYA MOUNTAINS WALKING TRACKS

MEET the Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation (BPAC). The Welcome Reception is included in your ticket price if Welcome Event Yarning Circle you purchased a Thursday, 5.00 - 5.30pm, Thursday 13 May. 4.30 - 5.30pm, Friday 14 May. Friday or 3-day ticket. Bookings Ceremonial Meeting Ground Ceremonial Meeting Ground are required as places are limited. Join us at the Ceremonial The yarning circle is a creative Meeting Ground for the forum and collaborative style of Arts Soiree on the welcome, smoking ceremony communication, an opportunity Lawn and dances facilitated by the to speak and listen from Bunya Peoples Aboriginal 6.00 - 9.00pm, Friday 14 May. the heart. Facilitated by Corporation (BPAC). The Lawn representatives of the Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation Come together for a relaxed Welcome to Country (BPAC). evening under the stars with Daily, 9.00am, Main Conference warming food, drinks, and chill Room Network live music to unwind after the day's events. Entertainment by Daily Welcome to Country Mackayla James, and Nik Phillips. with Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Welcome Reception Corporation (BPAC). 6.00 - 9.00pm, Thursday 13 May. Refreshments are included The Deck in your ticket price if you Ranger Walks purchased Friday or 3-day Connect with forum participants 7.00 - 8.00am, Friday 14 May, ticket. Bookings are required as in an evening of canapes, drinks and Saturday 15 May. Bunya places are limited. and networking in an informal Mountains Walking Tracks setting. Entertainment provided Start your day with a guided by Toowoomba based musician rainforest walk by rangers from Jacques van Lill.

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 9 ARTS WORKSHOPS AND MASTERCLASSES

DONNA GLASS, SACRED

ARTS PRACTICE WORKSHOPS

These practical workshops are and print their design on various offered at an additional cost. paper and fabric surfaces. Booking essential. Introduction to Introduction to Screen pRINTING

Relief PRINTING Rhi Johnson ARTIST AND LECTURER IN Rhi Johnson VISUAL ARTS (PRINTMAKING), ARTIST AND LECTURER IN SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, VISUAL ARTS (PRINTMAKING), UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND 6.30 - 8.00am, Friday 14 May. Warrigal Marquee 3.00 - 4.30pm, Thursday 13 May. Warrigal Marquee Participants will learn foundational skills in composing Participants will learn and printing multilayered screen- foundational skills in creating prints. This workshop will cover and printing small linocut a range of compositional and stamps. This workshop will cover printing techniques, including a range of carving techniques, as layering and varied ink opacities. well as block inking and hand- Participants will have the printing processes. Participants opportunity to create their own will have the opportunity to hand-cut stencils to print on carve a small single-layer block various paper surfaces.

10 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 Disrupting Form and Function

David Usher ARTIST AND LECTURER IN VISUAL ARTS (CERAMICS), SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

3.00 - 4.30pm, Friday 14 May. Mirrabooka Pop Up Studio

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. BEN TUPAS, CONCRETE Astrophotography Notions of the JUNGLE Landscape Ken Wishaw BOARD OF DIRECTORS, David Usher AUSTRALASIAN DARK SKY ARTIST AND LECTURER IN ALLIANCE Ken Wishaw VISUAL ARTS (CERAMICS), BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, Donna Glass AUSTRALASIAN DARK SKY UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER ALLIANCE QUEENSLAND 8.00 - 9.30pm, Friday 14 May. Donna Glass 6.30 - 8.00am, Saturday 15 May. Fisher's Lookout ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER Warrigal Marquee

This workshop and the night 3.00 - 4.30pm, Friday 14 May. Participants will (a) briefly sky activities will outline the Warrigal Marquee discussing the significance/impact beauty of the night skies, its of ‘being in the landscape’ and how features, its threats and how to Most of the world’s population the en plein air experience might take starscape photographs. lives under light polluted skies, translate into studio works, and The night workshop (weather and millions in so called developed (b) painting intuitively to create a permitting) will comprise of a countries have never seen stars. series of immediate studies as a laser guided tour of the night sky The Bunya Mountains night sky response to the environment. and creating starscape photos. is one of the darkest locations in For those who have a DSLR Australia, allowing views of the camera, wide angle lens and a starry night that are breathtaking. tripod you will create your own ARTS starscapes and share with others Much of the astronomical how they are created. MASTER- knowledge of Australia’s first nations people is reliant on a night All materials will be supplied CLASSES sky free of light pollution. Yet it unless otherwise specified. is easy to take this for granted. Numbers for each class are Artificial light at night in addition limited. Registration will be to bleaching the night sky, is These practical workshops are required at the time of ticket harmful to wildlife and our own offered free. No booking required. purchase. health.

Bunya Night Sky; This workshop will examine how Appreciating and to photograph our pristine night photographing our skies is an effective way of raising awareness of its beauty and its precious resource fragility.

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 11 RHI JOHNSON, THE LIZARDS, A Evaluating community FRANK STUDY change: How to get the most from your arts funding program when it runs on the smell of an oil rag

Dr Margaret Power SENIOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

3.00 - 4.30pm, Friday 14 May. Main Conference Room

This dynamic workshop will Building community cultural organisations or individuals explore how to get the most from • capacity. How small changes seeking fundamental skills in your Regional Arts Development in the way we manage our social media engagement while Fund (RADF) projects and projects and deliver the working within a limited budget. program. The workshop will use a RADF program can build hands-on approach with a focus on community cultural capacity Participants are to provide their the following key areas: own laptop or smart device. and sustainability. Navigating the complexity of • Social Media Writing Strong evaluating arts-led community Funding Applications change and impact. How the and Marketing process of impact is embedded Fundamentals Lavinia Tyrrell AND in art participation. Kerri Wood ALIQUIS VENT OCCUPTATUR, AUTE VENIHITIS DOLUPTATAE NIMAXIMUS ETUR? LAB INT LAM, • Developing a shared language Odette Miller to better communicate COMMUNITY PROJECTS & SOLOREMPORI DUCIM RE SERUM NON RERUM, OPTATE CUMQUI QUAMET, AUT MOLUPTAS RERO MARKETING AND GRANTS COORDINATOR, AND impact effects among funding COMMUNICATIONS stakeholders. COMMUNITY GRANTS OFFICER, COORDINATOR, FLYING ARTS WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL ALLIANCE COUNCIL.

1.00 - 3.00pm, Saturday 15 May. 1.00 - 3.00pm, Saturday 15 May. Main Conference Room CINDY GRIMES, Warrigal Marquee BUNYA BLUE The events of 2020 have been Having the skills to ensure the final push to move our social your funding application interactions online, with more stands out from the crowd audiences turning to social with strong responses and media for information and a supporting information, is sense of community. critical to your overall success rate. This workshop will delve In this workshop, Flying Arts into writing robust question Alliance Communications and responses, correctly interpreting Marketing Coordinator Odette the questions asked and the Miller shares the fundamentals important role of evidence and of building a social media data to support your application. presence for your community group, organisation, or personal brand. Learn the essentials Mentor Program of writing a marketing plan, understanding your audience, A one on one mentor catch and implementing your social up is offered with key industry media strategy for maximum professionals to develop impact. business skills and competencies within the arts and cultural This is a hands-on workshop sector. Bookings required, focused on understanding your see registration desk for more brand identity and translating details. it into a memorable online presence through social media. This workshop is tailored for

12 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 SITE ACTIVATIONS

THE BUNYA MOUNTAINS

Waiting for Morning Pop-up Studio Sculptural Response Art Installation by Artist and A pop-up studio will offer young to the Bunyas digital producer Ben Tupas, artists the opportunity to share (Boobarran Ngummin) Taking advantage of a landscape and discuss their practice with with minimal light pollution, the conference participants and Facilitator: David Usher, Artist artist Ben Tupas creates a create new works on site. USQ and Lecturer in Visual Arts meditative light projection that School of Creative Arts students (Ceramics), University of plays with memory and nature, will be on site for the duration of Southern Queensland. against the backdrop of wide- the forum to connect, support Sculpture students from USQ open spaces. workshops and showcase their will create sculptures and an creative works. outdoor gallery in response to the Bunya Mountains. Creative Voice Community Mural upstART: Youth Site Activation by Urban Artist Activation Hub Sarah Sculley The upstART youth site A community project to inspire activation and gathering space Arts on Top forum participants provides the opportunity for to express their creative voice young artists to showcase their and contribute to a co-created creative work, participate in placemaking mural. workshops, and connect in a relaxed environment. Open all Pop-up Exhibition forum at Mirrabooka. Using the theme Response to the Bunya Mountains the pop- up exhibition will transform the Bunya Mountain Village precinct into imaginative, curious, and engaging spaces for the duration of the forum.

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 13 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

DR BIANCA BEETSON PETER HOMAN JUSTYNE WILSON DIRECTOR INDIGENOUS RESEARCH CEO SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND ARTS AND CULTURAL COORDINATOR, UNIT, GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY COUNTRY TOURISM WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL

Bianca Beetson is a Kabi Kabi (Sunshine With over twenty years of experience A seasoned arts professional, Justyne Coast) Waradjuri (NSW) woman. across Tourism, Hospitality and Not- has accumulated with over 10+ years' She is an award-winning visual artist who For-Profit industries, Peter Homan has experience in strategic engagement works in a broad range of media including demonstrated the ability to deliver world- to deliver partnerships, programs and painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, class services by leading the development, experiences. A graduate of the QUT photography, fibre arts and public art. translation and execution of a wide Master of Business Administration, she She is a former member of the seminal range of strategies including business applies a creative and analytical approach Aboriginal artists collectives Campfire development, community engagement, coupled with proven skills in leadership, group and Proppanow. Bianca also has a marketing, communications, business management, and coaching teams to build background in curation and community transformation and operations. organisational and community capacity, engaged arts practice. and make engagement work. Peter has showcased the determination Bianca was formerly the Program leader of to resolve complex issues by leading the bachelor of Contemporary Australian research and analysis activities to Indigenous Art degree at the Qld College identify inefficiencies, trends and root CULTURE SHOCK: of Art, Griffith University and is currently causes (e.g., economic, technological) TRANSFORMING THE the Director, Indigenous Research Unit at while formulating innovative, sustainable IMPACTS OF COVID-19 the same institution. Bianca is a member solutions. Throughout his career, Peter ON CULTURE AND THE of QAGoMA board of trustees and their has positively contributed to a number CREATIVE SECTOR Indigenous Advisory panel, and a Member of organisation’s growth, development of the MCA’s artist advisory group. and success including improving THROUGH DIGITAL the organisation’s capability, team INNOVATION When Bianca is not creating artwork, she performance, culture, brand awareness, is a mother to her 2 boys and Native Title stakeholder relationships and ultimately 9.10 - 9.30am Saturday 15 May, applicant for the Kabi Kabi Claim. revenue. Main Conference Room

In an unprecedented time when many things are put on hold, artists were the THE BUNYA PINE STORY STRATEGIES FOR AUDIENCE first to suffer. Through the challenges of this global pandemic many were LISTENING AND DEVELOPMENT. GROW YOUR motivated to explore different ways to CONNECTING TO COUNTRY BUSINESS THROUGH DATA support artists and present art within ANALYTICS a digital format. The Western Downs 9.10 - 9.45am Friday 14 May, Arts Online is an exciting and innovative Main Conference Room 9.10 - 9.45am, Thursday 13 May, new digital website launched in 2020 Main Conference Room as response to the global pandemic by The session will introduce you to idea Western Downs Regional Council. This of listening to country. ‘Listening to The Southern Queensland Country Tourism ambitious online initiative has shifted Country’ represents an innovative and (SQCT) presentation to the Regional Arts programme delivery from the traditional creative approach to promoting cultural Forum 2021 will provide insight into the format of bricks and mortar offerings to maintenance and wellbeing among First importance of STK or mobility data and how the virtual realm, inciting a 'cultural shock' Peoples. It uses principles and processes it can assist the Regional Arts sector with to programming, and extending the reach from acoustic ecology, Indigenous story planning, funding applications, marketing and connectivity of regional Queensland and provide a better understanding of who work, dadirri (deep active listening), and artists to potentially engage in a more your audience is. arts-led inquiry to explore notions of global audience. cultural connection and maintenance for the participants, and the effects of the The data gives us insights through cameo process on their wellbeing. Participants segmentation into visitors and helps us build behavioural profiles about visitors. Where are will be given the opportunity to they from…what motivates them to travel… participate in 'listening to country' deep what do they wish to experience? These listening activity. 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.

14 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES AND PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS

BEN TUPAS BROOKE WILLIAMS DAVID USHER ARTIST AND DIGITAL PRODUCER DIRECTOR FOURFOLD STUDIO ARTIST AND LECTURER IN VISUAL ARTS (CERAMICS), UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Ben Tupas is a Filipino Australian artist Brooke Williams is an experienced urban and digital producer based in Toowoomba, designer, community engagement, and Queensland. His arts practice explores placemaking advisor, who has worked on David Usher is an Artist and Lecturer in ideas of identity, memory and place using urban renewal and place-based economic Visual Arts (Ceramics). He makes work a mix of video, photography, and sound. regeneration strategies throughout using various methods of two-dimensional His current work explores the nuances of Australia. Brooke is the founder and and three-dimensional art practice director of Fourfold Studio and previously the migrant experience within the lens of including wheel-thrown ceramic forms, managed CoDesign Studio’s Queensland the Filipino diaspora. hand-built forms, oil painting, acrylic team. Brooke has extensive project Ben is an advocate for making the arts experience including leading the multi- painting and water-colour and pencil. experience accessible, through community award-winning Palmwoods Placemaking David has been a practicing artist since engagement, public programming and arts program and has worked on projects 1988 and has exhibited nationally and education. He was the Artistic Director for across Queensland and NSW collaborating internationally, with works held in a range LIT Festival. Stories In Light, a public arts with local creatives and communities. of public and private art collections. He festival that presents light-based art into Passionate about creating vibrant cities has studied at the Seven Hills Art College Toowoomba spaces. with proud and connected communities, and University of Southern Queensland Brooke also has the knowledge, and holds a Master of Visual Arts from His work has been seen and heard on ABC experience and business knowhow to the University of Southern Queensland TV, The Guardian, Metro Arts, Creative make it happen. (USQ). David is currently completing his Mornings and at Toowoomba Regional Art Doctor of Creative Arts and is represented Gallery. by Alexandra Lawson Gallery (ALG), Toowoomba. ART AND PLACEMAKING FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LIT FESTIVAL. PROSPERITY STORIES IN LIGHT 1.00 - 1.45pm Friday 14 May, DISRUPTING FORM AND 11.40 - 11.50am, Saturday 15 May, Main Conference Room FUNCTION Main Conference Room Great places are loved by locals first. Across Masterclass, 3.00 - 4.30pm, Friday 14 May, Through LIT Festival. Stories In Light, Australia we are seeing our main streets Ben Tupas has engaged in an ongoing experience significant economic decline, Mirrabooka Pop Up Studio conversation about the role of public exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, art in the regions. Drawing from his whilst social isolation is skyrocketing. NOTIONS OF THE experience working on the arts event, LANDSCAPE Ben shares personal anecdotes about At Fourfold Studio we are bringing life back bringing together a brains trust, the art of to our streets and public places by working with local communities and creatives to take Masterclass, 6.30 - 8.00am, Saturday 15 chasing funding and how to work towards action. We call it collaborative city-making, May, Mirrabooka Marquee sustainability in the community arts sector. but it works just as well in cities as it does in regional centres. This collaborative process ART INSTALLATION WAITING unlocks social, cultural, environmental, and FOR MORNING economic capital. During this presentation Fourfold Studio Director, Brooke Williams, Taking advantage of a landscape with will draw on her project experience working minimal light pollution, artist Ben Tupas with communities and creatives across creates a meditative light projection that Australia to provide you with inspiration and plays with memory and nature, against the tools to bring about positive change in your backdrop of wide-open spaces. community. TALKING PLACEMAKING: COMMUNITY LED DESIGN PERSPECTIVES PANEL

1.45 - 2.30pm Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 15 BPAC DAMON ANDERSON DI WILLS BUNYA PEOPLES ABORIGINAL BUNYA PEOPLES ABORIGINAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR CREATIVE CORPORATION CORPORATION REGIONS

The Bunya Peoples’ Aboriginal Damon Miri Anderson is proud man Corporation (BPAC) rangers work across from Wakka Wakka, Gamilaroi, Kullulli, Di’s entry into the arts industry began the Bunya landscape, centred on Bonye Bundjalung language groups. Miri is with volunteering in theatre and the Biar (the Bunya Mountains). Bonye Biar is passionate about reviving Aboriginal writers club while having a ‘real job’. the heart of the Wakka nation/language culture through language, song, dance After receiving support from a series group, with numerous clan groups within and art. Miri is proud to be caring for of incredible mentors, Di pursued her the nation. Custodial groups associated country for the Bunya Peoples’ Aboriginal passion, working in festivals, events, within Bonye Biar identify as: Wakka, Corporation. Miri’s aspirations for the theatre, cabarets and more both Western Wakka Wakka (known as Jarowair future is to be a positive role model, learning and creating new work and new ‘the givers’ by visiting groups) Barrungam, a cultural educator and cultural fire opportunities for others. Di has a passion Wulli (Djakunde)/Auburn Hawkwood practitioner. for storytelling and theatre-making with peoples. 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.

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 PAUL DAWSON SHANNON BAUWENS the fray as we develop new content ideas, BUNYA PEOPLES ABORIGINAL BUNYA PEOPLES ABORIGINAL new collaborations and new pathways for CORPORATION CORPORATION work that should be programmed for the main arena and not just a fringe festival. Paul has 20 years’ experience working An experienced cultural heritage Di Wills, Artistic Director of Creative with aboriginal communities to re- practitioner and tribal custodian of Regions presents this workshop that is establish custodial roles for country. the Wakka Wakka, I aspire to see the part presentation, part conversation, part Paul has led the delivery of aboriginal resurrection of cultural practice to chaos as we ignore rules and conventions caring for country programs in Tasmania facilitate and support unity amongst all and get on with making the kind of and throughout the Burnett and Mary people to 'Heal country and strengthen work that challenges, provokes, inspires catchment areas. Paul has a bachelor's song lines'. I want to share our story to and downright entertains. Will there by degree in Environmental Science, and create inspiration & appreciation, forming coloured post-its? You bet. Will there be a range of qualifications in Program the desire to conserve our old ways in the lollies on the table? For sure. Will there by development and management, and group management country which promotes the a trophy for the winning concept? You’ll facilitation. protection of all facets in nature; to which have to come along to find out. we all belong.

WELCOME TO COUNTRY YARNING CIRCLE 9.00am daily, Main Conference Room 4.30 - 5.30pm, Friday 14 May, Ceremonial Meeting Ground SMOKING CEREMONY RANGER WALKS 5.00 - 5.30pm Thursday 13 May, 7.00 - 8.00am, Friday 14 May, and Ceremonial Meeting Ground Saturday 15 May. Bunya Mountains Walking Tracks

16 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 DONNA GLASS HAMISH SEWELL HENRI VAN NOORDENBURG ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER SOUND ARTIST ARTIST, AND PROJECT OFFICER, REGIONAL SERVICES AT THE QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY | Originally from Barcaldine, Donna Hamish Sewell brings with him a GALLERY OF MODERN ART Glass has been a resident on the Bunya considerable body of work of location- Mountains for fifteen years and never based sound experiences. tires of their ancient beauty. She has Henri van Noordenburg was born in been photographing and capturing the Creating unique dimensions to art Amersfoort, The Netherlands, in 1967. beauty of the night skies at the Bunyas for projects, these include animating old During his early years he developed an some time. As one of the darkest skies in boarding houses, to site-specific radio interest in storytelling. Moving to Australia Australia Donna is inspired by the vastness documentaries, mobile-activated in 1991, he completed a Visual Arts and of the universe, the Milky Way and the exhibitions that profile the voices, a Creative Writing degree at Griffith Indigenous Dark Emu. She feels privileged storytellers and collective memories on University from 1994 until 1999, followed to showcase the pristine dark skies of the the streets of small regional towns. He by his Masters in Photography and Theatre Bunya Mountains, home to the Wakka is an advisor on the international Walk at Queensland University of Technology Wakka people. Listen Create panel, and his passion is as (QUT) 2003 - 2005. much about the art and craft of building Since 2016 he works at the Queensland immersive audio as it is about deploying Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art as digital technologies to bring to life the Project Officer for Regional Services, and world around us. is a practicing artist. BUNYA NIGHT SKY: APPRECIATING AND Hamish today is both a PhD candidate For the last decade he has developed PHOTOGRAPHING OUR studying locative audio and the founder of a new technique of hand carving inkjet PRECIOUS RESOURCE the cultural tourism audio app, Soundtrails. prints a technique similar to the sgraffito He lives on the Sunshine Coast and works process. This unique technique in combination with photography marked 3.00 - 4.30pm, Friday 14 May, across Australia. a significant change in his art practice. In Warrigal Marquee 2020 and 2012 he received the 1st prize in the Clayton Utz art competition, received ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY the Career Development Grant in 2011, WORKSHOP AND STAR TALKING PLACEMAKING: won the Jeff Spann Award 2016. GAZING COMMUNITY LED DESIGN 8.00 - 9.30pm, Friday 14 May, PERSPECTIVES PANEL Fisher's Lookout

1.45 - 2.30pm Friday 14 May, ART AS EXCHANGE Main Conference Room 9.45 - 10.30am, Friday 14 May, IMMERSIVE AUDIO WALKS Main Conference Room (Presentation with WITH THE SOUNDTRAILS Terry Deen) LOCATIVE AUDIO APP QAGOMA Learning has facilitated three 8.00 - 9.00am Saturday 15 May, Art as Exchange residencies beginning at the Bunya Mountains in October 2018, Main Conference Room onto K’gari in May 2019 and most recently at the Carnarvon Ranges in October 2019. Discover how to create immersive site- The program which aims to strengthen specific audio experiences to engage regional access to arts education for all audiences in an increasingly digitally ages, grew out of an extensive period of mediated world. This demo explores the consultation with regional artists, galleries Soundtrails platform and the steps to and art educators (from early childhood, building your own locative walk: from primary, secondary and tertiary sectors). the backend builder, to the different geo Art as Exchange residencies run across locative layers of sounds, to narrative three days with only the second day approaches, through to testing and being a full day on site. During what is deploying your walk anywhere around the essentially a 48 hour period of deep world. 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.

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 17 JACQUES VAN LILL JULIE TANNER KATIE EDMISTON MUSICIAN DIRECTOR PARTNERSHIPS, ARTS CREATIVE PRODUCER, QUEENSLAND PARTNERSHIP BROKER, CULTURAL PLANNER, AND CACD Originally hailing from South Africa, As a result’s driven Corporate Director, Jacques van Lill is a Toowoomba-based Executive Manager, and Senior PRACTITIONER musician who has spent the last five years Administrator, I am leading and working playing a range of events, from the humble with creative and innovative teams Katie is a leader in the engagement, local pub gig, to opening festivals where to deliver outstanding results for capacity building, activation and he shared the stage with Australian greats communities, and organisations across revitalisation of local communities like Jon Stevens, Johnny Diesel. He also Queensland. Working within the fields of through arts and culture. She brings entertained guests at Australia’s first ever social and strategic business development, with her extensive knowledge and KFC wedding. cultural change, and social investment networks from her work in the arts sector, in Government and Non-Government community organisations, state and local Bringing fun and high energy to the stage sectors, within industries from arts, governments, peak bodies, universities, wherever he is, Jacques’ personal sound tourism and community services. and creative business. reflects his broad tastes in blues, rhythm I am a committed and highly experienced Over the past 2.5 years Katie has led and soul mixed in with rock, pop and professional with a dedicated focus of the establishment and delivery of the country. He sings a range of cover songs continuous improvement. I am resolved Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) from as far back as the 50s through to to fully utilise my extensive cross sector in . Despite the contemporary hits of today, and has and industry experience, combined being an organisation of 1 FTE Katie has recorded an EP to be released in coming with specialised people and partnership achieved significant results as part of the months. management, evaluation and assessment RASN program - employing hundreds qualifications, and my command of of creatives and engaging thousands Available for bookings as a soloist, two- strategic engagement and business of audiences in projects and initiatives piece, or three-piece band, you can get a management to achieve excellent ranging from music development & taste of what Van Lill Music can bring to outcomes for Queenslanders. mentoring for young people, a region your next function by checking out the wide gallery exhibition program, First socials Nations creative development residencies, temporary public art installations, venue activation and producing locally designed THE FUTURE OF ARTS art merchandise. FUNDING WELCOME RECEPTION 11.00 - 11.45am, Thursday 13 May, 6.00 - 9.00pm Friday 13 May, Main Conference Room TAKING THE ARTS ONLINE The Deck TO SURVIVE A GLOBAL Julie has spent the majority of her life living PANDEMIC in Regional Queensland and is committed to working to maximise the opportunity’s 11.45am - 12.30pm, Friday 14 May, for liveability and economic development Main Conference Room for regional communities through arts and cultural led initiatives. In her role as The global pandemic made industries Director, Partnerships with Arts Queensland, think outside the box in order to stay Julie will discuss the key areas of Regional afloat. In this talk Katie will provide an Programs and Partnerships that the overview of a range of project models Queensland Government supports through developed, outcomes achieved, and Arts Queensland investment in arts and lessons learnt from transitioning arts culturally led programs that build community programming, networks, and community wellbeing, social impact, economic growth engagement online during COVID-19. and regional development. Programs include In addition, Katie will explain how her team the Regional Arts Services Network, Regional at Creative Alliance supported creatives Arts Development Program, Indigenous through this challenging time through Regional Arts Development Program, and the the digitisation of their core offerings; Regional Touring Program. A key focus will including workshops, mentorship be the learnings and opportunities as a result programs and collaborative projects. In of the new approach to the delivery of arts addition, she will highlight her passion services through the Regional Arts Services for creative projects that support the Network 2018 -2021. reconnection, reactivation and recovery of . communities moving forward.

PANEL: SHOW ME THE MONEY! ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTS AND FUNDING

11.45am - 12.30pm, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room 18 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 KEN WISHAW KERRYANNE FARRER DR KYLE JENKINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SENIOR LECTURER (PAINTING), AUSTRALASIAN DARK SKY FLYING ARTS ALLIANCE SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, ALLIANCE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Throughout her career in the creative industries spanning 35 years, Kerryanne Dr Kyle Jenkins is the Associate Head Dr Ken Wishaw is retired medical Farrer, has always been passionate Culture of Community Engagement (Outreach specialist and also holds postgraduate Champion, producing and facilitating - Programs, Marketing and Schools), qualifications in astronomy. He won his countless contemporary arts and cultural Coordinator of Visual Arts, Senior Lecturer first astrophotography award in 1972. experiences and enterprises. in Painting and Art Theory, School of He was awarded the joint Queensland Previously, in a career highlight, as Creative Arts, USQ. He teaches painting Astronomical Societies’ Astronomer Regional Arts Development Officer for across all Contemporary Art Studio and of the year in 2019 for his research Artslink Queensland, she facilitated teams Project courses as well as lecturing in on dark adaptation of the human of local producers in 15 communities the various Creative Ideas courses in eye. He is Secretary of the Brisbane across Queensland to re-imagine their Visual Arts, and annually supervises Astronomical Society, a Senior Fellow of towns through arts placemaking initiatives. Undergraduate, Honours, Masters, the University of the Sunshine Coast, Dark Currently in the pilot seat, as Executive Doctorate and PhD candidates across Sky Ambassador for the International Officer of Flying Arts Alliance, Kerryanne an eclectic array of subject matter of Astronomical Union, and founding board combines her dedication to creating traditional and contemporary ideas. member of the Australasian Dark Sky opportunities for Regional Queenslanders Holding a PhD from Sydney College of Alliance, a volunteer, non-profit charity, to have access to arts and culture the Arts (University of Sydney), Jenkin's educating the public and policymakers experiences equivalent to metropolitan practice is situated within aspects of about night environment conservation. counterparts, with her diverse art from radical, conceptual and non-objective art, practice, together with her working including geometric and monochromatic knowledge of the sector. At Flying Arts painting, collage, photography, objects, she manages a dedicated team of arts artist and book publications, wall BUNYA NIGHT SKY: workers to support the visual arts sector paintings, music and sound projects and to thrive in across the whole state of APPRECIATING AND works on paper. PHOTOGRAPHING OUR Queensland. PRECIOUS RESOURCE

3.00 - 4.30pm, Friday 14 May, IT'S A WAR ON CULTURE, PANEL: SHOW ME THE Warrigal Marquee RESPONSE TO ARTS MONEY! ARTS AND CULTURE EDUCATION FUNDING CUTS GRANTS AND FUNDING ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY AND JOBS WORKSHOP AND STAR 11.45am - 12.30pm, Thursday 13 May, GAZING 11.00 - 11.45am, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room Main Conference Room 8.00 - 9.30pm, Friday 14 May, Fisher's Lookout 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.

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 19 LEISHA WALKER MARGARET POWER NICOLA HOLLY TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL SENIOR COMMUNITY GALLERIES MANAGER, DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, SCHOOL QUEENSLAND COLLEGE OF ART, OFFICER, MUSEUM AND GALLERY OF CREATIVE ARTS, UNIVERSITY GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY SERVICES QUEENSLAND OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND Nicola Holly is currently the Galleries Leisha Walker is the Training & Dr Margaret Power is the Senior Manager at the Queensland College of Professional Development Program Officer Community Development Officer for Art, Griffith University. She holds a MA at Museums & Galleries Queensland. the University of Southern Queensland’s in History of Art from University College She has 15 years’ experience working in School of Creative Arts. She has a Cork, Ireland and has lived and worked in the cultural sector and has a degree in PhD from the University of Southern Australia for over ten years. Nicola has a Arts and Cultural Management. Leisha Queensland. Margaret’s research interest is demonstrated experience in working in works with museums and galleries across focused on the impact of government arts public, private and regional galleries in Queensland to help them find the right and cultural funding initiatives on regional Queensland having held positions with funding sources for their projects and communities and the role arts and cultural Heiser Gallery, Adderton House & Heart providing tips and guidance for their grant participation plays in building community of Mercy and the Stanthorpe Regional Art applications. capacity and social resilience. Her research Gallery. into arts-led positive community change has enabled her to gather insights from a wide range of culture-led activities run PANEL: SHOW ME THE by regional Queensland not-for-profit EMERGING ARTISTS AT MONEY! ARTS AND CULTURE arts and cultural organisations, Local GRANTS AND FUNDING Government and community artists and QUEENSLAND COLLEGE OF arts workers. ART, GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY 11.45am - 12.30pm, Thursday 13 May, Main Conference Room 11.00 - 11.45am, Friday 14 May, Main Conference Room

EVALUATING COMMUNITY QCA Galleries are a facility of CHANGE. HOW TO GET THE the Queensland College of Art, MOST FROM YOUR ARTS Griffith University. We aim to foster FUNDING PROGRAM WHEN IT experimentation and innovation while RUNS ON THE SMELL OF AN providing a forum for research, ideas, and OILY RAG exchange. QCA Galleries are comprised of five exhibition spaces, and primarily 3.00 - 4.30pm, Friday 14 May, showcases work from the students of Main Conference Room QCA.

This dynamic workshop presentation Exhibition programming varies across our will explore how to get the most from gallery spaces, with a primary focus on your RADF projects and program. The contemporary art and design, research, workshop will use a hands-on approach curatorial projects, and connections with a focus on the follow key areas. between artists from South East Queensland and beyond. QCA Galleries • Navigating the complexity of evaluating arts-led community directly foster career development for change and impact. How the process emerging practitioners and creative ventures. MACKAYLA JAMES of impact is embedded in art participation. We provide a vital platform for industry MUSICIAN • Developing a shared language to better communicate impact effects experience in a professional setting, to Mackayla James is currently a student among funding stakeholders. assist with bridging the gap between at the University of the Sunshine Coast. • Building community cultural capacity. emerging practices of students at the She is studying a Bachelor of Creative How small changes in the way we Queensland College of Art and a career Industries majoring in theatre and manage our projects and deliver the path in the arts. In this presentation, Nicola performance and a minor in music. RADF program can build community will give a deep dive into QCA Galleries Mackayla has previously performed at cultural capacity and sustainability. and how to foster practices of emerging Urban paddock café and at other events artists. in Dalby. She has a passion for music and performing; getting ready to take her next step into recording and releasing her own songs.

ARTS SOIREE ON THE LAWN 6.00 - 9.00pm, Friday 14 May. The Lawn

20 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 NIK PHILLIPS ODETTE MILLER DR RHI JOHNSON MUSICIAN MARKETING AND ARTIST AND LECTURER IN VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, ARTS (PRINTMAKING), SCHOOL OF From being the local pub guy, to the indie FLYING ARTS ALLIANCE CREATIVE ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF song writer releasing over seven albums, SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND to an international artist who has achieved Odette Miller is a Meanjin (Brisbane) based some world first results, Nik Phillips has marketer, artsworker and writer with a Dr Rhi Johnson is an Artist and Lecturer in been an industry journeyman who is best Bachelor of Communications and Arts. At Visual Arts (Printmaking). She makes work described as being a story telling warrior Flying Arts Alliance, Odette is responsible using various methods of two-dimensional armed with a guitar! Famous music for the organisation’s media and marketing art practice including lino printing, screen journalist Glenn A Baker says, “Simply outreach, publicising the projects printing, artist books and mixed media put, Nik Phillips is one of Australia’s most and practices of regional and remote techniques. Rhi has been a practicing artist impressive singer-songwriters". Queensland artists and arts workers. In the since 2007 and has exhibited nationally And legendary journalist and John Lennon rest of her life she is a budding ceramicist and internationally, with works held in a publicist Ritchie Yorke says about Nik’s and offers freelance marketing and public range of public and private art collections. music, “Nik's albums are full of depth relations services to arts organisations, She has studied at the Royal Melbourne and conviction, the product of a creative businesses and individuals. Institute of Technology (RMIT) and holds life well-lived. His collection of songs a PhD from the University of Southern will surely resonate around the state and Queensland (USQ). Rhi is currently beyond. Like seeds of the prodigious local represented by Alexandra Lawson Gallery Moreton Bay fig trees, these songs will (ALG), Toowoomba. germinate, grow and occupy a special SOCIAL MEDIA AND place in your mind”. MARKETING FUNDAMENTALS WORKSHOP INTRODUCTION TO RELIEF 1.00pm - 3.00pm, Saturday 15 May, PRINTING ARTS SOIREE ON THE LAWN Main Conference Room 3.00 - 4.30pm, Thursday 13 May, 6.00 - 9.00pm, Friday 14 May. The events of 2020 have been the final The Lawn push to move our social interactions Warrigal Marquee online, with more audiences turning to social media for information and a sense INTRODUCTION TO of community. SCREEN PRINTING

In this workshop, Flying Arts Alliance 6.30 - 8.30am, Friday 14 May, Communications and Marketing Warrigal Marquee 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

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 21 SHELLEY PISANI STEPHEN BURTON TERRY DEEN CREATIVE PRODUCER, THE DESIGN DIRECTOR HEAD OF LEARNING AT THE IDEAS DISTILLERY AND MAKERS’ POMO STUDIO QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY | SHOPFRONT. GALLERY OF MODERN ART

Shelley Pisani’s career in the arts spans Stephen Burton is the Design Director Terry Deen is the Head of Learning at more than 25 years from studio artist to and founder of POMO, a multi awarded the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of gallery director, curator, consultant and urban design and delivery practice based Modern Art. QAGOMA Learning launched founding director of Creative Regions. on the Sunshine Coast. Stephen’s practice in October 2015, with a view towards Currently Shelley operates three home- specialises in creating bespoke public opening a Learning Centre based at the based businesses – The Ideas Distillery environments that are unique expressions Queensland Art Gallery. that is an arts consultancy business of the places in which they exist. Terry's work in arts learning is informed specialising in arts-led innovation; Ink by ten years' experience as a secondary Block Designs that is her visual arts and Stephen and his team have developed art and design teacher. He is engaged design practice; and Makers’ Shopfront a methodology that involves research in Queensland’s design education that will be an online platform to grow and engagement, highly creative design community as the 2014 Queensland- visual arts entrepreneurship launching in and deep collaborations with artists and Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt Design early 2021. makers. Education Fellow. Terry’s current role involves engagement Shelley’s qualifications are in visual arts, across a broad array of communities, arts management, gallery and museum disciplines and practices including arts practice, but her work has seen her ART VS DESIGN. learning, cultural learning and digital manage cross-artform projects, festivals COLLABORATIVE CREATIVE learning. He is passionate about the role and large-scale regional Queensland PRACTICE FOR BETTER of arts advocacy and research as catalysts projects. She is passionate about growing PUBLIC PLACES for advancing creativity and wellbeing for opportunity for regional artists to build Queenslanders. their practice. 1.00 - 1.45pm Friday 14 May. Main Conference Room

Art has a key role to play in the design of ART AS EXCHANGE BE BOLD! CQ SHOPFRONT AND successful public spaces. What defines BUILDING ENTREPRENEURIAL a successful public space is, in part, its 9.45 - 10.30am, Friday 14 May, MINDSET IN THE ARTS ability to connect to the historical and Main Conference Room (Presentation with cultural context of the area in which it Henri Van Noordenburg) exists. Art and design can blend together 9.45 - 10.30am, Thursday 13 May, to create a public environment which QAGOMA Learning has facilitated three Main Conference Room is a unique expression of these place Art as Exchange residencies beginning at qualities. This presentation argues that the Bunya Mountains in October 2018, onto Our experiences of 2020 have embedded we should no longer be focused on the K’gari in May 2019 and most recently at the entrepreneurial language into our world. differences between artists and designers Carnarvon Ranges in October 2019. The 'Pivoting' and 'diversification' were things and their traditional outputs, but rather program which aims to strengthen regional we were already good at in the arts seek to blend these practices in a cross access to arts education for all ages, grew pre-COVID. Not we just have additional disciplinary manner in order to work out of an extensive period of consultation language to describe it that matches in towards creating public spaces that are with regional artists, galleries and art with trends in the tech-heavy 'start-up' meaningful, context rich, creative and educators (from early childhood, primary, world. engaging. Artists, policy makers and secondary and tertiary sectors). Art as Exchange residencies run across designers have much to gain by shifting In March 2020, Shelley Pisani started three days with only the second day being their thinking towards the similarities delivering a project called CQ Shopfront, a full day on site. During what is essentially between art practice and the practice of working across 7 local government a 48 hour period of deep engagement with professional designers in order to create regions with 15 partners to build the art and ideas on sites of profound cultural, better places for our communities. entrepreneurial capacity of Central historical and ecological significance, Queensland visual artists and makers. the program has generated research and Then the pandemic was declared. New PANEL: TALKING debate; questions and answers; laughter ways of delivering the project were PLACEMAKING: COMMUNITY and tears; conversation, collaboration and required to keep delivering – pausing was LED DESIGN PERSPECTIVES creativity; proposals and partnerships; not an option. commitments and actions. 1.25 - 2.30pm, Friday 14 May, Follow the journey of CQ Shopfront into Main Conference Room 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.

22 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 THURSDAY 13 MAY: SUPPORT

8.00am - REGISTRATION OPEN RECEPTION DESK 5.00pm

TIME DESCRIPTION PRESENTER LOCATION Welcome to Country by Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation (BPAC), Mayoral 8.50 - Main Conference Welcome Address Address and Welcome by Councilor Kaye 9.10am Room Maguire, Arts on Top: Regional Arts Forum Overview

Keynote: Strategies for audience 9.10 - development: Grow your business Peter Homan, CEO Southern Queensland Main Conference 9.45am through data analytics Country Tourism Room

Be bold! shopfronts 9.45 - Shelley Pisani, Artist, Curator, Consultant and Main Conference and building entrepreneurial mindset in 10.30am Founding Director of Creative Regions Room the arts

10.30 - MORNING TEA 11.00am

11.00 - Julie Tanner, Director Partnerships, Arts Main Conference The future of arts funding 11.45am Queensland Room Julie Tanner (Arts Queensland), Kerryanne 1.45am - Panel discussion: Show me the money! Main Conference 1 Farrer (Flying Arts Alliance), Leisha Walker 12.30pm Arts and culture grants funding Room (Museum and Gallery Services Queensland)

12:30 - LUNCH 1.00pm 1.00 - Come and Be Daring – Why regional Main Conference Di Wills, Artistic Director Creative Regions 1.45pm audiences deserve better than ‘safe’ Room

1.45 - It’s a War on Culture: Response to arts Dr Kyle Jenkins, Senior Lecturer (Painting), Main Conference 2.30pm education cuts University of Southern Queensland Room 2.30 - AFTERNOON TEA 3.00pm

Regional Arts Service Network (RASN) 3.00 - Main Conference Network Presentation: Regional RASN Network Coordinators 4.30pm Room Perspectives

Dr Rhi Johnson, Artist and Lecturer in Visual 3.00 - Masterclass: Introduction to relief printing Arts (Printmaking), University of Southern Warrigal Marquee 4.30pm Queensland

5.00 - Forum welcome, smoking ceremony and Ceremonial Meeting Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation (BPAC) 5.30pm dances Ground Connect with forum participants in an evening The Deck 6.00 - of canapes, drinks and networking in an Welcome Reception The Bunyas 9.00pm informal setting. Entertainment by Jacques Restaurant van Lill. PM Art Installation: Waiting for morning Ben Tupas, Artist and digital producer The Lawn

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 23 FRIDAY 14 MAY: RESPONSE 8.00am - REGISTRATION OPEN RECEPTION DESK 5.00pm TIME EVENT PRESENTER LOCATION 6.30 - Pre-forum masterclass: Dr Rhi Johnson, Artist and Lecturer in Visual Arts Warrigal Marquee 8.00am Introduction to screen printing (Printmaking), University of Southern Queensland 7.00 - Bunya Mountains Pre-forum: Ranger walk Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation (BPAC) 8.00am Walking Tracks Welcome to Country by Bunya Peoples Aboriginal 9.00 - Main Conference Welcome Address Corporation (BPAC), Welcome by Councillor Kaye 9.10am Room Maguire, House keeping Keynote: The Bunya Pine story: 9.10 - Dr Bianca Beetson, Director Indigenous Research Unit, Main Conference Listening and connecting to 9.45am Griffith University Room country Terry Deen, Head of Learning, and Project Officer and 9.45 - Main Conference Art as Exchange Henri Van Noordenburg, Regional Services: Queensland 10.30am Room Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art

10.30 - MORNING TEA 11.00am

11.00 - Emerging artists at Queensland Nicola Holly, Galleries Manager, Queensland College of Main Conference 11.45am College of Art, Griffith University Art, Griffith University Room 11.45am - Taking the arts online to survive a Katie Edmiston, Creative Producer, Partnership Broker, Main Conference 12.30pm global pandemic Cultural Planner, and CACD Practitioner Room

12:30 - LUNCH 1.00pm

Art and placemaking for social 1.00 - and economic prosperity/Art vs Brooke Williams, Director Fourfold Studio, and Stephen Main Conference 1.45pm design. Collaborative creative Burton: Design Director POMO Studio Room practice for better public places Panel discussion: Talking Brooke Williams (Fourfold Studio), Hamish Sewell 1.45 - Main Conference Placemaking: Community led (Sound Artist), Shelley Pisani (Ideas Distillery), Stephen 2.30pm Room design perspectives Burton (POMO Studio) 2.30 - AFTERNOON TEA 3.00pm Evaluating community change: 3.00 - How to get the most from your Dr Margaret Power: Senior Community Development Main Conference 4.30pm arts funding program when it runs Officer, University of Southern Queensland Room on the smell of an oily rag 3.00 - Masterclass: Disrupting form/ David Usher: Artist and Lecturer in Visual Arts Mirrabooka Pop 4.30pm function: Raku clay hand building (Ceramics), University of Southern Queensland Up Studio Masterclass: Astrophotography; 3.00 - Dr Ken Wishaw: Board of Directors, Australasian Dark Appreciating and photographing Warrigal Marquee 4.30pm Sky Alliance and Donna Glass: Artist and Photographer our precious resource 4.30 - Ceremonial Yarning circle Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation (BPAC) 5.30pm Meeting Ground Come together for a relaxed evening under the stars 6.00 - with warming food and drinks supplied by Pips and ARTS SOIREE ON THE LAWN 9.00pm Cherries. Entertainment by Mackayla James, and Nik THE LAWN Phillips. 8.00- Masterclass: Astrophotography Dr Ken Wishaw: Board of Directors, Australasian Dark Fishers Lookout 9.30pm (Sky viewing) Sky Alliance and Donna Glass: Artist and Photographer Art Installation: Waiting for PM Ben Tupas: Artist and digital producer The Lawn morning

24 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 SATURDAY 15 MAY: APPROACH 8.00am - REGISTRATION OPEN RECEPTION DESK 12.30pm TIME EVENT PRESENTER LOCATION Pre-forum masterclass: Notions of the David Usher, Artist and Lecturer in Visual Arts Warrigal 6.30 - 8.00am landscape (Ceramics), University of Southern Queensland Marquee Bunya 7.00 - 8.00am Pre-forum: Ranger walk Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation (BPAC) Mountains Walking Tracks Main Conference 8.00 - 9.00am Pre forum: Sound Trails demo Hamish Sewell, Sound Artist Room Welcome to Country by Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Main Conference 9.00 - 9.10am Welcome Address Corporation (BPAC), Welcome by Councillor Kaye Room Maguire, House keeping Culture Shock: Transforming the impacts of COVID-19 on culture and Justyne Wilson, Arts and Cultural Coordinator, Main Conference 9.10 - 9.30am the creative sector through digital Western Downs Regional Council Room innovation Nikeema Williams, Woorabinda Arts and Cultural Main Conference 9.30 - 9.50am From small beginnings Centre Manager, Julie Barratt, Woorabinda Arts and Room Cultural Centre Arts Advisor Lesa Bell and Nicole Harper, Creative Arts Gympie Main Conference 9.50 - 10.00am Creating space for possibility Region Room Presenting a cultural and skill development program in a Post Covid Bronwyn Davies, Arts and Cultural Coordinator, Main Conference 10.00 - 10.10am world - Arts Dinners Live and Online Scenic Rim Regional Council Room South-West Queensland Bang For Buck – Give Your Project Wendy Zunker, Associate Producer, Creative Main Conference 10.10 - 10.30am More Than One Outing Regions Room 10.30 - 11.00am MORNING TEA Our Resilient Community: Community Wanda Bennett, CQ RASN Project Officer/Mackay Main Conference 11.00 - 11.20am recovery through the arts Regional Council Arts Development Officer Room Dr Geoff Woolcock, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Resilient Regions, Meg Forbes, Social Singing the praises: Evaluating the Main Conference 11.20 - 11.40am Researcher, University of Southern Queensland, impact of regional music festivals Room Abi Dennis, Senior Grants and Research Manager, Queensland Music Festival Main Conference 11.40 - 11.50am LIT Festival: Stories in light Ben Tupas, Artist and digital producer Room 11.50am - Mel Forbes, Project manager, Outback Way Main Conference Outback Way Outdoor Gallery 12.00pm Outdoor Gallery Room Building connections with communities through art (despite COVID): The MilBi Main Conference 12.00 - 12.10pm Paul Perry, Project Facilitator and Lead Artist Magic community mosaics project at Room Bargara Ladies on Wall: From Indonesia to the Main Conference 12.10 - 12.30pm Sarah Sculley, Sculley Design world Room 12.30 - 1.00pm LUNCH Odette Miller, Marketing and Communications Main Conference 1.00 - 3.00pm Workshop: Social media and marketing Coordinator, Flying Arts Alliance Room

Lavinia Tyrrell, Community Projects & Grants Workshop: Writing strong funding Warrigal 1.00 - 3.00pm Coordinator, and Kerri Wood, Community Grants applications Marquee Officer, Western Downs Regional Council.

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 25 COMMUNITY LED APPROACH: CASE STUDIES IN PRACTICE

SATURDAY 15 MAY, MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM of experimental, physical theatre and creative simplicity. Involved in tourism, culinary and arts projects, she is a passionate advocate 9.10 - 9.30am for seasonal produce and localisation to build strong, healthy CULTURE SHOCK: TRANSFORMING THE communities, A publisher of Gympie Living magazine, Lesa shares IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON CULTURE AND local stories on our creative community and living sustainably. THE CREATIVE SECTOR THROUGH DIGITAL INNOVATION NICOLE HARPER In an unprecedented time when many things are put on hold, PRESIDENT, CREATIVE ARTS GYMPIE REGION artists were the first to suffer. Through the challenges of this global pandemic many were motivated to explore different ways to Nicole has seen what amazing things happen in communities support artists and present art within a digital format. The Western when people come together! Currently studying community and Downs Arts Online is an exciting and innovative new digital website sustainability, Nicole has a background in economic development, launched in 2020 as response to the global pandemic by Western arts organisations, regional progress associations, and has managed Downs Regional Council. This ambitious online initiative has shifted community galleries, whilst volunteering for numerous committees. 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 10.00 - 10.10am Queensland artists to potentially engage in a more global audience. PRESENTING A CULTURAL AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN A POST COVID JUSTYNE WILSON WORLD - ARTS DINNERS LIVE AND ONLINE ARTS AND CULTURAL COORDINATOR, WESTERN DOWNS SOUTH-WEST QUEENSLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL Scenic Rim Regional Council (SRRC) have been presenting their A seasoned arts professional, Justyne has accumulated with over 10+ cultural and skill development series of Arts Dinner bi-monthly since years' experience in strategic engagement to deliver partnerships, 2007. When Covid-19 restrictions forced mass shutdowns, they programs and experiences. A graduate of the QUT Master of Business became essential to maintain connections, networks and kept building Administration, she applies a creative and analytical approach coupled development in the arts. In 2020 in partnership with RASN SWQ, with proven skills in leadership, management, and coaching teams to SRRC started a four-month pilot project to deliver Arts Dinners Online. build organisational and community capacity, and make engagement At the easing of restrictions this model was used in the delivery of work. Arts Dinners Live and Online across South West Queensland. This session will look at how the pilot project and subsequent Arts Dinners 9.30 - 9.50am LIVE and Online navigate uncertainty in programming while still FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS building connections, opportunities, and networks.

The recent launch of the first stage of the Woorabinda Arts & Cultural BRONWYN DAVIES Centre was an exciting milestone and first for the First Nations community of Woorabinda and Central Queensland. Supported by ARTS AND CULTURAL COORDINATOR, SCENIC RIM Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network, artists in the REGIONAL COUNCIL region now have a dedicated art gallery and workshop space to create, showcase and retail their work. This presentation will trace Bronwyn Davies has been working since 2006 for the Scenic Rim the progression of the project from late 2018 as a journey of passion, Regional Council. Through her work as a Cultural Coordinator of dedication, and unwavering vision. Cultural Services she works with a dedicated team to innovate, create, and manage a cultural development program and the running of three NIKEEMA WILLIAMS cultural venues. She has been creative producer for numerous events, MANAGER, WOORABINDA ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE festivals and complex cultural development projects including Cultural Trails and Open Studios of the Scenic Rim, Fires On Top of Mountains, Nickeema has been working as a visual artist, community artist, ASSI 150, War Stories and Our Town and Arts Ablaze Queensland project coordinator and cultural practitioner for many years and Regional Arts Conference in 2019. She is also a practising artist and exhibited in numerous exhibitions across Australia. More recently her favourite place is her studio on Tamborine Mountain. Nickeema took part in the Australia Council Custodianship program which gathered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts leaders 10.10 - 10.30am from across Australia to explore what custodianship and leadership BANG FOR BUCK – GIVE YOUR PROJECT MORE means in diverse contexts. Nickeema is a passionate advocate for First Nations artists and is currently developing and managing the THAN ONE OUTING Woorabinda Arts and Cultural Centre, Duaringa, the first arts and cultural centre in Central Queensland. 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 JULIE BARRATT repeat? What if you could reach a range of audiences within your own ARTS ADVISOR, WOORABINDA ARTS AND CULTURAL region for the same project? Creative Regions shares their experience CENTRE 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 Julie Barratt has an extensive background in arts management and regional locations and one city with local, national and international producing, collaborative practice, curatorial and gallery management. audience reach. Find out how they altered their delivery, toured their She is a passionate community arts facilitator who has worked own region and how they intend on further roll-out of this initiative in on projects both nationally and internationally over the past two the future. decades. Julie managed her own contemporary art gallery, Barratt Galleries in Alstonville, NSW for five years. Passionate about inclusion WENDY ZUNKER and accessibility for all, she worked as Regional Arts Development Manager for Accessible Arts NSW for four years before relocating ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, CREATIVE REGIONS to Central Queensland where she worked in Public Programs at the Rockhampton Art Gallery before starting in her current position with Wendy produces and co-designs projects with creatives and the CQ RASN. community to provide genuine opportunities for connection and storytelling for regional people. Experienced in all aspects of 9.50 - 10.00am concept to delivery, including community engagement, partnership CREATING SPACE FOR POSSIBILITY development, funding, logistics, and administration.

Creatives have long been drawn to the Gympie region, inspired by, 11.00 - 11.20am and celebrating its unique and diverse landscapes. More recently a OUR RESILIENT COMMUNITY: COMMUNITY campaign for a dedicated space to host Gympie region's creative RECOVERY THROUGH THE ARTS 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 In December 2018 unprecedented heatwave conditions led to talk will explore the genesis and continued pioneering vision of this catastrophic fires in areas no one thought possible – the rainforest. vibrant arts centre. 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 LESA BELL traces the communities’ creative recovery journey and acknowledges SECRETARY, CREATIVE ARTS GYMPIE REGION the benefits of the arts in facilitating recovery from disaster and connections for future resilience. Lesa has a theatre background, where she discovered the power

26 // ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 WANDA BENNETT of chasing funding and how to work towards sustainability in the CQ RASN PROJECT OFFICER/MACKAY REGIONAL community arts sector. COUNCIL ARTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER BEN TUPAS Wanda has been working in the arts Industry in Australia and ARTIST AND DIGITAL PRODUCER overseas for over thirty years, spanning a diverse range of roles including arts administration, project coordination, community Ben Tupas is a Filipino Australian artist and digital producer based in development and public programs. She has extensive experience Toowoomba, Queensland. His arts practice explores ideas of identity, managing large-scale multi-arts events and has been employed as memory and place using a mix of video, photography, and sound. Ben a project coordinator, lead artist and workshop facilitator by many is an advocate for making the arts experience accessible, through leading Australian and International professional arts organisations. community engagement, public programming and arts education. He was the Artistic Director for LIT Festival. Stories In Light, a public arts 11.20 - 11.40am festival that presents light-based art into Toowoomba spaces. SINGING THE PRAISES: EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF REGIONAL MUSIC FESTIVALS 11.50am - 12.00pm OUTBACK WAY OUTDOOR GALLERY Music festivals are increasingly popular across Australia, providing impetus for tourists, many of whom live in highly populated cities, to An exciting out of the box outdoor gallery that will span around explore regional and remote area. Despite this, little is known about 100kms of landscape on the Plenty Highway, east of Alice Springs, the the impact that music festivals have on the wellbeing of the host Outback Way Outdoor Gallery proudly showcases art from remote communities. This study will follow the 2021 Queensland Music Trail and regional artists from along the Outback Way. This presentation (Outback Queensland), hosted during that state’s winter tourism discusses the growing relationships across cultures and sectors to season, to explore these impacts, and possibility that festivals lead to be as inclusive as possible and gain support to create a new and greater social inclusion, sense of belonging, and pride. emergent space.

DR GEOFF WOOLCOCK MEL FORBES SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW, INSTITUTE FOR RESILIENT PROJECT MANAGER, OUTBACK WAY OUTDOOR GALLERY REGIONS Mel has a grassroots background covering community-based arts, community development, youth development, studio practice, public Geoff Woolcock is a Senior Research Fellow at the IRR, and an art. Currently, Mel is Director of TN Arts Projects Pty Ltd through Adjunct Associate Professor at Griffith University’s School of Human which she is editor of the Granite Belt Magazine which promotes Services and Social Work and University of the Sunshine Coast’s business and tourism within the Granite Belt region. Concurrently School of Social Sciences. His work with large-scale public and involved in the development and project management for the private sector organisations concentrates on developing measures of Outback Way Outdoor Gallery, nearing six years and coming very communities' strengths, closely collaborating with local communities. soon to completion. 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 12.00 - 12.10pm community capacity building. BUILDING CONNECTIONS WITH COMMUNITIES THROUGH ART (DESPITE COVID): THE MILBI MAGIC COMMUNITY MEG FORBES MOSAICS PROJECT AT BARGARA SOCIAL RESEARCHER, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND 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 Meg Forbes is a social researcher with a special interest in the Sea Islander Community and Indigenous groups, and multiple wellbeing of First Nations and other communities in regional and other partners. The theme reflects the importance of connection: remote Queensland. She is interested in authentic research methods connecting; to communities, environment, and country. In this such as yarning that help to bridge understandings between First presentation Paul will share the process he followed to deliver this Nations and non-Indigenous communities and has presented highly successful project as well as some of the frustrations and and published a book chapter on this issue. More broadly, Meg is committed to research that brings benefits to participants, and that lessons learnt along the way. can influence positive change for vulnerable groups. PAUL PERRY ABI DENNIS PROJECT FACILITATOR AND LEAD ARTIST SENIOR GRANTS AND RESEARCH MANAGER, An early career artist from Bargara, Queensland, Paul came to the QUEENSLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL 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 Abi has over a decade of academic and non-academic process-based methodology, he has produced both 2D and 3D works communications experience with a professional background with a variety of media. A recent focus mosaics has culminated in in administration and project management for non-profit arts the creation and exhibition of several mosaic public art commissions organizations, including grant applications and acquittal. She in Bundaberg and Maryborough. Most recently Paul facilitated the is a freelance film, literature, and broadcast researcher and creation of a major community mosaic project on the public toilets at currently completing a PhD in English Literature at the School of Archie’s Beach, Bargara. Communications and Arts, at The University of Queensland.

11.40 - 11.50am 12.10 - 12.30pm LIT FESTIVAL: STORIES IN LIGHT LADIES ON WALL: FROM INDONESIA TO THE Through LIT Festival. Stories In Light, Ben Tupas has engaged in an WORLD ongoing conversation about the role of public art in the regions. Drawing from his experience working on the arts event, Ben shares From the kampungs of Indonesia, a collective of female artists was personal anecdotes about bringing together a brains trust, the art 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, SARAH SCULLEY LADIES ON WALL SCULLEY DESIGN

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.

ARTS ON TOP: REGIONAL ARTS FORUM 2021 // 27 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Western Downs Regional Council would like to Acknowledge the following sponsors, contributing organisations, individuals, groups and suppliers for their support and participation in the 2021 Arts on Top; Regional Arts forum.

SPONSORS Arts Queensland Empire Theatre Projects Regional Arts Services Network South West Queensland Regional Arts Service Network University of Southern Queensland, School of Creative Arts

Contributing presenters, entertainment, artists, arts workers and organisations.

AUDIO VISUAL Geordie Lillis Visual Focus

BRAND AND WEB DESIGN Excite Media Yak Yak Design

CATERING Butcher's Pantry, Dalby Farmers Market, Chinchilla Pips and Cherries, Bell Poppies Restaurant, The Bunyas Toni's Meats, Toowoomba The Bunyas Restaurant, The Bunyas Urban Paddock, Dalby

EXHIBITION Lava Print and Design Lucy RC Photography Snap Printing, Toowoomba Students of USQ School of Creative Arts Contributing regional Artists and groups

EVENT HIRE Dalby Cleaning and Catering Dalby Master hire Western Downs Weddings Pimp your Picnic, Dalby

LOCATION Bunya Mountains Accommodation Bunya Mountains Community Association Bunya Mountains Restaurant, The Deck Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Science

A Queensland Government Initiative proudly delivered by The Empire Theatre

Copyright 2021 Western Downs Regional Council