Cultural Awards 2009 Projects

Crossing Cultures - Blacktown City Council

2009-02-27T17:07:11+11:00

Crossing Cultures - Recent printmaking works from Urban and Desert based Australian Aboriginal Artists. Crossing Cultures is the first international exhibition tour coordinated by Blacktown Arts Centre, touring to Pataka, Porirua, New Zealand. Blacktown Arts Centre collaborated with the College of Fine Arts (COFA) and Indigenous artists from Papunya Tjupi (Northern Territory) and Corroboree Arts and Crafts Co-op (Western Sydney) in a series of residencies, workshops, exhibitions and tour. The Crossing Cultures exhibition showcased recent work by Indigenous artists that enabled the artists to explore a variety of print media including linocuts and etchings. Two Aboriginal artists from Western Sydney, Danny Eastwood and Jake Soewardie, accompanied the tour and participated in a two week series of art and printmaking workshops with Maori, Pacific Islander and North American indigenous artists – resulting in a cross fertilisation of techniques and a heightened sense of cultural exchange between indigenous peoples across the Pacific.

Stories of Love & Hate - Bankstown City Council

2009-02-27T16:57:33+11:00

Stories of Love & Hate is a theatre work developed through an extensive interview process with 65 residents from the Bankstown and Sutherland Shire LGAs, revealing the lives and loves of people directly affected by the 2005 Cronulla riots. Sidestepping the media hype and social outrage surrounding the event, the source material for this unique verbatim theatre show came from an extensive community consultation process with the people who were there.
Part of an ongoing collaboration between Urban Theatre Projects and Bankstown Youth Development Service (BYDS), this project supported by Bankstown City Council is an exemplary model of community consultation and cultural development. The pivotal partnership of these organisations with Bankstown City Council, Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre and Sutherland Shire Council, ensured access to and the cooperation of local community groups, individuals and organisations. As such, the project developed linkages across business, arts, government, education and community sectors.

Promoting Equality and Valuing Diversity that build the cultural capacity of the City by publishing library brochure in 13 different languages - Parramatta City Council

2009-02-27T16:48:35+11:00

Parramatta City Library is one of the busiest libraries in NSW and comprises a diverse cross-cultural community with many new migrants and refugees coming to Parramatta each year. Of those new arrivals, many come from poverty, civil war and unrest, refugee camps or third world conditions. They have difficultly in accessing the Council services because of language and cultural barriers.

Parramatta Library staff recognised that we could improve the ways in which we engaged with from cross cultural backgrounds, especially those newly arrived, and the development library brochure in 13 key languages was central to the success of that strategy.

The brochure can also be used as a generic library brochure which can be implemented in other public libraries. The brochure has stimulated some public libraries to adapt it for modification and use it for their local communities to support them in adapting to a new environment and culture.

Dancing in the Corso - Manly Council

2009-02-27T16:06:20+11:00

The Dancing in the Corso program was developed by the Events Dept of Manly Council to counter the low patronage of the Corso retailers on Thursday nights and to enliven the atmosphere. A partnership was developed with the North Shore Dance Studio who present hour long classes on salsa, jive, tango, waltz and other dances to the public. Attendees range from seniors to tourists and backpackers. Classes are structured so that newcomers can join at any time and do not feel intimidated by more experienced dancers. Many couples return each week to perfect their techniques. Singles are encouraged and many friendships have developed from the experience. Leading dancers from the studio,such as Gordon Gilkes, are very experienced teachers and have appeared on programs such as Dancing with the Stars. During school holidays groups teaching rap and hip hop have been booked.

Narromine Museums Connect - Narromine Shire Council

2009-02-27T15:53:07+11:00

Museums Connect 2008 was an opportunity for museum, gallery, library, historical society and family history volunteers and staff to come together and discuss issues and share ideas relevant to the sector. The day will include an opportunity for participants to network and meet other people working on preserving heritage items from the region. Presentations included Museum Cataloguing Practice with Jessica Moore from WPCC, back of house tour with Bob Bellhousen Chair of Narromine Aviation Museum, and a Workshop with Elizabeth Smith-McIntosh from Museums & Galleries on Funding & Marketing. Museums Connect is a unique opportunity to meet with likeminded people in the region and listen to experienced presenters who are experts in their field. This project was a partnership between Orana Arts, Museums & Galleries NSW, Narromine Aviation Museum, Narromine Shire Council and Western Plains Cultural Centre.

Celebrating the Year of the Ox - Kogarah Municipal Council

2009-02-27T15:22:56+11:00

Council hosted its 7th Chinese New Year event in Kogarah Town Square as a celebration of the Year of the Ox. This event has grown from a small community event to one of Council’s major annual celebrations.

To begin celebrations a vibrant parade made its way through Kogarah Town Square, led by a traditional Chinese Lion Dance. The parade was full of colour with many of the performers following dressed in beautiful traditional Chinese Costume. The parade ended with a spectacular firecracker display.

The highlight was a traditional Cantonese Opera performed by local community groups. In order to achieve an authentic look for this Cantonese Opera the performers endured 5 hours in make-up.

Throughout the event, Kogarah Library and Cultural Centre hosted a free Chinese ink painting exhibition. People from all cultural backgrounds were delighted to draw their own Chinese painting with instruction by a Chinese artist.

Cavanbah Centre - a faciltiy renewed - Coffs Harbour City Council

2009-02-27T15:20:42+11:00

The objective was to build a new multi-purpose centre will be a high-quality facility that will cater for the different recreational and educational needs of a wide variety of community groups.
It will feature a 260 square metre multi-functional hall, a function room, a flexible annexe space for smaller gatherings that can be arranged for a combination of uses, a large kitchen, break-out decks and ample storage.
The building will be positioned in the south-east corner of the site to maximise the potential for solar access and ventilation. The front of the building on Harbour Drive will consist of access ramps and stairs, built-in seats and walls and a veranda-style roof.
The area around the Centre will be landscaped and a new carpark will be created within the precinct of the existing Community Village.

Public art at Roundabout in Mt. Druitt - Blacktown City Council

2009-02-27T14:15:39+11:00

Public Art - Mt Druitt Roundabout Project

Council’s 2007-08 Works Improvement Program allocated funds towards the landscape improvement of the Jersey Rd and Carlisle Ave roundabout and later to a second roundabout in Jersey Rd, and Woodstock Ave. Both roundabouts feature the works of Western Sydney artists in the mosaics medium and have now become landmarks in the communities living nearby.

The partnership in this project was between the Open Space and the Arts and Cultural Development Sections of Blacktown Council in working together in engaging suitable artist to create the artworks for the roundabouts.

Both roundabouts feature imagery and symbols which create a very pleasing physical environment within those suburbs.

Bent Western - Blacktown City Council

2009-02-27T13:11:08+11:00

The Bent Western exhibition surveyed the work of queer Australian artists who forged connections to Western Sydney in exciting and challenging ways over the last thirty years and made important contributions to queer cultures in the region and beyond. Bent Western examined the work of queer artists through a bent lens, acknowledging how Western Sydney itself is marked by broader notions of multicultural difference and change. Bent Western was an official event of the 30th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival 2008.

New Art Education Facility and Program - Lake Macquarie City Council

2009-02-27T12:41:18+11:00

Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery [LMCAG] is an exceptional cultural and tourist destination offering a range of experiences for visitors of all ages and interests.

The gallery’s innovative and relevant programming strategy presents noteworthy touring shows alongside gallery-curated exhibitions featuring nationally significant artists, many of whom share a connection with the Hunter. Strong and respectful Aboriginal projects and exhibitions are integrated within the program.

To extend LMCAG’s lead role in the cultural life of Lake Macquarie, Lake Macquarie City Council [LMCC] constructed an art education facility on site. Designed by Colin Still, the renovation features a purpose-built room with state-of-the-art seminar facilities and equipment for practical workshops. The new space hosts many lively community workshops, as well as lectures, masterclasses, seminars and also corporate functions.

This forward thinking action affirms Lake Macquarie City Council’s commitment to culture and education in the area, enabling the gallery to meet the demand for much needed services.

Warringah Council’s Possum Magic Festival - Warringah Council

2009-02-27T11:38:55+11:00

The Possum Magic festival was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the publication of one of Australia’s most popular children’s books; Possum Magic. Written by Mem fox and illustrated by Julie Vivas. The aim of the Festival was twofold. On the one hand to create a free, “family friendly” festival around performances of the stage play of the book at Glen Street Theatre. The second aim was to test a new delivery model for events and festivals in the Warringah LGA which would see delivery of events drawing on the resources of a wide range of Council’s departments.

Urban Shorts Randwick Youth Film Festival - Randwick City Council

2009-02-27T10:52:01+11:00

Randwick City Council has proudly hosted Urban Shorts Randwick Youth Film Festival for five years, providing young filmmakers with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and explore ideas and issues that are important to them. In 2008 storyboards and screenplays were introduced as entry categories providing beginner film makers with an opportunity to participate. Council also funds free film making, editing, animation and storyboard workshops over the year providing opportunities to disadvantaged young people in the community. The highlight of Youth Week is the Ritz Cinema screening where entries to Urban Shorts are shown on the big screen – many for the first time. Prizes are awarded in all categories and these can include professional filmmaking workshops or cash. In 2006, Council sponsored the creation of a DVD for inclusion in school and public libraries to engage young people and raise the profile of Urban Shorts in the community.

Wollondilly Australia Day 2009 – Aboriginal Welcome to our land - Wollondilly Shire Council

2009-02-27T09:32:51+11:00

The theme of the 2009 Australia Day was reconciliation. In acknowledgement of this the Wollondilly Aboriginal Advisory Committee (WAAC) implemented a traditional ceremonial performance and designed and created a traditional ceremonial meeting circle from the natural resources of the land (sand and ochres). The traditional ceremonial performance welcomed the community to the event as well as raising awareness of the traditional and cultural heritage of the local Aboriginal community. Sharing Culture and History is one of the ways to understanding each other. As one of our traditional D’harawal elders said on the day, “Once you start to understand you get respect and once you have respect you have peace”.

(lost toy story) - Hurstville City Council

2009-02-26T19:24:24+11:00

Lost Toy Story was a multi-media interactive arts festival on the streets of Hurstville in August 2008. Part installation, part sculpture, part art exhibition and part public celebration, (lost toy story) explored the real stories of lost toys, hopes, friends and fears across generations and cultures in the very public forum of Hurstville CBD. Dozens of personal memory boats floating on the pond in memorial square, a 6 metre high fluorescent teddy bear, a hospital for broken toys and live roaming transformers – Kartronics- where just some of the highlights of this event that transformed the CBD. Presented by Shopfront – a contemporary arts centre for under 25s, the project involved over 200 young people from throughout the region as devisors, performers and directors, and was enjoyed by thousands of community members.

Balmain Town Hall and Library Refurbishment - Leichhardt Municipal Council

2009-02-26T16:22:07+11:00

The heritage building was upgraded, extended and refurbished to improve accessibility and to provide modern library facilties whilst retaining heritage features.

"River of Life" - Kempsey Shire Council

2009-02-26T14:55:12+11:00

The “River of Life” project celebrated the new footbridge over the Macleay River at Stuarts Point by making flags to fly from the bridge.

Three artists were employed to hold four workshops in the Stuarts Point hall. Over 30 people attended each session making 45 flags both for the community and personal.

Children with parents, Aboriginal residents, people with disabilities, older residents plus young people attended.

The hall became a hive of activity fabric spread on the floor, painting and dyeing underway, sewing machines running

Finally flags were put onto bamboo poles and a procession from the hall to the bridge accompanied by drummers.

More music accompanied the raising of the flags until the bridge was full of colour. Only one flag fell into the water to be rescued using a canoe.

Afterwards shared lunch, welcome to country and Aboriginal dance. People socialised the flags came down in the afternoon.

“Point’s of View’ - Collin’s Point Ceramic Mural and Up-grading of Captain Cook Monument - Wollongong City Council

2009-02-26T14:24:00+11:00

This public artwork was created by Wombarra ceramic artist Michael Keighery in 2008 at Collins Point, a beautiful and significant coastal area, situated on the headland above the Woonona ocean baths. The theme of the artwork focuses on aspects of the indigenous, colonial and contemporary history of the area and tells stories of discovery, local identity and distinctiveness. The site is where Captain Cook first attempted a landing on Australian soil in April 1770.

Through this significant community cultural development project, Keighery researched and developed artwork with local schools, residents and other institutions. The ceramic artworks are installed around the viewing platform. They include images of Captain Cook made up of thousands of portraits of local people as well as historical photographs, paintings by significant Australian artists from the Wollongong City Gallery, early botanical drawings by Joseph Banks, and quotes from James Cook's diaries and stories of local residents.

Artists Communities and Places - Penrith City Council

2009-02-25T18:39:28+11:00

Two dynamic pilot programs developed by Penrith City Council have provided vital support to Community Cultural Development projects in Penrith, introducing Magnetic Places Community Cultural Grants Program and the Artist + Community Toolkit Workshop Series 2008.

The Toolkit has been high in demand bridging a substantial gap in joint professional development opportunities for artists and communities in CCD practice across the region. Featuring guest speakers from across the arts, community and cultural sector delivering an inspiring program in collaboration with key arts and cultural organisations across the State.

In synergy with this development program, Magnetic Places funded $35,000 in Community and Cultural Development projects across Penrith providing on the ground mentoring to projects. Communities and their stories previously largely ‘invisible’ have become ’visible’. Collaborative projects between artists and communities have creatively engaged and empowered local residents, artists and organisations to transform local meeting places into creative spaces, strengthening connections across these neighbourhoods.

Ai Weiwei: Under Construction - Campbelltown City Council

2009-02-25T17:18:30+11:00

Campbelltown Arts Centre produced the first international survey of the work by renowned Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei.
Ai Weiwei is revered internationally as a contemporary icon and cultural commentator – whose most recent high profile work was his ‘Birds Nest’ concept design of the Beijing Olympic Stadium. The exhibition was curated by Dr Charles Merewether and included major works from private and public collections in Europe, America and China. The Project included a full colour publication, education kit and associated public programs. Campbelltown Arts Centre commissioned the new artwork Marble Chair by Ai Weiwei, which is in the Song Dynasty style and is carved from a single block of marble. The project brought audiences from around Australian and internationally to Campbelltown and received reviews from international art journals. The project was developed in partnership with the Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation.

Connecting Community and Culture - Libraries in action - Kogarah Municipal Council

2009-02-25T17:14:16+11:00

Connecting people and groups builds dynamic communities. Building communities and providing cultural programs is a key objective of Kogarah Library and Cultural Services. The Strategic Plan 2008-2012 focuses on 'providing opportunities for engagement in a variety of library programs designed to contribute to individual and community literacy and cultural development'.

The Connecting Commuity and Culture project provided the opportunity to connect people from differing age groups, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds through planned community and cultural events, workshops and exhibitions undertaken throughout 2008, connecting over 10,000 people to their community.

The cultural programs bought a new element to traditional Library services and were structured within a framework of:
• storytelling and story making
• various forms of literacy - reading, writing, technology, life - skills
• lifelong learning
• community development and memory

The project developed the Library as a cultural hub by designing programs that facilitated connections between diverse groups within the community.