September 2011 Newsletter

August 29, 2011

Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre Newsletter For Sept 2011

From the Desk
Where has the year gone???  I can hardly believe we are sending out the September e-news already!  I have just returned from a freezing week in New Zealand, and even the Ekka winds feel warm by comparison.  As we slip quickly into the final quarter of the year, I have been reflecting on all that has developed in “BEMAC-land” over the past eight months: great Planet series, new Board of Management, three successful festivals delivered, and range of workshops for women in the music industry lot’s of internal structural changes and a heap of grants written, and a new strategic plan developed; and I feel like that’s only half of what we want to achieve between now and the end of December! The next four months will be extremely busy on all fronts, from a performance perspective; we have Manju Mehta touring from India this week, followed by Planet, Columbian-style the week after.  The team are busy finalising the program on behalf of the Queensland Multicultural Festival and then we have three more Planet’s, an intimate ceremonial performance at the Gold Coast Arts Centre, the Anishinnabek Northern Lights, Canadian Indian performers tour and our own signature event World By Night, all interspersed with some song-writing and grant-writing workshops.  We also have two very exciting projects starting this month:  Her Hands; which will work with women from a range of diverse backgrounds to develop skills around their existing traditional hand-craft and textile-based work.  This project will result in an exhibition at the end of the year.  The other project we to be delivered in partnership with Gold Coast Magic is She Says… which will work with a group of refugee and migrant women to develop writing skills, I am very exciting to see the stories that will develop out of this process.  I look forward to seeing you at some of that!
Over the next three months, we are also working closely with the University of Queensland to undertake a research project around the arts and multiculturalism, which we hope will assist us to better meet the needs of both sectors.  In light of the new Multicultural Policy and Action Plan, Queensland has an opportunity to lead in this area, and we have been contacted from our colleagues interstate who are very interested in developments in this space in Queensland.  I would encourage you to provide some input into the National Cultural Policy to see a nation-wide reflection. 
In August 2011, the federal Minister for Regional Development and the Arts, Simon Crean, released the National Cultural Policy discussion paper for public comment. The paper sets out the direction the Australian Government is heading in developing a ten-year vision and goals for the policy, which “will reflect the important role that arts and creativity play in the daily lives of all Australians, and will help to integrate arts and cultural policy within our broader social and economic goals”.
You are encouraged to read the discussion paper and submit your ideas to the Australian Government about what you would like the National Cultural Policy to look like. Visit www.culture.arts.gov.au to either fill out a quick 5-minute survey or download a form to write a more detailed submission. Comments are due by 21 October 2011.
What’s on?   
Manju Mehta-First Lady of Sitar 
 Sun 28th August , 6-7.30pm at Brisbane Powerhouse                                                    
 Wed 31st August,7pm at The patch,Coolangatta Sands Hotel 
As part of her first Australian tour, Manju Mehta, described as the First Lady of Sitar, will be performing Indian Classical music in the style made famous by her guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar. Her knowledge of ‘raga’ and her ability to breathe life and creativity into her music whilst staying true to her lineage has earned her enormous world-wide praise and respect.Indian sitar maestro Manju Mehta will draw from ancient musical traditions and lineage to present music with intensity, depth and beauty. Joining her are the prodigious talents of Adelaide’s own Jay Dabgar on tabla, and Manju’s disciple Josh Bennett on sitar. An extraordinary musical journey, not to be missed!
Presented by BEMAC and Brisbane Powerhouse.
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.brisbanepowerhouse.org. Prices: $25 (Full); $20 (Concession or BEMAC member)
Gurrumul Yunupingu                Thurs 1st September, 8pm at Brisbane Entertainment Centre
For the first time in Brisbane, the extraordinary multi-award ARIA winning artist Gurrumul Yunupingu will perform his own concert on Thursday 1st September at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Intimate Mode.Audiences will be treated to a performance of music from both his double platinum debut album ‘Gurrumul’, and the current album ‘Rrakala’ with songs that reflect deeply into his Aboriginal identity and rich vocal harmonies from a complex cultural and spiritual body of work.
Together with his collaborator/producer Michael Hohnen from Skinnyfish Music, Gurrumul will present a show which features the full instrumentation showcased on ‘Rrakala’, sharing with audiences for the first time his skills on piano.
Gurrumul will be supported in concert by young up-and-coming Tasmanian performer Dewayne Everettsmith.
BEMAC members can received a 15% discounted price ticket at http://premier.ticketek.com.au/ppredirect.aspx?pp=QBEC2&sh=GURRUMUL11
Planet – EVOLUTION                               Sat 3rd September , 5-7pm at Brisbane Powerhouse
EVOLUTION tells the story of lost the communication with families and communities, and the importance of hope, even when life gets hard…we continue to evolve and we CAN overcome no matter the situation …  all you need is love!EVOLUTION is a very different performance of Latin music.  In this show, you will experience the whole Latin world full of art including dance, acting and music. This is not another ‘Latin gig’; with the percussion not played on traditional drums but with common every-day things.  Presented by BEMAC and Brisbane Powerhouse as part of the monthly Planet series, EVOLUTION is a performance not to be missed!
Composed, choreographed and performed by Columbian artist, Diego Zambrano, EVOLUTION will also feature Pablo Matus – Percussion; Miguel Calderon – Piano; Diego Rincon – Bass and percussion; Ingrid Leal – Violin, flute and vocals; Karen Carrillo – Dance; Mario Obando – Dance and Eszter Kiss – Vocals.
Definitely not to be missed! Free event. Located at the Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm 
Eidfest 2011                                    Sat 3rd September, 10am-10pm at Mt Gravatt Showgrounds
  The multi award winning festival, Eidfest, is back again for 2011. Celebrating Muslim cultures, Eidfest begins at 10am at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds and has invited Anthony Mundine as a special guest! Eidfest will include stage entertainment, multicultural food stalls, cooking with Junior Masterchefs, fireworks and rides for the kids. The day also includes an asylum seekers and refugee debate, as well as first hand harrowing tales from asylum seekers and refugees first hand.
A fantastic multicultural family day that is not to be missed!

Prices:
Adult – $3
Kids (5-12) – $2
For up to date event details, head to www.eidfest.com.au, email info@eidfest.com.au or contact Yasmin on 0419 025 510.
Yemanja-Jazz Festival                                                    Sat 3rd September, 3-5pm at Noosa
The highly acclaimed Noosa Jazz festival has invited Yemanja as part of this year’s line up. Come and see Yemanja’s fresh approach to Latin-Jazz live at the junction, the best theatre in Noosa!This is what they say about Yemanja:
QSong Awards finalists 2008 & 10,”one of the freshest sounds on the music scene in years.” This multicultural acoustic group have struck a positive chord with audiences around the world with their fun-loving mix of jazz, samba, bossa nova, classical, folk Brazilian & European popular music.

Their intelligently creative blend of styles is backed by some of Australia’s top musicians and impressive arrangements, their unique style of cultural fusion is both refined and sophisticated.
All Ages / Accompanied minors
Tickets and info at  http://www.thej.com.au/ 
African Soul presents-Afrotreat                 Fri 23rd-Sun 25th September, at Tullymorgan, NSW


  AFRO-CARIBBEAN NITEARMFest PROUDLY PRESENTS “AFRO- CARIBBEAN NITE”.
 Live African & reggae bands, plus DJ’s playing all the best of African & Caribbean music. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate with us, and please don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Date: Friday, September 9
Time: 7:00 P.M. – Midnight
Location MARYMAC COMMUNITY CENTRE
616 Ipswich Road, Annerley.

www.armfest.com.au

Tibetan School Project’s Trivia Night                 Sat 24th September, 6.30pm at Uniting Church


  Tibetan School Project’s Trivia Night for the education of underprivileged children of Dorshul school in EasternTIBET
Tibet in Songs by Tenzin Choegyal, Shen Flindell & Friends
Khampa Thinley Tsering and Tashi Yangzom
Join us for a very special Tibetan Circle Dance.
When : Saturday 24th Sept, 2011
Time : 6.30pm
Where : Merthyr Rd Uniting Church,
52 Merthyr Rd, New Farm Cost: $25/ $20 con.
Lots of great entertainment, friends and prizes.
Delicious Tibetan Supper prepared by Tibetan Master
For bookings and more Information please contact 0411065813
Email : mel@freeword.co.za
 
Salar Aghili and The Razo Niaz Ensemble      Wed 2nd November, 7pm at Old Brisbane Museum
  BEMAC is proud to support one of the world’s most celebrated classic vocalists, Salar Aghili. Salar Aghili is set to tour Australia later this year. Persian communities across the country have welcomed the announcement that this highly acclaimed musician, who is recognized not only in Iran, but throughout Europe for his contribution to the rich heritage of Persian verse, is to begin his tour in Perth at the end of October. “We are thrilled that Salar has agreed to this national tour and encouraged by the positive feedback we’ve received from communities across the country,” said Al Sharifian of Far Vahar Entertainment.A highlight of Salar Aghili’s 2011 Australian Tour is the accompaniment of Hossein Behroozinia, notably one of Iran’s most highly praised musician. Behroozinia is a Barbat (oud) virtuoso, recognized as one of just a handful in the world who has mastered the art of playing the Barbat. He has toured in USA, Canada and Europe on numerous occasions and performed in a number of unforgettable concerts with Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Shahram Nazeri, Sima Bina and Parissa, all of whom are famous Iranian vocalists.
For further information on Salar and the 2011 tour as well as details regarding ticket sales visit www.salaraghiliaustralia.com.

Ticket prices from the website are;
 Premium – $142.80
A Reserve – $102.00
B Reserve – $73.45
All prices include transaction fees.
Discount tickets can be obtained through Persian community shops at the following prices:
 Premium – $129.50
A Reserve – $85.00
B Reserve – $65.00
The tickets are available for students and pensioners for all categories with 10% OFF the regular price. If tickets are purchased at concession rate, entry will only be possible with a valid concession or student card. There are NO exceptions
Tickets can be obtained from http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=20476.
Opportunities-September 2011   
 
ATTENTION: PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS Gold Coast MAGIC would like to publicise your works to galleries and exhibition spaces. If you are interested in being involved, please email vazirinasrin@yahoo.com.au two (2) high quality images of your ready works, along with the details of the works; such as title, medium and size of work, as well as one line about yourself. The publicity will be through quality print (brochures), websites, radio and press interviews. There may be selection criteria for choosing the artworks. This is a part of a project that Gold Coast MAGIC is funded through Gold Coast City Council. Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre is the marketing organisation for the project. This is a great opportunity for you to be known by quality gallery spaces, such as Queensland State Library, Brisbane Powerhouse and Metro Arts 
 
 ATTENTION: ALL ARTISTS

ATTENTION: EVERYONE

There are three art technical workshops by our listed professional artists of the 12th, 19th and 26th of October from 1pm – 4pm at Broadbeach Library. The workshops are free for the members of Artists in Paradise, of which you can become a member of for $11.
Don’t miss any of these opportunities! Please email vazirinasrin@yahoo.com.au for more details.

You can showcase your works in a one-day exhibition! BAG along with the Gold Coast Arts Centre are organising a one-day show with huge publicity and viewers from the Gold Coast and outer regions. This exhibition will take place on the 15th October 2011. Gold Coast MAGIC has two spots for you to exhibit, introduce your works and hopefully sell them if you wish. Your work could include pottery, paintings, art & crafts or photography. Please contact vazirinasrin@yahoo.com.au if you are interested. 

Little BIGSOUND              Sat 10th September, 9.30am to 6.30pm at The Judith Wright Centre
Musicians, Managers, Graphic Artists, Designer’s & More – Want To Work In The Music Industry?An offshoot of the annual Q Music BIGSOUND Conference Q Music in conjunction with Youth Music Industries present “Little BIGSOUND 2011” a one-day forum for young musicians looking to break into the music industry.
Panels on the day will cover topics from booking gig’s, obtaining management, recording and production through to photography, music journalism and how best to release your music in the 21st century.
Little BIGSOUND is focused on building skills, and providing information specifically targeted at young people and offers not only a series of break-out panel sessions featuring established young music industry professionals, but is also a way for attendees to form connections and develop professional relationships.
After the formal conference program has ended, an afternoon tea will be provided with live acoustic entertainment from some of Brisbane’s amazing up and coming talent. Finally as night falls, live music featuring established and breakthrough artists will be showcased within the Judith Wright Centre performing arts space.

$27.50 for the Conference and the Music Night
$22 for Conference Only
$16.50 for Music Night
M.A.D Camp                                           Sun 18th September at Ipswich Girls Grammer School
Queensland Arts Council is delivering a multi-arts intensive residency program for 50-60 secondary school students from Years 10-12 during the first week of the September school holidays in 2011. This will provide an opportunity for creative young people from across urban, rural, regional and remote Queensland to come together and develop/extend their skills, ability, talents and dreams through participation in a week-long program of workshops and training with industry professionals. The residency and workshops will be held at Ipswich Girls Grammar School (IGGS).As well as high level participation in a wide range of creative activities, students will attend excursions to the Opera, Theatre, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and a backstage tour. Participating students may or may not have had the opportunity to attend arts events at some of the State’s leading arts and cultural venues, so this experience will broaden their knowledge. This concept links positive goal setting and develops optimism within young people.
Diary dates
Day Event Time Place
28th August Manju Mehta-First Lady of Sitar 6-7.30pm Brisbane Powerhouse
31st August Manju Mehta-First Lady of Sitar 7pm  The Patch, Coolangatta Sands Hotel
3rd September Planet-EVOLUTION 5-7pm Brisbane Powerhouse
3rd September Eidfest 2011 10am-10pm Mt Gravatt showgrounds
2nd November Salar Aghili & The Razo Niaz Ensemble 7pm Old Brisbane Museum
Opportunities:      
10th September Little BIGSOUND 9.30am-6.30pm The Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts
18th to 24th September M.A.D Camp  Ipswich Girls Grammar School
Be A BEMAC Member
Join BEMAC to support the promotion and presentation of the multicultural arts in Queensland. BEMAC is a not-for-profit organisation which relies on the support and input of its members. By becoming a BEMAC member you can help drive the direction of BEMAC and be actively involved with our organisation.We value our members and currently offer the following benefits: Eligibility to vote at the BEMAC Annual General Meeting and be elected to the Management Committee, Discounted entry to all BEMAC-presented performing arts events and workshops, updates to keep you up to date with what’s on at BEMAC, Great discounts on venue and equipment hire, Opportunity to promote your exhibitions and events in the BEMAC e-news, Professional advice and consultancy.  There is also a range of additional benefits for artist members. To become a member or for more information go to the website, www.bemac.org.au or contact BEMAC on (07) 3391 4433 or admin@bemac.org.au.

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