Articles - 28 June 2008

Excitement grows

Alice Springs prepares for 'art at the heart' this October

Apmeraltye Ingkerreke
Hands holding beads and plants
Photographer Judy Lovell

A rare chance to see inside the lives of the Arrernte people of the Alice Springs region and gain an insight into their cultural and artistic practices will be one of many opportunities open to delegates at art at the heart, Regional Arts Australia's 6th biennial conference, to be held in Alice Springs from 3 to 5 October.

Four eastern and north-eastern Arrernte women and their family groups will base themselves at Alice Springs for the duration of the conference. The women are all artists and are keen to show how their practices allow them to transfer ancient knowledge into the contemporary world. Visitors will be invited to be part of activities including dancing, singing, body-painting with ochre, story-telling and learning about healing medicines. The elders will share the experience further through demonstrating the use of art and song to illuminate the healing processes and pass on knowledge.

"It is hoped that through this experience the powerful presence and holistic nature of the culture will be made tangible to those with little or no experience in eastern and north-eastern Arrernte worlds," says Judy Lovell, one of the organisers of the project which has been called Apmeraltye Ingkerreke: People of the Land, All Together.

Performing cabaret at the conference will be the acclaimed award-winning and vision-impaired Adelaide group Tutti. Their performance Blind Date had its world premiere at this year's Adelaide International Fringe Festival and received rave reviews from critics and the public.

Delegates will be invited to participate in a vocal and sensory workshop, giving a rare insight into blind culture and Tutti's creative processes. Tutti project manager, Rachel Fisher, says the group has just won the Music Council of Australia's award for Best Music Program for the Disadvantaged, out of 225 national entries.

"The dynamics between our musicians, who range in age from 20 to 55 years, is inspiring. Through their absolute passion for music and song the group has found a way for people with very different ages and abilities to work together. They are a great model for others," says Ms Fisher.

Hundreds of artists, arts lovers and arts workers are expected to head to Alice Springs for art at the heart which is promising to live up to its tag-line: part festival, part conference - all art. Conference director, Kieren Sanderson, is coordinating the mammoth task of bringing together a program that will excite, stimulate and reveal the challenges and achievements of the arts in regional Australia, with a particular Alice Springs flavour.

"Alice Springs is the geographic and artistic heart of this country. It is the perfect setting for delegates to immerse themselves in discussions about the future of the arts in regional Australia," says the president of Regional Arts Australia, Suzie Haslehurst.

"We are stepping beyond the boundaries of the usual conference format to give delegates a truly experiential event. The artistic program will be central to the conference and delegates will spend three days in the midst of rich artistic experiences," Ms Haslehurst says.

Regional Arts Australia's 6th biennial conference art at the heart will be held in Alice Springs from 3 until 5 October with a sunset opening ceremony on Thursday 2 October. It is expected to be the largest gathering of artists and arts professionals and volunteers in Australia this year.

Other highlights include

Pulkara Tjunguku Kulini - thinking big together - Presentation
An image rich discussion about the partnering of Anangu artists from Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Gold Coast City Art Gallery and Columbian-born Sydney-based artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso. The road we are taking towards a touring exhibition is as much a part of the creative process as the works that will be exhibited.
Presenters: Virginia Rigney, Jo Foster, Maria Fernanda Cardoso

The world’s biggest basket - Tjanpi Desert Weavers - Workshop
Come and sit down with Anangu women from Australia's central and western deserts and learn how to make a basket, Tjanpi style. With experienced tutors, whose work is highly acclaimed and exhibited nationally and internationally. All materials provided.
Presenters: Mel Darr, Nyukana Baker, Margaret Robinson, Faith Butler, Pantjiti Tjiyangu McKenzie

Culture, creation and the Aboriginal art market - Panel Forum
Desart is the professional association representing Aboriginal community Art Centres in central Australia. Representatives from Desart will discuss the cultural basis of Aboriginal art and the context of working in an Aboriginal Art Centre. There will also be an examination of the Aboriginal art market with opportunities for questions and discussion.
Presenters: Tess Napaljarri Ross, Rhonda Plummer, John Oster

For further program information and registration visit www.artattheheart.com.au

Vivienne Skinner
Communications Manager
Regional Arts Australia