All Arts Lab seminars & workshops take place at Kerr St Artspace, Devonport

To find out more about Arts Lab workshops or to register your attendance please contact Lynn Lawton:
lynn.lawton@depotartspace.co.nz
PH:  09 963 2328

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2011 WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS:

Arts Lab New Media and Legal Seminar – 16 November
One day seminar $30
Kerr St Artspace

A practical presentation on new media, print media and a discussion on legal issues for creative workers.

The new media segment is a presentation from media expert Lewis Bostock on how to use social networking sites to expand your potential client base, accompanied by real examples and facts and figures about how the world of media is shifting rapidly. Also how to use social networking sites to promote your work, exhibitions, live performances and films.

David MacLaughlin, a lawyer who specialises in the field of intellectual property advises and fields questions on issues of copyright and privacy.

Federico Monsalve has worked for a national and overseas media company and provides guidelines on how to write media releases likely to be noticed and published.

Arts Lab Creative Practitioners Two Day Workshop – 23 & 24 November
Two day workshop – ($80)
Kerr St Artspace

If you are serious about making a sustainable living in your chosen creative field, this two day intensive, interactive workshop provides you with the tools and skills to realise your vision.  Tools include exercises for setting realistic and achievable goals, identifying constraints to your goal achievements, time management and speaking confidently and articulately about your arts practice.

The workshop includes practitioners who share their experiences and offer solid advice on how to sustain yourself financially whilst maintaining your artistic practice.

Arts Lab Business of Arts Three Day Workshop – 28-30 November
Three day workshop – ($150)
Kerr St Artspace

The Business of Arts workshop is an intensive three day programme where artists learn how to set themselves up as a business. GST, tax, costing & pricing structures, cash books, competition, PAYE, depreciation are all explored in detail.

The programme is facilitated by experienced company director Frances Denz who demonstrates how to manage cash flow, predict income and expenses and looks at maximising earning potential whilst keeping overheads to a minimum.

At the conclusion of this workshop all participants receive a workbook plus Excel spread sheet templates for managing finances.

Arts Lab Job Search and Interview Skills Workshop – 7 December
One day workshop – ($30)
Kerr St Artspace

An indepth workshop on preparing your CV, portfolios and cover letters for maximum effect. Also get insight from the employer’s point of view, how the interview and selection process works with a focus on empowering you and developing your confidence in the job application process.

We look at questions asked in an interview and provide models for reply, how to write cover letters that communicate your suitability for the position, interview preparation, advice on show-reels and portfolios, responding to unsuccessful job applications and more. A valuable workshop to assist you in securing that wanted job.

Arts Lab Workshops & Seminars
The Depot
28 Clarence St
Devonport, AUCKLAND
Ph:  09 9632328

2011 Cultural Icons & Vernacular Lounge Non-fiction Writing Competition
Judged by: Graham Beattie, Federico Monsalve, Linda Blincko
Prizes include:  Creative Hub Writing Course, Random House book package, publication in MORPH magazine, recorded on Jam Radio.

“Vernacular:  Belonging in place, knowing your own stories, realising your own potential. Being yourself rather than trying to be someone else”
Tony Watkins

“In the imported soil of language and tradition, but in new sunshine, wind, and rain, we must grow our own prose and poetry”
Alan Mulgan

“What is ‘New Zealand identity’? How do we express ourselves through these particular cultural activities which are after all, universal?”

Ian Wedde

Cultural Icons & the Vernacular Lounge are accepting entries for ‘Iconic Encounters of a Vernacular Kind’ a non-fiction narrative competition on the topic of New Zealand’s distinctive local culture through its everyday icons.

Whether you write from Ponsonby, Mt Victoria, Lyttleton or the Bluff there are entities and phenomena unique to your community.  The focus of your entry could be an iconic person, building, event, activity, object or feature of the landscape or built environment, which embodies or elicits a sense of place or identity.

The aims are to gain an insight into the characteristics that contribute to a local vernacular* and to unearth some of its many tales.

The winning entries will be judged on quality and originality of the writing, clarity of expression, uniqueness of the subject, and most of all, on how your subject depicts identity or community.

For ore information please visit:  www.culturalicons.co.nz or www.depotartspace.co.nz

Deadline: 4pm 1st of September 2011

The Non-Fiction Narrative Writing Competition ‘Iconic Encounters of the Vernacular Kind’, Satellite Gallery and the Vernacular Lounge, Morph and Cultural Icons are initiatives of The Depot.

Creative people in Auckland need to be aware of the Spatial Plan as it provides them with the opportunity for informed input into the direction their own arts community takes.

However, it is not only Aucklanders who need to be aware of this plan; those outside Auckland should follow the process because this could be the shape of their own future should the ‘Supercity’ model be appropriated throughout New Zealand.

Download the pdf here: (1.5mg)

Auckland Cabinet Spatial Plan

Want to know something the Government doesn’t want you to know?  National is quietly reneging on its 2008 election promise to maintain a successful business training scheme for people on the dole.  How surprising: one would think they would champion a scheme that is proven to turn beneficiaries into business owners, creating jobs for themselves and potentially others.  Particularly in a time of high unemployment.

Could the problem be that the scheme in question, Pathways to Arts and Cultural Employment (Pace), is aimed at the creative industries?  That for all our celebrated film and fashion success, creative businesses are still not taken seriously as money earners by the Government?  No, that can’t be right’ John Key would have turned away Warner Bros quick smart if so.

Let us be clear here: Pace is not designed to support painters starving in garrets while they turn out what might be their masterpieces.  Instead people including experienced web designers, graphic artists, curators, musicians, actors, film editors, advertising creatives and, yes, even journalists, attend several intensive fulltime business planning courses during the time they are assigned to the scheme (now six months, whittled down from a year).  Over the past year, Pace participants in Auckland have found work as television production assistants, freelance clothing designers, camera operators, industrial product developers and so on.

Yet, according to Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett, Pace participants are “turning down available work to follow an artistic dream” and “now is not the time” to be doing that.  I’ve never heard journalism called an “artistic dream” before, so I’m chuffed.  Cheers, Paula!

School leavers, take note:  the Government doesn’t want you applying for any of its funded design or writing courses, let alone its performance or art schools.  Those things only foster artistic dreams – read: unrealistic luxuries.  Skip those three to six years of tertiary study and go directly to your local supermarket applying for “available work” instead.

For – and again, I quote reports of Ms Bennett – people on “welfare” should “get a job – any job – because that’s the first step to a better job”

Is house cleaning the first step to a solicitor’s practice for an unemployed lawyer?  As Jacinda Ardern, Labour’s spokeswoman for employment points out, “It will be a waste for everyone if someone with skills ends up in an unskilled job that someone else might need.”

Pace participants work in a large sector, a sector which NZ Trade and Enterprise still lists as a “growth” industry, and where freelancing is often the norm.

With a few business skills, the potential for self-employment is enormous.

A musician on Pace might be encouraged to teach guitar while the client base for their recording studio builds up: an actor might decide to look for regular singing gigs in between television work.

Pace doesn’t suit all artists – some are happier with part-time jobs which are completely different from the art practice, harbouring their creative energies for their own visions, not their clients’.

The scheme’s goals are not artistic but economic:  participants are taught how to identify, market and exploit money=making potential within their creative skill sets.  But, like a good employee being performance-managed out of a job because secretly her manager doesn’t like her mismatched earrings, time is running out for Pace.  According to media reports, Pace courses could once be found in 13 centres, but are now only offered in Auckland, Hamilton and Dunedin.

The scheme started in 2001; two years later, it had 2027 members and 1200 former participants were working in the creative industries.

Last September, participant numbers had dwindled to 376.  But while participants have decreased by over 80 per cent, the scheme’s cost has decreased by only 40 per cent, from 1.1 million in 2003 to a projected $660,000 this year.  Thus, the scheme gives far less value for money now than before the Government’s deliberate neglect.

Pace is now under review.  No doubt the numbers above will be used to attack the scheme itself, rather than its current management.

Creative People’s Centre  encourages discussion and debate on arts issues.  Please contact us with your response to this article, further information on this topic or on other NZ arts & culture related issues by using our contact form here or by leaving a comment.

How the Arts Advisory Group will influence and relate to Auckland Council

The majority of responses (35%) mentioned values that relate to the cohesiveness of the group and its ability to lead the arts sector as a whole. This involves the group’s role in encouraging collaboration within the sector and the membership of the group, developing the networks between them and establishing effective channels of communication that enable this interaction. The second key element of the activities of the group is its role in providing a unified voice which represents the diversity of views of the members of the group, and the relaying of these views to council by acting as a conduit.

The next main area of responses to this question (26%) discussed the role of the group in promoting the arts more generally in tandem with council. This means celebrating and acknowledging the importance of the arts within the city, helping the public to engage with artistic activities, as well as raising the national and international profile of the creative milieu of Auckland.

On an almost equal level of significance in terms of responses (25%), there was specific reference to changes in council procedures and attitudes brought about through the work of the group. Most of these responses envisioned the arts as becoming embedded as a core driver guiding council policymaking. Many addressed the importance for policymakers to be educated on, and therefore recognise, the importance of the arts to the wellbeing and prosperity of the city. This was followed closely by responses that called for a regional strategy for arts development.
Finally, a portion of responses (14%) mentioned funding as an area for improvement. Increases were called for, as well as measures to ensure funding was equitable, secure and reliable, and was given priority on the council agenda.

Accomplishments for the group to aspire to

In this round, the majority of responses (35%) focused on the group’s relationship to council. These were similar to responses in the first round – there was again a call for the sector’s increased impact on policy, and a need for recognition from policymakers of the relevance of the arts to council objectives. Slightly more significant than this was the emphasis on the development of strong lines of communication between the sector and council through which regular and meaningful consultation could occur.

Connectivity was again discussed frequently (30%), this time with more reference to the identity of the group. There were many calls for the group to ensure it was representative of the sector, in that it has a wide scope of inclusion and allows for the diversity of its members. The main task of the group at hand was seen to be the development of its identity, refining its range of activities and building a structure which could maintain these. Once this is achieved, other responses looked forward to the group providing a forum for sharing and dialogue amongst members.

Again, promotion of the arts was identified as an area for the group to consider (15%). Specifically, for the value of the arts to be seen as an important part of the branding of Auckland city.
Research activities were singled out as important for attention (12%) – mainly concerning the development of new strategy. Also highlighted was the need to carry out a stocktake of arts assets and generally more detailed analysis of the sector.

Finally, greater funding from council was flagged by a few of the responses (8%).

Core values and principles to guide the development of the group

The most significant section of responses to this question talked about the importance of the group being representative (14%). This means the group could claim to be inclusive and accessible, as well as having a broad mandate to make assertions on behalf of the sector as a whole.

Following closely to this (8%) was the need for transparency and integrity as core values guiding the group’s actions – ensuring it remained accountable and democratic in its processes. On par with these responses (8%), were the activities of advocacy and lobbying accompanied by an attitude of perseverance and commitment. Following closely (7%), were views that the group should maintain a ‘big picture’ approach that was visionary and aspirational in its thinking.

There were three other qualities that stood out equally amongst the responses (6%): diversity, communication and connectivity. The first links back to the main call for the group to be representative, but was noteworthy for making specific reference to the sector’s variety of ethnic groups, ages, and locations which need to be recognised and included in the greater identity of the group. Communication was often mentioned – between the group and council, local boards, and other agencies, as well as with other relevant sectors and groups in the city. Connectivity refers to the need for networking within the group – bringing in previously disparate actors who have a commonality in their involvement in the arts.

Another aspect worth mentioning which was not a major finding from the responses but was mentioned throughout the three rounds and as four per cent of the responses about core values – was the need to integrate and include both community and professional arts practices. Acknowledging this cleavage in the sector might involve special attention but will no doubt be crucial to the success of the group and tie in closely to its other values such as representativeness.

See the summary in the spreadsheet for more principles and values.

Compiled by Elise Sterback for the Auckland Arts Working Group

In the transition to the new Auckland governance, the creation of an Auckland Arts & Culture Advisory Group by Auckland’s arts and culture sector was strongly recommended by members of the ATA.  (The sports and recreation sector have undertaken this type of regional strategy development some time ago.)

To help progress the initiative the Working party formed out of the sector wide TAPAC meetings in 2009 wishes to facilitate three sessions to explore and collectively work towards the foundation of an Auckland Arts & Culture Advisory Group.

The concept has since been favourably received by outgoing council senior officers and Creative NZ. The new Manager Arts, Culture and Events, Gail Richards and Manager, Community  Development Arts and Culture, Louise Mason  of Auckland Council are also supportive of the discussion and are interested to see the outcomes of the workshops from our sector.

We invite you to the first of these sessions (with The Big Idea Assist’s Elisabeth Vaneveld facilitating) on Wednesday 24 November 3:00 – 6:00pm, Town Hall Reception Room, entry off Queen St at the clock tower end.

The Agenda:

• Background:  how this mission came about
• Defining the purpose of the Auckland Arts & Culture Advisory Group
• The vision of the Auckland Arts & Culture Advisory Group
• We may get as far as beginning the goals and objectives – or at least sow the seeds for the next meeting…..

We are pleased to announce that Kerry Harvey from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage and Elizabeth Beale from Creative New Zealand will be in attendance.

The intended participants in this work-shopping process are representatives from any of greater Auckland’s arts and cultural organisations. We welcome those of you who want to take part and wish to work actively and collaboratively with their peers to co-create the Advisory Group and define its purpose and approach.

Ideally from your organisation a senior manager and a board member will attend.  As this will be a working meeting /workshop, it is highly desirable that all attendees are well-informed and to this end, the Working Group is working on some background documents intended to bring the meeting participants to the same starting line, which will be circulated to those who have RSVP’d prior to the workshop.

Please rsvp your attendance by Friday 19 November to Maggie at maggie@artistsalliance.org.nz

The Auckland Arts and Culture Working Group:

Maggie Gresson, Anne Rodda, James McCarthy, Candy Elsmore

Maggie Gresson
Executive Director
Artists Alliance

1 Ponsonby Road
Newton
Auckland
New Zealand

Phone: + 9 376 7285
Mobile: + 021 220 9623
Email: maggie@artistsalliance.org.nz

www.artistsalliance.org.nz
www.watchthisspace.org.nz

Follow Artists Alliance on Twitter www.twitter.com
Join the Artists Alliance group on Facebook www.facebook.com

Artists Alliance receives significant funding from Creative New Zealand and ASB Community Trust.

This Bill demolishes the Arts and Toi Maori Boards and makes one Council of 13 Members.

If your Community Arts Council or you as an individual want to note the lack of concern for funding or support for your Community Arts Council in the last fifteen years you can write a submission to this current bill.  This can be done online:  http://www.parliament.nz/.

All you need to do is describe your concerns and experiences. You could also note some or all of the following and stress that you believe:

1. Creative New Zealand is a development agency. Currently development is focused towards a narrow band of high art forms; without development plans or resourcing at the community level. Creative New Zealand funding and support appears to be inaccessible to all but those involved in professional arts.

i. Request a member of Creative New Zealand staff be dedicated to support community arts and community arts councils.

2. Community and recreational arts organisations desperately miss the support and advice they used to receive at local, regional and national level from dedicated staff in the former regional offices.

i. Request reinstatement of dedicated officers in the regional offices to work with community, recreational groups and individuals to build capability and capacity at community level.

3. Creative New Zealand needs to adopt a wider definition of the arts to become more inclusive and encouraging of cultural diversity, access and participation. In order to have a creative New Zealand continually developing and striving for excellence, support and resources need to be focused across all forms of art not just towards professional arts organisations and a narrow range of art forms.

As a Community Arts Provider you might wish to extend your submission to discuss your relationship with your territorial local authority, describe your interests and activities and then say why your activities and art form are important parts of the process to provide the Arts to All New Zealanders as suggested in the both the 1994 Act and the 2010 Bill.

The submission closing date is 8th October 2010. You might also visit your local Member of Parliament and discuss your submission.

The Arts Participation Trust will be making a submission along with suggested amendments to the Bill. If you would like a copy of the proposed amendments, assistance with making a submission or more information please see www.artsparticipation.org.nz or contact Monica at info@artsparticipation.org.nz or Glen Wiggs (Chair, Arts Participation New Zealand) at glen@wiggsy.com .

This is a forum for the community arts sector to come together to connect, collaborate and be inspired.

WHEN: 10am to 3pm Sunday 26 September 2010

WHERE: Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design

24 Balfour St, Parnell, Auckland

Further details on attached flier and at www.artsaccess.org.nz

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Opening exhibition and social event

Time: 5–7pm            Saturday 25 September

CAN Forum

Time: 10am–3pm Sunday 26 September

10am–11am              Official welcome, followed by panel discussion entitled Developing networks, projects and people with

Di Jennings, Community Economic Development, Community Waitakere

Gail Richards, Manager Arts, Auckland City Council

Marianne Taylor, Co-Executive Director, Arts Access Aotearoa

11am–noon               Pecha Kucha presentations featuring 10 arts organisations and artists

noon–1pm                 Lunch provided (koha)

1pm–3pm                  Workshops introduced by Arts Access Aotearoa and including a presentation by Suzanne Vesty, Director of Spark Studio

The day will be a mix of presentations from guest speakers with experience in the field and facilitated workshops. When you register, please let us know your first and second workshop preferences from the following topics:

A:  Inclusive arts practice and governance: models of best practice

B: Collaborations and Partnerships: engaging with artists – a brainstorm of ideas and potential projects to inspire the network

C: Sustainability – shaping our future:  Funding and models of community development

TO REGISTER

Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. For further information, please contact Arts Access Aotearoa (T: 04 802 4349 E: info@artsaccess.org.nz) with ‘CAN Forum’ in the subject field (if by email) and the following details:

Name/s:

Organisation:

Number attending:

Workshop preferences (choose two from A, B or C):

Access requirements: (e.g: Sign Language interpreter)

Dietary requirements:

We are very grateful to Youthtown for providing refreshments and lunch by koha.

Auckland Fringe provides an open-access platform for performing and visual artists. Quite simply, anyone can be part of the Fringe – anyone can do any show they want, anywhere in Auckland!

After a hugely successful first Fringe in 2009, the Auckland Fringe is back in February 2011 and artist registrations are now open!

Want to know more about Auckland Fringe?

The Fringe team are running FOUR information sessions across Auckland during September.  Come along and find out:

• What is the Fringe and how does it work?
• How do I get involved?
• What’s in it for me?

Fringe info sessions will be held:

Wednesday September 8, 11am

Depot Artspace, 28 Clarence St, Devonport

Thursday September 9, 6pm

The Basement, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland City

Monday Sept 20, 5.30pm

Mangere Arts Centre, Corner Bader Drive and Orly Avenue, Mangere Town Centre

Monday Sept 27, 6pm

Old St Michaels Church, Corban Estate Arts Centre

2 Mt Lebanon Lane Henderson

Or, if you’re ready to take the plunge right now, full information and online artist registration available at www.aucklandfringe.co.nz

Artist registrations close 5pm, October 15, 2010.

Don’t miss out!

No RSVP is necessary, however if you’d like more information please contact:

Sally Barnett

Auckland Fringe Director

director@aucklandfringe.co.nz

09 307 5092

Tuesday 28 september 2010 // Juice Bar, 144 Parnell Road // doors open 7.30pm, start 8.20pm // $9 cash doorsales

Pecha Kucha Night is an event in which presenters give brief presentations accompanied by 20 images, each of which is shown for 20 seconds. Presenters are usually from the design, architecture, photography, art, music and other creative fields. Giving a total presentation time of 6 minutes 40 seconds for each speaker, it’s hard to become bored.

First list of presenters:

• Drus Dryden // writing you poetry & making you breakfast // www.sensitiveboyfriend.com

• Josie Maskell // Spark Studios // All Access Visual Arts // www.sparkstudio.org.nz

• Toi Ora // Inspiring Wellbeing Through Creativity

• Uxbridge // Creative Arts Centre in Howick

• Robyn Hughes // Prison arts

• Giant Leap Foundation/Circus Kumarani // Deaf Arts/Circus Arts and more

• Sue Clark // Youthtown // Youth arts

• Maureen Lewis // Refugee and Migrant Services

• Laurel Belworthy // Depot Artspace // Multidisciplinary Arts Community

• Catherine Chappell // Touch Compass // integrated dance // www.touchcompass.org.nz

• Shealgh Coop // does wonderful things in Parnell

• Gill Warren // Farmers Market Manager

—

Pecha Kucha is for content not profit! now happening in over 300 cities

www.pechakucha.co.nz

www.pecha-kucha.org

Pecha Kucha Nights in New Zealand are supported by MIG