Created and performed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, this incredible theatre experience will have you in fits of laughter, questioning your judgements and opening your heart and mind while the differing perspectives are explored.

"Bindjareb Pinjarra is a significant production for Western Australia due to the historical value that it presents as well as it being a work of true collaboration by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists," says Jessica Machin, Chief Executive Officer for Country Arts WA. "Bindjareb Pinjarra has offered a platform where a previously taboo subject could be explored, discussed and shared in a public forum, which can offer incredible outcomes for the communities involved."

The catalyst for this theatrical history lesson is the mass killing of Nyoongar people in Pinjarra, Western Australia during 1834. This event was recorded in history as the Battle of Pinjarra even though viewed and mourned by many as a massacre.

"The uniqueness of this play is that it contains an enormous amount of humour and goodwill. Bindjareb Pinjarra is both very funny and very tragic," says creator and actor Geoff Kelso. "It is not a grim and dour exercise in breast-beating or finger wagging. It is lively, entertaining and engages directly with its audience."

This unique play is performed by Indigenous Nyoongar actors Kelton Pell, Frank Nannup and Isaac Drandich, and non-Indigenous actors Phil Thomson, Geoff Kelso and Sam Longley.

Bindjareb Pinjarra shows how all Australians are part of the same history regardless of skin colour and how by acknowledging that history we can move forward together to create a better future as one people.

Proudly funded by the national performing arts touring program Playing Australia, Bindjareb Pinjarra will be toured to Logan, Lismore, Campbelltown, Sydney, Sale, Upwey, Portland, Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Darwin.

Further information on the Pinjarra Massacre and The Pinjarra Project can be found at the virtual memorial site www.pinjarramassacresite.com. Bindjareb Pinjarra is presented by The Pinjarra Project in collaboration with Deckchair Theatre and Country Arts WA.

For Media Inquiries Contact: Kelly Jennings - Marketing and Public Relations Manager
kjennings@countryartswa.asn.au, Phone: 08 9200 6202

The Australian Government is proud to be associated with this tour through the national performing arts touring program, Playing Australia, which gives Australians across the country the opportunity to see some of our best performing arts.
Tour coordination by Country Arts WA

Steve Mayhew explained what's planned for Goolwa this October and named three highlights of the official artistic program.

"Our artistic program includes an impressive line-up by some of Australia's best, featuring a collection of premiere works developed exclusively for the conference. One example, which we are extremely proud to present is Craig Walsh's Home where ten, large scale projection works, created during Craig's 2010/11 Digital Odyssey, will be presented at prominent locations throughout Goolwa.

The works on offer radiate moments of creative brilliance and effortlessly combine old and new media tailored to the local environment such as sound artists "Wired Lab". Hailing from Cootamundra NSW, Wired Lab will take audiences on a completely original and contemporary experience along one of South Australia's oldest train routes in their work Southern Encounter" said Artistic Director Steve Mayhew.

Also premiering in October is the production If There Was a Colour Darker Than Black I'd Wear It developed by artists from Mt Gambier and Port Augusta, it is an immersive hide and seek story that requires your smart phone to befriend and interact with the main character.

"These highlights are just some of the high quality regionally based works that will be featured during Kumuwuki / Big Wave. They represent amazing collaborations and brave excavations of the interface between the artist and the community" said Mr Mayhew.

Country Arts SA CEO, Steve Saffell said Country Arts SA is proud to host the 2012 Regional Arts Australia National Conference Kumuwuki / Big Wave.

"At Country Arts SA we pride ourselves on our unwavering support of regional artists and communities. Through our involvement with Kumuwuki / Big Wave it is fantastic that as an organisation we can extend our support to artists on the national stage" he said.

Held in Goolwa, South Australia from 18 - 21 October, registrations for Kumuwuki / Big Wave open in June 2012. Until then keep updated with all the conference news at www.kumuwuki.org.au on facebook and via twitter.

As a national first, Country Arts WA has taken a long term vision for regional arts and delivered an historic Manifesto to the Western Australian House of Parliament which unveils concrete steps to aid in transforming communities and the regional arts landscape at a time when the state's population is projected to grow by three million by 2026.

The Manifesto, created with the support of 150 people including leaders from business and industry, local government, community and people from the arts contributing to a long term vision for regional arts across Western Australia, has resulted in a timely document directly tied to supporting the liveability and long term visions of towns and places seeking to reinforce their identity and sense of place.

The document unveils concrete steps and new partnerships, policies and planning to support the livability of regional communities in Western Australia and is a statement of intentions created by regional people to represent the collective view of regional communities.

In presenting the document, Suzie Haslehurst, Chair of Country Arts WA Board of Management said that in developing the bold plan which has the input of so many regional voices, Country Arts WA was pleased to have the recognition of local and regional governments, state government and business and industry, but stressed that was still a long way to go.

"Our state will need to keep pushing itself to achieve its goals of future growth, investment opportunities and the type of regional development that suits WA - supported through culture and the arts."

She said the concrete steps outlined would provide a solid pathway to assist the many communities searching for answers to their expanding - or in some cases, dwindling - year round populations. Many were seeking ideas and support on how to transform their communities and retain a sense of identity, vitality and liveability - in ways that were meaningful on a local and regional level.
"Prior to this document there was no integrated vision of arts and cultural development in regional communities across the state and there is currently no policy across Western Australia that incorporates arts and culture as part of our regional development," she said. "We hope to change that."

The Manifesto, driven by Country Arts WA provides recommendations and approaches on blending of arts and culture with communities, government and business to achieve local goals that added value to the reputation of the whole state.

"We are in a time of unprecedented growth - akin to the Gold Rush - and it is essential that we address the culture and identity of the towns and regions that will be home to those who are rushing here," said Ms Hazelhurst.

She said that the Manifesto is relevant and timely - because now is the time for an integrated program that would add value to the whole of the state and culture - and the arts must be a partner there.

"In many parts of regional WA, including the Gascoyne and the City of Geraldton-Greenough we have already seen the benefits of partnerships and policies where local leaders have integrated culture and the arts into their future planning, regional revitalization and developments to create a sense of place. The benefits here have been achieved with an integrated view that combines government, business, community and has arts and culture as a close partner, she said."

"The Manifesto has put a sharp focus on the partnerships, policy and planning required for culture and arts in Western Australia to support the economy and livability of communities in regional WA and although we have a regional arts sector that is under pressure from long term under-investment, I anticipate that through the Manifesto, new investors and partners will be drawn to the benefits that can be achieved by creating a state that has broad appeal to the burgeoning regional population as well as tourists and other visitors who are drawn by the cultural identity of places they visit."

She said that Country Arts WA would be seeking new and expanded partnerships to support Regional WA and that part of Country Arts WA offering would be to establish a Regional Arts Legacy Foundation with the support of the resources sector.

Download your copy now.

The RAA Awards program acknowledges the invaluable contribution volunteer leaders make to the cultural life of their local communities. Nominations are called from regionally- based arts and cultural volunteer leaders whose work has inspired and supported arts development.

It is well recognised across the arts community that volunteers play a vital role in delivering art and cultural events across Australia, without volunteers the arts and cultural sector would literally come to a standstill. RAA wishes to acknowledge this valuable workforce by acknowledging exemplary volunteer leadership over the past 2 years.

Inspiring and motivating others is a great skill, some of our most influential leaders have developed and practiced these skills outside the paid workplace. The RAA Awards program endeavours to acknowledge and inspire others to engage, lead and commit to the success of our art and cultural communities across Australia.

Nominations can be made to your State or Territory Regional Arts organisation (listed below) with one volunteer chosen from each to attend the RAA National conference to receive an Award for their outstanding service. The prize includes accommodation, airfare and conference registration, a total prize value of over $14,000. Award winners are selected by each State or Territory Regional Arts organization.

For further information please contact your local Regional Arts organisation:

Country Arts Western Australia: 08 9200 6200
Artslink, formally Queensland Arts Council: 07 3226 4000
Tasmanian Regional Arts: 03 6426 2344
Regional Arts Victoria: 03 9644 1800
Arts Northern Territory: 08 8999 8981
Country Arts South Australia: 08 8444 0400
Regional Arts New South Wales: 02 9270 2509

For more information regarding the Regional Arts Australia conference Kumuwuki / Big Wave see

www.kumuwuki.org.au

Country Arts WA is putting money towards supporting regional Western Australians to participate in this year’s national arts conference thanks to the ongoing support of the Regional Arts Fund.

Kumuwuki-Big Wave, the 2012 Regional Arts Australia National Conference, will be held in Goolwa, South Australia, from 18 to 21 October 2012. This is the first time in Regional Arts Australia National Conference history that a conference is dual named with the language of the local Aboriginal people.

With funding provided through the Regional Arts Fund, Country Arts WA is opening an exclusive funding round to subsidise the travel costs of attending the conference for artists, arts workers or volunteers based in regional Western Australia.

“It is important that those involved in Western Australian regional arts maintain a national context in what they do and these national regional conferences offer a perfect opportunity for that,” said Jessica Machin, Chief Executive Office of Country Arts WA. “It is also important that those in the regions are supported to attend these conferences given the additional travel expenses incurred with not living in a major city centre.”

Applicants can apply for up to $1,500 (excluding GST) for the costs associated with traveling to and from Goolwa and the conference registration fee. Costs associated with travel may include airfares, road travel and any necessary en route accommodation. 

Full guidelines and an application form are available by clicking here or by calling Country Arts WA on regional freecall 1800 811 883 or 08 9200 6200.  Applicants must speak to Project Officer Celia Ipsen prior to submitting their application. The Goolwa Travel Assistance program closes on Friday 1 June 2012.

Due to the limited funding in this round, applicants are encouraged to ensure that their application is as competitive as possible. Country Arts WA advises applicants to follow every point in the guidelines and on the application cover sheet.

For more information about the Kumuwuki-Big Wave Regional Arts National Conference visit http://www.kumuwuki.org.au/ 

Media Enquiries Contact
Carina Lauder, Regional Arts Development Manager
Email clauder@countryartswa.asn.au, Phone 9200 6200

It's been an exciting week for the conference team with the Hon John Hill MP officially announcing the conference name of Kumuwuki / Big Wave and we are so happy to FINALLY be able to share it with you!

This is the first time in Regional Arts Australia National Conference history that a conference is dual named with the language of the local Aboriginal people. For those of you unsure on the correct pronunciation, the name Kumuwuki is pronounced 'kumu'wu'ki/ and is the Ramindjeri name for Big Wave.

Our Artistic Director Steve Mayhew spoke about the significance of this name earlier in the week and said it was a "great privilege for us to be granted permission by the Elders of the Ngarrindjeri nation to use language in the naming of the conference."

Steve also said that the name "reflects the Ngarrindjeri nation's pride towards its living culture, and stands as an open invitation to delegates to catch the big wave of contemporary thinking and arts practice from across the nation whilst in Goolwa this October."

This week we also launched a sneak peak of the conference line-up and we hope you are as excited as we are!

And finally check out www.kumuwuki.org.au for your sneak peak at the highlights and to download the conference framework. Keep an eye out as we'll be regularly updating this page.

In the style of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Thank God You're Here, The Big HOO-HAA! presents two teams of fearless comedians who battle it out, creating comedy sketches on the spot. Armed with only audience suggestions and a handful of props, they leave no song unsung, no joke undelivered and no pun unpunished in their mad dash for the punch line.

Directed by renowned Western Australian artist Sam Longley and featuring a number of well known comedians from Perth, the Big HOO-HAA! is a night of comedy where audiences will forget their troubles and be laughing out loud from start to finish!

"The Shows on the Go touring program was created to ensure that all WA communities have access to high quality events," said Paul MacPhail, General Manager at Country Arts WA. "We are pleased to have The Big HOO-HAA! kick off the year for this program and with the enthusiastic response that we have received from presenters, evidently so are the communities."

As part of the Country Arts WA 2012 Shows on the Go touring program, The Big HOO-HAA! will be travelling more than 6500 kilometres to perform in 19 towns across Western Australia over the five weeks.

It's the show that began the careers of Tim Minchin (So Rock), Claire Hooper (Good News Week) and Xavier Michelides (Rove). The Big HOO-HAA! has been bringing its unique brand of improvised comedy and manic satire to Perth audiences for the past nine years.

The Big HOO-HAA! is presented by Country Arts WA and SmokeFree WA in association with Cut Snake Comedy.

Where to see The Big HOO-HAA!

Nominating for a position on the Country Arts WA board is a way of ensuring that needs of your community and your region are represented on the governing body of Western Australia's peak regional arts organisation.

"Being a Director on the Board of Country Arts WA has been an integral part of my development as an arts manager. I have witnessed at close hand how an efficient, effective and broad reaching arts organisation manages projects around the state and across the country, while facilitating positive change for members and advocating the benefits of the arts at every level of government. - Vice Chair, Simon Clarke

More information about the positions available can be found at http://www.countryartswa.asn.au/cms/cawa/pages/aboutus/2012board.html

Forms and profiles must be received at Country Arts WA by Tuesday 14 February 2011 at 4pm.

For further information about the 2012 election please contact our General Manager (and previous Board member) Paul Mac Phail on pmacphail@countryartswa.asn.au or phone 08 9200 6200.

A number of Regional West Australian organisations are busily collating their applications to incorporate regional contemporary music activities as an additional or higher focus to their existing programs. This funding is able to cover project expenses including professional fees, travel, accommodation, marketing and administration.

Priority will be given to applications that aim to develop cross-regional skills exchanges to build and sustain viable touring circuits and skills development.

The LOUDER Contemporary Music Program has been offered by Country Arts WA since 2005 of which they have contributed around $160,000 in developing original contemporary music across the region.

LOUDER aims to:

• Develop regional audiences for live original contemporary music.
  
• Develop regional musicians in the writing and performing of live original contemporary music.
  
• Develop an effective regional WA touring circuit for live original contemporary music.
  
• Ensure regional people have access to live performances of a diverse range of professional, original contemporary music.
  
• Encourage and support contemporary music organisations in coordinating regional activities.

To be eligible, applicants must be regional Western Australian organisations. This program does not extend to individual musicians or bands. Requests up to $25,000 (exclusive of GST) will be considered.

The LOUDER Contemporary Music Program is run separately to the state and national touring programs that Country Arts WA coordinates, however further details of all services and funds are available through www.countryartswa.asn.au or calling (08) 9200 6200 or Regional Freecall 1800 811 883.

Media Contact
Kelly Jennings, Marketing and Public Relations Manager
Direct Phone: 08 9200 6202 or Email: kjennings@countryartswa.asn.au

The Shows on the Go program is designed to ensure that small communities in regional Western Australia have access to high quality performing arts experiences. Country Arts WA coordinates the tours and covers the touring costs.

Community groups pay the performance fee and coordinate local activities around the performance. Shows on the Go tours are selected by community presenters voting for those shows in the Touring Menu they would most like to present to their communities. Country Arts WA is funded to deliver three to four state-wide tours per year, between four to eight weeks in length.

If your production is selected, Country Arts WA will coordinate the tour including contracting with presenters for the payment of your fee and funding of all tour costs.

To list your production in the 2013 Touring Menu, you must register and enter your production details on the Cyberpaddock website by 5pm, Wednesday, 18 April 2012 for a fee of $55.00 per production (or by Friday 27 April for the full fee of $65.00 per production). Voting will close in September and the announcement of the 2013 touring shows will be made in October 2012. The hardcopy Touring Menu will be produced from the information supplied in the website, and will include a synopsis of your production, creative and technical information and the cost to presenters.

Each year the menu is distributed to over 700 community groups, professional and amateur presenters. The 2011 menu can be viewed here.

Click for full listing criteria and payment form. Please read through the listing criteria carefully - Country Arts WA's Shows on the Go program operates differently to other state touring programs and Playing Australia rounds.

The Shows on the Go regional touring program is supported by the Western Australian Department of Culture and the Arts, Healthway to promote a SmokeFree WA, Lotterywest, WIN Television and ABC Local Radio.

Please contact Simon O'Leary on 08 9200 6204 or by email soleary@countryartswa.asn.au to discuss listing your production in the 2013 Touring Menu.