Late in 2009, I was given the opportunity to work on the Regional Arts Victoria statewide project Illuminated by Fire.

The project explored our complex relationship with fire in regional Victoria, with 11 communities partnering with artists to respond both locally (in 2010) and in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square (in 2011).

Much of what I witnessed working on Illuminated by Fire still informs my approach. Working with our then CEO, Lindy Allen, as well as Artistic Director Donna Jackson and Curator of Stories Malcolm McKinnon was an extraordinary learning experience. So too was watching artists in each community apply their trade.

It was also the first time I met Bruce Esplin.

I have come to take it for granted in the years hence, but to have the Emergency Services Commissioner spruiking the deep impacts of the arts in regional Victoria, particularly in relation in recovery, was exceptional. To then have Bruce join our Board, step into the role of Chair, and stick with us for some nine years following is nothing short of incredible.

Bruce stepped down from the Board in May, and I am thrilled to welcome experienced arts and festival administrator Kath M Mainland CBE into this vital leadership role.   

Knowing Bruce as I do now, some 10 years after that initial meeting, I am certain he is not lost to Regional Arts Victoria. He joins a growing list of illustrious alumni who have built this organisation over the last 50 years, so many of whom continue to offer guidance long after their formal roles have ended.

Only a short goodbye, then. Until next time.   

Joe Toohey
CEO

Bruce Esplin AM Awarded Life Membership of Regional Arts Victoria

Outgoing Regional Arts Victoria Chair Bruce Esplin AM was recognised with Life Membership at an Annual General Meeting on Saturday 25 May in Stratford, having served the Regional Arts Victoria Board for nine years.

Bruce played a critical role in supporting creative recovery efforts in regional Victoria as Emergency Services Commissioner. In a passionate and emotional farewell speech to Members and staff, Bruce talked about the importance of renewal, and shared a number of stories of the critical role of art in his own life.

“It has been such a privilege to be part of Regional Arts Victoria. I have learnt so much and very much enjoyed working with my board colleagues past and present - thank you to you all,” said Bruce. “To Joe Toohey, and before him Esther Anatolitis and originally Lindy Allen - it was such a pleasure to work with you and your teams - passionate, committed and hard-working staff striving to support art making in regional Victoria.”

“To all our members current and future, I wish you well with your practice and your art making, and I would like to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of Regional Arts Victoria".

Image by Roz Esplin. Bruce in studio, working on transcendence (work in progress).

PARTNERSHIPS

Finger on the pulse

We gathered in Stratford over the 25 May weekend for Regional Arts Victoria's Annual General Meeting and Member Celebration. And while there is much to be said in acknowledging the unheard histories of the state, there is also plenty to be said about where Victorian communities are going. It's in the young ones. 

Our members shared in conversation about regional community resilience and the arts. We navigated the swell of resilience from diverse perspectives. Reciprocity is paramount, where you own business you also make art. Thriving together is a primary sentiment. When do we welcome catalysts, who in fact is the expert, what are we open to feel? Thank you to our speakers, members, and board for a satiating and inspiring event. 

Proudly, we are pleased to announce the Meg Viney-Bell Fibre Arts Fellowship for Gippsland artists. Applications open across Gippsland from 1 August. More information below. 

We welcome Bronwyn Ward, employed as Arts Development Coordinator in Kinglake Ranges.  Contact 0456 058 991 to discuss ways in which Bronwyn may be able to assist your creative practice in the Kinglake area. 

We know that creative projects in communities can transform the ways people connect. That's why we share opportunities to fund your creativity. Round 2 of the Regional Arts Fund Community Grants open on 1 July 2019 for projects commencing after 1 January 2020. Please have a read through the guidelines and talk with us about your project before applying. 

For more information about Partnerships, speak with 

Liz Zito
Director of Partnerships
03 9644 1800
lzito@rav.net.au

The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia. 

Image by Anna Kennedy. Mildura on High, Arts Connect, featuring the Murray River and surrounds. 

PROGRAMMING

Bringing touring shows to town

We are excited that our Arts & Education and Connecting Places programs launch in the next few months. There are two dates for your diary. 

Connecting Places
Tuesday 23 July 
To get it first hand, sign up here to our mailing list.

Arts & Education
Thursday 22 August
Sign up here to hear all about it.

After meeting and greeting artists, showing and sharing stories, Regional Arts Victoria pools together the interest of presenters at Showcase Victoria to support a broad range of tours.

That means from 2020 onwards, we program through three specialised interest areas.

Arts & Education
Connecting Places
Touring Services.

See what tours are in development below. 

Image by Latonya Wigginton. By a Thread by One Fell Swoop Circus at Ulumburra Theatre, 2019 tour.

#RAVontheRoad

PROGRAMMING

Hallowed Ground: Women Doctors at War by The Shift Theatre
5-22 June
FOUR WOMEN. MANY STORIES. A CENTURY OF SERVICE.

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
21-22 June
Music brimming with inspiration, magic and discovery.

Robot Song by Arena Theatre Company
4 June – 13 July
A smart young girl befriends a discarded robot and together they find their true voice.

Swansong by Red Hot Productions
28-29 June
Swansong is a mighty tour de force monodrama faultlessly executed

Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Mark Penzak
7 June
An exciting story from a famous book, that prompts wonder, stimulates imagination and encourages exploration

Image by Theresa Harrison. Hallowed Ground by The Shift Theatre.

Opportunities

FLOAT artist in residence program applications open

Creative Partnerships Australia coaching and mentoring

Access the The Commons Social Change Library

OutLoud Primary and Secondary Schools Eco!Slam 2019 registrations open

Australian Progress Fellowships now open, Sydney and New Zealand

Melbourne Recital Centre Betty Amsden Commission for Children and Young People closes 10 June

Melbourne Recital Centre 2020 Expression of Interest now open

Antithesis Journal Scholarly Essay submissions close 7 June

*JOB OPPORTUNITY* Engagement, Learning and Programs Manager, National Wool Museum, Geelong applications close 7 June

Tools for Social Movement Collaboration expressions of interest close 12 June

Testing Grounds Studio Program applications close 15 June

*JOB OPPORTUNITY* The Village Festival of New Performance Programming applications close 20 June

Changes Music Industry Conference Regional Participation Scholarships close 20 June
Apply here.

Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant applications close 21 June

CHASS Australia Prize applications close 21 June

The Freedman Foundation International Scholarship for Curators applications close 23 June

Non Executive Board Member Arena Theatre Bendigo expressions of interest close 24 June

Screen Australia Indigenous Producer Program applications close 28 June

The John Marsden & Hachette Australia Prize for Young Writers' applications close 30 June

*JOB OPPORTUNITY* Marketing and Communications Manager, HotHouse, Wodonga applications close 1 July

Overland Fair Australia Prize applications close 1 July

S.D. Harvey Short Crime Story Award applications close 1 July

Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards close 3 July

The Next Chapter applications close 12 July

Summer School Uncovering Cultural DNA of a place, and activating for local development 8 - 12 July 2019, Portugal

Direct preselection enquiries for Australian feature films to Venice Film Festival to Ms. Dale Fairbairn at Screen Australia by 31 July

Copywright Agency Create Grants for writers and visual artists close 19 August

Events

now - 9 June - Art is ... Festival, Horsham

now - 23 June - Debra Halpern at the Central Goldfields Art Gallery

now - 30 June - Foraged | Stitched | Textiles, Airey's Inlet

June and July - Port Fairy Winter Weekends

7 - 10 June - Castlemaine Jazz Festival

12 June - Artist in Residence: Mona Ruijs of Sound Interventions, Warrnambool

18 June - Bethany Arthouse Film Festival showing American Animals, Warrnambool

27 June - Grant writing workshop, Hamilton

28 June - Maldon in Winter, various dates and events

​1 July - 4 July - B-CSC Winter Masterclass: The Art of Field Recording, Falls Creek

18 - 21 July - Mildura Writers Festival

29 August - REMIX Academy Perth - Culture Technology Entrepreneurship