Welcome to our November 2013 newsletter featuring the latest from Octapod and arts and culture in the Hunter.
TiNA 2013 Wrap Up
Well, we have taken some time to sit back and absorb the wonder that was the 2013 This Is Not Art Festival. Our favourite four days in Newcastle were filled with new smiles, special venues, passionate souls, hungry minds, familiar faces, generous hearts, curious adventurers, kind volunteers and gifted hands.
In typical TiNA tradition, our festival spilled into many unique venues. Cafes, pubs, a dance hall, a former Police Station, a former church all and empty storefronts, all became backdrops for our festival. Read more.
Simone Sheridan to stay on as TiNA Co-Director
Octapod is excited to announce that Simone Sheridan will stay on as TiNA Co-Director until the end of the year. After stepping into the role six weeks before this year’s festival while Sarah Thrift had a baby, Simone will now work alongside Sarah to plan for TiNA 2014. The office is abuzz with new ideas between these two energetic co-conspirators.
Art Counts exhibition celebrates creativity
Over 80 people joined us for the opening of Art Counts on Wednesday 13 November in the Black Box Theatre at the Newcastle Community Art Centre. The venue was well suited for the opening as Tantrum Theatre’s Creating the Self ensemble gave a short performance and the Connectability Australia Digi PIP (Personal Interest Project) digital story was shown on the big screen.
Over 90 works were displayed as part of this annual exhibition for emerging artists with disability and carers from the Hunter region. Showcasing work from across the arts and disability sectors, the exhibition focussed on art making, not disability. Read more.
Octapod seeking new board members
Octapod is looking for two or three new people to join the board. As an organisation that seeks to contribute to a sustainable creative sector in the Hunter, we are looking for people with ideas and connections across the community and private sectors to be part of the team. For more information, contact Christina Robberds, Octapod Director via admin@octapod.org or call 9415 699 227.
Creative Access Network: final meeting for 2013
After successfully relaunching in May with a new name and a stronger sense of purpose, the Creative Access Network has met quarterly during 2013 to build connections across the arts and disability sectors. The final meeting of the year (6 Dec) is a time to reflect and plan for 2014. It will also feature presentations on art therapy from Karen Adler as well as Tantrum Theatre’s Creating the Self multi-arts project. Read more.
Memory Room Digi Story screening
For most of this year Tara Jones, a documentary filmmaker, has worked with refugees connected with Penola House in Mayfield West on a digital storytelling project. The project is now at a close and a selected number of digi stories will be screened at Penola House’s end of year party. This project has demonstrated the importance of process when working with vulnerable communities and has developed our understanding that relationship is at the core of any community cultural development project.
Tantrum Theatre position available
Tantrum is hiring! They are looking for a fabulous part-time Admin and Accounts superstar! Click here for the position description and please forward to anyone who might be interested in joining the Tantrum Theatre team. Applications addressing the key selection criteria should be emailed to: ad@tantrumtheatre.org.au by 5pm, Monday 2 December 2013.
Underground Epicureans Feast of the Seven Fishes
Following on from the huge success of the Underground Epicurean’s collaboration with Octapod for the TiNA Art Feast, you are invited to join the Epicureans for a swell of seafood and a warm welcome to a traditional family Christmas meal known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes. As the fisherman’s dinner guest you can expect to be welcomed into a spectacular but casual, rustic homely atmosphere.
Bring some friends and meet some perfect strangers at their final event for the year (7 Dec). The Fisherman’s Feast is on sale now ($99 per person). Get your tickets here.
REVIEW: Stooged Theatre presents The Removalists
Are you thinking of going to see The Removalists at the Civic Theatre? Check out this review of the show by Culture Hunter writer, Brooke Gizzi. It finishes this Saturday 23 November.
LOOK HEAR presents Hit The Bricks: Street Art Festival
Bringing together some of the most skilled and esteemed creators of street art, Hit The Bricks will be coming to Newcastle in November to bring art to the streets. Culminating over three days (22-24 Nov), the festival will play host to an expansive selection of renowned artists all using walls as their canvas. Read more.
1233 Artalogue: Hunter region public and street art
A collection of public and street art from around the Hunter region, sent in by listeners of ABC Newcastle’s Drive show with Paul Bevan. Check out the full map here and follow 1233 Artalogue here.
Check out more of the latest arts and cultural news and events in the Hunter at culturehunter.org.
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