It’s been twelve months since I gave in my resignation at my part time role in the arts. It was a great opportunity at the time, however it robbed me of my ability to enjoy the arts as a consumer. I spent my days helping others connect with artworks I was trained to love. I side-stepped in to the social sector in pursuit of a purpose-aligned role and to focus more energy on my side hustle. A lot can change in twelve months.
The Western Sydney Jam hosted by NAVA in November 2016
Conference. Forum. Symposium. They are the events that aim to gather the industry and it’s supporters to discuss problems, share skills and work towards solutions. But there is nothing worse than events that become all talk and no action. You know the ones – we have all found ourselves in them. Is this the most effective way to drive conversations and thus the arts forward in Australia? Read More
Verb. to move somewhere in large numbers.
On Saturday 1st October, SWARM:Collective Actions on Queen Street, saw five artists take over pockets of the street. Curated by Branch Nebula (Lee Wilson and Mirabelle Wouters) and commissioned as a part of Campbelltown Art Centres live art program, the event sought to enliven and activate the street with new works. Read More
Whether a professional athlete, an artist (of any art form) or pursuing any other non-traditional career path, you can probably relate to the hesitation, family-resistance and courage that comes with turning your passion into a career. Don’t stop there!
A provocateur – that’s how I have been described. As someone who asks the questions that don’t necessarily have a straight answer. I am more than okay with this. Just because there aren’t straight answers doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be having the conversations. In fact, all the more reason to make sure we keep talking. Don’t stop there!
A force has been unleashed on Western Sydney. This force comes in the form of seventeen young people who are united by their determination to leave the world in a better place than when they entered it. What I love dearly about this group is their willingness to learn and to grow into the best versions of themselves for their community. Seventeen young people backed by the School for Social Entrepreneurs. Imagine the countless others across Western Sydney who do amazing things everyday that could benefit from an opportunity like this. Don’t stop there
‘Speak from your heart; speak from what is inside your soul.’ Malala Yousafzai
Another year older and they say with that comes wisdom. Yet the vulnerability of the writing process has me shackled. Wait! Don’t stop here!
Australia – it is the multicultural, lucky country. The national anthem promotes that ‘for those who’ve come across the seas we’ve boundless plains to share’, but the political rhetoric of ‘team Australia’ and immigration policy which ‘turns back the boats’ suggest otherwise. As a nation Australia struggles with its cultural identity and addressing its uncomfortable history of colonisation and genocide, on which the nation was founded. Australia’s attachment to the motherland, England has seen it continuously disassociate itself from its neighbours in the Asia-Pacific, despite its close geographical proximity. Contemporary artists probe issues pertaining to Australia’s cultural identity and the falsities of nationalism. Artists such as Zanny Begg, Abdul Abdullah, Blak Douglas, Dale Harding and Khaled Sabsabi play on the discomfort evoked from talking about Australia’s history and pertinent issues in contemporary society to scrutinise the misrepresentation and dehumanisation of people based on cultural disparity. Don’t stop there!
