Talking Tapa: Pasifika Bark Cloth in Queensland

Talking Tapa: Pasifika Bark Cloth in Queensland is a BEMAC initiative. It is currently showing at The Museum of Brisbane, City Hall, Brisbane CBD. Catch it while it is here until 11 October, before it leaves for Cairns.

Australia’s Pacific heritage continues to grow. Brisbane and Queensland’s eastern seaboard is increasingly becoming home for thousands upon thousands of Pacific islanders. So it is timely that this exhibition Talking Tapa: Pasifika Bark Cloth in Queensland has been developed to reflect this.

Tapa is the common name for beaten bark cloth from The Pacific. While most tapa is made from the inner bark (bast) of the paper mulberry tree, fig and breadfruit are also represented in this exhibition.



Works from the Melanesian nations and islands of Papua New Guinea, West Papua a province of Indonesia, The Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, and the Polynesian Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Wallis and Futuna are represented. Community loans hang beside museum pieces. Some have be used very recently in Queensland to decorate homes, wedding receptions, meeting halls, birthday parties, for use at funerals and perhaps most commonly for Fijians to wear at their weddings.

Fijian wedding outfits vie with Papuan New Guinean ceremonial skirts and cloaks, very large Tongan pieces, loincloths and headdresses from the Solomon Islands, bark cloth lengths from Erromongo Island, Vanuatu and unusual tapa clothing from Wallis and Futuna. Community stories about tapa have translations in Tongan, Fijian and Samoan and sit beside detailed information about the history, uses and production of tapa from our Pacific neighbours.



The oldest bark cloth in the show is from Futuna Island and dates from the 1860s, whilst the latest was acquired in the Solomons in September 2008. Tapa decoration draws on clan and family patterning, the spirit world, the plant, bird, animal and fish kingdoms, abstract and geometric designs, as well as historical and contemporary events and representations.

Talking Tapa is a national traveling exhibition sponsored and presented by BEMAC, curated by Joan Winter and out managed by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland. It has been financially assisted by Visions of Australia, an Australian Government Program supporting touring exhibitions by providing funding assistance for the development and touring of Australian cultural material. This project is also proudly funded by Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund and Brisbane City Council.

National itinerary - tour

2009 Queensland

• USQ (Springfield, Ipswich) 12 Feb –19 March

• Artspace Mackay 27 Mar – 10 May

• Gladstone Regional Art Gallery 5 June – 11 July

• Museum of Brisbane 24 July – 11 Oct NOW

• Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, 23 Oct – 6 Dec

• Cairns Regional Gallery 11 Dec – 31 Jan 10

2010 Victoria

• Monash Gallery of Art 10 Feb – 11 April

• Ballarat Fine Art Gallery 17 April – 30 May

2010 NSW

• Mosman Art Gallery 5 June – 18 July

• Manning Regional Gallery 23 July – 5 Sept

• Taree

• Bathurst Regional Gallery 15 Oct – 28 Nov

Further venues may be included in 2011. If you know a venue that may be interested please let BEMAC know.

Catch TALKING TAPA where you can and enjoy this wonderful show.

BEMAC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 09 E-NEWS

Good day to you all! Well the weather has certainly taken a turn for the good, if you like the heat that is…beautiful Queensland , why would you live anywhere else! We are already half-way through the month of August and it has been very eventful. Highlights include the Anwar workshops and concert at Brisbane Powerhouse last weekend, very special, and I thoroughly enjoyed our August Planet which featured Burundi Drummers and Baala Baajo, what a contrast, from the high energy of the Drummers to a beautiful set featuring the Kora, Djembe and traditional instruments…mesmerizing!

For the artist’s out there, please read on below re submissions to be considered for national touring via Kultour , Australia ’s multicultural arts touring company. This is a fantastic opportunity and I would love to see Queensland well represented in this process, feel free to give me a call if you wish to discuss your application.

September has much going on, I have to mention Brisbane ’s 150th Birthday bash first, Sunday 6th, this promises to be an awesome day with entertainment and displays throughout the Botanic Gardens over the Good Will Bridge and along the south bank of the river! BEMAC are hosting one of the stages in the Botanic Gardens and we have an amazing line-up of diverse performers who wanted to party with us!

Our Planet series this month has a Columbian vibe, make sure you come down to the Powerhouse and shake with us on the 5th September!!! As usual there is an array of other events, workshops and opportunities listed below.

BEMAC are about to undertake our strategic planning process for the next three years, we always welcome feedback from our members, please email me on director@bemac.org.au

many cultures, one heART





KULTOUR 2011 TOURING PROGRAM – APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Kultour presents an annual touring program of high-quality contemporary multicultural arts from around Australia . This program provides artists with professional development in the touring of CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) works, and opportunities for their works reach new audiences regionally, interstate and internationally.* In turn, Kultour programs grant diverse audiences insight into multicultural and inter-cultural arts.

Kultour invites applications from emerging and established artists across all art forms whose work reflects Australia ’s cultural diversity. Proposed works must be tour ready and have had their premiere in the last 3 years. Applicants are required to submit a completed application following the program guidelines, including support material and a ‘sign off’ letter from your local Kultour Company member.

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in Kultour’s 2011 Touring Program. Kultour will manage and arrange funding for all aspects of the tour with the support of the Australia Council, Kultour Company Members and various Kultour partners.

GUIDELINES

For full details on eligibility, selection criteria and the application process, visit: www.kultour.com.au/howtoapply.html

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications will be accepted until 5pm Thursday 24 September 2009

MORE INFORMATION

If you require further information after reading the application form and guidelines please contact your local Kultour Company Member.

Joanne Pratt

E: director@bemac.org.au

T: (07) 3391 4433



UP AND COMING EVENTS…



Bemac in association with queensland academy for creative industries

Presents:

THE QACI CONCERT SERIES – LA GRAN SALSA,

MZAZA and a french butler called smith

Tuesdays 1st, 8th, 15th September



Location: Queensland Academy for Creative Industries - 61 Musk Ave Kelvin Grove Kelvin

Grove State College - Victoria Park Road Kelvin Grove QUT Gardens Point Campus

George Street Brisbane



Time: 1:15pm – 2:15pm



Cost: FREE ENTRY



BEMAC in association with Queensland Academy for Creative industries are proud to present Lunch Time World Music sessions at the QACI Theatre. First show will kick off with La Gran Salsa on Tuesday 1st September; followed by MZAZA on Tuesday 8th September, ending with ‘A French Butler Called Smith’ on Tuesday 15th September.



For more information please contact Ema at BEMAC on 07 3391 4433 or email ema@bemac.org.au .



BRISBANE POWERHOUSE PRESENTS BIG PLANET

WHEN HARRY MET DHEERAJ…

The Harry James Angus & Dheeraj Shrestha Project

Friday 4th September



Location: The Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street , New Farm

Time: 8.30pm

Cost: $36.00 (F)

$30.00 (C)

In a unique, one-night-only performance, Brisbane Powerhouse brings together leading singer-songwriter and trumpet player, Harry James Angus and tabla maestro, Dheeraj Shrestha for an exhilarating evening of Indo-Jazz on Fri 4 Sept to launch Brisbane Powerhouse’s new dedicated world music series, PLANET.



This event is presented as part of the Brisbane Powerhouse world music and dance program, PLANET; an initiative supported by Arts Queensland, and will include a FREE music program on the Turbine Platform post-show by Rahim Zullah, proudly sponsored by BEMAC. .

For bookings please contact Brisbane Powerhouse 07 3358 8600 or www.brisbanepowerhouse.org





bemac in association with brisbane powerhouse presents:

planet – LOS COMPADRES & ZAPATOS VIEJOS

Saturday 5th September

Location: Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse, Street, New Farm

Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Cost: FREE

For more information contact BEMAC on bemac@bemac.org.au, or phone us on 07 3391 4433





CHAMPION SOUND AND bemac presents:

tHIS IS SOUND SYSTEM

Saturday 5th September



Location: BEMAC, Yungaba Building , 120 Main Street , Kangaroo Point

Time: 7:00 pm – 12:00 midnight

Cost: $ 10.00 Entry Fee

Roots, Reggae and Culture. Come check out the Champion Sound System in full effect. Full crew + special guests, including the launch of the Champion Sound Sampler Vol. 1 CD!!!!

For more details please contact info@championsound.com.au or phone 0438 779 032





BRISBANE 150…. COME CELEBRATE!!!

Sunday 6th September



Location: City Botanic Gardens, Alice Street , Brisbane CBD



Time: 9.30am – 8.00pm



Cost: FREE



On September 6th the people of Brisbane will celebrate 150 years of separation from Sydney with an unforgettable party for the whole family in the centre of the city.

The family festivities go from 9.30am until 8pm. There are four stages for your enjoyment which include the Multicultural Stage brought to you by BEMAC, the Riverstage, Gardens of Origin Stage and Suncorp Piazza.



BEMAC is hosting the Multicultural Stage which will feature World Class musicians such as ‘Rhythm Sutra Dheeraj’, ‘Jaider De Oliveira’, ‘Spacifix’, ‘Sunas’, ‘Zhiva Voda’, ‘Mark Lowndes’, ‘Muziz’, ‘Bollywood Dhamaka’, ‘Gaelic Dream’, ‘World Fusion Dance Academy’, ‘Fiesta Tropicale Band’, South African Carnival Band, Esther Shohet, and Breakthrough Creativ, join us at the Multicultural Stage and celebrate 150 years of Culture.

For more information please visit http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whats-on/freebies/2043926.brisbane-150-come-celebrate


WORKSHOPS

One 4 All 09

If you are a young person aged 12-17 and are interested in music or drama, then One 4 All is the program for you. Participants can elect to develop their skills in any of the above areas, including: African Drumming, Drama, Songwriting, Singing, Guitar, Spoken Word/MCing, Indigenous instruments, etc. DRAMA WORKSHOPS COMMENCE:

date: SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST

VENUE: BEMAC, 120 MAIN STREET , KANGAROO POINT

TIME: 10-4PM

CONTACT: Please call a BEMAC Staff 07 3391 4433 or 0404 602 081 for more information

*** The program will culminate in a show at Brisbane Powerhouse on the 16th October ***





PHOTOGRAPHIC COURSE FOR BEGINNERS

6 weekly sessions

This course is in basic photo techniques for the beginner.

Location: BEMAC “Yungaba” 120 Main Street Kangaroo Point.

Cost: $12 per session

Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm

For further information please contact: Richard McLaren phone, 0429 485 921 or email, zouchai4@bigpond.net.au Limited number of places available.



ARTMIK ART WORKSHOPS

Art workshops and classes

A r t & writing mentoring

Art tours

For further information please email info@artmilk.com.au or visit their website www.artmik.com.au



BOLLYWOOD DHAMAKA

Learn Rich & Vibrant Bollywood Dance with Asha Shah

Services Offered:

* Bollywood Themes Parties

* Kids Birthday Party

* Wedding Dance Party

* Corporate Dance Workshop

* Bollywood Fitness Workshops

* Bollywood Costumes on SALE & HIRE

* Bindi’s & Bangles for sale.

For further information contact Asha on ash.bris@gmail.com or call her on 07 3470 1683/0431 183 146.



OTHER EVENTS



YOUTH PARENT & CARER EXPO

Saturday 22nd August

Location: Acacia Ridge Community Centre, 21 Hanify Street, Acacia Ridge

Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Cost: FREE ENTRY

An excellent opportunity to meet the people who work for the local community organisations and find out what support and opportunities are available.
The event will feature information stalls, food, and live local entertainment.

For more information call Craig on 0447 131 915



EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST



4EB call for entries for a live music compilation

Brisbane's multicultural community radio station Radio 4EB98.1 FM is seeking artists to feature on a CD compilation! The CD will be of live recordings from a number of local artists and will be distributed and promoted to community radio stations all around the country. Seven Lucky artists will be selected to record two of their songs live on air or in 4EB's professional recording studios. We are looking for a cross section of artists who play folk, traditional, Latin or fusion so if you fit the bill please contact the station with an expression of interest.



Deadline for expressions of interest is close of business on Friday, August 21. Please email info@4eb.org.au or call Magellan on 07 3240 8600 for more details



Gold Coast Multicultural Festival

Due to larger site and use of additional stage areas, acceptance of applications for performers and for a limited number of Stallholders (food, craft, and information) has now been extended until Friday August 28, 2009.

For more details please visit

http://goldcoastmulticulturalfestival.org/



Volunteer Tutors needed

Karen McLaren is a primary teacher at Redbank Plains State School and is teaching a composite class of Grades 5, 6 and 7. She has also discovered that the class is quite multicultural in its background with representative students from the following nationalities:



New Zealand; Netherlands; Vietnam; Brazil; Malaysia; Scotland; Germany; Sri Lanka, Samoa; Ireland; Chile and England. Karen has started teaching a multicultural component to the students and they are currently researching each of these nations but they want to learn more than this. They are interested in learning simple art and craft activities, national games, songs, dance and drama from any or all of these countries, so Karen, on behalf of the children, has a request.



If anyone is interested in volunteering 1-2 hours of their time to teach the kids an item/activity in relations to any of the above nations, +would they please contact Karen direct by phoning the school on 3814 9222 or after hours on 3814 2552 or e-mail rmal4960@bigpond.net.au . The school is located at School Road , Redbank Plains









Watch this space for BEMAC’s next month’s E-Newsletter!!!

For any further information on BEMAC events and workshops, please contact us on the below details



Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC)

Phone: 07 3391 4433

Fax: 07 3391 2802

PO Box 7299

East Brisbane QLD 4169

Brisbane Powerhouse Concerts this weekend

Sat 15 Aug 8pm

Anwar Abudragh, a soulful singer of classical Iraqi maqam and inspirational player of the oud (fretless lute) and joze (Iraqi spike-fiddle), performs at Brisbane Powerhouse, Saturday, 15th August.

Abudragh seeks to reinvent Iraqi maqam, by enriching the classical tradition with his musical experience in working with artists and musicians from different horizons. Accompanying him are Iraqi and local musicians on Arabic, Turkish and Persian instruments and the sensational dancing of Tamara Taylor. This varied concert will begin by introducing listeners to the rarefied and delicate sounds of classical Iraqi songs and improvisations, and ends with a large ensemble with Tamara leading an Arabic dance party. Your ears and eyes will be transfixed from start to finish with a plethora of unique instruments, rhythms and accents.

Tickets: full $27, conc $18
Bookings: 07 3358 8600 or Anwar's Powerhouse concert page
Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St , New Farm


For more information on Anwar Abudragh see:
www.maqamat.be
To enjoy Anwar's music visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05HtCZ49yQg&feature=related

and

Multicultural Arts Victoria presents

Mehr Ensemble

Brisbane Powerhouse – Visy Theatre

Fri 14 Aug 09

The Mehr Ensemble has been working tirelessly for the past year concentrating on putting together 2 different repertoires in traditional Persian musical modal systems which has never been heard before. This group of extraordinarily talented musicians is now ready to share the new work with local and national audiences.



The Mehr ensemble was first formed in Tehran , Iran in 1999 in by Pooya Mehmanpazir and has continued its active operation to date. The members of this ensemble are currently skilled instrumentalists in their own fields and the ensemble members may increase and vary depending on projects and tours. The focus of this ensemble is to create new revelations in the light and framework of Persian ancient Radif musical systems with embedded energy which is intended to lift the soul and the hearts of the lovers of cultural music. The group aims to create music which is highly filtered and fine tuned to high standards, irrespective of ensemble size. To create complex musical pieces in pure form and create a new dimension to sounds that effect both human soul and spirit.

Tix: Full $35/Conc 30 Door $40

Bookings: http://www.brisbanepowerhouse.org/events/view/mehr-ensemble/

GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND and NEXT

DIAFRIX










Diafrix’s urban music mixes traditional African rhythms with funk, ragga, soul and hip hop. With no swearing policy they will not offend but educate people through their flow. This is positive Hip Hop with a cultural bent.

Diafrix have established themselves over the last five years as one of Australia ’s most exciting and original live acts. There’s no recycled funk here - it’s 100% original soul, dancehall and reggae-infused hip hop. Fronted by African-born MCs Azmarino and Momo and backed up by Haitian goddess Nadee. With lavish organic productions from Ptero_Stylus and cuts from Wax Vandal Diafrix know how to get the party started.

Born in Footscray, Melbourne at the cafe that bears their name Diafrix represent the motherland of Africa and refugees from all corners of the globe. They present are freshly honest look at the world and life in Australia . Establishing themselves on the Australian music scene since they took out Triple J’s Next Crop Award in 2005 Diafrix have performed at The Big Day Out, West Coast Blues & Roots Festival, Falls Festival and Meredith. Their last release "In Tha Place" was picked up by Triple J and Channel V and the group have been promoting their debut full length album. The group connect with their audience in the most fundamental ways with soulful music and tight rhymes. Diafrix are one mighty fresh hip-hop crew with global appeal.

DIAFRIX WORKSHOP

Positive Hip Hop workshop

Description: Participants will have the chance to learn how to develop their own poetry - hip hop style, and beat boxing. There will also be an information session on the underground vs. commercial scenes.

Facilitators: MC Azmarino and MC Momo
Date: Saturday 8th August
Location: BEMAC, Yungaba, 120 Main Street , Kangaroo point
Contact: 3391 4433 for bookings
Duration: 1 hour

Participants: No experience necessary
Requirements: Each participant will need pen and paper


Anwar Abudragh
Iraqi classical music concerts and workshops, August 2009

Brisbane Powerhouse Concert
Sat 15 Aug 8pm

Anwar Abudragh, a soulful singer of classical Iraqi maqam and inspirational player of the oud (fretless lute) and joze (Iraqi spike-fiddle), performs at Brisbane Powerhouse, Saturday, 15th August.

Abudragh seeks to reinvent Iraqi maqam, by enriching the classical tradition with his musical experience in working with artists and musicians from different horizons. Accompanying him are Iraqi and local musicians on Arabic, Turkish and Persian instruments and the sensational dancing of Tamara Taylor. This varied concert will begin by introducing listeners to the rarefied and delicate sounds of classical Iraqi songs and improvisations, and ends with a large ensemble with Tamara leading an Arabic dance party. Your ears and eyes will be transfixed from start to finish with a plethora of unique instruments, rhythms and accents.

Tickets: full $27, conc $18
Bookings: 07 3358 8600 or Anwar's Powerhouse concert page
Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington St , New Farm

Iraqi Maqam Workshops
free for kids: Fri 7 Aug 4-6pm
$30 for adults: Sat 8 Aug 11am-3pm

Community Concert
Sun 9 Aug 12-1pm

In collaboration with BEMAC, Milpera State School and The Romero Center, Anwar will conduct practical and engaging workshops for musicians who like to sing or play Middle-Eastern instruments. Anwar will hold Iraqi Maqam workshops with teenagers from Brisbane 's refugee community on Friday 7th August from 4-6pm. The workshop on Saturday 8th August will be tailored to adult singers and instrumentalists. Participants are not required to be able to read sheet music (although music will be provided). Students will be introduced to classical Iraqi Maqam, a traditional song, and we will also touch upon the takasim (improvisation). A Community Concert presented by BEMAC, BAMEDAM and The Romero Centre will include Anwar Abudragh and those students who wish to participate.


Location: BEMAC, 120 Main St Kangaroo Point (see attached map)
Community Concert tickets: $14 and $8 concession (under 16's free)
Bookings for Workshop and Community Concert tickets phone BEMAC: 3391 4433

For more information on Anwar Abudragh see:
www.maqamat.be
To enjoy Anwar's music visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05HtCZ49yQg&feature=related

Kultour applications now open

Kultour are now taking applications for touring funding for 2011. Each year Kultour presents a program of touring performances from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Emerging and established artist from across all art forms are invited to apply. Support from Kultour provides opportunities for professional development for artists through broader experience of performance and touring. Applications close September 24, 2009.
BEMAC like many other similar organisations around Australia is a member of Kultour and would like to invite artists from Queensland to take advantage of the opportunity to apply for support and take on the challenge of expanding their audience and sharing the richness of their artistic expression. It is important to note that proposed works must be tour ready and have had their premiere in the last 3 years.
For information on touring opportunities in 2011 please check out the Kultour website http://www.kultour.com.au/