Monthly Archive for September, 2008

POW WOW :: Arts & Disability Forum

Inclusive creative program know-how.

Accessible Arts presents an arts & disability forum in Western Sydney. Come hear a morning of dynamic presentations and engage in a lively panel discussion with key members from the Western Sydney arts, disability & local council sectors. A fantastic cross-sector learning experience, the forum will be of interest to artists, arts workers, disability service providers, arts organisations, and local councils interested in accessible and inclusive arts programs and practices.

Speakers include Louise McCormack (The Spastic Centre), Kate Baker (Australia Council for the Arts), Jenny Bisset (Manager of Arts & Cultural Development, Blacktown City Council), Naomi McCarthy (Penrith Regional Gallery), Claudia Chidiac (Powerhouse Youth Theatre), and Steve Lee (Bankstown Day Options). Guest facilitator Cheryle Yin-Lo (Cultural Connexions).

WHERE: Raffterty’s Theatre, Parramatta Riverside Theatre,
Corner Church & Market Streets, Parramatta.

WHEN: Wednesday 15th October

TIME: 9:30am – 1:30pm

COST: FREE. Lunch Provided.

ACCESS INFO:
Wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilet. Visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au for information on how to get Parramatta Riverside.

CONTACT: Bookings are essential. RSVP by 7 October to Jennifer Teo, Strategic Initiatives Co-ordinator, tel: 9251 6499 (ext 7) Tues/Wed or email jteo@aarts.net.au.

POW WOW is taking place as part of Bakehouse 13 - 17 October, an inclusive arts festival presented by sliced bread attraction. Full festival program available at www.slicedbreadattraction.org.au/bakehouse.

The Special Access Kit with Mark Shepherd

Ten participants from the Tuesday Night Club in Blacktown took part in a free workshop with musician and facilitator, Mark Shepherd as part of Accessible Arts’ Open Program. After a pizza dinner to line the stomach and to warm up the throat the group got hands on with the Special Access Kit to create a mish mash of marvellous music! Stay tuned for next week as the Special Access Kit hits Pecky’s in Prospect!

Tutor profile: Mark Shepherd

Mark worked as as a carer and community educator with The Spastic Centre St Ives for several years.  During his time there he conducted an extensive music program geared towards creating music with people with disabilities.  He uses digital technology, that is, sound beams, a Banana keyboard and music software to make access to the music as inclusive and participatory as possible. He also uses many percussive instruments to involved the classes in soundscape and music creation.  He is currently freelancing as a music facilitator for people with a disability with Sunnyfield disability service and various organisations across Sydney.