The No 8 Wire - Issue 92

Gondwanaland Ministry of Culture
Artists' Information Bureau

An Electronic Alert for 1645 of Wellington's Creative People

ENDNOTE: Fatal Funding Flaw?

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To submit your news, project details, call for participation, or cultural item of any sort, please send your description/text as email to
arts@wcc.govt.nz
or find me,
Eric Vaughn Holowacz
Arts Programmes & Services Manager
Wellington City Council - Wellington Arts Centre
61 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington
And to get off the No 8 Wire email list, just let me know at the same email address.
GO AHEAD, UKELELE…TAKE ON ME…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0cIhqhWStM&mode=related&search=

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91.00
INTO THE ARTS
Wellington City Council Arts Programmes & Services seeks artists and instructors interested in leading weekend workshops. We’re developing a new series for the general public, called Into the Arts, with the intention of inviting people to be more creative, learn a new artistic process, explore different media, and learn from a diverse array of interesting creative teachers.
If you are interested in helping us build our instructor base, and want to propose a workshop or two, please contact Eric at arts@wcc.govt.nz

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91.01
CNZ ARTICULATES NEW PRIORITIES
Find out what that means here
http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/cnz/plan
Read the draft here
http://creativenz.govt.nz/files/draft-stratplan-07.pdf
and comment here
http://creativenz.govt.nz/files/feedbacksheet-07.pdf

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91.02
NEED A NEW STUDIO?
For artists of all kinds.
The Wellington Arts Centre has over a dozen studios coming available from May/June, and the call for applications is now on. Emerging and early-career artists of all kinds and disciplines are encouraged to apply; deadline is 28 February.
To arrange a site visit, or get more details, call 385 1929 or stop by Wellington Arts Centre at 61 Abel Smith Street. Get in quick.
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91.03
DANCE OFFICE GIG
DANZ is looking for a trainee assistant in our National office in Wellington. We’re looking for someone with a great attitude to help New Zealand dance practitioners with DANZ services and information. If you want to start a career in Arts Administration – here’s your opportunity! Full job description below.
To be eligible for this subsidised position you must have been registered with WINZ or not working for the past 4 years.

If you are interested in this job please contact Celia at DANZ by Friday 9 March. Email celia@danz.org.nz or phone (04) 802 0531

Position Description - DANZ Administrator
This role is to support dance activities nationally. The DANZ Administrator will based in the head office of DANZ, Dance Aotearoa New Zealand, the national organisation for dance.
DANZ supports dance in all its forms. We aim to develop industry sustainability through promoting participation, improving access, providing professional development and advocating for the long term growth and health of New Zealand dance. For further information about DANZ visit our web site www.danz.org.nz
Duties:
Training will be provided in all these areas
General dance enquiries – phone, email and in office
General office duties e.g. ordering stationery, filing, photocopying, office & equipment maintenance and office cleaning
Basic computer work
Maintaining dance resources & services
Assisting with projects
Organising/coordinating mailouts
Personal attributes:
An interest in dance/performing arts and in working with a wide range of dance genres (both professional and recreational).
Good communication and people skills – written, by phone and in person.
Good personal planning and organisational skills that can translate into project and work skills.
A desire to start a career in arts administration or event management.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Basic computer skills – including some of word, email, internet, xcel, database.
Interested in learning and openminded.
Able to take direction and work as part of a team.
Tidy appearance, punctual and reliable.
Has a sense of humour.
Job specifics:
Place of work: DANZ, Ground Floor, 69 Abel Smith, Central Wellington
Hours of work: 30 hours per week (hours and days to be determined)
Contract: Fixed term for 45 weeks
Rate of pay: to be decided

DANZ Ground Fl, 69 Abel Smith Street PO Box 9885, WellingtonPhone +64 4 801 9885DD +64 4 802 0531Dance Aotearoa New Zealand is the national organisation for dance http://www.danz.org.nz
Join DANZ http://www.danz.org.nz/joindanz.php
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91.04
GRANTS ACTION
Applications are now open for the Council’s general grants and for Creative Communities Wellington Local Funding Scheme grants. Applications for both rounds close at 5pm on 30 March 2007.
General grants applications can be made to any of our four grant pools; Social, Cultural, Economic and Environmental. Only legally constituted groups can apply for these grants. (Or groups under the umbrella of a legally constituted group)
Creative Communities is for smaller grassroots arts projects aimed at increasing participation in the arts. Individuals as well as groups can apply for these grants.
Applications forms and guides and are available at www.wellington.govt.nz/services/grants. We will be running grants advice seminars for each scheme – details of these are on the website.
Seminars will be held on:
26 February, 1-3pm or 6-8pm – General Grants
2 March 2007, 1-3pm – Creative Communities
6 March 2007, 1-3pm – Creative Communities
To book a place in a seminar use the form on the website or call Barbara Franklin on 801 3595.
If you can’t make it to a seminar but would like to discuss a possible application, or would like forms to be emailed to you please let me know.
Please feel free to pass this around your networks. You have received this because you are on one of my mailing lists for WCC grant rounds or work for WCC. Please let me know if you would like to stop receiving these reminders.

Katharine Macann Acting Grants Team LeaderWellington City Council DDI: 04 801-3158 Fax: 04 801-3635 Email: katharine.macann@wcc.govt.nz
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91.05
BLASTED

Blast Theory's adventurous use of new technology has seen them gain international recognition crossing from the world of gaming; (2005 winners of the Maverick Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards), to film making; (four BAFTA nods) to fine art (guesting at the Institute of Contemporary Art, London, Artfutura, Barcelona and Basel Art Fair amongst much more).
British Council is delighted to be bringing Matt Adams, co-founder of Blast Theory, to Wellington this February to start his investigations into a New Zealand Blast Theory event.
Please come along and meet Matt, hear about what Blast Theory are doing, ask any questions and help us plan for New Zealand. You can read Blast Theory's bio here.
When: 3pm - 5pm, Sunday 25 February Where: TheNewDowse, Laings Road, Lower HuttHow: It's free: just email anna.cameron@britishcouncil.org.nz to book a place.
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91.06
UPPER CUBA ACTION
Thistle Hall is a vibrant community centre in the heart of New Zealand's cultural capital. We provide a community hall, meeting room and Wellington's only community gallery showcasing a range of artists and crafts people, from the established to the emerging.

On Now: 16 - 21 FEBRUARY 2007The Numbers and Letters Shop presents: New Zealand New Zealand I Love You! Works by Justine King and Tristan CarkeekCome and peruse our collaborative works and join us in celebrating our first gallery show. Your visits and input will provide fuel and momentum for further creative expression. All Welcome.Open for viewing daily 11-6pm from Saturday 17 - Wednesday 21 February 2007.
Up Next: 24 FEBRUARY 2007Thistle Hall Open Day (in gallery)
Come see and try out some of the groups that use our hall.10am - 11am Wgtn Russian Group11am - 12noon Wellington Batucada12noon - 1pm Capoeira Pasifika1pm - 2pm Tai Chi2pm - 3pm Virtue Dance4pm - late Pirate Carnival Sounds
Please see http://www.thistlehall.org.nz for more information
All enquiries to: Lily Chalmers – Manager PH: 04 384 3088/021 0220 4635
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91.07
NEW WORKS
Works-in-progress announced
for the
Magdalena Aotearoa National Gathering
5-10 April 2007, Wellington
Magdalena Aotearoa is delighted to announce the eight works-in-progress which have been selected for the National Gathering - listed below. We are very excited by the strength and variety of the work, in terms of style, process and themes. The artists range from relative newcomers to experienced practitioners, and geographically from Auckland to Hastings and Christchurch in the south.
The National Gathering is an unique opportunity for you to get an inside view of how theatre work - whether it's devised or scripted - can be developed. Each work-in-progress presentation will be followed by a discussion with "responders", peers and audience members, and there will be time between the presentations for further discussions around the work and development of work in general.
The Gathering is also a chance to meet with innovative and experienced women theatre makers from around the country in an informal and friendly environment, to develop your own networks and meet potential collaborators, mentors and colleagues.
Registration for the National Gathering is still open, for both men and women participants. The extended early bird discount offer finishes tomorrow, Tuesday 20th February. Registration forms and further details including full and daily prices are on the web site: http://magdalena.actrix.co.nz/gathering/
We look forward to seeing you at the National Gathering.
Works-in-progress:
Skeleton Woman: A contemporary New Zealand response to the powerful Inuit myth of the skeleton woman, devised and performed by Helen Moran, with director Jane Gilmer and writer Kathleen Gallagher. It has already been professionally produced (catch it in Wellington at BATS, March 2-4) and Helen will be seeking feedback on specific areas including use of multimedia, Maori aspect, and setting up a national and international tour.
Mortally Wounded: a collaborative devised performance by Louise Tu'u and Alexa Wilson, dealing with the healing of personal and social histories - it will map the body as the battlefield onto the Auckland volcanic landscape. The show opens in Auckland a week after the Gathering, so they are looking for constructive critical feedback and open-minded opinions. (Alexa is also performing at the Fringe in Quixotic Parables, opening next Tuesday 20th at BATS).
What It Means To Be Civilised: A new work exploring what it means to be civilised, devised by an ensemble including Bronwyn Bent, Ksenya Chobanovich, Nell Thomas, Chrissie Butler, Kieran Monoghan and Jeff Henderson. The group is intersted in feedback on the dramaturgy, audience relationship and visual impact.
Does This Make Sense To You?: A stage adaptation of Renée's novel of the same name, this work addresses the topical issue of teen pregnancy and is directed by Lilicherie McGregor with a cast including Madeline McNamara and Dale Ferris. An invited audience of teen mothers will attend the rehearsed reading at the Gathering and feedback will be sought from this specific target audience.
Double Helix: The story of the mystery of DNA is the starting point for a performance that embodies and physicalises the human dilemma of competition versus cooperation - concept by Nancy Fulford, with four actors. Nancy is interested in finding actors to work with, technical ideas and support, and exploring musical accompaniment.
Kitchen Drawers: This will be the third and final part of a longer work, The Voyage, by Rose Beauchamp, featuring puppetry, mask and clown and exploring themes of living, dying and being present through the contents of her mother's kitchen drawers. Rose is particularly looking for dramaturgical feedback from people with some experience or feeling for clown work.
The Lady and the Hooligan: A Melodrama in as Many Acts: Pauleen Hayes has written a three-act script based on the story of Flossie Le Mar, an eccentric vaudeville entertainer and pacifist who toured Australasia during the 1900s with her husband, demonstrating the benefits of Ju Jitsu for women "set upon by the evil designs of men." Pauleen is interested in exploring - with humour - the concept of sexual violence as a random, inadvertently latent, vaguely inherent male legacy. As well as finding possible collaborators, Pauleen is also looking for overall feedback on the dramaturgy, music, use of multi-media and choreography.
Winter: A one-act play by Diane Spodarek about a U.S. national who comes to live in New Zealand with her Kiwi partner; the script has had workshop readings at the Playmarket conference and in New York. Diane is pondering whether it needs to be developed to a full-length production or stay as one act, as well as how to go deeper into the psyche of two people from opposite ends of the earth, and how to reach an NZ audience with a Kiwi character when she, the writer, is not a Kiwi.
Magdalena Aotearoa TrustPO Box 27 300WellingtonAotearoa New Zealandmagdalen@actrix.co.nzhttp://magdalena.actrix.co.nz
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91.08
DOUBT
By John Patrick Shanley
Directed by Sue Rider
2005 PULITZER PRIZE - DRAMA
"Play of the Year" – Time Magazine
Winner of a grand slam of Broadway theatre awards, Doubt is a brilliant, compelling new play that will have you on the edge of your seats.
A gripping mystery, leavened with a crackling wit, Doubt is a taut drama of ideas set in a Catholic school in the Bronx in 1964, where four strikingly individual people become entangled in the search for truth.
When school principal, Sister Aloysius, begins to doubt the motives of the popular priest Father Flynn, she must decide whether to give voice to her fears and take action or bury her suspicions and leave room for uncertainty.
The action she takes has audiences arguing about the outcome way beyond the curtain call.
Doubt stars award-winning actress HELEN MOULDER as Sister Aloysius, and SIMON FERRY as Father Flynn, ANGELA GREEN as Sister James, and TANEA HEKE as Mrs Muller.
"Inspired and extraordinary" – New York Times
"Passionate, exquisite, important and engrossing" – Newsday
DOUBT 10 February – 10 March
CIRCA ONE Tuesday, Wednesday 6.30pm, Thursday - Saturday 8pm, Sunday 4pm
After-show Forum – Tuesday nights.
Adults $35, Concessions $28, Groups (6+) $30
BOOKINGS: CIRCA Theatre Phone 801 7992 www.circa.co.nz
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91.09
OUT OF BOUNDS
presents the world premiere season of
"BRAIN POWER"
by Dean Hewison
TIME TO MEET THE VOICES IN YOUR HEAD
"Brain Power"
Out of Bounds
BATS Theatre, Feb 21 – 25 2007, 6.30pm
$16 / $12 Concession / $10 Fringe Addicts
www.myspace.com/outofbounds07
Bookings: 04 802 4175 or book@bats.co.nz
You know that feeling you get when your EFTPOS declines? Or the one when the bus shoots past & sprays you with puddle water? Ever wondered what those feelings look like?
From the award-winning writer of "Head of the House" and the award-winning director of "F**k You Orlando" (who both happen to be the same person) comes the world premiere of "Brain Power", a strikingly inventive and hilarious film-noir styled comedy set in the darkest regions of the human brain and featuring a massive cast of 18 actors including Bevin Linkhorn, Matthew Saville and Tim Gordon.
Inside the Vessel Michael Sanderson's brain, a murder has taken place and a battle for power has begun. Amid all the Feelings, Concepts and Dreams, only one can save the Vessel from insanity. He has a long scientific name, but most people call him Justice.
With characters such as Big Scary Monster, P*ssed Off, Embarrased and the Concept of God, this is a highly original take on the hard-boiled noir genre. It marks the theatre directing debut of filmmaker Dean Hewison, and is his second play on the Wellington stage, after the NZ Young Playwrights Competition-winning "Head of the House", which had Hewison nominated for a Chapman Tripp award.
Three costume designers have created a unique look for the huge array of characters, even going so far as developing a new pasta-based technique of making spikes for Big Scary Monster’s skin. On stage at BATS Theatre, the heart of the fringe, this is the show you’ll be Embarrassed to miss.
Enquiries to Co-Producer Seamus Arnel – 027 664 9664
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91.10
SOUNDS GOOD
OdESSA announces the release of ‘Motel Machine’ the first single from the forthcoming album'Six o'clock this morning, flying on one engine Seems my lucky streak was just hallucination...' 'Motel Machine' – the first single from the brand new album recorded in January ’07 at Trident Sound Studios in Wellington. The album will hit stores later this year, once we find time to mix the rest of it in-between our touring commitments over the next couple of months.This song we recorded and mixed in one day. It perfectly captures the spirit we took into those sessions. All of us in on every take; drums, bass, guitar, vocals - live and loud, leaving nothing behind. Do two, three takes, choose the best one and move onto the next.After writing and rehearsing non-stop for 3 weeks straight - 'til we were in the best shape musically we could be - we were gagging to get started with the real business. For those first 3 days, we throbbed with energy. We had a laugh and we got it all down.Outside, summer was at last rearing on its haunches. The glimmer of dirty heat clung to the black concrete as bright sunshine danced off the hurtling traffic. We were under the footpath - David Long producing and Mike Gibson as sound engineer - a veritable Mount Rushmore of Wellington music.We nailed 'Motel Machine' fast. A good take; we all knew we had it immediately. It's nice when that happens. And how many singles out this year have a one minute bass solo?OdESSAMatthew Pender (Vocals)Dan Ryland (Guitar)Paul Mouncey (Bass)Matt ‘Puba’ Swain (Drums) Please Contact Us:Email: manager@odessamusic.netPhone: 021 669855Web: www.odessamusic.netMyspace: www.myspace.com/odessamusic
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91.11
CIRCULAR
You are warmly invited to the preview of
Inhabiting the Circle
new work by Gordon Crook
on Tuesday 27 March
from 2-4pm.
Please note afternoon preview time.
Mary Newton Gallery150 Vivian StWellingtonNew Zealandtel: +64-4-385-1699www.marynewtongallery.com
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91.12
PERFORMERS WANTED
Calling community performers!
"Let’s use Central Park" Family Concert is happening again.
This year the date is Sunday 11 March and will run from 12:30 – 2pm at Central Park in Brooklyn.
Anyone with a group wishing to perform or for more information, please contact Lauren Fantham on 801 3876 or email: lauren.fantham@wcc.govt.nz
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91.13
AUSSIE FOUR
The Australian String Quartet launch the 2007 Chamber Music New Zealand Celebrity Season with a ten centre tour in March and April 2007. This will be their first visit to New Zealand.
Formally known as the Tankstream Quartet, in 2007 they became the Australian String Quartet (ASQ). Formed in 2000, the quartet hold the distinction of having won more international chamber music competitions than any other ensemble in Australian history.
They are renowned for their distinctive musical approach demonstrated by their success in international competitions and growing prominence on the concert stage.
As the Tankstream, they performed in Hamburg, Berlin, Paris, Aix-en-Provence, London, Copenhagen, Cologne, Belgrade, Budapest and Zagreb, as well as throughout Australia and Japan. In 2004, they were chosen by the Australian government to be cultural ambassadors for the Danish Royal Wedding.
The ASQ is Sophie Rowell – violin, Anne Horton - violin, Sally Boud - viola and Rachel Johnston – cello
Amongst the Australians is New Zealander, cellist Rachel Johnston. Originally from Hamilton, Rachel has performed as a soloist in Austria, Milan, Kuwait, Edinburgh, Belfast, Paris, Australia, England and the United States.
She was awarded First Prize in her debut international competition - the Wettbewerb fűr Violoncello in Austria in 1998. Rachel has been awarded an Honours Degree in Cello Performance from the Canterbury University in Christchurch, Masters in Performance with Distinction at London University and an Artist's Diploma in Performance from the acclaimed Juilliard School in Manhattan.
'I am so thrilled to be returning to NZ. It will be the first time we have toured NZ as the ASQ; for me this tour is going to be as much a pleasure as it is business!'
Rachel returns to her home town of Hamilton for the first ever CMNZ Celebrity Season gala performance on 31 March.

They will play a programme covering unfamiliar as well as popular repertoire from centuries of inspired composition for the string quartet.
In Programme One Alban Berg's Lyric Suite tells a hidden story inspired by Berg's love for Hanna Fuchs-Robettin, the wife of a Prague businessman. From the jovial opening portrait to the desolate finale, the work's six movements become progressively more intense in expression as the lovers’ situation becomes more desperate. Berg’s writing for the four players is so detailed and complex that quartets can only approach performance of this work after many years of experience.
''They play with vigorous attack, quiet delicacy and intense concentration."
The Adelaide Review (Australia)
Programme one concludes with Schubert's most popular quartet, Death and the Maiden. A work which shows an irresistible dramatic impetus from beginning to end, it compels the listener from its first devastating chord right through to the inevitable tragic end. Nonetheless there are moments and passages of exquisite beauty and tranquillity, particularly in the wonderful "theme and variations" which comprises the slow movement.
Australian composer Carl Vine's String Quartet No 3 provides Programme two with a bang! A brilliantly virtuosic showpiece with an unashamedly romantic second movement and a rollercoaster finish. Alongside this are Haydn: String Quartet in D Opus 76 No 5 and Mendelssohn's String Quartet Opus 444 No 3 in E flat both gems from the classical repertoire.
The ASQ is Quartet-in-Residence at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide.
This ASQ tour is funded by the Scottwood Trust, a national organisation based in Hamilton. It is the first time that CMNZ has received funding from this organisation."
Programme One
Schubert: Quartettsatz D703
Berg: Lyric Suite
Schubert: Quartet in D Minor D810 Death and the Maiden
Programme Two
Haydn: String Quartet in D Opus 76 No 5
Carl Vine: String Quartet No 3
Mendelssohn: String Quartet Opus 44 No 3 in E Flat
Concert Dates
March 21 Programme 1 8pm Glernroy Auditorium, Dunedin
March 22 Programme 1 8pm The Victoria Room, Civic Theatre Invercargill
March 24 Programme 2 8pm James Hay Theatre, Christchurch
March 26 Programme 2 8om Nelson Scholl of Music, Nelson
March 27 Programme 2 8pm Wellington Town Hall, Wellington
March 29 Programme 2 8pm Regent on Broadway, Palmerston North
March 30 Programme 1 8pm Century Theatre Napier, Napier
April 2 Programme 2 8pm Theatre Royal, TSB Showplace New Plymouth
April 3 Programme 1 8pm Auckland Town Hall, Auckland
All concerts Start at 8pm
For more information: visit www.chambermusic.co.nz
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91.14
DANGER AHEAD
Two short new plays by Diane Spodarek will premiere in the NEWTOWN COMMUNITY FESTIVAL in March."Marley and Rachel & A Body Part" a brief glimpse into a love story between the homeless in New York City. Directed by Barry Lakeman, featuring Kazz Funky Blue as Marley and Paulette McIndoe as Rachel. "In the Cellar of My Heart" a short story about suicide. Directed by Marjorie McKee, featuring a solo performance by Diane Spodarek. Newtown Community Centre, Colombo St, Newtown. March 7th & 9th at 8 pm. Free.Diane Spodarek is a Canadian American New Yorker who has been living in the Wellington area since 2005. She is an award-winning writer, playwright, and actor. Diane SpodarekDianespodarek@earthlink.nethttp://www.dianespodarek.comhttp://www.dangerousdiane.blogspot.com
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91.15
OH-SEVEN
070707: UpStage Festival - call for participation
a festival of live online performances to celebrate the launch of UpStage 2
You are warmly invited to create your own original cyberformance and perform it to a global audience, using UpStage - www.upstage.org.nz.
Purpose-built for live interactive performance events, UpStage is easy and fun to use. It works via a web browser so you don't need to download or install anything to create or attend a performance. The UpStage team can help you to learn how to use the software and give advice on devising work in UpStage and creating graphics.
To learn more about UpStage, come to the next open session: Wednesday 7 March, 9pm New Zealand time - check here for your local time: http://upstage.org.nz:8084
To submit a proposal, email the following information to info@upstage.org.nz:
- working title of your cyberformance and 3-4 sentences about it;
- names and locations of people involved;
- brief background/bios (not more than 300 words);
- preferred time(s), in your local time, for presentation on 070707;
- contact email and postal address.
Performances can be on any theme or topic - adapt a stage classic, tell your own story or go for the avant garde! The only rules are it must be no longer than 21 minutes, and must be created and performed in UpStage.
The deadline for submissions is MARCH 31 2007; selections will be made shortly after this and you will be advised as soon as possible.
The festival will take place online in UpStage, and screened at the New Zealand Film Archive, Wellington, NZ, on 070707 (7 July 2007). There is no entry fee; participating artists will be listed in a printed programme and on the UpStage web site, and will receive a DVD of the festival and copies of promotional material.
The development of UpStage 2 has been funded by the Community Partnership Fund of the New Zealand Government's Digital Strategy; project partners are CiityLink, MediaLab and Auckland University of Technology.
For futher information, email info@upstage.org.nz or visit www.upstage.org.nz
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91.16
BLINDED

Belinda Curran’s exhibition Blindsight.
Aaron Laurence Gallery
Opening preview 5:30 Friday (tonight) 23 February
24 February – 24 March 2007.
Belinda Curran is a mechanical kinetic artist. ‘I bring machines to life’. Her solo show, ‘Blindsight’ introduces a set of sci-fi robotic arms that will sense the viewer as they ‘probe the air as if aware of their surroundings,’ says Curran.
The name ‘Blindsight’ refers to a condition in which someone is apparently blind but if nudged, can respond to visual information without conscious perception.
‘All my work stems from an interest in science merging with humans. I am interested to see where we are going with technology, as we become our future.’
Curran started out as an English Literature graduate, but chose to pursue mechanical art after finding that she wanted to make a statement that was so solid it could not be knocked down – literally. ‘You don’t get much more solid than steel.’ As a welder’s daughter, Curran was interested in ‘making the tools that make the tools,’ and began a toolmaker’s apprenticeship. She then successfully hounded Academy award winning animatronics expert Chris Chitty to teach her how to ‘breath life into the work.’ He has been acting as her mentor ever since.
A full-time artist’s assistant to Wellington artist Elizabeth Thomson, last year Curran worked solidly on the artist’s City Gallery retrospective exhibition. She earned enough time off to enable her to work full-time over January on her own pieces and has hardly stepped out of the workshop since. ‘It is hard work’, says the artist. ‘After nine solid hours of threading the piping, tubes and valves of one robotic arm I was swearing like a trucker’.
Curran has not yet named her latest work, preferring to see what kind of qualities the work develops as a ‘living’ structure. ‘I’m looking forward to putting it in the gallery where it will acquire it’s own persona,’ she says.
There the new work will join ‘Alice’ (named by art dealer Peter Mc Cleavey), a larger-than-life mechanical spider-looking sculpture that grinds its own bony spine with sandpaper and makes pharmaceutical tablets from the powder.
Her show, ‘Blindsight’ opens at the Aaron Laurence Gallery in Lambton Quay (an underground space next door to Sounds music shop) on Saturday 24 February and runs until 24 March.
http://www.blueoyster.org.nz/2004belindacurran.html

Aaron Laurence Gallery
+64 (0)274 358 985
aaron@aaronlaurencegallery.co.nz
www.aaronlaurencegallery.co.nz (under construction)
www.myspace.com/algallery (Temporary but very cool)
326 Lambton Quay, BasementWellingtonNew Zealand
Open 11-6pm Tues-Fri 12-4pm SatOr by appointment
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91.17
MIGHTY BIG
The Mighty Mighty presents….
The Berlin Bonanza
in association with the Goethe-Institut 28 Feb – 10 March 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ihre Rettungsweste befindet sich unter dem Sitz (Your lifejacket is stowed under your seat)
Lebensgefahr (Danger High Voltage) it’s The Berlin Bonanza – a ten day extravaganza of all things Berlin – direct from The party capital of the world.
An eclectic range of events will be showcased at the unique cabaret environment of The Mighty Mighty Cuba St, from 28 February – 10 March (The Official Fringe Festival Bar 2007). Everything from German beer and sausage specials, to a line-up of some of the most progressive musical and DJ acts to come out of the Hauptstadt.
This project is a collaboration of The Mighty Mighty and the Goethe-Institut. It crystallised when Anna Dean of SPAM INC recently returned from a Berlin hiatus, bringing back with her top solo electro-new-wave-punk act Bonaparte and chansonette Ria Gruen. Coupled with electro legend Barbara Morgenstern and the urban grooves of Parisian Fred Avril these live music acts offer a diverse range of style and sound. The Euros will be supported throughout the spectacular by local Wellington acts who have recently played, or have a close affiliation with the city that never sleeps, or exceptional collections of German music!
Beyond the range of aural pleasure, audience members will also be invited to partake in this selection of Berlin’s best. Two revolutionary interactive bar events will be installed at The Mighty Mighty during The Berlin Bonanza – art installation Ping Pong Country and the Bar 25 Vodka Slide.
The art of Ping Pong Country is a hilarious roving game of table tennis, with country music setting the scene. It’s basically musical chairs but with Western Swing and a ping pong table. Coming from Berlin’s wild wild East, cowboys and cowgirls around the globe have been quenching their thirst for fun, drink and down home tunes for more than 6 years at various international art festivals (including SCAPE Christchurch 2006). Now it’s Wellington’s turn at the table.
Christoph Muecher, Director Goethe-Institut Wellington says, "We’re really delighted to have this smorgasbord of events happening in New Zealand. Everyone who comes along will get a grasp of the real Berlin feeling, and I’m especially keen to take out the prize of Ping Pong Country Champion!"
Meanwhile the Vodka Slide must be seen to be believed. The hottest craze in Berlin bars this summer created by Tenko, the original vodka pirate, and it will be manned by staff from Berlin’s most infamous bar, Bar 25. It involves shots, ice and pashing. That’s all we’re giving away now - you will have to see it in action.
"I’m very excited to present this injection of Berlin culture into our own Capital City" says Anna Dean. "It’s a city that certainly lives up to the hype and it was great to pick (and sample) what acts and events could work back here in New Zealand. I can’t wait to see how Kiwis react – particularly to the infamous Bar 25 Vodka Slide! I was often told by Berliners that New Zealanders are too prudish so this is a great chance to prove them wrong. Zum Wohl!"
There will be door sales for each event on the particular nights. Due to the popularity of Ping Pong Country players are advised to get in early to secure a place at the table.
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91.18
REAL HOT RECORD
We need your help. Read on...
The Real Hot B!tches World Record Breaking AttemptSat 24 Feb, 7pmAs part of the Cuba St Carnival.The Establishment Bar, Courtenay Place In association with The Establishment and 91ZM. Friends, family and fellow B!tches, we need you to dance with us and become part of world history as we try to break the World Record for the most people doing a synchronised dance routine. The song is Shot Through the Heart by Bon Jovi - we'll teach you all you need to know on the day.
Dress up in your lycra - or not - we don't care; just be there. Bring at least 5 friends. Come check out the carnival during the day and register your participation at the registration booth outside The Establishment. Look out for one of the lycra-clad RHBs to show you the moves. Turn up at 6.30pm to run through the routine and then at 7 pm we go for gold!
Thanks a million for your support and please pass this on!
Candy
Real Hot B!tches Dance TroupeTalk to us in myspace www.myspace.com/real_hot_b!tches (change ! for i) www.real-hot-b!tches.co.nz (change ! for i)
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91.19
AUSTRALIAN PLAYWRIGHT HOLDS THE GERMAINE GREER LEGACY HOSTAGE IN WELLINGTON
A farce about feminism? An audience with one of Australia’s most internationally successful and accomplished playwrights in the Fringe? You betcha. A woman with an uncanny echo of Germaine Greer is held hostage by women of two other generations in her own home. Joanna Murray-Smith (best known around the world for Honour) with Female of the Species (premiered Melbourne Theatre Company 2006) provides a hilarious riposte to the received idea that feminism and feminists are not funny. Join Playmarket, the Theatre Artists Charitable Trust, Circa and Joanna for a rehearsed reading and a look at writing comedies about social issues, and playwriting for an international audience on the last day of the Fringe. Directed by leading new work director Susan Wilson.Murray Smith has had over a dozen plays produced since she began writing in the late 1980s. Melbourne based her plays premiered almost annually at Playbox Theatre to critical and commercial success. Honour was launched at a Playwrights’ Workshop in New York with Meryl Streep in the lead and its numerous international productions include Broadway and London’s Royal National Theatre. We are pleased to be able to offer the first international airing of Female of the Species following its Melbourne debut. Murray-Smith’s visit to New Zealand has been organised by TACT with funding support from Creative New Zealand. The reading is part of the TACT Theatre Symposium Staging the Future at Circa Theatre (March 1-4), a symposium designed to inspire excellence in theatre, and at which Murray-Smith will also speak on the morning of Friday March 2. This Playmarket reading follows last year’s very successful playreading of leading UK playwright Simon Stephen’s Motortown as part of the Fringe. It is part of a continuing series of readings, discussions and workshops by Playmarket designed to open up New Zealand audiences, playwrights and practitioners to new work practise internationally.
Female of the Species by Joanna Murray-SmithCirca Two. Sunday March 4, 2pmTickets: $5. Fringe Addicts $3. Bookings through Circa Theatre, ph. 801 7992
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: CONTACT MARK AMERY, PLAYMARKET, director@playmarket.org.nz, Ph. 04 383 8464. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM PHONE (04) 801 8137 OR EMAIL LINDAS@CIRCA.CO.NZ
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91.20
QUIET UP FRONT
Frontseat's Back, It's Earlier And It's Online.

A new time slot, a new way to view, a new national poll, a new sponsor and a hot team of local personalities herald Frontseat's 2007 season on TV One.

Morning is the new evening, according to the new season's photo shoot for the arts show Frontseat. Frontseat returns to TV One on Saturday 3rd March in the new timeslot of 8.00am. Snuggling up together over croissants & coffee, in a pose re-imagining Annie Leibovitz's Fleetwood Mac portrait for Rolling Stone magazine, are host Oliver Driver, reporter Josie McNaught, and correspondents Noelle McCarthy, Jon Bridges and Chad Taylor. The photograph was reconstructed by gifted Auckland portrait artist Kirsty Griffin.

Feedback from the arts community has often included comments about the late hour of the show's broadcast. The show now has a consistent new 8.00am Saturday timeslot. And for arts-lovers who wish to view Frontseat at their leisure, this year for the first time stories from each episode of Frontseat will be available on the TV One website immediately after broadcast.

Now into its 4th year, Frontseat is well established as the weekly appointment for the latest news and rising stars in Kiwi arts and culture. "I'm darned proud to front an arts show that's maintained its credibility within the arts community whilst being irreverent and opinionated. And it looks great too," says Oliver Driver.

Producer Gemma Gracewood and reporter Josie McNaught return to the show. Also back this season is The Front Row, a popular feature which gives local personalities the chance to look at the arts from a different angle. Proving the strength of Frontseat's brand in attracting impressive talent, three high-profile, arts savvy names present the Front Row this season. They are novelist Chad Taylor, broadcaster Noelle McCarthy and humourist Jon Bridges.
Taylor made his Frontseat debut in Paris last November at Les Belles Etrangeres literary festival. His most recent novel is "Departure Lounge" and he was voted NZ's sexiest author by Sunday magazine. McCarthy is a Newstalk ZB host who featured at the top of the Sunday Herald's recent "power list" and tackled censorship for Frontseat last season. Bridges is a regular Listener columnist and notorious TradeMe trader "spellnazi". Last season he revealed the problem with poetry and uncovered the art in everyday jobs.
This year Frontseat will be at AK07 Auckland Festival, taking the viewers into the backstage areas, on-stage and beyond. Regular New Zealanders will talk about the art that surrounds them, there will be a "must-see" arts diary, and once again viewers will be polled on an important aspect of Kiwi culture.
Frontseat is made by Wellington production house Gibson Group, producer of high quality, strongly branded arts programming. Under the helm of executive producers Dave Gibson and Gary Scott, director John Hagen, researcher Gabe McDonnell, production manager Zelda Edwards and editor Raewyn Humphries complete the Frontseat team.
Frontseat's new sponsor, Resene, is recognised for its support of the arts through sponsorship and the creation of specific paint products for the arts sector's needs in areas such as film and art galleries.
www.frontseat.co.nz
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91.21
THE THIRD PASIFIKA PLAYWRIGHTS DEVELOPMENT FORUM 2007 DEVELOPING VITAL VOICESA daring and bloody Maori tragedy set on the cusp of the 19th century musket wars, and a play about the survival of an afakasi family (half caste Palagi/Samoan) living in New Zealand are presented to the public alongside a morning forum for those in Auckland involved in Maori and Pacific Island theatre, as part of the Third Pasifika Playwrights Development Forum. As part of Auckland City’s Pasifika celebrations and AK07’s Watch This Space programme, on March 9 the public have a chance to see presentations of two new Pacific works in progress for the stage at THE EDGE.The forum is organised by Playmarket and funded by Auckland City Council and Creative New Zealand with support from STAMP AT THE EDGE and UNITEC. It provides support for emerging Maori and Pacific Island playwrights through development of new work and an annual chance to come together and learn from each other, says Playmarket Director Mark Amery. "We relish our rich contemporary cultural identity as a nation, yet the frameworks within the theatre mainstream for the development of the indigenous voices of Aotearoa and the Pacific remain poor," argues Playmarket Director Mark Amery. "Emerging Maori and Pacific Island playwrights are a vital force in the development of a distinctive voice in our contemporary theatre culture, yet their potential remains relatively untapped." In recognition of this, Playmarket, New Zealand's leading script development organisation and Auckland City Council came together over three years ago to provide an annual development programme for playwrights of the Pacific. The forum is part of the Celebrate Pasifika and AK07 programmes, with the programme coordinated by leading Niue/Samoan playwright and producer Dianna Fuemana.
On FRIDAY MARCH 9 THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO:2 P.M. Herald Theatre, THE EDGE. Under My Mother’s Mattress by Fiona CollinsThe story of the O’Connor family and their survival as an afakasi (half caste palagi/Samoan family) living in New Zealand. Everything sacred is kept under the mattress. Directed by Gary Henderson6.30 P.M. Herald Theatre Flintlock Musket by Kirk TorranceColoured by MacBeth, this bloody tragedy shows the explosive results when a search for mana and a desire for utu mix as the outside world crashes into an iwi, isolated, unprepared and unwilling for the arrival of strangers and muskets. Directed by Rachel House.9.30am - 12.30pm Pasifika Theatre Forum Limelight Bar, level 2, Aotea CentreAn essential event for those interested in participating in the development of Maori and Pacific island theatre in Auckland. Playwrights Fiona Collins and Kirk Torrance have worked with their directors since November 2006 on their work, their plays selected through an open application process. Working with professional directors and dramaturgs, the casts are a mix of UNITEC students and professionals.
"Too often," says Fuemana, "a play’s development for independent companies becomes secondary to the need to meet production dates. This is not always a choice that is made, but a pressure brought to bear on the writer by necessity. We hope this programme will help encourage the growth of stronger theatre development practise."
The Pasifika Playwrights Development Forum 2007 is part of Celebrate Pasifika, featuring exhibitions, conferences and performances across film, theatre, arts and crafts and other areas. The Forum is also part of the inaugural AK07 Watch This Space programme, the beginning of an initiatives by the Auckland Festival and Arts Regional Trust to identify and develop New Zealand work. For further information contact: Mark Amery, Playmarket: director@playmarket.org.nz or Ph. (04) 382 8462/ 027 3566 128
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91.22
PLAY IT WELL
Adam Playreading Series 2007 – deadline for scripts Friday March 30thThis is now in its eleventh year in Wellington and is set for August and September at Downstage Theatre. It provides rehearsed readings of four full-length NZ plays ready to be considered for professional production, and yet to be produced in Wellington. This is an ideal opportunity for playwrights to receive professional presentations of their full-length work at close to final draft stage. Many plays have been picked up for production as a result of this series (three of last year’s for instance).The series is organised by the Downstage Theatre Society, Playmarket and Downstage Theatre, with the generous support of The Adam Foundation.E copy of scripts (preferably – if you send hard copy please include sae if you would like it returned) should be submitted to Playmarket (scripts@playmarket.org.nz, or PO Box 9767, Te Aro, Wellington) before the final deadline for submissions on Friday March 30th. Please make sure you include a full list of characters with brief description, and a brief synopsis. Please get in touch if you have any queries.
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91.23
PLAY IT COOL
Staging The Future IICirca’s theatre symposium is set to go – 1-4 March 2007. There’s room for you. Sessions include Creating a New Work, The Perfect Child-First Steps on Stage, Design, Directing our Passion, the Actor as Collaborator and Cross-Sector Collaboration. The symposium ends with a reading of Joanna Murray-Smith’s new play, Female of the Species. To register, please contact Circa Theatre ph 04 801 8137 or email lindas@circa.co.nz
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91.24
PANNZ 2007PromPT is presenting the next New Zealand’s Performing Arts MarketMarch 20 - 21, 2007 at THE EDGE in Auckland. This market is New Zealand’s sole marketplace for New Zealand and international touring works where producers, venues and festivals can meet, network, and get a glimpse of some of the incredible shows planning to tour. The 2007 market will also offer some exciting workshop opportunities for both venues and producers. If you have a play with a producer/director attached, and are interesting in being involved, check out their website: http://evanz.co.nz/pannz.htm
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91.25
AKL WRITERS

Biography, neuropsychology, photography, China and the economy feature as seven more international guests are confirmed for the 2007 Auckland Writers & Readers Festival:
Paul Broks (UK) a neuropsyschologist whose bestselling book Into the Silent Land is a mix of neurological case studies, speculative fiction and memoir, prompting comparisons with Oliver Sacks.
Carolyn Burke (Aus/US) biographer extraordinaire of iconic photographer Lee Miller.
Percival Everett (US) winner of the 2006 PEN USA Literary Award for Fiction for Wounded and author of the cult novel Erasure.
Joanne Harris (UK) much-loved novelist and Francophile is back with Lollipop Shoes; her sequel to Chocolat.
Will Hutton (UK) best-selling politico-economics writer visits Auckland to expand on his new book The Writing on the Wall: China and the West in the 21st Century.
Patrick Marnham (UK) author of Mary Wesley’s biography Wild Mary will share the stage with Wesley’s son, literary agent Toby Eady.
Xinran Xue (China/UK) updates us with her new work and travels since the runaway success of The Good Women of China.
Already confirmed Auckland Writers & Readers Festival authors are Tim Winton, Richard Ford, Kate Grenville, Carrie Tiffany, Pico Iyer, Don Winslow and Philip Ardagh. Festival Director Jill Rawnsley says there are still a number of international guests to come - not to mention an impressive cast of local writers. There will be an announcement on further international and local guests in early March.
The final programme will be launched on 29 March, on line at www.writersfestival.co.nz and in printed format Public bookings open on Thursday 5 April at Ticketek.
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91.26
LITERARY HOME

Arts Residencies Rotorua are pleased to announce that applications for a Writer in Residence 2007
are now being accepted. The closing date for applications is Friday 20th April 2007.
The successful applicant will be provided with rent-free self contained accommodation, a separate workplace, and a grant paid fortnightly during the twenty weeks from Monday 11th June to Sunday 28th October 2007.
The literary achievement to date of each applicant and their ability to produce a work of substantial literary quality will be a major factor during the selection process.
The 2007 Writer's Residency in Rotorua is funded by Creative Communities Rotorua, the Rotorua District Council and The Rotorua Trust, and hosted by the Waiariki Institute of Technology and Rotorua Writers group.
Visit www.creativerotorua.org.nz for further information.
Application forms are available by e/mail from bamm@paradise.net.nz also from -The Secretary
Rotorua Writers, PO Box 1972, Rotorua 3040.
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91.27
LITERARY GIG

Toi Whakaari, the New Zealand Drama School, is calling for proposals to research, write and undertake oversight of the publication of a history of the school. The proposed history will give a temporal narrative of the school from its inception to its present, including accounts of the people, events and milestones. Alongside this, the project will research and analyse the changes in perception of New Zealand culture(s) and the school’s place in responding to, mediating or shaping a changing landscape in performance and the arts. The project will also encompass discussion of the forward agenda including challenges and perceptions for the school’s future that are evidenced in the thinking and documentation of school practitioners and stakeholders (trustees, students, graduates, Boards and staff.
This research involves direct contact with students, past and present, teachers and mentors, archival material held within the school and by the University of Victoria and in other libraries. Ethical sensitivity will be a prime consideration and consent and clearance will be negotiated with all sources by the contracted researcher/writer.
Toi Whakaari, the New Zealand Drama School, will offer initial funding of $10,000. Further funding will be sought by the successful candidate for the project through agencies such as Creative New Zealand.
If you would like more information on the scope of the project contact Annie Ruth at Toi Whakaari annie.ruth@toiwhakaari.ac.nz
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91.28
ROCK IT!
Gallery Installation now on at Wellington Arts Centre
An installation by artists Gabby O'Connor and Michael Hawkins, the Rock Show, combines elements of sculpture, painting, music and performance.
Gabby has created a sculptural installation entitled extreme pressure: avalanche(2), and Michael plans to feed off Wellington indie-rock band The Resistance's live-musical energy to produce a series of painted works.
Gabby's installation includes hundreds of rough geometric rocks made out of collected and recycled envelopes. As artist in residency at Island Bay School, she encouraged pupils to make their own personal geometric rock (to take home at the end of the exhibition).
Gabby will also run a free Saturday workshops for members of the public at the Gallery on 24 February from 11am-3pm.
"I like the idea that anyone can take part in an artistic project," she says. "I want to challenge the traditional idea that art is exclusive to an elite group."
Michael is initially producing three painted works while rehearsing with The Resistance, which will be on display throughout the exhibition. However, for three consecutive Fridays, beginning with the opening night (16 February), audiences can watch Michael paint directly onto the gallery walls during the band's live set.
The focus of Michael's work will be his immediate response to the music. The Resistance in turn are expected to capture his energy in their performance, either by erratic time signatures or augmented melodies.
"The ideal situation is for us to bounce off each other creatively and to give visitors to Toi Pōneke a unique gallery experience," says Michael.
The Rock Show (Rocks that Roll & Rock n' Roll) is on view at Toi Pōneke Gallery, Wellington Arts Centre, 61 Abel Smith Street and runs until Friday 2 March.

The ROCK Show - Public Performances:
Featuring Wellington Band: The Resistance and artist Michael Hawkins
Wellington based artists Michael and Gabby have come together because their latest and diverse art practice shares a commonality: the word ROCK. Gabby explores rocks as objects and Michael analyses rock music and its influence on painting style.

Mid-way through exhibition Friday 23 Feb
Closing performance Friday 2 March

The ROCk Show - Public Art Workshop
Make a rock with Gabby O’Connor (suitable for any age group)
Saturday 24 Feb anytime time between 10.00am and 4.00pm
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91.29
BRING FORTH CUBA CARNIVAL
http://www.cubacarnival.org.nz/
And take your best shot, photographically
http://www.cubacarnival.org.nz/competitions.html
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91.30
GUESS WHERE WELLINGTON
http://www.flickr.com/groups/guesswherewellington/discuss/72057594068994824/
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91.31
BIG GRIN
The Amazing Orange Tricycle Presents….
Porcelain Grin
Directed by Sally Richards
BATS Theatre
Monday 26th February - Thursday 1st March
6.30pm, $15/12/10
Bookings: 04 802 4175 book@bats.co.nz
The surreal world of our private verses public persona, the masks we wear . . . and the tooth fairy
Porcelain Grin probes beyond the fake smiles. What lie’s just a scratch beneath the enamel? Luminescent social veneers are flossed to expose a decaying world of loneliness, and something as rare as hen’s teeth . . . the truth.
Using a transformative dentist’s chair, Porcelain Grin draws on the magic of story telling, as the characters reveal what lies beneath their porcelain grins – sometimes funny, sometimes fearful, dark or surreal.
Rising talent Brooke Williams (Toi Whakaari graduate 2006) has made a mark in Christchurch playing leads in productions such as 'Great Expectations' and 'The Cherry Orchard' before arriving in Wellington. After her acclaimed solo production Flash Trash as part of the Go Solo season, Williams is set to prove she’s a name to watch.
Director Sally Richards has a fascination with the art of solo performance. "The compulsion for a character to confess its darkest secrets to a voyeuristic audience appeals to me." Richards has just completed her Master of Theatre Arts at Toi Whakaari and is currently doing preliminary performance research for her PhD in Theatre on solo performance.
So why do we continue to smile in the face of adversity?
Brooke Williams' solo, Flash Trash, stood out for its excellence in concept, writing and performance. Weird and wonderful – Lynn Freeman, Capital Times
Versatile character actress Brooke Williams proves she is also a witty writer with a surreal imagination. Inspired! – John Smythe, Theatreview
Sally Richards directs in a way that compels our attention without allowing us the comforts of sentiment or sanctimony- intelligently directed and designed by Sally Richards – John Smythe, Theatreview
www.bats.co.nz
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91.32
SCULPTURE COMES HOME
Colin Webster-Watson: A retrospective exhibition
Now on view
Shed 11, Queens Wharf, Wellington Waterfront

Renowned sculptor exhibits 40 years of art
New Zealand sculptor Colin Webster-Watson has just shipped his life’s work of more than 100 items to Wellington for a free retrospective exhibition that opened on Tuesday 20 February at Shed 11.
Having spent more than 50 years living in London, Rome, New York and Palm Springs, Colin, now 80, has decided to exhibit his work in the place that he has always called home.
"I wanted to return to New Zealand to re-connect with my roots and give something back to this great country that has always been on my mind and in my heart during my travels," says Colin.
Spanish artist Pablo Picasso’s elimination of unnecessary lines and forms, and French sculptor August Rodin’s sense of spirituality and sensuality have been Colin’s major influences throughout his career.
"My love for animals, birds, the sea and mythology are also evident in my work," says Colin. "Using these themes, I wanted to explore the nuances of light and shadow and create sensuous sculptures of shimmering bronze."
One of the pieces that will be on display is a 14ft bronze sculpture of a fish, entitled Frenzy.
Signing his work simply as "Colin", he produces limited-edition sculptures that are predominantly in bronze but some are also in marble. One of his sculptures, The Tail of the Whale was gifted to Wellington City Council last year and is installed on Oriental Parade.
In this retrospective exhibition, Colin will also display tapestries, pottery, paintings, sketches, collages out of his own home-made paper, shadow boxes and film. At the opening, Colin will recite some of his poetry.
Colin Webster-Watson: a retrospective exhibition runs until Wednesday 28 February.
For further details please contact:
Colin Webster-Watson, tel 562 8070, fax 562 8079
www.colinwebsterwatson.co.nz

Colin Webster-Watson has recently returned to NZ after spending more than 40 years overseas living in London, Italy, Japan and California among other places. He is now 80 years old and wishes to re-connect with his roots and give back to the country he has always called home.
When in Europe Colin developed a great admiration for early Egyptian, Greek and Roman art. He studied Picasso's paintings and was particularly interested in the way that artist eliminated unnecessary lines and forms to reveal only the essence of creation. While visiting Paris he discovered the work of nineteenth-century sculptor Rodin, whose spirituality and sensuality have been a major influence on the development of the New Zealander's work.
It was while living in Rome that Webster-Watson focused on being a sculptor. His talent blossomed and took form, like the clay in his hands and in the words of his reviewer, "his sculptures are a marrying of movement and metal." Whether large or small, his pieces are sensuous flows of shimmering bronze and explorations of light and shadow. The artist's love for animals and birds, mythology and the sea is visible in many of his sculptures.
Webster-Watson, who signs his work simply "Colin", works in stone, predominantly marble and produces limited-edition bronzes. One of his sculptures 'The Tail of a Whale' was gifted to the Wellington City Council in 2006. It is now installed permanently on Oriental Parade, one-hundred metres east of Freyberg Pool, for Wellingtonians to enjoy.
In this retrospective exhibition Colin displays not just the sculpture which he is renowned for but tapestries, drawings and film. At the opening celebration Colin will bring to life a poem through performance that he has recently written.
Colin Webster-Watson is proudly supported by Ferner Gallery and the Wellington Sculpture Trust.
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91.33
HOME TRUTH
"Home and Away!
An exhibition of ceramics by Palmerston North potter Frank Light ; and paintings of NZ and Australia by Jan Thomson(Ngaio). The exhibition runs from March1st-March 15th at Gallery Frames, Ganges Rd, Khandallah.
It will feature Frank's ceramic dishes which are oven/microwave/dishwasher proof, as well as being beautiful pieces of art. Jan is showing a collection of both oil and watercolour paintings recording her painting journeys in Australia and NZ, comparing and contrasting elements of both countries.
janthomson@paradise.net.nz
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91.34
GET A SPACE
Are you interested in leasing an artist studio in Wellington’s hub of cultural enterprise and creativity?
Toi Pōneke, Wellington's Arts Centre, located at 61 Abel Smith Street, has been established as a creative production and development facility for emerging artists of all disciplines. Since opening in July 2005, the centre has become a thriving home to many Wellington-based artists, cultural projects, and organisations. A number of studios will become available from May 2007, and we now seek applications from interested local artists.
Studio artists have access to their studios 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Studios are located over two floors of the Arts Centre and vary in size, from 12sqm to 35sqm. Rental is dependent upon the studio size, location and the number of artists working in the space, but typically ranges from $55 to $120 per week for a studio with one artist (GST and utilities inclusive). Where studios are shared by more than one person, there is an additional charge of $10 per week per artist. Studio artists have the opportunity to exhibit at Toi Pōneke Gallery and have free access to our experimental project space, Studio 29.
Other facilities at Toi Pōneke include sound-proofed music studios, project rooms and multi-purpose rooms suitable for rehearsals, dance, teaching and meetings. Arts organisations based at Toi Pōneke include Sticky Pictures, Arts Access, DANZ, Fringe N.Z. Cuba Street Carnival, Blue Room Studio, Shakespeare Globe NZ Centre and Empress Stiltdance as well as a number of independent film producers and writers.
For further information about studios and creative spaces, or to arrange a visit to Toi Pōneke, give me a call. If you know of an artist in need of creative space, feel free to pass along these details.
Studio application forms can be obtained from the website, via email or picked up from Toi Pōneke, Wellington Arts Centre.
Address: 61 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Phone: 04 385 1929
Email: artscentre@wcc.govt.nz
Website: www.wellington.govt.nz
Applications close 28 February 2007.
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91.35
LOOKING AT THE FRINGE
http://fringe.org.nz/photo-gallery/
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91.36
ACTING UP
New 6 month Meisner Acting Class starting 6th March 2007
Tuesday 6pm-9pm @ The Film School
Level 2, 4-8 Oxford Terrace, Newtown.
Sandford Meisner's Acting Technique taught at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre in New York, promotes individuality and confidence while giving students practical and effective tools to build character and performance. This once-a-week-only class will focus on the improvisational and instinctive exercises from the technique in the search for emotional truth and realistic behaviour. It is not only popular with those wanting to pursue acting seriously but also people interested in exploring their creativity and genuine, unpretentious and pragmatic self-development. Fees for the 6 month course:
Term 1 – 8 classes in March & April… $240 incl. gst (Only $30 per class)
Term 2 – 9 classes in May & June…$270 incl. gst (Only $30 per class)
Term 3 – 9 classes in July & August… $270 incl. gst (Only $30 per class)
Warning: The technique and these classes are challenging and fun. Only call if you have courage and a sense of humour. Your commitment to the entire 6 month course is a must.
Here are what some of the former students say about the course:
"Having done some pretty intensive acting courses in London and New York, I was kind of disappointed about returning home to Wellington, thinking there was really nothing of that calibre in NZ. I’m so grateful and excited that this new resource is available here." Antonia Bale
"The energy in the class is electrifying."
Samara McDowell
"The ground that I’ve been making in these first few weeks is challenging, exciting and rewarding. I’m constantly looking forward to where it’s going to take me."
Erroll Shand
"It makes you live more consciously."
Becca Graue
"It’s kind of amazing, in today’s fast way of life and instant forms of communication, like the internet etc, that we go back to something honest and true here in this class. I love working that way with other actors."
Carrie Mclaughlin
Contact Barbara Woods at msbarbarella@hotmail.com or phone (027)548 7053
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91.37
A LOW HUM KEEPS ON HUMMING

Well, the missus is driving me crazy and I'm going stir crazy from all this sleep, so I figured…why not once more around the block, and figured while I was at it, why not a second time around the block.
I wasn't kidding when I said no more monthly A LOW HUM tours, try two tours in three weeks, and each, a little special. A LOW HUM presents for the first time, a DOUBLE HEADER
TOUR NO.1 .
There's a band everyone in Australia is talking about and it's not Wolfmother. A band who have spent the past coupla years touring all around the World – North, South, East, West…, playing shows with Mogwai, Deerhoof, Weird War etc..etc..yup, you got it. They rule. Point made.
Everbody, Seriously… EVERYBODY I talk to in Australia has reprimanded me for not taking them on tour already…so I'm dusting off the gaffer tape and checking the oil and water in the van, cause something's gonna blow up on this tour…and it ain't gonna be my van! (How about that for some flash hyperbole eh? – eat it up media!!)
This isn't the first time My Disco have come to New Zealand . They played a couple of amazing shows back in 2005 but this time they have an awesome new album "Cancer" in tow.
I thought to myself… This could possibly be the very last time I go on a multi-band tour as my (un)faithful 12-seater van is being sold end of the month, so I figured I'd put together a lineup of my favourite people and bands to tour with as well.
They're heading off in a couple of weeks to do shows in Europe and the US including a spot at the SXSW festival, but before they do so they're doing what they do best and playing kick ass live shows up and down the country. See their last few shows in NZ before they show the World what we know…that live bands don't come much better then So So Modern , and if you haven't seen them yet, odds are everybody is telling you should do so.
A Low Hum tour just wouldn't feel right with Disasteradio at the controls. At camp A LOW HUM last weekend he set the next Low Hum stage invasion record with 46 people getting their robot on beside him on stage. There ain't much better the Disasteradio . He's putting the finishing touches on his fifth record and boy the new songs are amazing.
This will be the third time I've taken them on tour in the past 6 months and if I had my way I'd never leave home without them. They make me dance, they make the whole World smile. If you have an old commodore 64 at home, bring it along…cause odds are one of Frase's will break down. Frase+Bri are the dance party. They are the trance party. They are the party. Party. Part.
My Disco (Aus), So So Modern, Disasteradio, Frase+Bri Feb 22nd – Kings Arms, Auckland Feb 23rd – Ward Lane , Hamilton (MEGA SHOW in association with Mole Music). With guests: The New Caledonia, Mega Hero's and Ministry of Hypocrisy. Shows starts at 8pm SHARP! $2 Waikato 's between 8-9pm .Feb 27th – SFBH, Wellington - VUW Orientation in association with the VBC Feb 28th – Phat Club, NelsonMar 1st – Wunderbar, Lyttelton Mar 2nd – MCR, Dunedin Orientation Mar 3rd – Jetset Lounge, Christchurch . AA show from 6pm. R18 show from 10pm
My Disco side shows Feb 24th – Bar Mode, Palmerston North with guests Black Chrome, The Necstretchers, The Hunk Mothers and Disasteradio Feb 25th – The Eye of Night, Wanganui with guests Disasteradio and The Hunk Mothers Mar 2nd – Canterbury University Lunchtime show with So So Modern
TOUR NO.2
Mystery Girl and A LOW HUM presents:
THE EVENS
The Evens are a duo from Washington DC . Ian Mackaye plays the baritone guitar. Amy Farina plays the drums. Both sing. They have two releases on Dischord Records: 2005's self-titled debut and last year's 'Get Evens'. Ian's other bands include The Teen Idles, Minor Threat, Embrace, and Fugazi. Amy's other bands include Mr.Candyeater, The Pharmacists, and The Warmers. Over the past three years, The Evens have toured throughout the U.S.A. , Europe , and Japan . They only play all-ages shows as they believe that music is for all people. This is The Evens' first visit to the southern hemisphere and they are grateful for the opportunity to come play music. Thanks.
New Zealand Shows : (All shows All Ages & $15) March 2007 4th - Auckland - Freemans Bay Community Centre - Presented by Mystery Girl 5th - Hamilton - Upsett Records (333 Victoria Street) 6th - Palmerston North - The Stomach (76 Lombard Street) 7th - Wellington – OS9 (Edward Street) 9th - Christchurch – Fuse (25 Wakefield Ave, Sumner) 10th - Dunedin - Circadian Rhythm (St. Andrew Street, Dunedin)
Tickets for all shows other then Auckland will be on sale from Mar 1 st . For ticket agents visit www.myspace.com/alowhum
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91.38
COURSES OF ACTION
"Introduction to Michael Chekhov's Acting Technique"
In this 1-day workshop Bert van Dijk will introduce participants to some of the principles of Michael Chekhov’s approach to acting that eloquently connects the body with our imagination.
It is suitable for singers, dancers, actors, directors and acting, dance & voice teachers.
The total of physical and vocal actions of the performer can be seen as the vessel of a performance. It is the performer’s secret how to fill this vessel with feeling, intention and imagination.
Participants will find out how to work with Archetypal Gesture to create intention and how to work with Atmosphere to create feeling.
Date: Saturday March 30, 2007 (10.00 - 16.00)
Venue: TARARUA TRAMPING CLUB, Moncrioeff St., Mt Vic, Wellington
Cost: $35 Early Bird (If paid by March 15) / $50 Full Fee
Booking: Ph 04 233 2090 / 021 1857956

"Singing from the Souls of our Feet"
Singing is an essential part of the experience and celebration of life itself. It fulfils the human need for self-expression and belonging: to be unique and to be part of a collective. After the thundering success of last years Singing workshop Bert returns to teach a brand new collection of exciting polyphonic songs from around the world, each capturing a unique rhythm and mood!
Date: Sunday April 1, 2007 (10.00 - 16.00)
Venue: TARARUA TRAMPING CLUB, Moncrioeff St., Mt Vic, Wellington
Cost: $35 Early Bird (If paid by March 15) / $50 Full Fee
Booking: Ph 04 233 2090 / 021 1857956
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91.39
CLUBBING
The Singers’ Club: live acoustic music
At the Roxy Cafe 203-205 Cuba St. Wellington
Tuesday 27th Feb 2007, $5 Door Charge from 7.30
Open for dinner, tasty nibbles and drinks from 6.00 pm
Live, acoustic music from 7.30 pm until 10pm (approx)
It’s Opening Night for The Singers’ Club in Wellington , on Tuesday 27th February! For regular news about who’s playing at the Singers’ Club on the Last Tuesday of every month, go here: www.nzacoustic.net
If you’re interested in playing at the Singers’ Club contact Tony Hillyard: 021 253 8996; or: info@TonyHillyard.com
The opening night will feature:
Bob McNeill
Bob McNeill is one of NZ ’s foremost folk artists and songwriters. His songs have been covered by top folk artists in New Zealand, Scotland and Ireland. Three times winner of the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand "Tui" award for Best Folk Album, including his acclaimed 2004 album Turn the Diesels.
Plus
Carol Bean: debut album: Read The Road Signs
Wellingtonian Carol Bean is sassy and seductive - rock'n'country blues at its very best.
Pat Higgins: Traditional songs with that captivating, soft Irish lilt
and the Singers’ Club Residents: Catriona Stuart; Alistair Cuthill; Tracey Haskell; Tony Hillyard

Good food, good company & great live acoustic music!
The Singers’ Club is a new Wellington acoustic music venue. Run by musicians, for musicians; providing a showcase for their music and talents, with an appreciative audience in a relaxed, comfortable and intimate environment.
The Singers’ Club aims to provide a cross section of great, live acoustic music, selected from the ever-growing pool of talent in the Wellington region with the occasional visiting artist from out of town.
People ask us what kind of a music venue is this? In truth, it’s easier to tell you what it isn’t. It isn’t a formal concert; it isn’t a cabaret and it certainly isn’t background dinner music. It is definitely a place for people who enjoy listening to and playing, good live acoustic music in surroundings geared to having a fun evening with friends.
Expect to hear everything from blues to bluegrass, Cajun to contemporary singer/songwriter and anything and everything in between. You’ll find the performers like to have a good time too and will really enjoy themselves playing in this informal ‘club’ format. However, even though we do have a good sound reinforcement system, you are unlikely to hear the latest rock band pumping out the decibels.
Although if Eric Clapton did happen to drop by to play an unplugged set ……
A few decades ago, Wellington city had several café acoustic music venues of its own. Now, with Wellington ’s excellent coffee bar culture firmly in place, the time seems right to re-create that same informal musical magic in the centre of town.
Our chosen venue, the Roxy Café at 203-205 Cuba Street, is fully licensed and offers excellent food and drink at very reasonable prices in a central location. Parking is easy. The café’s interior is simple and plain; heavy on natural materials like wood and brick, with subdued and intimate lighting in the evening to provide the perfect setting for everyone to relax with friends over some food and drinks, have fun and listen to a variety of great live acoustic music.
You’ll be made to feel welcome from the moment you arrive, so come and join us on the last Tuesday of every month for a great evening’s entertainment. Each month we will feature several artists as well as music from our resident singers and musicians and many of the performers will have cd’s for sale so you can take the good times home with you.
The Singers’ Club is supported by Alistair’s Music Shop and nzacoustic.net

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91.40
CHARITABLE ALERT
All NZ charities must register no later than 1 July 2008 (that’s next year), otherwise they risk losing income tax exemption and charitable gift duty-free status along with tax rebates for donors. Registration is now officially open (this month onwards).
The website for the Charities Commission is www.charities.govt.nz
Locate the forms and contacts there. Now go, do it.
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91.41
EARLY BIRD
Magdalena Aotearoa National Gathering
5-10 April, Wellington
Early bird deadline extended
There has been a great response to our call for works-in-progress to be presented at the National Gathering. The eight selected works involve 23 practitioners from "emerging" to "experienced" and represent a diverse range of styles, themes and stages of development. Together with the workshops, discussions and evening events, these work-in-progress presentations will make the Gathering a rich and inspiring event. The selected works and presenting artists will be announced shortly.
As there are still a few participant places left, and we appreciate that even a small fee is difficult for many theatre artists to find, the early bird discounted registration period has been extended up to February 20th. For unwaged/students, the early bird fee is just $150 - that's for 5 days packed with workshops, discussions and work-in-progress presentations with some of the country's most interesting contemporary women theatre makers.
Participation is open to both men and women, and there is also the option to register for single days if you are not able to attend the whole event.
Participant registration forms, the full programme and further information is available at http://magdalena.actrix.co.nz/gathering/ or email magdalen@actrix.co.nz.
Magdalena Aotearoa TrustPO Box 27 300WellingtonAotearoa New Zealandmagdalen@actrix.co.nzhttp://magdalena.actrix.co.nz
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91.42
KAHU SCOTT
Kahutography (A fresh look at Pacific branding)
South Coast Gallery – Island Bay
We are very proud to present Kahu Scott. An imaginative young artist with a promising future.
Live music will be played throughout the show by some of Kahu’s mates, the Brownlight Ensembles.
Exhibition runs from 10th February to 4th March. (10.30am – 6pm WED – SUN)
See you there,
Cameron Drawbridge
info@southcoastgallery.co.nz
South Coast Gallery
302 The Esplanade
Island Bay
971 8151
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91.43
DELIVER US
by Paul Rothwell
February 27 – March 3 2007 at BATS
The Bovine University co-operative, in association with PlayMarket,
are proud to present a terrifying new play from PAUL ROTHWELL, the controversial author of Golden Boys (BATS 2004, Circa 2006) and Hate Crimes (BATS 2005).
Cherie and Merrick are a successful suburban couple who’ve tried to give everything to their two ungrateful teenage children. Cherie hopes her daughter’s unplanned pregnancy will finally create their own mummy-daughter bond. But the moment the blue-tinged baby enters her home, Cherie's life changes completely. Thoughts of the baby consume her mind night and day, and enthusiasm for her premature granddaughter is soon overcome by morbid dread. Despite her family's fear she is losing her mind, Cherie knows maternal instinct never lies. Someone sinister grows in the nursery.
Combining the usual Rothwellian ingredients of malevolent horror, absurd comedy, incredible cruelty, and controversial insights into the heart of New Zealand society, Deliver Us guarantees to be the most terrifying play in the 2007 Fringe.
Its final outcome will haunt you forever.
With a stellar, award-winning cast including Erin Banks, Alex Greig, Salesi Le’ota and Jodie Hillock, Deliver Us is directed by David Lawrence and produced by Zelda Edwards.
Deliver Us ● BATS Theatre ● February 27 – March 3 2007 ● 9.30pm ● $15/$12 ● Bookings (04) 802-4175 or book@bats.co.nz
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91.44
GOOD BOOK

The New Zealand Book Council has announced an extensive season of events in Auckland and Wellington from February to June. It features local and international authors including Marina Lewycka (A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian), Conn Iggulden (The Dangerous Book for Boys), Bill Bryson, Lloyd Jones, Damien Wilkins, Carrie Tiffany and many more. For the full programme visit
www.bookcouncil.org.nz
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91.45
SONNETS UNITE
A new international competition aims to raise the profile of the sonnet in contemporary poetry. The judging panel of the International Sonnet Competition comprises Susan Bassnett (UK academic & poet), Jacqueline Osherow (USA poet) and Don Paterson (Scottish poet). They are looking for innovation and creative use of the medium, while recognising that a well-crafted poem will always stand out. ‘The aim of the competition is to see what can be done with, to, by and for the sonnet in the 21st century. That’s why the only formal stipulation for entries is 14 lines. After that '"rule" it's a free for all; new ideas are most welcome.’ First prize is £1400, and entries close on 31 October 2007. Full details and on-line entry form can be found at www.sonnetcompetition.com
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91.46
NEXT UP
Coming next from Stagecraft :
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
By Christopher Hampton
Directed by Meredith Dooley
Hampton's masterly adaptation , the basis for both the 1988 film "Dangerous Liaisons" ( staring John Malkovich, Glenn Close and Michelle Pfeiffer) as well as the hugely successful stage play, is at once daring and delicate, exhilarating and intimate....
The notorious Vicomte de Valmont is determined to seduce virtuous Madame de Tourvel, whos' husband is absent. At the same time, the Marquise de Merteuil is determined to corrupt the young Cecille de Volanges, recently brought out of a convent to be married.
Crackling with wit and wickedness, Les Liaisons Dangereuses depicts the decadence of the French aristocracy shortly before the French Revolution, as ex-loversValmont and Merteuil play their cruel games and pervert pure innocents - with tragic results.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses is on at the Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street and runs as follows:
21 – 24 March – 8 pm
25 March - 4 pm
27, 28 March – 6.30 pm
29 – 31 March – 8 pm
Tickets are $18 waged, and $15 unwaged, members or groups of 10 or more. Remember our two for one night on Thursday 22 March.
Bookings, ph 385 0532 or book online at www.stagecraft.co.nz
As the Financial Times put it Les Liaisons Dangereuses "bristles with tart, funny and exquisitely moulded lines – supple and addictive contemporary playwriting at its very best"
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91.47
A LOW HUM
is starting a CD-R "singles club"
Members of the club receive in the mail each month a brand new hand made, hand packaged, numbered, extremely limited edition split single by two awesome New Zealand bands. The tracks might be old, new, exclusive...anything I want. I might occasionally stick other stuff on the discs, like remixes...extra tracks etc...
Joining the club costs $30 per 6 months or $60 for 12 months. Do it now. See below.
A LOW HUM Singles Club:
Series 1. Jan 1st 2007 - June 30th 2007
Series 2. July 1st 2007 - Dec 31st 2007
You can join at any stage and you will receive any CDs you missed any coming in this period. As soon as June finishes the Series 1 catalogue will be deleted and will NEVER be available again. So don't muck around
This price is for sending within New Zealand only. If you live outside of New Zealand, please email: alowhum (at) gmail.com for shipping options.
HOW TO PAY:
DIRECT CREDIT: Email - alhshop (at) gmail.com and we'll give you information about how to make bank payment
CHEQUE: Send a Cheque for $30 or $60 to Blink, 55 Hall Street, Newtown, Wellington. Make sure to include your name, mailing address and email address on the back of cheque.
TRADEME: Click the following link -
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=1567250
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91.48
CARTERTON IN SITU
Sculpture in the Country
Having seen the success of Sculpture in the Garden in Christchurch, which is now the most successful outdoor sculpture event in New Zealand, a group of local Carterton art enthusiasts identified a great opportunity to promote local sculptors and artists in the Wairarapa.
The six acres at Awaiti Garden in Chester Road, Carterton provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy quality pieces of art created from cast bronze, carved stone, wood, ceramic, steel, wire and anything else you can think of, while enjoying wine, food and music.
Sculpture in the Country is open on the 10th & 11th March and coincides with the celebration of the 150-year anniversary of the Carterton area. This is an inaugural event and is envisaged for it to be held every two years. Sculpture in the Country will showcase the works of over 50 sculptors from all over New Zealand including such well-known artists as Jeff Thomson, Paul Deans, Phil Newberry, Dave Roy, Allan Coleman, Jenny McLeod, plus many more.
Wine, beer and speciality food stalls will be selling local produce with refreshments available in the garden tearooms run by Katrina Jordan. Music will be played in the gardens by local musicians.
The beneficiary of the sale of art works will be Ronald McDonald House, which will receive the net proceeds of the sale of the artist’s works. Ronald McDonald House provides temporary accommodation for families of seriously ill children.
Fundraising mainly takes place in Wellington so this presents a great opportunity for the Wairarapa region to do its bit to support a charity it derives direct benefits from.
http://www.awaitigardens.co.nz/
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91.49
URGENT NOTICE
A form of resistance
A call out for notices of disappointments, rejections, limitations, restraints, refusals, etc. Have you ever applied for something but were turned down?
Have you received a letter which said, "After careful review of your application, we are sorry to inform you but…", "As of today your monthly bill has been increased to…", "Your power has been turned off effective immediately", "You have been fined…", "We think your ideas is utter crap…", "Ah, like, ..yeah, right!"… ? Has a notice, letter, or form of any size or shape ever had the power to make put you in a bad mood or ruined your life as you know it?
I’m collecting all notices like these from the trivial to the paramount (from the mosquito-bite notice to the crocodile-clencher).
The purpose:
To liberate you from these forms that you could otherwise trash. Trashing them is too easy of a fate.
They are another form of hurdle/ border/wall/ "anti-cruise" that we have to face, jump over, and move passed but there’s no harm in laughing at their flimsy paper form of existence.
These forms will eventually be plastered on the wall of a new artist space in the Lower Haight for defacing. You all will be invited to draw, doodle, scribble, or write your response on them at the opening.
Originals preferable, but photocopies ok.
Black out (or tape over) any personal information except for your first name.
I’ll keep everyone posted about the opening (I need to collect piles of forms first!)
Send them to:
Melissa Wyman
721 Wisconsin St. Apt # 2
San Francisco, Ca 94107
USA
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91.50
GARDENS MAGIC TOO
A Gallery in the Gardens
Wellington based photographer, Paul Thompson, will be showing his new series of photo-works in the Begonia House this coming February. Standing on slender metal stilts that are reminders of the steel structures that make up conservatories, the photographs explore the ideas that ancient Greek philosophers debated in their gardens.
Rising like mutant monsters from the green depths of the lily pond in the Botanic Garden’s Begonia House are the ten pieces of Wellington photographer Paul Thompson’s latest work entitled ‘The Philosopher’s Garden’.
Paul says, "I was fascinated by the ways the Greeks structured the world through the idea of the basic elements of Earth, Air, Water, Fire and the stuff the stars are made of. They also discovered many of our ideas of geometry and rationality so their gardens were places pivotal to the development of Western and indeed modern thinking. That’s why the gardens are perhaps a more appropriate venue for this exhibition than a conventional gallery".
Wellington Botanic Garden’s Manager, David Sole, picks up on this approach. "We have always considered that gardens are places of education , enjoyment and research, as well as for recreation which is why we encourage art and other programmes. We are pleased to work with Paul on this exhibition especially as it celebrates and comments on the historical role of gardens – naturally a subject of great interest to us".
Paul has exhibited widely in NZ and also overseas. He is the author of five books and his photographs are in many public and private collections. He can be contacted on 472 6111 or emailed at: museumphoton@paradise.net.nz.
‘The Philosopher’s Garden’ will be on show in the Begonia house from 21st Feb to March. The Begonia House is open daily between 10.00am and 5 pm.
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91.51
CIRCA
The Sovereign Season of
BACKWARDS IN HIGH HEELS
By Stuart HoarDirected by Rachel More3 February – 3 March
Circa Two
Dancing is dangerous: it has the power to disturb, subvert and confront, and it puts us in touch with the very rhythms of life.
Holly and Jonathan are intelligent, successful, charming and approaching a comfortable middle age – almost too comfortable for words.The night Holly brings home the sexy and disturbing Marta they are introduced to the animal world of Tango, which challenges everything they thought about each other and the nature of love.
Backwards in High Heels (Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did but backwards and in high heels...) is a witty comedy of manners for the 21st century. Proudly sponsored by Sovereign.
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91.52
AT FARSITE GALLERY
Current Exhibition
"As I See It" 13 – 28 February
"As I See It" is an exhibition of artworks by Hutt Valley artist Kathleen Burt. Kathleen has been painting and exhibiting for a number of years and works in both oils and acrylics producing wonderful, vivid images of everyday life. Having exhibited at Farsite Gallery before and at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts it is a pleasure to welcome Kathleen back for "As I See It".

"Fresh to the Valley" 1 –25 March
"Fresh to the Valley" is an exhibition of artworks by new Settlers to the Hutt Valley.
Complementing the Petone Settlers "Fusion" festival, "Fresh to the Valley" will feature a wide range of artworks, mediums and styles all created by people who have lived in the Hutt Valley for two years or less.
The Petone Settlers will be running taste tents on Saturday 3 & 10 March as part of the "Fusion" Festival. If you are visiting "Fusion" pop in to Farsite and view "Fresh to the Valley" while your there.
Artist’s Alley
We will again be running the Artist’s Alley as part of the Jackson Street Fiesta. There are still spaces available to anyone wishing to exhibit their artworks to a potential audience of thousands. It’s a great night out and an excellent chance to display and sell artworks. For further information go to www.hvca.org.nz or call Farsite Gallery on 04 5683488.


Volunteers needed
With a busy couple of months ahead we are looking for volunteers to be involved in some fun community activities.
Jackson Street Fiesta - Saturday 10th February, Gallery minders
New Dowse Opening – Saturday 17th February Helpers for a Children’s Mural
Sausage Sizzle volunteers. If you are planning to pop down to either event, and can spare an hour or two, please call Tony or Rachel
Poets Pub
Poets Pub, is blasting off for 2007. As a free community activity, sponsored by Creative New Zealand and the Hutt City Council through Hutt Valley Community Arts, we invite you all to come along on Monday, February 5th @ 7.30pm at the
Angus Inn Hotel. Stephen Douglas, has convened Poets Pub for a couple of years and notes, "as their first get-together we'll have an extended 'open mic' (ie. poetry from the floor on the night) session and time to mix and mingle. If
you have never been before, then, don't be shy come on by and check us out."
Meals are available at the bar, complimentary coffee and tea provided.
We welcome new and past readers to our monthly readings. Each month Poets Pub's hosts a guest poet as the main reader and provides an opportunity for you to be creative; read/perform your poetry, short story, or song with others. We plan to have at least one workshop type gathering during the year. The well known landmark, Angus Inn Hotel, is our venue, and is kindly sponsoring us by giving us the use of one of their bars again.
Monthly readings, first Monday (February 5th) at 7.30pm, venue Angus Inn's,
Murphy or Conservatory Bar, (Waterloo Rd entrance). For more, contact Convenor Stephen Douglas 569 9904
Petone Fair Day
If there are artists or craftspeople wishing to display their works during the Petone fair day (Saturday 17th February) we have a select number of stall spaces available outside the gallery for $10.00 per space, please contact Farsite Gallery to register interest.
Gallery Space available for hire
We still have a select number of spaces for exhibitions at Farsite Gallery later in the year. If you are interested in holding an exhibition of your artworks or know someone who would like to have an exhibition, we have exhibition spaces available at very reasonable rates. For further information or an application form please contact Tony @ Farsite.
That’s about all for now, look forward to seeing you all soon
Tony Yates
farsite@hvca.org.nz
Ph. (04) 5683488
fax.(04) 5686553
www.hvca.org.nz
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91.53
ROAR GALLERY AND THE GHOST OF BAHKTIN
"ROARski’s
Wonderful World of the Carnivalesque!"
Fringe 2007 15th February – 3rd March 2007
This Fringe, it’s not just theatre which is getting all the glory…….ROAR! gallery has tempted all those shy and retiring artists out of their corners to express their secret love of all things carnival and circus.
Let us set the scene. It is February 2007 in Wellington. It hasn’t been the best summer and you are wondering if life could possibly be a little more exciting, exotic, strange……………. But at ROAR! gallery, we are challenging the drab everyday…………squeezy box music floats down the stairs, reminding you of those long nights wandering in the back streets of Paris. You climb the stairs through streamers which hang from the ceiling to enter a world which is old and new, familiar and strange…………
A cavalcade of artistes!!
Val Sutherland creating papier mache bearded ladies and lizard women, Michele Irving’s Amazing Balancing Dogs, brand new hot off the press prints from the inimitable Sam Broad, Vegas girls from Meta Assink exploring her bedazzling and bemusing trip to Las Vegas, new Daredevil Acrobats from Carmel McSherry, and puppets from the locked and mutating cupboard by Mary Laine………
Come see work made before your very eyes!!!
In the Portal we are proud to present our first artist in residence, Vanessa Crowe. Accomplished in many media including drawing, painting and textile works, Crowe will be building an installation for the three weeks of the show, and will be available for visits during the exhibition.
FREE EVENTS
Come and join the circus!!!
February 24th – Be glammed up for the Carnival in an all day free make up session by make-up artiste Leila Torrington. Or, come make your own mask with Sharyn Young from 1pm – 3pm, all welcome, and all materials provided.

For more information please contact Sian Torrington at roargallery@paradise.net.nz
04-3857602
Sian Torrington
Gallery Manager
ROAR! gallery
55 Abel Smith St
1st Floor
Above Real Groovy
Wellington
PO Box 9720
P - 04 3857602
F - 04 3828632
E - roargallery@paradise.net.nz
Wed 11-5 Thur 11-6 Fri 11-5 Sat 11-5
ROAR! gallery - Promoting Outsider Art
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91.54
NEW ARTSPACE ON THE SOUTH COAST
Owhiro Bay Summer Arts Market
3 Happy Valley Road
Creative/studio space available. The two warehouses in Owhiro Bay are expanding, and new spaces are available for all kinds of creative people. Spaces vary in size, and there’s a DIY ethic to customise your work area. If interested, contact Alicia on 027 358 9192 or
aliciarosecaldwell@yahoo.co.nz
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91.55
AFTER CARNIVAL
Over 1000 people are expected to descend on the Edward Street precinct to party the night away after the Cuba Street Carnival Parade on Saturday 24th Feb. Four venues in the funky Edward St Precinct will join forces to stir up an unprecedented night of colourful, high energy and all-night monster party melt-down in the best traditions of Carnival in Brazil and around the world.
There will be something for everyone, with each venue hosting a different musical style including 'Brazilian Carnival ' (Subnine), 'Worldbeat/Balkan Fusions' (Curve Bar), 'Hip Funky Jazz Soul' (Tupelo Bar) and 'Latin Lounge' (Vivo Wine Bar). To get that great variety the event organisers are delighted to have secured the highest calibre carnival acts in the country. Acts confirmed include:
- Batucada Sound Machine (Akld)
- The Beat Squad
- AK Samba (Akld)
- Wellington Batucada
- Carlos Navarete (Mexico)
- Niko Ne Zna
- Onomatopoeia
- DJ Bobby Brazuka (Brazil)
- DJ Topknot
- DJ Azucar
- Mi Tierra Dance Group
- Dance Brasil
- Plus hordes of amped-up Carnival Parade participants
Event Promoter, Greig Wilson says "There has been a host of smaller Carnival after-party events in the past, but our vision was to pull together the amazing talent of performers and musicians to create one hell of a memorable after-party - all focussed in one area - a bit like its a street in Rio. We really want to transform that area into something great. And even better, no matter if its rain, wind, hail or snow, this event will be immune to the worst that Wellington's weather can throw at us.
With four venues practically side-by-side in the precinct, it's just a step or two between the different zones. The support we have received has been amazing; we have been inundated with interest from many artists keen to be involved .
This is an after-party of a scale never seen before in Wellington, and you can get all of this for only $20 - thats got to be a good deal!"
Only 600 pre-sales will be available from Cosmic Corner and Real Groovy. Door sales from 11pm . Main acts from 1am till 6am
This high energy event brings together the best of Brazilian infused, Latin flavoured, jazzy performances for one hell of an after-party of a kind never seen before in the Capital!
o Date: Saturday Night 24th Feb.
o Time: 11.00pm til 6am
o Place: Edwards St Precinct (entry on the corner of Manners and Victoria Sts)
o Huge thanks to our Sponsors: Shotngo, 91ZM, Cosmic Corner, Phantom Billboards and Carlsberg
More information visit
www.subnine.co.nz
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91.56
STAB IT
2007 is the twelfth year of the STAB Commission and Season
at BATS Theatre.
Creative New Zealand funds BATS to commission 1, 2 or 3 boundary-shattering performance works every year from some of the country’s most exciting creative minds. Here’s your opportunity to dream up a cutting edge performance experience. Pitch your vision to BATS, and potentially be commissioned to turn it into an astounding reality.
The deadline for expressions of interest is Friday 16 March. All STAB 2007 seasons will be performed on-site at BATS Theatre.
Contact BATS Theatre for more information: 1 Kent Terrace, Wellington; (04) 802 4176 or bats@bats.co.nz)
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91.57
CHOREO-AUCKLANDERS INVADE!
'The Leaning Tower of Penchant' by Back Lit Productions'The Ruins' 69-70 Tasman St, next to YMCA, Wellington CentralOutdoor venue, come prepared! Dates 22-24th February 2007 Start time: 8pmKoha'Penchants' Exposed in a Vibrant Outdoor Performance by Ten Auckland Choreographers and Dancers.'Contemporary Dance Company Back-Lit Productions will present an unusual outdoors performance as part of Wellington Fringe Festival 2007. The show is an experimental collaboration between the ten members of the company, combining their varied skills as choreographers, dancers and artists to create an explosive contemporary dance/performance art show, taking an in-depth look at human 'penchants' and desires. The Leaning Tower of Penchant is presented within a derelict building, 'The Ruins' on Tasman St, where intimate performance vignettes culminate in an unforeseen and extraordinary finish. Assistant Director of the project, Rosey Feltham, describes the show: 'Penchant' is a tower of indulgence and desire. The inhabitants of Penchant are entranced by their desires. As you are immersed in this illusory maze, you realize that nothing is as it appeared from the outside. Will the tower continue to accumulate desires and hold fast, or will it topple under the strain?' Exploring new grounds in dance performance by using an alternative venue and 'found' lighting sources, Ambrose, artistic director of the show, aims to take contemporary dance away from the traditions of the proscenium theatre and to explore the possibilities created where dance meets performance art. Recent TEMPO Festival Awards winners, Back-Lit Productions are a dedicated group of ten choreographers and dancers who reside in Auckland. Members of the company admit that there could be some challenge involved in truly collaborating with so many artists together, but say that this is what will make the show have vibrancy and depth. The company has worked together since graduating from Unitec's Dance program in 2005 and they feel the bond they share will overcome any creative tensions arising from this intensive collaboration. 'Back-Lit Productions created a stir with their polished, confident works that shifted between poignant, darkly Butoh and entertaining themes.' Francesca Horsley, Listener Review of Fuzzy Reception.'……………extremely professional production and performance' Julia Milsom, Danz Quarterly Dec 2006
www.myspace.com/backlitproductions_ltd
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91.58
FLAGONS AND FOXTROTS
Directed by Alison Quigan
Written by Alison Quigan & Ross Gumbley
10 FEBRUARY – 17 MARCH
Downstage Theatre
Mon -Thu 6.30pm, Fri & Sat 8pm
Bookings: 04 801 6946 or www.downstage.co.nz
Saturday night. 1965. Wellington, New Zealand. The place to be is down the hall.
This is Alison Quigan and Ross Gumbley’s sixth collaboration and their best. The story hits a personal note with everyone, the jokes will have you rolling in the isles and you won’t be able to help but tap you feet to the beat of the Archie Moore Trio.
Sid Jenkins has been running the local Dance Hall for years – with a bit of help from Aunty Ina, who runs the local switchboard and provides the legendary curried eggs – but tonight will be unlike any other! Revelations and surprises unfold in an evening of fun, laughter and rampant hormones.
Archie Moore has big dreams of stardom and it looks like tonight may be his lucky break. He has two obstacles: his hormone-ravaged brother Pinkie and the fact that Sid won’t even let them play!
Throw in Jack and Jillian's rocky romance, Rita's pulse-racing twist lessons, a few sneaky pints out the back and sooner or later someone's bound to step on someone else's toes …
Director and Co-writer Alison Quigan has worked as an actor, writer and director nationwide and was Artistic Director of Centrepoint Theatre in Palmerston North for eight years. Her plays have been performed around the country and recently Mum's Choir was performed at Downstage and in Christchurch and Auckland. Flagons and Foxtrots, a play that Alison co-wrote with Ross Gumbley in 1999, under the name of The Newbury Hall Dances, was last performed at the Court Theatre, Christchurch in 2006.
Alison has the distinguished honour of being New Zealand's second most popular playwright after Roger Hall and Downstage is thrilled that she is able to take time out of her busy schedule to direct her own creation. Alison is a familiar face to most New Zealand households as she is currently playing the role of receptionist Yvonne Jeffries on Shortland Street.
So join us for a nostalgic celebration as we head down to the hall for a night of music, dance and hilarity.
‘Kiwi comedy at its joyous best … this outstanding production saw the audience rise to its feet at the end to offer a richly deserved ovation.’ – The Press
‘On opening night the audience was hysterical… enough to send them into paroxysms of delight.’ - The Listener
We have assembled a cast of established actors and fresh new talent for this foot tapping new production including . . . Peter Hambleton, Geraldine Brophy, Jamie McCaskill, Kane Parsons, Kip Chapman, Kali Kopae and Laurel Devenie.
DesignersLesley Burkes-HardingMartyn Roberts
www.downstage.co.nz
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91.59
CHRIS MEAD WORKSHOP
1st MarchAs part of the TACT Theatre Symposium being organised by Circa Theatre (March 1 – 4) Playmarket has organised a workshop (at Circa) on Thursday 1st March, 10 – 6, with Chris Mead, Artistic Director of Playwriting Australia (see brief bio below) entitled :- "Damned Writers and Literary Police; lies, traps, anecdotes and crowded houses; a full day to vent, rethink, rebuild & change the world".Sounds lively – and so does he! (For a mere $50 for the day for Playmarket clients and Playwright members; $80 everyone else.) This will be of particular interest to writers and directors interested in new work. There will be a limit of 20 people, and there has been a lot of interest, so get in fast.Please reply asap with your details and your cheque (Playmarket, P.O. Box 9767, Wellington)- OR if you prefer direct credit , send email notification to :-accounts@playmarket.org.nz Details to include for direct credit payment are:- Bank: BNZ - Courtenay Place, Wellington; 02 0568 0020573 00Account name: Playmarket IncorporatedPlease use as a Reference your initial and part surname.)Deadline for payment is 22nd February.Script Development Coordinator, Playmarketwww.playmarket.org.nz New Zealand's playscript advisory service and playwrights' agencyTel: +64 4 382 8462Fax: +64 4 382 8461CHRIS MEADChris was Literary Manager of Company B Belvoir St Theatre from 2000-2003, the Literary Manager and Wharf 2LOUD Producer at the Sydney Theatre Company from 2005-2007, and he has just been appointed the Artistic Director of the new national playwriting advocacy body, Playwriting Australia. Chris has been directing for theatre since 1987 when he wrote and directed his first play while at SUDS (Sydney University Dramatic Society). For Kicking and Screaming, directorial credits include Close to Home, Been So Long and Turnstiler (SBW Stables); Imago and Pussy Boy (B Sharp at Downstairs Belvoir St); and three hundred and sixty positions in a one night stand, (2002 Sydney Festival). Chris was the Curator of the Australian National Playwrights’ Conference in 2004 and 2005 and the Festival Director of World Interplay, the International Festival for Young Playwrights in 2003 and 2005. For independent companies he directed Cross Sections at the Old Fitzroy, and Howie the Rookie in Auckland and Wellington – the latter was later awarded Best Production for the small stage for 2003 by the New Zealand Herald and the former transferred to the Opera House. He has a PhD in Australian history from the University of Sydney, and was nominated by the Sun Herald as one of 2001’s best directors. Chris specializes in directing and dramaturging new work. He was awarded an inaugural Dramaturgy Fellowship by the Australia Council in 2004. In 2004 and 2005 he lectured at the University of Wollongong in the Faculty of Creative Arts.
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91.60
NZ AFFORDABLE ART SHOW GEARING UP
Artists can register now for the 2007 show, planned for August 2-5 in Wellington. Get all the details, and begin the registration process, here
www.affordableart.co.nz
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91.61
STREET-WISE WELLY BLOG
www.texture.co.nz
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91.62
PROSODY OF THE WORLD
The New Zealand Poetry Society’s 2007 International Poetry Competition is under way, and closes on 30th May. There are 4 sections: Open Verse and Haiku, in adult and junior categories. The junior sections are open to young people below the age of 17 at the date of closing.
There are cash prizes, and place-winners and other selected poems will be published in The New Zealand Poetry Society’s annual Anthology, to be launched in November 2007.
This year’s judges are: James Norcliffe (Open Verse), Ernest Berry (Haiku), Bernard Gadd (Junior Open), and Patricia Prime (Junior Haiku).
Full competition details and entry forms can be obtained from the website:
www.poetrysociety.org.nz Last year’s results and judges’ comments are also on the website.
Further enquiries and requests for hard copies of the entry forms can be directed to:
The Competition Secretary, PO Box 5283, Wellington 6145 (enclosing a SSAE) or from:
competition@poetrysociety.org.nz
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91.63
NEW WAY TO WALK
Wellington’s first soundwalk mixes historical narrative, music, and the sound of the streets…
http://feelinggreat.co.nz/outdoor-activities/push-play-activities/9487-audio-walk.php
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91.64
NEW WAY TO SEE TAXI DRIVERS
(Thanks Alison)
Wellington’s Taxi Drivers
You are Invited by artist Alison Jones
To participate in Thanks Driver a unique community arts project
happening in early 2007

What it is: A photographic exhibition that seeks to reveal the range and diversity of Wellington’s taxi driving community. To many, the driver is the often anonymous person who gets them from A to B safely and quickly: not particularly remembered or acknowledged after the ride is over. Thanks Driver will showcase about 25 drivers, through a series of documentary photographs by Alison Jones. The project hopes to show each taxi driver in three different situations: a portrait of the driver with his/her cab; the driver in his/her home setting, lunge, or domestic life; and the driver doing an activity or hobby that he/she is passionate about. With a series of three-fold images, Thanks Driver seeks to reveal the subjects as a unique and diverse aspect of the Wellington’s community.

What’s in it for the drivers: This project will provide an opportunity to have photography represent your life and identity to the wider community. We are inviting all of Wellington’s drivers to take part. Those who participate will help depict the multi-faceted people who drive our local taxis (musician, student, diver, dog trainer, radio presenter, artist, scientist, etc). Thanks Driver will also provide an opportunity for the subjects to present their views on life, Wellington City, and their jobs. The final images will be exhibited in late 2007, with everyone involved invited to see the photographs. The artist, Alison Jones, will also present each driver will be presented with a photographic print of their three images.

Where is it: Thanks Driver will be exhibited at the Toi Poneke/ Wellington Arts Centre gallery, 61 Abel Smith Street, in October 2007. The images collected for the project will be used for this project only. After the exhibition, the prints will be gifted to the National Library of New Zealand collection as documentary archives for the nation (if the drivers/subjects have given their permission).

Who’s involved: Alison Jones is a keen and committed Wellington artist with 16 years experience in photographing people and documentary subjects that interest her. She has a suite of work in the Wellington Museum of City and Sea collection, featuring early 1990’s railway workers and passengers on Wellington’s train platforms and suburban units. Alison would like Thanks Driver to be a collaboration between her and the participating subjects, and wants to develop the project and final images in consultation with the taxi drivers who are keen to be part of this art and community project. Initial portrait shooting will begin in January 2007.
If you are interested in being part of the Thanks Driver project
please contact Alison Jones on 021 58 4554 or 04 976 4391
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91.65
INTRODUCTION TO CLOWNING WORKSHOP
March 3rd 10.00-4PM AND 4TH 10.00 - 3PM
Waged $120/Unwaged $80.
FOR INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS:
AILEEN DAVIDSON
h) 973 7585 w) 801 7273
connaught@paradise.net.nz
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91.66
YOUR ARTS NEWS HERE
Just send text information/email to
arts@wcc.govt.nz
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91.67
THE THEATRE VIEWS
http://www.theatreview.org.nz/
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91.68
THE NO.8 WIRE: PAST AND PRESENT
Archives of the No. 8 Wire are on-line at
www.arts.blogspot.com
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91.69
CONTACT THE NO.8 WIRE
To be removed from this email list…
To be added…
To submit contents, events, opportunities, or comments to contribute to…
Please send word to
arts@wcc.govt.nz
Furthermore, send comments, questions, requests, etc to
Eric Vaughn Holowacz
Arts Programmes & Services Manager
Wellington Arts Centre
61-69 Abel Smith Street
Wellington, New Zealand
Arts@wcc.govt.nz
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ENDNOTE
Fatal Flaw in the New Zealand Arts Ecology?
Think-piece from Gondwanaland

In many city and state arts agencies, at least in North America and Europe, annual operational funding is treated as the cornerstone of a healthy and stabile creative landscape. General support grants, often called annual operating funding, is awarded competitively to even the smallest cultural organisations. The result is good government supporting its cultural ecology: it is public policy designed to professionalise and advance the basic existence and mission of many smaller institutions. Annual operating support grants, often between $5,000 and $20,000, are often called "unrestricted," because the funding can go to cover any overhead or administrative cost: staffing, utilities, Internet, postage, insurance, newsletter, a ream of paper. But where is this method of funding support in New Zealand?

A non-profit organisation's annual budget is usually divided into Operational Expenses and Programme/Project Expenses. New Zealand offers plenty of funding sources for projects -- musical productions, plays, exhibitions, films, and the like. But this hard-won income is usually restricted to certain direct expenses related to the project activity (theatre props, venue for a dance workshop, publicity for a music festival, seasonal crew and technicians). Without ample sources to cover the operational costs of the parent arts organisation, creative efforts often have to exist from project to project. Ambitious cultural organisations seem stuck in a un-professionalised seasonal cycle, with a spare bedroom for an office and a personal mobile phone as the main number. Operational things like a desk, phone, administrative person are activated project by project and not as an on-going concern. Serious operational matters, such as annual meetings, final grant reports, multi-year budgeting, insurance, and strong board governance, are often an afterthought. A scattering of volunteers is left to patch the holes in the dyke, whilst looking for the next project funding source.

How do we expect smaller, emerging, visionary companies to establish a head office, and use that professional core to leverage additional income sources and programme funding? Without annual operational funding, it is almost futile. Truly good New Zealand organisations, the arts groups producing and presenting and building new audiences in our towns and cities, eventually run out of steam without ever really having a firm operational footing. And while their projects may have been professionally structured and produced (meaning people were paid, or expected to be), the parent organisations are never really able to achieve professional status. The go out with a bang. They wither on the vine. They transform into something else. They go on a Big OE. They vanish from the New Zealand landscape.

CNZ's Recurrently Funded Organisations are at the top of the food chain, as are the select few who receive uncontestable, multi-year unrestricted funding from their local governments. Good for them: this is annual operating support at the highest, most select level. But the rest of the cultural ecology is left to fend for project grant money that does little or nothing to help cover operational staffs, overheads, office rents, and the core essentials. How do major funding bodies, CNZ and local governments included, expect smaller, exciting arts organisations to stabilise, professionalise, and grow? Or would they rather keep theatre companies, film festivals, and dance troupes operating out of somebody's spare bedroom hoping that the mobile phone can be topped up soon?

Maybe this is why perfectly wonderful and ambitious festivals, even those running budgets of $50K+, have to spend all their budget on programme costs and close up shop entirely in the off season. Is this why many theatre companies exist for only a few years, producing high-quality work from production to production, then evaporate? Is this why professionalised dance companies are as scarce as hen's teeth? Is this why talented administrators and producers hop from job to job, season to season? Is this a fatal flaw in the New Zealand cultural ecology?

If you even thought about answering in the affirmative, why not ask CNZ and local funders to develop new schemes for annual operating support, providing grants of say $10-30K per organisation. Lower level grants could focus on start-up organisations (1-5 years old) who are doing interesting things, serving unique niches, building audiences, engaging communities. There are many. Larger amounts could go to the established stalwarts who are unable to achieve recurrently funded status, or tap their local governments for that special support known as non-contestable money. There are even more of these.

New annual operating grants could be applied for annually, as a competitive process, and requested amount will be based on total projected annual budget, track record of organisation and its principals, public exposure and audience development impact. As with most schemes, a panel of advisors would review and rank the applications, and make a recommendation for funding levels. This bread and butter support, unrestricted operational income, would almost instantly professionalise those spare-bedroom offices, providing a stepping stone to a real office, phone line, and paid administrator. But operational funding would also provide leverage for that elusive thing called growth: the securing of project grants, major new sponsorships, new part-time staff, and core infrastructure development.

Cultural organisations, and the non-profit sector in general, are businesses. The ones that do not work as such are ephemeral and one-off affairs, and that's perfectly fine. And perhaps there are even some who wish to operate seasonally, and out of that room off the kitchen. But why are we not treating the fresh and visionary ones, the ones striving to professionalise and achieve a long-term presence in New Zealand, as an important part of our overall economic and business environment? Non-profit organisations can and should be professional concerns. They should be good employers, that grow staff as they grow their mission and its application --- whether that's feeding the hungry, curing the sick, teaching the young, or producing our culture. Many of these societal missions have already achieved professional stature, and most have plentiful sources of annual operating support. Yet it's the arts sector that is left out in the cold, with no juice left on the mobile phone.

Investment in the long-term stability of widget-making is fine and good, and supporting the larger, nation-wide service organisations and festivals is how we put the humanity into our cities and communities. But how about a bit of investment in our local cultural industry and our amazing, creative start-up arts enterprises? How about a new scheme offering Annual Operating Support for small, emerging, ambitious, arts organisations in New Zealand? Wouldn’t that do something for our growing culture. Wouldn't that help our communities say something about who we are as New Zealanders --- and as incredibly creative people?
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THERE IS A LIGHT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGNN2L-Wh5I
AND IT NEVER GOES OUT