Preacherman

Preacherman

Got something to say?  Geelong region ... your time starts now!
Geelong Regional Library Corporation is calling all poets, hip-hop artists and other outspoken wordsmiths to polish their rhymes and lyrics for Australia's first ever National Poetry Slam 07, with over $10,000 in cash and prizes on offer.

The library will host one of six slam heats planned across the state with two finalists from each heat battling it out spoken-word style in the Victorian Final at the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne in November.  Heat winners will take home $100 in prize money while the Victorian winner and runner-up will take home $400 and $100 in prize money respectively, and travel to Sydney in December to compete for the Australian Poetry Slam 07 title.

Poetry slams are audience-driven, participatory events which have been described as 'mud wrestling with words or Australian Idol with a brain!' and are a worldwide phenomenon contributing to the resurgence of poetry and spoken word in contemporary culture.  All contestants are given a mic, a live audience and just two minutes to impress the judges (selected at random at each heat) with their spoken word, poetry, hip hop, monologues and stories.  Contestants can speak, sing, scream, rap, howl or even whisper their words.  Internationally recognised and talented spoken-word artist Philip Norton will host each heat and entertain the crowd with his own original word artistry.

Poetry slams have existed in the US for 20 years, and these competitions are now gaining momentum in Australia.  The Library will also be offering a free preparatory workshop with Philip on presenting your work at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (see details below).

The Victorian heats and final of the Australian Poetry Slam 07 are co-ordinated by the State Library of Victoria in association with Victorian public libraries.  The National Poetry Slam 07 is an initiative of the State Library of NSW, and is supported by state, territory and public libraries and festivals across the country.
For Victorian or national details visit  the websites listed below.

The Melbourne Welsh Male Voice Choir
Don't miss the unique opportunity to hear this world-renowned choir singing in St Mary's Cathedral.  Formed in 1984, the Melbourne Welsh Male Voice Choir has grown from a small group of enthusiastic singers into one of Australia's most acclaimed male choirs with an on-stage strength of 50 to 60 choristers.  Bookings required.  This event is part of the Victorian Seniors Festival Geelong.

International Harvester Choir
Your opportunity to again be entertained by Geelong's own widely acclaimed choir group.  Entry is free, so come early to ensure a seat.  A cuppa will be available at no cost. Bookings not required.  This event is part of the Victorian Seniors Festival Geelong.

*NEW*
Miguel Trapaga - Classical Guitar
Diversitat is working in partnership with the Spanish Consulate to present an evening with Miguel Trapaga - Classical Guitarist.  He currently teaches at Real Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Madrid and has run courses in Spain and abroad.  Miguel has toured around the world and this will be his first ever performance in Australia.

Theatre of the Winged Unicorn presents Iolanthe
Iolanthe is a typically frothy Gilbert and Sullivan satire, with Gilbert's target on this occasion being Britain's House of Lords, and in particular the superior pomposity of the Peers of the Realm.  This is set against a background of a surreal world where fairies sing and dance and eventually enchant and outwit the Peers.  Iolanthe is Sullivan at his best.  It has a plethora of delightful arias and rousing choruses.  Bookings in advance only, no door sales.

A Musical Journey Around the World
This production features songs from all over the world performed by the Troubadours and backed by their own five piece band.  Bookings not required.  This event is part of the Victorian Seniors Festival Geelong.

Swerve Dance Theatre presents Sectr B
Sector B is another old warehouse that is about to be turned into another mall, demolishing what is for some a local dance hangout.  The fashion police are out and about to keep people lookin' cool and wanting the right image so the mall will be a success.  But what's underneath all their skin?  The dance is.  A collaboration between professional dance artists, emerging Geelong dance artists, local young performers and secondary schools, Sectr B is a fresh new dance performance that is an entertaining blend of funky grooves and contemporary physical theatre.  Set in a world as defined by young people:  it's a 'sell me a stereotype, make me sexy, I gotta be cool' world.  There is tension, wit, inner exploration, grace and a splash of media celebrity frenzy!  This is the final production for the Courthouse Youth Arts Centre's Swerve Program for 2006-07.  A Dance Theatre Program funded by the Victorian Government - Go For Your Life!
Co-directed/choreographed by: Dominique Miller, Kirsty Reilly
Emerging Geelong dance artists/collaborators: Jules Hart, Anne Fane, Jordan Punsalang
School performers from: North Geelong and Newcomb Secondary Colleges
Local youth performers from: Courthouse Youth Arts Centre Swerve Crew

*NEW*
Stage Days Concert
An exciting new partnership between the Geelong Performing Arts Centre and local theatre company Essential Theatre will be launched with a star-studded concert.  Essential Theatre is set to become Geelong Performing Arts Centre's professional theatre company 'in residence' and to celebrate the partners are presenting Stage Days, an afternoon of entertainment in the GPAC foyer.  Geelong band Madhouse will take centre stage and groove the afternoon away.  Special guests include leading lady of musical theatre Marina Prior, award-winning actress Libby Tanner and Geelong's own tenor Tim McCallum.

*NEW*
Toni Lamond - Still Full of Life
As part of its Musical Mornings concert series, proudly supported by Seniors Card, Geelong Performing Arts Centre presents Toni Lamond - Still Full of Life.  A show about relationships, the show features music from artists such as Helen Reddy, Noel Coward and Duke Ellington.  Stay after the show and enjoy a GPAC Cafe Roast Lunch for just $12.50 (includes free tea and coffee).  Bookings required.  This event is part of the Victorian Seniors Festival Geelong.

BROUGHAM GALLERY
*NEW*
The Mental Health Week Art Competition 2007
Over 40 diverse entries will be on exhibition, including paintings, drawings, photographs, embroidery, ceramics and mosaic art.  All entrants have suffered a diagnosed mental illness.  As well as the usual range of awards, this year there is also a People's Choice Award so members of the public are invited to call in during the first week from Monday to Friday and vote for their choice.  The Awards will be announced by the Deputy Mayor of Geelong at 6pm on 12 October 2007.

Art Unlimited - selected works 2007
Art Unlimited, an access studio for artists with a disability, provides professional studio facilities and is staffed by qualified, practicing artists.  Artists attending the studio are given full autonomy over the nature and subject matter of their work.  Art Unlimited provides the artists the opportunity to work across a wide range of medium including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork and electronic media.  This selection of works from the Art Unlimited studio reflects the strengths and diversity of the studio's artists. The works tell the story of the unique perception these artists have of the world.  The Art Unlimited studio provides a professional and supportive environment for these artists who would otherwise find it difficult to establish their own independent studio facilities.  This body of work is a fine example of the genre known as Outsider Art.  Such work is by artists who work independently of established art traditions or style constraints.  Outsider Art is currently enjoying a growth in interest and the attention of art lovers and critics and has become sought after by collectors, both locally and internationally.  

*NEW*
Geelong Friends of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Formed
The Geelong Friends of the MSO has been formed to promote the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) within the Geelong community through a variety of activities, aimed at making them aware of this superb Orchestra and encouraging subscribers to the Orchestra's Geelong Subscription Series.  It will give support to members of the Orchestra by donating the annual John and Pat Brockman award to assist an orchestra player to further their career plus members will have involvement with the Orchestra.  Members of the Geelong Friends of the MSO you will have the opportunity to:
* Attend the annual series launch and briefing detailing the program and artists for the forthcoming year. This year this event will be used for the launch of the Geelong Friends of the MSO at 6.30 pm on 1 November 2007.
* Be invited to a post concert event to meet the conductor and hear an interview with a soloist or a member of the Orchestra.
* Hear the Orchestra in open rehearsals at Hamer Hall and listen to the Conductor working with the orchestra.
* Be part of the audience for the annual chamber music recital (held in Geelong) featuring members of the MSO.
* Help ensure that the MSO continues to hold a five concert series at Costa Hall each year.
For further information contact laurance_hodgkinson@hotmail.com
 
SHOOT OUT 24 HOUR FILMMAKING FESTIVAL 2007
The winners of last year's Newcastle Shoot Out took out the best film award and $20,000 in prizes for Carrion, which involved an innovative technique using hundreds of still photographs to create a moving image.  The winning team of four requested that the judges reallocate the production facility and equipment hire component of their prize.  Following a short deliberation, this was awarded to a Geelong team who produced the film Au Revoir Mon Cheri.  The event has earned a reputation as being a stepping stone for aspiring filmmakers seeking a career in the industry.  This year more than 50 per cent of participants were from out of town; there were entrants from right around Victoria as well as New South Wales and South Australia.  Winners were: Best Film - Carrion; Best Director - Caleb McKenney, The Roman Polanski Experience; Best Cinematography - Jason Van Genderen, Carrion
Best Comedy - The Roman Polanski Experience; Best Script - The Roman Polanski Experience; Best Actor 'Craig' from The Roman Polanski Experience; Best Art Direction - Andrew Barkley, Au Revoir Mon Cheri; Best Original Music - Thomas Fitzgerald, The Dark; Best Sound - John Roy, Hoodie; Best Under 18 Film - Coulrophobia; Shooting Stars - Jessica-Anne Fredricks. Silver Spurs - 1. Seven Dead in Seven Minutes 2. The Heist 3. Edward Grey's Insights of Insanity 4. Undies 5. Electric Mower.

Geelong Gallery and Shell Geelong Refinery Competing for National Award
The Australia Council Arts for Young People Award is for business-arts partnerships that enrich the lives of young Australians through engagement with and participation in the arts.  The award is presented at national level only.  The finalist from Victoria competing in this award, to be announced at the national awards on 25 October in Sydney, is the Geelong Gallery and Shell Geelong Refinery for the Shell Art Bus program.  The partners consulted with teachers and developed a program which meets the requirements of the Victorian Department of Education's new curriculum.  The gallery and the bus journey provide an opportunity to develop social skills outside the classroom.  The hands-on program develops self-esteem and promotes excellence through engaging with artwork from the gallery's collection and developing works for exhibition in the Education Gallery at a major cultural exhibition.  Shell provides the bus and driver transporting students from northern suburbs to participate in creative workshops at Geelong Gallery.  Works are exhibited in the Education Gallery.  Through exhibitions of students' art, parents, grandparents and extended family and friends are encouraged to visit the gallery to view the children's work.

Back to Back Theatre score on the International Stage
Back to Back Theatre picked up the ZKB Acknowledgement Prize at the Zurich Theatre Festival for its innovative production Small Metal Objects.  The annual prize recognises extraordinary achievement.  Back to Back is Australia's only theatre company with a full-time ensemble of actors considered to have an intellectual disability.  Small Metal Objects premiered at the 2005 Melbourne International Arts Festival where it received The Age Critics' Awards Special Commendation.
 

Writing Competitions
Geelong seniors are invited to enter the following writing competitions:
Short Story Competition - send in your short stories, maximum 1500 words, on the theme 'I remember Geelong when...'
Poetry Competition - send in your poems, maximum 200 words, with the title 'When we were young…'
Anecdote Competition - send in your anecdotes, maximum 500 words, on the theme 'I came of age when…'
General Rules:
Entries:
are open to all residents of Geelong aged 50 years and over;
must be original, not have been entered into other competitions or published elsewhere;
are restricted to two per person in each category;
must be clearly marked ‘short story', ‘poetry' or ‘anecdote';
must fit the designated theme/title;
must include name and address details on all pieces of work.
Typed copies are preferred, but not mandatory.
Entries close 20 October 2007.  Entries received after the closing date will not be considered.
Chosen works will be broadcast on a progressive basis on RPH 99.5 (a service of Vision Australia) as well as published in a commemorative book to be presented to winners at a celebration tea in early December.  Please send your entries addressed to Karen Valentine either via email to kvalentine@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or PO Box 104, Geelong VIC 3220.
Judges: Sheila Dawson and Julie Brylow
Publisher: Drop of a Hat Geelong.
 

GORDON INSTITUTE OF TAFE (Multiple Listings)

Introduction to Scrapbooking
Learn the design principles of balance, shape and colour and create unique scrapbooking pages for yourself, your friends or family.  Techniques include inking, sanding, painting, doodling and bling.

Shadow of a Former Self Lithograph 2007


Monument - bronze maquette 1985