Category Archives: Arts

Redlands celebrates National Reconciliation Week


May 24, 2022

Redland City Council’s National Reconciliation Week, which starts tomorrow and runs until June 3, will have something for everyone covering culture, the arts and sport, including opportunities to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore ways the community can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Mayor Karen Williams said the week had great significance with a range of celebrations right across the Redlands Coast.

“Reconciliation Week is a special time for locals to recognise and celebrate the great social, cultural and spiritual importance of the Quandamooka People, who have lived in the area for at least 21,000 years,” said Cr Williams.

“In keeping with the theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week, and the tag #BeBraveMakeChange we are asking everyone to make change as part of the journey of healing, compassion and understanding and to take brave actions to achieve that where they live, work, play and socialise.”

Cr Williams said Council was very proud of its first internal Reconciliation Action Plan, of which the vast majority of its 55 actions have been completed with support from employees and Council’s community partners.

“Council’s Indigenous education program ‘Look, Listen and Understand’, has also been acknowledged as one of the best in the country, winning the Best Diversity and Inclusion Program for 2021 by the Australian Institute of Training and Development Excellence Awards,” Cr Williams said.

A stand out feature of National Reconciliation Week activities will see first class rugby league return to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah with an exciting Round 10 clash between the BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Central Queensland Capras in the Reconciliation Round of the Hostplus Cup, to be held at Ron Stark Oval on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.

The Indigenous recognition match, proudly supported by long-term partners Redland City Council and Deadly Choices, will be held on Sunday 5 June.

Seagulls staff and players will also visit the island in the days leading up to the game to hold rugby league clinics and engage in activities to help promote tourism on the Redlands Coast.

Cr Williams said Council was happy to support Wynnum Manly Seagulls Rugby League Club with $9000 sponsorship for the event, as it offered important social and health benefits for the Redlands Coast community.

“We know our community loves their sport, so we are proud to be bringing this match to Minjerribah,” Cr Williams said.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the match will also boost local tourism and business by showcasing the beautiful backdrop of the island.

“In partnership with Minjerribah’s Yulu-Burri-Ba health clinic and the Deadly Choices initiative, the match will also raise awareness of Quandamooka culture and promote health care access and initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Council is proud to support this match for the third year with $9000 through round one of the 2021-2022 sponsorship program, which includes $1500 towards Quandamooka Cultural Awareness.”

“Events such as the Hostplus Cup are an example of how community partnerships can make a positive impact on society,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Through health education programs, we can work together to achieve health equality across the community on Minjerribah.”

Other National Reconciliation Week events include Family Sundays at the Gallery,  featuring a workshop with Dylan Sarra where visitors have the opportunity to learn how First Nations people use ochre and cotton tree to tell stories through painting and weaving. The event will be held at Redland Art Gallery on Sunday May 29 and will cater for people of all ages. For more information, visit Council’s What’s On calendar.

Respected and renowned cultural leader and Quandamooka Traditional Owner Matt Burns will delight and educate the young children as he shares the Quandamooka experience through face painting, traditional dance and digeridoo performances. It will be held on May 26 and June 3 at Capalaba Library.

Bookings are essential and can be made here.

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Council offers RADF Quick Response Grants to help artists develop


May 17, 2022

Redland City Council has opened a quick response grant round to help local artists develop and improve their skills.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Quick Response/Professional Development Grants were open to both emerging and established artists.

“Redlands Coast has a vibrant community of artists and arts workers and these grants provide an important opportunity to help them progress their artistic practice,” Cr Williams said.

“Individual artists can apply for up to $2000 in funding and groups up to $4000.

“The grants can be used to offset the costs of attending a workshop or classes, a mentorship or passing on their skills to the community.

“We would like to see as many people as possible apply, but it is important to get in quick as applications are sent to grant assessors as soon as they are received, and will be approved until all funds are allocated.”

RADF Assessment Panel Co-chair Cr Paul Bishop (Division 10) said there was a wide range of projects which could be supported through the Quick Response Grants program.

“Applications can be for concept development such as researching, developing and planning for a new project, or creative development in the form of a new work,” Cr Bishop said.

“Applicants can also seek mentorship with a leading creative to obtain feedback on an existing work or project idea, or to help with career development.

“We look forward to seeing all the ideas from our emerging and established artists to help them to take their careers to the next level.”

Panel Co-chair Cr Lance Hewlett (Division 4) said artists of all ages and disciplines were encouraged to apply for the grants.

“The RADF provides a range of categories which are eligible for funding, including community arts and cultural development, dance, developing regional skills, heritage, multi-arts, music, theatre, visual arts, craft and design, and writing,” Cr Hewlett said.

“Previous grant recipients are also eligible to apply, as long as they can prove they’ve acquitted their previous funds.

“I encourage all artists and groups to consider applying for one of these grants and, if you need any help or just want to chat about your application, contact Council’s RADF Liaison Officer.”

Applications for the 2022 Quick Response Round close at 11.59pm on Friday 10 June.

Further information is available at redland.smartygrants.com.au

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Redlands Coast is inspiration for gallery exhibition


May 13, 2022

The Redlands Coast is at the heart of a special exhibition by Brisbane-based artist Mei Mei Liu at Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba from Monday 23 May.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Impression of Mangroves, which would continue until 12 July, provided a fresh perspective of subject and scenes that many Redlanders would know well.

“Liu took inspiration from our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast, reflecting on her regular visits to Wellington Point (Cullen-Cullen),” Cr Williams said.

“There will also be a special opportunity for art lovers to get an insight into her unique painting style, a hybrid of elements learnt from her training in Chinese painting combined with other western techniques and influences.”

Mei Mei Liu, I can feel the beat 2021, ink and synthetic polymer paint on paper. Courtesy of the artist.

Liu said Redlands Coast had inspired her creativity.

“I tried to integrate my personal feelings into my paintings,” she said.

“I spent a great deal of time along the shoreline of Redlands, especially in Wellington Point. I observed the shapes and colours of the mangrove forest as well as the light and water factors related to it.”

Liu used traditional Chinese painting materials, such as ink on rice paper, combined with acrylic.

“I tried to use free and broad brushstrokes to capture the beauty and vibrant forms of the mangroves,” she said.

Liu will provide an artist demonstration from noon on Thursday 26 May 2022. Bookings are essential, with a light lunch provided.

For more information, visit the RAG website at artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au

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Birkdale stories brought to life with a brush of creativity


May 12, 2022

Wellington Point State High School students have developed a creative way to present the stories of Birkdale Community Precinct as part of Redland City Council’s pilot partnerships program for the site.

Mayor Karen Williams, who dropped in on one of the school’s Encore Art Program workshops this week, said the students were painting timber discs with images to reflect elements of the precinct’s history.

Wellington Point State High art teacher Tamara Beale, far left back, and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, far right, with students at the Encore Art Program workshop.

“Birkdale Community Precinct is all about celebrating our past while providing for our future Redlanders, so to see our students involved in the project is very exciting,” Cr Williams said.

“They are using a diverse collection of timber that originated from across Birkdale, such as trees felled by storms and the like.

“The students took their artistic inspiration from a visit to the Willards Farm site last month, so there is a real connection with the site and the messages being shared.

“This artwork will eventually take pride of place on the precinct for the community to enjoy.”

Wellington Point State High’s Encore Art Program, under the direction of art teacher Tamara Beale, is one of nine groups developing projects for the Birkdale Community Partnerships Program who will present and test their ideas at the precinct Info Days on 27 and 28 May.

Of the groups, four are schools or youth groups.

“These young people have been taken through a visioning workshop to understand the opportunities at Birkdale Community Precinct and to develop their ideas for the site,” Cr Williams said. “What these groups have come up with is sensational.”

The other groups in the program are:

  • Bayside District Amateur Radio Society (interactive radio communications)
  • Redland Bayside Child & Family Support Hub / Playgroup Qld (ecology-based activities)
  • EcoUnity (observation tower proposal)
  • Redland Museum (theatrical presentation)
  • Rotary Club of Cleveland (recycling and sustainability)
  • TRACTION (bicycle recycling and youth empowerment)
  • Australian Industry Trade College (virtual reality in trade sector)
  • Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club (fitness, recreation and celebrating Tingalpa Creek)

Their ideas will be on display at two public Info Days later on 27 and 28 May as part of the community consultation period for the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan which runs until 6 June, 2022. To have your say go to: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

DIARY NOTE:

Birkdale Community Precinct Info Days, 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, Friday, 27 May & Saturday, 28 May, 10am to 4pm both days. Entry via Jones Road. More details: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

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Redland Art Gallery exhibition captures a “year like no other”


May 12, 2022

Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland will offer an intriguing insight into the work of some of Australia’s best portrait photographers with a crowd-pleasing exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery opening on Sunday 15 May.

Living Memory: National Photographic Portrait Prize, which will run until Sunday 19 June, has been hailed as an exceptional reflection of a “year like no other”.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was a major coup for Redlands Coast to host such an esteemed exhibition.

“The National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP), now in its 14th year, is a stalwart of the National Portrait Gallery’s annual calendar and the 2021 prize drew more than 3000 entries from many of Australia best portrait photographers,” Cr Williams said.

“The quality of this exhibition is underscored by the fact that 79 works were selected as finalists, almost double the usual amount.

“Our gallery will have more than 40 works on display including Sydney photographer Joel B. Pratley’s overall prize winning photograph of a lone farmer immersed in a dust storm, titled Drought story.”

Julian Kingma, Tom at the drain 2020, digital image. Courtesy of the artist.

National Portrait Gallery director Karen Quinlan, who will open the exhibition on Friday 13 May, said the judges were moved and humbled by the number and quality of work received.

“The nature of an annual photography prize means the works presented often reflect significant events from the preceding year and 2020 was, of course, a year like no other and, for many of us, one we will never forget,” Ms Quinlan said.

“More finalists have been included in the 2021 National Photographic Portrait Prize as a way of acknowledging the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the creative community.

“While we see the bright celebration of identity we expect from works selected for the NPPP, the portraits also reflect the maelstrom that was late 2019 and 2020, and the darkness of a period that included wide-spread fires and a pandemic. Fittingly, we wanted to mark this exhibition by naming it Living Memory.”

Living Memory is a National Portrait Gallery Exhibition supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.

All works from the Living Memory: National Photographic Portrait Prize are included on the National Portrait Gallery website https://portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/living-memory-2021

There will be a floor talk and morning tea with Living Memory finalist Agi Davis from 10am on Sunday 15 May. Bookings are essential for both the official opening and floor talk.

For more information, visit artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au

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Redlands Coast a backdrop for JOE Vs CAROLE


March 4, 2022

Universal Studio Group’s JOE Vs CAROLE, which filmed on Redlands Coast and at Brisbane’s Screen Queensland Studios late last year, is set to stream on Stan in Australia from tomorrow (4 March 2022).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was fantastic that Redlands Coast locations in Alexandra Hills, Capalaba, Thornlands and Raby Bay would feature in the series about the lives of big cat enthusiast Carole Baskin and fellow exotic animal lover Joe “Exotic” Schreibvogel.

“JOE Vs CAROLE is the latest production to have recognised the versatile offering of film-friendly Redlands Coast – from the natural bushland setting at Alexandra Hills, to bayside parks at Raby Bay and diverse architecture across the city, there is much on offer within our city that can double for global locations such as Oklahoma and Florida,” Cr Williams said.

This scene was filmed on location at MacArthur Street, Alexandra Hills. Photo: Mark Taylor/Peacock

“We recognise the importance of the contribution that productions such as JOE Vs CAROLE are making for much-needed economic recovery in the light of COVID-19 and potential for future film tourism opportunities.

“JOE Vs CAROLE injected approximately $31.7 million to Queensland’s economy, with Redlands Coast seeing the lion’s share of that from the production filming locally over five months, boosting local businesses and creating local jobs.

“Just some of the local businesses to benefit include the Alexandra Hills Hotel and Conference Centre, Wild Brew Café and Montezumas at Capalaba, and Redlands Veterinary Clinic in Thornlands.

“We are fortunate that NBC Universal also recently chose some of those Redlands Coast locations including Capalaba, Raby Bay Foreshore Park and a nearby canal residence for its television series Young Rock early last year,” Cr Williams said.

Peta Ross, Line Producer for JOE Vs CAROLE said, “Filming in Redlands Coast was a fantastic experience for us. We were able to use one location for two very different looks as well as utilise surrounding local business.”

JOE Vs CAROLE is a limited series from United Content Producers based on the hit Wondery podcast depicting the true events of Carole Baskin (Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon), a big cat enthusiast, who learns that fellow exotic animal lover Joe “Exotic” Schreibvogel is breeding and using his big cats for profit, and sets out to shut down his venture, inciting a quickly escalating rivalry.

Leveraging its local expertise and infrastructure, Matchbox Pictures led and oversaw the project.

JOE Vs CAROLE will stream concurrently on USA Network and streaming service Peacock and Stan in Australia.

Screen Queensland was able to help attract JOE Vs CAROLE to Queensland through the Queensland Government’s Production Attraction Strategy.

Redland City Council’s film friendly approach has helped attract global productions since 2010 including Aquaman, Harrow, Safe Harbour, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, The Chronicles of Narnia – Curse of the Dawn Treader, The Wilds, Holey Moley, Great White, Love and Monsters, Young Rock, Reef Break and Tidelands.

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Applications open for round two of RADF grants


February 17, 2022

Redland City Council is now accepting grant applications through round two of the 2021-2022 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Mayor Karen Williams said professional and emerging Redlands Coast artists could apply for funding through the program, which is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council.

“We are fortunate to have a thriving arts community on Redlands Coast and this funding will support projects that reflect the distinctive people and places in our community,” she said.

“Five local art projects received a total of $45,200 through the first round of the 2021-2022 program, helping Redlands Coast musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers and Quandamooka Elders share their stories to entertain and inspire our community.

“I encourage all artists to put in an application for a grant, even if they missed out in the first round.”

RADF Assessment Panel Co-chair Cr Lance Hewlett (Division 4) said they looked forward to reviewing applications for arts and cultural activities that encouraged creative and skills development, partnerships and cultural innovation.

“The purpose of these grants is to support professional and emerging artists and art workers, enabling them to practice excellent art for and with the local community,” Cr Hewlett said.

“This in turn helps build local cultural capacity, sustainability and community pride.”

Panel Chair Cr Paul Bishop (Division 10) encouraged applications that creatively explored the theme of stories of people and place in Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country.

“Creative stories can be expressed through song, visual arts, dance, music, craft, writing, theatre or design,” Cr Bishop said.

“We are looking for projects which provide public value and help support respect for country and a robust living culture in our community.”

Community Project Funding of up to $10,000 is available in nine categories. There is also Quick Response funding available, with grants of up to $2000 for individuals and up to $4000 for groups.

All round two applications close on 31 March 2022.

For more information on RADF grants visit the Redland City Council website.

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Entries open for prestigious Redland Art Awards 2022


February 16, 2022

Entries are now open for the prestigious Redland Art Awards, a contemporary biennial painting competition presented by Redland Art Gallery and open to all Australian artists.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she was pleased to announce the return of the awards, after the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“This competition has been running since 1981 and attracts entries from distinguished artists nationwide so it is very exciting to see it return in 2022,” she said.

“With its thriving arts community and strong cultural appreciation, Redlands Coast is considered a significant arts region and these awards are highly regarded, offering four prizes totalling $22,000.

“At the last awards in 2018, there were 503 entries encompassing every state and territory in Australia, with 47 short-listed entries featured in the finalist exhibition.”

Redland Art Gallery Director Emma Bain said the awards accepted paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel and mixed media.

“The winning entry is awarded an acquisitive prize of $15,000 and there are runner-up awards of $4000 and $2500,” Ms Bain said.

“There is also a $500 prize for The Meredith Foxton People’s Choice Award, which is sponsored by the Redland Yurara Art Society.”

This year’s judges are Dr Fiona Foley (Badtjala artist and Senior Lecturer, Queensland College of Art Griffith University), Dr Holly Arden (Associate Director, UQ Art Museum), Hamish Sawyer (Director, Outer Space) and Emma Bain (Director, Redland Art Gallery).

Entries for the Redland Art Awards 2022 close on Sunday 28 August.

The winners will be announced on Friday 14 October and an exhibition of short-listed works will be on show at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland from Sunday 16 October until Sunday 4 December.

Visit the Redland Art Awards website to download an entry form or contact Redland Art Gallery on 3829 8484.

Presented by Redland Art Gallery, Redland Art Awards 2022 is sponsored by Redland City Council in conjunction with event sponsors Redland Yurara Art Society and Stark Creations.

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Redland Art Gallery creates contrast with three exhibitions


February 10, 2022

Redland Art Gallery has started the year with three new exhibitions which invite viewers to connect, reflect and be inspired.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said they provided a great introduction to the gallery’s 2022 exhibition program.

“These three exhibitions aim to engage visitors with different mediums – one through paintings, another through objects (jewellery) and another through film,” she said.

“They provide an exciting start to the year for Redland Art Gallery, which will feature 18 solo, group and national touring exhibitions throughout 2022.

“This includes an exhibition held in conjunction with Redland Museum’s golden jubilee celebrations and the return of the Redland Art Awards, the gallery’s biennial national contemporary painting competition.

“The program also includes the RAG Collection Showcase at Redland Performing Arts Centre and the RAG Red Box Pop-Up Gallery at various Redlands Coast locations.

“The 2022 program is sure to offer something to appeal to everyone and, if you find you are unable to visit a particular exhibition, you will be able to view a walk-through video online.”

The current exhibitions include Elizabeth Shaw’s Radical Localism and Zanny Begg’s These Stories Will be Different at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland until Sunday 13 March, and Karen Stephens’ Fishing for Landscape at Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba until Tuesday 8 March.

Elizabeth Shaw has an exhibition, titled Radical Localism, at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland. Photo: Michelle Bowden

Gallery Director Emma Bain said the exhibitions showcased the artists’ contemplation of the world we live in, while exploring notions of identity, storytelling and culture of place.

“Radical Localism surveys Dr Elizabeth Shaw’s jewellery practice spanning several decades, encompassing much of the history of sustainable jewellery practice in Queensland and exploring the ethos of place, family, and fostering talent at home and beyond,” she said.

“Zanny Begg’s exhibition brings together three of her most significant video installations that explore contested histories, challenging the politics of storytelling itself and inviting the viewer to see the world differently.

“Fishing for Landscape is a collection of Karen Stephens’ contemporary paintings and drawings that examine the bodily and psychological connection between the professions of opal mining and studio painting.”

For more information on exhibitions and events at Redland Art Gallery, visit artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au

Redland Art Gallery follows Queensland Health guidelines in relation to COVID-19, including the requirement to provide proof of vaccination status or medical exemption. Details are available on the gallery’s website.

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RPAC box office temporarily reduces opening hours


January 21, 2022

The Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) box office will have a temporary reduction in opening hours starting Monday.

In response to the evolving COVID-19 situation and to ensure that we can continue to provide service in peak times, from Monday 24 January, the box office will open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, and one hour prior to any performance.

Patrons are reminded that tickets to performances and events at RPAC are available online, 24/7 at rpac.com.au; by phone on 07 3892 8131; or in person at the box office.

RPAC continues to strictly follow Queensland Health directives which includes a mandatory requirement for visitors and employees to wear masks. Visitors and employees must also be fully vaccinated to enter RPAC.

For the latest updates on the impacts of COVID-19 on Council services, programs and events, follow Redland City Council on Facebook or check back on this news site.

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