Category Archives: Arts

Live performance returns to the Redland Performing Arts Centre stage


July 17, 2020

Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) will bring live entertainment back to the stage as the centre re-opens with the easing of COVID-19 Stage 3 Restrictions.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said RPAC would make a welcome return with excellent entertainment opportunities again on offer.

“Patrons from Redlands Coast and further afield can rest assured that a comprehensive industry-specific COVID plan is now in place at RPAC,” Cr Williams said.

“This has been a challenging time for the entertainment industry, so it will be great to see performers back doing to what they do best – entertaining our community.

“As COVID-19 Stage 3 Restrictions limit audience numbers, RPAC will return with a combination of live-streamed and smaller audience attended events.

Mayor Williams said the first performances would be part of a new RPAC Live concert series, delivered in partnership with Creative Arts Alliance and East Coast Originals and showcases some of the exceptional music talent of Redlands Coast.

“The series will start with a free live-streamed opening concert featuring the exquisite sounds of local First Nations artists Uncle Josh Walker, Lil Nix and Sachém on Saturday 25 July.

“Subsequent concerts – on 8, 15 and 29 August – will also be live-streamed for free, as well as welcoming small audiences in the Concert Hall.

“If you are a local musician and you are looking for the opportunity to perform, then the line-up for the final two RPAC Live concerts are also still being finalised, so visit the RPAC website www.rpac.com.au for links to the expression of interest form.

Cr Williams said that in addition to showcasing our fabulous local talent, RPAC would feature some of our favourite artists with a mixture of live audience and live-stream delivery during the coming months.

“Sharon Rowntree is sure to delight with her diva-licious show Dusty and the Divas, while Fat Musicals will take a satirical look at musical theatre,” she said.

“The Black Square Quartet will offer outstanding chamber music and acrobatic prowess will be on show in By a Thread.

“Young children will love the adventures of Wilbur the Optical Whale and The Gruffalo’s Child.

“I look forward to the wonderful variety coming back to RPAC over the next few months and encourage all live performance lovers to visit the RPAC website for all the details.

“Whether you watch a live-streamed show from home or book to see one of your favourite artists live on stage, I am sure you will once-again enjoy the magic of live performances at RPAC,” she said.

Visit the RPAC website www.rpac.com.au to find:
• all show details
• information on expressing your interest to perform in the RPAC Live concert series (local artists only)
• the COVID-safe industry plan RPAC will be following.

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Council seeks Redlands Coast arts practitioners for volunteer grant assessment panel


July 17, 2020

Redland City Council is calling for local art enthusiasts to be part of its Arts Queensland Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) volunteer assessment panel.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was seeking Expressions of Interest from local artists, arts and cultural workers, members of cultural groups, local organisations or associations and people active within the arts community who would like to be part of the panel.

“Being on Council’s RADF volunteer assessment panel is a great opportunity for those who are active within the Redlands Coast arts community to provide mentoring and assistance to other local artists,” she said.

“We have a vibrant arts sector on Redlands Coast and this is an opportunity to ensure that vibrancy continues into the future.

“The panel will be co-chaired by Councillor Paul Bishop and Councillor Lance Hewlett and an additional six members will be appointed to the panel for two years with an option to extend for a further two years.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said the arts industry had been especially hard hit during the COVID-19 crisis, and this was one avenue through which local artists could support other Redlands Coast artists and residents through recovery.

“Being a volunteer panel member requires attendance at a training induction and participation in assessment meetings, all of which will be done online while COVID-19 social distancing measures are in place,” he said.

“This is critical time for the arts to continue to thrive on Redlands Coast.

“Council is looking for exemplary arts leaders to be part of this important initiative.”

Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said panel members could still apply for a grant themselves but would not be able to assess that round.

“Council has been administrating Arts Queensland RADF grants for many years, helping professional and emerging local artists from all fields further their development while fostering high quality arts experiences across Redlands Coast,” Cr Hewlett said.

For further information about the expressions of interest process, visit redland.qld.gov.au/RADF

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

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Council venues reopening as COVID-19 restrictions ease


June 12, 2020

Redland Art Gallery (RAG), Cleveland and IndigiScapes are all set to reopen to the public on Monday 15 June, with RecycleWorld following the next day.

Mayor Karen Williams said she was delighted that more Council venues would soon be ready to receive visitors in line with Stage 2 of the Queensland Government’s Roadmap to Easing COVID-19 Restrictions.

“While some of our Council venues were able to quickly reopen after the Stage 2 easing of restrictions was brought forward, others are still gearing up to reopen to our community as safely as possible,” Cr Williams said.

“We welcomed the State Government’s decision to bring forward Stage 2, but the lack of notice has meant some slight delays.”

Councillor Williams said art gallery visitors were in for a treat with a revised program of exhibitions being released for the rest of this calendar year.

“Two new exhibitions will run in the Cleveland Gallery from 15 June until 2 August,” she said.

“Redland Art Awards: Works acquired 2006-2018 will highlight 14 wonderful artworks held in the RAG Collections acquired from the gallery’s prestigious biennial contemporary painting competition.

“Breathing Space is a selection of RAG Collection works that encourage us to stop, relax and reconnect with Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country.”

Image: Julie Reeves, Dark garden 4 2007, oil on canvas. Redland Art Gallery Collection. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Julie Reeves, 2012. Courtesy of the artist. Photography by Carl Warner.

Council venues – reopening dates and conditions

Redland Art Gallery (RAG), Cleveland will reopen on Monday 15 June with two exhibitions:
• Redland Art Awards: Works acquired 2006-2018
• Breathing Space: Taking time out with the RAG Collection

Conditions in place:
• As a maximum of 20 people is currently permitted, gallery employees will regulate visitor entry.
• There will be no public seating available.
• You can now view exhibitions at the Cleveland gallery in person, with children’s art and craft still activities available online at http://artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre will reopen on Monday 15 June.

The Discovery Centre, gift shop, nursery and café will all reopen, with the flow of visitors being regulated to ensure compliance with social distancing rules.

• Centre opening (including gift shop) hours: 10am – 4pm daily
• Nursery opening hours: 10am – 3pm weekdays
• Café opening hours: three set seating times with modified menu for dining in (bookings essential, limited take-away options will be available):

  • Morning tea: 10am –11.30am
  • Lunch:  12pm -1.30pm
  • Afternoon tea: 2pm – 3pm

Discovery Centre opening hours: three sessions daily, aligned with café seating times.

Phone 3824 8611 for café bookings.

RecycleWorld at Redland Bay Recycle and Waste Centre will reopen on Tuesday 16 June.

Opening hours: Tuesdays and Fridays (instead of Saturdays), 10am – 2pm
• 10am – 12 noon: pedestrian entry only through the loading bay gate. Purchases (other than large items) will need to be carried out by customers via the pedestrian footpath.
• 12 noon – 2pm: vehicle pick up of large items from the loading bay.

Conditions in place:
• Entry will be regulated due to current gathering rules. Visitors can expect queues on entry and payment.
• If the carpark is full, customers may be asked to return later.
• Payment via EFT only.
• Footwear must be worn (this is an existing safety measure).
For full list of conditions: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20189/waste_transfer_stations/334/recycleworld

All Council venues

• Council venues being reopened will provide safe and welcoming spaces for the Redlands Coast community and visitors.
• Cleaning will be increased, sanitiser will be available and social distancing measures will be in place.
• Conditions at all venues will be reviewed again when Queensland reaches Stage 3 in the easing of restrictions roadmap.

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Act locally during National Reconciliation Week 2020


May 27, 2020

National Reconciliation Week – from 27 May to 3 June 2020 – is looking a bit different this year but there are still opportunities to connect digitally and immerse yourself in local cultural experiences as pandemic restrictions ease.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the 2020 National Reconciliation Week theme – In this together – was especially poignant during these unprecedented times of social isolation.

“We have seen some wonderful acts of altruism and kindness during the current COVID-19 pandemic right across the Redlands Coast community,” Cr Williams said.

“There has been a real sense of looking out for each other – that we truly are all in this together.

“I hope this realisation stays with us as the pandemic passes and we continue to acknowledge and celebrate our shared journeys.”

Cr Williams said the first day of National Reconciliation Week was the perfect time to acknowledge the Quandamooka People, the traditional custodians of the lands and seas of Redlands Coast.

“Wherever you are, choose your social media platform – or the privacy of your own space – to pay your respects,” she said.

“The Nughie, Noonuccal and Gorenpul peoples, collectively known as the Quandamooka People, have lived in careful balance with our region’s natural wonders for more than 21,000 years.

“If you know where to look, the evidence of this ageless connection surrounds you.”

Cr Williams said that in recent years Council had undertaken a number of joint projects with community organisations to promote reconciliation.

“Redland City Council’s first internal Reconciliation Action Plan, Kanara Malara – One People 2019 – 2021, was endorsed at a Council General Meeting on 31 July 2019,” she said.

“However, reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and a nation.

“We all have a role to play in healing the relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Cr Williams urged Redlands Coast residents to connect with and enjoy local cultural opportunities during National Reconciliation Week.

“Redland Art Gallery (RAG) has created an online program of events for the week,” she said.
“Each day from Wednesday 27 May to Tuesday 2 June on Facebook and Instagram, you can enjoy a new offering, including featured artworks from the RAG collection, films Seeing Country and Gathering Strands, and artist interviews.

“Why not take a trip to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to see two stunning examples for Quandamooka culture in the form of public art place markers at Cabarita Park, Amity Point (Pulan) and Point Lookout (Mulumba).

“The Amity (Pulan) sculpture, designed by Quandamooka artist Belinda Close, depicts the sea eagle Mirriginpah soaring high above the waters of Moreton Bay in search of food, alerting the Quandamooka People to the annual arrival of mullet – a story that is millennia-old.

“Delvene Cockatoo-Collins designed the Point Lookout (Mulumba) sculpture, which captured perfectly the timeless links of the eugarie shell to the Quandamooka people.”

Funded by the Queensland Government, the artwork projects were led by Council in collaboration with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and the artists.

Cr Williams said there was a range of Aboriginal cultural activities available on Redlands Coast including guided land-based whale and cultural walks, art galleries and food experiences.

“Camping on Main and Flinders beaches is expected to reopen in line with Stage 2 of the State Government’s easing of restrictions,” she said.

There are many national events offered across National Reconciliation Week, starting with a National Acknowledgement of Country from 12pm, Wednesday 27 May.

To join the National Acknowledgement of Country and get involved with other National Reconciliation Week events, visit nrw.reconciliation.org.au

For local cultural activities and experiences, contact Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 667 386 or visitredlandscoast.com.au

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Redland Art Gallery have boxed up fun for you


May 6, 2020

With everyone staying at home under current COVID-19 restrictions, Redland Art Gallery (RAG) is now making fun, creativity and inspiration available digitally to all Redlands Coast households.

Redland Art Gallery’s new RAG@Home online program will refresh fortnightly with RAG exhibition content, public programs and art and craft activities; all able to be accessed from home.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said there were virtual exhibition walk throughs of current exhibitions, foyer features focusing on individual RAG Collection artworks, and great art and craft ideas to try at home.

“RAG@Home will also share the best of what’s happening in visual arts, bringing inspiration from everywhere,” Cr Williams said.

“We have all been missing our visits to Redland Art Gallery.

“This is a great way to keep enjoying RAG exhibitions and public programs, while staying connected and bringing a little bit of creativity and inspiration into our own homes.”

Mayor Williams said last week saw the launch of RAG@Home Art Boxes.

“These boxes are are packed with fun art and craft products with two up for grabs each fortnight,” Cr Williams said.

“To enter the fortnightly draw to win an art box, complete the Turn your driveway into an artwork using chalk activity, then share an image of your creation on social media.

“Just upload your image to Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #RAGatHome.

“Or you can direct message the gallery with your image.”

Cr Williams said it would be a welcome surprise and treat for two Redlands Coast families to win an art boxes each fortnight.

“It is also a wonderful way to spread #RedlandsCoastKindness with crafts and personal expression, and have plenty of fun with projects along the way,” she said.

“Why not challenge a few of your friends or neighbours to also enter the competition.”

RAG@Home activities come with instructions so that parents can easily work through projects with their children if they need a little bit of extra help.

Art box winners will be notified on Facebook and Instagram and have their RAG Art Box delivered via contactless delivery to an address within Redlands Coast.

For more information about these activities visit http://artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au where you can also sign up to the RAG@Home newsletter.

For more information about Redland City Council’s initiatives and support packages in response to the COVID-19 pandemic visit redland.qld.gov.au/COVID19.

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Redland Art Award Cancellation Advice


May 6, 2020

As a result of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Redland City Council and Redland Art Gallery (RAG) have made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming Redland Art Awards 2020.

Redlands City Mayor Karen Williams said although the biennial award exhibition was scheduled for later in the year, organisers felt it was important to make a decision now.

“Circumstances beyond our control mean there is continuing uncertainty around the gallery reopening date and the capacity of artists to enter and freight their works,” Cr Williams said.

“The Redland Art Awards are a highlight of the gallery’s exhibition calendar so it’s very disappointing to have to cancel them this year.

“But we can still look forward to the 2022 awards.

“The health and wellbeing of our artists, the general public and team of RAG staff and volunteers is our highest priority”.

First held in 1981, Redland Art Awards was established by the Redland Yurara Art Society, which is among Queensland’s oldest art associations. The highly coveted national competition attracts entries from emerging and established artists nationwide.

Redland Art Gallery Director Emma Bain thanked Redland Art Awards 2020 sponsors for their generosity and support, including Redland Yurara Art Society, Stark Creations and Redland City Council.

“Our thanks also goes out to everyone who has supported past awards,” Ms Bain said.

“We look forward to working with partners and artists for Redland Art Awards 2022.”

Artists who have already submitted an entry for Redland Art Awards 2020 competition will receive a full refund on their entry fees paid.

For more information about RAG exhibitions or programs during the temporary closure visit http://artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au.

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Free school holiday fun goes online this Easter break


April 9, 2020

Redlands Coast may be social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19, but Redland City Council still has plenty of online activities to engage, educate and entertain our city’s younger residents these school holidays.

Through Council’s website, parents and children can select from a range of online activities hosted by IndigiScapes Environmental Education Centre, Redland Libraries, Redland Art Gallery and Redland Performing Arts Centre.

IndigiScapes is taking children back to nature with virtual tours of the centre’s native botanical gardens and trails.

Participants will learn which plants are perfect for attracting butterflies, how scribbly gums get their scribbles, and they will go on a wildlife hunt.

Children will also be encouraged to share photos of what they find in their own backyard on the IndigiScapes Facebook page.

Throughout the two week holiday period, Redland Libraries is providing regular online story times, a Lego challenge, Easter basket making and Where the Wild Things Are craft.

Redland Performing Arts Centre has teamed with the libraries to host virtual story times, including The Owl & the Pussy Cat, The Gruffalo’s Child and Edward the Emu.

Together with local artists Chez Beauvardia, Redland Art Gallery is offering free and fun online art activities suitable for all ages.

Children will be able to share their creations by using the hashtag #RAGartpacks and tagging @redlandartgallery on Instagram.

In addition to scheduled activities, there are downloadable resources available to help keep children busy.

To find the online events, activities and resources, visit redland.qld.gov.au/SchoolHolidayActivities

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Christmas by Starlight to shine a helping hand on Queensland farmers


December 6, 2019

Queensland farmers doing it tough as a result of the drought will benefit from donations collected at Redland City Council’s annual Christmas by Starlight event in Cleveland later this month.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council would partner with the Rotary Club of Cleveland to collect donations at the event for the Rotary Australia drought appeal.

“The national appeal is raising money to help farmers who are suffering from drought conditions and Redland City Council wants to help,” she said.

“The Redlands Coast community is a generous one, and I know residents attending Christmas by Starlight will dig deep and donate what they can to the appeal.

“Community clubs such as Rotary are the life blood of local communities, working to provide vouchers, food and animal fodder to those communities that are being heavily challenged by these harsh conditions.

“As well as assisting rural families, money spent in these communities has a flow-on effect to local businesses, which are also struggling.”

Cr Williams also advised that due to the recent fire disasters in neighbouring regions and current fire ban for Redlands Coast, Council had made the difficult decision to cancel the planned fireworks finale at Christmas by Starlight.

“Given current dry weather conditions and the plight of others around Australia, we have made the decision to not have a fireworks display this year and offer a new surprise finale.

“We are working with our fireworks provider, a local family-run business and loyal sponsor of Christmas by Starlight, to create an exciting and magical Christmas moment for families to enjoy.”

Cr Williams said Council employees and community volunteers would also collect eligible cans and plastic containers used by event goers to recycle through the Containers for Change scheme.

“These containers will be exchanged for cash, with the funds collected also going to the Rotary appeal,” she said.

Christmas by Starlight – Redlands Coast’s largest free community event – will be held at Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds from 4pm on Saturday, 14 December.

For more information, visit Council’s Christmas by Starlight web page.

Mayor Karen Williams with Rotary Club of Cleveland’s Luis Filardi and Jon Womersley

 

 

 

 

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Redlands Coast set to again shine on screen


December 3, 2019

Redlands Coast is once again set to star on screen, with filming of Australian production Great White, wrapping up its local location shoots last week.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that the cast and crew of Great White, produced by Thrills & Spills along with Silver Wings Films and Piccadilly Pictures, filmed on location at Raby Bay, Redland Bay and Peel Island (Teerk Roo Ra National Park).

“Redlands Coast is fast gaining a reputation as a location of choice for films and I am proud we have again been for Australian movie Great White,” Cr Williams said.

“More than 85 cast and crew including lead actors Katrina Bowden and Aaron Jakubenko filmed on location at Redlands Coast from October through to November 2019, providing an economic boost for the local community.”

Great White Producer Pam Collis said the production was drawn to Redlands Coast for filming because of its pristine natural attractions that are accessible and support a film crew.

“The producers’ impressions of Redlands Coast are that it has such a scenic vista on the doorstep of Brisbane and opens up ‘a whole new’ film scape yet to be fully realised.

“Redland City Council has proven to be extremely film-friendly and have made it a smooth working relationship in explaining the submission process for permits.

“The film crew have found the locals interested but not intrusive and enjoyed their experience of being able to work close to their home base without being away from home, which is often the case.

“The experience filming here has been so good that the producers are happy to not only film in the area again but are more than happy to recommend the area to their counterparts,” Ms Collis said.

The film, slated for release in 2021, follows the story of seaplane operators and lovers, Kaz Fellows (Katrina Bowden) and Charlie Brody (Aaron Jakubenko), along with their passengers, Joji Minase (Tim Kano), his wife Michelle (Kimie Tsukakoshi) and cook Benny (Te Kohe Tuhaka), who take a flight to the picturesque Hell’s Reef.

It isn’t long though before their idyllic trip turns into a living hell when they become abandoned miles from shore and in grave danger from what lurks just below the surface.

Great White is the latest in a line of productions that have chosen to do business on Redlands Coast, with the region’s film-friendly reputation continuing to grow.

Other noteworthy productions to have filmed on Redlands Coast include Reef Break, Aquaman, Tidelands, Harrow (Seasons 1 & 2), Safe Harbour, Hoges, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Unbroken and The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

This week Safe Harbour won an International Emmy for Best TV Movie/Miniseries.

Great White film’s Michael Robertson (Producer), Martin Wilston (Director), Pam Collis (Producer) and Neal Kingston (Producer) on location at Peel Island.

Great White lead actors Aaron Jakubenko and Katrina Bowden experience Redlands Coast.

 

 

 

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Koala selfie statue wins art challenge


October 1, 2019

The popularity of selfies is behind the winning entry in Redland City Council’s Koalas in Design art challenge.

The competition focused on promoting the importance of koala conservation and how students could help protect them, with winners presented with their awards at the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) by Mayor Karen Williams.\

The overall winner was an entry from Wellington Point State High School students, who tapped into the digital selfie photo craze to promote the message of koala protection.

It features an oversized koala sculpture with its legs acting as a seat on which people can sit and take a selfie to share on social media to encourage cyberspace conversations about koalas.

Two runners’ up awards went to Cailin Baynton from Victoria Point State High School for a sculpture design titled ‘How much can a koala bare’ and Lili Leaney from Cleveland District State High School for her mural design called ‘The only tree’.

Cr Williams said all the entries were thought provoking.

“Redlands Coast young artists have used this challenge to showcase their talents to promote ways to protect our region’s koalas,” Cr Williams said.

“The conservation of our koalas is a priority for the whole of Council but we also need to tap into the younger generation to get their ideas as well.

“The quality of the entries we received demonstrates not only the wealth of creative talent across Redlands Coast but also that our younger residents share our goals of keeping koalas safe and healthy.

“I know judges had a tough time selecting a winner and I commend all the entrants on their great efforts.”

The winning team will now work with an artist at RPAC to bring the sculpture to life and it will become part of Redland City Council Art Assets for placement in the city at a site yet to be decided.

All entries in the challenge will be on display at RPAC until October 31.

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