Image courtesy of Tourism NT

art at the heart is the sixth biennial Regional Arts Australia national conference and is held this year from
3-5 October in Alice Springs.

The Northern Territory Government is hosting the conference through Arts NT in collaboration with the Alice Springs Town Council. The Australian Government supports Regional Arts Australia’s national conferences through the Regional Arts Fund. The Australia Council for the Arts supports the artistic program for the conference. The Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs is supporting Indigenous participation in the conference. More information on partners and supporters is available here.

News

"The conference team has recently completed assessing the expressions of interest from people seeking to be part of the conference program.

"It was a huge task," says conference coordinator Kieren Sanderson.

"Our team read and assessed more than 200 submissions over a period of five days, and we are now finalising the shortlist.

"It was an enormous privilege during the submission phase for me to have the opportunity to talk to artists and arts specialists from all over the country.

"It gave me a real sense of the passion people have for the arts in regional Australia and the excitement people feel about being part of the conference here in Alice Springs.

"The feedback received throughout the process has shown that people see this town as a very special place to visit."

Artshub, the national online magazine for artists and arts workers, is publishing diary accounts as Kieren Sanderson faces the daily challenges of organising a conference in a town like Alice. Read those accounts here:

19 December - The journey begins
1 February - It's hotting up

What else is happening in Alice?

Are you thinking of extending your visit? Well then you need to know about the Desert Mob Events that begin on 26 September 2008.

Desart Inc, the Association of Central Australian Aboriginal Art and Craft Centres, presents a suite of Desert Mob Events prior to the conference in association with the Araluen Arts Centre:

o         Desert Mob Symposium - Friday 26 September, at Araluen Arts Centre, brings together a range of guest speakers from Central Australia and beyond working in the Indigenous art industry.  It is an opportunity to hear Indigenous artists talk about their art and themselves. Through stories and insights from art centre staff and other industry workers, learn more about the role of these centres in remote Australia and the challenges and  successes that inform the future of  Indigenous art regionally, nationally and internationally.

o         Desert Mob DanceSite - Friday 26 September, showcases traditional dances from Central Australia and provides a cultural backdrop for further appreciation and greater insight into Central Australian Aboriginal culture, dance and connection to country.

o         Desert Mob MarketPlace - Saturday 27 September, 11am – 3pm at the Araluen Arts Centre, offers a wide selection of art and craftworks for sale. In 2007 all works were priced at $200 or under with staff and managers from around 30 art centres on hand to talk to customers about the works.  A fabulous outing, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

o         Desert Mob Exhibition, opening Sunday 28th September at 2pm and on display from Monday 29 September to 9 November. This is the annual showcase exhibition of works by Indigenous artists living and working in remote areas of the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. In 2007, 35 Aboriginal art centres were represented in the Desert Mob Exhibition.  This vibrant show is awaited with much anticipation every year!

Book your travel and accommodation early

Rebecca Watling and Rosemary Castro from Territory Discoveries will assist with bookings for accommodation and tailor made itineraries including flights, car hire and rail. They can also help find discounted fares and provide advice on pre & post conference touring, accommodation and sightseeing. 

To speak to Rebecca or Rosie quote art at the heart when phoning 1800 642 343 or email groups@territorydiscoveries.com