Registrations now open for art at the heart

Registrations open today for the sixth Regional Arts Australia national conference to be held in Alice Springs in October.

Artistic director and conference coordinator, Kieren Sanderson, says the national conference is expected to be the largest gathering of arts professionals in Australia this year.

“With the conference less than six months away, I urge people planning on attending to book their spot early, " Ms Sanderson says.

“We’re offering early birds who sign up now a cheaper deal on their registration.

“We are expecting a big response from those keen to participate and we may have to limit numbers so if you’re planning to attend, sign up early to make sure you don’t miss out, and of course there’s a saving if you get in early.

“Delegates will participate in an exceptional first-class artistic program that is shaped by the art and culture of the Northern Territory and reflects regional Australia.

“It will be a great gathering place for exchanging ideas and experiences with other artists and art workers, and this year the conference sessions will steer away from the traditional show and tell format with plenty of forums and other opportunities for interaction.

“art at the heart will take place at venues across Alice Springs giving delegates the opportunity to meet the local community and provide a memorable experience for everyone," Ms Sanderson says.

The secretary of Regional Arts Australia, Ken Lloyd, says art at the heart follows Regional Arts Australia's outstanding 2006 national conference in Mackay Queensland, which attracted a record number of delegates.

“Through art at the heart, Regional Arts Australia continues its leadership role representing, promoting and supporting the artists and audiences that live outside the metropolitan centres.”

The conference takes place the week after the Desert Mob exhibition opens at the Araluen Arts Centre, along with its associated activities – the Desert Mob Marketplace and Desert Mob DanceSite events - so delegates have an opportunity to come early and experience one of the most popular cultural celebrations on the Northern Territory calendar.

Other highlights of the art at the heart festival program include the opening ceremony on Thursday 2 October, a gala conference dinner on Saturday 4 October and the evening hot spot, the Heart Club, which will be open to both the public and delegates on the Thursday and Friday nights. Full details of the conference program will be announced in June.

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. The Northern Territory Government is hosting the conference through Arts NT in collaboration with the Alice Springs Town Council.

Registration forms are available at www.artattheheart.com.au. Earlybird rates are available until 15 July.

Conference inquiries: Nicky Schonkala 08 8951 1152

Media inquiries: Communications Manager Regional Arts Australia Vivienne Skinner 0411 206 224