Diversity Arts Australia

"I have a vision for a more just, equitable and compassionate world, and want to enable that through catalysing conversations, collaborations, new ideas and initiatives using the arts for social change."
ItŌĆÖs with excitement and a little sadness that we farewell our wonderful Projects and Events Producer, Kevin Bathman, as he moves to London to take up a prestigious Chevening Scholarship. Kevin will pursue his MasterŌĆÖs in Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. ...We wish Kevin the best of luck!
Outside of DARTS, you may have come across Kevin's work through The Chindian Diaries project advocating for mixed identity people in Malaysia, Singapore and elsewhere; the Carnival of the Bold, a movement of artist for social change, the Cause + Effect forum, Artists & their Mums project among many more projects.
Learn about Kevin's amazing work and growing visions for the future: http://diversityarts.org.au/good-luck-kev in/
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On September 8, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra will come together with Australian Indigenous voices to explore Fela KutiŌĆÖs message of freedom, and how it intersects with the continuing struggle for indigenous rights here in Australia.
PBS 106.7FM Melbourne's Beasts of No Nation concert will pay tribute to Fela Kuti - the originator of the Afrobeat tradition in collaboration with Multicultural Arts Victoria: https://www.facebook.com/events/216099465 900396/

On September 9 - 23 | Near & Far: Yearning / Community / Connection at Western Riverina Arts.
Coming from diverse practices and backgrounds across Western Sydney: Ebony Secombe has been working with artists such as Shivanjani Lal, Hedar Abbas Abadi and Linda Brescia: http://www.westrivarts.com.au/ŌĆ”/fragmen ts-exhibition-openinŌĆ”

Hailing from Cuba via New York, Grammy-nominated pianist/composer Elio Villafranca returns to Australia to launch his most ambitious project to date, Cinque. Don't miss his only Sydney show on September 12, with special guest Cuban dancer Adrian Medina and trumpeter Lazaro Numa!
Presented by Spare Parts Productions & supported by Darlinghurst Theatre Company: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elio-villafr anca-cinque-cd-lauŌĆ”

Call for first nations and culturally diverse artists! Apply by 12 September for The NSW Visual Arts Mid-Career/Established Fellowship in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Create NSW https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/ŌĆ”/nsw-vis ual-arts-mid-careerŌĆ”/

Today is Indigenous Literacy Day! A national celebration of Indigenous culture, stories, language and literacy. Learn how you can celebrate at The Indigenous Literacy Foundation: https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation. org.au/indigenous-ŌĆ”

Join a celebration of intercultural histories! Laka on now until September 16:
"Laka immerses audiences in Hindu and Yolngu ways of seeing the world. This 360┬░ exhibition of video, sound and virtual reality was developed by CuriousWorks to accompany the feature film of the same name. Laka explores an agonising choice between the love of homeland and family through the story of Lily, a Yolngu woman and her husband Siddhartha, a Sri Lankan Australian, as they prepare for the a...rrival of their first child."
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre CuriousWorks http://www.casulapowerhouse.com/ŌĆ”/exhŌĆ ”/2018-exhibitions/laka
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Celebrate Ethiopian New year Festival on September 8!
The annual Ethiopian New Year Festival will radiate with the sights, sounds and smells of Ethiopian culture. It is also an opportunity for Ethiopians to express and embrace their culture: https://www.facebook.com/events/209660323 7255770/

Call for Aboriginal artists! Arts Tasmania's Aboriginal Arts Program is focused on providing opportunities for professional development through mentorships, fellowships and projects. Apply by October 15: https://www.arts.tas.gov.au/ŌĆ”/progrŌĆ”/ aboriginal_arts_program

On September 11, join the book launch of Meet Me at the Intersection! Featuring authors who are First Nations, People of Colour, LGBTIQA+ or living with disability. The focus of the anthology is on Australian life as seen through each authorŌĆÖs unique, and seldom heard, perspective.
The anthology has emerged from editors Ambelin Kwaymullina and Rebecca LimŌĆÖs ongoing Voices from the Intersection initiative. Join them alongside contributors Ellen van Neerven and Jessica Walton as they discuss writing at The Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas:
https://www.wheelercentre.com/eŌĆ”/meet-m e-at-the-intersection

You are invited on 9 September to see fantastic diverse short films! We are looking forward to the nominated screening of First Impressions by Rashmi Ravindran at the Joy House Film Festival.
This annual film festival showcases the top 10 short films from across the globe and then announces prizes for best film, best diversity film, best women's film and best youth/kids film. Vote for your favourite film for Hoyts People's Choice award on the night: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/joy-house -film-festival-ticŌĆ”

ŌĆ£I think people get frustrated because there are so few opportunities for people who are disabled or transgender ŌĆō and if there is an opportunity, why wouldnŌĆÖt you give it to an actor from that background,ŌĆØ says Lena Nahlous, executive director of Diversity Arts Australia.
"Keeping it real: Alia Shawkat, authenticity and diversity on screen" - The Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/ŌĆ”/keeping-it-rea l-alia-shawkat-autheŌĆ”

Beyond Empathy are looking for volunteer guides for the Blue Rose project to help visitors get the most from this stunning multi-media installation. You only need some good listening skills, a sense of wonder and enthusiasm and an hour or so to spare! For more information:
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC) https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/blue-rose -2018-volunteer-reŌĆ”

On 7 - 8 September, Sitaraha ŌĆō The Stars is a moving one woman play which intertwines the stories of three generations of women living in Afghanistan. Navigating war and religious oppression, the women use songs, dance and storytelling to try and keep their stories alive.
Sitaraha features international playwright and actor Monirah Hashemi and is based on real conversations. Playing at Blacktown Arts: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sitaraha- the-stars-tickets-ŌĆ”

SSI Arts & Culture is calling for expressions of interest from newly arrived and emerging female musicians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to attend the inaugural AWMA Awards to be staged in Brisbane from October 9 - 10, 2018! Apply here: http://bit.ly/2LD8VDx

Today is #WearItPurple Day to support LGBTIQ+ youth in Australia!
If you're a writer part of the LGBTIQ+ community, don't forget to submit to Growing Up Queer in Australia published by Black Inc. by September 3: https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/ŌĆ”/call -submissions-growingŌĆ”
https://www.facebook.com/ŌĆ”/a.1646369168 9ŌĆ”/2231190406910125/ŌĆ”

Call for Indigenous writers aged 18-35 in the ACT! Submit your applications for Blak Writes: three days of writing workshops. Apply by 10 September: https://www.facebook.com/events/206179476 7228437/

On September 1, listen to a conversation and script readings with artists, educators and activists offering fresh perspectives and insights into working creatively with refugee women across the globe.
Emerging local writer Maryam Zahid and international writer/actor Monirah Hashemi will share newly commissioned theatre works inspired by the stories of Afghan women from Blacktown.
They will be joined by Leif Persson (international director) in a conversation led by writer and educator Paula Abood at Blacktown Arts: https://www.facebook.com/events/198784585 8180396/

We are thrilled to work with British Council Australia on this vital initiative: Congratulations to the six wonderful arts professionals selected to take part in INTERSECT 2018. In case you missed them, they are (L-R):
Ō¢¬’ĖÅAdelaide Bannerman Ō¢¬’ĖÅJacob Boehme Ō¢¬’ĖÅCandy Bowers... Ō¢¬’ĖÅNatalie Ibu Ō¢¬’ĖÅAbdul Shayek Ō¢¬’ĖÅMikala Tai
As a cohort they will peer mentor over a period of eight months, sharing their experiences and vision with each other and colleagues in the UK and Australia.
Meet the participants here: http://bit.ly/intersectparticipants2018