Vol. 1 January to June 2012 - Casula Powerhouse

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre January – June 2012
Jam packed with
information on
exhibitions, performance,
education programs and
more.
Kids’ Activity:
Make your own
mask!
Meet our Comedian in Residence Tahir Bilgic

The CPAC Profile
3
Contents
3 The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre profile
4 Theatre
7 Public Programs and Education
10 Create and decorate your own mask!
12 Engaging our communities
13 Kids’ Studio
Arts for people with disabilities
14 Exhibitions
16 Displaying our Community
17 New acquisition for the collection
18 Artist Profile – Sally Atkins
19 Music Program
21 Artist Profile – Tahir Bilgic
22 NRL Profile - Dene Halatau
23 Seniors and the Arts
25 Community Initiatives
27 Venue Hire
28 Artist Profile - Diego Bonetto
29 A bit about Friends of CPAC and Volunteers
30 Coming Up July to December sneak peek
31 Calendar Snapshot
From the Director
One of the measures of a vibrant, inclusive community is the quality of the arts experiences that are
available to both participate in and to experience as an audience. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre plays
a critical role in providing access to the arts and creativity for people in South West Sydney and beyond.
In this way, we contribute to the well-being of the community, while genuinely seeking to be a space
where different communities can interact and exchange ideas, philosophies, cultures and art forms. As our
program reflects, we truly are a powerhouse in producing and presenting interesting, challenging and most
of all engaging arts experiences.
I am particularly proud of the diversity of our program. From contemporary theatre to children’s
programming, comedy to world music, community engagement projects to leading Australian visual
artists, the breadth of our program reflects the richness of the community in which we work. One of our
strengths is actively engaging people with artmaking and you’ll also find opportunities for workshops,
programs, events and participation for everyone – from our youngest community members to our seniors,
people with disabilities and those from the many cultures and communities represented in Liverpool and
the South West.
I look forward to seeing you at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre over the next six months.
Kiersten Fishburn
Director, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
director@casulapowerhouse.com
Casula Powerhouse is a multi-disciplinary arts centre, located on Tharawal
country at the banks of the Georges River within the City of Liverpool.
With more than 150 languages spoken in the local area, we represent
culturally diverse stories that allow our audiences to reflect on the world.
As both a producer and presenter of work, we offer professionalism and
expertise in the development of both contemporary art and community
based practice.
About the
Building
Built in 1951 by the NSW Electricity Commission, the Casula Powerhouse
Arts Centre, then known as the Liverpool Powerhouse, was one of a
series of identical buildings erected to supplement electricity production
during winter and power shortages. In 1955 the 250 foot stack was
erected, replacing four shorter chimneys.
The Powerhouse was closed in 1976, and bought by Liverpool City Council
in 1978 for $75,000. In 1985, the residents of Liverpool decided by ballot
that the building should become an arts centre. By 1987 Council had
appointed two staff members to oversee the first capital works program.
Electricity was installed, building reviews carried out and an office space
was furnished.
In 1993 Casula Powerhouse, as it had then become known, was
allocated funding in council budgets for the very first time. An ambitious
development took place, and the centre opened its doors in 1994.
Casula Powerhouse closed its doors again in July 2006, and after a 22
month closure reopened with significantly improved and new facilities.
The Centre now houses an international standard exhibition space,
multiple flexible exhibition areas and a 326 seat state of the art theatre.
The Centre also boasts a multi-purpose performance space, artists’
studios and artists’ residency spaces.
Some say the Casula Powerhouse Arts
Centre is home to a number of ghosts.
The Australian Paranormal Phenomenon
Investigators (APPI) dared to stay overnight
and made some freaky findings. Check out
our website www.casulapowerhouse.com
for their report!
TODAY
1962
1952
1953

Theatre
Theatre
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Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre brings you our fabulous theatre program
Wish I’d Said That | Friday 24 February, 8pm
Saturday 25 February, 2pm | Adult $30, Concession $25
All the world may be a stage but actor Joe Bleakley is a star barely
perceptible to the naked eye. Recently arrived in the Foggadieu Retirement
Village, Joe decides to put on a performance for the residents featuring
monologues from some of the great roles he never got to play.
“Heartfelt and utterly, disarmingly sincere.” Curtain Call
Written and Performed by Henri Szeps.
White | Wednesday 29 February, 10am and 11.30am
Thursday 1 March, 10am and 11.30am | All tickets $12*
Ages 2-4 years | Duration 35 mins
Welcome to the beautifully strange world of White. Full of birdsong and
birdhouses, it gleams and dazzles and shines in the night. Two friends look
after the birds and make sure the eggs stay safe. The world is bright, ordered
and white. But high up in the trees, all is not white. Colour appears. First
red... then yellow... then blue...
Catherine Wheels’ multi award-winning show White premiered at the
Edinburgh Fringe in 2010. The show won a Fringe First, Herald Angel and a
Total Theatre Award.
“An utter delight no matter what your age” – The Times (London)
Created by Andy Manley
Directed by Gill Robertson
*Includes entry into White Workshops.
White Workshops Wednesday 29 February, 10.40am and 12.10pm |
Thursday 1 March, 10.40am and 12.10pm | Ages 2-4
Syncopation | Tuesday 20 March, 1pm and 8pm
Adult $30, Concession $25, Group Bookings $30 for 10+ ,
$25 for group of 10 Senior/Concessions
Syncopation is a smash-hit fusion of comedy, drama, romance and ballroom
dancing.
War Stories | Thursday 26 April | 1pm and 8pm
Adult $20, Concession $15
A Salute in Story and Song to the ANZAC Spirit
Starring Darren Coggan
Inspired by his own family history, performer Darren Coggan connects us to
an iconic part of our heritage. Personal and exceptional stories of Australians
at war are woven into songs that provide an intimate perspective of the tales
that have helped shape our nation.
War Stories takes you on an insightful journey into the lives of the Australians
behind the lines. We reminisce about the generation of women who stayed at
home and kept the country running. We celebrate the mateship, humour and
courage in the Gallipoli trenches. And we honour our Indigenous diggers, a
story rarely told.
“War Stories paints a vivid picture of Australia at War and is
a hugely entertaining experience. This is a must see for all
Australians.” James Blundell - Ambassador for The Vietnam
Veterans Association of Australia
Written and Directed by Ken McBeath
Songs by Ken McBeath and Darren Coggan
The coordination support of Arts on Tour has been made possible by Arts NSW
AUSTEN TAYSHUS | Friday 11 May 2012 | 8pm
Adult $30, Concession $25
Austen Tayshus is a household name performing at over 10,000 shows in
nightclubs, universities, comedy clubs, pubs and theatres throughout Australia,
New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA, Fiji and Bali.
In 1983 Austen Tayshus released ‘Australiana’ which is still, three decades
later, the highest selling single in Australian recording history.
Austen will bring his comedy routine and laughs to the Casula Powerhouse in
what is sure to be a great night of entertainment.
Cognoscenti Entertainment
Based in a dusty room in an old apartment building in New York City in
1912 -13, Anna, an Italian seamstress and Henry, a Jewish meatpacker, try to
overcome the hardship in their lives while caught up in the jazzy energy of a
newly electrified Manhattan.
“A compelling love story that promenades, foxtrots and tangos to
life!” - The Age
Written by Allan Knee
Directed by Stephen Lloyd Helper
Syncopation Latin ballroom class Tuesday 20 March, 11.30am |
Duration 45 mins | $15
For bookings visit
www.casulapowerhouse.com
or call 9824 1121

Theatre
April’s Fool | Saturday 12 May, 8pm | Monday 14 May
12.30pm | Adult $20, Concession $15
School group bookings available, please contact box office.
In April 2009, David Terauds found his son Kristjan in bed unconscious. Five
days later Kristjan died - weeks short of his nineteenth birthday - due to
complications from illicit drug use. From these events grew an extraordinarily
beautiful play, which is less about substance abuse and more about the
choices we make and those that love us.
“Lewis Jones has assembled an excellent cast to tackle the
production and it’s clear that they have all thrown themselves into
it heart and soul… these were real people talking and that what we
are hearing are their actual words.’ ourbrisbane
Written By David Burton
Directed By Lewis Jones
Post show school’s workshop Monday 14 May, 12pm | Duration 60
mins | FREE | Places are limited | Recommended for Years 8 - 12
Motherhood the Musical | Friday 8 June, 8pm
Saturday 9 June, 8pm | Adult $40, Concession $35
Group Bookings $30 for 10+, $25 for group of 10+ Senior/
Concession
From the Australian Producer of the smash-hit Menopause The Musical®
comes an equally hilarious musical journey about the lives and friendships
of four very different mums sharing their insights into the challenges of
motherhood. There’s Barb, the over-worked, underpaid, stressed-out mother
of five, Brooke a lawyer, who works too much and barely sees her kids, Trisha
a single mum who’s struggling to balance work, her family and her divorce
and finally Amy, the naive young woman about to have her first child.
You’ll love this joyous musical journey as it takes a funny look at the blessings
and the perils of being a Mum. This is all about laughing and crying, craziness
and calm, smiles and tears, all wrapped up into 90 minutes of great musical
entertainment.
“Motherhood the Musical is … straight up fun, performed by expert
performers with just enough tartness to keep the blood sugar low.”
AussieTheatre.com
Written by Sue Fabish
Directed by Terence O’Connell
I, Bunyip | Tuesday 19 June | 10.00am and 12.30pm
All tickets $12 | Ages 5+ | Duration 50 mins
Do you know what a Bunyip is? What about a Yawk Yawk or the other
fascinating creatures that live in Australia? Would you like to meet them?
From the makers of the acclaimed Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo, don’t miss
this new work filled with enchanting characters just waiting to meet you!
Developed in consultation with five different Aboriginal communities I,Bunyip
portrays the mystical world of creatures from our Indigenous folklore.
Created by Erth Visual & Physical Inc.
The Australian Government is proud to be associated with this tour through the
National Performing Arts Touring program, Playing Australia, which gives Australians
across the country the opporunity to see some of our best performing arts.
This project has been made possible by the NSW Government through Arts NSW
Produced in Association with Carriageworks
Public Programs and Education
6 7
Public Programs and Education
Casula Powerhouse’s experienced team provide educational experiences for
groups at all levels. Excursion packages that we provide include:
• Syllabus tailored workshops for Primary schools for both HSIE and
Creative Arts
• Language through Art programs for ESL groups
• Secondary school study days for HSC Visual Arts students
• Visual text analysis for English students
• Hands-on workshops
• Artist talks and artist demonstrations
• Cyber safety talks
• Curatorial and Museum studies talks
• Behind the scenes tours and work experience placements for VET
students and much more!
Book Launch |Close to the Edge: In Search of the
Global Hip Hop Generation written by Dr Sujatha Fernandes
Thursday 19 January | 6pm to 8pm
Join author Sujatha Fernandes as she discusses her latest
book, Close to the Edge: In Search of the Global Hip Hop
Generation. Fernandes and a panel of guests will talk
about the global effect of hip hop, as well as its personal
influence in her life. Dr Fernandes is an academic, writer
and musician. She has written three books and dozens of
articles about black popular culture, global hip hop, and
social movements and her work has been published in The
New York Times, The Nation, and The Huffington Post.
Having been involved in Hip Hopera, a huge multimedia celebration of local
hip hop culture at Casula Powerhouse in the mid 90s, the Powerhouse is the
perfect venue to celebrate the launch of Dr Fernandes’ third book. This event
will include a panel discussion with previous participants of Hip Hopera.
Seniors Week Programming | 18 to 25 March 2012
Join us for a full week of programming for those wanting to live life! Programs
include ballroom dancing classes, a film program, sugar art workshops, felting,
talks and tours. For more information visit www.casulapowerhouse.com
We provide tailored excursions
to suit your syllabus modules
and outcomes. To be added to
the mailing list for this program,
please call 9612 5234 or email
ppp@casulapowerhouse.com
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre run a number of senior events throughout
the year. To find out more contact 9824 1121.
For bookings visit
www.casulapowerhouse.com or call 9824 1121

Public Programs and Education
Public Programs and Education
8 9
ADULT WORKSHOPS 2012
Get involved in a creative experience, learn a new skill and meet new people from
your local community with our newly introduced adult workshop program. These
workshops are facilitated by professional artists and practitioners and run once
a week for eight weeks. Maximum 15 participants for each class, so get in quick
before they’re all booked out!
Term 1
Pastels Drawing | Every Wednesday 14 March to 2 May
7 – 8.30pm | Total cost $250/person
This class will provide participants with an introduction to drawing
with pastels. Pastel art has a rich history as a form of street art,
but it can also be created on paper and canvas. Please consider
any allergy, asthma or general breathing conditions you may
have before enrolling in this program. This class is suitable for
beginners as well as those wishing to sharpen their pastel skills.
Adolescents’ Anime Workshop – Beginners | Every
Wednesday 14 March to 2 May | 6.30 – 7.30pm |
Total cost $80/person
This class will provide young people with an introduction to anime
drawing and storytelling. Anime is a popular form of cultural
expression, used in cartoons, comic books, posters and much
more. This class is suitable for beginners who want to learn the
art of anime drawing.
Landscape Painting with Watercolours | Every
Saturday, 17 March to 5 May | 10 - 11.30am
Total cost $250/person
Watercolour landscape painting is a traditional style of art practice
that dates back to the Renaissance masters of Italy and still has
relevance today in Australian outback landscapes. Suitable for
beginners and those wishing to expand their skills.
Felting | Every Saturday, 17 March to 5 May
2 - 3.30pm | Total cost $250/person
Participants will learn the processes of making felt from wool, and
then embark on major work – making whatever their felting heart
desires – for the duration of the workshop. Suitable for all levels.
Portraiture Painting | Every Sunday 18 March to 6 May
10 - 11.30am | Total Cost $250/person
Introduction to portraiture painting focusing on form, composition
and working with various paints. Suitable for beginners and those
wishing to sharpen their skills.
All class costs include basic
materials and media, although
participants are encouraged to
purchase additional materials to
further their practice.
Term 2
Printmaking | Every Wednesday, 30 May to 18 July
7 - 8.30pm | Total cost $250/person
This class will explore both traditional and abstract approaches
to printmaking in various forms. Suitable for beginners to
intermediate.
Adolescents’ Anime Workshop – Advanced
Every Wednesday 30 May to 18 July | 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Total cost $80/person
This class will teach young people advanced techniques of anime
drawing and storytelling. This class is suitable for those who
took the Adolescents’ Anime Workshop in Term 1, or those who
have prior experience with anime drawing (Note: you do not
have participated in the Beginners’ classes in order to take this
workshop).
Landscape Painting with Watercolours Advanced
Every Saturday, 2 June to 21 July | 10 - 11.30am
Total cost: $250/person
This class will cover advanced techniques of landscape
watercolours, while exploring both traditional and modern
approaches to the art form. This is an intermediate class
or suitable to those who took the Landscape Painting with
Watercolours workshop in Term 1.
Lifedrawing | Every Saturday, 2 June to 21 July
2 - 3.30pm | Total cost $250/person
This class will explore both traditional and abstract approaches to
drawing the human form. Participants will work from a live model
and will have the opportunity to develop and express individual
styles as they explore medium and form. Suitable for all levels.
Beginners DSLR Photography | Every Sunday
3 June to 22 July | 10 – 11.30am
Total cost $250/person
This class will guide participants through the technicalities of
their digital SLR cameras and of photographic composition. They
will learn how to get the most out of their camera. Suitable for
beginners and those wishing to increase their skills. Note: you
must provide your own DSLR camera.
New programs, tours and
lectures are developed
through-out the year in
response to community
interest or opportunities.
Join our mailing list
to stay updated by
visiting our website
casulapowerhouse.com
SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2012
Monday 9 January to Friday 20 January
Join us for another action-packed program of school holiday workshops and
activities. We are introducing a new, cost-effective way for your children to stay
entertained and engaged during the summer holidays. Workshops are $15 per
child, unless otherwise stated. Enrol in three or more workshops and you’ll only
pay $10 per workshop (you must book all workshops at the same time).
Please note: The week-long Puppet Workshops and free events are not included
in this discount. Each session has a capacity of 15 children, so get in quick!
Week 1
Portraiture Week
Workshops will focus on portraiture, exploring the
different ways that a portrait can be created.
Mask Making | Monday 9 January | Ages 6-12
10am - 12 noon
Make a portrait of you, someone you love, admire, or have
completely imagined, and then wear this portrait as a mask!
Pencil Portrait Drawing | Tuesday 10 January
Ages 6-12 | 10am - 12 noon | Ages 13-16 | 1 - 3pm
Learn some of the basic techniques of drawing and sketching
faces. Then draw as many silly faces as you can!
Comic Book Making | Wednesday 11 January
Ages 6-12 | 10am - 12 noon | Ages 13-16 | 1 - 3pm
Imagine yourself as a comic book character (hero or villain), and
create your own adventure in your own comic.
Portrait on Mug* | Wednesday 11 January | Ages 6-12
10am - 12pm | Ages 13-16 | 1 - 3pm
Children will work in the Clayhouse to create a hand-made clay
mug with a portrait design that can be picked up at a later date.
Portrait Painting | Thursday 12 January | Ages 6-12
10am - 12 noon | Ages 13-16 | 1 - 3pm
Learn some of the basic techniques of painting portraits using a
variety of painting media.
Writing a Self Portrait | Friday 13 January | Ages 6-12
10am - 12 noon | Ages 13-16 | 1 - 3pm
A portrait can be expressed through words. This workshop will
explore the different ways children and teens can reflect on
who they are, or make discoveries about themselves, through
language.
Portrait in Clay | Friday 13 January | Ages 6-12
10am - 12 noon
Children will work in the Clayhouse learning to draw portraits in
a continual line on paper. The portraits will then be transplanted
onto a clay tile which will be fired and picked up at a later date.
* All clay works need to be fired in a kiln after children have worked on them.
They can be picked up on Tuesday 24 January between 10am and 2pm
Free KIDSINEMA afternoons | All
ages | Tuesday 10 and Thursday
12 January | Tuesday 17 and
Thursday 19 January | 3.30pm to
5pm | FREE
We will be screening movies on the big
screen for free! Popcorn also provided!
Week 2
Intensive Puppet-Making and Performance Workshop |
Monday 16 January to Friday 20 January
Puppet performance: Friday 12pm | Ages 6-12
10 - 11.30am | $50 for the entire week-long workshop
This is a rare opportunity for kids to engage intensely in the art
of puppet-making and performance. The week will see children
making their own puppets, learning how to perform with them,
and then end in an exhibition or performance of the puppets they
have made.
Jewellery-Making Workshop | Monday 16 January
Ages 6-12 | 1 - 3pm
Children can make wearable art in this fun and interactive
workshop for both boys and girls.
Cookie Decorating Workshop | Tuesday 17 January
Ages 6-12 | 1 - 3pm
Come and make edible art! Kids will use colourful icing, sprinkles
and edible decorations to create their own yummy cookie artworks.
Tribal Motif Painting Workshop | Wednesday 18 January
Ages 6-12 | 1 - 3pm
Kids can learn about the traditional tribal techniques of painting.
They will look at symbolism, aerial perspective and explore the
many ways that native cultures express themselves through visual
language.
RSPCA Talk | Thursday 19 January | All Ages
11am - 12.30pm | FREE (gold coin donation encouraged)
Join a member of the RSPCA who will give a talk about what the
RSPCA does, the animals they come into contact with and the
responsibilities of pet ownership.
Animal Sculpture Making Workshop
Thursday 19 January | Ages 6-12 | 1 - 3pm
To coincide with our RSPCA information session for kids, this
workshop will teach kids how to make sculptures of their favourite
animals out of recycled materials.
Australian Plates * | Friday 20 January | Ages 6-12
1 - 3pm
In preparation for Australia Day, children will work in the Clayhouse
to paint a plate in the design of an Australian animal. These clay
plates will be fired and ready to pick up before the big day.
Visit our website in
February to check out
our awesome Autumn
School holiday activities!

Activity
Activity
10 11
Here’s a fun activity to do at home. Decorate and cut out your own mask! Grab some textas and decorate the mask
below. Then cut it out (with adult supervision), attach some string and you’re done! Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre has
free packs of pencils for kids who visit our kids’ studio, so feel free to drop by and pick some up!
The Kid’s Studio is open for use
all day free of charge. It can
also be booked by pre-schools,
primary school groups and daycare
groups for use by children
under the age of 12. It’s also
a great way to keep your kids
entertained on a rainy weekend.

Engaging our communities
The Studio
12 13
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Beirut DC presents
Lives in Montage: Beirut
(Screenings in Arabic with English subtitles)
Session 1 - Friday 27 April – 7pm
Faces Applauding Alone: 7min – Genre: Documentary / Video Art
The One Man Village: 86min – Genre: Documentary / Feature
Session 2 – Saturday 28 April – 2pm
Yet Another Shot: 5min – Genre: Documentary / Video Art
Beirut Express: 13 min – Genre: Fiction /Video Art
Our Heedless Wars: 61min – Genre: Documentary / Feature
Session 3 – Saturday 28 April – 5pm
Access Arts Classes | $5 (Carers FREE)
First and Third Monday of every month
On the first and third Monday of the month Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
offers art classes for people living with mild to moderate intellectual and physical
disabilities.
This program provides access audiences with the opportunity to engage with a
variety of visual arts media including pencils, crayons, paint and craft supplies
in art classes that encourage active participation and mobility. The classes have
a capacity of 5–10 participants and are run by Rebecca Gentz, a local artist with
qualifications in Fine Art majoring in Art Therapy, a Dip. Counselling and Cert III in
Disability Work.
For groups of 5+ booking for the year, additional classes can be scheduled.
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
will also be running FREE
workshops and accessible film
programs for International Day
for People with a Disability
2 - 4 December 2011
For bookings and information
on Access programs for 2012
contact 9612 5234
My Father is Still a Communist: Intimate Secrets to be Published: 32min –
Genre: Documentary / Video Art
We were Communists: 40 min – Genre: Documentary / Feature
Session 4 – Sunday 29 April – 2pm
Posthume: 28min – Genre: Documentary / Video Art
1958: 66min – Genre: Documentary / Feature
Artist Talk – Ahmad Ghossein
Studio Sessions for youth with disability 2012 | One Saturday each month
One Saturday each month we will be providing activities and art materials as well as facilitators and carers for youth
(aged 15–25) with mild to moderate disabilities. Visitors will get to participate in craft, art-making and interactive and
creative experiences that engage the exhibition on display. For more information please phone (02) 4655 7711.
This program is presented by Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Everyone Can Dance.
28 April 12.30 to 1.30pm
Theme: Documentary / Video Art in Lebanon (from a personal reflection).
Artist Workshop – Ahmad Ghossein
Sunday 29 April – 12.30 – 1.30pm
Theme: Technical and conceptual approaches (up close and practical).
$5 per screening session (which includes Artist talk and workshop)
Special Offer $15 for all fours screening sessions
Interested in pottery and ceramics?
Then come and visit the Clayhouse!
Beirut DC are an organisation that provide assistance to Arab independent
filmmakers, in overcoming the constraints of independently-minded Arab
cinema.
Beirut DC aims to encourage Arab cultural awareness and education
regionally and internationally through screenings of non-commercial
Lebanese and Arab feature films and videos which span various genres
including: documentary, drama, features, shorts, experimental and student
films.
www.beirutdc.org
Image credits: Our Heedless Wars, Beirut Express, Faces Applauding Alone,
Ahmed Gosshein, images supplied by Beirut DC.
For Bookings phone
9824 1121 or visit
www.casulapowerhouse.com
The Clayhouse are an association of potters and ceramic artists who run
workshops.
Formed in 2000, the Clayhouse provides a space for ceramic artists in
South Western Sydney to work in a rich and creative environment. All
members of the group have joined for different reasons including enjoyment
of the company of like-minded people.
Clayhouse members come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, with
varying skills.
Throughout the year the Clayhouse hosts a variety of workshops for
members and guests including day and evening classes for adults and
children and classes for people with disabilities.
For more information, contact Natalie 0431 032 932 or
Selma 0417 434 446.

Exhibitions
Exhibitions
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The Archibald Prize 2011 | 10 December 2011 to 15
January 2012 | 10am to 5pm | FREE
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is proud to host the 2011 Archibald Prize as
part of a regional tour throughout New South Wales. The Archibald Prize for
portraiture is one of the oldest and most prestigious art awards in Australia.
Since its inception in 1921, The Archibald Prize has been awarded to some of
Australia’s most notable artists including, Del Kathryn Barton, Brett Whitley,
Nora Heysen and William Dobell.
2011 marked the 90th year of the Archibald Prize with approximately 800
entries. The regional tour will feature 41 portrait artworks including six time
Archibald finalist Ben Quilty who was awarded the illustrious prize for his
portrait of the late iconic artist, Margaret Olley.
Image credit Ben Quilty, Margaret Olley 2011 Archibald Prize Winner, 2010, oil on linen,
1705 x 1500mm, image courtesy of Art Gallery of NSW.
I want to know what love is | 23 March to 6 May
10am to 5pm | FREE
What song reminds you of your first love? What song brings you joy or
sorrow? What song reminds you of your childhood? What song reminds
you of home? What song makes you feel nostalgic? What song tells your
story?
I Want To Know What Love Is …. Songs of memories, personal stories
and love, is a collaborative project using singing and song to develop
connections between communities and to amplify the multilingual voices of
diverse communities in South-West Sydney.
Artist Joanne Saad has worked with local residents from diverse
communities and age-groups in South-West Sydney since November 2011.
Drawing on the diversity of South-West Sydney, this project creates a new
aesthetic through images and music, multilingual song and interactive
performance with the end resulting in an exhibition including video,
installation and photography.
I Want to Know What Love Is brings the private into the public, and the
public into the private, with local communities and residents of South-West
Sydney as the creators and performers.
Panorama | 28 January to 13 March | 10am to 5pm | FREE
Images: Karen Oke, Karaoke friends Mina and Pham, Simon, Riria. Images supplied by
Joanna Saad.
Are we there yet?
Come and join us as these contemporary Australian artists survey and
ponder our place in the world. Where do we go from here when we have
consumed all there is to consume, wreaked havoc on our environment and
misrepresented our histories?
The real and imagined spaces in this exhibition don’t pretend to present the
whole encompassing picture, but give a snapshot or a sideways glance instead
across a landscape of media, culture, politics and the unknown. The familiar
becomes transformed and something new arises.
Artists Include: Daniel Boyd, Nadine Christensen, Sarah Goffman, Fiona
Lowry, Bennett Miller, Arlo Mountford, Joan Ross, Caroline Rothwell, Bernie
Slater.and Jemima Wyman.
Postcard Panorama
A journey is often marked by the postcard that gets sent home and placed on the fridge, a chance
to show off or intrigue with a beautiful landscape or place of interest. In children from Liverpool have
posted back to the Powerhouse their own postcard “snapshots” of landscapes that delight or intrigue
them. From the fridge door, to the Gallery, they will take you on a delightful journey.
Image credit When I Grow Up I want to be a Forger (2010). Duration: 3 mins. Animation and video, edition 1/5. Animator: Ben Butler.
Sound: Sumugan Sivanesan.
Gift of the Artist to the Newcastle Regional Gallery Collection.
Australian Muslim Women’s Art Project
12 May to 8 July | 10am to 5pm | FREE
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre presents new works coming out of the
creative hub of Muslim women contemporary artists in Australia, including
Asiya Sian Davidson, Crooked Rib Art, Fatima Killeen, Idil Abdullahi, Marwa
Charmand, Mehwish Iqbal, Resala Alazzawi and Zeina Iaali, together with
Eugenia Flynn.
Works explore personal and collaborative stories, through art installation,
print making, drawing, photography, organic material, painting, textiles,
ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, sound and video. The artworks reflect critical
questions and self determined imaginations, grounded in engagement with
people and place.
This significant national arts engagement project opens up spaces for new
ways of listening and critical dialogue, aiming to exhibit in other national
and international venues after the 2012 season at Casula Powerhouse Arts
Centre.
Image credit: Top to bottom: Workshops with young Muslim women, facilitated by
Crooked Rib Art, Melbourne, Photography by Reeham Hakem. Zaharah Sanusi fully
involved in the making of her artwork in Canberra, photo by Fatima.Killeen

Displaying our Community
New Acquisition
16 17
Marsden Gallery
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is proud to present a dedicated space that
provides an exclusive opportunity for local artists to exhibit in the Marsden
Gallery. The exhibitions must directly relate to the communities and cultures
of the Liverpool area. Casula Powerhouse provides administrative support
in programming the exhibitions under the direction of a curatorial advisory
committee made up of Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre employees and local
community members.
Junction Life | 10 December 2011 to 15 January 2012
10am to 5pm | FREE
To launch this initiative in the Marsden Gallery, local photographer for the
Liverpool City Champion newspaper, Simon Bennett, has collaborated with
photographer Jessica Bustamante to produce a series of photographs
that document the everyday lives of people living with a disability. During
one week, Simon and Jessica shot several black and white portrait and
documentary style photographs with the Rossmore-based organisation, The
Junction Works, to produce an intimate insight called Junction Life.
Image credit: Robert, Photo by Simon Bennett.
To propose an exhibition
for the Marsden
Gallery simply visit our
website and download a
proposal form.
New Acquisition
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is fortunate to receive regular donations of artwork and
collections. In 2011, we were generously gifted with works owned by key Sydney art dealer,
Amanda Love, as a philanthropic gesture to the Centre.
The Love Art donation was a significant one and provided the Casula Powerhouse Arts
Centre’s Permanent Collection with a number of works by key contemporary artists
including Caroline Rothwell.
Rothwell is a well recognised artist who resides and works in Sydney Australia. She was
born in Hull in 1967 and studied at Wimbledon School of Art, Camberwell College of Art as
well as Hunter College, City University of New York.
Rothwell’s installations explore elements of the natural world and the consequences of
human interventions into landscapes and ecosystems. She successfully creates a world
which is surreal as well as minimal and produces sculptures that evolve into extraordinary
life-forms.
Lexicon (Geometric Fish) is a perfect example of how Rothwell employs materials such as
vinyl and pvc and cuts them into large ‘drawings’ which engage with the architecture and
history of their site.
Synergy | 23 March to 6 May | 10am to 5pm | FREE
Simply using a piece of A4 paper, six artists each creates a drawn image of
their own choosing. Each artist then receives a copy of an image from another
artist for the consideration and elaboration in producing their next image.
Each artist will select influences from the images passed onto them as the
process continues. This round robin model will continue until each artist has
completed a total of 11 images over the period of approximately one year. A
total of 66 works will be displayed to show the six original works and the
development which culminated in the final artwork of each artist. The final
artworks will reflect the influences and contributions of the individual artists,
but particularly from the interaction of the group as a whole: Synergy.
The artists of the Synergy project are Di Hallinan, Lorraine Maggs, John
Supe, Charlie Wells, Linda Brescia and Pamela Rodoreda.
Image credit: John Supe, Eye Dream of Fish, 2011, black pigment ink on paper.
Image credit: Caroline Rothwell (B.1967 Great Britain)
Lexicon (Geometric Fish), 2007, PVC, 81 x 47 cm.

Artist profile
Music Program
18 19
Sally Atkins
Liverpool Art Society Scholarship Winner
2011 marked the 14th Annual Liverpool Art Society Exhibition
boasting a record number of artworks submitted.
Proud local resident, artist and art teacher Sally Atkins won the
Liverpool City Council Overall Prize with her portrait painting, Do
You Remember. Sally also won the Sculpture Prize with her Boat
Memorial for Lost Boys.
How long have you been exhibiting in the Liverpool Art Society
Exhibition at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre?
I have been exhibiting in the LAS Annual Art Society exhibition
since 2007, when the Casula Powerhouse was operating from the
Liverpool Regional Museum.
Why did you enter the Liverpool Art Society Art Exhibition and
why do you continue to enter every year?
I enter every year to encourage the students I teach. It is the only
art award that I make compulsory for me to enter each year.
Every artwork I make for the LAS exhibition are new works and I
always aim to create three.
How long have you been an artist?
I have always been an artist. My mother is an art teacher. It was
her way of keeping me occupied. I used to draw and scribble and
my mum would collect my drawings and discuss the content of
my work. I still have those works which my mum labelled and
dated. After a number of occupations, I decided I could no longer
deny my urge to work with people and at the same time, create
art. In my twenties, I decided to go to undergo some formal fine
art education and I completed a certificate in drawing studies at
Liverpool TAFE. I came first in the course and was awarded the
South Western Institute of TAFE regional award for Arts and
Media. I applied to a number of universities to continue my studies
with varying application processes such as drawing tests to
portfolio presentations.
Why did you choose to paint a portrait and why did you choose
to paint it the way you did?
A student once challenged me, asking if I could paint people.
At the time, I initially felt a little insulted, then I thought, how
would you paint people? I thought I wanted to create a work that
was different to my previous LAS submissions. It was a way of
challenging myself.
What do you think of the collaboration between Liverpool Art
Society and the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre? Do you think
such initiatives can benefit the local community and practicing
artists?
The foundation of the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is not
bricks and mortar, but a community. It was originally a community
that decided what the building and its surrounding parklands
should be used for. It is important that an arts centre such as
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is inclusive of the community
in its programming. That is why Casula Powerhouse is so well
respected.
How has, or will your art practice progress after winning the
Liverpool Council Overall Prize?
Winning the Overall Prize has been most encouraging. I am now
collaborating with other artists from South Western Sydney on
developing a number of different group exhibitions with different
focuses.
Image credit: Sally Atkins, photo by Simon Bennett - Liverpool City
Champion
In 2011, the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre brought you Mindfield; a song competition with an edge.
Singers came from all over Western Sydney to showcase their talent in front of a panel of judges
including former Australian Idol contestant and singer/songwriter Paulini Curuenavuli.
With the support and backing of the NRL, whose players will also form part of this journey, these young
singers will be given opportunities to perform in front of some of Australia’s biggest audiences.
The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is extremely proud to give these talented young singers the
opportunity to be part of something unique and encourage them to achieve their music industry goals.
To keep up to date on the progress of the final five visit www.casulapowerhouse.com
Casula Powerhouse would like to thank the following supporters of the Mindfield program.
Paulini Curuenavuli
DJ Peter Gunz
6Pound
Erena Clarke
Street University
Eric Grothe Jr (Parramatta Eels)
Daniel Vidot ( Canberra Raiders)
Dene Halatau (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Joe Galuvao (Manly Sea Eagles)
Junior Moors (West Tigers)
Junior Tia-Kilifi (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Kevin Gordon (Gold Coast Titans)
Sam Perrett ( Sydney Roosters)

Music Program
Artist profile
20 21
Global Sessions
Tahir Bilgic
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is proud to present Global Sessions, a series of cross cultural
music performances by some of Australia’s greatest musicians.
Daniel Weltlinger | Saturday 25 February | 6.30pm
FREE
Of French-Hungarian-Israeli family background, Sydney-born Daniel Weltlinger
is one of the world’s great violinists and composers and is highly acclaimed
for his distinctive sound and improvisational approach in the genres of
Gypsy-swing, jazz, klezmer and experimental/free-improvised music. Daniel
is highly sought after both nationally and internationally for his technical and
musical mastery on his main instrument having performed and recorded in
Australia, Europe, China, the US and Israel with a host of acclaimed artists
and ensembles including Monsieur Camembert, Nadya and her 101 Candles
Orkestra and German-Gypsy guitar legend Lulo Reinhardt amongst countless
others.
C’est si Bon | Saturday 12 May | 6.30pm | FREE
C’est si Bon brings you elegant and pleasurable sounds of French songs, Jazz
and Bossa-Nova classics. C’est Si Bon performs as a duo with upright bass,
vocals, hi-hats and guitar. Alex Compton on vocals, upright bass and hi-hats,
grew up in France where he spent 21 years and returned to Australia in 1993.
John Blenkhorn, on guitar and additional vocals, is a well respected member
of the Sydney jazz scene, where he has been performing for the last decade.
Despite the small number of musicians at the core of the band, they pride
themselves in creating a full and satisfying sound that never fails to charm
audiences.
Charlotte Jane Duo | Saturday 9 June | 6.30pm | FREE
A multi-talented performer, Charlotte Jane is a vocalist, violinist and
percussionist. With a charismatic style and captivating presence, her powerful
delivery of jazz standards feature swinging violin and lush vocals ‘stamped
with rare honesty and sassy tenderness’. Shami Marandawela’s guitar work
weaves melody, rhythm and percussive playing together into a richly dynamic
performance. The Duo’s on (and off!) stage chemistry creates a magnetic
delivery as they delve into issues of love, life and relationships with fresh
interpretations of classic jazz and original material featuring latin grooves with
a soulful twist.
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is delighted to announce
that Tahir Bilgic, one of Australia’s funniest, and Australia’s
only Turkish, stand-up comedian and MC, will be the 2012
Comedian-in-Residence for the Casulahahaha project
which will culminate in two specially devised performances
on 17 and 18 February.
Tahir (aka Habib) took Sydney’s stage by storm when he
debuted in the 1995 Triple J Comedy Contest and won a
place in the final. He then won 1st place at the famous
Harold Park Hotel as Comic of the Year. Since then he
has become a familiar face on TV having been featured on
The Footy Show, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, Laughing Stock,
Recovery, Fox Comedy Channel, Rove and Thank GOD
You’re Here.
What does comedy mean to you and what do you love
about comedy?
Comedy is about having a positive experience. That to me is
comedy. I love the stand up side of comedy, because I enjoy
live audiences where you get that instant feedback and you
know if your audience loved it there and then. Live comedy
shows are about giving people a different atmosphere, I
also love that through comedy you can get people thinking
and laughing at the same time, if you can achieve that, it’s
another positive step up of what you do, sometimes though
the audience don’t wanna think they just wanna laugh.
When did you first discover you were funny?
You can only ever realise you’re funny when other people
are laughing. I was in primary school when I was made
in charge of the school ‘sports reports’, I would actually
put my spin on things and the audience would crack up
laughing so the teachers ended up making me do it every
week. During high school I began collecting and creating
comedic material, then one day I found out about an
open mic night at the comedy club and I thought this is a
fantastic thing, it actually took me six weeks before I could
get the courage to go and do it… each week I thought,
nope, not this week, then on the sixth week I knew it was
my time, it went fairly well.
During your residency, you’ll be free to create anything
you want at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, so what
are you keen to try out?
When I was first approached about the idea I thought, wow
I haven’t been to Casula in years, it was about time I went
back. I loved the idea of the project, and about getting
out and about on the streets, trying out local food and of
course local kebab shops, looking for coffee and seeing the
buildings, just getting a feel for what’s out there. On the
two event nights I plan to present something comical on
stage, and of course I want to dress up the foyer so that
people will get an idea as to how we came to this stage,
so it will be a show within a show. I plan to use some local
people in my show.
In a perfect world with unlimited budget
and space, how would you create the
comedy show of your dreams?
You know what, I believe when I look
at Australia it’s a multicultural society,
there’s no doubt about it, yet when
I look at shows on Australian TV,
like Home and Away, I think, that’s
not Australian… I would love to do
a comedy show that represents
true Australia, like an ethnic family
that lives in Sydney’s West that one
day strike it rich and move the entire
family to Mosman. The family move
their Aunties, Uncles, Grandparents and
goats into a very wealthy street. The
show would be a killer; it would
have every type of Australian
character in it, including
the affluent art buyer
next door neighbour.

NRL Profile
Seniors and the Arts
22 23
Dene Halatau
Finding a good balance between arts and sports is no easy task.
The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is proud of its community’s
love of sport and is proud to work in conjunction with NRL
stars to bring you Mindfield. Mindfield is a song competition like
no other. Unlike the standard TV singing competition formula,
Mindfield aims to give successful applicants the opportunity to
work with industry professionals on the creation and execution
of music and the industry. One musician supporting the Mindfield
project is Dene Halatau, interchange for the Canterbury
Bankstown Bulldogs.
When did you first get in to music?
I’ve loved listening to music for as long as I can remember, but I
first started playing guitar when I was about 17. A friend of mine
had just started himself and I use to spend a bit of time at his
place just playing around on his electric guitar.
What music do you like listening to?
I enjoy almost anything. I have a very broad mix of music in my
iTunes library. I’d say I mostly listen to R’n’B, but I love listening
to acoustic ballads to relax to, or heavy rock before a game of
football to pick me up. Old school R’n’B is always good at a party.
What are you listening to now?
Gavin DeGraw’s new album Sweeter. Not Over You hooked me
straight away and the whole album is easy to listen to. Jessie J’s
album Who You Are is on quite a bit too. She can sing.
What are you hoping to get out of the Mindfield music project?
I’m hoping to brush up my own skills a bit. I haven’t played
a whole lot since I started my family, so this has given me
motivation to get back into it and learn a lot more. Also to be
involved with the talented kids that get selected will be a great
experience.
Are you looking forward to collaborating with fellow players
and the five young artists?
Definitely. I think it’s great to see football players from a different
point a view and to see some of the talent they possess. I have
no doubt that the young artists that are picked will be far more
talented then me, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they
can do and what I can learn from them, as well as contribute to
something they are creating.
Image credit: Dene Haletau, photo supplied by Adam Porter
THURSDAY MATINEE CONCERT SERIES
Syncopation dance class | Tuesday 20 March
11.30am | $15 | Duration 45 mins
In conjunction with the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Seniors’ Week
program, a Latin/Ballroom dancing class will be held prior to the 1pm show of
Syncopation.
Platters to Popera and Pavorotti | Thursday 29 March
11am | $15
This sensational show combines the ultimate excitement, passion and intensity
of Popera with the timeless hits of renowned Doo-Wop male vocal groups of
the 1950s. Platters to Popera promises something for everyone and features
selections from broadway blockbusters and popular classical pieces to the
timeless hits of renowned male groups.
Featuring Tenor Daniel Mallari, harmony trio ‘The Lions Den’ and the
Greg Hooper Trio.
Arrive early for your complimentary tea or coffee and cake.
Memories of Bandstand | Thursday 24 May
11am | $15
Bandstand was without a doubt one of the most popular shows
ever to grace our television screens and was also responsible for
introducing us to some of our favourite stars of the ‘50s and ‘60s
such as the fabulous Little Pattie. Joining her is award winning
variety performer Rikki Organ who recreates the sound of Johnny
O’Keefe as well as other legendary performers from the ‘50s. Get
ready to ‘stomp’ and ‘shout’ and have a memorable time!
Featuring Little Pattie, Rikki Organ and the Grinders Band.
Arrive early for your complimentary tea or coffee and cake.

Seniors and the Arts
Community Initiatives
24 25
Profile |
Robyn Wade
Robyn Wade is the lady behind the matinee concert series.
From rock stars to cabaret stars, she’s looked after them
all.
Name
Robyn Adell Wade - My dad used to call me Shug – short
for Sugar.
How long have been programming musical acts?
30 years
What do you like about doing it?
It’s my passion – and a talent I didn’t know I had until I was
in my forties. I had the opportunity as a performer and
then working in entertainment to work with many overseas
people – Phyllis Diller, Ronnie Corbett, Max Bygraves, The
Village People, Anthony Newley, Jack Jones, Eddie Fisher,
America, Don Lane, Alf Garnett, Steptoe and Son and
heaps more. Something must have rubbed off on me and I
absorbed a lot about performance skills during those years.
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who
would it be and what would you say to them?
I would like to meet my great great grandfather. He stole
a saucepan came out to Australia as a convict in 1824 and
earned his freedom 14 years later. I would ask him to tell
me what his life was like.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three
items would you take with you?
A book; writing pad and pen; toilet paper.
What’s in your DVD collection?
Oh dear – just about every musical from the 30s to
last week; live concert performances of anybody and
everybody through the ages – singers, bands, magicians
comedians – anything to do with performance.
Who was the first musical act you programmed?
My own. My husband and I were a cabaret act working
in the Australian entertainment scene. I also wrote a
pantomime for shopping centres and then an educational
programme for children which we toured in schools for
many years under the auspices of various Arts Councils
in Australia. That was in the early ‘80s and the underlying
theme of the show was racial tolerance.
What’s your favourite part about your job so far?
Everything - the administration is a bit painful, but it comes
with the territory. It’s always a thrill to see an audience
leave a venue feeling good and uplifted after a good show.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to do
what you do?
Watch everything you can to do with live performance –
musicals, plays, rock bands, circus performers – anything
– and try to look beyond what the audience sees and
understand what the performer is doing. Be persistent –
fortune favours the brave!
Casula hahaha
Casulahahaha | 17 and 18 February | 8pm
$30 Full, $25 Concession, $20 Under 30s
In November last year, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre launched a series of
workshops to explore and document the love our community has for comedy.
Facilitators travelled out and about, welcomed people to be part of workshops
and shared sessions with the aim of finding out: What makes them laugh?
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to them and who are their
favourite comedians and funny people?
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre invited celebrity Comedian In Residence,
Tahir Bilgic to work with people who participated in the workshops to pull
together Casulahahaha, a laugh-out-loud night that takes you to the funny
spots, people and ideas found in the Casula neighbourhood. Not your usual
“comedian on a microphone stand” – Casulahahaha explores new forms of
comedy and invites individuals and communities to help Tahir put together
something completely unique and hilarious.
Casulahahaha is produced and created by lina Kastoumis.
Afro Latino Festival | Saturday 18 February
11am to 6pm | FREE
What comes to mind when you hear “Afro Latino”?
For some it means music and dance, for others it is a connection to their
ancestry and an eagerness to celebrate it!
In collaboration with the NSW Spanish and Latin American Association for
Social Assistance, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre embraces the spirit,
colours, rhythms and stories of its local communities to promote and
strengthen their cultural identities. To the beat of the drums, Afro Latino
Festival presents an exciting and unique showcase of the Afro-Latino
community’s music, cuisine, arts, crafts, dance, history and culture.
Expect an extraordinary ensemble of cultural performances from Latin
America and Africa, live music, food stalls, arts and craft expo, a fashion
parade, music and dance workshops, a soccer competition and lots of fun.
Afro Latino Festival is an initiative of the Spanish and Latin American
Association for Social Assistance and will be held for the first time at the
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre

Community Initiatives
Venue Hire
26 27
48 Machinima | Kickoff Friday 30 March, 7pm to Dropoff
Sunday 1 April, 7pm | Registration $48 | Competition open
to the public.
Screening of films Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April
9am to 7pm | Entry FREE
The 48 Hour Festival Inc in association with Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre,
will host the inaugural 48 Machinima international competition in 2012.
Participating artists from all over the world will compete to create a short
Machinima film in only 48 Hours.
What is Machinima? Machinima is a new form of filmmaking using real-time,
3D virtual environments and gaming technologies. By using an avatar’s point
of view as a camera, the virtual world becomes a set and other avatars within
the camera’s view are the actors. This exciting new form of filmmaking is
gaining in popularity and enabling artists with small budgets to create films
that can mirror scenes and sets from bigger budget producers. 48 hours later,
the movie must be complete.
All creativity must take place during the “Official 48 Hour Time Period”.
Screening and Conference
48 Machinima screening will be held on Saturday and Sunday, 14 and 15 April
2012 (9am to 7pm). The Conference will comprise of various and scheduled
films, video and gaming screenings as well as industry talks, forums,
presentations and the announcement of winners.
First Prize - open to all National and International Machinima filmmakers
$3,000 cash.
Local prize – Open to only National Machinima filmmakers $1,000 cash.
A selection of films to be screened at the International Championships held in
USA and at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Did you know
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
has a number of spaces
available for hire?
Host your next meeting, conference, cocktail function or cultural event at Casula Powerhouse.
Wild Stories Workshops | 17 and 18 March
2.00pm to 4.00pm | FREE
Since September last year, artist and keen naturalist Diego Bonetto has been
foraging in Casula Parklands, Leacock Regional Reserve and the surrounding
fields and river shores of Western Sydney. He has met with locals and led
workshops that inspire the naturalist in all of us. At the same time, Diego has
collected and recorded the wild stories we carry.
In 2012, Diego continues to host a range of workshops that will inspire locals
and the broader community to create their own Wild Stories through the
foraging of the local environment, cooking classes with unique ingredients,
skill sharing and story-telling for the young and old, the green thumb or those
just wanting to learn more about the world around them.
For more information and
to book visit
casulapowerhouse.com
Spaces available:
Performance Space
Comfortably seats 80-100 (lecture style), 100-120 (cocktail
function – standing) or 30-40 people (workshops format).
Ideal for meetings, conferences, training sessions,
presentations or dinners.
Artists’ Studio
Ideal for artists’ workshops and small seminars.
Comfortably seats 15 people (classroom style).
Turbine Hall
Comfortably holds 300 seats or cocktail functions for
300-400 people. Bar and Café access available. Ideal for
cocktail functions, launches, expos. Stage available for
presentations.
Theatre
Seats 326 people. Ideal for large conferences and forums
with high anticipated attendance or cultural showcases.
Full venue hire
Access to all available spaces for your event.
Kitchen Available
Fully-functional caterer’s kitchen available. Stand-Aside
available. Catering also available.
Bar service can be provided
The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre will provide RSA
qualified staff to service the bar.
For more information or to book your next
function contact the Casula Powerhouse Arts
Centre on 9824 1121.
Terms and Conditions apply
Venue Hire dependant on availability of spaces
Fees and charges apply
Visit www.casulapowerhouse.com or call 9824 1121 for
more information.

Artist profile
Diego
Bonetto
28
Friends and Volunteers
29
Join Diego for the Wild
Stories workshops running
throughout 2012. Check out
www.casulapowerhouse.com
for workshop dates.
Cost FREE
Naturalist and keen forager Diego Bonetto talks about
his inspirations, passions and the Wild Stories we all
share.
What is Wild Stories about?
Wild Stories is about the connection we have with the
environment. Wild stories seeks to pull out connections
and values that cultures have with various plants. We
live in a multicultural environment, populated with
species from all over the world. Various cultures have
various connections with different environments and
live alongside nature. In doing my foraging practice
today, I notice old people and their old ways, protecting
ancestral stories and important connections with the
plants they forage.
What inspired you to create Wild Stories?
My inspiration to create Wild Stories comes from
wanting to know the stories, finding out about the
beautiful connections with various species and wanting
to let these connections be known.
What is your vision for the project?
My vision for the project is (to create) a collection of
stories to be presented with an emphasis on how
culturally important it is to celebrate our ‘belonging’ in
the environment.
What do you enjoy most about working with the
Casula Powerhouse on your project?
I enjoy the fact that the Casula Powerhouse is an
important community facility which has important ties
with the community.
Besides Wild Stories, what are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my kids, the environment in
general and celebrating new awareness of how we live
in our surroundings.
What is the greatest natural resource you have
discovered around the Casula Parklands?
There are several great natural resources I’ve discovered
including Casula Parklands, Leacock Regional Reserve,
close proximity to a river and the vicinity to a beautiful
and healthy landscape.
What is your favourite recipe made with a foraged
ingredient e.g. weed/grass/plant/flower/fruit?
My favourite recipe changes all the time! Last night it
was risotto with ‘mallow’ which was foraged in Leacock
Regional Reserve. When I brought home my foraged
bag, my daughter exclaimed ‘Oh, Daddy!’. She loved the
meal.
What is your best tip for foraging in your own
backyard?
My best tip for foraging in your own backyard would
be to get to know what is actually growing – inform
yourself about the substantial number of edible species
growing in your pots and lawns.
Friends of
Casula Powerhouse
Arts Centre
(Friends of CPAC)
The Friends of CPAC meet monthly at the Casula Powerhouse. Arts Centre. It’s a great way of
meeting new people with an interest in the arts in a friendly environment while enjoying the
Centre’s innovative programs.
Joining the Friends of CPAC means you’ll be the first to know about activities, special events
and great offers. As a Friend you’ll also receive exclusive invitations to exhibition openings and
receive a 10 per cent discount on mainstage theatre productions and workshops. The Friends
group is also a great way of meeting and socialising with artists and local residents.
Friends is for everyone – whether you are a school student passionate about art, a family
looking for something interesting to do on the weekend or an individual who just wants to know
more about the arts. Come and explore South West Sydney’s growing arts scene in a relaxed
friendly environment. If you would like to join the Friends of Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
please call us on 9824 1121 or e-mail us your details at friends@casulapowerhouse.com.
Volunteer at Casula!
Looking for volunteer opportunities with a leading arts organisation? Why not join our team of
dedicated volunteers to assist with gallery minding, school excursions, kids workshops and other
exciting events!
We reward our volunteers with special invitations to previews and openings, 10 per cent off
theatre tickets and an annual volunteer recognition event.
To find out more, contact reception on 02 9824 1121
or e-mail reception@casulapowerhouse.com

Sneak Peak
30
Calendar Snapshot
31
January
February
March
Exhibitions
• The Archibald Prize 2011 | 10 December 2011
to 15 January 2012
• Junction Life | 10 December 2011 to 15
January 2012
• Panorama | 27 January to 13 March
Events
• School Holiday Program | Monday 9 to Friday
20 January
Access Arts Classes | First and Third Monday
of every month
• Studio Sessions for youth with disability 2012 |
One Saturday each month
• Book Launch | Close to the Edge: In Search of
the Global Hip Hop Generation written by Dr
Sujatha Fernandes | Thursday 19 January
Theatre
• Wish I’d Said That | Friday 24 February |
Saturday 25 February
• White | Wednesday 29 February | Thursday 1
March
Events
• Casulahahaha | 17 and 18 February
• Afro Latin Festival | Saturday 18 February
• Daniel Weltlinger | Saturday 25 February
Theatre
• Syncopation | Tuesday 20 March
• Platters to Popera and Pavorotti | Thursday
29 March
Exhibitions
• I want to know what love is | 23 March to 6
May
• Synergy | 23 March to 6 May
Events
• Term One Adult Workshops | Wednesday 14
March to Saturday 2 May
• Wild Stories Workshops | 17 and 18 March
• Senior’s Week Programming | 18 to 25 March
• Syncopation dance class | Tuesday 20 March
• 48 Machinima | Kickoff Friday 30 March |
Dropoff Sunday 1 April
Sneak Peak
July to
December
2012
The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre program from July to
December is just as jam packed! See below for a sneak peak
at one of our programs just for kids!
Image Credit: Polyglot Theatre
April
Theatre
• War Stories | Thursday 26 April
Events
• Screening of 48 Machinima | Saturday 14 and
Sunday 15 April
• Lives in Montage: Beirut’ Screenings | Friday
27 April to Sunday 29 April
• Artist Talk – Ahmad Ghossein | Saturday 28
April
• Artist Workshop – Ahmad Ghossein | Sunday
29 April
May
Theatre
• Austen Tayshus | Friday 11 May 2012
• April’s Fool | Saturday 12 May | Monday 14
May
• Memories of Bandstand | Thursday 24 May
Exhibitions
• The Australian Muslim Women’s Art Project |
12 May to 8 July
Events
• C’est si Bon | Saturday 12 May
• Adult Workshops Term 2 | Wednesday 30 May
to Sunday 22 July
June
Theatre
• Motherhood the Musical | Friday 8 June |
Saturday 9 June
• I, Bunyip | Tuesday 19 June
Events
• Charlotte Jane Duo | Saturday 9 June
WOW(Way out West)
Festival for Children
11 - 14 July 2012
GETTING TO CASULA POWERHOUSE
CAR AND BICYCLE FROM LIVERPOOL
Take the Hume Highway going towards Campbelltown. At the M5
overpass, continue another 1.5km, then turn left into Casula Road.
Follow Casula Road down the hill and cross the rail level crossing. Listen
for the Bellbirds, as they get louder, you are getting closer to Casula
Powerhouse.
FREE PARKING ONSITE
Gates close at 5.30pm, except for evening events.
www.casulapowerhouse.com
1 Casula Road, Casula, 2170, NSW Australia
Enquiries: 9824 1121, reception@casulapowerhouse.com
Monday to Sunday 10am - 5pm
Exhibition admission is free
Following on from the success of Casula for Kids, the Casula
Powerhouse Arts Centre will bring you the Way out West
Festival for Children! A fun filled week for children up to
twelve years, the WOW Festival will take the little ones on a
rollercoaster ride of interactive workshops, performances and
much more!
In 2011 Polyglot Theatre amazed us with their crazy tangled
web artwork. This year Polyglot Theatre will be back at
the WOW Festival and this time they’ll be bringing us
Paper Planet, a construction extravaganza using nothing
but hundreds of big cardboard boxes and the energy and
ingenuity of children and their families.
FROM MACQUARIE FIELDS AND CAMPBELLTOWN
Take the Hume Highway to Liverpool. At The Crossroads, continue
another 1.8km, then turn right at Casula Road. Follow Casula Road down
the hill and cross the rail level crossing. Listen for the Bellbirds, as they
get louder, you are getting closer to Casula Powerhouse.
TRAIN
Disembark at Casula Train Station, 100m from Casula Powerhouse.
Casula Station is the first stop after Liverpool Station (from Sydney), and
is the next station after Glenfield Station (from Campbelltown),
South/Cumberland Line. Go to www.131500.info for a timetable.
ACCESS
Visitors with restricted mobility can enjoy all public areas of the Casula
Powerhouse. The theatre is fitted with hearing loop, and has provision for
restricted mobility access. Guide and hearing dogs welcome.
CASULA POWERHOUSE IS THE CULTURAL FACILITY
OF LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL
To Liverpool
HUME HWY
To Campbelltown
CASULA RD
BLACKWOOD AVE
LANG RD
CANBERRA AVE
CASULA RD
Casula
Station
CASULA RD
GEORGES RIVER

CASULA POWERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE IS THE
CULTURAL FACILITY OF LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL