Part 1 PDF 2.3 MB - Community Arts Network Western Australia

2008 ANNUAL REPORT – COMMUNITY ARTS NETWORK WESTERN AUSTRALIA
2008 ANNUAL REPORT

Community Arts Network WA acknowledges the following organisations for
their support in our activities.
CAN WA manages the Catalyst Community Arts Fund
and Community Culture Fund on behalf of the State of
Western Australia, through the Department of Culture
and the Arts and supported the Yok Yurk Women’s
Choir project.
Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian
Government’s arts funding and advisory body, supports
Community Arts Network WA Ltd, the Indigenous Arts
and Cultural Development program and supported the
Rock Hole Long Pipe project in 2008.
Healthway supported the Badjaling Nyungar Cultural
Festival and the Healthway International Arts and
Health Fellowship.
Sharing Stories community sponsorship fund is
sponsored by Healthway to promote Relationships
Australia’s Make Time to Talk message and is managed
by Community Arts Network WA Ltd
FaHCSIA supported the Water Dreaming project,
the Voices of the Wheatbelt project and the Healthway
International Arts in Health Fellowship.
CAN WA and the City of Stirling are partners in the
Liveworx Fired Up-Sparking Arts and Creativity
program.
CAN WA and the City of Gosnells are partners in the
Liveworx Fired Up-Sparking Arts and Creativity program.
Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development Office,
Kellerberrin.
The Office of Multicultural Interests supported the
Drawing Out Community Empowerment research project.
Country Arts WA supported the Rock Hole Long Pipe
project in association with the Regional Arts Fund (an
Australian Government Initiative supporting the arts in
regional, remote and very remote/isolated Australia).
The Rock Hole Long Pipe project was proudly supported by the Shire of Coolgardie, the Coolgardie
Aboriginal Parent Directed School and the following organisations:
RURAL
CLINIC
SCHOOL
CAN WA is a registered training organisation.
Community Arts Network WA
PERTH OFFICE
King Street Arts Centre PO Box 7514 t. +61 (08) 9226 2422 free call 1800 681 021
357-365 Murray Street Cloisters Square f. +61 (08) 9226 2230
Perth WA 6000 Perth WA 6850 e. admin@canwa.com.au www.canwa.com.au
KELLERBERRIN OFFICE
8 Ripper Street t. +61 (08) 9045 4766
Kellerberrin WA 6410 f. +61 (08) 9045 4070

2008 ANNUAL REPORT
Contents
Section 1
About Us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CAN WA’s Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
CAN WA’s Reason for Being. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
CAN WA’s Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Strategic Objectives for CAN WA 2006-2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
CAN WA Board of Directors from May 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CAN WA Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
CAN WA Brief Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Section 2
Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Chairperson’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Managing Director’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Program Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Organisational Staff Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
CAN WA Team Diary 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Section 3
Report against CAN WA objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Section 4
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Section 5
Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 1

2 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT
Voices of the Wheatbelt
Aubrey Nelson
PHOTO, JAMES BERLYN
MERREDIN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Section 1
ABOUT US
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 3

CAN WA’s Vision
CAN WA’s vision is to inspire and mobilise communities to explore, express
and grow their local and unique culture.
CAN WA’s Reason for Being
CAN WA’s exists to facilitate and support community-determined arts and
culture activities that express local culture and identity.
CAN WA’s Values
Social justice
Cultural freedom
Cultural diversity
Self-determination
Principled practice
Sustainability
Strategic Objectives for CAN WA 2006-2008
NETWORK
Strengthen the relevance of the network, continuing to provide specialised community
cultural development (CCD) advice, expertise, resource opportunities and support to
artists and communities.
GOVERNANCE
Progress CAN WA’s position as a peak CCD body in WA through improved governance,
including accountability and fi nancial management.
COMMUNITIES
Increase the opportunities for artists and communities to come together and explore
CCD processes that express their culture and local identity.
LEADERSHIP
Increase access to, and participation in, community determined culture and arts
activities through championing and nurturing opportunities to debate, raise awareness
and infl uence CCD related policy and practice across the community, local and state
government sectors.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
Capitalise on CAN WA’s unique position in Western Australia as an Registered Training
Organisation (RTO) in the arts and cultural sector.
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CAN WA’s Patron
Peter Newman
PROFESSOR SUSTAINABILITY,
CURTIN UNIVERSITY
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY INSTITUTE.
Board of Directors
George Kingsley
Chairperson
LAWYER (LL.M.),
REGISTRAR, DISTRICT COURT
James Stewart
Deputy Chairperson
COUNCILLOR, CITY OF ARMADALE;
MUSICIAN
Brian Curtis
Treasurer
DIRECTOR,
BRIAN CURTIS PTY LTD
Alison Wright
Secretary
COORDINATOR,
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT,
CHALLENGER TAFE
Professor Neil Drew
Director
DEAN, SCHOOL ARTS AND SCIENCES,
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
Robert Ewing
Director
EWING ARTS, COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, ARTS AND CULTURE,
CITY OF ARMADALE
Gwen Knox
Director
PROPRIETOR, BIG MAMA
PRODUCTIONS, COMMUNITY CULTURAL
DEVELOPMENT PRACTIONER
Rachel Mordy
Director
TEACHER, GREAT SOUTHERN
GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Chris Woods
Director
YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR,
CITY OF GOSNELLS
Soula Vouyoucalos Veyradier
Director
MANAGER, MUSEUMS AND LOCAL
HISTORY PORTFOLIO HEATHCOTE GALLERY,
CITY OF MELVILLE
Kevin McCabe
Director
PROPERTY ANALYST, DEPARTMENT OF
CULTURE AND THE ARTS
Pilar Kasat
Director
MANAGING DIRECTOR,
CAN WA
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 5

CAN WA staff members (L to R) – James, Simone, Andrea, Pilar, Ivy, Bec, Jason, Jill, Rebecca, Barb, Ling, Frank, Brenda
PHOTO, SARAH VAGLIVIELLO
CAN WA team
Pilar Kasat
Managing Director
Jeanmarie Collens (to May)
Funds and Operations Manager
Jason Cleary (from May)
Funds and Operations Manager
Barb Howard
Local Government
Cultural Development Manager
Lauren Holst (to October)
Cultural and Strategic Development
Ivy Penny (from October)
Cultural and Strategic Development
Simone Ruane
Manager, Youth Arts and Culture
Natalie Scholtz (to August)
Youth Arts Project Officer
Jill Brown (from March)
Funding Project Officer
Andrea Hammond
Manager, Special Projects
Frank Walsh
Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development Manager
Rebecca Fitzgerald (to April)
Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development
Office Administrator
Brenda McIntosh (from May)
Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development
Office Administrator
Ling Lee
Accountant
Nicole Warren (to April)
Office Administrator
Rebecca Speidel (from May)
Communications Officer
Fiona Brown (to November)
Administrative Assistant
Kate Illes Fealy (to December)
Administrative Assistant
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CAN WA – brief
background
CAN WA has a rich history dating back to the early 1980’s, evolving from
a community art network towards its current position in advocacy,
training and support for community determined arts and cultural activities.
Since its incorporation more than twenty years ago, CAN WA has
experienced considerable changes in its internal structure and in its
service provision. Although some of the rhetoric and the jargon of
the Network has changed, and the organisation has gone through
several transformations since those early days, CAN WA remains
true to its foundation of empowering communities through arts and
cultural development.
CAN WA is now an incorporated not-for-profit company limited by guarantee
with a membership base. CAN WA is governed by a Board of Directors
consisting of a maximum of 12 individuals from diverse backgrounds of local
government, community arts, academia, business, community development,
planning, accounting and law. A full time Managing Director and a team of
12 individuals, six full time and six part time staff oversee the daily operations of
CAN WA.
CAN WA stimulates and encourages the use of art for the expression of
a community’s unique culture. As a membership-based organisation,
CAN WA acts as a peak body connecting communities, culture and arts
practitioners with support organisations, funding opportunities and
professional development opportunities.
CAN WA works to inspire communities, community cultural development,
arts practitioners and other organisations by
Providing leadership and support to artists and communities in
community cultural development
Facilitating a network and partnerships between sectors who have
an interest or stake in community based culture and arts practice
Providing expertise, advice and mentoring to practitioners, communities,
not-for-profit organisations, government organisations and industry
Delivering specialised professional development opportunities which
support community-determined arts and cultural activities
Promoting the value of community-determined arts and cultural activities
and
Providing funding opportunities through the Catalyst, Community Culture
and Sharing Stories funding programs.
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 7

CAN WA has been working as a Registered Training Organisation since
1999 and established the first nationally recognised training in cultural
planning in WA.
CAN WA is funded by the State Government of Western Australia through
the Department of Culture and the Arts and by the Federal Government through
the Australia Council for the Arts. CAN WA also generates its own income
through the development of specialised services such as training programs
and cultural development consultancies.
CAN WA has a track record of initiating best practice in community cultural
development and has a demonstrated commitment towards social justice.
CAN WA also recognises the importance of supporting Indigenous communities
in affirming their cultural and spiritual beliefs.
In 2006 CAN WA established a Regional Indigenous Arts and Cultural
Development Unit in Kellerberrin, a Wheatbelt town located 200 kilometres
east of Perth.
This unit houses two Indigenous employees, whose brief is to assist and
develop Indigenous self-determined arts and cultural activities in the
Eastern Wheatbelt.
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10 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT
Rock Hole Long Pipe
Hedge Bandits with teacher Kiera Hill
and students from Kambalda
PHOTO, MIKE GRAY

Section 2
REPORTS

Chairperson’s report
In a time of economic hardship, community arts practice can be a foundation
for empowerment of communities, where art is used to improve the quality
of life, promote social inclusion and grow community. Now is a time to support
communities and identify solutions to local issues, in turn building resilience
and maintaining a sense of identity in these challenging times.
We believe that is critical for community artists to be out there practising
their craft and assisting communities in strengthening their social fabric.
CAN WA invites community artists and cultural workers to join us in
advocating the benefits of community, building and retaining social capital
through arts and culture. CAN WA has developed the credibility and a track
record in bringing communities together and achieving results, both with
government agencies and local authorities.
David Malone,
Executive Director,
Healthway;
Pilar Kasat,
Managing Director,
CAN WA;
Hon. Dr. Kim Hames MLA,
Deputy Premier,
Minister for Health;
Indigenous Affairs at the
2008 Healthway Arts in
Health Fellowship Finale.
2008 was a period of consolidation for CAN WA as the peak body for
community arts and cultural development in Western Australia. One of the
most significant achievements for the year was securing a tripartite agreement
with the Australia Council for the Arts and the Department of Culture and the
Arts as the peak organisation in Western Australia to provide support and
services for community arts and cultural development.
The year was also marked by two regional community arts projects developed
and produced by CAN WA. The Rock Hole Long Pipe project in Coolgardie and
the Voices of the Wheatbelt project in the Eastern Wheatbelt proved to be the
largest and most successful projects CAN WA has undertaken in its 24 year
history. The success of these projects was founded on a long term and
sustained community engagement and consultation process. Rock Hole Long
Pipe brought communities and individuals, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous,
together to celebrate their culture and history. For me the highlight of this
event was the performance of a particular dance by the Coonana Mob that
had not been performed in the area for forty years.
The Voices of the Wheatbelt project saw over 200 students and adults from the
Eastern Wheatbelt taking part in a photographic exploration of their sense of
place and community. Diverse groups from the community, Indigenous and
non-Indigenous, young and old, came together to celebrate their place and
challenge some of the stereotypical views of the Wheatbelt. These projects
demonstrate a new capacity of CAN WA to develop and produce best practice
community arts and cultural development projects, successfully attracting
$500,000 additional project funding from non-arts sources.
Nationally, CAN WA has taken a pivotal role in advocacy and strengthening
partnership with similarly focused organisations. Our Managing Director has
been nominated as one of two spokespeople for AusCAN, a national coalition
of community arts and cultural development agencies. AusCAN advocates
at the Federal level, this year meeting with the Minister for Environment,
Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett. An additional reflection of the national
12 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

George Kingsley, Chairperson and
Dr. Noel Nannup at the 2008 Healthway
Arts in Health Fellowship
reputation that CAN WA has gained over the past
triennium, was securing a major Creative Communities
Partnership project from the Australia Council,
attracting over $500,000 in funding for a two-year
strategic initiative.
All this could not be achieved without the dedication,
commitment and vision of Pilar Kasat, our Managing
Director and the staff of CAN WA. In her role, Pilar’s leadership generates an
environment that values each individual and their contribution, creating a fun,
productive and dedicated team. Not only supported by the CAN WA team, Pilar
is equally supported by the Board of Directors who continue to provide
organisational strategic direction. Our diverse composition, including regional
membership, gives the Board unique perspective, lending the credibility and
stability required to continue to enact our vision. For this, I wish to express my
heartfelt thanks to both the staff and Board.
Throughout 2009 CAN WA will continue to create opportunities for people of
all cultures to explore and express their identity through cultural engagement.
CAN WA has never had a policy of the ‘quick fix’ but has opted for the strength
of long and meaningful engagement. This approach means that we work towards
strong and sustainable connections into the future. My hope is that funding
agencies recognise the importance of such an approach and continue to
support community arts practice in strengthening community wellbeing.
George Kingsley
Chairperson
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 13

Managing Director’s
report
2008 was an extraordinary year for CAN WA.
So what made 2008 so fantastic It was a year in which we consolidated
partnerships with key agencies and individuals, secured a further round of
triennial funding and boosted our operating budget beyond $1.5 million. These are
amazing achievements for a small organisation in the community arts sector.
During the first half of 2008, we undertook a business and strategic planning
process. The Business and Cultural Plan articulates a clear vision and purpose
that forms the foundation of a new strategic direction. With this plan, we secured
funding from the Australia Council and the Department of Culture and the Arts,
giving us a stable core for 2009-2011. We move forward with a clear set of
objectives and strategies to accomplish in the next three years.
Our position in Western Australia was consolidated, with the Australia Council
and the Department of Culture and the Arts determining CAN WA to be the
peak service organisation for community arts and cultural development in WA.
In 2008 CAN WA produced and delivered significant community arts and
cultural development projects. Projects such as the Badjaling Nyungar
Cultural Festival, Rock Hole Long Pipe and Voices of the Wheatbelt projects
are testimony of what a community is capable of when culturally appropriate
engagement and committed processes are applied. These projects nurtured
and united communities because they were relevant and meaningful to all
involved. I’d like to say thank you to all those who embraced these
opportunities – their enthusiasm made these projects momentous.
Rock 14 Hole | Long 2008 Pipe ANNUAL REPORT
Peter Docker as Captain Cool Guardia
PHOTO, MIKE GRAY

We secured some major future projects in 2008. Consolidation of our work in
the Eastern Wheatbelt secured a very exciting strategic partnership with four
shires from the Eastern Wheatbelt. Australia Council for the Arts have become
a key partner along with the Department of Culture and the Arts and Healthway.
This project secured over $500,000 and a whole host of other partnerships and
relationships with the Nyungar community and other key stakeholders.
CAN WA staff at
Badjaling Nyungar
Cultural Festival
PHOTO, CAN WA
A research report written by Dr Meredith Green and Dr Christopher Sonn,
funded by the Office of Multicultural Interests was published in August 2008.
This evaluation looked at the effectiveness of our work in the Eastern Wheatbelt
and in particular examines CAN WA’s work under the theories of empowerment.
I am extremely happy to report that according to the research, CAN WA
methodologies are contributing to the empowerment of the Nyungar community.
More work is needed and further collaboration with other agencies has the
potential to strengthen this model.
We had a year of significant staff changes
and lost some wonderful people, but also
gained some equally amazing people.
I would personally like to thank the staff for
their continued dedication and commitment.
Both present and past, the people that have
passed through our doors have continued
the vision that upholds our organisation.
The Board of Directors continue to give
CAN WA a sense of strategic direction,
supporting the organisation with their diversity
and skills. I wish to thank and acknowledge
their commitment and support that they
provide to me, our staff and the organisation
as a whole. Our Chair, George Kingsley
gives his time and expertise with
enormous generosity, which is invaluable.
CAN WA approaches 2009 as an organisation with an enhanced reputation for
creativity, responsiveness, ethics and vision. Despite the recent economic
downturn, we look to the future and beyond with a renewed sense of purpose
and an enormous amount of optimism.
Pilar Kasat
Managing Director
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 15

Funding report
Busselton Jetty Swim
Drumming Workshops
PHOTO, PETTI MCINNES
After stepping into the Funds & Operations Manager role in May 2008, I must
admit I was not only excited, but also nervous about managing CAN WA’s funding
programs. Most of my previous experience has been receiving funding. Firstly
I must thank Jeanmarie Collens for a fantastic handover and for leaving me
with a thorough list of “don’t forget” tasks stuck to my pin-up board.
Funding Project Officer, Jill Brown has worked tirelessly on both the Sharing
Stories Fund and the Community Culture Fund. She ran these programs so
smoothly that we’ll be sad to see her go on maternity leave in 2009. We wish
her all the best and by the time you read this, she will have added a new
member to the family.
CATALYST COMMUNITY ARTS FUND
One of my first major jobs was to produce the Catalyst 10th Anniversary
Bulletin 1997-2007, a culmination of the hard work from many people over
the ten years the fund has been running. It was great to have the Minister for
Culture and the Arts launching the book before a fantastically diverse
audience. Coupled with the various projects and people showcased within its
pages, the bulletin proves the massive impact Catalyst has across Western
Australian communities.
16 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

Guests at the launch of
the 10th Anniversary
Catalyst bulletin, 2008
PHOTO, CAN WA
Not long after, I conducted my first round of Catalyst funding. It was a great
experience and I have loved every minute – from getting people thinking about
applying and attending the workshops, through to acquitting the successful projects
and seeing the amazing amount of work communities put into these projects.
In 2008 we had 50 applications for Catalyst funding. 41 of these projects received
funding for a total amount of $240,612. Of the applications received, 31 of these
were based in the metropolitan area and 19 regionally.
2008 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:
Although all Catalyst projects are deserving of mention, I have picked out,
with difficulty, some highlights from the 34 projects that were acquitted in 2008.
Reduce Your Energy Use – The City of South Perth
The City of South Perth continued their environmental theme from 2007
with Reduce Your Energy Use that saw 500 kids work with environmental
artists to construct kinetic sculptures from natural materials. Solar panels and
wind generators were installed to power the exhibition at night during the
City of South Perth Fiesta.
Southwest Project – The Kaleidoscope Ensemble
The Kaleidoscope Ensemble’s Southwest Project bought theatre and ‘string can’
instruments to a group of students from Wilson Park Primary School in Collie,
ending with a fantastic community performance at Ferguson Valley Farmstay.
In Her Stride, In Her Pride - Lesbi Visible Mental Health Program
The Lesbi Visible Mental Health Program produced some amazing artworks
including vibrant masks and sculptures. The project focused on giving lesbian
and bisexual women with mental health issues an opportunity to explore and
validate their sexual choice and identity.
Kattidj project,
City of Mandurah, 2008
PHOTO COURTESY OF
CITY OF MANDURAH
SHARING STORIES AND COMMUNITY CULTURE FUNDS
In 2008, the Sharing Stories Community Art Fund, sponsored by Healthway to
promote Relationships Australia’s ‘Make Time to Talk’ message took on a more
targeted approach. Sharing Stories exclusively supported arts projects in the
Goldfields and Wheatbelt regions that encouraged community participation,
creative expression and relationship building in a safe environment with a
particular focus on young people. The fund also underwent significant development
in the form of revised guidelines and a streamlined application form.
Six projects were supported through the 2008 Sharing Stories Community
Sponsorship Fund. The projects will take place in Quairading, Merredin,
Kellerberrin, Moora and Narrogin in the early part of 2009 across a range of
artforms. Technology played a significant role in the 2008 Sharing Stories projects,
with DVD, digital art and audio recording being some of the artforms used to
bring communities together to express their ideas.
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 17

Merredin
A week of workshops and consultations with visiting Digital Artist Jeremy Lynch,
will culminate in a series of projections at local wheat silos. Diverse groups,
such as young and Indigenous people, will have the opportunity to engage in
targeted workshops throughout the week, with all participants being encouraged
to work together as a diverse group to create the showcase event.
The Community Culture Local Government Regional Cultural Planning Fund,
sponsored by the State of Western Australia through the Department of
Culture and the Arts, provided a way for local governments to explore their
communities’ collective identities, values and aspirations with the aim of
informing decision making and planning.
Thirteen applications were received in 2008 and seven projects were funded
for a total of $98,718. Successful Cultural Planning applicants included Shire of
Denmark, Shire of Broome and the Shire of Chapman Valley. The funding
received will enable each of these Shires to produce a Cultural Plan to help
determine how best to use cultural resources for economic and social
development. Successful Cultural Mapping applicants included Shire of
Morawa, Shire of West Arthur, City of Bunbury and the Albany Aboriginal
Heritage Group. Cultural mapping includes a range of art forms and
approaches to community cultural development.
Albany Aboriginal Heritage Group
The Albany Aboriginal Heritage Group, with the support of the City of Albany,
will take young Nyungar people on an inspirational and connective cultural
tour with local Nyungar elders. The tour will stimulate fresh stories for
sharing with the youth, building stronger communities, a sense of belonging,
ownership and inspiration for artwork. These verbally shared stories will be
recorded and sculptural workshops will follow with Nyungar artist Lance
Chadd (Tjyllyoungoo). The sculptures created will be placed within the
Nyungar garden located at the WA Museum at Albany.
Every successful applicant deserves congratulations on the hard work and
energy in bringing their projects together.
Both myself and Jill would like to give a big round of applause to the fabulous
Selection Panel Members who gave their time in 2008, Sarah Wilkinson from
the Department of Culture and Arts and the wonderful staff and Board at CAN
WA who have made me feel part of the ‘furniture’ so quickly. I look forward to
2009 and managing the ‘new look’ funding program on behalf of CAN WA.
Jason Cleary
Operations and Funding Manager
Jill Brown
Funding Project Officer
18 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

The Garden Project
Artists: Audrey Satar & Arif Satar
PHOTO COURTESY THE ARTISTS
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 19

Cultural Planning and
Development report
From what I’ve heard, 2008 has yet again been a very exciting year
with some great projects and partnerships forged here at CAN WA.
Sadly, this year CAN WA bid farewell to Lauren Holst as she jetted off to
pursue new adventures in Melbourne. As I prepare to step into Lauren’s
role in Strategic and Cultural Development, I gained an insight into all
that Lauren has brought to CAN WA during her time here. Her ability
to work across art forms, bring together diverse groups of people
and manage the multiple projects on the go has been a huge asset
to the organisation.
Ivy Penny
Manager Strategic and Cultural Development
In 2008, renovating CAN WA’s Cultural Planning Course was at the top of
the to-do list. With the help of some fantastic new presenters and Simone
Ruane co-facilitating the course, we’ve created CAN WA’s new and improved,
nationally accredited, Cultural Planning Course.
One of our first changes was the decision to put a new spin on the timetabling of
the course. The first three intense days of the training were delivered
consecutively, followed by a six-week break for participants. This allowed
them to soak in all of the knowledge and be ready to come back for the final
two days of the course with questions and anecdotes from their fieldwork and
readings. Both the participants and myself found this formula to work really
well. The format also enabled regional participants to be more easily involved
in the course than in some previous years. Several new assessments have
been added to the course requirements for students who wish to obtain the
national accreditation in the units of ‘Devising and Conducting Community
Consultations’ and ‘Developing and Implementing Community Cultural Plans’.
We began the training in mid May 2008 with participants from as far a field
as Mullewa, Morawa, Kalgoorlie, Merredin and metropolitan Perth, and from
sectors as diverse as arts and events management, local government policy
development, art therapy and community development. This ensured that
group discussions were never dull and different opinions and experiences
were voiced.
I quickly realised in the lead up to the 2007 course, that visualizing beautiful
weather plays a large part in the ambience and our enjoyment of the first day.
Sure enough, the good weather vibes paid off, as we were able to enjoy an
afternoon of tasty morsels and storytelling in the middle of May. This was all
in the presence of a very warm hearted individual who I would argue is one
of the most spellbinding storytellers in Perth, Mr Noel Nannup.
Voices of the Wheatbelt
PHOTO, GEORGIANNA CRANE
TAMMIN PRIMARY SCHOOL
20 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

Voices of the Wheatbelt
PHOTO, ALFRED MCGRATH
MERREDIN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Noel gave participants an insight into the dreaming stories and Indigenous
history of the Perth metro area in the stunning setting of Kings Park.
Day two jumped straight into learning, demonstrating and participating in a wide
variety of community consultation methods. Firstly Dr Natalie McGrath shared
her abundance of knowledge and experience in the area, specifically regarding
involving Indigenous community members in meaningful consultation.
Following a presentation on the principles, examples and a group exercise
in cultural mapping, the ever-exuberant Anne Sorenson got everyone up and
about illustrating how drama techniques can allow many different people,
who may not normally engage in more traditional methods, to contribute to
the consultation process.
After looking at the principles and building blocks of a cultural plan, day three
of the course concentrated on various methodologies and frameworks to
achieving a successful cultural plan with community ownership. Sandra Krempl
once again shared her wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the group who
were left awe-inspired by her passionate delivery.
After our six-week break, the intensity of the first three days was quickly
restored to the group, especially given that the focus of day four was evaluation.
A difficult topic to be excited about in the eyes of most, however Julia Anwar-
McHenry brought passion to the subject and a great deal of skill in her
communication of many complex methods of evaluation. We also looked at
how we all could best communicate the concepts and value of the cultural
planning process to others.
On the final day of the training, it was a great pleasure to hear the participants
convey their own ideas about the benefits and outcomes of cultural planning
in-group presentations. The course was rounded off with a superb industry
panel comprising of Lindsay Bridge (Department of Local Government and
Regional Development), Kevin Knapp (City of Belmont), and Frank Walsh
(CAN WA’s Indigenous Unit in Kellerberrin). Each of the panel speakers have a
wide array of experiences regarding improving the engagement of Indigenous
people with local government and this was the common thread which ran
throughout the discussion. In the final evaluation of the course, participants
spoke very highly about the value, insight and usefulness of the discussion
about this very pertinent issue.
It was my great privilege to work together with all of the presenters in this year’s
course and extremely satisfying to be able to assist with the learning and skills
development of each of the participants. It’s always a pleasure and I too learn
many new skills each year from all of you!
Lauren Holst
Strategic and Cultural Development
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 21

Youth Arts and Culture
report
2008 was a year of consolidation for CAN WA’s Youth Arts and Culture Program.
The previous three years of relationship building, research, consultation and
pilot programs had provided CAN WA with a strong base to deliver well thought
out, quality programs to young people, particularly focussing on Indigenous
people, new migrants and those not thriving in mainstream education. All of
CAN WA’s 2008 youth programs combined a community cultural development
approach with vocational training outcomes and provided an avenue for young
people to explore issues and express themselves through arts and creativity.
The program allows young people to make new friends, access relevant
information and support, and build new skills.
CAN WA continued to work closely with the City of Stirling to deliver
three Fired Up programs in 2008 as part of the Reel Connections Initiative.
Reel Connections aims to harness the strengths of the cultural diversity
found in the Mirrabooka, Balga and Girraween areas and to enhance the
relationships between culturally and linguistically diverse, Indigenous and
mainstream young people. The Fired Up programs in 2008 utilised diverse
artforms including drama, music, film, photography, Capoeira, urban arts,
textiles and murals; as a way of engaging young people in a positive learning
and community experience. The success of the Fired Up program and the
Reel Connections Initiative as a whole has been underpinned by a strong
partnership model in which CAN WA, the City of Stirling, Balga Detached Youth
Support Services, Filmbites Youth Film Company, the City of Wanneroo and the
WA police collaborate to share resources and expertise. The Fired Up program
will be continued to be delivered through Reel Connections until mid 2010.
As part of the City of Gosnells Straight Talking Initiative, CAN WA worked in
partnership with the City of Gosnells and Filmbites to provide community arts
and vocational training opportunities for young people, primarily those residing
in the Maddington and Kenwick areas whose needs are not being met by mainstream
education. The ‘Risky Bizness’ Program is a drama and film-based
educational program that explores the causes and consequences of behaviours
that may result in injury and death, with a particular focus
on road safety, hooning behaviours and safe communities.
Young participants work towards the production of a
short film based on this theme. This will be utilised in the
future as an educational resource tool in the local schools.
Two Risky Bizness programs were delivered in 2008 in
partnership with Yule Brooke College, Seven Oakes College
and VIP Plus Communicare. Risky Bizness programs will
continue to be delivered through the Straight Talking
Initiative in 2009 and 2010.
22 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

In 2008 CAN WA also worked with the City of Gosnells and public artist Jahne
Rees to provide an opportunity for young people to be involved in designing a
skate-able public artwork in Westfield Park Skate Facility in Maddington.
The Maddington Skate Park Users group contributed to the design of the
sculpture that utilised photos taken by the young CAN WA LiveworX
Maddington and Kenwick 2007 program participants. The Mayor of Gosnells,
Cr Olwen Searle, unveiled the artwork in early December.
Published in the Summer 2008/09, the Liveworx publication featured articles
from a range of individuals and organisations that have been utilising community
arts practice in their work with young people. The articles showcase some
practical and creative examples of community cultural development work that
contributes to enhancing the wellbeing of young people in meaningful ways.
2008 was a very busy and productive year for CAN WA’s Youth Arts and Culture
Program. All of the activities undertaken could not have been possible without
the involvement of many key individuals and organisations who are keenly
supportive of a community cultural development approach with young people.
In particular I would like to express my sincere thanks to the following people
for their contributions to CAN WA youth programs and activities:
Sarah Janali, City of Stirling
Jahne Rees, public artist
Jaime Yallup, RRAFT Educators
Mike Dixon, Balga Detached Youth Support Services
Chris Woods, City of Gosnells
Deb Ditchburn, City of Gosnells
Hallie McGeig, Filmbites Youth Film Company
Gregg Johnson, Filmbites Youth Film Company
Claire Hanna, qalamDESIGN
Gillian Gatlow, The Kaleidoscope Ensemble
Rebecca Cockram, Country Arts WA
Sonja Basic, Propel Youth Arts
After four years of managing CAN WA’s Youth Arts and Cultural projects, I’ll be
handing over the reigns to our newly appointed Youth Arts and Culture Manager,
James Berlyn in 2009. James will bring a great set of skills and fresh enthusiasm
to the program, and am sure we will see it evolve to a whole new level.
I will be managing CAN WA’s new Wheatbelt Strategic Partnership Initiative,
collaborating with four Eastern Wheatbelt Shires and their local Nyungar
communities – Bruce Rock, Kellerberrin, Quairading and Tammin – to support
and enhance opportunities for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development and
participation in cultural tourism. So watch this space!
Simone Ruane
Manager, Youth Arts and Culture
All photos –
Fired Up 2008
PHOTOS, CAN WA
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 23

Local Government
Cultural Development
report
COOLGARDIE WATER DREAMING PROJECT
The Coolgardie Water Dreaming Project, a two year project being undertaken
by CAN WA in collaboration with the Shire of Coolgardie and funded by the
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
is drawing to a close in June 2009. The aim of ‘Water Dreaming’ was to bring
the whole Shire of Coolgardie together to explore how drought has affected
the community. The project looked at how to minimise the hardships caused by
drought by building community capacity and a sense of place, increasing the
community’s resilience in times of difficulty. The capacity was built through
creative arts, using cultural and interactive processes.
ROCK HOLE LONG PIPE COMMUNITY THEATRE PERFORMANCE
The central aim of community theatre performance Rock Hole Long Pipe was
to involve a broad cross section of the community in an event that told the
Indigenous and non-Indigenous stories of the region to create cross-cultural
understanding within a community that has very little knowledge or
understanding of Indigenous culture.
Rock Hole Long Pipe was developed over a period of nine months and involved
two schools in Coolgardie and two schools in Kambalda, local community
organisations, local Indigenous and non-Indigenous elders and leaders,
artists and performers from the community and elsewhere to tell the ancient
and contemporary story of the water in this significant part of the Goldfields.
The development phase of Rock Hole Long Pipe required extensive community
consultation across the entire community, in particular with the Madawanga-
Galagoo people of Coolgardie. This process was assisted through the
involvement of local cultural advisors Alison Dimer, Trevor Jamieson,
Alice Haines, Annette Stokes and Steven Sinclair who made introductions
and facilitated discussions enabling the building of a strong platform
to develop the necessary trust for the stories to be shared.
Rock Hole Long Pipe
Lanterns
PHOTO, POPPY VAN OORDE-GRAINGER
Project highlights:
Artistic Director, Lockie McDonald was contracted to assist with
developing a community performance in November 2007.
2008 Healthway International Arts in Health Fellow Alison Clough arrived
from the UK, having worked extensively in a health context for the last
10 years, bringing immense experience to the project.
Well-known Australian writer/actor Peter Docker was a significant benefit to
the project due to his passion, insight and sensitivity to Aboriginal cultures.
Visual artist Poppy van Oorde-Grainger brought enthusiasm and energy to
much more than the design elements of Rock Hole Long Pipe.
24 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

Rock Hole Long Pipe
Hedge Bandits
PHOTO, MIKE GRAY
Rock Hole Long Pipe
The giant echidna
PHOTO, MIKE GRAY
One of the great moments of the performance was the students’ animations
facilitated by Animator Steve Aiton. Steve’s history of growing up in Mt Isa,
an environment not dissimilar to Coolgardie, fuelled his resolve to expose
young people to exciting new communication tools.
Musicians The Hedge Bandits ran workshops with Kambalda District High
School students in the week leading up to the performance, adding
musical integrity to the process.
Local Artist, Alice Haines became a major conduit to the children at
Coolgardie CAP School and wrote the dramatic music for the end of
the performance.
Trevor Jamieson opened cultural doors through his kinship with the
Coonana community.
A three-week workshop program was developed that involved classes from
each of the schools situated in Coolgardie and Kambalda creating modules
of the performance.
2008 ANNUAL REPORT | 25

The performance involved the students from Coolgardie CAP School,
Coolgardie Primary School, Kambalda Primary School and Kambalda District
High School, the Coolgardie Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service, local poet
Victor Dale, Perth band The Hedge Bandits, Perth actor Peter Docker and local
actors Elizabeth Trott, Jessica Stokes and Angus Donaldson, local biker John
Addink, local visual artist Catherine Howard and the Coonana Mob.
COOLGARDIE WATER DREAMING BANNER PROJECT
Initially Paula Hart was engaged to provide workshops to the schools in
Coolgardie and Kambalda with the intention of creating imagery for a series of
banners about water in the Coolgardie and Kambalda region. The preliminary
meetings undertaken with the teachers at all the schools indicated that water
would be a focus subject for the year and resources were provided by CAN
WA to assist the teachers with their lessons.
Following the workshops, Paula felt that her initial suggestion of a banner parade
in the Coolgardie Day community celebrations would not translate into something
that could be understood by an audience, given the students limited knowledge
of water in the region. Instead she proposed the artwork was used to produce
permanent artworks of a similar dimension for each school allowing the students
to take their time studying the detail of the work to gain a greater understanding
of the water issues in their community. This project was commenced in March
2008 and concluded with an exhibition in December 2008.
CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FORUM
The Cultural Development Forum Committee formed in August 2007 and met at
the CAN WA office in March, June, August and December. Forums were held
at the City of Melville in July and City of Belmont in November focusing on the
State Government’s Ignite Package and the Percent for Art program
respectively. A sub committee made up of representation from the Department
of Culture and the Arts, the Western Australian Local Government Association,
and artworkers from the City of Armadale and the Town of Vincent, worked
together with support provided by CAN WA to develop the Art in Public Places
Symposium program. The symposium will be held at the Subiaco Arts Centre
from late May to early June with the plan to have travel subsidies provided
through Department of Culture and the Arts funding to enable regional cultural
development officers and artworkers the chance to participate.
2008 INTERNATIONAL HEALTHWAY ARTS IN HEALTH
FELLOWSHIP
CAN WA formed a partnership with Wongutha Birni Aboriginal Corporation and
the Rural Clinical School of WA through the University of WA and Notre Dame
University, to bring Alison Clough to the Goldfields as the 2008 Healthway Arts
in Health Visiting Fellow.
Alison worked for Welfare State to create a new visual and celebratory
vocabulary that has provided communities with ways to increase their health
and wellbeing with very few resources. Her more recent work has had an
26 | 2008 ANNUAL REPORT