The Corker Hopetoun Bush Dance

A partnership with Hopetoun Primary School P & C.

When you’re a bushwhacker and you’ve been one for a while, you know how important it is to get together with your mates and have a good honest yarn. What's better than a yarn? A good old fashioned toe tapping spoon whacking bush dance.

The bush bash began with a song written and conducted by the lovely Richenda Goldfinch, performed by the Hopetoun Primary School kids. The kids musical instruments were home made with recycled materials by a cobber that goes by the name Bruce Alford. The kids put in some hard yakka practicing for their debut. No bull dust, it sounded like the kids had walked strait off the stage at the Sydney Opera House. Mag. Nificent. Proud as punch they were.

A WA favorite, The Mucky Duck Bush Band, cranked out colonial style Australian dance music and the young'uns had another change to wow the crowd with their practiced dance moves. School lunchtime dance workshops had payed off, and the band encouraged all to join in instead of just sitting around having a gander! The festivity was well received.

You may remember Deb "Spoons" Perry from Australia's Got Talent a few years back? After a "spoons" workshop at the Hopetoun Primary School, the kids were geared up to play along with the famous Deb "Spoons" Perry and they had a ball. Deb also performed an open slather-spooned crowd pleaser to a spoon chaperoned compilation of "Black Betty" and "These Boots are made for Walking". An absolute rip-snorter. 

All sorts scrubbed up for the occasion. Cockys, Codgers, Sheilas, Larrikins, Grommets, and Greenies, it was on for young and young at heart.

Some good tucker was on offer, Roast Beef and Gravy Rolls, Stuffed Spuds and a Snagger Sizzle all thanks to the Hopetoun P&C. And last but not least, yummy sweets from the Pavlova Bake Off! The 'big kids' enjoyed a couple of tinnies at the bar too.

By jingoes you won't find a better mob from Cooee to Timbertown, and I'm not pullin' your leg. The Sheilas (and Blokes) from Hopetoun P&C along with the many other volunteers that pulled the night together did a ripper of a job. The town will be gas bagging about it for yonks.

Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council reckon the Hopetoun Bush Dance was grouse, and are tickled pink to have been the major sponsor. Fair dinkum.

Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council receives core funding from Country Arts WA, which receives funding from the State Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest.

Doing an Acrobatic Happy Dance

With Hopetoun Dance Group

We like dance in the Shire of Ravensthorpe, we really really do. We have a great history of making artistic things happen in our tiny shire, and with a population of 2500 spread over 4 townships, sometimes making things happen can take a bit of coordination and a whole lot of passion.

The Hopetoun Dance group was born an idea between two Mums with a passion for health and vitality. It began in 2014 with a highly successful 'dance taster workshop' and 4 years later the program enrolls an average of 40 children per school term who partake in weekly dance classes. Supported by Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council, the weekly dance classes have provided a creative after school activity that children residing in remote communities often miss out on. Further more the ongoing nature of the program creates a meeting hub for like minded parents.

In a recent bonus opportunity, children were invited to take part in an Acrobatic & Circus Workshop in March 2017. Additional to the weekly dance classes which currently covers Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance, 50 students between the ages of 4 and 12 partook in learning new acrobatic skills and tricks in a safe engaging environment amongst their peers. Partnering with Southern Edge Arts in Albany for this workshop has enabled local children to continue their passion in 'acro' whilst that particular component of dance is currently unavailable in the weekly classes.

During the Acro workshops the children learnt a variety of skills including ker-flops, bouncy leggers, roly polys, and upside downies, obviously not the technical terms. On a more serious note, the focus of circus and acrobatics is to encourage strength and confidence in many areas including team skills and trust. Workshop opportunities like these spark imagination in young people, invoke emotional health and well being in the community and excellence and creativity in all forms.

For more information on Hopetoun Dance Groups classes email Beck & Kristin at hopetoundancegroup@gmail.com or check out their dedicated Facebook page "Hopetoun Dance Group".

Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council receives core funding from Country Arts WA, which receives funding from the State Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest.

Flickerfest

A Taste of Bondi in Hopetoun

Each year Flickerfest screens for 10 days at Bondi Beach in January, with selected highlights then touring Australia. For the very first time, thanks to Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council, the tour landed at the Hopetoun Community Centre on Saturday 18^th March.

A gathering of about 80 got comfy with blankets and beanbags, accompanied by BYO cuisine which ranged from gourmet platters to bags of chips. Anticipation was high as the crowd wondered what they were in for. What the heck was a Flickerfest anyhoo?

Opening with a heart-warming and very Australian short film called “Welcome to Country” it was soon apparent that the films were very well put together, and worth the effort of pulling out the very heavy Hopetoun Community Centre tables.

Whilst watching the films, you had to remind yourself they were a product of a competition with tight scrutineering, made by cutting edge leading film makers. They were not your average episode of Home and Away. Some were touching, some were absurd and others, particularly “the psychiatrist one” namely The Eleven O’clock were very clever indeed.

As audience members, we walked (and trespassed) through breath taking landscapes, we pondered our environmental footprint, we tasted authentic dishes and what could have been, we found out that rotating your mattress is an important part of adulthood and we were even lead to ponder our evolution – and the demise of it.

A nice cosy night out with laughter, applause and puzzled facial expressions which exacerbated the laughter. We look forward to the next Flickerfest, the question…. Where in the Ravensthorpe Shire will it pop up in 2018?

Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council receives core funding from Country Arts WA, which receives funding from the State Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest.

Ravensthorpe Bus Run Supported by Lotterywest Funding

Flickerfest Programme

Hopetoun Flickerfest 7pm Saturday 18th March 2017

Hopetoun Community Centre

Welcome To Country

Welcome to Country

When a hotshot public servant is sent to a remote Aboriginal community to prepare for the Prime Minister’s visit, he quickly learns the true meaning of Welcome to Country.
WORLD PREMIERE

Director: Dean Gibson

Writer: Dean Gibson

Producer: Helen Morrison

Runtime: 10 min

Year: 2016

Country: Australia

My Best Friend Is Stuck On The Ceiling

My Best Friend is Stuck on the Ceiling

Connor, secretly in love with his best friend Rach, has gotten her an amazing birthday present, something that’s sure to knock her off her feet. But, when things take a sharply peculiar turn, Connor begins to wonder whether he would have been better off just getting a gift voucher.

Director: Matt Vesely

Writer: Matt Vesely

Producer: Sophie Hyde, Christine Williams

Runtime: 10 min

Year: 2015

Country: Australia

I’m Raymond

I'm Raymond

8 year old global warming alarmist Raymond Banks brings civil action against his parents, claiming loss of future income due to the worlds impending total demise.
WORLD PREMIERE

Director: Eddy Bell

Writer: Eddy Bell

Producer: Lib Kelly, Catherine Williams

Runtime: 17 min

Year: 2016

Country: Australia

Messiah

Messiah

In a playful collision of cultures, a hapless Irishman and his Parisian girlfriend get more than they bargained for when they encounter a particularly mischievous stranger in the spectacular Australian wilderness.

Director: Damian Walshe-Howling

Writer: Damian Walshe-Howling

Producer: Joey Horvitz, Rohan Timlock

Runtime: 17 min

Year: 2016

Country: Australia

Interval : 10 Mins

Face

James, a successful banker, urgently needs to get to the pharmacy by midnight. Unfortunately it’s 11:30pm and the only person who can drive him is his weird neighbour Steve.
WORLD PREMIERE

Director: Luke Tierney

Writer: Luke Tierney, Henry Nixon

Producer: Luke Tierney, Michelle Hardy

Runtime: 13 min

Year: 2016

Country: Australia

Spice Sisters

Spice Sisters

Rohini, a former Bollywood actress, is bored and restless with her life. When a popular reality cooking competition issues a call for entries, Rohini decides it’s now or never to make a change.

Director: Sheila Jayadev

Writer: Sheila Jayadev

Producer: Lyn Norfor

Runtime: 15 min

Year: 2016

Country: Australia

Trespass

Trespass

A woman walking her dog alone in the bush has a strange encounter.
NSW PREMIERE

Director: Mirrah Foulkes

Writer: Mirrah Foulkes

Producer: Alex White

Runtime: 11 min

Year: 2016

Country: Australia

The Eleven O'clock

The Eleven O'clock

The delusional patient of a psychiatrist believes he is actually the psychiatrist. As they each attempt to treat each other the session gets increasingly out of control.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE

Director: Derin Seale

Writer: Josh Lawson

Producer: Derin Seale, Karen Bryson, Josh Lawson

Runtime: 13 min

Year: 2016

Country: Australia

Fish With Legs

Fish with Legs

A school of fish wakes to discover that everyone has grown legs. Is it evolution or a curse from God?
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE

Director: Dave Carter

Writer: Nikos Andronicos

Producer: Nikos Andronicos, Tania Frampton

Runtime: 10 min

Year: 2016

Country: Australia

Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council receives core funding from Country Arts WA, which receives funding from the State Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest. Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council is also supported by the Department of Regional Development and Royalties for Regions.

Flickerfest is coming to Hopetoun

Saturday 18th March 2017

Presented by the Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council, Flickerfest 2017 will screen at the Hopetoun Hall on Saturday 18^th of March.  Celebrating 26 years, Flickerfest is Australia’s leading Academy® Award accredited and BAFTA-recognised Short Film Festival, the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screening the best ‘shorts’ from Australia and around the world, hand-picked from over 2,400 entries. This is your chance to see these amazing short films in your very own backyard before they continue their journey around the world; expect to experience the best in short filmmaking Australia has on offer. Flickerfest remains a platform for celebrating the most entertaining and innovative short filmmaking from Australia and around the world.

“Best of Australian Shorts” will screen after 7pm when everyone is comfy. The films are not rated per say, but under 15’s must be accompanied by an adult. Doors will open at 6.30pm so come on down for a bit of social activity, and to secure your seat before the movies begin. There will be space for bean bags and picnic rugs also. This event is “BYO Everything”, snacks, drinks, wine glasses and stubby holders. In saying that, we would like to discourage noisy “Twisties” packets! 

A bus will be on offer for Ravensthorpe residents, so be sure to purchase your bus tickets along with movie tickets at the Ravensthorpe CRC or Hopetoun CRC. 

Updates will be posted on facebook.com/Raveaboutarts

Looking forward to a cozy night in at the movies, in Hopetoun!!

Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council receives core funding from Country Arts WA, which receives funding from the State Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest. Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council is also supported by the Department of Regional Development and Royalties for Regions.

North by Southeast, an International Art Space Project

Artist in residence - Gustav Hellberg

For the past few weeks lucky Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe townsfolk have been hanging out with artist-in-residence Gustav Hellberg. A project which sees ‘International Art Space’ partner with Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council in a Nordic Artist exchange has well and truly begun to evolve. Much was revealed at an artist talk held at the Hopetoun Community Centre on the evening of Tuesday 21^st February. An exhibition of sorts was shown. Gustav shared Things That Get in Our Way, an installation comprised of part video and part experimental device. The audience was invited to interact directly with the gamma ray detection device and follow the artist's self-described "futile quest" to explore invisible and, to most people, unknown power issues.

Amusing and thought provoking, Gustav’s Artist Talk included examples of his past artistic work, and talked through his evolving idea for the ‘Ravensthorpe/ Hopetoun Project’ which is to be titled Dreamtime in West Australia. This art project is to be an updated version of a piece that was made last spring in the Swedish town Varberg, titled Future Scanner. http://framtidsscanner.tumblr.com

During his February visit, Gustav video interviewed locals about their hopes and dreams for the future, and captured go pro and drone footage out and about the area. All of this is part of the project end-plan, which will include strategically placed flashing light works depicting an open and diverse society, and will ultimately be presented in video format.

We will miss Gustav's suave and intelligent presence, but not for too long. The project will continue with Gustav’s return sometime after August 1st 2017 and he hopes to include youth film workshops, and involve school children in part two of the filming & film collage. Using Gustav’s words, “Children are the Future”.

Gustav very much enjoyed his first visit to Australia and his time spent amongst the Hopey & Ravy locals. He was particularly impressed with the positive and helpful attitudes, noting people were keeping in high spirits despite the devastation that unfolded just after his arrival. Mr Hellberg also enjoyed "Chase the Ace", immersing himself right into our Aussie culture!

Thank you to the volunteers who hosted Gustav for luncheons, dinners, coffee dates, tours and such. For this project to reflect our area appropriately a showcase of the diversity of our townsfolk and society was absolutely imperative. A special mention goes to First Quantum Minerals for suppling Gustav’s accommodation for the duration of his stay. Needless to say, he was delighted waking to the sound of the ocean daily.

“The traces we leave in nature, that we have left here in Hopetoun says a lot about us and our history. Maybe it can tell us about the future? Places, roads, structures, people. Who cares about the future?” Gustav Hellberg.

The Project is presented as a part of spaced 3: north by southeast, International Art Space’s recurring event of context-responsive art.

Read more at http://three.spaced.org.au/spaced-3-north-by-southeast/

Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council receives core funding from Country Arts WA, which receives funding from the State Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest. Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council is also supported by the Department of Regional Development and Royalties for Regions.

Photo credits, Lisa Wilson, Jackie Edwards, Dianne Belli.

 

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ART SPACE

International Art Space (IAS) is a leading West Australian arts organisation specializing in commissioning socially engaged and context-responsive art projects. 

IAS was established in 1998 by a team comprising two farmers, Tony York and Donna Dransfield, and two arts professionals from Perth, artist Rodney Glick and writer/curator Marco Marcon. Until 2009 IAS’ operations were carried out in and around the small town of Kellerberrin, in the Western Australian Wheatbelt. There, under the name IASKA (International Art Space Kellerberrin Australia), IAS ran a gallery, studios and residential centre that hosted projects by leading contemporary artists from Australia and overseas. In 2009 IAS relocated to Perth and launch spaced, a recurring program of socially engaged and context-responsive art that reaches communities across Western Australian and beyond.

Since its inception, IAS has run more than 100 residency-based projects by artists from 20 countries and organised four national touring exhibitions.

WWW.SPACED.ORG.AU