OCTAPOD SEEKING CREATIVE TYPES

Octapod is interested in working with local communities, using arts based processes as a way to engage, inspire, give voice and create change. If you are part of a COMMUNITY and see the value of arts based processes, OR if you are an ARTS/MEDIA/CCD WORKER, and would like to get involved, please contact Christina at Octapod (4927 0470 or podadmin[at]octapod.org or drop in Thurs/Fri 10am-5pm). Octapod is compiling an Expression of Interest Register of artists/trainers/ccd workers/etc. that we may be able to engage for one off projects.

NEW IMAGE FOR OCTAPOD

20 TAFE graphic design students recently submitted designs for a new visual identity for Octapod. The winning entry was by Kazany Flick, with Shannon Hurry as the runner up. Not a radical departure from the existing logo - just a fresher look! Keep an eye out in the next few weeks for the launch of new our new image!

CULTUREHUNTER.ORG IS NOW LIVE - GET EXPOSED!

Now is your chance to get your news and photos on the culturehunter.org website. The 'news' and 'gallery' pages are crying out for articles or pictures about projects and other events in the Hunter - so send me whatever you've got! Send anything of interest to info[at]culturehunter.org The member log in and event listing features will be added at a later date after we have seen the reaction to the basic site.

BECOME A MEMBER OF CULTUREHUNTER.ORG FOR FREE!

Culturehunter.org has been released and is seeking members to join for free! Culturehunter.org is a website dedicated to arts and culture in the Hunter region. Being a member of culturehunter.org allows you to join discussion forums, contact other members, and add upcoming events (You will need to 'Apply for role' as trusted user to do this). We are also looking for creative people to submit photos and articles to be posted on the site - please email info[at]culturehunter.org for more info. Register today at culturehunter.org and remember to tell all your friends to do the same!

CULTURAL STOMP FESTIVAL

In its 11th year, Cultural STOMP was a fantastic feast for the senses. Check out the review at culturehunter.org and browse the shots of the day at the STOMP08 Gallery. 

PODSPACE GALLERY: 'Nellie & Maude Cry & Cry' by Ed Rush

OPENING: Thursday 26 June 6-8pm

EXHIBITION DATES: Wed 25 June to Sat 12 July 2008 Media enquiries: 0408283680/ 0423103740

GALLERY HOURS: 12-5pm Wed-Sat. Upstairs, TPI House, 3/231 King St, Newcastle (cnr Auckland St)

Travel, the transient state of living existence, means having a certain knowledge of departure, an acceptance of fleeting experience, of the impermanence of life. The photographs in Johanna Trainor's upcoming exhibition 'Transience' explore the minutae of travel experience through the image object, as chemistry and light on paper attempt to overcome the impermanence of moments and preserve elements of culture. Memories of past life and love, tangible through the prompts of images expose photography as it may exist to visual memory as writing became to the verbal language.

'Transience' casts a a sensitive eye on the medium of photography as the 'external hard drive' for the safe keeping and preservation of detail where the mind may falter through subjective truths, where blurred memories may be sharpened through the lens.

CULTUREHUNTER.ORG - CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Octapod is currently seeking volunteers for CultureHunter: (1) Forum Moderator, Experience using online discussion boards, (2) News Writer/Photographer, (3) Marketing and Promotions Officer, (4)Web Designer. Applications close 30 June 2008. Our aim is to share and celebrate Hunter talent so we are seeking people from all walks of life who are passionate about arts and culture of all genres and styles.

THIS IS NOT ART FESTIVAL - CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

This Is Not Art is inviting Expressions of Interest for key organisational roles in the planning and promotion of the festival. We invite keen local event organisers, students, project coordinators, artists, music industry professionals to get involved in running this national annual event. It's a perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience, test yourself and share your talents.

Positions include: Marketing Coordinator, Publicity and Media Relations, Sunday Fair - Markets Coordinator, Volunteers Manager (small stipend available for this role), Tent City Campground Coordinator (small stipend available for this role).

Get in touch asap to discuss further, or see www.thisisnotart.org for more details.

THIS IS NOT ART FESTIVAL  - STUDENT PLACEMENTS

Limited opportunities by application and interview. Although University of Newcastle student placements are usually in second semester, to gain your placement with us you must be involved in a volunteer capacity earlier in the year, which is when the event needs you the most (for a negotiated few hours a week until your placement starts). Placements include: Communications Team (Publicity, Promotions, Research), Production and Events Team.

INTENTION TO ADVERTISE - TINA FESTIVAL COORDINATOR, PAID PART-TIME (24 HRS P.W.)

The Octapod Association intends to advertise the This Is Not Art Festival Coordinator position this coming June, in local and national publications. This is a paid part-time position with the Octapod Association. The successful applicant will begin in the role with a hand-over prior to, during and after the 2008 Festival. Applicants with previous experience working on This Is Not Art Festival will be highly considered. The full position description and job offer will be advertised in June.

GET INVOLVED WITH OCTAPOD

We are interested in recruiting VOLUNTEERS, STUDENTS, and WORK FOR THE DOLE participants when meaningful and challenging work experience opportunities are available. Learn first hand about working for a busy arts organisation and have the opportunity to extend and develop your skills. You can register your interest by sending your CV to podadmin[at]octapod.org. And check out the list of current opportunities outside the Octapod main door.

OCTAPOD RESIDENCY FACILITIES

Octapod now offers residency facilities to community groups or arts/media practitioners to help get their projects off the ground.

Residency facilities include:

*24 hour access, 7 days per week

*Dedicated workspace, including desk, chair, computer, shelving and storage

*Broadband internet access and secure server

*Access to office equipment - fax, scanning, copying (colour and B+W)

*Access to data projector and digital camera

*Postal address

*Access to kitchen, toilets, library

*Access to project management, financial management and grant writing advice

*Opportunity to work in a creative environment amongst likeminded people

Cost:

*Residency fee: $130 per month donation

*Octapod annual membership fee: $5 conc, $10 waged, $20 passionate

*Printing/copying: 10c/A4 sheet (B+W), 20c/A4 sheet (colour)

For more info, contact Christina at podadmin@octapod.org or call 4927 0470

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OCTAPOD MAILING LISTS

If you would like to be on the pods mailing list, its where you get informed, and updated on whats going on in newcastle, things like, art gallery openings, community things, rooms for rent, awesome gigs, then email podadmin[at]octapod[dot]org or look on yahoo groups for us.

WHAT IS THE OCTAPOD ANYWAYS?

The Octapod Association is a not for profit independent arts and new media organisation based in the heart of Newcastle. The Octapod supports a number of projects, community groups and creative types by providing an administrative base and important resources including a large meeting space, web hosting, zine library and project management advice.

Octapod – Organisation
The Octapod has existed in various incarnations for 10 years. Find out more about our organisational structure, Staff, Board members, and strategic plans.

Octapod – Participation

Interested in the Octapod? You can get involved with Pod Projects. Find out more about how to volunteer.

Octapod – Acknowledgements 

The Octapod is supported by funding from the NSW Ministry for the Arts and Newcastle City Council. Various government agencies and sponsors proudly support Octapod projects. Find out more about our proud supporters.

Contact Us

podadmin@octapod.org

P: 02 4927 0470

F: 02 4927 1475

3/231 King Street

Newcastle NSW 2300

Australia