Story

The feedback has been lodged, synthesised and discussed. New co-directors have (for the most part) been appointed. We've even had a meeting! That's right folks, October may seem a long way away, but already the wheels are in motion for the Best Festival Ever. To submit an idea (or yourself) for a specific festival, visit their websites: Critical Animals ElectroFringe Sound Summmit National Young Writers' Festival Crack Theatre Festival

Octapod is looking for a person with good organisational and communication skills, a commitment to innovative and cutting edge arts practice, experience in event management and ability to both work with and lead a committed team of volunteers, to act as the This Is Not Art Festival Coordinator. 24 hours per week. The position may be extended subject to further funding and a review of the position at the end of the contract.

TINA is the pre-eminent independent, emerging arts and new media festival in Australia, held over the October long weekend. Partnering with innovative arts collectives, organisations, and groups from across Australia This Is Not Art 2010 is a collaboration between the following: National Young Writers Festival, Electrofringe, Sound Summit, Crack Theatre Festival and Critical Animals.

It's a supercharged convergence of writers, performers, thinkers, independent and industry musicians, creative researchers, electronic artists, dilettantes, and DIY culture makers in a showcase featuring over 400 local, national and international artists.

Octapod is seeking a dynamic and self-motivated individual for the position of CultureHunter Project Officer. This part-time role (7 hours per week) is responsible for coordinating culturehunter.org – a website dedicated to arts and culture in the Hunter region.

For a full Job Description: Click on the file attachment or email podadmin@octapod.org or call Christina on 4927 0470.

Applications close 5pm Friday 12 March 2010.

Your application should include:

1. A brief cover letter (1 page max),

2. A Statement addressing the 'Essential Qualifications and Experience' as listed in the Job Description (2 pages max),

3. A brief cv (2 pages max), and

4. The contact details for 3 referees.

Please send your application to the Octapod Association:

You get the most enjoyment out of a festival when you are PART of the festival! We need YOU! Get involved in the organisation before the festival happens, or register to be a helping hand on the day of the festival....... we need people to help set up, pack up, direct people, hand out information, assist with stage management and more....send us an email to register as a Cultural Stomp Volunteer. 

Email: stomp.newcastle@gmail.com

Cultural STOMP Festival

Civic Park Newcastle

Saturday 1 May 2010

A FREE filmmakers group happens at Octapod on Wednesday afternoons, 1-5pm. Bring your own project idea, meet with like-minded people, and tell YOUR story! Informally facilitated by Doug Robertson, Octapod's resident tech guy and filmmaking trainer. Some tech equipment provided.

Opportunities exist to get involved with Octapod's volunteer media team and create digital stories about events such as the Cultural STOMP Festival and This Is Not Art Festival.

Octapod also offers its members cheap access to editing software ($5 per day). Annual membership is only $5 concession, $10 waged. Pick up a membership form in the office on Thurs/Fri 10-5. To book the editing room, contact Christina via email at podadmin@octapod.org or call 4927 0470 or pop into the office during public access hours, Thurs/Fri 10-5.

Octapod is looking for a fresh team of zine librarians-in-the-making to get involved with our Zine Library in 2010. There are lots of different jobs that need doing - cataloguing, preparing and distributing flyers, organising events, making the library look nice, etc.

To find out more: email zinelibrary@octapod.org or pop in and check out the collection on Thurs/Fri 10-5 during public access hours. The space is often open on other days - feel free to drop in if you are in the neighbourhood!  

Octapod re-opened for public access on Thursday 4th February 2010 and got the year off to a great start with the opening night event in Podspace Gallery for Alison Smith's exhibition.

The big news so far for the year is that Octapod has been re-funded by Arts NSW under its triennial funding program! Watch this space for more info over the next few weeks as we unveil our project plans for the year.

We have a couple of key positions vacant at the moment - look out for further information about the CultureHunter Project Officer and This Is Not Art Festival Coordinator positions.

Octapod is always looking for volunteers and student placements - if you are keen to develop your skills in: graphic design, web design, PR and marketing, event management, arts admin, etc - contact Christina for more info: podadmin@octapod.org or 4927 0470.

Applications are now open for positions under Octapod's Residency Program for 2010, with one FREE space available!

The Octapod SeedPod Residency Program was established in 2008, offering a dedicated workspace to individuals and/or groups working in arts and community cultural development fields, who needed a work space. It is recognised that lack of access to resources is often a barrier to getting projects off the ground.

A monthly fee of $130 offers residents: access to a shared workspace (desk + chair), 24/7 access to Octapod, internet access, meeting/workshop space, kitchen/toilet facilities, limited storage space, and cheap access to office equipment and audio/video production facilities.

In 2010 Octapod is offering ONE free residency position.

Octapod will be advertising for the position of CultureHunter Project Officer VERY SOON! Watch this space for details over the next couple of weeks.

For more information: Contact Christina Robberds via email at podadmin@octapod.org or call the office on 4927 0470. In the meantime check out www.culturehunter.org!