Octapod is a resource base for creative projects in the Hunter region.

Our purpose is to inspire new ideas in arts and media practice and support a creative and diverse arts sector. Our program includes:

1. ARTIST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

With a focus on improving industry capacity across the Hunter region, we provide opportunities for artists to develop professional skills.

Current projects include:

- Culturehunter.org - a website dedicated to arts and culture in the Hunter region: www.culturehunter.org

- Art Counts: skills development program for artists with a disability

- Information, advice and referrals

- Grant auspicing service

- Monthly enewsletter

2. CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

We provide opportunities for artists to create and present new work, network with each other, and develop creative skills. We seek to develop new audiences through this program.

Current projects include:

- This Is Not Art Festival - an annual 4 day festival of independent, emerging and experimental arts and media: www.thisisnotart.org

-  PODspace Gallery - an artist-run-initiative, supporting emerging and established artists: http://podspacegallery.blogspot.com/

- Digital Stories (digital storytelling projects)

- Art Counts - exhibition and skills development program for people with a disability, produced in partnership with the Disability Network Hunter. 

- Nationally significant Zine Library

3. CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

We provide opportunities that support participation in cultural activities. This involves not only working with target communities such as people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, but also engaging with broader  audiences.

Current projects include:

- Access Program - a number of initiatives that support participation in the arts by people with disability, including the Hunter Arts Access Network (HAAN) -  a Hunter wide network supporting accessible arts and a database of artists who have experience working with people with disability.

- Digital Stories (digital storytelling projects)

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the resources and services that Octapod can offer, contact Christina via admin[at]octapod.org or call 02 4927 0470.

PAST PROJECTS

• SeedPod - Octapod's Community Cultural Development (CCD) Program - designed to support artists to work with communities on creative projects. The 2011 SeedPod recipients were: Tara Jones and Helen Hopcroft.
• More Past Projects coming soon...