CELEBRATING OUR RICH LOCAL DIVERSITY |
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VISUAL EXPRESSIONS OF LOCAL DIVERSITY |
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Digital Presentation of Multicultural Fiesta is an innovative social media project designed for GCMAGIC by Nasrin Vaziri, an Arts Sociologist from the University of Queensland.
On Saturday 23 July, there were 29 local cultural groups that participated in a photo shoot and video filming at the Robina Community Centre. The project aims to highlight the richness of the Gold Coast's cultural diversity.
The groups showcased cultures through their national/cultural dresses, translated into an exciting and contemporary collection of images and videos. The photo and video sessions exuded a festivity of colours, cultures, solidarity, community, and joyful sharing.
The digital presentation project will be published on GCMAGIC’s Facebook and Instagram as part of a social media campaign, and will be featured on the GCMAGIC website.
This project is funded by Multicultural Affairs Queensland.
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GLENN BARRY ON NAIDOC WEEK |
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Held at the GC Botanic Garden on 9 August, GCMAGIC presented Glenn Barry as he engaged the community members in collaborative music playing at the gardens as a celebration of NAIDOC Week's 2022 theme, Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
Indeed, visitors got up, stood up and showed up with Glenn and his group in a safe and friendly environment. The event showcased different instruments from all over the world, as well as various artwork for the visitors to experience.
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Visitors wrote handwritten feedback during the event. It was heartwarming to have them share the moment with us, and experience Glenn Barry's music and stories in a special place. Here are some of the feedback: |
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"A beautiful day. Thank you for this experience to learn of the ancient beginnings."
"Such an enriching day culturally."
"I learned and enjoyed Aboriginal art and music. The culture is rich and enduring."
"It was exceptional experience with First Nations music and culture."
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(re)connect with your community |
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GCMAGIC is the lead visual arts group that is showcasing artwork by artists from CALD background at community centres around the city. This project is part of the Gold Coast City's (re)connect with your community program. The Gold Coast City Council is showcasing community centres around the city as safe spaces for community groups to network and to find out about incredible local facilities.
Visit Robina Arts Gallery located at Robina Community Centre to view GCMAGIC's featured artwork from Nasrin Vaziri (Iran) and Bolor Badarch (Mongolia).
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"CONNECTION" PROJECT LAUNCH |
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GCMAGIC is proud to announce that Women Empowerment and Leadership (WEL) has been successful in receiving funds for Connection, a project that aims to engage women's groups for social and economic participation. Designed by GCMAGIC, Connection addresses the issues of social and cultural isolation faced by recently arrived women from Afghanistan, and promotes the empowerment of the women for the wellbeing of the wider community. The project was launched at WEL's office in Brisbane on 22 July.
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WHEN: Saturday, 27 August, 3pm
WHERE: The Hellenic Function Centre,
31 Crombie Ave, Bundall QLD
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During the Multicultural Month of August, GCMAGIC will be presenting Multicultural Fiesta, a celebration of cultural diversity through new programs.
We invite you to experience Multicultural Fiesta, a new and innovative approach to showcasing our city's local cultural wealth in a stunning venue.
Celebrating the Gold Coast's large and unique culturally diverse population, Multicultural Fiesta is a unique production that will spotlight many cultures not commonly featured in regular events in the city.
You will be enthralled and amazed by the showcase of dances, musical performances, and traditional dress presentations unlike any you have seen before. You will have the chance to experience the unique and distinctive artwork and craft from local artists, and engage in conversations about their work.
The lively Multicultural Fiesta will introduce your palates to the tastes of the different cultures in an afternoon tea (included in your ticket).
Purchase your tickets and invite your family and friends to an exceptional afternoon of festivities that will delight your senses and let you discover the hidden cultural gems of our city. Groups are welcome to book.
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Children of War was an arts project focused on community engagement. The project collected the stories and experiences of children who have left their homeland because of war, regardless of their current circumstances. The publication reflects the experiences of migrants from war zones.
The book was launched in December 2009 in Robina. The project was funded by Arts Queensland.
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GCMAGIC continue to support local artists from diverse backgrounds. For this year's BLEACH* FESTIVAL, we would like to promote three events that feature our Gold Coast colleagues and partners in the promotion and celebration of the diversity in the city through the arts.
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Saturday, 13 August
Roselle Tenefrancia hosts a not-your-usual multicultural dinner event. Guests are invited to bring an open heart and a plate of food to share with new friends around the table at this community dinner. Guests will share home-cooked meals and stories in a safe and inclusive space. Meet people and taste dishes from all corners of the Earth, and discover our common humanity through food.
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Thursday & Friday, 18 & 19 August
Be swept away by the blissful and bittersweet voice of Lebanese singer Samira El Koussa in a musical feast of Arabic, tarab and western classical music. Hear stories and songs of courage, love, and family connection from Samira’s 20 years as a songwriter in new arrangements for western and Arabic instruments by acclaimed musician Greta Kelly and award-winning composer Corrina Bonshek. Be transported to another world with this theatrical trip to Lebanon and beyond.
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Saturday, 20 August
Join an intimate event sharing 11 unique stories of 11 extraordinary women from nine different countries, all of whom now call the Gold Coast home. Hear true stories of resilience, love, loss and hope as this remarkable group of women bravely share with us their journeys away from the countries of their birth, away from all they’ve ever known, to their new lives in Australia. Food served as part of the experience. (with Multicultural Families Organisation and Miami Marketta)
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"My name is Debbie and I’m a full time GC artist. I recently joined GCMAGIC, volunteering my time to enhance the Visual Arts division into something accessible and vibrant for both local artists and the local community. Having gone through the lonely struggle of emerging as an artist myself, it’s my passion now to support emerging artists in their struggles, by providing them with the resources required to emerge, through the delivery of services and skills.
Under the GCMAGIC umbrella and together with Nasrin and a fellow artist, IT professional and colleague, we’re now in the process of creating a new website to support new events and services. It’s my passion to provide emerging local artists in the community with the resources required to build their skills and thereby foster a more resilient and sustainable arts sector."
Debbie Pniel is a visual artist based on the Gold Coast.
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The GCMAGIC team are looking forward to working with other local artists who are passionate about growing the arts and culture practice on the Gold Coast. We invite artists to share their passions and aspirations to inspire community members to engage and experience creativity with us.
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The GCMAGIC office in Isle of Capri has always been home to our members and artists. While we still maintain our office there, GCMAGIC's growth now requires a larger working space for our artists, workshops, and creative activities that are open to the public. We are currently looking to expand and are seeking additional work space for the organisation. If you know of available locations, please contact us at info@gcmagic.org.au.
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Free To Use Materials for Artists |
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GCMAGIC is inviting all our member artists to use materials that are available at the GCMAGIC office. The materials are for you to use if you need them. Please contact Nasrin at info@gcmagic.org.au with the subject MATERIALS to set a time for your visit.
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Are you an artist based on the Gold Coast? Whatever you art form or practice is, we invite you to become a GCMAGIC Artist Member. We organise and coordinate a diverse range of events and programs, such as exhibitions, art-craft displays, skills development, writing and poetry workshops, cultural events, women's story sharing. We encourage and nurture new and innovative ideas. We can also assist in establishing and growing your arts practice, as well as in applying for grant funds. We look forward to working with you. Register your interest HERE. https://forms.gle/Hi5ys2eX41wp6iqf6
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BRICKS Newsletter
Publisher: GCMAGIC
Director: Nasrin Vaziri
Editor: Roselle Tenefrancia
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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