The Changing Face of Women exhibition examines the evolving role of women from the 50s to the 80s in Melbourne. Covering a period of extraordinary social upheaval, this exhibition focuses on the personal moments in our recent history through the lens of photographer Graham Southam.
Time: Exhibition is open 10-4 Mon-Fri and 12-4 Sun
Venue: Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae St, Dandenong
Cost: Free exhibition
Website: www.heritagehill.com.au

Each year, in support of United Nations World Environment Day (June 5), the United Nations Association of Australia recognises innovative and outstanding environmental initiatives and projects from across Australia through the World Environment Day Awards.
The Awards invite nominations from individuals, organisations and businesses that have taken positive steps towards sustainability and demonstrated environmental excellence in their homes, schools, communities and workplaces. In 2012, the Awards are held in support of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for all and United Nations World Environment Day 2012 ‘Green Economy: Does it include you?’. For more information about the Awards, including entry criteria and nomination forms, please visit www.unaavictoria.org.au.

Concerts, workshops, films forums, kids program, dance.
Bookings: 5966 4500 www.harmonyfest.org
Email: info@harmonyfest.org
Venue: Upper Yarra Arts Centre & Warburton township

Experience one of Australia’s most picturesque landscapes under the expert guidance of acclaimed professional photographer Charlie Brown. This 1 ½ day course is the ideal opportunity to develop the skills to produce professional standard photographs using the unique alpine environment as your canvas. From its sweeping vistas and alpine peaks to the serene lakes and dramatic High Plains, Falls Creek is a photographer’s paradise! Full Package – $310 Lunch Package – $185
Book via (03) 5758 1200 NB: Course requires Participants to have their own SLR camera.

Twenty years on from the landmark Earth Summit in Rio, RMIT is collaborating with the UN Global Compact Cities Programme to bring internationally renowned experts in sustainability to discuss the future of the planet. Global Superstars such as Sigourney Weaver, David Suzuki, and Bob Geldof will be in Melbourne, speaking alongside Australian high-profile speakers including Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision, Robyn Eckersley, leading environmentalist, Ian Lowe, President of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Dennis Altman, Professor of Politics, and John Smithies, Cultural Development Network to discuss where do we go from here.
 This is a major opportunity for Melbournians to participate in a global discussion about our planet. For all the talking about sustainability, we now face a comprehensive crisis that encompasses the economic, the ecological and the cultural. Relative political stability in our part of the world, will not protect us from the momentousness of the changes that upon us.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the official website www.cpp2012.com

Support for recent creative arts graduates to help them establish an arts career.
A grant for up to $10,000 for services, resources, skills development and equipment to help develop a sustainable arts career
Applications for this grant close 2 March and 20 September 2012
Decisions will be advised in June 2012 / December 2012
Funded projects can start 1 July 2012 / 1 January 2013
Funded projects must be completed by 30 June 2013 / 31 December 2013

Information: http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants/grants/2012/artstart-closing-2mar

Supports collaborations between professional artists, arts companies and Victorian communities. Projects may involve a single art form or a combination of art forms and can include new and experimental forms. The role of the professional artist(s) and the project’s artistic elements must be central to achieving its overall purpose. Proposals must demonstrate capacity to develop a collaborative relationship between the artist(s) and a defined community group.

 Information: http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/Funding_Programs/Community_Partnerships
www.arts.vic.gov.au Contact: Arts Victoria on (03) 8683 3100 or Freecall 1800 134 894

February 29, 2-5pm: Creativity/Creative Risks
Venue: Founders Room, Elisabeth Murdoch Building, Victorian College of the Arts,
234 St Kilda Road, Southbank
To register: http://www.trybooking.com/BFFM

Presenters: Jim Chambliss will present “Can Epilepsy Enhance Creativity in Visual Art?” based on his PhD research, and Nilgun Guven will share her critical reflections on practice led research as a performance, community and arts worker.
Discussion will be themed around questions of creativity, health, performance and visual art.

Jim Chambliss is a PhD candidate at The University Of Melbourne and St Vincent’s Hospital. He is currently doing research on the influence of human conditions, such as epilepsy and migraines, in art. His blog is http://sparksofcreativity.blogspot.com.au/

Nilgun Guven is a theatre director, community artist, facilitator, project manager and performer. A practitioner in inclusive arts since 1999, Nilgun has worked with diverse communities, groups, organisations, health service providers, arts companies, and local government on arts projects inclusive of people with disabilities, acquired brain impairment; those who identify with the experience of mental illness, disadvantage and marginalisation.

The network is a partnership between the Cultural Development Network (CDN) and the Centre for Cultural Partnerships (CCP) at the University of Melbourne. It brings together researchers who are interested in cultural development, social change, creative methodologies, artistic intervention, practice-based research and/ or community research themes. Meetings are between February and November on the last Wednesday of every month from 2 – 5 pm at the Victorian College of the Arts.
The 2012 program is currently being developed and interested presenters are invited to put forward their ideas. Whether you are doing your PhD or are an established researcher, the network provides an informal and supportive environment to share your research and receive feedback from your peers.

For information: Poppy de Souza, PhD Scholar, CCP
T: (03) 8344 8676 M: 0409 165 643 E: p.desouza@student.unimelb.edu.au

Now in its third year, the AMES and Multicultural Arts Victoria Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize celebrates the skills, talents and creativity that refugees bring to Victoria and the social and cultural contributions they provide to our community. A total prize pool of over $15,000 will be shared by three primary prize-winners, a new arrival prize and eight honourable mentions. First prize is $5,000 plus a solo exhibition and artist in residence opportunity. For more information call 03 9188 3681, visit http://www.multiculturalarts.com.au/heartlands%20 or email fiesta@multiculturalarts.com.au

Funding is available to develop arts activities that stimulate dialogue and thinking about how we all respond to cultural diversity and Victoria’s Indigenous heritage, and/or to raise awareness of the harms of race-based discrimination and the benefits of cultural diversity. More information about the Arts About Us program can be found at www.artsaboutus.com.au. The program comprises two funding streams:
• Participation projects with grants of up to $30,000 per annum for three years;
• Presenting/producing projects with grants of up to $50,000 per annum for three years.
Further information and the online application form can be found at
www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/artsaboutus.