My major project so far

One of the most interesting tasks that I've been given the opportunity to work on is the Journalist Program for the Department of Culture and the Arts.

Every year, the DCA is given the opportunity to take cadet journalists from local newspapers on a tour day, with the aim of introducing them to the local industry. The day involves informative sessions on the DCA's portfolio organisations and its funded organisations, to promote a better understanding of the importance of arts and culture in W.A. It gives the cadets a small sample of the local arts scene and showcases the initiatives and projects currently being worked on.

My first task involved rummaging through the previous program files to see what is involved and the tasks that will have to be completed in time. I started by creating a summary of the itenary's from previous years for quick reference and a task scheduler detailing the various tasks I will need to complete over the weeks (e.g. writing up draft itenary, meeting for approval, confirming funded organisations, obtaining journalists profiles, creating media/info kits, booking catering and transportation etc). To those doing program planning, brainstorming your tasks and scheduling them over the months helps to see the bigger picture and break up all the things you'll have to get done!

I then spent the majority of one week browsing websites of the various community organisations and familiarising myself with what they do and programs they will run for the year. Luckily for me, I get to have a say into where we should take them but there were so many to choose from!

After some consultation, the following is the draft program i have brainstormed, focusing on the creative industries:

1. W.A Museum showcase: Pompeii exhibition.
2. Yirra Yaakin aboriginal theatre: performing arts for indigenous youth.
3. Art Gallery of W.A.
4. Propel Youth Arts: run a variety of programs/workshops for youth to get involved and explore the arts.
5. The William Street Collective: local fashion.
6. Student fashion and design studio at Central Tafe.
7. Tura new music: organisation that promotes new music (contemporary orchestral to computer-generated music) through events and workshops.
8. ScreenWest: screening of W.A films/documentaries.

I have tried to focus on a few, select industries, with them being youth, indigenous, fashion creativity, performing arts and visual arts. I am yet to confirm the activities that will be involved but we are hoping to make it as interesting and interactive for them as possible (not just simply sitting and listening to presentations). Possibilities include behind the scenes, interactive workshops and sitting in on rehearsals. Comments would be appreciated, even if you don't know much about the arts. Does this sound like a interesting program that you would like to participate in?

Hope all your placement and report writing are going well!