Creative Tracks: Artist Profile
Artist Profile: Kitchener Wesche AKA MC Kitch
Singer/song writer/ rapper/ MC/beatboxer / public speaker
Electric-soul-spiritual music – a creation and combination of his unique blend of spiritual street poetry, a collaboration of hip hop, drum n bass, dubstep, breakbeats, electronica, soulful sounds and spiritual lyrics of roots reggae.
Originally from Samoa, MC Kitch grew up in New Zealand and now resides in Australia. As a youngster, he developed an keen interest in beat boxing, break dancing and singing, practicing these skills at the Logan PCYC. Quickly learning new techniques and demonstrating a natural flair, this hobby soon turned into a passion in 2004 when he was invited to join the ‘Beat Box Alliance’. This opportunity soon gave him the confidence to pursue music as a career.
- Kitch has been nominated twice for Urban Work of the Year through the APRA MUSIC 2008/2009
- He was also nominated in 2012 for the BEST Electronic/Dance in the QLD MUSIC QMA AWARDS.
- In March 2013 MC Kitch released his new album in Poland, collaboration with Polish music producers. Within a week it went to #1 in their charts.
- Awards: Winner THE “BEST SONG WRITER” Award- 2010. MVMU
MC Kitch is currently working as a facilitator on the Creative Tracks program with great success, teaching young people to beat-box, rap and lyric/song writing. He has been nick-named the “Magnet” by his fellow program facilitators as the young people love his vibrant personality and amazing talents. Kitch is passionate about inspiring young people to follow their dreams but to also put in the hard work to make it happen. He believes that the Creative Tracks program grounds him and provides a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community by sharing his story and talents.
Introducing Ruth Ghee
Since graduating from the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in 2001, Ruth Ghee, a Torres Strait (Mer), SouthSea (Ambrum) Islands and Aboriginal (Kabi Kabi) woman has been involved in various forms and expressions within the performing arts, music and entertainment industry.
In 2005 she was involved in the creative development of AWGIE award winning ‘Kese Solwata’ Children’s Theatre Production which premiered at the Queenland Performing Arts Centre 2006 Out of the Box Festival, then toured throughout the Torres Strait Islands performing at schools. ‘Kese Solwata’ premiered at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre 2006 Out of the Box Festival .
Between 2007-2011, Ruth was involved in the creative development of ‘Dancing the Line’ Torres Strait Island musical theatre project that was based on documented stories from the Torres Strait Islander railway families from the 1960s to 1980s. Ruth was engaged as a songwriter, consultant and community liaison and researcher and is now the Chairperson of Ailan Traks Ltd, a company that was formed in 2009 to maintain cultural integrity of the project
Ruth also has recognition within the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities as a cultural consultant and liaises between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and organisations to promote an awareness and maintenance of culture.
Ruth has recently completed a Bachelor of Arts (Language and Linguistics) in 2011 and aims to revive, maintain and preserve Australian Indigenous languages, mainly her father’s (Meriam Mir) and mother’s (Kabi Kabi) languages through creative practice. Currently she is involved in directing local community choirs such ‘Voices for the Light’ and the ‘Belle Flowers’ from Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane which provides a platform in which to share and maintain these languages.
She also works in the corporate arena sharing her cultural knowledge through stories and music to encourage team building and leadership in the workplace
Ruth will be engaging as our vocal coach in Woorabinda as a part of Creative Tracks.
Contact Details: 0411 793 386 or email:ruthghee@yahoo.com.au
Creative Pathways Off to a Frolicking Start in 2013
Through the Young Arts Worker initiative, 2013 will continue to see young creatives from Western Queensland being integrated into our professional team to learn facilitation and community engagement skills. In doing so, they will deliver workshops in their chosen creative areas as well as support the overall coordination of the Creative Pathways workshops.
Already this year we have seen the initiative in full swing through 20 year old dancer, Glenn Frost.
Glenn was born and raised in Blackall before moving to Roma in 2010 thanks to a scholarship from the Edrine Keegan School of Dance. Glenn was a Creative Pathways program participant and one of the core young people who developed the Shockwave Festival idea in 2008.
In May last year Glenn returned to dance at the Shockwave Festival and was so moved by the growth of the program, in particular the Shockwave festival. He was overwhelmed at the level of ownership the kids from his hometown showed that he expressed interest in working with our crew in 2013 to deliver dance workshops for the first time.
Last week Glenn ran dance workshops with our team in Blackall. Here’s what he had to say about the opportunity;
“It was a very rewarding experience giving back to the community and youth of Blackall and I think it was very positive for my personal development. I was being mentored as a student as well as being treated equally as a facilitator… the whole experience was excellent!”
Glenn will be returning to run more workshops and feature as a dancer at the 2013 Shockwave Festival in May.
Human seeks marketing intern
Are you looking for work experience in marketing?
Want to spend time in an organisation that is one of its kind?
Do you care about having a positive impact?
Then you might just be perfect for us.
Human Ventures is an innovative social enterprise and creative consultancy. We develop programs that use technology and the arts to support communities and individuals throughout Queensland. As a team we hold expertise in fields such as communication design, community cultural development, film, youth work, music, visual arts and dance. We enjoy long walks on the beach, video games and cooking.
We are looking for a marketing intern to work with us one day every week. Your responsibilities would include working on our monthly e-news, helping out with social media, and any other maketing activities you are skilled at. We will welcome your ideas and input.
If this sounds like you or you want to know more send us an email or give Pauline a call on 07 3229 8055!
Meet Brooke Newall
We chat with Brooke Newall (Program Coordinator for Creative Pathways in the Central West) about her primary school aspirations and her current expectations of life after death. Brooke works (and plays) as an actor, theatre director, creative producer and theatre workshop facilitator for children and young people. Her life began in Tasmania as an actor of independent theatre and artistic director for PCYC Youth Theatre.
How long have you been part of the Human family?
4 years as an arts worker
2 years as program & festival manager
What did you want to be when you were in primary school?
A singer, like my idol of the time… Gloria Estefan (gold)
A ballerina, who didn’t believe in lessons
What inspires you?
Children who explore and share their imaginations in ways I only wish I still could.
Older people who live like they’re 21.
What is your vision for the future?
To live in a society that likes to talk with each other, has vegetables on our nature strip instead of grass, let’s children roam free without fear and doesn’t need channel 7 to get the ‘facts’.
What would you like to be reincarnated as?
Maybe a meerkat? They have pretty curious and fun little lives.
Why is creativity important?
Without it nothing new would happen.
What is your favourite creative activity?
Singing – followed closely by acting.
Are there any upcoming art events you are looking forward to?
The Soweto Gospel Choir at QPAC, Gob Squad at the World Theatre Festival… and my favourite Shockwave Festival in Blackall in May!
What do you like best about being a Human?
Every day I come to work to combine my love for creativity, young people and working in regional areas…. every day.
Since arriving in Brisbane in 2007 Brooke has facilitated for companies including Backbone Youth Arts, BRAINways Education and Human Ventures before the appointment of Program Coordinator. She has taught classes in film and TV performance for children and adults and established ZooKidz Acting & Modeling Agency.
Brooke has directed theatre with young people independently and for Backbone Youth Arts, PCYC Youth Theatre, BRAINways Education and Human. Her theatre performance credits include Holy Guacamole (09), Sushi Wooshi Woo (09), Hitchcock Blonde (07) and Up For Grabs (07), The Golden Age (07) plus Brooke appears in a number of ongoing TV commercials, short films and commercial photographic work.
In 2010 Brooke worked as a producer on Red2 for Metro Arts & Brisbane City Council and Changing Habitats, the YPAA National Symposium for Young People and the Arts Australia. Brooke has also coordinated the Valley Fiesta, theatre program 09, Shockwave Festival theatre program 09/10 and the QLD Youth Arts Market 09 and 2high Festival 07,08.
Brooke has a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts (theatre) from the University of Tasmania, was a 2009 YAMP recipient and a member of the Young People Creating Queensland initiative.
There are no visible scars on Brooke’s neck from the removal of her second head.
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Creative Pathways: young coordinators get down to business
The Shockwave Festival is delighted to announce the formation of its young coordinators’ crew for 2013 and the success of the community supporters’ business breakfast.
A group of ten dedicated young people from Blackall, Longreach, Barcaldine and Winton are meeting fortnightly, with the aid of technology, to plan this year’s Shockwave Festival. They will plan and deliver the festival with support from Human Ventures, youth workers, schools and other volunteers from their communities.
Each coordinator has a different part of the festival that they are responsible for and are given mentors to help them develop a written plan to deliver it well. So far, coordinators have brainstormed the 2013 theming and tagline, designed fundraising activities such as a car wash and trivia night, decided to host another Chalk Walk, agreed to be part of a Woolscour concert, discussed performers and workshops for the festival and workshops and also spoken about how to involve other towns.
Visitors who come to Blackall for the festival can register to camp at the showgrounds again this year, with young coordination crew member, Geordie Heard responsible for planning all of the logistics for the camp site such as activities, camping areas and supervision. Geordie is being mentored by Alison Mobbs, who, as a teacher, has run many school camps in the past and who is keen to pass on these
skills.
The community supporters’ business breakfast, held at the Coolibah Motel in Blackall last Friday, was a great show of support for the Shockwave Festival with bookings at capacity and some interesting guest speakers skyping in to the breakfast from the Birdsville Race Club, Tourism Queensland and Human Ventures.
Kerrylyn Parfitt, from Smith Bros Blackall, was very impressed by the morning.
“It was good to hear about and understand more about the Shockwave Festival and how it is put together”, she said. “I was impressed that you could skype in guest speakers and I was impressed with Lachlan May. We got to experience what Shockwave has given him and what it does for the young people. Young people need guidance from the older people and it makes a good mix when you put them together.”
Blackall Tambo Regional Council Mayor Barry Muir was the first to sign up at the breakfast as a community supporter for Shockwave. He recognised the call for support and now proudly holds a sign that reads “Young People are Our Future – we support the Shockwave Festival” and a satchel of Shockwave goodies.
Shockwave sponsorship coordinator, Alison Mobbs, announced the community supporter program at the breakfast and is keen to sign up individuals and businesses across Central Western Queensland.
More information on the Shockwave community supporter program is available at the Human Ventures website or by calling Alison Mobbs on 07 4657 4442.
Shockwave Festival dates are Saturday May 25th and Sunday May 26th 2013!!
A FREE Event for the whole community!
The Shockwave Festival is proudly supported and co-presented by the Blackall Tambo Regional Council & Human Ventures. Creative Pathways creative workshops and enterprise program is currently supported by: The Australia Council for the Arts, Tim Fairfax Foundation, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Tourism and Events Queensland, the Queensland Government, and Human Ventures.
For more information about Creative Pathways or the Shockwave Festival, contact Human Ventures on 07 3229 8055, email Brooke, check out our website or become a fan of ‘Creative Pathways’ and ‘Shockwave Blackall’ on Facebook.
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Cherbourg workshops
The Creative Tracks team is heading to Cherbourg to deliver our first workshops. From the 20th to 24th February, young people from Cherbourg and Murgon can attend hip hop dance, music production or MC workshops as well as learn film techniques in creating their own short pieces, talking with Elders or documenting the workshop program. Workshops will be held at The Complex (dance), The Rations Shed (MC and film) and at Radio Us Mob (music production) after school (4 til 7pm) or on the weekend (10am til 3pm). The Creative Tracks crew will also be hosting a free Community BBQ when we arrive on the 20th February from 5pm at The Rations Shed to meet with the Cherbourg community and talk about the Creative Tracks program.
Stay tuned for stories and outcomes from the trip
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You can download the flyer here.
Creative Tracks Launch event…
You’re invited to the launch of the new Creative Tracks youth arts program being delivered in the communities of Cherbourg, Woorabinda, Logan and Hope Vale. The launch will take place at kuril dhagun in the State Library of Queensland building, South Brisbane, on Tuesday 19th February, 2013 from 5.30pm. Come along to hear about this new program which follows on from the great work achieved by Human’s previous program Stylin’Up Regional.
Attendance is free and open to anyone – just rsvp to bridget@human.org.au or call 3229 8055 by 18 February, 2013
BBQ and drinks available for free. All Creative Tracks events are drug and alcohol free.
Shockwave update! Slam poetry, circus and call for support
The Shockwave Festival is set for the final weekend of May… and programming is off to a flying start!
We’re ecstatic to announce partnerships with the State Library of Queensland and CIRCA . Both organisations will be bringing world class artists to this years festival to share their skills in the areas of slam poetry and circus!
The new Shockwave Arts Leadership Ambassadors Program is currently in development. Our aim is to support selected students from across Central West Queensland to participate in a quality program of leadership development that includes event planning and delivery as well as public speaking. The program will include a virtual workshop series that culminates in a five day ‘Arts Leadership’ camp during the festival.
Shockwave Festival will also take a strong enterprise approach this year with the addition of young people’s original art, craft and creative wares for sale both at the festival and in selected tourist venues across the region. Participants will learn valuable business and creative production skills and contribute to regional cultural and economic development.
Lastly, due to high demand the Shockwave Art Gallery will be open for one week following the festival in 2013 to coincide with the Blackall Heartland Festival Art Show. The Shockwave Art Gallery will feature an exhibition of work by selected young and emerging regional artists. Works will also be for sale.
Shockwave could not happen without our dedicated supporters. Human are currently seeking sponsors, partners and members to support the future of the Shockwave Festival. Help empower our young people to see a future for themselves in our rural communities. Please email Alison for more information on alison@human.org.au
Shockwave Festival is on May 25 and 26 at the Memorial Hall and Skate Park, Blackall, Queensland.
IMAGE: David Stavanger aka Ghostboy, world class Slam Poet will be delivering workshops and performing thanks to the State Library of Queensland’s Poetry Slam program.
Indigenous program re-named Creative Tracks and Logan Coordinator announced
We are pleased to announce that our Indigenous Community Program formerly known as Stylin’ Up Regional with now go under the newly developed banner of Creative Tracks. There are plenty of new things about the program and we will have many exciting updates for you in the near future.
Kaylah ‘Kayemtee’ Tyson has been engaged as the Logan Coordinator for the Program. Her passion, drive and determination to empower other young people in the community are an inspiration to all that meet her.
Kaylah ‘Kayemtee’ Tyson, formerly of Poetic Murriz, has been a mainstay on the local Brisbane rap/hip hop scene supporting artists such as Naughty By Nature, Street Warriors and Impossible Odds and collaborating with The Last Kinection.
She has toured to such communities as Weipa, Napranum, Aurukun, Coen, Hopevale, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Gove (NT) as a dancer, emcee and workshop facilitator.
In 2010, Kayemtee completed a Diploma in Performing Arts at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA). During her time there she was in such theatre productions as Reflections, Q150 & Long Before, Something Of a Midsummer Night’s Dream-Time and X-Stacy under the direction of Leah Purcell.
Kayemtee is working on her debut solo EP to be released through Impossible Odds Records
Kayemtee will coordinate the program in Logan and will be engaged as an facilitator in other communities.
