FROM ALL DIRECTIONS
INDIGENOUS AND REGIONAL CULTURES
AND WORLD MARKETS
News from Bronitsky and Associates
Bringing Together Indigenous Peoples and the World Since 1992
Dr Gordon Bronitsky, President, Bronitsky and Associates, 216 Edith SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, cell 505-238-3739; e-mail
European Office:
Dirk Steitz, Hofackerring 11, 79206 Breisach 3, Germany; Tel: +49
7664-408 972; e-mail
a bi-monthly newsletter from Bronitsky and Associates about events and people from Indigenous and Regional cultures in the international scene - festivals, funding, conferences, publications and current issues.
Correspondence, subscription/unsubscription, opportunities, talent news, etc. should be directed to the United States office
Circulation: 5356
NOTE: We’re moving! January 1, 2010 we move into our new office, so please note our new address, above.
Best wishes to all our readers around the world and over the years for a peaceful and happy New Year!
Our News - what's keeping us busy!
Gordon Bronitsky, President of Bronitsky and Associates, in albuquerqueARTS Magazine
Mariachi Imperial de America to tour Macedonia and Albania
The Peruvian Amazon
Sami rights pioneer Magne Ove Varsi - upcoming US tour
- Norwegian embassy funding
For Your Diary
Events
Festivals
Funding
Conferences
Publications
Call for Submissions and Papers
News
Sites of Interest
Our News - what's keeping us busy!
Gordon Bronitsky, President of Bronitsky and Associates, in albuquerqueARTS Magazine
Gordon Bronitsky is interviewed on his company’s plans for 2010 in the January issue of
albuquerqueARTS magazine in the “Fresh Starts” feature by publisher Stephanie Hainsfurther.
www.abqarts.com
Mariachi Imperial de America to tour Macedonia and Albania
The United States Embassy in Macedonia has notified Bronitsky and Associates that Mariachi Imperial de America will be touring Macedonia and Albania March 13-20, 2010 under the auspices of the US embassies in those countries and the US State Department. Bronitsky and Associates has previously toured Mariachi Imperial de America to China and Armenia.
The Peruvian Amazon
Bronitsky and Associates has reached an agreement to work with the Ashaninka (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashaninka) and Yanesha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yanesha'_people) of the Peruvian Amazon for creating projects and partnerships in the future. This will be an exciting joint venture to bring the best of the Ashaninka and Yanesha to the world.
Sami rights pioneer Magne Ove Varsi - upcoming US tour - Norwegian embassy funding
Magne Ove Varsi is a Sami rights pioneer and founder/director of the Gáldu Resource Centre for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Kautokeino, Norway (www.galdu.org). The resource centre was created to increase information about the rights of Sami and other indigenous peoples.
Mr. Varsi’s diverse career also includes:
- lecturer in journalism at the Sámi University College
- news editor for SVT Sápmi in connection with the establishment and joint Nordic Sámi TV news on SVT2, NRK 1 and YLE
- president of the Sámi Journalisstaid Seari (Sámi Journalists Association) 1998-2001
- and many other journalistic and international activities
Mr. Varsi’s lecture topics include:
- Sami self-determination
- Territories, lands, and natural resources
- Indigenous intellectual property rights
Magne Ove Varsi has been invited to speak at the United Nations in New York in May 2010 as part of Indigenous Peoples Month and has asked Bronitsky and Associates to develop an American speaking tour for him before his appearance at the UN.
We are delighted to announce that the Royal Norwegian embassy in Washington DC will sponsor his domestic airfare costs.
If you would be interested in hosting Mr. Varsi, please contact Gordon Bronitsky, President of Bronitsky and Associates, at .
For Your Diary
If you would like to list an event, activity or publication with us, please forward details to before the 28th of each month to ensure its inclusion in the next FROM ALL DIRECTIONS newsletter.
Events
Kiowa Tia-Piah Society Benefit Pow-Wow
January 16, 2010
Apache, Oklahoma
http://www.powwowok.com/component/eventlist/details/246-kiowa-tia-piah-society-benefit-pow-wow
Canadian First Nations artist Marc
Nadjiwan to perform at the Vancouver Olympics
Date of Performance: Tuesday
February 23rd
Time: 10:00PM to 11:30PM
Location: The Ontario Pavilion (the
old Expo 86 site)
The 2010 Olympics performance is the first show of the NADJIWAN farewell tour, after 15 years of touring and releasing records the NADJIWAN project is officially coming to an end (but, don't worry Marc has a new exciting project in the works).
The line-up in NADJIWAN is an all-star cast featuring Juno Award winner Donne Roberts. Donne is also a member of the African Guitar Summit and has performed around the world and was even a back-up musician with the Ace of Base.
This tour is promoting the final NADJIWAN release 'Philosophy For The Masses' which produced a #1 single. The song "Close My Eyes" went to the #1 spot on the National Aboriginal Top 30 this past May 2009.
Keep an eye open for Marc's new musical project called 'kaunis',
in which Marc explores not only his Ojibway roots but, also the
Finnish side of his family. The new project incorporates both
traditional Aboriginal vocals and traditional Finnish folk
instruments and vocables. A sample MP3 may be downloaded here:
http://www.nadjiwan.com/Sounds/kantele.mp3
Santa Fe’s Dancing Earth Company
Receives Prestigious National Dance Project Grant for “Of Bodies of
Elements”
DANCING EARTH, under the leader ship of Santa Fe choreographer Rulan
Tangen, marks a historical first this year, by being the first
Indigenous contemporary dance ensemble to receive the prestigious
National Dance Project production grant to create a full length new
work.
DESCRIPTION: OF BODIES OF ELEMENTS will be created for 8 performers and will explore the complex relationships between humanity and nature, from mythic narrative to contemporary relevance. Native cultural consultants have presented fundamental themes along these very lines, such as the creation of all beings as relatives coming from the heart of stars, a new version of the ancient Narragansett women’s sunflower dance, man’s attempt to cut the umbilical cord with nature, Ghost dance, the restrictions on wild seeds as a metaphor for assimilation/colonization/oppression, and the ultimate force of nature to renew herself. Indigenous worldview will be reflected in every aspect of this production, from lighting design to body paint, as shaped by native collaborators. Eco-sustainable design and production will be encouraged so that the new work will represent indigenous ecology not only in theme but also in execution.
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION: In collaboration with Korou Productions of Aotearoa New Zealand, “OF BODIES OF ELEMENTS” will also feature Maori designed costumes by MARAMA*Art*Fashion*Design , worn by Ms Tangen on the cover of Native Peoples magazine in 2004.
SPONSORSHIPS: “OF BODIES OF ELEMENTS “ is made possible by the Doris Duke Fund for Dance of the National Dance Project, a program administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts with funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Ford Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Community Connections Fund of the MetLife Foundation.
It is presented by DANCING EARTH CREATIONS and Santa Fe Art Institute, with additional support from College of Santa Fe, National Dance Institute of NM, VSA North Fourth Art Center, National Hispanic Cultural Center, Moving People/Santa Fe Dance Festival, Santa Fe Opera’s Pueblo Opera Program, Espanola Public Schools Arts in Schools Program, Institute of American Indian Art's College and Museum of Native Contemporary Art, and Southwestern Association for Indian Art.
DANCING EARTH seeks additional in-kind partnership and support, please contact .
PERFORMANCES:
Sunday
January 31 - 4 pm
National Dance Institute
1140 Alto St
Santa Fe, New Mexico
(buy tickets at door , or in advance at KICKS on 801 Cerrillos Rd ,
505 - 982 9277)
Saturday,
February 6 - 8 pm
Sunday February 7 - 4 pm
VSA North Fourth Art Center
4904 4th NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico
(buy tickets at the VSA North Fourth Art Center, 4904 4th NW, call
Box Office at 505-344-4542 or visit
www.vsartsnm.org)
Prices $15, or $10 for adults and seniors
For more information, images, or interview requests please contact Rulan Tangen at 617 448 6299 or or visit www.dancingearth.org.
2010 WORLD INDIGENOUS TELEVISION
CONFERENCE
March 10-12, 2010
Taiwan
The second ever World Indigenous Television Broadcasting Conference (WITBC ’10) will be hosted by Taiwan Indigenous Television (TITV) and Public Television Services (PTS) - under the umbrella of the Taiwan Broadcasting System - from Wednesday March 10 to Friday March 12, 2010.
TITV chief executive Masao Aki says the theme of WITBC ’10 is ‘Facing the Challenges in the Digital Age for Indigenous Media’ and the aim is to create opportunities for indigenous broadcasters to exchange views and experiences and to encourage interaction and communication among indigenous media worldwide. Leaders, producers and planners involved in indigenous and public television can register their interest to attend the conference on the website, www.witbc2010.org.
New Zealand’s national indigenous broadcaster, Maori Television, hosted the first World Indigenous Television Broadcasting Conference in March 2008 which then led to the establishment of the World Indigenous Television Broadcasters Network (WITBN). WITBN represents nine foundation member organizations (www.witbn.org) who meet on a six-monthly basis developing initiatives such as an international current affairs series, programme exchange scheme, staff exchanges and international workshops on indigenous broadcasting issues.
Mr Masao says a dynamic programme has been developed for the conference covering an array of key topics including new media challenges, the changing role of indigenous broadcasters in revitalising native languages and cultures, the maintenance of core cultural values whilst operating successful television organisations, and the actual progress made by WITBN since its inception in 2008.
In addition, the chief executive of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network in Canada, Jean LaRose, will discuss APTN’s success as the first indigenous network to acquire the rights to broadcast an Olympics event - the 2010 Winter Olympics - and the associated HD conversion presently being undertaken by his organisation. The conference will be further enhanced by a series of expert panel discussions on the responsibilities of indigenous broadcasters in relation to the environment, promotion of cultural values, and fulfilling the expectations of audiences.
Mr Masao says a special feature will be a film festival which will showcase the wisdom of indigenous people and the preservation of a sustainable environment. WITBN Council members are submitting new films for the premiere screening and a DVD set of the festival films will also be provided to delegates. It is also planned that independent indigenous producers will have the opportunity to showcase programming and their contribution to international indigenous broadcasting through an expo that will operate in conjunction with the film festival.
“To enhance delegates’ understanding of Taiwan’s indigenous culture, WITBC ’10 will be held at the National Museum of Prehistory in Taitung in south-eastern Taiwan,” Mr Masao says. “This is the first national museum of archaeology in Taiwan, established to not only display Taiwan’s prehistoric cultural heritage but also, within the Peinan Cultural Park, to conserve the natural environment and to exhibit and preserve the Peinan site.”
WITBC ’10 will also be interspersed with leading Taiwanese cultural groups and entertainers, culminating in an opportunity for all delegates to participate in two indigenous cultural tours on the final day of the three-day event. For more information about the conference, go to www.witbc2010.org.
Festivals
San Juan Festival
Iquitos, Peru
June 24, 2010
In the jungle, Saint John the Baptist has taken on a major symbolic significance because of the importance of water as a vital element in the entire Amazon region. This is why June 24 (St. John's the Baptist's day) is the most important date on the festival calendar in the entire Peruvian jungle.
The northeastern city of Iquitos hosts a variety of festivals and public events: fiestas with typical local bands where cooks dish up some of the regional cuisine, featuring tacacho (baked banana) and juanes (rice pastries), named after the patron saint, San Juan Bautista.
Funding
Additional funding for small to medium
performing arts organizations in Australia
http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/33867/Small_to_medium_performing_arts_organisations.pdf
Conferences
The Fifth International Conference on
the Arts in Society
July 22 - 25, 2010
University of Sydney, Australia
The 2010 Arts Conference will address a range of critically important issues and themes relating to the arts in society. Plenary speakers will include leading thinkers and practitioners in the arts, as well as paper, workshop and colloquium presentations by researchers and practitioners in all fields of artistic engagement.
For more information, please contact the Conference Secretariat at .
Pacific Arts Association
Xth International Symposium
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
August 9-11
The Pacific Arts Assocation's Xth International Symposium will be on Rarotonga, Cook Islands in 2010. Mark your calendars and start your planning. The symposium will be held from Monday, August 9 - Wednesday, August 11, 2010.
Register now for PAA's Xth International Symposium at http://pacificarts.org/node/312! You MUST be a member of the Pacific Arts Association to register for the symposium. Please visit their Membership page at http://pacificarts.org/membership to become a member or renew an existing membership.
For updated information on planning for the Xth symposium visit PAA Cook Islands 2010 Blog (http://cook2010.blogspot.com/).
Publications
NAFEST NEWS
National Council for Arts and Culture, November 2009, Nigeria
NAFEST News is a newsletter released online in PDF format by the
National Council for Arts and Culture of Nigeria.
http://www.ncac.gov.ng/ncacnews.html
Assessment of Economic Impact of the
Arts in Ireland Arts and Culture Scoping Research Project
The arts make a very significant contribution to the Irish economy
and can be a major driver for jobs and investment, new data released
today has shown. The report, commissioned by the Arts Council and
written by a leading economist, suggests the economic impact of the
arts may be larger than generally perceived by analysts and
policymakers.
Available at http://www.artscouncil.ie/Publications/Arts%20Council%20-%20Economic%20Impact%20-%20Final%20Report.pdf
Native Musicians in the Groove
(paperback)
Vincent Schilling, 2009, 7th Generation, $9.95, ISBN 9780977918348
From the melodic notes of a classical guitar and the wailing of an
electric guitar to country tunes, punk rock, and sacred lyrics,
Native Musicians in the Groove
features the life stories of contemporary Native musicians from the
US and Canada who represent the fresh new sounds of Native America
today.
Included are Gabriel Ayala, Shane Yellowbird, Crystal Shawanda, Mato Nanji, Michael Bucher, Blackfire, Leela Gilday, Jamie Coon, Mary Youngblood and the Four Rivers Drum group. The music of these artists transcends borders and cultures to speak directly to the hearts and minds of listeners. But it was not always easy for them to reach their goals. Their inspirational stories offer role models for Native youth and banish stereotypes for non-natives.
Individuals can order from www.Amazon.com or www.Nativevoices.com. Stores/organizations should contact Book Publishing Company at 931-964-3571 or email .
Call for Submissions and Papers
Engaging Indigenous Communities:
Resources, Rebellions, and Resurgence
August 9-13, 2010
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
The deadline for submissions is 8 January 2010
This conference is being undertaken in honor of the 1850 Robinson Treaties. The vision of the Anishinabeg leaders was and is to protect our heritage and resources while sharing with the newcomers. It is this vision that remains as relevant today as it was 160 years ago. Contact between different peoples has resulted in a multitude of responses including peaceful interactions, uneasy relations, and far too often to war and genocide. Recognizing the autonomy of nations to determine their futures, including the allocation of resources, or the lack of such recognition, has sometimes been mediated by various types of agreements and treaties. It is through access to, or exploitation of resources (i.e. human, land, forest, mineral, water, and animal), that the colonial project has had the greatest affect on Indigenous peoples and Indigenous peoples on the colonial project. Thus the focus of the conference will be on exploring Indigenous peoples’ perspectives on resources, and the moments in history (and in present day) when Indigenous peoples have fought (peacefully or otherwise) to protect those resources. It is the contemporary resurgence of Indigenous perspectives and understandings or appropriate relationships to resources that we hope informs the conference.
Presentations on the following themes are encouraged with other related proposals welcome:
- How do Indigenous communities define ‘resources’?
- How do Indigenous communities regulate/relate/engage with resources?
- How have historical neglect, misrepresentation, misunderstandings affected Indigenous
- communities’ relationships with their resources?
- How have agreements and/or treaties protected/attempted to protect resources?
- Are treaties valid methods to protect resources?
- How have community-university partnerships advanced Indigenous access to and/or protection of resources?
- How have universities forwarded exploitation of Indigenous people and resources?
- How can a relationship between the larger society and Indigenous people be shaped to benefit the environment?
Individual papers and panel submissions are welcome. Please submit a 250-350 word proposal for individual papers and 250-500 word proposal for panels. Please submit your proposals electronically by email or mail to the address below.
For further information please contact:
Dr. Karl Hele
c/o Organizing Committee
Engaging Indigenous Communities: Resources, Rebellions, and
Resurgence
Department of Community Economic and Social Development
Algoma University
1520 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Canada
P6A 2G4
News
Peru will have a Culture Ministry
Peru's President Alan García Pérez signed the bill that will create
the Ministry of Culture, the first one in the nation's history,
which will now be submitted to Parliament. The president said that
this ministry is to be responsible for state policy in this area,
promoting various cultural events in the country and safeguarding
the Nation's cultural heritage.
http://www.livinginperu.com/news/10517
Pueblo Living Gone Mod
Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, New Mexico (formerly San Juan Pueblo) is one
of the largest Pueblo communities in the Rio Grande Valley, and the
home of Popé, who led the successful Pueblo Revolt against the
Spaniards in 1680. The Ohkay Owingeh Housing Authority's newest
residential development recently won an award from the Harvard
Project on American Indian Economic Development as an outstanding
example of tribal governance. The housing authority was one of 10
Honoring Nations award winners for 2008. Tsigo bugeh Village, in
Tewa, Chico Valley, was recognized for restoring communal living
through modern, pueblo-style housing, community participation in the
project and the use of different financing programs.
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Pueblo-living-gone-mod
Sites of Interest
For more information please contact: .
Pacific Arts AssociationThe Pacific Arts Association (PAA), founded in 1974 and established as an association in 1978, is an international organization devoted to the study of all the arts of Oceania. PAA provides a forum for dialogue and awareness about Pacific art and culture. By connecting individuals and institutions around the world, PAA encourages greater cooperation among those who are involved with the creation, study, and exhibition of Pacific art. The peer-reviewed Pacific Arts journal (http://pacificarts.org/journal) features current research and reviews. The PAA newsletter (http://pacificarts.org/newsletter)provides timely information about important events to members. PAA’s triennial International Symposium (http://pacificarts.org/symposia) takes place in alternating venues across the globe and includes special tours, performances, exhibitions, and presentations of academic and artistic research on the arts of Oceania. Members have the opportunity to meet and participate in a PAA-sponsored session at the College Art Association (http://pacificarts.org/caa) annual meeting. PAA-Europe (http://pacificarts.org/europe) holds a meeting in Europe annually.
http://www.pacificarts.org/
If you would like to contribute an item to FROM ALL DIRECTIONS, the monthly e-newsletter of Bronitsky and Associates, please forward your listing before the 28th of each month to .