Sound Circles hits the access note in Sydney
Sound Circles, an exciting voice and movement program took Sydney by storm recently when it was launched by Accessible Arts in association with Access Arts Queensland.
One hundred enthusiastic participants created a mass improvised sound and movement percussion using their bodies, objects and just about anything they could get their hands on! Led by four facilitators from Access Arts Queensland the freeform concept experienced by a variety of communities and abilities resulted in boisterous, yet intoxicating rhythmical jamming bellowing out of the wharf at Walsh Bay on the 6th September.
The "Experience Sound Circles" Seminar at Accessible Arts opened with the theme, "connect, create, celebrate" and 45 potential Sound Circles facilitators then spent the afternoon learning more about the program at a facilitator training session.
The next day Sound Circles was officially launched at the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association conference "From Tolerance to Respect" in Homebush. Approximately 200 conference attendees used sound and movement to explore the theme of communication using eyes, ears, hearts and minds.
Sue Johnston, Manager Groups and Access at Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, was inspired by the experience.
"Feedback from the staff member and the parent of a person with a disability that attended has been really positive. We look forward to exploring how we might continue to work with the sound circles model."
Sancha Donald, CEO at Accessible Arts said the success of the launch was largely due to strong partnerships.
From it's beginning in Brisbane in 2004, Sound Circles is growing rapidly with many communities now running weekly workshops across Queensland and is expected to take an even bigger step in Sydney. The program received acclaim at the 2005 World Expo in Japan, where 12 facilitators delivered a month long series of performances and workshops. Accessible Arts will be further developing Sound Circles Training for facilitators who wish to guide their own workshops in their local area. Expressions of Interest by potential facilitators are welcome. Contact Nadia de Ceglie at Accessible Arts on (02) 9251 6499 ndeceglie@aarts.net.au."We are thrilled to partner with sister organisation Access Arts Queensland and look forward to continuing to work closely to provide ongoing support for the establishment of Sound Circles in Sydney. We have also been delighted by the opportunity to launch Sound Circles in NSW with support from City of Sydney and MDAA."
Source: Accessible Arts press release 13 September 2006
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