A division of Response Employment and Training Pty Ltd

Phone/Fax: 4323 6830 Mobile: 0405 098 173 Email: jamie@responsetraining.com.au Jamie Conroy, Manager, Daintree Studio, 21/5 Daintree Place West Gosford NSW

______________________________________________________________________

RAD Access Excellence & Practice

Paper for Arts Activated Conference Power House Museum, Sydney, 2010
Presented by Jamie Conroy and Dean La Spina Written by Jamie Conroy ADT 2009/10

Screen Printing Area, Daintree Studio, West Gosford NSW

SEE REFERENCES TO OUR POWERPOINT PRESENTATION THROUGHOUT THIS DOCUMENT: thus (PPP SLIDE 1) etc.

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

(PPP SLIDE 1)
Accessible Arts: Arts Activated Conference 2010, 25th & 26th March 2010 When you ride the wave you need to keep your wits about you J.M. Conroy

Access Excelllence & Practice an Introduction

In September 2007, I attended the inaugural Arts Activated Conference at the Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, celebrating the inclusion of people with a disability in the arts. It was a meeting of creative minds from metropolitan and regional Australia, with international contributions a thoroughly inspiring experience featuring music, drama, visual arts, workshops, lectures, and a range of innovative services. Recently I made a submission, on behalf of Dean LaSpina and myself, to present a paper here at the 2010 Arts Activated Conference. After attending that first Conference, I was determined to be a presenter at the next and here we are! I received our formal invitation to present from Accessible Arts dated 13 October (my birthday, a nice little present!) I really felt elated, that after 30 years of experience in the arts and community work it was a real coming together of creative human elements, an Artistic ALCHEMY. As an artist working and training in the disability and youth sectors I have been aware of Accessible Arts for many years, but have become more involved in recent years. In 2006 I was involved with DAWN (Disability Arts Workers Network), and the Disability Awareness and Access Training, with Katy Mercer. I also submitted a written submission for the Cultural Action Plan for People with a Disability, where I wrote: (Quote) Attitudinal barriers manifest in the division of art practices and programs into those specifically for people with disabilities and those for the mainstream. Apparently the general perception in the broad community is that people with disabilities form a homogenous subculture, not recognising that there is a wide range of human diversity and talent within the social concept (or construct) of disability. Access to the arts industry, at whatever level, can be restricted and difficult for people with disabilities.

On a personal level, I have listened to young people with mild disabilities saying that they are reluctant to attend certain disability art programs as they do not wish to be labelled as disabled or segregated from their peers without disability
2

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

The idea of Universal Access certainly applies here. Community awareness of the diversity of the abilities of people with a disability should be improved to promote inclusive and integrated art programs in the community, particularly for young people seeking access to valued future options in areas such as art, education and employment. I now find myself in a position to facilitate access to the arts for young people with disabilities living on the Central Coast of NSW, through Response Art (End Quote) Artistic and creative processes lead to excellent social and individual outcomes for a great diversity of people, whatever their level of ability. Response Art and Design advocates for its Service Users, young adults with disabilities, to access the arts through: y y y y Our Screen Printing business providing graphic arts training, business and employment opportunities Visual Arts programs and community exhibitions Participation in the ARTSTART NSW Youth Arts and Skills Festival Our mural painting team producing public art for local organisations in 2004, 2005, 2006 hopefully more in future

(PPP SLIDE 2)

Lion Dreaming Whale, 2006, Gosford Court House, displayed here at the Disability Expo, Mingara, organised by Central Coast Disability Network (CCDN)
3

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

Response Art and Design (RAD) a background I joined Response Employment and Training in 2004, and almost immediately bent my wings towards visual arts programs, mural projects, and screen printing. Dean became a Response Service User in 2005 as a direct result. He was looking for a service provider that did screen printing. Snap! Response Art and Design (RAD) had its early shape. In 2005 RAD collaborated with ARTSTART, the biennial NSW Youth Arts and Skills Festival, through the Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) in Gosford. We held Saturday sessions in design, drawing and screen printing processes, including an Aboriginal Art Teacher in our first of four workshops at Response West Gosford, integrating young people with and without disabilities, creating a very positive group dynamic, finally culminating in a group exhibition at Erina Fair, a major Shopping and Public Access complex on the Central Coast. The Migaloo design was developed in these sessions (PPP

SLIDE 3)

RAD has now hosted ARTSTART screen printing programs in 2005, 2007, 2009. More on this later In the meantime, Dean has a business idea, to develop his surf wear brand conceived while at High School. Weasel Surf is also taking shape following Deans completion of a Certificate IV in Small Business accessed through the NEIS scheme and supported by Response. Dean and I are drawing, designing, drawing, redrawing, redesigning the weasel images. We print our first Weasel T shirts at Response, and experience the WOW factor not for the last time Other Response service users also develop their own designs. Well try and keep our enthusiasm to a minimum during our presentation, for your comfort and ours, as things began to get exciting!

(PPP SLIDE 4)
4

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

RAD began a rudimentary screen printing business in a small corner of Responses main West Gosford Centre, taking jobs from various community groups, including Animal Liberation NSW, and was finally sent packing, kicking and screaming, in 2006, to its present location, tooled and skilled up among the Bellbirds at Daintree Studio, West Gosford. We simply outgrew the former situation, needed more space.

Since then we have built an active business profile in the Gosford LGA, and beyond. We expect further growth and business development in 2010 and 2011. We constantly strive to exceed our expectations in our artistic and technical processes.

A quick note to thank the many people and industry contacts who have generously helped us with the craft and the nuts and bolts of professional screen printing: Geoff Webber, Management and Staff at Response Employment and Training, John Limond from Reprographics, Terry Wood from TJ Graphics, James Chambers Screen Printer, Steve Allison from Utopia Screen Printing, Alex Camilleri from Eagles Plumbing, Gosford Regional Gallery, Bill Porteous from JW Agencies, Kim McLoughry from Regional Youth Support Services, Peter Leis and Family, Mick Castor from Rat Apparel, and Stephen Anderson from Ultimo TAFE etc

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

Innovation: Access to Training

Since 2005 Response Art and Design has grown to become a professional and accessible business and training studio on the beautiful Central Coast of NSW, always striving for artistic excellence: In 2006 our Daintree Studio began

(PPP SLIDES 5 10)

RAD Training Innovative Training in Screen Printing and Graphic Arts prepares talented young adults with disabilities to access community and employment options in the local arts industry to address barriers to artistic development, practice and excellence A major focus has always been on training at Response Art and Design Building on my arts qualifications and practice, my training qualifications and experience, and my growing knowledge of the screen printing industry, the next step was to examine the Printing and Graphic Arts Training Package ICP05 from the National Training Information Service (NTIS), and develop a RAD training program. There is a GAP in training opportunities for young people with disadvantages to access appropriate certificate level training in the visual arts in the Central Coast Region. What has emerged is a serious attempt to develop a Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts - Screen Printing; a relevant and flexible training program, specifically designed for Response service users and adaptable to other community education scenarios, like integrated ARTSTART groups for example. I also saw the need to gain my own qualification in Screen printing. I have been in contact with Stephen Anderson at Ultimo TAFE, to help me with an RPL process to gain my Cert III in Screen Printing. The Trade Certificate will compliment my own fine arts qualifications and my developing skills with the Adobe Creative Suite.

(PPP SLIDE 11) Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts - Screen Printing
The proposed accredited training program is based on selected Units of Competency from two Training Packages accessed from the NTIS http://www.ntis.gov.au/ ICP05 Printing and Graphic Arts CUV03 Visual Arts Craft and Design y Included are basic design and drawing units to emphasise personal creativity and original design development
6

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

y y

An accredited RAD training program will provide access to nationally recognised qualifications in the Arts for Response Service Users The program includes current industry skills and knowledge, OHS, communication and team skills

ICP20505: Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (Screen Printing) COURSE STRUCTURE Studio Preparation, Safety and Work Skills

ICPSU261B Follow OHS practices and identify environmental hazards ICPSU262B Communicate in the workplace ICPSU203B Prepare and maintain the work area Pre-printing Processes ICPSP215B Prepare screen CUVDES02A Apply the design process to 2-dimensional work in response to a brief ICPSU263B Perform basic industry calculations ICPPP283B Prepare artwork for screen printing ICPPP222B Scan a line image ICPPP221B Select and apply type ICPSP211B Reclaim screen automatically / manually Printing Processes ICPSU211B Prepare ink and additives ICPSU202B Prepare, load and unload product on and off machine ICPSP271B Manually produce basic screen prints ICPSU216B Inspect quality against required standards ICPSU221B Pack and dispatch product

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

We start with a general OHS Induction for the studio, and a good look at our screen printing materials and equipment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are always used when working in the Studio. If there are times when you feel uncomfortable or worried about things at work, talk to somebody you can trust.

(PPP SLIDE 12 13) Process and Excellence (PPP SLIDES 14 20)

y y y y y All aspects of Screen printing processes Drawing skills and computer graphics using the Adobe Creative Suite Production processes and teamwork Flexible training and assessment to suit individual needs Artistic and creative processes lead to excellent social and individual outcomes for a great diversity of people, whatever their level of ability

The Training continues with the preparation of Screens and the application of Photosensitive Emulsion to the screen mesh. At all points on the way, clients are encouraged to take control of the processes, and practice them under supervision. Probably 90% of the Screen Printing process is involved with Screen preparation and Artwork preparation. The actual printing process is the icing on the cake! Screen Mesh is made from polyester in various grades. Mesh is stretched over frames and fixed with strong adhesive. Screens are then degreased and treated with Tea Tree based organic Screen Prep liquid, rinsed and dried. We are now ready for emulsion coating in the dark room. This process is difficult to photograph. The emulsion is light sensitive and forms the basis for the screen image to be printed. Screens are stored in a light safe cupboard until ready for exposure. The Exposure unit emits powerful ultra violet light and is always used with great care.

(PPP SLIDES 21 29) ARTWORK: Adobe Creative Suite

The Adobe Creative suite has been a revelation in our quest for excellent images.

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

Starting from intensive drawing sessions, digital photography, and internet searches, chosen images are scanned or copied into the computer as photoshop or illustrator files. The Artwork is developed, and text can be added, through the basic graphic tools available in these programs. It is interesting that many of our Clients, being young people of the computer age, have a strong affinity with these graphic programs. While of profound depth and apparent complexity, they are also accessible and can be used to create simple effective designs, or more detailed multi-colour works. Dean and I have attended training workshops in both Photoshop and Illustrator. There is rarely a day that we dont find something new about their application to our design projects. Clients are supported to create their own designs and get a real buzz walking out the door with their new and totally unique T shirts on. All of the excellent Art we are seeing today has passed through the Adobe Creative Suite. The term graphic design can refer to a number of artistic and professional disciplines which focus on visual communication and presentation. ... Graphic design is a creative process that combines art and technology to communicate ideas. (google search Feb 2009)

Community Connections: ARTSTART and Regional Youth Support Services

y Inclusion of young people with a disability in training programs like Artstart helps to address barriers to recognition of arts excellence and practice by their peers (without disability) Strong connections with local community agencies and businesses create work, learning and cultural opportunities for RAD service users and address barriers to artistic development and recognition

ARTSTART aims to support, foster, encourage and highlight young peoples involvement in the arts and cultural areas and to assist young people to increase their skill and confidence in a range of artistic areas. I keep on with this idea with our ARTSTART programs: the integration of young people in the arts with or without disability. The issue of disability disappears in the positive interpersonal dynamics created in these groups. Young people come together on their own terms, as people, not as a label.
9

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

Regional Youth Support Services, who administer and coordinate ARTSTART on the Central Coast, have consistently supported this integration, and have recognised its value to the local community.

Creative Expression helps young people to: y y y y y y Discover new skills and abilities Find new ways to manage feelings and express ideas Create a positive identity Experience opportunities for self motivated learning Access opportunities for employment and training Improve: self esteem, communication skills, goal setting, and ability to work with others Adapted from Creative Capacity Building by Phil Nunn and Celina McEwen (2002), Centre of Popular Education, UTS Sydney

Gosford Stalls: Information and Sales

One of our most successful community initiatives is our regular stall in Gosfords William Street Plaza. We are out there creating a positive community presence, selling our original designs and providing a marketing opportunity for our Screen Printing Business.

Disability Expo: Central Coast Disability Network

The biennial Central Coast Disability Expo is another excellent opportunity to showcase our service and our artistic achievements. We are able to network with other agencies and develop work and cultural opportunities for our clients.

10

Access Excellence & Practice for Arts Activated Conference 2010

Practice and Excellence

Work Skills Development, OHS, Team Work, Creativity, Employment, Production Since 2005 RAD business has successfully targeted local community groups and businesses and has established itself as an ethical choice for its Screen Printing and Design Services. In 2005 we did 6 Screen printing jobs, in 2009 it was 141. 2010 is shaping up to exceed last years figures. y y RAD aspires to long term growth and financial sustainability Appropriate working hours for selected Trainees will reflect realistic workplace practices. Productivity based wages may be negotiated in the future when realistically possible RAD is increasing its product range beyond T shirts and bags to provide more job opportunities and technical development for Trainees, for example RAD supports the realisation of ambition and the development of artistic practice for trainees (Dean Weasel Surf)

y y

Practice and Excellence: ARTWORK

A brief outline of the history of Weasel Surf by Dean La Spina, to close presentation: a demonstration of excellence.

Conclusion
Excellence in the Arts is definitely possible for people with disabilities, through: y y y y Creative expression as indicated in our body of work Access to training opportunities in the Arts Community presence and integration Business opportunities in the Screen Printing and Arts industries

Interactive Strategies
y y y T shirt designs showcased in presentation Design competition Slogan for Accessible Arts T shirt design? RAD Stall (Sales and Information)]

QuestionsDiscussion

11