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AIAA Queensland Group

AIAA Queensland members have been holding meetings in Brisbane since 2002. On 16th March, the group held a 2003 Update meeting inviting new members and other groups to attend to update on their plans for 2003. AIAA Poetry Coordinator Malia Ritaningsih updated the group on her recent activities involving plans for Indonesian poets Fatin Hamanah and La Rose and Upi Tuti Sundari to attend Sydney Writers Festival and Zam Zam Noor to perform at Brisbane Writers Festival.

Miko Saeri, representing the Balinese Community discussed the possibility of inviting Indonesian dance and music teachers to Brisbane. Judy let the group know that Gamelan Suara Naga from Armidale is planning to invite Wahyu Roche to return to Australia in May. Wahyu may be available to assist groups in Brisbane such as Kari's new gamelan group based in Brisbane and the Balinese community. She also mentioned an exhibition by Australian artist Lucille Martin entitled 'Berapa' from 14th of March at Fox Galleries in Brisbane.

Renowned dancer and choreographer Kerensa Dewantoro suggested that AIAA QLD group work towards a concert of Indonesian performing groups during the next couple of months. Kerensa has presented her Topeng dance drama Shakuntala at Woodford Festival and Toowoomba. Kerensa is planning to present the show for the Byron Loves Bali group at Bangalow NSW, on 3 May with Gamelan Giri Jaya and members of the Balinese Community.

AIAA cultural networker Cynthia Webb reported on Gold Coast events such as the recent performance at Conrad Jupiter by highly acclaimed Javanese Dancer Didik Thowok which was presented by Bond Uni students. Cynthia also let people know about the Gold Coast Balinese community celebration of Hari Nyepi which was coming up at Runaway Bay Community Hall on Sat 29th March.

The group discussed the idea of establishing a formal AIAA Qld committee which would hope to create greater co-operation and communication between Southern Qld groups such as Indonesian students and community groups and Australian cultural organisations such as BEMAC, local radio stations, Brisbane Council etc

AIAA aims to break down barriers by providing a place where Indonesians and Australian people can work together on an equal footing to create understanding and appreciation of Indonesian culture within the Australian community.

The group identified the need for a support structure for visiting Indonesian artists to create opportunities for them to share their culture with the Qld community. The group could provide direct support by providing biletting and organising activities and events for local and visiting artists.

Judy suggested that if the group wanted to establish a steering committee - even a small group of AIAA members could create their own AIAA branch, co-ordinate projects, have their own bank account and make their own decisions, as long as they complied with the AIAA constitution and reported back to the National Board. This committee could then apply for grants or auspice grants for other groups, and basically operate independently.

For further information email: aiaaqld@yahoogroups.com

Nito, Cynthia, Miko, Malia and Kerensa at Queensland AIAA Meeting.