day two of TINA 2007

It's morning and I feel like I haven't slept. This is the reality when it comes to event management I guess.

Today the Bike Corral starts. Dan, my other half of co-ordination team, has just been at my place and we've been collaborating and getting ready to go into the city and set up. Real exciting.
I also have to go and do drop offs for head count sheets. We have recruited a whole heap of vollies to come in and do head counts at each of the events and venues to see how many people we have coming to the event.

Last night was the modular party - at 6pm (3hrs before event) we had sold more than 200 tickets! - an amazing effort and a real indication of how exciting TINA is for this year.

There are a couple of higher profile events happening today which I will be covering, which include The 2007 Soapbox Election with Charles Firth from The Chaser and also the Balkan Gypsy Wedding featuring Mojo Juju and The Snake Oil Merchants - a local band who are a real crowd pleaser.

Also working on the bar again.

This morning though, I have to drum up some more media attention and get some people down there.

Got to get to it.

Until this afternoon/night,

Allyson.

Day one goes off with a blast

It's 1.37 in the morning and I have just arrived home from the first day of This Is Not Art 2007.

AWESOME!!!!!!

There is nothing like seeing something so many people have devoted their lives to, come to fruition. Today went so amazingly well. Because my mind and body is one million per cent exhausted, I won't be able to remember everything. But the first event we had today was packed out - and it's only Thursday!

We've had a few glitches website wise which I am trying to fix. I'm noticing a whole heap of things haven't been updated, so got to do that.

I actually attended one part of the event today - the student media roundtable and discussion. More on that in later posts, but it was wonderful to get to participate in the actual event. I realise this often isn't the reality, but things just seemed to work out for me today.

The launch was HUGE! There were so many people there and the place was buzzing. I got to socialise/direct and assist media and VIP guests for two hours, before jumping behind the bar and serving beer all night. It was still amazing though.

We've had some great coverage in the media the last couple of days. We've been in the Post, the Star, the Daily Telegraph, The Newcastle Herald. I've also done some stuff for the Sun Herald on the weekend. So it's all systems go. Tomorrow (which is now actually today) will be much bigger because we'll have to help TV crews tomorrow. YAY!

I've also met an array of amazing people who are so valuable to know. The networking here just blows me away. People like Marcus Westbury, who was one of the original founders of TINA and has just finished producing his own TV series which is being screened on ABC, are people in the industry who are amazing to know and listen to and have there as a friend and contact. There's so many more, but my brain is too tired to think.

I feel so worn out but like I've accomplished so much personally and as part of TINA.

Tomorrow, my event (the bike corral) starts, so I have to now get some sleep so I can get up and set up early.

Allyson.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the day - everything starts......officially.

We've bumped in today, with a couple of little glitches and some fun, but we're in and ready to roll.

Yesterday I met Nick Lowe, one of the organisers of the NYWF. We got into a good chat about student media and it made me realise how much I love being at TINA and how much it is suited to me. Everything about it, I enjoy.

I'm just worried about how I'm going to make it through the next couple of days. I've wokring from7am to about 2am - then trying to get a little sleep and somewhere in there fit in a little blogging!

Whoo.

Tomorrow!

This Is Not Art 2007!!!!

Stress has set in

Whooo.....stress less is the mantra for this week.

Today is Tuesday. The event starts on Thursday. Still so many problems with accommodation, catering and insurance. Hmmm......little things keep popping up, which take up time and take me away from the big picture: TINA as a whole. My mind is mixed up as this entry will identify. Things will just pop into my head and I have to get them out or I will forget them. It comes from always thinking about what needs doing. And on top of this, I was, just yesterday, diagnosed with tonsillitis. I really just want to be in bed resting but I can't. I love TINA.

Bike Corral is nearly ok. I have all the material at my house and it won't fit in my car. Not like there is too much, but it is too big and my car is only small! I can't bring my star pickets in – which we need! Hmmmmm....not sure how they are going to get into the heart of Newcastle yet. Still have to make up registrations. Had a positive response from media callout and press drive. We've got heaps and heaps of old bikes and stuff. One lady even donated a whole garage full that her husband had collected before he died! So, I'm quite pleased with that. Looks my me media relations skills are going A.O.K.


Media has just hit full throttle. It's all about accommodating for the media now. They want to know what's, who they can talk to, where good pic opps are, and on and on and on. I seem to be catering to their every little whim. Now when the actual event starts and we get them on site, that is when it is going to get interesting. I'm going to have to be looking out for them so they don't feel like we don't appreciate their support and direct them to spokespeople, people for pics, where to go, what to do yadda yadda. That's in the back of my mind as it's a little further away (2 DAYS!!!!!).

I'm trying to figure out my timetable! Where am I going and what am I doing? I'm starting to see that I actually won't get to see much of the event (or take part in as such). It's all going to be organisational, keeping things working and happening. Stupidly (well not really but I'll it was stupid anyway), I said yes to working on the bar, so my nighttimes, and the wee hours of the morning, are going to be spent pouring beers for happy TINA-ers. So I'm barring, photographing, media-ing and more.

I have already burst into tear three times today! Argh!

Allyson.

so scared but excited......

A week until the event and I'm running my little socks off! I've written up numerous releases this week including one on local performers, exhibitions, gigs listing AND the THIS IS NOT ART LAUNCH!!!!, and sent them out. I've found the best way to actually guarantee (or as much as you can) getting some media coverage is to do personalised emails with the releases attached. So instead of just blindly shooting off releases, I've spent some time finding out who are the people I want to be targeting. For example, with looking at the exhibitions, I pitched personally to Jill Stowell from the Newcastle Herald. I schmoozed her and made her feel special; another trait I'm beginning to learn is very useful. This way, it shows an interest from my side and also that I have taken the time to understand who Jill is and why she is important to This Is Not Art. Likewise with the local performers releases; I've rang Tahnee at The Post and I know now that we are going to get some coverage in that. As a journalist I have always been so skeptical of on block media releases because I thought they never really showed a journalist you wanted their individual attention and wanted them to write about the issue at hand. This is fine if you have a multitude of media to choose from, but Newcastle is small and we have very little media to choose from. So when I found myself falling into that trap from a PR side at TINA, I knew they wouldn't be working as effectively as they could be.

The rest of my TINA time (and time that seems to be dedicated to TINA…..argh!) is spent with answering media inquires and attending to all their needs. It's sort of like we're at their mercy – so much depends on the positive coverage we get - not only getting crowds, but showing the positive coverage as encouragement of the event so we can get funding/grants/sponsorship/in kind material, next year. As well as this, I'm trying to figure out how to pitch this to University students. I'm going to do up a 'student's guide' type thing, with a list of events which would be really useful for students. It's just a matter of actually getting around to that – I will do that tonight.

Everything is going well. We all seem to have our heads screwed on…..if only just. Marni and I took half an hour to have a cup of tea the other day and I think it relaxed us both. I'm really having fun at TINA and feel like I am part of the event and dare I say it, the event is part of me. I guess we just have to keep plugging along!

Allyson.

Local lineup for TINA

LOCAL LINEUP OF ACTS AT THIS IS NOT ART 2007

Locals from across the Hunter Valley will take to the stage alongside national and international performers in the 2007 This Is Not Art Festival later this month.

For more than 100 local artists, This Is Not Art is all about mixing it with the best for five days of workshops, panels, events, and performances from the hottest emerging writers, electronic artists, independent music makers and cultural theorists.

Hunter talent will be on display in bands, film screenings, discussion panels, poetry performances, music events, dramatic spectacles and much more.

Many are ready and rearing to go with just over a week until the festival kicks off.

Local group, Ergo B Bag and His All Action Allstars will present a spectacle for the audience, as they perform a dramatic and eccentric piece about love, egotism and partying.

The 14 piece group are known around Newcastle for their unusual and experimental performance at the 2006 ABC Music Awards, which stunned audiences and judges alike. Rumor has it the Lycra one-piece suits they will be wearing channel the glory of Jesus Christ Super Star.

Other local highlights, the Balkan Gypsy Wedding, will be appearing on Friday night. This themed evening encourages everyone to dress up 80s euro-gangster-style for the chaotic celebration of a gypsy matrimony. Newcastle theatrical band, Mojo Juju and the Snake Oil Merchants, will open the night, setting the scene for a night of side splitting belly laughs and twisted fun.

These, and more than 80 others, will fly the Newcastle performance flag during the five day event.

Ergo B Bag, the Balkan Gypsy Wedding and Mojo Juju and the Snake Oil Merchants are available for interviews and photo opportunities. For more information please contact Marni Jackson or visit www.thisisnotart.org.

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Media Contact: Marni Jackson

This Is Not Art Festival Coordinator

Phone: 0423 613 904

Email: marni@thisisnotart.org
Please see attached a day by day run down of when and where some of our local performers will be on show at This Is Not Art 2007.

· Streetsweeper – An independent and locally written, directed and produced feature film shot on HD equipment in 72 hours, with no sets and lights, by a crew moving 6km a day on foot. The film follow's a ramble from sunrise at Nobby's Beach to sunset at Hexham Bridge, Newcastle’s streetscape whispered in a poem of moving pictures, found text, and transcendental guitars. Introduced by the Director. www.streetsweeper.net.au. Screening to be held at the Civic Arcade(The Studio) on Monday 1 October at 3pm.

· Casio Gloria – Performing in Speechless. Spoken word gets mashed with sound and lights at the National Young Writers Festival cross-platform performance showcase. From cross-dressing sound poetry bunnies to full-frontal audience intimidation, join Australia’s most innovative show-offs as they push the boundaries of what can be done with a microphone. Jenna Gill as Casio Gloria performing Friday 28 September from 7.30pm at the Festival Club.

· Ergo B Bag and His All Action Allstars – at the Modular Party. For the first time ever, inspirational record label Modular will be hosting a party in Newcastle, as part of Sound Summit. Held at King St Hotel, Thursday 27 September from 8pm.

· Ivy Ireland – A local poet, harpist and performer will come to life launching Incidental Complications a book published under the Poets Union's Australian Young Poets 2007 Fellows award. She will be joined by local performers interpreting her work. A local poetry focussed extravaganza not to be missed. Performing at the Royal Exchange, Bolton St on Saturday 29 Sept, 8-10pm.

· Neda Moskovsky and Claire Albrecht – Two young event producers who have curated the Sunday Fair gigs stage, featuring performances by local acts dog_boy_lover and Throbgoblin vs Base Electron and a return by ex-Newcastle electronica outfit Ionic. Also,local DIY art and craftists will sell their wares at the fair in Civic Park, Sunday 30 September, 12-6pm

· Newcastle Zine History Walking Tour hosted by local zine maker and DJ Ash Baker, takes in a number of sites in Newcastle's underground cultural history. Tour departs from the TINA Info Booth, Civic Park Monday 01 September, 1pm.

· Lunchbox Theatre by Tantrum Theatre involves young actors, writers and directors performing short works in local cafes each day of the festival. Thursday 27 Sept 12pm Three Monkeys Cafe, Darby St; Friday 28 Sept 12pm Bodega Espresso Bar, King St; Saturday 29 Sept 12pm Juicy Beans Cafe, Wheeler Place.

· Balkan Gypsy Wedding – featuring Mojo Juju & the Snake Oil Merchants and local roving theatre troupe Lovelorn Living Party, plus other acts from across Australia. At the Festival Club, 5 Auckland St, Friday 28 Sept, 9.30pm

For more information on local performers and their events, contacts and photos, please contact Marni Jackson.

This Is Not Art 2007 Gig Listing Release

For Immediate Release

18 September 2007

The program for This Is Not Art is released and positively bursting out of it’s little online seams with excitement. The festival is just over a week away, and with around 400 artists, makers, thinkers and tinkers in more than 200 diverse events in 30 venues over five days, it’s shaping up to be the most dynamic and engrossing October long weekend Newcastle has ever seen.

To entertain visiting festival audiences after the day's stimulating events, This Is Not Art presents a series of showcase gigs spanning the range of genres – from electronica to gypsy, hip hop to hardcore:

THURSDAY 27th SEPTEMBER

● MODULAR PARTY @ KING ST HOTEL – 8pm until late. $15

Modular will be bringing its finest bands, DJs and a wealth of party knowledge to Newcastle for a onenight stand it’ll never forget. Bringing Muscles, Yacht (USA), Ergo B Bag & his All Action All Stars, Kato, Dan De Caires and many more.

● HARD DNB DAY'S NIGHT @ FESTIVAL CLUB- 10-midnight. FREE

DNB Djs shake up some Newcastle flavoured DNB and Jungle science. Featuring LSDJ and Quotient. Event is free.

FRIDAY 28th SEPTEMBER

● THE BALKAN GYPSY WEDDING @ FESTIVAL CLUB – 9.30-midnight. FREE

Theatrical performance: We are very excited you have come to our village to make party party party with us. For celebrating the cousin’s wedding we are inviting Nina Tzatziki and Sol & The Speaking Tribe for drama and passion, Lovelorn Living Party for helping you to get into a mood, and The Slipovitch Orchestra and Mojo Juju & The Snake Oil Merchants for warming you up and shaking you down. Please be making sure you have finest threads and pickled herrings to be keeping your Baba happy. Event is free.

● SOUND SUMMIT PRESENTS TINA OFFICIAL GIG @ THE CAMBRIDGE – 8pm-late. $12

FreQ Nasty (UK), Aloe Blacc (LA), Mark Pritchard (Harmonic 33, Troubleman), Steve Spacek (UK/LA),Foreign Heights , Ivens and Plutonic Lab (VIC), Blastcorp (NT), Catcall, Wire MC, S.Y.L.K., Sleater Brockman /Spruce Lee/Jimmy Sing (Ro Sham Bo), Radge, Captain Franco & Count Doyle (Dynamite Sounds). Tickets cost $12 at the door or presale at www.moshtix.com

COST: $12 on the door.

● DAVE ARKLESS MEMORIAL GRANT GIG@ THE LOFT YOUTH VENUE – 6-9pm. FREE

The Loft Youth Venue & Indent present A CD & Artzine Launch, curated and managed by local emerging event producers. With local bands, an illusionist, art projections and a BBQ. All-ages, no drugs or alcohol. Featuring: Men Who Drip With Germs, Littleroom, Sam Shephard, Matt Niccoli, Dangerboy. This is a free gig.

SATURDAY 29th SEPTEMBER

● GET UP, DOWN AND DIRTY@ FESTIVAL CLUB – 8.30-10.30pm. FREE

Join outspoken hip-hop / dub purveyors Elf Tranzporter and DJ Wasabi, experimental performance outfit Business As Usual and manic grime-hop crew The Hobby Whores for a night of lightning lyrics, dirty bass and poetry in mashy motion. Another free gig.

● ELECTROFRINGE PRESENTS A TINA OFFICIAL GIG @ THE CAMBRIDGE – 8pm until late. $12

Featuring: Tim Hecker (Canada), Darrin Verhagen, Pimmon, Leafcutter John (UK), Sebastien Roux (France),Jason Kahn (USA) & Ralph Steinbruchel (CN), Machina Aux Rock, Seaworthy, Sanso-xtro, Robin Fox, Jim Denley & Peter Blamey, Heil Spirits, Snawklor, Anonymeye. Gig costs $12 from the door or from www.moshtix.com.

SUNDAY 30th SEPTEMBER

● THE NIGHT SHARE LIVE TO AIR @ FESTIVAL CLUB – 8.30-10pm. FREE

Radio National's The Night Air broadcasts live to give the nation a taste of This Is Not Art 2007. Featuringperformances from Toydeath, Ross Bencina, Wire MC, Vanessa Berry and more. Free gig.

● CLOSING NIGHT PARTY: TWO CROWDED HOURS OF FESTIVAL DEATH THROES – 10pm-midnight. FREEMy ears hurt! I’m having a panic attack! I’m on fire! I live in a share house! Too bad!!!!! It’s the

Electrofringe 2007 Closing Party! Everybody knows that elongated Harshcore is the only way to party and makes a fitting end to what will have been a lovely festival right up until this point. Featuring Passenger of Shit, Mainstream, Autoclave, Drill Bit, rev777. Event is free.

● SUNDAY FAIR OUTDOOR STAGE @ CIVIC PARK – midday-8pm. FREE

Featuring: Ionic, Throbgoblin vs Base Electron, dog_boy_lover, Gail Priest, Secret Killer Of Names, Ross F Manning, Hetleveiker, Fugal Quese, Undecisive God, Anna Chase. Free day event.

● THE GREATEST INDIE DANCE PARTY EVER @ CBD HOTEL – 7pm-midnight. $5
PhDJ (the brains behind Sydney parties Purple Sneakers and Bad Kids Recreation Club)
teams up with DJ Streetparty (creator of Melbourne's Click Click , Colours and Shake Some
Action nights) to create what is sure to be the craziest indie dance party ever!
With PhDJ, DJ Street party, Sleater Brockman, Spruce Lee. Cost is $5 at the door.

For more information visit www.thisisnotart.org .

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Media Contact: Marni Jackson

This Is Not Art Festival Coordinator

Phone: 0423 613 904

Email: marni@thisisnotart.org