Okay so not a lot has been happening online here but a lot has been going on out there in the “real” world. For starters artedalliance has been formed as a broad collective of community members focused on addressing ongoing issues facing arts education in Western Sydney; they recently held their first meeting at ICE (Information and Cultural Exchange) in Granville. Secondly the exhibition Serial Box Art Degree opened and continues on at Mori Gallery until the 28th July as an artistic response to: the axing of Fine Arts, Electronic Arts and Performance degrees; and the introduction of the new 'no frills' Bachelor of Contemporary Arts.

But what we haven't had yet is the opportunity for all parties involved (students, arts workers, artists, university academics, university management, local government, and anybody else involved with the broad arts community) to gather in the same room and discuss the key issues facing arts in Western Sydney. Lucky for us Blacktown Arts Centre have stepped up to rectify this by holding a two day forum as part of their Western Front 2007 public program. Unfortunately University of Western Sydney management have declined offers to take part or to be represented at the forum, but on the plus there will be representatives from WSROC, UNSW, Arts NSW, local Council Members, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Penrith Regional Gallery and Lewers Bequest, Urban Theatre Projects, Corroboree Arts and Craft co-op, as well as several local artists many of whom have studied in Western Sydney and continue to be involved in the Western Sydney community. There will be five sessions each day addressing a variety of topics including developments at the University of Western Sydney please contact Blacktown Arts Centre to find out exact times of the various topics, and come along - join the discussion!

The forum will take place this Friday and Saturday (20th and 21st July). All sessions are free.
Seating is limited – bookings advised, please call 02 9839 6558.
For more details visit www.westernfront2007.com.au

For more information about the artedalliance please email: autonomouspromoter@yahoo.com.au