A look at what's happening in the world of art.
Calling for nominations
Arts Access Aotearoa is seeking nominations to its Big A Awards 2011, which celebrate work done to provide artistic opportunities for people with limited access.
This year's awards have five categories: Creative Space; Community Partnership; Prison Arts Leadership; Winton and Margaret Bear Young Artist Award; and the new Creative New Zealand Arts For All Award.
For information go to www.artsaccess.org.nz , phone (04) 802-4349, or email community@artsaccess.org.nz.
Nominations close at 5pm March 25.
Speaking about violence
Family violence is the topic of the play Hush, now touring in the South.
The play vividly recounts stories of family violence in the words of perpetrators, survivors and professionals involved in dealing with the after-effects.
Hush originated as a practical research project funded by a University of Otago research grant.
The Hush production team recorded dozens of hours of interviews with Otago people about their experiences dealing with family violence.
The material was structured into a 75-minute script, in consultation with the interview subjects.
Following each performance is a brief post-show discussion on the production and the processes involved.
Indigenous, Celtic mix
Pacifica group Pacfic Curls will perform in Roxburgh tonight and Cromwell tomorrow night.
The group combines fiddle, ukulele, taonga puoro (traditional Maori instruments) and vocals, with other instruments including cajons, stop pedals, kalimba, djembe and percussion in a blend of Celtic, Maori, Pacific and other influences.
Pacific Curls play at the Roxburgh Town Hall at 7.30pm tonight and The Shed, Northburn, at 7.30pm tomorrow.
Behind the scenes
The Mayfair Theatre opens on Saturday as part of South Dunedin Heritage Day.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and learn the history of the 1914 purpose-built picture theatre.
Other "hidden treasures" open on the day include the Dunedin Gasworks Museum and St Patrick's Basilica
See 'Hush'
Hush will be performed at the following venues:
Today: Gore Little Theatre, book at Cairns Music.
Saturday, February 19: Tapanui Community Centre Theatre, book service centre.
February 22: Alexandra Memorial Theatre, book at Budges.
February 23: Ranfurly Bowling Club, book at Style Corner.
February 25: Timaru Playhouse Theatre, book at Newmans MusicWorks.
February 26: Oamaru Repertory Theatre, book at Beggs Music Centre.
February 28, March 2-5: Dunedin Fortune Theatre Studio, 5.30pm.
Book at Fortune Theatre. (Monday 28 is "pay what you can" night.)
