MEDIA RELEASE

Artists SWITCH on Western Sydney

Released 26 February 2005

Information and Cultural Exchange
PO Box 4033 Parramatta NSW 2124 Australia
T: +61(2) 9897 5744 / F: +61(2) 9897 5766

Western Sydney is becoming a hub for cutting-edge digital arts thanks to a dynamic new initiative. SWITCH Multimedia and Digital Arts Access Centre, launched by Minister for Western Sydney Diane Beamer MP on Friday 25 February 2005 in Granville is managed by innovative arts organisation ICE (Information and Cultural Exchange) in partnership with Parramatta City Council and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU).

“The State Government’s considerable support for the Centre through their Western Sydney Arts Program is set to change the cultural landscape of Western Sydney,” said ICE Chairperson Caitlin Vaughan, referring to the $200,000 establishment grant the centre received.

“SWITCH is a community-based multimedia arts space with state-of-the-art equipment and software. It is a space where communities and artists can make digital sound and music; web and graphic design; and screen-based arts,” said Ms Vaughan.

ICE works at the intersection of arts and new technology, providing access to and supporting innovation in disadvantaged communities.

“I congratulate ICE and Parramatta City Council on having the foresight to develop such a strategic partnership,” said Minister for Western Sydney Diane Beamer, MP. “This will open up new employment, education and training pathways for Western Sydney communities and artists. SWITCH is a ground-breaking initiative for Western Sydney and testament to the State Government’s ongoing support and commitment to digital arts and new technology in the region,” she said.

Guest speaker Parramatta City Lord Mayor Julia Finn said, “Parramatta City Council is proud of the SWITCH partnership and we anticipate benefits not only to residents and artists in the Parramatta area, but across the Greater Western Sydney region.”

“In 2004 SWITCH ran pilot programs in film, TV and video; music creation and recording; digital animation; web and graphic design; and blogging (on-line publishing),” said Ms Vaughan. “This produced a number of short films, documentaries, and pilot radio and TV programs, screening today,” she said.

Original participants of the SWITCH Centre, now Australia’s finest music hip hop artists, Maya Jupiter, MC Trey and Wire hosted the launch and also performed. All three artists were involved in establishing the SWITCH Centre and its programs.

“Some of the young people involved in the music workshops had great talent and stories to tell but they had no one to guide them and had no access to equipment, software and training,” said MC Trey. “SWITCH inspires young people; it gives them hope that they could put out their own CD one day. SWITCH is a first stop for young aspiring artists.”

This innovative Centre attracted much interest and dignitaries attending included Federal Member for Parramatta Julie Owens, Federal Member for Reid Laurie Ferguson, State Member for Granville Kim Yeadon, Bankstown Mayor Helen Westwood, Holroyd Mayor John Brodie and Blacktown Mayor Leo Kelly as well as participants from the programs.

In its pilot phase, SWITCH has attracted the participation of top names, such as UK artists MC Mystro and DJ Pogo and local names DJ Nick Toth, MC Trey and Maya Jupiter.

SWITCH is continuing its groundbreaking program of activities for 2005, with upcoming projects.
Contact info@ice.org.au or 9897 5744.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Caroline Shepherd: 02 9897 5744 or research@ice.org.au.

PHOTOS, SOUND BYTES AND VIDEO FOOTAGE AVAILABLE.