 Country Arts WA is delighted to be presenting the 2007 State Regional Arts conference to be held in the beautiful Great Southern region. Pulse - Vital Signs of a Creative Life will be jointly hosted by the Shire of Denmark in the stunning surrounds of the Denmark Agricultural College. Denmark is a vibrant community with a diverse cultural life - one that embodies our theme of the signs that make for a vital community.
The conference has been streamed Heart (stories of inspiration), Head (business skills for the arts) and Body (a chance to experience the region). Pulse is aimed at artists, artsworkers, volunteers and community leaders. We are sure that delegates will have both an inspirational and informative time and we look forward to sharing it with you! 
 The true Pulse of Western Australia comes from people. They are the strength behind the booming economy and our culture.
To keep beat it is important we have the capacity to respond with strength and innovation to those things that challenge us. From Government, our commitment to that capacity comes from our investments in health, education, infrastructure, services and, very importantly, our culture. But it still boils down to people making the difference and in the end it is their story that is told. The geographic and cultural diversity of communities across Western Australia is an invigorating challenge for everyone. Often it means we have to do things differently - be it the partnerships we make, our communication capacity, how we use our resources and facilities - to ensure people have access to a sustainable cultural environment. The role you play makes a vital difference to the creative state of Western Australia. No matter where you are based, the State Regional Arts Conference reinforces that we are in this together. It is a great opportunity to meet, share experiences, debate and build skills and networks. I urge you all to be part of Pulse 2007. 
Hon Sheila McHale MLA
Minister For Culture And The Arts 
 The last state regional arts conference was held in 2003 in Karratha. 300 people descended on our North West on a shared road called ‘Horizons'. There, artists, artsworkers, volunteers, government representatives and an inspiring array of speakers shared their stories, their visions, their joys and frustrations of living, working and creating art and culture in regional WA. It was an exciting and invigorating time.
In October this year, many of those same people and many more will come together once again at Pulse - Vital Signs of a Creative Life. We will listen and learn, laugh and cry, debate, ponder and experience the many signs of a creative regional life. Speakers from our own state, around the country and overseas, will share their experiences, stories and views on what it is that makes our lives vibrant. We will share with one another, connect with old friends and make new ones. And, we'll do all of this in the stunning Great Southern region of our state - a region rich in cultural life, natural beauty, agriculture, food and wine. Delegates are encouraged to make the most of the conference program by either streaming their workshop choices depending on their needs, or experiencing a bit of everything. There is a diverse range of inspiring workshop presenters, keynote speakers and panel discussions, as well as some exciting off-site excursions around the region. A pre-conference Creative Volunteering training day will also be held on Thursday 25th October. More information will be provided at a later date. Please indicate on the registration form whether you wish to attend. Cost is $25 for the day. 
The conference is open to anyone and everyone who engages in, or has an interest in, regional life. We know that arts and culture play an integral role in the development of vital communities. Therefore we encourage representatives from all facets of community to come along. Previous conferences have attracted: regional and metropolitan based artists and artsworkers local arts council and arts organisation volunteers and board members professional arts organisations based in the regions and Perth local government elected members and staff state and federal government elected members and officers community leaders community organisation's volunteers and staff teachers, TAFE and University staff local business owners.
Pulse is for everyone who engages with arts and culture in their communities. For further information contact: Country Arts WA Ph: 08 9481 0077 WA Regional Freecall: 1800 811 883 PO BOX 7012 Cloisters Square WA 6850 Email: conference@countryartswa.asn.au
www.artsconference2007.com.au | 
