Why is the Southern Hemisphere always looking north? The South Project, commencing this July, aims to answer that, and other, questions, in a unique series of events designed to unite the cultural energies of Southern Hemisphere nations. The project - conceived and managed by Craft Victoria, Australia – employs cross continental and cross cultural forums, exhibitions, residencies, workshops, performances, publications and commissions over a four-year period, across the entire hemisphere. Beginning with a major public forum in Melbourne, Australia, in July 2004, artists, makers, writers and cultural thinkers from South America, Southern Africa, Southern Asia, Australia and the Pacific will gather to focus on issues, ideas and initiatives of and for the south. This assembly will provide an unprecedented opportunity for dialogue and cultural exchange between countries that lie across the southern latitudes. Culture will also be on display, with visual arts, crafts, design, architecture, writing, performance, music, dance and critical commentary forming a key part of the project scope. Divided into three stages, The South Project will be launched with the forum in 2004 (South 1) and followed in subsequent years by a series of workshops, exhibitions, performances and residencies (South 2) culminating in a festival of events and ideas in 2008 (South 3). General public are encouraged to attend this significant cultural event. SOUTH 1: The Gathering When: 1 – 4 July 2004 Where: Sidney Myer Asia Centre, University of Melbourne For more detailed information, visit: www.southproject.org