• IT’S been an exciting time for film in Canberra, with the sell-out International Film Festival winding up last week. But now the big buzz in our film scene is that Canberra company, Bearcage Productions, has signed the first formal co-production agreement for a documentary television series (“The Story of Australia”) between Australia and China Central Television’s CCTV9 Channel.

• LOUISE Upshall’s work explores identity through what she calls a “strange synthesis” of popular culture, fashion magazines, folk tales and pre-historic art, seen in “Scar Clan”, at the Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Manuka, 11am-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday, until November 18.

• AUSDANCE National has appointed Roslyn Dundas as its new CEO, replacing the legendary Julie Dyson in the office from January. Dundas was director of Ausdance ACT for almost three years from 2005. before that, director of the ACT Council of Social Service and back in 2001, she became the youngest woman elected to an Australian parliament when she joined the ACT Legislative Assembly. She has reviewed dance for “The Canberra Times” and will step down from that to take up her new job.

• I SEE that Jodie Lane, who recently supported Billy Bragg, is performing in the Smith’s Alternative Bookstore’s popular “Paperback Sessions” program, 8pm, on November 22. Bookings to paperbacksessions.com.au

• JUSTINE Clarke is popular with kids, mothers and fathers – in fact with anyone who’s watched “Play School”. She’ll be performing in the Canberra Theatre, 10am and noon, on November 18. She’ll also include a musical reading of her first book “The Gobbledygook is Eating a Book”. Bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberraticketing.com.au

• WE’VE finished with the Yass Arts Trail, so it’s time to turn the  GPS eastward for the Queanbeyan Art Trail and Open Studio Weekend, November 24-25. Ten local studios and galleries will open their doors for workshops, demonstrations and the opportunity to meet the artists. Drive yourself or join the Arts Trail Bus Tour (bookings to 6285 6170) on Sunday, November 25, 10am-3pm. The program’s at qcc.nsw.gov.au

• THE first AGM of our newest community arts organisation, Playing Field Studio Inc., will be held at the Studio, 2 Kingsley Street, Canberra, 7.30 pm on Monday, November 19.