MEET THE TEAM

 

Aanya Whitehead, Regional Arts Executive Director

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““Western Riverina Arts exists to develop, foster and support the whole of the arts community across this beautiful river country that has fed and sustained humanity for many tens of thousands of years. I’ve always felt that First Nations people must be placed front and centre within every strata of our society, and especially in the arts, as they are the bedrock to this country’s past and future. With that, Australia can meaningfully move forward, encompassing everyone to create an extraordinary future.”. ”
 

Aanya Whitehead joined Western Riverina Arts in January 2020 as the Regional Arts and Development Officer and is in charge of all operations of the organisation.  Aanya Whitehead has been an active member of the Australian film and arts industry all of her working life, which commenced in 1985.  Her career has involved producing arts related films, as well as curating, distributing, promoting and producing film festivals and special events.  She has lived and travelled widely, and has been nominated twice for Best Film at the AACTA film awards (formerly AFI).  Her body of film work has been awarded and selected into international film festivals around the globe including Berlin, Toronto and Sundance.

 

Zooey korhonen, COMMUNICATIONS Officer

“Communications Officer handles the organisation’s communication for a wide variety of outlets and helps to “spread the word” as well as support and coordinate projects that are initiated, supported or strategically partnered with Western Riverina Arts.”
 

Our newest staff member, Zooey Korhonen brings with her a wealth of knowledge in modern communications and promotion. With a passion for creating and textile based art forms, you might find her weaving fibres while diligently assisting with your latest project! Hailing originally from the Illawarra Zooey has always been drawn to and involved in the arts in some way or another. Having since decided to settle along the magnificent Murrumbidgee River she hopes to benefit the Western Riverina’s Arts community, and looks forward to networking with the regions varied and wonderful creatives.

 

ELIJAH INGRAM, CREATIVE Officer

““I’m looking forward to working in the digital art space, working across the region and really networking with other artistic people.””

Elijah Ingram is a proud Wiradjuri man, Digital Artist and a NSW Aboriginal Land Council Youth Advisory Committee member who has represented First Nations youth at the United Nations’ twelfth session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Elijah is creative director and co-founder of the Riverina’s own Miil Miil productions, a brilliant project that is working to use the power of film to help preserve and revitalize Aboriginal languages. As Creative Officer Elijah develops digital arts initiatives and ways to fund, partner and create projects that can lead to long-term employment outcomes and economic sustainability in the digital arts in the Western Riverina.

 

MEET the board

OUMI KARENGA-HEWITT, Chair & Griffith Community Representative 

““I have met so many amazing, creative, passionate people in this region; people who deserve more avenues to flourish and share their art. Western Riverina Arts is committed to providing our communities with the support they need to express their creativity, access opportunities and develop their skills.””
 

Oumi Karenga-Hewitt has served on the Western Riverina Arts board since 2019 and has been an active member of the arts and culture community in Griffith. She is an actor, writer and producer but overall loves being involved in all things community. Oumi has worked in marketing, education, hospitality and economic development and has a passion for increasing the opportunities available for regional people. City-living shouldn't be a requirement to getting the most out of life - whether that's having a great career, nurturing your creativity, or creating meaningful networks. Arts and education are a particular interest for Oumi. She believes that access to arts from a young age can give people skills they can carry throughout life and really we could all do with a bit more art in our lives.

 

The Western Riverina Arts Board is represented by:

  • Oumi Karenga-Hewitt - Griffith Community Representative, Chair

  • Karen Barrett - Leeton Shire Council Representative, Vice Chair

  • Anthony Morton - Co-opted Member Griffith, Treasurer

  • Susan Carey Killham - Narrandera Shire Council Representative

  • Councillor Sue Ruffles - Narrandera Community Representative

  • Councillor Jenny Ellis - Griffith City Council Representative

  • Robyn Hutchinson - Leeton Community Representative

  • Eden Hercus - Murrumbidgee Council Representative

  • Sue Mitchell - Murrumbidgee Council Representative

  • Melanie Toscan - Co-opted Member Griffith