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SEPT/OCT WRAP-UP | LATEST NEWS | ARTIST OF THE MONTH | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | GRANTS
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SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER WRAP-UP
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Congratulations to local designer Lillardia Briggs-Houston of Ngarru Miimi who is a finalist in the 2021 Australian Fashion Laureate Indigenous Designer of the Year award. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, 30 November in Sydney.
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Local artist Jason Richardson's poetry on the Murrumbidgee River has been published in the anthology 'Poetry For The Planet'. All profits from sales go to the Australian Conservation Foundation. Pick up a paperback or ebook copy here.
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Isis Ronan of Tambourine Art Studio has completed her collaborative project with students from Kalinda School with the murals installation in late September. The individual works created back in June depict the students taking part in their favourite outdoor activities.
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September 15 saw the return of #AskACurator which started a decade ago as a viral Twitter hashtag. Its intention is to give the public access to the passionate experts who work in our museums, galleries and heritage sites. Arts and Cultural professionals of the Western Riverina joined in: Bonnie Owen and Raymond Wholohan of Pioneer Park Museum and Griffith Regional Art Gallery as well as Sues Vos and Karen Barrett from Leeton Museum and Gallery held informative and entertaining live Q&As.
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Original Netflix series 'Clickbait' which features Leeton's own Jake Speer, made it to the Top 10 list in almost 80 countries. The production was filmed in Victoria under the Location Incentive Program and generated employment for over 1,890 Australian cast and crew. Jake Speer noted that "Australia is open for business. No reason why the Riverina can’t be home to extraordinary productions such as this."
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Congratulations to Hilary Geddes on winning the 2021 Freedman Jazz Fellowship. Hilary is a multidisciplinary artist who works in the jazz, indie-rock and art-music sector. We look forward to working with Hilary when she and her band tours the Riverina! |
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The Museum of Miniature Art project from Tambourine Art Studio wrapped up. Griffith's tiniest museum received over 100 submissions from artists as young as three years old, from places as far away as Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. This project was supported by Western Riverina Arts and the NSW Government through Create NSW.
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Sharon De Valentin's solo exhibition Flourish and Decay ran throughout October at Leeton Museum and Gallery. Her encaustic work which examined the fragility and beauty of the natural environment was a hit with local art collectors. Image: Leeton Shire Mayor Paul Maytom with Sharon De Valentin at the exhibition opening.
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Holiday Closure Dates
The Western Riverina Arts office will be closed and staff will be on leave from Monday 13th December. Our office will be reopening on Monday 17th January. Our social media platforms will still be lightly active. Please continue to send through your queries during that time, which we will address in the new year.
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Job Opening: Regional Arts NSW CEO
Are you driven, organised, and passionate about regional arts? Are you experienced with persuasive negotiating, public speaking and working in cross-cultural settings? Regional Arts NSW are now accepting expressions of interest for the role of Chief Executive Officer: Expressions of Interest close 7 November, 2021.
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Regional Arts Network Funding Increase
In welcome news for Western Riverina Arts and the artists of our region, the NSW Government has promised $3.4 million in funding for the Regional Arts Network in 2021 and 2022.
RADOs will now receive $200,000 each per annum, an increase from $168,000 in core operational funds. The additional funding demonstrates recognition of the important role Regional Arts Development Organisations play in supporting people living and working in regional NSW to access, participate in and contribute to arts and culture.
Western Riverina Arts Executive Director Aanya Whitehead is pleased with the outcome: "We are very grateful for the funding increase, which brings our core funding up to a level where we are able to expand our program and facilitate support in our priority areas."
Image: Minister for the Arts Don Harwin during the opening speech at Artstate Wagga Wagga in 2020.
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Recording Sessions
After many delays in scheduling due to COVID-19 restrictions, the recipients of the Cad Factory and Western Riverina Arts 'Recording Sessions' initiative were finally able to jump in the studio. The original songs have finished the recording stage at the Cad Factory Studios and are now being mastered. Participating artists included Damian Thorne with Shane Ronan, Arora Kiddle, Xavier Beauchamp, Raylene Waye and Dwayne Broome.
Pictured are Shane and Damian whose song explores a topic close to their hearts: "We’re recording a song called ‘Crying Children‘. We wrote it about caring for and giving people the time of day who are struggling. It’s important to notice and act when you see signs because letting people know they’re not alone can keep them alive. It’s a message for everyone but was written for the recent grief our community has endured."
We look forward to hearing the final masterpieces that emerge from the Recording Sessions.
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Exhibition Launch: Di Tarr Shooting From The Hip
Congratulations to Di Tarr on the launch of her exhibition Shooting From The Hip hosted at the Greengecko Art Studio. Head to the Greengecko Garden Centre to see an array of Di’s fibre sculptures and textile works.
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Applications Open: Objects of Desire
Applications are open to Objects of Desire - Griffith Regional Art Gallery’s 2021 community craft and small wares exhibition. Apply here by Nov 5.
The exhibition encourages the creation and purchase of locally made art and artisan objects as gifts for family and friends during the festive season. Griffith Regional Art Gallery are seeking small objects including jewellery, design work, clothing, artisanal and handcrafted items. Established, experienced and amateur artists and crafts people are encouraged to apply.
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Western Riverina Arts Micro Grants Projects Emerge
Linzie Joanne showed Western Riverina Arts a preview of her latest body of work, which draws inspiration from regional sunsets and dreamy views of skies seen from her own backyard. Linzie is proving that despite lockdowns preventing travel we can still be creative as we have a wealth of inspiration all around us! Please get in touch with Linzie if you are interested in her work, or you can view her website here.
This project was supported by Western Riverina Arts and Create NSW through our 2021 Micro Grant initiative.
Image: ‘View From My Garden 4’.
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Seeking Real Life Stories For Local Exhibition
Griffith Pioneer Park Museum wants your stories for their new exhibition! Tell them how you've celebrated the summer holiday period in the past: "We want to hear from the community (you) about what you do or what you did for Christmas in Griffith (think food, events/gatherings, presents, traditions etc.) We're looking forward to reading some great tales!"
Get in touch via 02 6962 4196 or pioneerparkmuseum@griffith.nsw.gov.au
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Kristy-Lee Agresta
Our November Artist of the Month is Kristy-Lee Agresta, a creative force from Griffith. Known for her handmade fine jewellery business and being one of the friendly faces at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery, Kristy-Lee is now taking on a new business venture with her soon to be opened creative co-working space.
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From an early age it was clear that Kristy-Lee was passionate about making: “When I was in high school I used to always get in trouble because I used to wag some subjects to go to the art class. I remember being in PE class and beading under the table. I was in the art room all the time making beaded bodices. I studied design and tech and art in high school as I was always drawn to it, I loved making stuff – I still love making stuff.” After school she pursued a career in the arts, receiving a formal education in jewellery making at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga: “The first two years of university I studied traditional silver-smithing - which was a really good basis that I revisited a few years later. In the third year we worked on a master project. My dad was a cabinetmaker, and he had a lot of laminate samples everywhere so I started experimenting with that as my final third year project. I spent the whole year developing a way to get the laminate to adhere together and then use that as a wood to carve out of. I started experimenting with shapes and lines. The key thing I was always interested in was the lines and the basic shapes overlapping.”
In 2013 Kristy-Lee started her own label ‘ Kristy-Lee Jewellery’. Previous industry experience and experimentation during residencies led to the refinement of her work. The result was a shift away from laminate as a medium, instead focusing on semi-precious stones and fine metals: “I got an internship while I was living in Sydney, at a fashion label called Petite Grande. Working in the quick-paced industry meant we had to make 100 rings a day. We were like little bench monkeys making all these different things, which was amazing. My boss Tanja Kovacevic did more of a beading style and did very fine work. I studied her processes and then I compared my original line and shape work from the laminate. It kind of evolved as a natural progression. As I was working in the fashion industry I started simplifying my designs. It came to a point where I was using minimalist forms in the metal and phased out of the laminate. I started to want to have my own label and have my own brand. Simplifying the making process made that more viable.” |
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* The following events may be subject to change pending Covid-19 restrictions and current health advice. Please check in with each event organiser for updates and information regarding vaccination status.
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How Cities Work
6th November 2021 - 31st January 2022 | Leeton Museum and Gallery
How Cities Work is an interactive exhibition for the whole family. Developed in collaboration with renowned artist and illustrator James Gulliver Hancock, the exhibition is based on the book ‘How Cities Work’ published by Lonely Planet. Explore the city in a whole new way! Visitors big and small will traverse a spectacular cityscape full of tactile and sensory activities, from the sewers to skyscrapers. This interactive exhibition reveals the secret workings of the city through immersive, magical, and tactile experiences. Peek inside buildings, look under the streets and discover what’s going on above and under your feet.
2-4 years - $5, 5-17 years - $10, Accompanying Adults - FREE, Solo Adults - $15, School students - $10 (their accompanying teacher or carer FREE).
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GRAPA Presents: Romeo + Juliet
Fri 19, Sat 20, Thu 25, Fri 26 and Sat 27 Nov | Pioneer Park Museum
Griffith Regional Association of the Performing Arts Inc. presents Romeo + Juliet. Experience Shakespeare under the stars at Griffith Pioneer Park Museum, supported by a talented local cast and crew. Secure your tickets here. Please note there are mature themes, audience discretion is advised.
Western Riverina Arts are a proud sponsor of this event.
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Yield Festival Gala Night
6PM Friday 12th November | Up-To-Date Store, Coolamon
Join the Coolamon Up-to-Date Store for the Yield Festival Gala Night - A celebration of Creative Arts in the Coolamon Shire.
Up-To-Date Store will host an evening of good food, drink, art and photography, with live entertainment. This event is free to enter, registration essential. Food and beverages will be available to purchase on the night.
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Save The Date: WRA Networking Christmas Party
6.30PM - 9PM Friday 10th December | Narrandera
Save the date for Western Riverina Arts second Networking Christmas Party, an evening of networking with artists, creatives and professionals from across our region. Stay tuned to our social media and newsletters - further details and registration to be announced.
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A Portrait of Australia: Stories through the lens of Australian Geographic
Closes 7th November | Griffith Regional Art Gallery
This exhibition celebrates the bush, the outback, the coast and the people who live there. Featuring photographs from the Australian Geographic archive, it will transport you to some of the most rugged and remote parts of the country where you will discover the remarkable stories of ordinary Australians. A travelling exhibition from the National Museum of Australia developed in collaboration with Australian Geographic.
Image Credit: Colin Beard, Along the Birdsville Track, near Birdsville QLD.
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Paint and Sip at De Bortoli Wines
10AM and 1.30PM 21 November | De Bortoli Wines, Bilbul
Join local Artist Isis-Rae Ronan for a fun afternoon of step-by-step painting at De Bortoli Wines. Put on an apron, grab a glass of wine and learn to paint your very own masterpiece. Absolutely no painting experience needed. Participants will be painting a 'Winery Landscape' with acrylic paints. All art materials will be supplied including a 40 x 50cm stretched canvas.
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Life Drawing Term 4
10th & 17th November | Griffith Regional Art Gallery
GRAG presents weekly Life Drawing sessions for over 18s - from beginners to experienced artists. Learn techniques and develop a deeper awareness of the ways we see in real-time, celebrating the dynamism & immediacy of seeing & drawing a real live human model striking short poses from 1 - 20 minutes. A typical two hour session includes a break to share some of Dee Vine Estate's finest with refreshments, and a chance to chat about art and what’s happening locally, nationally or internationally. Find out more.
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MAAS Regional Stakeholder Forum
9AM 26 November | Online Webinar | Free
The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences’ Regional Stakeholder Forum will address the theme of 'Connection' across two sessions. The focus will be on how cultural organisations from Western Sydney and across regional NSW connected with their communities and audiences during the pandemic, and how they envisage connecting when returning to onsite programming. This is a free online forum for museum volunteers and professionals however registrations are essential.
This Forum is presented by the Powerhouse Museum in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW and Regional Arts NSW.
Image caption: Nyinajimanha (Sitting Together), Nicole Monks, Australia, 2016. Photographed for Linear
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Seeing Photographically Art Talk with F.Stop
10AM - 11.30AM Sat 6th November | Griffith Regional Art Gallery
James and Patrick from F.Stop Workshop will be at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery to take you into the diverse world of photography. GRAG are supplying the exhibition and the F.stop duo are supplying their twenty plus years of combined knowledge to explore the gallery’s current exhibition the Portrait of Australia: Stories through the lens of Australian Geographic. A talk on the visual qualities of photography, using work from the exhibition Portrait of Australia: Stories through the lens of Australian Geographic as key examples. Tickets $10.
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Introduction To Photography Workshop with F.Stop
1PM - 3PM Sat 6th November | Griffith Regional Art Gallery
In this hands-on workshop you will learn the foundations of photography and how a camera works. Participants will gain a practical understanding of their camera’s functions – aperture, shutter speed and ISO. BYO device (DSLR or mirrorless cameras), but not essential to participate. Tickets: $60.
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WARANGESDA at Australia Hall
NEW DATES 17th, 18th & 19th February 2022 | Australia Hall, Sydney
From the premiere performance on the site of the former Warangesda Aboriginal Mission in 2020 to Australia Hall in Sydney, Western Riverina Arts are proud to be a sponsor of Burrundi Theatre for Performing Art's production of WARANGESDA, directed by Kerry Johnson. Secure your tickets to the Sydney performances here!
"Warangesda - Camp of Mercy was established by Reverend John Gribble in 1880 on the Murrumbidgee River, Wiradjuri Country. Burrundi Theatre revisits the journey of Warangesda, a survival a people an untold legacy."
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Sip n' Spend
5.30PM Thursday 2nd December | Griffith Regional Art Gallery
A free end of year event at the Gallery showcasing locally made artisan objects created by our region’s many talented crafts people. Enjoy complimentary wine by Dee Vine Estate with nibbles and see the year out with the Gallery team. All objects will be available for purchase and make great gifts for family and friends or just a nice present for yourself.
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Grapes of Mirth
Saturday 4th December | De Bertoli Wines
Five of Australia’s best comedians and your host Merrick Watts will make their way to De Bortoli Wines for 6 hours of comedy, music, wine, gourmet grub, and the most amazing festival vibes. The event will feature: Tommy Little, Denise Scott, Geraldine Hickey, Sam Taunton, Lizzy Hoo, Merrick Watts and DJ Pedro Moshman.
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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022
Entries are now open for National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022. The NPPP promotes the best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers. You could win a $30,000 cash prize from and photographic equipment from Canon Australia.
The exhibition will be shown alongside the Darling Portrait Prize from 25 June to 9 October 2022. Entries close at 9am AEDT on 31 January 2022.
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NAISDA Online Auditions
NAISDA Dance College is Australia’s premier Indigenous training college with a proud tradition of producing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers since 1976. Application deadline extended until Monday 15 November. Applications to Audition for NAISDA are invited by completing the Audition Application Form. To keep everyone safe and in response to this year’s COVID-19 restrictions, all NAISDA 2021 auditions will now be held completely online.
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Public Art EOI Wagga Wagga
Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced artists to deliver a skills development program that will produce a creative treatment to refresh the Simmons Street Park Pump Station, Wagga Wagga. The project is to be delivered during school Term 1 or Term 2 in 2022 and will be delivered in partnership with the Wagga Wagga Public School students and school community.
Applications close 11:59pm AEST, Monday 8 November 2021
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Magazine Cover Art Comp
Would you like to see your artwork on the cover of a magazine? Women's publication Mona Magazine are seeking cover submissions for issue two! Female identifying artists from rural and regional Australia are encouraged to submit. The successful submission will have their artwork featured on the cover of Mona Magazine Issue Two and will have a double page spread interview in the magazine, free promotions on their socials and receive payment.
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Fee Free TAFE Courses
If you’ve been in lockdown and want to upskill, you can with a fee-free* online short course, on topics such as Website Building, Computing Skills, Social Media Engagement and more.
TAFE NSW, in conjunction with the NSW Government, is offering a number of fee-free* short courses to all NSW residents*, but places are limited.
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Creative Riverina Database
Are you on the database? Artists and performers of all kinds are listed on CREATIVE RIVERINA, the go-to online directory for creatives in our region! Make sure people can find you - create your FREE listing today!
The online database is also accompanied by a supportive online Facebook group with over 350 members. Artists and arts organisations of all types from Riverina NSW can share their ideas, events and simply connect! Join the CREATIVE RIVERINA group now!
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The Dorothy Hewett Award For Unpublished Manuscript
Submissions are now open for the 2022 Dorothy Hewett Award for an Unpublished Manuscript. Submit your fiction, narrative nonfiction or poetry. The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000, courtesy of the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund, and will be offered a publishing contract with UWA Publishing. Deadline is 30 November.
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Artist-In-Residence Program
Applications are now open for the 2022 Accessible Arts and Sydney Olympic Park Artist-In-Residence Program. This valuable residency will provide creative and career development for an artist with disability or who is d/Deaf from NSW or the ACT. The opportunity comprises a four-week residency for research and development or for the creation of new work at the heritage-listed Newington Armory from 7 February to 7 March 2022.
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Digital Fellowship Program
This fellowship program brings practitioners based in Australia and New Zealand together to co-develop their digital practice and set directions for the future of the arts in our region. The six-month program prioritises collaborative learning, as well as individual practice development, through a series of curated online gathering sessions and mentoring. Funding of $10,000 is provided for each participant to collaborate, develop or present their digital practice.
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Call For Entries Bayside Acquisitive Art Prize
Now in its 7th year, the Bayside Acquisitive Art Prize is calling for entries from Australian artists. Designed to attract both emerging and established artists, the Prize is considered one of Victoria’s major prizes for painting. Major Prize $15,000 (Acquisitive) and People’s Choice Prize $1,000.
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ABC Heywire Trailblazers
Applications are now open for the ABC's 2022 Trailblazers program, which showcases the stories of regional Australia's brightest new leaders. From young community leaders to social entrepreneurs, advocates to event organisers, ABC Heywire are looking for young people with a commitment to making regional Australia even better. Heywire Trailblazers will have their work featured on the ABC and receive an amazing package of support - apply today.
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Museum Seeking Volunteers
Volunteer and Maintentance Helper Call Out: the Yanco Powerhouse Museum is on the hunt for new volunteers to help with maintenance of the museum and ad hoc errands. Any hours you can donate towards helping this large local museum would be greatly appreciated. The museum is open the last Sunday of each month. Please get in touch with Western Riverina Arts or the Museum Manager directly on 0484 761 576 to register your interest.
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