|
|
|
|
|
NOV & DEC WRAP-UP | ARTIST OF THE MONTH | LATEST NEWS | UPCOMING EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | GRANTS
|
|
|
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER WRAP-UP
|
|
|
There was a fantastic turnout at the Greengecko Garden & Craft Market. Well done to Lisa Taliano & Co. for this fantastic event that showcased the works of so many creatives and makers in our area. You can view the album of photos here.
|
|
|
Kerri Weymouth and Julie Montgarrett's 'Bidgee Bunyips' textile project with artists from Darlington Point and Coleambally saw several one-of-a-kind bunyips exhibited at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Shop. The project was supported by The Cad Factory and Murrumbidgee Council. |
|
|
Griffith Regional Art Gallery
hosted a celebratory NAIDOC Week family fun event on at the Griffin Plaza Arts Hub, with a talk by Wiradjuri Artist Veronica Collins, accompanied by singer Damian Thorne. Veronica announced her quest to repatriate a very special bark painting to Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria. She is being supported by members of the Wiradjuri Community, Anindilyakwa Land Council, Western Riverina Arts, Griffith Regional Art Gallery, and the broader Griffith Community.
|
|
|
|
Understand Alopecia: This pop-up exhibition by artist Kerri Weymouth, exhibited ten screen-prints that reflect her journey of living with Alopecia Universalis, to encourage understanding, awareness and appreciation of people with Alopecia, sponsored by the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation. This exhibition was supported by the Griffith Regional Art Gallery.
|
|
|
Griffith Regional Art Gallery celebrated the launch of the 2020 National Contemporary Jewellery Awards. Congratulations to the winner Halie Rubenis with 'White Bread'. Their necklace repurposed discarded bread, compressing and hand cutting dozens of bread clip shaped pieces.
|
|
|
Narrandera Wiradjuri artist Owen Lyons has been selected to undertake art work in the new Stage 3 building as part of the final stage of the $431 million Wagga Wagga Health Service redevelopment. You can read the full story here.
|
|
|
|
DECEMBER ARTIST OF THE MONTH
|
|
|
Michael Lyons
Our December Artist of the Month is Artist, Craftsman and Didgeridoo Player Michael Lyons, a Wiradjuri Elder whose iconic Sandhills Artefacts Gallery and Workshop has been an essential stop for tourists exploring our region for over 30 years. Michael harnesses his extensive knowledge of Culture passed on from his father to create didgeridoos, bull roarers, clapsticks, coolamons, boomerangs and more in the Traditional ways. Michael’s beautifully detailed paintings with frames crafted locally in Narrandera, utilise a burning technique that is distinctive to his style. The stories that are typically told through his work are that of the Wiradjuri Nation and the Sandhills, covering topics such as Totems, nature, drought, and Traditional ways of living: “That’s Aboriginal Art – it doesn’t have to be perfect, as long as it tells a story.”
Michael’s talents have attracted celebrity patronage over the years. The eclectic list of people who have bought his works includes Eddie Murphy, Bill Clinton, former Governor General Peter Cosgrove, BUPA Insurance, the Red Bull Formula One team and musician Santana. As his art has been sold in many galleries throughout his career, it is not possible to keep up with where every piece ends up, but Michael knows they have travelled the world. He puts his success down to circumstance, though the high quality of his work speaks for itself: “I suppose I’m pretty lucky really, probably at the right place at the right time. All the artists in Australia - and they pick me.”
|
|
|
Petition: Save The Creative Industries CSU Wagga
As the staff of Western Riverina Arts are both Alumni and current students of the Creative Industries at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga, we were disappointed with the announcements to remove 48 course offerings, and change the mode or location of a further 61 courses. For many young creatives in the Riverina, the Wagga CSU campus is the next stage in their artistic journey and tertiary learning due to its geographic accessibility. Please sign the petition and get in touch with boxdtheatreensemble@gmail.com or creativeindustriesunion@gmail.com if you would like to give a video testimonial.
"Charles Sturt University is phasing out several key disciplines within the Bachelor of Creative Industries course. Acting, Production, Animation, Design and other specialisations have a high probability of not appearing in the new course outline (Bachelor of Communications, 2022). This will leave lecturers redundant and current students within the current Creative Industries course heavily disadvantaged, both within the duration of their study and post-graduation. In addition, future students from Regional NSW who aspire to make a career in the Creative Arts will no longer have the opportunity to pursue this ambition regionally.
Wagga Wagga has always had a healthy and vibrant performance/production atmosphere and to have this starting point for young minds taken away would not only damage that atmosphere, but possibly deter more people in the future from taking that leap.Actors Union, Charles Sturt Acting Alumni, the Community of Wagga Wagga and Box'd Theatre Ensemble have collaboratively worked together in order to create and share this petition. Please sign this petition to show that the Creative Arts in Regional Areas deserves to be taught and kept alive."
|
|
|
From Menindee
This must-watch video explores the theme of care, and the return of cod carefully reared in Narrandera returned to the Darling River after the Menindee Fish Kill Incident.This ongoing project is a collaboration between The Cad Factory, Narrandera Fisheries (Department of Primary Industries), Narrandera Clontarf Academy and the Menindee Elders.
"The Cad Factory has been working with Matt McLellan at the Narrandera Fisheries and a group of amazing Wiradjuri boys from the Clontarf Academy in Narrandera. Every week we have been tending the fish and helping to prepare them for being released in the river in Menindee.
A few days ago we all travelled to Menindee and worked with local Barkindji Elders Aunty Patsy Quayle, Aunty Cheryl Blore, Aunty Barbara Quayle and local river rangers to release the fish together, acknowledging the cultural significance of this tragic event, and the coming together of cultures across two different river systems."
|
|
|
Narrandera Walk In Art Exhibition
Congratulations to Tracey Lewis, the staff and the 40+ artists involved in the Narrandera Walk in Art Exhibition. Over 350 visited the exhibition over the opening weekend. After exhibiting at the Narrandera Arts and Community Centre, these pieces will form part of an extensive Art Trail in Narrandera local businesses to promote tourism. You can view more photos from the event here.
|
|
|
Leeton Writers' Group Launched First Collection of Prose
Leeton's writers collective launched their first collection of poetry and stories late December at the Leeton Museum and Gallery. The chapbook is copies are available at the WRA office situated at the Leeton Museum and Art Galleryavailable for purchase for $5. Copies are available at the WRA office situated at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery.
The group was conceived by Sarah Tiffen in early 2020 and has grown to have over 30 members from across the region. The group meets every Wednesday night for about three hours to discuss writing, share stories, provide support, mentoring, feedback and companionship, and to build a community of trust and shared creative practice. The collective have kicked many goals this year including members performing public readings of their work for the first time and being encouraged to write their first poems, attending writing retreats, a regular column in the Irrigator and with the professional assistance of Sarah, two member's poetry manuscripts have been accepted for publication.
The chapbook's printing and design was supported by Western Riverina Arts.
|
|
|
Life on the Sandhills Launch
Michael Lyons Snr, Owen Lyons, Dexter Briggs and Andrea Briggs gifted three newly commissioned artworks that share memories of the Sandhills. The launch was held 9 December, at the Narrandera Shire Library. Coleambally artist, Kerri Weymouth, has spent the past year interning with the Cad Factory in the position of Local Producer, working to produce ‘Life on the Sandhills’.
The Sandhills in Narrandera is an important place for First Nations people, with up to 50 families living there between 1912-1970s. These artworks honour and share a few of the many stories that make up the Sandhills. These artworks will be on permanent display at the Narrandera Shire Library, for all community members to enjoy.
|
|
|
Penny Paniz Competition & Exhibition Entries Open
The Penny Paniz Acquisitive Arts (PPAA) Competition and Exhibition is the Leeton Art Societies annual art event attracting hundreds of locals and interstate visitors to see over 120 artworks on display and for sale, each Easter long weekend in Leeton. Entries are now open with 10 categories to enter.
|
|
Partners In Paint & Pastel
'Partners in Paint & Pastel' launched at the Leeton Museum and Gallery on Friday. What a great way to start 2021! This exhibit shows the works of local artists Lynne McQuillan and Lee Blacker-Noble. The exhibit runs until February 26 - drop by the gallery Monday to Saturday between 10am and 3pm to check it out!
|
|
Immerse 2021 at Greengecko Art Studio
Immerse yourself in a myriad of art mediums, concepts & artistic journeys with Greengecko Art Studio workshops! The first session on Sunday January 31 will be about prehistoric art & a little exploration in charcoal. No need to bring materials! $60 per session. Class will be held the last Sunday of every month.
|
|
Hape Kiddle: Custodian
Hape Kiddle: Custodian is an exhibition by Riverina based contemporary Artist and Craftsperson Hape Kiddle. Through a recently completed body of work Hape has pushed the boundaries of traditional wood carving to create exquisite and dynamic vessels and forms that are imbued with and reflect ideas of what it mean to be a ‘custodian’ as a collective and as individuals.
Join Hape at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery for the opening of Custodian at 6pm, Friday 5th with complimentary bubbles from Dee Vine Estate and delicious food. Contact Griffith Regional Art Gallery to register your attendance.
|
|
Narrandera Creates Program - Belle Fleur Weekend Workshop
This acrylic floral workshop caters for beginners to advanced artists experimenting with media and methods to complete several works. You will paint roses, poppies, natives and other floral subjects in acrylics using free, broad strokes on paper and stretched canvas. The emphasis will be on experimenting with media, using sponges, cardboard squares as well as large brushes and palette knives. Feel free to bring your own floral references, though Karen will supply multiple photo references and natural flowers from which to choose.
The workshop fee includes the following materials: 2 x deep-sided canvases, 22 x 18, 1 x sheet 300 gsm watercolour paper, Acrylic Paints x 8, Brushes: single + set, Acrylic Medium.
Saturday 27 February 2021 start 9:30am finish 4:00pm
Sunday 28 February 2021 start 9:30am finish 3:30pm
Book your spot here.
|
|
Griffith Regional Theatre 2021 Season Launch
Griffith Regional Theatre and Griffith City Volkswagen invite you to - Emerge 2021 - their new season launch. Join them for a preview of the 2021 theatre Program with complimentary bubbles from Calabria Family Wines, delicious food by In Bocca, live entertainment and sneak peeks at 2021 performances. See you at Griffith Regional Theatre from 3pm on 7th February 2021. This is a free event, but they ask that you please register online via their website or through the Box Office on 02 6962 8444.
|
|
Griffith Regional Art Gallery 2021 Program Launch
Griffith Regional Art Gallery invite you their 2021 program launch and the launch of 'Custodian' an exhibition from Griffith sculptor Hape Kiddle. Join them for a preview of our 2021 exhibition program with complimentary bubbles from Dee Vine Estate and delicious food. See you at Griffith Regional Art Gallery from 6pm Friday 5th February 2021. Contact Griffith Regional Art Gallery to register your attendance.
|
|
Bangarra - Spirit: A Retrospective 2021
Bangarra Dance Theatre is Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company. This February the 13th, Bangarra return to Griffith Regional Theatre with Spirit: A Retrospective 2021, a powerful collection of dance stories chosen from Bangarra’s 31-year repertoire.
Featuring the full Bangarra ensemble of 17 dancers, Spirit draws from a selection of the company’s most celebrated works, comprising of Brolga (Corroboree), Black (Ochres), Yellow (Ochres), Dingo (Skin), White (Ochres), Moth (Bush), Two Sisters (Bush), The Call (Walkabout), and In Her Mind (Nyapanyapa).
Set to a haunting score, Spirit invites audiences to connect with stories and songlines drawn from all over Australia, in a celebration of First Nations Peoples’ unbroken connection to the land. Book your spot here.
|
|
A Few Quiet Ales and the Great Australian Yarn
A FEW QUIET ALES and the Great Australian Yarn - a brand new show from the Riverina. Directed by Don Hillam, Performed by Peter Cox and Stephen Holt. Ticket includes entry and BBQ. Pre-show entertainment by Stickie Fingers. Beverages will be available for purchase.
A FEW QUIET ALES is the story of Fruitfly and Cactus, two friends at a bar waiting for Olemate. While waiting they reminisce about Olemate and his many crazy adventures and in turn compete to create the Great Australian Yarn.
With some fun audience interaction (even a Chook Raffle!) and choc-full of wonderful Aussie humour and language, this is a performance that will engage all. Full of tall stories, jokes and yarns, A FEW QUIET ALES is just the right medicine for those in regional communities.
Venue: Griffith Pioneer Park Museum | Date: 6pm January 26 2021
Tickets: $30 Suitable for 16 Years + (under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
|
|
|
|
|
Discovering New Voices - Adult Animation
Calling all animators, writers and creative teams based in regional Australia. The animation industry is hungry for new and unique voices and Screenworks has an opportunity for you through their "Discovering New Voices - Adult Animation Program." Applications close 15 February. The program is made up of the following stages: Stage 1: A series of workshops on writing episodic comedy. Stage 2: A series of development workshops on story and character development and animation style and techniques. At the conclusion of Stage 2, based on the relevance and quality of their work, at least 1 person, or team will then be selected to continue working with @princesspicturesau for a month to either develop their animation project further or work on another project. The selected person will be paid a storyliner Award Wage Rate plus travel and accommodation costs. Find out more and APPLY NOW.
|
|
Entries Open - Living Memory: National Photographic Portrait Prize
Now in its fourteenth year, the prize is an annual favourite for audiences and Portrait Gallery staff alike, drawing captivating photographic portraiture from Australia's professional and aspiring visual artists, and providing a diverse national image in composite. The most outstanding portrait will receive $30,000 cash. The People’s Choice will receive $5,000 from The David Roche Foundation. Entries close at midnight (AEDT) on Tuesday 2 March 2021.
|
|
2021 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize
Opening: 20 January 2021 First prize: $AU6,000 Second prize: $AU4,000 Third prize: $AU2,500 Entries are opening soon on 21 January 2021 for the Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize. The Jolley Prize is worth a total of AU$12,500 – first place will receive $6,000, second place will receive $4,000, and third place will receive $2,500. The Jolley Prize is open to all short story writers writing in English. They are seeking original short stories of between 2,000 and 5,000 words.
|
|
Ravenswood Australian Women's Art Prize
Australian Art – Any Medium – All Women
The Ravenswood Australian Women's Art Prize is an annual acquisitive prize that was launched in 2017 to advance art and opportunity for emerging and established women artists in Australia. It is the highest value professional artist prize for women in Australia.
There are three prize categories – the Professional Artist Prize of $35,000, the Emerging Artist Prize of $5,000 and the Indigenous Emerging Artist Prize of $5,000.
Artists are asked to enter an artwork that best reflects their art practice - there is is no theme. Closes Wednesday 3 March 2021.
|
|
Arts On Tour Artist Residency Initiative 2021
In its essence, the Artist Residency Initiative is a brokering service. AOT connects with artists (writers, directors, creative producers, designers, actors) and arts organisations across NSW, and and can ‘match up’ artists to regional projects. Each project will look different, and we offer a range of services as part of the Initiative, from consultation to travel management to support in applying for funding. Venues, artists, producers, or community leaders based in regional NSW are eligible to apply. Find out more.
|
|
|
|
First Nations Artist Call Out: Kinetic Artwork Competition
Indigenous artists from across Australia are being invited to apply for one of the country’s largest art competitions, as part of Dubbo Regional Council’s (DRC’s) $13 million Destination Dubbo: International Ready project. The competition is in search of an artist to create an Indigenous artwork that can be transformed into a kinetic art piece. The top three artists will work with a company to develop their work into the kinetic piece. The successful artist will receive $10,000 for design development, $55,000 commissioning fee, and $20,000 in prize money. Expressions of interest will close at 5pm on Monday 31 January 2021.
|
|
Applications For LGA Arts & Cultural Funding Are Open
Local Government Authority Arts & Cultural Funding supports Local Government arts and cultural projects that are essential to a contemporary, innovative and strong arts and cultural ecology in NSW.
Local Government Authorities can request one, two or three years of support to deliver a significant project or series of events and/or activities. Applications close: Monday 15 February.
|
|
Vivid Sydney: EOI Ideas - The Opportunuity
Do you have an idea worth sharing? Vivid Sydney are looking for creatives, innovators and agents of change to be part of Vivid Ideas. Vivid Ideas celebrates those that challenge the norm, trailblazers with ground-breaking ideas, the left-field thinkers who see the world differently and the mavericks and the misfits who push the boundary. It could be a talk or workshop, a documentary or podcast, a spoken word performance, a demonstration of cutting- edge technology or an immersive experience that provides a unique perspective. We want your bold, ambitious and thought-provoking ideas and concepts.
Vivid Ideas is a curated program of talks, workshops, and experiences to share knowledge and highlight developments in technology, culture and society. Apply Here.
|
|
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!
|
|
Muswellbrook Art Prize
Since 1958, the Muswellbrook Art Prize has grown and evolved and is today one of the richest prizes for painting in regional Australia. Finalists of the 48th Muswellbrook Art Prize in 2021 vie for a total of $71,000 prize money across four prize categories:
* Painting ($50,000 acquisitive)
* Works on Paper ($10,000 acquisitive)
* Ceramics ($10,000 acquisitive)
* People’s Choice ($1,000 non-acquisitive)
Entries Close Midnight 31st January 2021.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
