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JULY WRAP-UP | ARTIST OF THE MONTH | LATEST NEWS | UPCOMING EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | GRANTS
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The WRA office is currently closed and staff are working from home during the state-wide lockdown, which is planned to end on the 28th of August 2021. Please continue to reach out to us on our social media platforms, via email or phone 0455 217 671 during this time. Please check the official NSW Government website for the most recent health advice and current restrictions regarding Regional NSW.
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The Bringing Back The Plains-Wanderer From The Brink Exhibition toured Narrandera and Jerilderie. Twelve artists came together to raise awareness for plains-wanderer conservation and management which is integral to the species recovery. The exhibition was proudly funded by South West Arts, NSW Local Land Services and Australian Government National Landcare Program. This exhibition is supported by Western Riverina Arts, Create NSW, Murrumbidgee Council and Narrandera Shire Council.
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Exhibitions Mash-up and Random and Exact were opened at The Curious Rabbit by Penny Grist, Curator, National Portrait Gallery and featured tunes from DJ Lay-Da-Best. Pop in to see the work of artists Layla Bacayo, Sarah McEwan, Veronica Watson, Angela Coombs Matthews and Jordy Bos before 27th of August.
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Our July Artist of the Month Kerri Weymouth had interviews with Simon Wallace from ABC Riverina and Starry from Triple M MIA to chat about the new public works at Wiradjuri Walk in Darlington Point. Kerri along with Bohie Palecek and members of Murrumbidgee Arts Kinship Enterprise have brightened the space with beautiful works.
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Congratulations to Leeton Writers Collective on the launch of their second collection of writings, which showcases work from fourteen of their members. The launch event was opened by Mayor Paul Maytom and featured live readings and tunes from DJ Ken. The publication of Chapbook Vol. II is presented by Riverina Writing House with the support of Western Riverina Arts, Leeton Shire and NSW Government through Create NSW.
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Vita Vitelli
Our August Artist of the Month is self-proclaimed “accidental artist” and newly appointed president of the Leeton Art Society (LASI) , Vita Vitelli.
Vita has an origin tale essential to the fabric of the multicultural Western Riverina as a proud Italian immigrant whose family established roots in Leeton decades ago and became an integral part of local business and the community. Vita is a long-time supporter, volunteer and participant of the local art scene, and has stepped up during a global pandemic to ensure the continuation of one of the region’s longest running art societies. Vita sat down to chat about her art practice how important it was to keep members connected during COVID-19.
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How did you first discover your love of art back in 2009?
Penny Paniz was the one who inspired me to take up art. Because we went to school together, we had a kindergarten 50-year reunion, and we were all at that age when we’re starting to slow down at work and become empty nesters. Penny and I reconnected; we were meeting up every month for lunch with the other schoolies. I didn’t know Penny was such an accomplished artist at that stage. She said she was painting, and I needed something to do so I started going to the Old Art House. We would paint together in a group have workshops there. Penny was the driving force behind the art story in Leeton. Her love of art was contagious.
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
My influences are nature. I love where we live. We’re never short of inspiration. We live in an abundance of nature –beautiful landscapes and the river, the crops, the citrus farms, cotton farms, sheep and cattle farming, what more could you need?
What are your mediums of choice and what do you enjoy creating the most?
The medium I prefer is acrylics, but I do like oils, watercolours and pastels and I haven't really decided yet. When I first started I wanted to do everything and every time I saw different art materials I’d buy them! You get to know your medium. It depends on what you’re doing. Portraits really lead towards oils and a landscape is really nice in acrylic. The more abstract works are better in acrylics, the more formal it is, the better it is in oils.
What future works do you have planned or what are you currently working towards?
At the moment I am working on several portrait commissions and some other works including acrylic pours. Those are messy but really interesting.
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Support Act Covid-19 Crisis Relief Grants
Support Act is now offering cash grants of $2,000 ($2700 to families with dependent children) called COVID-19 Crisis Relief Grants (formerly known as MusicKeeper/CrewKeeper) for people working in the Australian music industry
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Regional Arts Fund (RAF) Project Grants Open
Last chance to apply: Regional Arts Fund (RAF) Project Grants are open, with artists and organisations able to apply for up to $30,000 with no minimum grant amount. The Project Grants will fund high-quality arts projects benefitting regional or remote artists, arts workers, audiences and communities. Regional Arts Fund (RAF) Project Grants will close on Monday 23 August, apply now. Please get in touch with Western Riverina Arts if you have any queries or have a read through RANSW's grant writing guide.
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Joyce Spencer Fellowship Announced
The Cad Factory, Western Riverina Arts and the Spencer Family are delighted to announce that Hilary Peterson from Pambula, on Yuin country in the South Coast, has been awarded the 2021 Joyce Spencer Textiles Fellowship.
The Joyce Spencer Fellowship is an initiative that supports textile artists based in regional NSW to develop and present new work. The $4000 fellowship will be used for Hilary to present a new exhibition in 2022 at the Spiral Gallery, Bega.
Hilary has been a practicing artist for over twenty years combining painting, drawing, printing, dyeing and stitching. Her career began as a textile designer, and in 2002 she made the move into creative practice combining her textiles knowledge with deeper philosophical concerns around our inter-connectivity to the landscape and place. Hilary often uses natural dyeing in her work to attach what she is making to place, and fixing it within time. Read more here.
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2022 First Nations Arts Awards Nominations Now Open
The First Nations Arts Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding work and achievements of First Nations artists. They are held annually on 27 May marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. The categories are:
- The Red Ochre Award (Lifetime achievement): The Red Ochre Award now includes recognition of both an outstanding senior male artist and an outstanding senior female artist. Nominations for senior artists are accepted from arts and community organisations and individuals.
- The Dreaming Award: The Dreaming Award was established in 2012 to support an inspirational young First Nations artist aged 18-30 years to create a major body of work through mentoring and partnerships. The mentor/partner will be another established professional artist or partner nominated by the artist who will guide and mentor the applicant to assist in the development of a new work.
- First Nations Emerging Career Development Award: The First Nations Emerging Career Development Award is open to Australian First Nations artists between 18-30 years old, living in Australia or overseas to pursue their professional development. This unique opportunity is available to artists and arts workers in all disciplines including dance, literature, poetry, visual arts, theatre, music and community arts.
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I Lost My Gig Australia Survey
Have you lost work in music, theatre, dance, comedy, arts or literature due to COVID-19 in 2021? Completing the I Lost My Gig Australia survey will help to capture the impact across the Australian arts sector. Fill out the survey here.
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NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is seeking applications for the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee from Aboriginal young people who are aged between 18 and 25 years. The YAC is made up of nine members from each of the nine NSWALC regions in NSW, and provides advice and recommendations to NSWALC on issues impacting young Aboriginal people, as well as developing youth-led, community-based strategies to respond to those issues. The inaugural YAC:
• Made key youth recommendations to the 2019 Aboriginal-specific Premier’s Priority on Education.
• Provided insights of young people on Closing the Gap.
• Provided advice to NSWALC on key elements of Policy and Advocacy work.
• Developed international advocacy and shared leadership skills through attending the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in 2019.
Watch YAC member Elijah Ingram's powerful intervention speech to EMRIP on the forced removal of Indigenous Peoples from traditional lands here.
Applications close on 5pm, Friday 10 th September 2021.
• NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee – Application Form
• NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee – Charter
For further information regarding the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee, please contact NSWALC’s Strategy and Policy Unit via email at: policy@alc.org.au or call (02) 9689 4444.
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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 relevant updates.
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Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears Exhibition
Closes 25 September | Leeton Museum and Gallery
Phryne Fisher returns with a brand-new exhibition filled with glamour, romance and adventure. Experience large scale installations recreating Miss Fisher’s world, all while enjoying the feature film costumes designed by Margot Wilson, props and more from the feature film.
Tickets can be purchased online via http://bit.ly/Phryne or at the door ($25 per adult, $20 for seniors, $5 per school child or $50 per family of 2 adults and 2 children). NSW Discover vouchers can be redeemed online and the e-ticket used later until September 25.
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Bedazzled Paint & Sip in the Crypt
Saturday 4th September | Leeton Museum and Gallery
To celebrate the Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears exhibition, Leeton Museum and Gallery presents ‘Bedazzled Paint and Sip in the Crypt’. Paint & Sip maven, Isis-Rae Ronan of Tambourine Art Studio will lead a fun and casual creative workshop within the historic Leeton Museum and Gallery. Participants will create their own bedazzled Art Deco era flapper, inspired by the exquisite costumes of the exhibition. Ticket cost includes exhibition admission and a free glass of bubbly. Places are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, purchase your ticket here, $70+ BF.
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Halfway Print Fest
6 November | Thirsty Crow, Wagga Wagga
Call out for writers, creators and zine makers: EOIs are open for stallholders for the 2021 Halfway Print Fest in Wagga Wagga. Halfway Print Fest is a celebration of independent publishing held in the regional centre of Wagga Wagga. HPF brings together zine-makers, bookmakers, writers, designers and artists from the region and surrounding cities for a weekend of immersive DIY culture.
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Local Indigenous Exhibition
Closes Sunday 29th August | Griffith Regional Art Gallery
Celebrating the strength, creativity and diversity of Wiradjuri artists, in the tradition of the esteemed Murrumbidgee Mara Mara, Warangesda Deeper Waters and Yarruwala Wiradjuri exhibitions. Featuring works by Joyce Hampton, Rex Campbell, Gaye Moore, June Weymouth, Cory McKenzie, Allan McKenzie, Carolyn Williams, Tynelka Powell, Veronica Collins and William Cater.
Image: Cory and Allan McKenzie, The Land – Back to Country, Acrylic
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Booranga Poetry & Prose Open Mic
7.30PM Friday 20th August | Online
Booranga Writers' Centre is holding a Poetry & Prose Open Mic evening via Zoom. Members of Leeton Writers' Group will be performing readings. There will be a 5 min maximum time slot for each reader. If you wish to participate in the open mic please RSVP to president@booranga.com to reserve your place.
To attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82848742062...
Meeting ID: 828 4874 2062
Passcode: 386663
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Sharon De Valentin: Flourish and Decay
4th - 29th October 2021 | Leeton Museum and Gallery
Encaustic artist Sharon De Valentin's latest solo exhibition ‘Flourish and Decay’ will include her pursuit of using the obscure medium ‘encaustic’ to examine the fragility and beauty of the natural environment "from Apiary to Artistry".
Encaustic is an age-old art form going back to the times of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, the Greek word meaning ‘to heat or burn in’ (enkaustikos). Sharon makes this organic medium using locally sourced beeswax, a tree resin called damar gum, natural pigments, oils, ink and fire to create beautiful, colourful, textural works of art. Sharon will also be showcasing live demonstrations combining beeswax and fire.
Opening event details TBA and dependant on COVID-19 restrictions and latest health advice.
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Virtual Paint and Sip with Linzie Ellis
Multiple dates August - September 2021 | Online
Virtual Paint and Sips with Linzie Ellis are fun, relaxing, creative and social classes via Zoom with a variety of subject matter covered. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Book an online class.
There are two class booking options:
1) Without materials: You will need to source your own materials for the class. A list of materials will be provided that can easily be found from retail stores.
2) With materials: Linzie will send you the required materials via post. The materials sent to you can be reused for up to 7 classes. Please book at least 14 days in advance to allow for delivery time.
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Finding Home: Engaging Youth in Regional Australia Exhibition
4th Sept - 3rd Oct 2021 | Griffith Regional Art Gallery
An examination of three regional towns Griffith NSW, Hedland WA, and Port Lincoln SA. Explores the reasons why young people leave, but also why some choose to stay, and others return. Look out for some familiar faces!
Image Credit: Tal Fitzpatrick, EYRA Story Quilt (Griffith), 2020, detail
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Artlands Digital
1-3 September 2021 | Online
For those who cannot travel to Tasmania, you can experience Artlands from home with Artlands Digital. Digital tickets enable access to all of the live-streamed sessions across the 3-day conference program via the Online Platform. Purchase tickets here.
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WARANGESDA At Australia Hall
NEW DATES 4th, 5th & 6th November 2021 | 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. Get your tickets to the three 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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IMAGinE Awards 2021
Calling all aspiring LGBTIQ+ filmmakers! Do you have what it takes to publicly pitch your short-film project with passion and conviction? Queer Screen Pitch Off is back for a fourth instalment! Pitch Off offers Australian LGBTIQ+ filmmakers up to $10,000 of funding towards the production of a short film (narrative, documentary or a stand-alone web series pilot) dealing with the experiences of people of diverse genders and sexualities. Applications close August 29.
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IMAGinE Awards 2021
The IMAGinE awards highlight the resilience, innovation and creativity of museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres and recognise the people who work in them. Nominate your project for an Exhibition and Engagement award or Innovation & Resilience award. There is also a cash prize for the Imagination category to make your great idea a reality. Nominations are free this year and online/digital projects are welcome. Nominations close August 26.
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SBS Emerging Writers' Competition
SBS is on the hunt for the next generation of diverse Australian writers and want to hear your story about the beauty and/or challenges of being between two worlds in diverse Australia. Whether you've been writing since you were a child or you've never told your story before, they want to hear from you. Kickstart your writing career today and win up to $5000.
The competition theme is 'Between Two Worlds: stories from a diverse Australia'. What does it mean to you to be caught between two worlds? Your worlds could be material or spiritual, cultural, social or psychological. You are free to interpret it as you wish. If you are currently living in Australia, are aged 18 or over and have never published a book, it's time to get writing.
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Mosman Art Prize
Established in 1947, the Mosman Art Prize is Australia's oldest and most prestigious local government art award. Entries are now due by Monday 13 September, 5pm.
- Mosman Art Prize (major acquisitive prize) - $50,000
- Margaret Olley Commendation Award supported by Gillian and the late Brian Jones - $6,000
- Allan Gamble Award supported by Christine and the late Hugh Fraser - $3,000
- Guy Warren Emerging Artist Award (under 35) supported by Fourth Village Providore - $2,000
- Viewers’ Choice Award supported by Mosman Art Society - $1,000
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Darling Portrait Prize
The 2022 Darling Portrait Prize call for entries is open. This national prize for Australian portrait painting will award the 2022 winner $75,000, and their work will be exhibited with finalists at the National Portrait Gallery from 24 June until 9 October 2022. Pictured is the 2020 winner 'Elizabeth' by Anthea da Silva. Find out more and apply.
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NextWave Youth Short Film Competition
The Screenwave International Film Festival is looking for the next wave of young filmmakers! Enter a short film into the Nextwave Youth Film Competition for your chance to win awesome awards and prizes and have your film premiere at SWIFF on the Coffs Coast! If you’re a young person between the ages of 10-25 living anywhere in Australia, SWIFF wants to see what you can do! The rules are simple: 1) Make a film under five minutes. 2) Include a pineapple. 3) Enter to win! Full terms and conditions.
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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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Mural EOI's: Bolton Park
Mural EOI's are Open for City of Wagga Wagga Bolton Park pump station.
Artists will facilitate a youth community engagement project, such as street art workshops, resulting in a mural on an existing structure located at Bolton Park, Wagga Wagga. EOI's close 6 September.
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Come To Where I Am – Australia Season 2
Australia-based writers are invited to create the next series of short video stories, read or performed by the author. The story can be fiction or non-fiction, and should reflect what is special to you about the character of the place that you call home.
Successful story pitches will receive a $1500 writer’s fee, dramaturgical support from Paines Plough, and technical and editing services from Critical Stages Touring.
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Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award 2021
Lismore Regional Gallery is pleased to announce a call out for artists to enter the Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award 2021, a new art prize open to artists of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
The Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award aims to encourage entries from established, mid-career, and emerging Indigenous artists from across the country working in any medium. It is non-acquisitive and free to enter. Major prize worth $10,000. Entries close Friday 24 September, at midnight.
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NSW Performing Arts COVID Support Package
The aim of this package is to provide urgent financial support to performing arts venues, producers and promoters impacted by the cancellation or postponement of performances resulting from the NSW Government COVID-19 Public Health Orders from 26 June 2021.
The package is also designed to provide certainty to performing arts venues, producers and promoters of what assistance will be available if further COVID-19 Public Health Orders result in further cancellation of performances or restrictions in audience numbers. Find out more.
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The Blake Poetry Prize
The Blake Poetry Prize challenges Australian poets to explore the spiritual and religious in a new work of 100 lines or less. It runs alongside the Blake Art Prize and the major prize is $5000. Entries close November 15.
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Ellen José Art Award
The Ellen José Art Award is a $15,000 non-acquisitive award to a female visual artist 18-35 years working in any media. The award is given in the hope that it will support the winning artist’s continued development by providing recognition as well as a financial boost. Six shortlisted artists will have the opportunity to present a body of work at Bayside Gallery in mid-2022. Closes August 27.
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Gosford Art Prize 2021
Gosford Regional Gallery is pleased to announce that they have extended the deadline for online submissions to the Gosford Art Prize by two weeks until Monday 6 September 2021. First Prize: $15,000, Second Prize: $5,000 and Aboriginal Artist Prize: $2,500.
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Fed Photo Prize 2021
Entries are opening on 01/08/2021 for the Fed Photo Prize. Categories include:
- Illustrative Photographer
- Landscape Photographer
- Nature Photographer
- Portrait Photographer
- Pet / Animal Photographer
Find out more via the website.
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Fed Art Prize 2021
Entries are opening on 01/08/2021 for the Fed Art Prize. There are $7,500 worth of prizes including the $3,000 Federation Art Prize acquisition for the overall winner. Categories include:
- Federation Art Prize
- Two Dimensional Award
- Three Dimensional Award
- Young Artist Award (18-25 years)
- Youth Artist Award (Under 18)
Find out more via the website.
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