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November Wrap l Events l Opportunities l Funding
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Congratulations Bernard Higgins for your inspiring TEDx Wagga Wagga talk, 'Nation Building Through Animation and Visual Effects.'
Bernard is a proud Wiradyuri man who combines his two greatest passions, sciences and creative arts, to create animations and films in Wiradyuri language with the aim of preserving and promoting Wiradyuri culture and language for generations.
Image: Bernard Higgins, TEDx Wagga Wagga 2023, Courtesy Western Riverina Arts
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Western Riverina creatives Bonnie Owen, Catherine Sharpe, and Sharon De Valentin have been selected to participate in 'The Work of Art' program throughout 2024. 'Work of Art' is an 18 month state-wide creative business incubator supported by Regional Arts NSW and 15 regional arts development organisations including Western Riverina Arts.
Image: L-R: Bonnie Owen, Catherine Sharpe, Sharon De Valentin, courtesy Western Riverina Arts.
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The 2023 Narrungdera NAIDOC Awards Ball was a superb night of community celebration and the recognition of twelve extraordinary Narrandera individuals.
Western Riverina artist and designer Lillardia Briggs-Houston was awarded the Innovation / Creative Talent Award in recognition of her incredible achievements as an artist and fashion designer. Esteemed community member and artist Uncle Michael Lyons was recognised as Elder of the Year Male for his inspirational work with the community, sharing deep knowledge and wisdom.
Image: Trinity McDuff and Lillardia Briggs-Houston, Narrungdera NAIDOC Awards Ball 2023, courtesy Western Riverina Arts.
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Narrandera Parkside Cottage Museum leaped into life and lights with Old is New, New is Old, as four visiting artists shared works inspired by objects in the Museum and co-created with community. Artists Diane Busuttil, Nick Wishart, Sarah Penicka-Smith and Sunita Bala led guests through their works as part of a collaboration between the Museum Committee and the Cad Factory aiming to activate this important cultural space. The night featured With One Voice Riverina Choir performing a new original song written by Peter Anthony, artist talks and DJ Lay-da-Best.
Image: Conductor Sarah Penicka-Smith and With One Voice Riverina Choir Leader Elizabeth Walsh 2023, courtesy Western Riverina Arts.
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2023 Murrumbidgee Short Story
Competition Winners
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Congratulations to all the Winners and Highly Commended in the 2023 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition. Thank you to the all the Western Riverina writers who entered the competition. Our judges were impressed with the high standard and range of writing styles and creativity in the third year of the competition, and we believe that the Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition is maturing and taking its rightful place in the regional literary landscape. Thank you to Narrandera Arts and Creative Network, Leeton Art Society Inc, GRAPA and Mona Magazine for partnering with Western Riverina Arts to provide this important, local, literary opportunity.
We would like to give a special thanks to our judging panel, who brought their expertise and contributed substantial time to the blind judging process. This is not an easy task but one that is taken very seriously and carefully.
Our Judges were: Hilary Manning, Sarah Tiffen, Lauren Forner, Jane Carter and Sue Killham.
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Below are excerpts from the winning submissions. Please click the link below each one to read the full stories.
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Lone Soldier by Oliver Brewer was the First Place Winner of the 2023 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition in the Under 12 Category.
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The blinding sun disturbed my slumber. As I awoke, violent and dramatic memories began flooding through my head. My mates, my friends, my soldiers lying astray across the blood-torn field. My limbs felt numb. Bones shattered due to the absolute catastrophe that had tarnished these lands. I shed a single valiant tear, flowing down my battered cheek, glistening in the beautiful ray of daylight.
Judging by the rocky seashore and the large, damp deciduous trees, I found myself in the coastline of Gallipoli. I silently whispered to myself. I plucked off the badge of my wrecked uniform. ‘Sergeant Joel Pinbury’ the name card scribed.
“Is that me?”
Read Lone Soldier
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Fighting the Light by Shallan Stockton was the First Place Winner of the 2023 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition in the Under 18 Category.
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Rati Benedictionem. Nimis cito nostra benedictio facta est maledictio. Cave. Lucem non desideres, sed in tenebris vigemus.
- Jonathon Dyer. Elder. May his soul reach the heavens.
Her grandfather's words run through her mind constantly. One word stood out. Tenebris. Darkness. It was a permanent fixture in her life, in all their lives. Its presence a persistent shadow. One we had been forced to grow accustomed to. For the past one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three days we had lived without the sun's rays. To us the sun meant death. The first time it happened was 10 years ago, then again five years ago. That's how the elders discovered the pattern. She couldn't remember much about the first time. All she remembered was pain and confusion. Her nine-year-old self didn’t understand what the sudden light was. It wasn't until her skin started turning red that her brain caught up. Then pain took over. Shouts and cries for help filled her ears but the pain wouldn't stop. Silent tears burned her cheeks.
Read Fighting the Light
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White Heat by Julie Hill was the First Place Winner of the 2023 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition in the Open Category.
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Her hair was red. Not the dull red forever requiring sunlight to give it substance and shine. It was the red borne from campfire flames dancing under the stars. That deep burning red that litters the embers. Full and glowing, even in the shadows.
The ladies in town loved her hair. It was always the same when someone new popped into Miss Barnstock’s house, complimenting and wishing her beautiful hair upon themselves. They would never ask if they could touch it, they would simply reach out to feel its warmth. Sometimes they would jump back, as if burned by the heat of its form. They would reach out a second time, tentatively, confused by their initial reaction, but never quite working up the courage to touch it again. Mostly though, they would simply walk away, allowing her to shrink back into her chores. Alone. As she liked it.
Read White Heat
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Griffith Regional Art Gallery
Sip 'n' Spend
6pm Thursday 14th December 2023
Join the team at the Gallery for a free end of year event showcasing locally made artisan giftware and other creative objects. Enjoy an easy and festive evening of Christmas shopping and complimentary wines by Dee Vine Estate. A simple and fun way to support your gallery, catch up with friends and to gift sustainably.
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Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
'Homages to the Sun'
Friday 22nd December - Saturday 3rd February
Join the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery (LMAG) for their upcoming 'Homages to the Sun' exhibition, where art and education come together for an unforgettable experience.
Designed for the whole family, this interactive exhibit offers a play space that caters to both the young and old. Celebrate the summer solstice with LMAG, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of local photography featuring everything from the macro of the night sky to the micro of pollinators and the world in between. Made possible with the support of the NSW Government and Riverina Regional Libraries, LMAG, in collaboration with Korhonen Kreative, is proud to present this unique exhibition. Beat the heat this summer while you learn and play at LMAG, an experience suitable for ages 0 to 99+. Fall in love with the beauty of the sun, moon, and harvest, and don't miss our stargazing sensory space, providing a multi-sensory journey into the celestial wonders.
'Homages to the Sun' is brought to you by the collective efforts of LMAG and esteemed partners, creating an enriching and engaging experience for all.
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Season Launch - Explore 2024
Griffith Regional Theatre
5.30pm Monday 11th December 2023
Griffith Regional Theatre together with Griffith City Volkswagen invite you to an evening at the Theatre for the announcement of the 2024 season. Enjoy delicious food and wine and be among the first to know what is on offer in the 2024 Theatre program.
Tickets at Griffith Regional Theatre.
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Happy Feet
Artspace, Griffith Regional Theatre
Until Wednesday 20 December 2023
Happy Feet, is an extraordinary art exhibition that celebrates the joy of creation and the power of inclusivity, presented by Murrumbidgee Arts Kinship Enterprise (MAKE) group. This diverse group of artists invites you to explore their unique journeys towards happiness, wellness and friendship with the transformative power of art.
Image: 'Tree of Knowledge' Aunty June Weymouth.
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Mastering the Art of Painting
10am-11.30am Sunday 10th December 2023
Griffith Regional Gallery
Does your child love painting? Then book them in to join Isis-Rae Ronan from Tambourine Art Studio for a Mastering the Art of Painting Session. This session will focus on the work of Yayoi Kusama looking at her style of painting and her process, exploring dots and painting mushrooms. Tickets at Griffith Regional Art Gallery.
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Daniel Champagne
Griffith Regional Theatre
6pm Sunday 4th February 2024
After a year on the road, Daniel Champagne brings his tour and brand new album - 'The Pursuit' back home to regional Australia. Don't miss this intimate live show by one of Australia's finest guitar players.
Tickets at Griffith Regional Theatre.
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We Bleed the Same
Until Saturday 22nd December 2023
Griffith Regional Art Gallery
A provocative exhibition and documentary curated by creator and producer Liz Deep-Jones exploring who we are as a nation and who we want to be, and the actions we are taking to live and work together in a more peaceful and inclusive society.
Image: Youth Family Portrait (section), Tim Bauer, 2023.
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The Penny Paniz Acquisitive Arts (PPAA) Competition and Exhibition is now open and calling for entries. It is the Leeton Art Society's annual art event attracting hundreds of locals and interstate visitors to see well over 120 artworks on display and for sale. Held at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery, the 2024 exhibition will open the week before Easter and run for 6 weeks. Artists are invited to enter across a range of categories including digital and photographic artwork.
Entry Forms with payment are due by Friday 16 February, by 4pm in person at Leeton Visitors Centre or 11:59pm via the online entry form.
Opening Night and Awards Presentation 6pm March 22nd, 2024.
Exhibition Saturday March 23rd – Saturday May 4th 2024 10am – 3pm
Leeton Museum & Art Gallery 27 -33 Chelmsford Place, Leeton.
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Create NSW Arts and Cultural Funding Programs:
Annual Funding for Organisations
This funding is provided on an annual basis to support arts and cultural organisations, local government authorities and service organisations. Opens 15 January 2024. Closes 19 February 2024, 5pm.
Creative Koori Projects - Individuals and Organisations
This targeted funding is for NSW-based Aboriginal artists, groups, arts/cultural workers and organisations.
Opens 15 January 2024. Closes 19 February 2024, 5pm.
Individuals and Groups
This fund supports innovative, accessible NSW arts and culture, and the employment and development of professional artists and cultural workers. Opens 15 January 2024. Closes 19 February 2024, 5pm.
Project Funding for Organisations
Funding for organisations and local government authority projects to support innovation, vibrancy and creativity within the NSW arts and cultural sector. Opens 15 January 2024. Closes 19 February 2024, 5pm.
Regional Arts Touring
These grants support projects that provide access to arts and culture for audiences living in regional NSW.
Currently open, closes 26 February 2024 at 5pm.
Small Projects (Quick Response) 2023/24
15 January 2024 – 20 May 2024. These grants support professional development opportunities for NSW-based professional artists, groups and arts and cultural workers (including museum workers).
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Arts Rutherglen is proud to host the
7th Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize
8-17 March 2024
The Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize is an opportunity for artists to exhibit in a well established, popular show with visitors being able to purchase varied, creative works of exceptional quality.
Sections include Painting, Work on Paper, Photography, 3D and Youth.
Entries are now open and close 11th February 2024.
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Australian Book Review welcomes entries in the 2024 Calibre Essay Prize, worth $10,000. The Calibre Prize is open to all essayists writing in English. Essays of between 2,000 and 5,000 words on any subject. We welcome essays of all kinds: personal or political, literary or speculative, traditional or experimental.
Prize money: $10,000
Entries close 22 January 2024, 11:59 pm
Judges: Amy Baillieu, Shannon Burns, and Beejay Silcox
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Taking place on Larrakia Country, the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (Telstra NATSIAA) encourages entries from all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the continent. The Awards were founded by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) in 1984, and remain the longest running awards dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and artists.
Open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, Telstra NATSIAA is a non-acquisitive award that is free to enter. The overall Telstra Art Award of $100,000 cash (excl. GST) is awarded to the artwork considered by the judges to be the most outstanding artwork in the exhibition.
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Acquisitive landscape painting prize, The Harden Art Prize is in its third year and has gained a following across Australia.
It carries a $10,000 acquisitive prize, for the winning landscape painting.
The prize and subsequent exhibition event aims to promote Harden-Murrumburrah to the arts community of Australia and to encourage visitors to the region to view the exhibition of work by the finalists.
Entries close Friday 16 February 2024, exhibition opening Friday 5th April.
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Entries to the 2024 National Photographic Portrait Prize are now open.
The National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP) is one of the Gallery's most popular annual events. The prize provides a powerful visual record of the year that was - a celebration of identity, both collective and individual. The National Photographic Portrait Prize offers a first prize of $30,000, and all finalist artworks will be exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery from 22 June to 13 October 2024.
Entries are now free.
Entries close 11:55pm AEDT Wednesday 7 February 2024
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