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LATEST NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | GRANTS
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Warangesda Festival reflects on the past and lights the future.
Warangesda Mission Site l Darlington Point
Friday 17, Saturday 18 February 2023
For decades from its establishment in 1880 the Warangesda Mission site was a place of cultural significance, refuge and safety for First Nations people. It is a place of both ancient and modern culture, history and stories of Wiradjuri people.
In February 2023 the inaugural Warangesda Festival built upon this with a joyous celebration of art and performance, alongside serious and intentional conversations and story-telling.
Festival founder and Artistic Director Kerry Johnson has a very personal connection with Warangesda, where her maternal great grandmother was born. Kerry was taken to the site as a young woman by her grandfather, who wished to ensure that her family story and connection to the place was preserved and honoured. The place has been on her mind ever since: "I kept wondering, why is there nothing here? Why is there no activity? No talking? No storytelling? No planning for the future?"
In developing the festival Kerry says, "I wanted the festival to be an honouring of the site, a way to keep the legacy and the connection of the families of Warangesda at the forefront of everything that we did with the festival. Our culture, our people and our survival had to drive the festival, and we need to drive our own future."
Kerry fulfilled her creative vision through the creation of the Warangesda Festival. People gathered to retell the story of Warangesda; preserving and honouring individual and collective history, and painting a picture of the future through music, food, theatre, art, dance, workshops, cultural storytelling and focused discussions. The weekend was a coming together of community, deep wisdom, and fresh energy - focusing on holding and honouring history, hosting robust debates and discussions. Like a presence, the Wiradjuri language threaded and weaved throughout the entire event.
"I think our power, and our future lie in our cultural practice, our sovereignty. No one can dictate culture to anybody, we all have our lived experiences and our knowledge and practices that are passed down. And a lot of us are still discovering that because of our history. That journey is ours and we have a right to self determine - what that will look like for our people." said Kerry.
Kerry and her team built a program that reflected this vision. The performance centrepiece of the festival Theatre under the Stars - 'Warangesda' , created and performed by the Burrundi Theatre for Performing Arts, is a ground-breaking testimony of ancestral and modern-day survival, revisiting the origins of Warangesda, at the time of Reverend John Gribble. 'Warangesda' retells a small but significant part of the site's history.
The weekend included a youth festival, exhibitions and workshops of traditional and modern art and craft, a sunset ceremony, and a range of performances by local and national artists including River Country, Roger Knox, Christine Anu, with our own regional artists and performers Lillardia Briggs-Houston, Michael Lyons and Sandhills Artefacts, Dooki Thorne, Elijah Ingram and Beacho2700.
The Yindyamarra Talks facilitator Professor Stan Grant Junior was joined by guests from all over the Wiradjuri Nation. They tackled the big topics of Wiradjuri sovereignty, The Voice, and broad discussions on Warangesda and the National Indigenous Arts and Cultural Authority.
The Wiradjuri panel discussed the responsibility both to ancestors and to future generations. Speaking of her ancestral connections, the youngest panelist of the weekend, Dhani Gilbert said: "I feel that our old people were some of the strongest people. It is an incredible blessing to hold their legacy and stand on their shoulders. I know they did the work they did not just for themselves, but for their children, their children's children for generations to come. I see intergenerational trauma carried down, but I also see story and strength carried down - intergenerational strength. We would not be where we are as a nation, as a people, even as a country if it was not for our strong old people. The survival of each of our own families...gives us incredible strength, incredible resilience, but also incredible responsibility - to country, to our people, and to the people who brought us up. I have responsibility back to them. That connection is reciprocal. In being connected to my old people, my old people make me strong." Gilbert is the granddaughter of playwright and poet K. Gilbert (1933-1993).
Reflecting on the festival Kerry Johnson says, "Our mob is so used to just surviving, and I think we are past that survival time. We should be thriving, flourishing. The festival has been the start for the conversations. We have got to talk on this level; establishing our own voices, uniting those voices, and gaining that direction for where we are going to self-determine that cultural practice. No one can self-determine for Wiradjuri people. No one can police our culture, no one can tell us what we need to do, because we know our own stories, we know our own family histories, and that’s our right to self-determinate."
Warangesda 2023
Follow the progress or be involved in Warangesda 2024.
Story by Gemma Purcell, Western Riverina Arts, 28.4.23
Photo courtesy of Burrundi Theatre
(Centre) Yindyamarra Talks panellists Teela Reid, Professor Stan Grant Jnr, Narrandera Shire Councillor Bradon Lyons and Darren Wighton.
Photos courtesy of Elijah Ingram
(Top) Warrangesda Mission Building
(Bottom) Roger Knox
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Cultural Map Talks; What is Valuable to You??
Jerilderie l Narrandera l Leeton l Griffith l Sat 22 & Sun 23 April 2023
In partnership with The CAD Factory, Western Riverina Arts spent a weekend commencing the mapping of arts and culture across the Western Riverina area covering the Local Government Areas of Griffith, Leeton, Murrumbidgee and Narrandera.
The mapping team visited Jerilderie, Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith to commence a community wide discussion on arts and culture with the question; 'What is valuable to you?'
Western Riverina Arts Executive Director Aanya Whitehead says, "We will be dipping into every town and village over time and look at what is there, and what members of our communities value. The initial discussions were diverse and their content fascinating that touched on many subjects. The outcome of these will inform the mapping team later in the year to further the project."
Photo: Cultural Mapping Conversations at Griffith Regional Art Gallery courtesy Western Riverina Arts.
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Miil Miil Wiradjuri Language Film Showcase
Gossamer Park, Wattle Hill, Leeton l Saturday 11 March 2023
The community gathered at Gossamer Park in Wattle Hill, Leeton on 11th March to enjoy the screening of a series of short Wiradjuri Language films and a community dinner. It was a welcoming family friendly event, where people gathered to share a meal and chat in the autumn sunshine accompanied by the singing of Dookie Thorne who was an entertainment feature.
Shown on the big screen at sunset, the films were created by digital arts start-up Miil Miil Productions with Birdyulang Animations and the Leeton & District Local Aboriginal Land Council. It was supported by Leeton Shire Council, Leeton Museum and Art Gallery, NSW National Parks and Wildlife, Yanco Agricultural Institute, and Western Riverina Arts.
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Catwalk Masters: A Claringbold & Weymouth Retrospective
Como House, South Yarra, Vic l Saturday 4 March 2023
During March Western Riverina Arts was able to support local artist Kerri Weymouth in her journey to deliver some 50 frocks, designed by her uncle fashion designer Ross Weymouth, to the National Trust's Como House in Melbourne and in co-producing CATWALK MASTERS – A Retrospective Exhibition.
As a young girl Kerri worked with her uncle and his partner John Claringbold at their studios in the famous Nicholson Building in Clarence St Melbourne.
This exhibition showcased the work of the award winning designers. For Kerri it was an opportunity to revisit the heady days of working in the studio high in inner city Melbourne, hand finishing the frocks and dressing the models.
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Penny Paniz Acquisitive Arts Competition & Exhibition
Leeton Museum and Art Gallery l Chelmsford Place
Congratulations to all the Award Winners of Penny Paniz Acquisitive Arts Exhibition by the Leeton Art Society Inc . It was a wonderful and well attended night, made very special with the official opening of the Penny Paniz Room at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery on the 10th Anniversary of the Art Prize.
Prize Winners
Acquisitive Prize – sponsor Leeton Shire Council
Chloe Boots – ‘Single Protea’
Champion Exhibit – sponsor Western Riverina Arts
Jason Richardson – ‘Summer Equinox’
Young Artist – sponsor Rotary Club of Leeton
Juleesa Twigg – ‘The Author’
Young Artist Encouragement – sponsor Rotary Club of Leeton
Emily Baulch – ‘Snow Through the Window’
Flora/Botanical – sponsor Maguires
Dorothy Roddy – ‘Spring Has Sprung’
Fauna/Birds – sponsor Leeton Veterinary Hospital
Debbie Ierano – ‘What Are You Looking At?’
Still Life – sponsor Washington Furniture
Anne Morshead – ‘The Sock’
Landscapes – sponsor Milbrae Quarries Group
Jan Thompson – ‘Tumut River’
Portrait– sponsor Sam’s Tile and Light Centre
Debbie Ierano – ‘Nothing Stays the Same’
Abstract – sponsor Celi Group
Vita Vitelli – ‘Anything Goes’
Digital Image – sponsor Leeton Communications
Mary-Anne Lattimore – ‘Country Road’
Indigenous – sponsor Acme Enterprises
Tinyka Tabain – ‘Gunhinarrung ngarumbang (Grandmother’s Country)’
Ray Watson Highly Commended – sponsor Stephen and Kathy McMahon
Anne Morsehead - ‘Wonky Interiors’
Encouragement Award – sponsor PJ & JM Lyons Buses
Linzie Nardi – ‘The Over Flow 4’
Encouragement Award – sponsor In the Frame
Lindy Norton – ‘My Kookaburra’
Pictured: (from top) local artist Jason Richardson with his work 'Summer Equinox'. Judge Andrea DaSilva with Acquisitive Prize Winner Chloe Boots and Leeton Shire Council Mayor Tony Reneker.
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How'd You Get There?
Artist Roundtable l Leeton Art Gallery and Museum l Saturday 25 March 2023
We had a blast interviewing three amazing creatives at ‘How’d You Get There?’ Artist Roundtable and Networking Event.
Thank you to our panellists Andrew Whitehead Sculptures, Hape Kiddle of Bidgee Studio and Kristy-lee Jewellery/ ROR who offered up thoughtful and frank discussions and personal experiences. Great conversations about creative side hustles, opening up workshops and studios to the public, riding the social media wave, which competitive opportunities are worth pursuing, financial realities, lessons learnt the hard way and so much more.
This event concludes the suite of professional development workshops aimed at emerging artists, developed with grant funding from the NSW Government and support from partners Leeton Shire Council and Leeton Museum and Art Gallery.
In our previous three workshops community groups, artists and non profits were blown away with Suesann Vos’ in-depth knowledge on grants and fundraising at ‘Get Your Grant On!’, emerging artists and community groups levelled up their social media game at ‘Get The Word Out!’ with Lee Longmire, and Raymond Wholohan took us for a deep dive behind the scenes of regional art galleries at ‘Get Started!’ gifting us with knowledge that all artists should know, but rarely get told at the beginning of their journey.
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Ignite
Mountford Park l Leeton l Saturday 11 February 2023
The end of summer was lit with Ignite - a fantastic free live concert held at Mountford Park Leeton. Young and old flopped on blankets and chairs in the cool shade, enjoyed great refreshments and were entertained by awesome music by local and visiting artists.
The day featured brilliant local artists Danny Walsh Banned, Ironbark String Band, and some younger kids on the block Social Afterparty and Gone Fishin' (who have recently released their new single 'Dive In' on Spotify - take a peek /listen).
This wonderful summer initiative was funded by the NSW Government in association with Western Riverina Arts and Leeton Shire Council.
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Grong Grong School of Arts Relaunches with a Bang!
Grong Grong Open Mic Night l Saturday April 15 2023 l Grong Grong Commemoration Hall & School of Arts
The Grong Grong School of Arts Committee re-launched its presence on the regional arts and culture scene with a brilliant Open Mic Night. The original School of Arts Committee formed in 1924 to raise funds to build the Grong Grong hall, with the intention of '...hosting art exhibitions, musical, theatrical, cultural and artistic events...and as a community meeting place.'
The new School of Arts Committee has a very similar artistic intention.
The Open Mic night was fully booked with six brave artists from all over the Western Riverina taking to the stage (some for the very first time)! One old hand, Narrandera Mayor Neville Kschenka, relaunched the School of Arts and opened the night with a rousing rendition of famous Johnny Cash number 'Folsom Prison Blues.' A performance the crowd was not expecting.
The hall, and the audience, bounced around for the rest of the night to rock, pop, country, Irish folk, strings, alt. country and balancing the night with some heavy metal.
Committee spokesperson Adam Ferguson says "The night was bigger than we dared to hope. People are really hankering for live music and great new performances in our region and that is one of the things that the Grong Grong Commemoration Hall & School of Arts is perfect for."
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A New Face at Western Riverina Arts
Western Riverina Arts welcomes Gemma Purcell as our new Projects and Communications Officer.
Says Executive Director Aanya Whitehead, "The board and I give a gigantic thank you to Camille Whitehead for the incredible work she has done as Projects and Communications Officer at Western Riverina Arts over the past three years and congratulate her on her new career opportunity. I am also thrilled to announce Gemma Purcell to fill the role. Gemma is a longstanding community member of the region and passionate about the arts. I am looking forward to having her contribute her substantial experience and skill to the role."
Gemma can be contacted on 0455 217 671 or by email comms@westrivarts.com.au
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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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Leeton Shire Council, Western Riverina Arts and illuminart have joined forces to design and launch a permanent projection spectacular for the Chelmsford Place Water Tower, and are calling on Leeton people of all ages to contribute to generating the stories and artworks that feature. The theme of this initial projection is “proud moments in the community”. If you are part of the Leeton Shire community, you can share photos, artworks, or words of things which make you a proud member of this community.
Executive Director, Western Riverina Arts, Aanya Whitehead, is excited to see this projection brought to life. “The medium of projection art is fluid, changeable, and interactive and curation can change over time. It is marvellous to see this major cultural project unfold and the Water Tower become a canvas for living history expressed through the magic and language of light. By its nature, projection art attracts considerable audiences and from the point of view of Leeton as a tourist destination, this is something that I believe will create a memorable cultural experience for visitors and will promote the night-time economy,” she said.
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker is encouraging the community to contribute to this exciting project.
“The Leeton Water Tower projection is a wonderful way to help celebrate and express the region’s unique identity and connection, and also shine a light on Leeton. Please take the opportunity to share your story, photo, piece of memorabilia or art and have it woven into the fabric of the Chelmsford Place Water Tower projection story,” he said.
Pictured artist impression of illuminated Chelmsford Place Water Tower.
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Waste to Art Workshops Competition & Exhibition
Workshops and Exhibition
June | Colleambally l Darlington Point l Jerilderie
Waste to Art is a community art competition and exhibition showcasing reused and recyclable waste materials. This exciting and innovative challenge invites schools, preschools, community groups and individuals to transform rubbish into art and design.
The purpose of Waste to Art is to use a fun cultural activity to encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle, and through this, to challenge our attitudes about the things we throw away.
Murrumbidgee Council's Waste to Art competition and exhibition complements their focus on managing waste better in our Council area.
The theme is “Love your own backyard”. The term “backyard” can loosely describe materials sourced from anywhere in the community – the garden, the river, the park, and so on.
Alternatively, the artwork can be made of recycled/up-cycled/reused material, but depict something in “our backyard”.
Open now
Closes: 12 pm 16 June 2023
Eco Art Workshops, Coleambally
(Delivered independently by Kerri Weymouth and Julie Bellato through Western Riverina Arts)
Adult: 11, 18, 20 and 25 May (cost $30)
Exhibition
Gala opening: 21 June 2023. Kerri Weymouth Art Studio & Gallery (25-27 Brolga Place, Coleambally) (formerly Sweatbox Gym)
Coleambally - 21 June to 4 July 2023 at Kerri Weymouth Art Studio & Gallery (25-27 Brolga Place, Coleambally) (formerly Sweatbox Gym)
Darlington Point – 7 to 21 July 2023 at Murrumbidgee Shire Hall, Carrington Street
Jerilderie – 25 July to 8 August 2023 at The Willows Homestead, 11 Powell Street
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Kim Gibbs
Exhibition The Wandering Echidna
April | Griffith Regional Art Gallery l Closes Sunday 7 May 2023
Take the time to visit these extraordinary and clever cheekies - just one of the creations by Kim Gibbs of All Things Art during her exhibition "The Wandering Echidna at Griffith Regional Art Gallery
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Sculpture with Noel Hicks
Griffith Regional Art Gallery l 10am-3pm Saturday April 29 & Saturday May 6 2023
Create a unique Hebel sculpture with expert guidance from local artist Noel Hicks! During this two day workshop participants will learn the basics of Hebel sculpting to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. You will gain an understanding of sculpting and carving techniques as well as the tools required to shape Hebel, an aerated concrete.
Day one will begin with a brief introduction to Hebel stone and a demonstration of the sculpting techniques. You’ll then be given a block of Hebel stone to work with and guided through the process of carving it into a sculpture.
Day two will focus on refining and finishing your work. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have created a unique piece of art and gained some new skills.
Workshop is available to those 18 years and older.
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Using Nature - A Live Well Landscape Workshop
Narrandera Arts Hub l Saturday 29 April 2023
A deeply immersive day of connecting landscape literacy to your art practice. During this workshop you will be led by a highly expert nature guide, share morning tea at one of Narrandera's wonderful cafes and then return to the Arts Hub for creative experimentation and play inspired by the what you have seen and treasures collected during the morning. Artist and mentor Lindee Russell will lead you through brush making, mark making, asemic writing and booklet making
Supported by the Narrandera Arts and Creative Network and Narrandera Shire Council.
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Music in the Regions
The Inventi Ensemble presents 'The Enchanted Forest'.
Friday 12 May 7.30pm - 9.00pm | Jerilderie Civic Hall | Tickets $35
Step into an enchanted forest with Inventi Ensemble! Featuring a new arrangement of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony and Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun alongside new Australian work by Melody Eötvös. A seven-piece ensemble performing one of the most iconic orchestral works of all time, you will feel the storms, thunder and lush forests of Beethoven as well as the picturesque imagery that Debussy conjures in this outstanding performance.
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BOOP
Statera Circus presents BOOP
Friday 12 May 6.00pm - 7.00pm | Griffith Regional Theatre | Tickets $20-35
Your everyday supermarket transformed into a joyous world of balance, circus and Perspex!
A ragtag team of employees subvert the 9-5 with crashing shelves, trolley races, and terrifying stunts! But will these comedic characters ever find what they’re really looking for?
This daring and hilarious 50-minute family show immerses you in physical theatre, clowning and inventive acrobatics on a never-seen-before apparatus!
Statera is a joyous, adventurous and inquisitive circus and physical theatre collective. Through circus performances and extended community engagement programs, they facilitate artistic opportunities for young people including those from vulnerable communities.
Winners of the 2021 Gasworks Circus Showdown Adelaide Fringe Award are coming to Griffith!
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NIDA Connect - Theatre Course Technical Production
NIDA Connect presents a three day theatre course in Technical Production
Friday 9 June - Sunday 11 June inclusive | Griffith Regional Theatre
Course in Technical Production
The ‘magic’ of theatre relies on a team of skilled stage managers, mechanists and lighting and sound operators. Develop your skills in these departments through this practical introduction to the various roles, equipment and production processes.
By the end you’ll stage a mini-show and have gained a real insight into what happens behind the scenes.
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Creative Call Out Regional Arts NSW
Call for EOI for the Board of Directors
Attention artists and art administrators of the Western Riverina. Have you ever considered taking a position on a board?
Serving on a board is a richly rewarding and valuable experience.
Regional Arts NSW is calling for two skilled applicants to join the Board of Directors. If you have strengths in human resources management or legal expertise in a non-profit organisation, with a passion for the creative arts, apply today and help shape the future of Regional Arts NSW!
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Regional Arts NSW Quick Response Grants
Quick Response Grants will now be delivered monthly from February to November and all applications will be competitively assessed at the end of each month, you will not be advised about your grant application until five days after the end of each month. There are also changes to the amount you can apply for under this program. Individuals can apply for up to $3000, organisations can apply for up to $5000. There is no minimum grant amount. There is a limited amount in this funding pool, so please ensure your budgets are accurate and you are only applying for the amount that you actually need.
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Arts Hub
Trending stories, national news and opportunities in the Australian Art Scene.
Arts Hub.
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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 400 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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Remix Summit Sydney 2023
8-9 JUNE 2023
REMIX Sydney is a national gathering where creative leaders from across culture, tech and business come together to explore the future of culture & the creative industries, creative cities and the creative economy. REMIX Sydney is part of a network of summits held in leading creative cities including NYC & London.
— It's a field guide to what’s coming next: two days full of inspirational talks, discussions and networking. Hear from and meet innovators and change-makers from sectors including the creative industries, media & tech.
— Supercharge your networking: all tickets include access to the official receptions at the Australian National Maritime Museum & Luna Park.
50+ SPEAKERS INC SUPERBLUE (MIAMI), MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE (DUBAI), ART GALLERY OF NSW, SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY, SPOTIFY, MOMENT FACTORY (CANADA), MELBOURNE ART PRECINCT, ACMI, TIKTOK, MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY, AUSTRALIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS, AND MELBOURNE MUSEUM.
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Griffith Regional Theatre Education Program
“Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour” – this line was penned by poet William Cowper in 1785. And variety is what we aim to bring you and your students here at the Theatre in 2023!
Griffith Regional Theatre is committed to providing enriching and unique opportunities for students and educators to engage with the performing arts.
The 2023 Education Program is full of opportunities for school groups and young people.
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Leeton Eisteddfod
Entries are now open for the 2023 Leeton Eisteddfod.
The syllabus for 2023 Dance, Ballet, Music and Bands is now published on the Leeton Eisteddfod website.
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