|
|
|
|
|
ARTIST OF THE MONTH | LATEST NEWS | EVENTS OPPORTUNITIES | GRANTS
|
|
|
MAY 2023 ARTIST OF THE MONTH
ROMINA TAPPI
|
|
|
Romina Tappi - Western Riverina Artist of the Month
'forza della natura'
For decades Romina Tappi has lived in two or perhaps more worlds. At breathtaking speed, with astonishing results.
Romina - actor, acting teacher, content creator, director, music composer, musician, playwright, singer, songwriter, stage and theatre director - lives in Griffith, teaching at Marian Catholic College and working with community on the stage production of ‘The Wedding Singer.’
“The funny thing is that for anyone who got married in Griffith during the 1990’s, there’s a good chance I was their wedding singer,” she laughs.
“I have always been theatrical and musical, and growing up I had marvellous teachers who allowed me to explore ideas and continue learning and creating. In my practice of working with teachers all over the world to use theatre, music, and the arts in their own teaching I still quote those early teachers of mine…that’s how much influence they had over me.”
Romina studied Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong, a degree which doubled her determination and commitment to make a life in theatre, acting and musical production. At the same time there was a very lively theatre scene in Griffith in which Romina stayed active. So much so that, on one occasion, (and perhaps the starting gun on her double life) she recalls finishing her graduation piece as Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, then being tucked into the back of the family wagon to sleep through the night while her mother and father whizzed her home over the mountains to Griffith in order for her to take her place on stage the following day for the local production of ‘Nicodemus’. The whirlwind had begun.
Not one to wait for agents or any others to make things happen, Romina threw herself into the theatrical world of the Riverina. By the mid 1990s the Griffith Regional Theatre had been substantially renovated and the Riverina Theatre Company based out of Wagga Wagga was taking artistic risks and trialling new ideas. There was opportunity, flexibility, and an appetite for adventure. Romina kept busy performing, directing, composing, singing in two bands, trying her hand in radio and TV presenting.
Travelling overseas in 2000 (with the intention of learning Spanish) Romina instead took a three-month contract in San Remo, on the Italian French border, to teach English through theatre and music. She stayed. Operating successfully for over 15 years Teatrino is Educo’s theatre-in-education program. It is now the largest and most diverse of its kind in Italy - much of its growth and success is due to the energy and talent of Romina.
“We started with a bag of props and a handful of actors, and it has now grown to one of Italy’s largest theatre and education companies; publishing books and music scores, touring huge ensembles, and training some 750 international tutors annually to carry the work further.” With continuing work with Teatrino and a concurrent and overwhelming sense of belonging and ‘home’ in Griffith, Romina’s double hemisphere life had commenced.
Romina’s role with Teatrino continued to grow alongside a desire to work with friends and colleagues in Griffith. The covid lock down throughout Europe, and Australia’s closed borders, had slowed international travel and curtailed Romina’s hopes of working back-to-back summers in Australia and Europe. When borders re-opened a new opportunity to work with longtime friends and colleagues bubbled up; Griffith and Regional Association of the Performing Arts (GRAPA) was seeking to tour Bernie Maxwell’s two hander ‘Hopes and Dreams’ to Adelaide Festival.
“Italy was coming out of the pandemic very slowly; its economy had taken a huge hit and there seemed little appetite for theatre; everyone was exhausted. At the same time, I could see that things were starting to happen again in Australia.”
“I knew and loved the team from GRAPA and had worked with most of them at some point through the ‘90s. I knew I wanted to play the role. I literally jumped on board, so excited to go from director, writer, producer and get back on stage as an actor, and to play that role opposite Bernie.”
The play toured to Adelaide Fringe for a successful run, garnering a a four-and-a-half-star review in the Adelaide Advertiser; ‘The show excels through the consummate writing of Bernie Maxwell, and his powerful performance as the hapless, put-upon husband Douglas, alongside the terrifyingly good Romina Tappi as his frustrated wife, permanently paralytic through ennui and alcohol. If you love your theatre tight, terrific, and challenging, live out your hopes and dreams at the Bakehouse.’
“Touring the show to Adelaide was a fantastic learning curve, playing in a very intimate space with an audience of around 50, and then the opportunity to take it to Edinburgh Festival was incredible. We had to cut the play further for the time slot and literally had to build the set in our accommodation the week before the play as we could not ship anything!” said Romina.
From Edinburgh it was on to Italy for Romina to sort out that half of her life before returning home, literally racing from the airport to the first reading of ‘The Wedding Singer’ for which she is assistant director - opening at Griffith Regional Theatre in September 2023.
“I am very excited to be once again involved in community theatre with old friends and new faces. Although it’s almost entirely volunteers the level of professionalism and commitment to the show is extraordinary, and everyone is giving 110%."
With a personal motto of ‘fire to inspire’ Romina’s dream is to continue working backwards and forwards across the globe, touring Australian ideas, innovations and teams overseas and returning with new works and different ideas to trial both at a professional and community level, connecting (at speed, and in two languages!) the Western Riverina to the world.
Image: Romina Tappi courtesy Romina Tappi.
Story: Gemma Purcell 26 May 2023.
|
|
Inventi Ensemble Pop Up with Wiradjuri Artists
A Moment and a Space for Musicians, Artists and Place
Members of the Narrandera community gathered to watch a pop-up recording event at Koori Beach on Friday 12th May 2023. Kerry Johnson, Artistic Director of Burrundi Theatre produced this rare production that was documented as an improvised organic collaboration with both traditional and contemporary Wiradyuri/Wiradjuri Artists and classical musicians from the Inventi Ensemble. A performance On Country that was a unique moment in time by all those who saw it unfold.
Produced by Burrundi Theatre for Performing Arts: Artistic Director Kerry Johnson.
A collaborative performance by:
- Elder Uncle Michael Lyons
- Inventi Ensemble - Ben Opie, Melissa Doecke and Stephanie Arnold
- Beacho2700
- Maci Grace Johnson
- Bruce Morgan and the Western Riverina Community College
- Event filmed and recorded by Miil Miil Productions: Director Elijah Ingram, additional camera and sound Oz Fikri
Supported by Music in the Regions and Western Riverina Arts. Made with the support of Create NSW.
Image: Courtesy Inventi Ensemble.
|
|
Sonia Weaves and Leads
Western Riverina weaver Sonia Undy facilitates 'Weaving Together' session for Here Now & Always
Thursday May 25 - Monday May 29, 2023
‘Here Now & Always’ is an initiative of the Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance. It celebrates and showcases, Aboriginal Arts and Culture from New South Wales to a global audience through an annual program of activities and an online festival program and art market. Aboriginal artistry and connection to Country will come as a profound reminder and renewal where time meets tradition and innovation.
This digital platform provided an online where both presenters/artists and audiences/receivers came together in appreciation of Aboriginal art and culture, inspiring artistic excellence, fostering education and creating meaningful partnerships.‘Here Now and Always’ fosters emerging artists while always honouring those who have come before and paved the way, recognising the many generations of Aboriginal people whose culture and spirit is built upon. Many of our Western Riverina artists, facilitators and government officers participated in the online forums throughout the weekend.
Wiradjuri woman Sonia Undy is a Western Riverina artist, conducting a traditional weaving practice from her home studio in Griffith, NSW. She came to weaving just three years ago, when a dear friend taught her the techniques. She found weaving to be a strong place for her and a way to find great calm during difficult times. Sonia concentrates on wall hangings and baskets in traditional cultural weaving techniques, marrying colours and textiles in the moment, and often allowing the piece to draw her work along in certain directions. Sonia generously shares her knowledge and practice through forums and in person, and continues to build her skills and explore techniques and materials.
Here Now & Always is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW and by Western Riverina Arts.
Image: Courtesy Sonia Undy
Sonia Undy
|
|
A Shout of Joy and a Shout of Thanks
Kurrajong team takes to the stage with pure joy and great talent!
Disability Service Provider Kurrajong has a huge presence throughout the Western Riverina, providing life changing opportunities for hundreds of individuals and their families.
During May they truly lived up to their mission of engaging communities and changing lives with 'Kurrajong's Got Talent', staged at the Griffith Regional Theatre.
Here are some words from the organisers. 'We had some truly awe-inspiring moments. A big thank you to all the amazing individuals who took the stage and shared their talents. Each and every one of you was absolutely amazing! We want to give a special shout-out to the Griffith City Council and the staff at Griffith Regional Theatre for their invaluable support. And lastly, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came to the event. Your presence and encouragement meant the world to our incredible stars.'
Congratulations to the dozens involved in hosting this hugely successful and rewarding event.
Image: Courtesy Kurrajong.
|
|
Hape Kiddle Awarded Wootha Prize
Sunshine Coast 2023 Wootha Prize
This tiny piece of perfection, 'Storm Boy', by Western Riverina sculptor Hape Kiddle has won first prize in the Tiny Treasures category of the Sunshine Coast 2023 Wootha Prize.
This category celebrates work of smaller scale, but big on design and exquisite craftsmanship. At just 6cm, 'Storm Boy' embodies Hape's extraordinary skills. The theme for this year's prize was Dovetailing.
Hape says, "The piece is a homage to my coming to Australia as a young boy. 'Storm Boy' was the first movie I saw when I arrived, and I wanted the piece to speak to the perfect dovetailing between Mr Percival - the pelican in the film - and the deep loneliness in Storm Boy. The message to all of us is to find a way in our lives to dovetail ourselves deeply into the natural world."
Hape created 'Storm Boy' from Japanese Box Wood in the 17th century Japanese style of carving - 'Netsuke'. Japanese Box Wood is famously difficult to work with, but equally remarkable for its ability to hold tiny details. The wood often demands that the sculptor make entirely new tools for the job to hand (as pictured).
We congratulate Hape on winning this prestigious prize, and continue to be inspired by his extraordinary body of work.
Hape's exhibition 'Seed' will run until Saturday 17th June at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery, 27-33 Chelmsford Place, Leeton.
Image: 'Storm Boy' courtesy Hape Kiddle
|
|
Jerilderie Civic Hall
Jerilderie Civic Hall l 33 Jerilderie Street Jerilderie
Murrumbidgee Council
Jerilderie Office
Telephone: (03) 5886 1200
The Jerilderie Civic precinct looking out toward Luke Park and Lake Jerilderie is an exceptional venue in our region. Wunnamurra Hall seats 380 with a deep stage, dressing rooms, toilets and rear stage loading access. The well-appointed hall is fully air conditioned with very good acoustics and modern and accessible amenities. There is a well-equipped commercial kitchen and an adjoining supper room (the Ian Gilbert Room) with facilities for a bar. This beautiful mid-century hall is very well equipped and available for functions, performances and conferences. For further information or bookings go to Murrumbidgee Council.
For any further information about the venues and spaces available throughout the Western Riverina for your next artistic event in any of Griffith, Leeton, Murrumbidgee, or Narrandera Council areas do not hesitate to contact the team at Western Riverina Arts.
|
|
|
* 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.
|
|
Pangala: Returning Home
Art, science and ancient knowledges come together through storytelling, projections and performance.
Friday 2nd June 2023 l Campsite 2, River Drive, Kinchega National Park NSW
The historic fish kill event in Menindee on Barkindji Country in December 2018 and January 2019 saw an estimated one million dead fish in the Barka-Darling River. Staff from the NSW Department of Primary Industry’s Narrandera Fisheries Centre were immediately called to assist in the rescue effort. Their team rescued 20 Murray Cod, 24 Silver Perch and 17 Golden Perch to take back to Narrandera on Wiradjuri Country, in order for the fish to heal, and eventually breed. The two locations, Narrandera and Menindee, have been linked by this event.
In 2020 and 2021, The Cad Factory, Clontarf Foundation at Narrandera High School, the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, the National Museum of Australia and Barkindji River Rangers collaborated to care for the rescued fish, undertake a ceremonial cultural release and present a projection and performance event at Koori’s Beach in Narrandera called ‘Wirramarri: Long Way from Home.’
Since 2020, over 170,000 fish have been released back into the Barka-Darling River by the Narrandera Fisheries Centre. In April 2023 when the second mass fish loss event happened in Menindee, it felt difficult to navigate the emotional response. To assist with this, the Cad Factory decided to present another large-scale cultural event ‘Pangala: Returning Home’ in Menindee.
Art, science and ancient knowledges will come together once again through storytelling, projections and performance to explore how people from different cultural backgrounds can come together over serious national issues with reconciliation being at the forefront of their actions.
Pangala: Returning Home
Campsite 2, River Drive, Kinchega National Park Friday 2 June 2023 from 5pm.
BYO food, drinks, camping chairs, picnic rug and torch. Please wear enclosed shoes as you will need to walk around the site. There will be uneven ground.
Image: 'Pangala' projection courtesy The Cad Factory
|
|
Australia's Largest Art Deco Festival
Leeton Art Deco Festival 2023
Friday 7 to Sunday 9 July 2023, Leeton NSW
Join locals and visitors at the 2023 Australian Art Deco Festival in Leeton! Immerse yourself in the culture, music, fashion, food, and vehicles of this iconic period.
The Festival celebrates the town’s stunning Art Deco architecture and is Australia’s largest Art Deco Festival. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! With an extensive program of exhibitions, markets, music, workshops, and more, there’s plenty to explore. Newsletter subscribers get first access to tickets, so remember to subscribe.
Image: 2022 Chelmsford Place Derby, courtesy Leeton Art Deco Festival.
|
|
Acrylic Painting on Linen with Linzie Joanne
Thursday 1 & Thursday 8 June, 2023. 6pm-8pm at Griffith Regional Art Gallery
Join Linzie Joanne for one or more evenings of exploring the technique of acrylic painting, floral subjects on linen. Participants will be provided with a linen board and acrylic paints per session and Linzie will take us through drawing out a composition right to the finishing touches.
Linzie is a local artist and art teacher who has worked very closely with acrylics in recent times. Her approach to art is making it accessible in the moment and her works range from florals to landscapes and are sold nation wide. Linzie has studied at the ANU School of Art and Slade School of Fine Art in London. She has exhibited work in exhibitions all over Australia as well as London and she has been a finalist in the Blake Prize (twice!) and the Albany Art Prize and has received the Australian Council of Art Artstart grant and the CAPO London exhibition award. Check out her work - Linzie Joanne.
A light supper and wine will be provided courtesy of our sponsors Dee Vine Estate.
Image: 'View of my garden - 48', courtesy Linzie Joanne.
Griffith Regional Art Gallery
|
|
Watander
6pm l Tuesday 20 June 2023 l Griffith Regional Theatre
Join RAR Griffith (Rural Australians for Refugees) for a special Refugee Week screening of the documentary Watandar. When former Afghan Refugee and photographer, Muzafar Ali, discovers that Afghans have been an integral part of Australia for over 160 years, he begins to photograph their descendants in a search to define his own new Afghan-Australian identity. Then the Taliban take over Afghanistan and his old country comes calling.
Watandar is presented by RAR Griffith (Rural Australians for Refugees) as part of Refugee Week and proudly supported by Griffith Regional Theatre.
|
|
Griffith Screen Industry Forum
Country Universities Centre Western Riverina
Saturday June 17 2023, 2/1 Olympic Street, Griffith NSW
Have you ever watched a TV show, YouTube video, short film, or advert and thought - I wonder how they make that? Or actually, I WANT to do that! This is the forum for you. This one-day event will give you a grounding into the Australian Screen Industry, who's who, what's what, and how to take your first steps into getting involved.
From working in the crew using your current skills (construction, baristas, drivers, and make-ups artists - we need you) to creating your own content - this day will help you kick-start your connection to screen content. It's a fast fun day, completely free of charge and with plenty of networking opportunities so you can connect with industry professionals and like-minded locals. Speakers from across the screen industry will be attending, as well as a range of local groups and organisations that can help you take those first steps towards a career in screen. These include Screen Australia, Screenworks, ABC TV, Western Riverina Arts, Eastern Riverina Arts, Jake Speer & Kensington House Entertainment, Miil Miil Productions, and Freeroam Theatre.
This event is being delivered with the support of Create NSW (through the Country Arts Support Program), the Griffith & Regional Association of the Performing Arts (GRAPA), and Country Universities Centre Western Riverina.
|
|
NIDA Connect - Theatre Course Technical Production
NIDA Connect presents a three day theatre course in Technical Production
Friday 9 June - Sunday 11 June 2023 inclusive | Griffith Regional Theatre, 1 Neville Place Griffith
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.
NIDA Connect aims to make world-class creative industry practice and training available to outer metropolitan and regional Australians. The NIDA CONNECT courses are available to young adults, across six states and territories, offering open access to skills development and specialist training.
|
|
|
|
|
Could you be Bundanon's 2024 Artist in Residence?
Applications for 2024 are now open.
Applications are now open for the 2024 Bundanon Artists in Residence program, an annual call for submissions from artists, collectives and groups.
Bundanon’s Artists in Residence program is the largest program of its kind in Australia. These coveted residencies are for applicants from all disciplines and career stages, making them highly sought after nationally and internationally. The residencies encompass visual and performing arts, literature, dance and music.
Open to professional creatives from all disciplines, individually or in groups. Residents are hosted in purpose-built studios.
Bundanon supports new work, research and collaborations by artists and researchers from around the world. The program is structured through a series of partnerships with leading arts organisations and companies, cultural agencies and benefactors.
From January 2024 there will be no direct costs associated with the Artists in Residence program.
|
|
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.
|
|
Residential Fellowships at Varuna
Varuna the National Writers' House Residential Fellowships offer two to three weeks of full board and accommodation at Varuna including a prepared evening meal, uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, the companionship of your fellow writers and a one-hour Varuna Conversation with a Varuna consultant.
In 2024, Varuna will offer 27 Varuna Residential Fellowships, including our prestigious Flagship Fellowships.
KEY DATES
Applications for the 2024 residency program will open 15 June 2023 and close midnight on 31 July 2023.
Varuna Residential Fellowships can be taken between January and the end of June 2024. for further information log onto Varuna.
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
A City for a Canvas
Call for EOI's Art & About Sydney
Art & About Sydney promotes creative collaboration between the City of Sydney and local artists and cultural organisations.
The program supports projects that temporarily reimagine and reshape spaces in the City of Sydney area.
We're now looking for artworks that can be realised from November 2023 onwards.
Art & About is a diverse program and we encourage artists of all backgrounds to apply.
Priorities for the 2023/24 program include:
- large scale participatory works/installations
- collaborations across artforms and artworks engaging with innovative technologies.
Expression of interest opens: Wednesday 10 May 2023
Expression of interest closes: Tuesday 13 June 2023
Shortlisted artists notified: June/July 2023
Stage 2 submission due: Monday 21 August 2023
Selected artists notified: September/October 2023
|
|
Comms Role in the Capital
Canberra Symphony Orchestra is looking for a Communications and Marketing Manager to join our client’s team on a full-time basis.
The role will be based in Central Canberra, working with an entertainment business that is looking for an experienced Communications and Marketing Manager who will oversee the development and implementation of all marketing and communications activity. This includes event marketing and sales; brand development and elevation; publicity; and publications.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for providing strategic communications advice and support across our client’s business functions, including community engagement, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and the executives of our client’s firm. You’ll work closely with senior management to develop strategies that will help shape their brand and reputation in the marketplace. Your goal is to ensure that the organization’s messages are being communicated effectively across a broad range of channels.
|
|
Emerging Writers' Incubator
The Emerging Writers’ Incubator (the Incubator) is a nationwide initiative to develop underrepresented scripted writing talent in the Australian screen sector. The third year of the Incubator is presented by SBS, in partnership with Screen Australia, Screen NSW, VicScreen, Screen Tasmania, Screen Queensland, Screenwest and the South Australian Film Corporation, and with the assistance of the Australian Writers’ Guild.
The Emerging Writers' Incubator is open for applications until 5pm AEST Friday 16 June 2023
Working with some of Australia’s leading production companies, the Incubator aims to promote inclusion among Australian screenwriting talent and to provide significant work experience in drama production to writers with lived experiences who have been underrepresented in the sector.
For the purposes of this initiative, underrepresented means those who:
- identify as First Nations Australians;
- are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds;
- are Deaf or hard of hearing or People with disability;
- are Female or Trans/Gender diverse;
- identify as LGBTQIA+; and/or
- are located in regional and/or remote areas.
Six successful candidates (Selected Writers), one from each of the participating States and Territories, will be employed full time for 12 months in leading Australian production companies (Host Companies) acclaimed for their delivery of Australian drama. Screen NSW will support one successful New South Wales writer to take part in the program in 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
