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JUNE WRAP UP | ARTIST OF THE MONTH | LATEST NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | GRANTS
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Chairs Celebrate Change at Western Riverina Arts AGM
For Sue Carey-Killham the role of Chair of Western Riverina Arts has been a labour of love, and the achievement of a vision. In her speech to the Western Riverina Arts Board and staff Sue said "The last six years as Chair of Western Riverina Arts have been an education. Exhilarating and challenging at times but providing me with an immense satisfaction and pride in what we have been able to achieve and in the resilience of this wonderful organisation. It has been an amazing experience." We would like to thank and congratulate Sue on her term as Chair and her tireless commitment to the support of Western Riverina Arts and our community of artists. We are so happy to have Sue remaining on the Board as the Narrandera Shire Council Representative.
We are also excited to welcome Oumi Karenga-Hewitt into the role of Chair going forward. Oumi's passion for the arts and her deep knowledge and skills in theatre and screen production will bring fresh energy and new visions for Western Riverina Arts. Oumi thanked Sue as our outgoing Chair and is committed to building on the very strong foundations that have been established by the founding team.
Image: Oumi Karenga-Hewitt and Sue Carey-Killham courtesy of Western Riverina Arts.
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Closing Soon!
Residency: Monday 7th August 2023 – Sunday 17th September 2023
Western Riverina Arts (WRA) and Rooms of Requirement (ROR Space) have partnered to offer a six-week residency during 2023 for one (1) creative practitioner in Australia. The residency is valued at $2,000. This residency will support an artist to work on their self-determined goals in a creative co-working space in the heart of Griffith, NSW on Wiradjuri Country.
The aims of this residency are to encourage networking and develop career pathways for artists by offering new opportunities and the space to create.
For full terms and conditions and to apply complete our short EOI Application Form: WRAROR23
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Screen Industry Looking to Lift off in Western Riverina
The Griffith Screen Industry Forum held last Saturday at the Country University Centre in Griffith provided a packed day of information and networking. The day proved a huge success - attracting attendees from throughout our entire Riverina region, the Northern Rivers and capital cities.
"The room was full of excitement," said Western Riverina Arts Chair and event convenor Oumi Karenga-Hewitt. "We had participants from business, industry, academia, high schools and local government. They had open-door access throughout the day with cinematographers, actors, writers, composers, directors, and technical experts."
"The buzz on the day gave a sense that we are right at the start of building a local film industry, it feels like the beginning of something big!" she said. "So many industry professionals who attended will take stories, ideas and contacts back to their colleagues and organisations - all centred around the possibilities of building a regional film industry here in the Western Riverina."
"The event gave a fast-paced day of connections and introductions to the Australian Screen Industry, who's who, what's what - from working in the crew to creating content," said Oumi.
"To be able to host a day like this in our region is so valuable," said Western Riverina Arts Executive Director Aanya Whitehead. "Participants travelled from all over the wider Riverina - as far as West Wyalong, Deniliquin, Wagga Wagga, Temora - and enjoyed a whole day's access to industry professionals from Media Mentors, Screen Australia, Screenworks, the ABC, Screen NSW (online), Western Riverina Arts, Eastern Riverina Arts, Jake Speer & Kensington House Entertainment, Miil Miil Productions, and Freeroam Theatre. Also attending and available to the attendees was Eastern Riverina Arts and South West Arts.
The event was delivered with the support of Western Riverina Arts (through the Country Arts Support Program), Create NSW, the Griffith & Regional Association of the Performing Arts (GRAPA), and Country Universities Centre Western Riverina.
Image: Courtesy Western Riverina Arts
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2023 Waste to Art - Murrumbidgee Council
Coleambally - Wed 21 June to Tue 4 July 2023 l Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery & Studio, 25-27 Brolga Place
Darlington Point - Fri 7 to Fri 21 July 2023 l Murrumbidgee Shire Hall, Carrington Street
Jerilderie - Tue 25 July to Tue 8 August 2023 l The Willows Homestead, 11 Powell Street
It was with great pleasure that Western Riverina Arts participated in the joyful and community-strong opening of Murrumbidgee Council's 'Waste to Art' exhibition launch and announcement of winners. The guiding theme for the works was 'Love your Backyard.'
The competition was judged by:
Cr Christine Chirgwin (Murrumbidgee Council)
Isis Ronan (Artist)
Aanya Whitehead (Executive Director, Western Riverina Arts)
It is the first exhibition to be held at the newly opened Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery and Studio in Coleambally.
The award winners in the 2023 Waste to Art competition are:
In the category of Primary/Preschool:
Winner: Ryder Billing for 'Prime Eagle'
Highly Commended: Milla Rorato for 'Winter Blooms'
Highly Commended: Coleambally Preschool and Early Learning Centre for 'We Made Pink Paper'
In the category of High School/Community:
Winner: Travis Lawton for 'Long Horns'
Winner: Heather Goudie for 'Nestling's Feedtime'
Highly Commended: Gail Hibbert for 'Flying High'
Highly Commended: Bridgett McNeilly for 'Wasted Fortune'
Image: 'Long Horns' by Travis Lawton Courtesy Western Riverina Arts
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Help us Build the Riverina Regional Digital Content Industry Strategy
Do you make screen based content, audio content, games and other digital arts? Be in the running to win a $500 gift card!
Eastern Riverina Arts, Western Riverina Arts and South West Arts are partnering to develop the first-ever Riverina Digital Content Industry Strategy, and we want to hear from you. We need your ideas and insights to shape the future of our local digital content industry and have extended the deadline for participating in our survey to 5pm Monday July 10th!
By completing the survey you will help us collect ideas on what is needed to help grow the local digital content industry and build a business case to Government for funding to support that strategy. You'll also have the chance to win a $500 gift card for a store, restaurant, or creative supplier of your choice!
Complete the survey before 5pm on Mon July 10th!
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JUNE 2023 ARTIST OF THE MONTH
BERNARD HIGGINS
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Healing with High Tech
Bernard Higgins Creator and Animator
The Wiradyuri word ‘Birdyulang’ translates to mean ‘Scar, an old scar’. Wiradyuri animator and artist Bernard Higgins chose to name his animation company and studio ‘Birdyulang Animations’ with the clear intention of using his creativity and skills in cutting edge animation technologies to work with Elders and Wiradyuri community to help heal scars caused by intergenerational trauma.
Bernard was born in Wagga Wagga and grew up in Leeton. He graduated from Charles Sturt University (CSU) with a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Design (Animation and Visual Effects), a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a joint research project involving the Creative Industries and Science faculties, and a Graduate Certificate in Wiradyuri Language, Culture, and Heritage.
Bernard was able to demonstrate the power of animation when he was invited, whilst studying at Charles Sturt University, to work with Elders in Yarrabah – an Aboriginal community east of Cairns in Far North Queensland. There had been outbreaks of the deadly Hendra virus - an infectious disease that can be transmitted by flying foxes to horses, and from horses to people. In a region where there are huge numbers of flying foxes and where the community itself kept many horses there was a very grave risk of human infections.
“I met with the Elders, veterinary and health officers. They had good clear information, but we knew that printed material, like a pamphlet, was not going to reach everyone. It ends up on a bench, in a bag or in the bin,” said Bernard.
“When we started discussing the idea of an animation to communicate the seriousness of the Hendra virus it was very important to the community that it be of very high quality, not simplistic or childish. I understood their concerns and worked together to change the perception that animation is only for kids.”
“I use 3D animation, Unreal Engine (a game engine) created by Epic Games and made freely available through profits from Fortnite. I work to create very high quality 3d animations, then work with community and elders for content – around language, or directed by them – animating paintings, recording poetry, knowledge and songs.”
“Once the Elders of Yarrabah and the rest of the group understood that we could use the same technologies to tackle serious issues in the community they embraced the idea and we were able to put together a short animation that clearly communicated the risks of the virus, and how to keep their people and their horses safe.”
“I started to talk to the kids about the process – and the fact that it comes from the creators of Fortnite- for the kids this added an extra layer to the message. It is gripping and it is a story, referencing their community, photography and material from their home. It engaged the whole community and the information about the virus was very well received and, most importantly, understood.”
For Bernard this was a major step toward his vision of using his high-level skills and creativity to assist aboriginal communities in addressing problems and issues at a community level. He realised that once the elders had worked with the technology and understood the possibilities for its use, the conversations and ideas started to flow; about new ways to preserve and teach language, knowledge of country, culture, traditional foods, and medicines.
“A huge inspiration for me is my culture and my cultural identity within this. By using my skills, I hope to preserve and promote Wiradyuri culture and language as well as the wider Australian Aboriginal culture and language.”
Bernard is a co-founder of Leeton’s Miil Miil Productions with Elijah Ingram. Along with Karen Davy of the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council (LDLALC) was responsible for targeting and applying for finance to produce the films from the Aboriginal Languages Trust. This resulted in a series of short Wiradyuri language animations, which were launched at a community picnic event at Gossamer Park, Wattle Hill in Leeton in the autumn. This event was a milestone achievement for the producers and the community. The project was also supported by Leeton Shire Council, Yanco Agricultural Institute, Western Riverina Arts and National Parks and Wildlife.
CEO of the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council Karen Davy says “Bernard is very professional and a man of high integrity. He remains very connected to the Leeton community. His collaboration with Miil Miil Productions for the Wiradyuri Language Film Showcase, at Wattle Hill, created not only a beautiful night for everyone there, but the first of its type in our community. We have been longing for this kind of event and it was very exciting to take part in. Bernard is using his skills to support the community and to remain deeply connected.”
Bernard’s journey is set to continue, when he accompanies Elijah Ingram of Leeton and Uncle Hewitt Whyman of Wagga Wagga to Caux, Switzerland, as the invited guests of Initiatives of Change, Switzerland for the 2023 forum – ‘Healing the Wounds of the Past.’ The men will participate in training, plenaries, workshops and dialogues. The global forum aims to equip participants to contribute to peace and human security by fostering; a greater understanding of the impact of historical wounds, heightened skills in dialogue facilitation, conflict transformation, trauma awareness and story-sharing, and learning from personal experiences. This forum will focus on the experiences of people from all continents and many cultures, including international first nations.
Bernard, Elijah and Uncle Hewitt will be sharing their experiences and learnings in using their creativity, technology skills and connections to community to boost the process of making Wiradyuri a conversational living language, and the role of technology in preserving and sharing story and culture. Their participation is a huge honour and responsibility, and reflects highly on the integrity of their work and commitment to community. We wish Bernard, Elijah and Uncle Whyman safe passage and look forward to hearing their news on returning.
Story Gemma Purcell, Sunday 2nd June 2023
Image: Bernard Higgins, courtesy Elijah Ingram.
www.birdyulang.com
www.bernardhiggins.com.au
https://miilmiilproductions.com/
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WRA FOCUS - RIVERINA WRITING HOUSE
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Riverina Writing House
Riverina Writing House (RWH) - Leeton's independent publishing house and centre for writers and writing - continues to go from strength to strength. The team, led by Sarah Tiffen, will be in new premises soon, where they will resume events, book launches, open mic nights, workshops and hosting feature writers and their work. RWH aims to provide a venue that is informed by the literary salons of the early 1900s - with the energy and inspiration of the underground nightclubs of the 70s.
The vision for Riverina Writing House is to enrich the cultural life of Leeton and the region, to offer a unique space to explore storytelling, writing and books and to celebrate the historical literary pedigree of Leeton and the stories of rural Australians, especially from the Riverina.
Riverina Writing House is home to Leeton Writers Collective and Leeton Young Writers Collective - people from all walks of life and backgrounds - who love books, writing and sharing ideas. RWH sell a range of books, many beautiful local books by local authors and offers writing services - anything from media and promotional support, letters, to helping write personal memoirs.
For further information, including details on upcoming events, please follow Riverina Writing House or contact sarah@riverinawritinghouse.com.au
Image: Les Wicks the Touring Poet, courtesy of Riverina Writing House.
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NAIDOC Week - For Our Elders
NAIDOC Week in the Western Riverina Region
National NAIDOC Week will be held from 2 - 9 July 2023 and everyone is invited to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The 2023 NAIDOC Week theme is 'For Our Elders' which recognises the cultural knowledge, activism, experiences, and support First Nations Elders share so generously, not only with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities but with us all.
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Ngurambang: Our Riverina
Saturday 1 July to Sunday 20 August 2023 l Griffith Regional Art Gallery
A collaboration from a diverse group of emerging and established artists from across the region. The result contrasts familiar landmarks through individual perspectives, catching glimpses of how our landscape appears through the eyes of others.
As part of the exhibition Griffith Regional Art Gallery will host artist Jo Roberts during the Ngurambang Exhibition.
On Wednesday mornings during the school holidays Jo will be sharing the Beak Technique activity, which promotes an understanding of the relationships between habitat and bird diets by discussing different species and their beak shapes.
"We'll be looking at the local species to learn what plants will bring your favourite birds into your backyard. The worksheets are accessible to all ages and were developed through consultation with the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists and support from Western Riverina Arts. Kids are naturally curious about birds and our conversations will expand their knowledge about local species."
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Artists in Volatile Landscapes Exhibition & Symposium
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
Saturday 21 July - Sunday 24 September 2023
The group exhibition, 'Artists in Volatile Landscapes' is the culmination of 18 months of creative development and research undertaken by 30 NSW artists under the Regional Futures umbrella, produced by NSW Regional Arts Network and funded by Create NSW. The artists with diverse practices and mediums have responded to the question, 'What does the future look like in your region?'
Regional Futures will feature the collaborative work of and discussions with of Western Riverina Artists Hape Kiddle and Jacob Charles.
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula NSW
Image: (L-R) Jacob Charles and Hape Kiddle, photo by Camille Whitehead, courtesy Western Riverina Arts.
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Grass Roots Under 30s Open Mic is back
Entries close Monday 24 July 2023!
Open Mic Night: 2pm Sunday 30 July 2023 l Griffith Regional Theatre
The competition is open to all music genres and styles, solo artists, bands, producers and djs. Musicians can base their performance on the prize they’re competing for – or if they’re just competing for fun. Contestants will be given 10 - 15 minutes each on stage, about 2 or 3 songs, and can perform covers or original music. Registration is free and the comp will take place 2pm Sunday 30 July at the Theatre.
Perform at the Open Mic for a chance to win one of three fantastic prizes:
Best Original Song: One-on-one mentoring session with a musician/songwriter/producer, provided by SongMakers APRA AMCOS.
ADITO Award: Perform a set at A Day in the Orchard music festival (ADITO) on Saturday 7 October, and $500 payment for the ADITO performance.
Judges' Choice: $250 cash prize (sponsored by Griffith Regional Theatre).
PLUS all Grass Roots performers receive a ticket to A Day in the Orchard music festival. The competition will be judged by local musician Ben Ceccato, Ken Dachi from Halisi Music and A Day in the Orchard music festival directors Luke Piccolo and Bonnie Owen. Register or learn more here: Grassroots2023
Image: 2022 Grass Roots contestant Giorgia De Paoli, Courtesy Camille Whitehead.
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Leeton Art Deco Festival
Leeton NSW l Friday 7 - Sunday 9 July 2023
Australia’s largest Art Deco Festival celebrating all things 1910-1940! Are you ready to travel back to the golden age of the Art Deco era? Immerse yourself in the culture, music, fashion, food, and vehicles of this iconic period.
An annual event, the Festival celebrates the town’s stunning Art Deco architecture and is Australia’s largest Art Deco Festival. With an extensive program of exhibitions, markets, music, workshops, and more, there’s plenty to explore.
The Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience architecture, museums, poetry, living history/re-enactments and visual arts of the 1910-1940s. Established to create a cultural experience intrinsic to Leeton’s Art Deco history, heritage, and culture, the Festival showcases the diversity of artistic expression in the wide range of events on the program, reflective of the era.
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School Holidays Paint with Mates
Narrandera Arts Hub at The Station
Wednesday 12 July 2023
Head to the Narrandera Arts Hub at The Station for a FREE fun session of painting with Pinot and Picasso from Wagga Wagga!
Parents, give your kids a great day out after all their hard work this term!
Pinot & Picasso allows all ages and artistic abilities to enjoy music, paint their very own artwork and spend time with their friends in our art studio!
Morning tea will be provided, but please bring your drink bottle and additional snacks if you please!
Session one:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/.../paint-with-mates...
Session two:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/.../paint-with-mates...
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Busy Days in the Western Riverina
There has been a lot going on in our region! Did you catch any of these creative and artistic happenings in the Western Riverina over the past few weeks?
- Narrandera Arts NACNET Art Trail
- Leeton Arts Trail
- The Griffith Band Concert
- Western Riverina weaver Sonia Undy of Griffith facilitated a state wide weaving session as part of Here Now & Always - a five day showcase of Aboriginal Arts and Culture. ‘Here Now & Always’ is an initiative of the Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance. Its aim is to celebrate and showcase 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.
- 'Seed' An exhibition by Western Riverina Sculptor Hape Kiddle at the Leeton Museum & Art Gallery
- Timothy Hills and his huge band of volunteers filming 'When the House is Empty' in Narrandera and surrounds.
- Filmmaker Jordan Bryon's film 'Transition' featuring at the 2023 Sydney Film Festival, and collecting a BAFTA along the way!
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Work of Art
A development program for regional NSW women in creative business
Work of Art is a project by Regional Arts NSw, funded by Women NSW. Around 70 regional women will participate in a program of work to help develop skills, strategies, confidence and connection to help grow their creative enterprise.
Fourteen Regional Arts Development Oraganisations (RADOs) will partner with RANSW to deliver the program across most of regional NSW. Creative Plus Business will be the lead delivery partner, along with an array of industry mentors and presenters
There is no cost to the women participating in the program. Participants will recieve travel and accommodation costs. There will be assistance with childcare if needed. Membership of the Rural Women’s Leadership Cooperative an RANSW is included.
Fill in Expression of Interest form here. Closing 5pm Monday, 24th July 2023.
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Find Your Voice Music Workshop
Griffith Regional Theatre l Saturday 22 July 2023 l 10am
Learn how to write and record music! The ‘Find your Voice’ program uses creative mentoring and music to inspire and empower young people to make positive choices in their lives and to create a space that allows them to tell their stories through music. Over the course of the program participants are mentored through the song writing, recording and production process and finish with their own song to take home. Recording equipment and pens and paper will be provided, but if participants have a preference or a writing journal they are welcome to bring that. This workshop is for ages 15 - 35. All music levels welcome.
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ABC Haywire Competition Open Now
Heywire is a lived experience storytelling competition from the ABC, calling for stories from young people aged between 16-22 in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Entries must be a true story about an aspect of your life. Stories can be in any format: text, video or audio — whatever form suits you best!
If you need help deciding what to write about or how to start writing your story, you can take part in an online Heywire Storytelling workshop here.
Ready to enter?
Great! Entries are open for our 2024 Competition and close on September 1st 2023. The easiest way to enter is by filling out this form.
https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/competition
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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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Mona Magazine Issue 03
Conceived and built in the Western Riverina
Mona Magazine is thrilled to announce the launch of its third print edition, celebrating the art, stories and interviews of 41 regional and rural Australian women.
Issue 03 features stunning cover art by Albury artist Dr Jet Driver-o’Keefe and Stanley artist R’Baahn. The third edition of Mona Magazine delivers an exceptional collection of thought-provoking essays, poems, short stories, experimental works, and interviews from women across generations and backgrounds.
The launch of the third edition of Mona Magazine represents a significant milestone in its journey to become a prominent voice in the literary landscape. With each edition, the magazine continues to expand its reach and impact. Mona Magazine Issue 03 is available for pre order online at www.monamagazine.com/buy and in select community bookstores across the country from July, 2023.
For more information, visit www.monamagazine.com .
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The Italian Museum
Griffith Pioneer Park l Remembrance Drive Griffith NSW 2680
The Griffith Italian Museum and Cultural Centre at Griffith Pioneer Park recognises the significant contribution of the Italian community to the social, cultural and physical development of Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. It was largely built by the community of Griffith and funded by the Italian community and Arts New South Wales. It embodies many symbolic meanings, including the passion felt by Italian descendants of Griffith that their early migration memories and experiences – pre Second World War – be recognised, and preserved for posterity.
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Join the Eastern Riverina Arts Board
Eastern Riverina Arts (ERA) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from residents of their service region interested in joining the Eastern Riverina Arts Board of Directors. If you believe that arts and culture contribute to the vibrancy, prosperity and wellbeing of communities across our region this team needs your skills!
With the establishment of The Station Creative Workspace in Wagga, and key strategic projects such as the Riverina Touring Network underway, Eastern Riverina Arts is an effective, growing organisation that delivers with impact.
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Boundless Indigenous Writer's Mentorship
Applications to the 2024 Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship will open in September 2023.
Writing NSW and Text Publishing present the 2023 Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship, with support from the First Nations Australia Writers Network (FNAWN) and Booktopia. The mentorship is awarded annually to an unpublished Indigenous writer who has made substantial progress on a work of fiction or non-fiction. The intention of the program is to support the writer to develop their manuscript and to facilitate a pathway to publication.
The program will pair an emerging Indigenous writer from anywhere in Australia with a senior Indigenous writer for a structured year-long mentorship. The writer will receive 20 hours of mentorship over the following year, including feedback on their work in progress and general advice on writing and developing a publishing career. If possible, an opportunity to meet with the mentor face to face will be provided. The writer will also receive editorial feedback and manuscript development from Text Publishing and access to Writing NSW professional development services.
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