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Arts + Culture Update
September + October Bumper Edition '24
Griffith l Leeton l Murrumbidgee l Narrandera
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Transgrid Community Grants
On September 9th Western Riverina Arts ED Aanya Whitehead attended the Transgrid Community Grants workshop.
The presenters on the day discussed various grants programs and sponsorship opportunities, emphasising the importance of understanding application guidelines and focusing on community initiatives. The presenter provided guidance on grant writing strategies, including the need for thorough planning, aligning projects with funders' objectives, and demonstrating the real benefits and impact of proposed projects.
Grants and Community Sponsorship Programs - Transgrid Presenters discussed the upcoming 2024-25 grants program and the major events, festivals, and films sponsorship program, which includes four categories: incubator, developing events, triennial, and club grants. They also mentioned the promotion of State and Federal government grants programs and the push for sustainability grants due to the NSW government's legislated net 0 target of 2050. Riverina Water is offering community grants for 2025 with a funding pool of $100,000, and Essential Energy is launching a new community grants program in 2025, offering grants up to $15,000 for environmental and social initiatives related to regional development, environment, education, and energy transition.
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TEDxGriffith Shines Spotlight on Local Talent
Western Riverina Arts proudly attended the first-ever TEDxGriffith, which captivated a sold-out crowd with fresh ideas and powerful stories. Our Creative Officer, Wiradjuri man Elijah Ingram, opened the event with a compelling discussion on the importance of preserving language and culture. The night featured eight speakers and three performers, each sharing unique perspectives on topics ranging from healthcare to agriculture.
The event featured eight speakers sharing powerful stories, from rural healthcare to sustainable agriculture, interspersed with moving musical performances. The sold-out showcase underscored the community's enthusiasm for local ideas and talents, while regionally-based suppliers and supporters made it a truly collaborative effort.
TEDxGriffith not only highlighted the region’s diverse voices but also set the stage for future events, promising more “ideas worth spreading” in the years ahead.
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On Saturday, 7th September, projection artists joined forces with local students to present the enchanting Night at the Museum. In partnership with Red Earth Ecology and the Bioluminescence Project, the evening captivated audiences as Griffith Pioneer Park Museum's historic and replica buildings were brought to life through engaging projected animations and live coding, accompanied by music and nature-inspired themes. This dynamic, multisensory experience highlighted the region's creativity and ecological awareness.
Western Riverina Arts was thrilled to see the community’s response to this partially CASP-funded project.
Night at the Museum was supported by Griffith Pioneer Park Museum, Red Earth Ecology, Western Riverina Arts, and Create NSW, through funding from the NSW Government.
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The Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition is Open Now!
Following the success of the 2023 competition, the Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition is back in 2024 with a new celebratory event to Announce the Winners!
Western Riverina Arts in association with Create NSW and Sponsors to be announced are providing an opportunity to inspire writers of all ages to be creative through the 'Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition'.
Entries are now open for residents of Griffith, Leeton, Murrumbidgee and Narrandera Local Government Areas.
Find out more and enter today.
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Keep listening to Ngiyang Podcast!
Are you following Bernard Higgins work on the Ngiyang podcast?
Get your next instalment here!
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Ngiyang
Wiradyuri language is integral to Wiradyuri cultural identity. Our language is our culture. Ngiyang (‘language’) is the story of how the Wiradyuri language is being reclaimed by the Wiradyuri people of central NSW and beyond. Hear from Uncle Stan Grant Senior, who has dedicated his life's work to…
www.sbs.com.au |
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Wiradyuri Ngiyang Murrungarra
Celebrate Aboriginal Language Week 2024 at Gossamer Park Leeton. Enjoy a free picnic dinner - don't forget the picnic rug! Alongside Music, Film Screenings, Q & A session with Film Makers, Presentations and Consult with Miil Miil Productions on the upcoming Leeton Wiradjuri Story Exhibition.
This event is proudly hosted by the Aboriginal Languages Trust, Leeton and District Aboriginal Lands Council, Western Riverina Arts, Miil Miil Productions, and Leeton Shire Council.
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Head to Leeton Museum and Art Gallery to see two brilliant photography exhibitions.
Narrandera Camera Club presents Our Patch, In Focus. The exhibition features a diverse collection of images, including a special section honouring Bill Draper, a club founding member who turns 100 this year. Experience stunning photos from Leeton, Narrandera, and the surrounding areas, with additional images from further afield, including Sydney and Melbourne. The collection captures a diverse perspective on local life, landscape, and community through the lenses of talented photographers. Don’t miss out on the beauty of Leeton, Narrandera, and beyond.
Showing alongside is Still Here, extended by popular demand!
Curated by Joanne Edwards, this moving exhibition by Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution reminds us that behind every person living with dementia is a unique individual with dignity and grace.
Building awareness and offering community support has never been more important as our population ages. This exhibition serves as a call to unite and make our community more inclusive. Visit Leeton Museum and Art Gallery and be part of the change.
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Throughout October - November 2024, the Create NSW team will be travelling all around NSW to answer your questions about the upcoming Project and Multi-year funding opportunities. From the Northern Rivers down to the Murray Region - check out when there's an info session near you: Connect with Create NSW | NSW Government
Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera
Wednesday 30th October 10am - 3pm
Guidelines are now available online, in preparation for the funding rounds opening on 23 October: Arts and Cultural Funding Program | NSW Government
The staff visiting our region will be Regional Funding and Development Manager Portia Lindsay, First Nations Arts Funding Manager Michael Geia, and First Nations Policy & Partnerships Lead Colin Kinchela. They’re really looking forward to personally connecting with artists and arts and cultural workers in our community.
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The Cad Factory, National Museum of Australia and Petaurus Education Group invite you to ‘River Country’, a collection of events exploring what's special about our river and wetland communities.
'River Country' Exhibition
Narrandera Arts and Community Centre
Thursday 24 October - Saturday 26 October
Open daily from 10am - 5pm, Free
Featuring artworks by people from across the Murray-Darling river system, the 'River Country' exhibition invites us to reflect on the diverse lives and stories that make up vibrant wetland communities.
Environmental Writing Workshop with Cameron Muir
Narrandera Arts and Community Centre
Thursday 24 October, 6pm - 8pm, Free
Book via Eventbrite
Join award-winning author Cameron Muir for a workshop about life along the Murray-Darling. Discuss ideas, explore new techniques and share your stories.
Walk on Country with Uncle Michael Lyons
Sandhills Artefacts, 16 Bamblett St Narrandera
Friday 25 October, 10am - 12pm, Free
Book via Eventbrite
Join Uncle Michael Lyons for a walk on beautiful Wiradjuri Country around the Sandhills and Koori’s Beach to learn some of the stories and histories of this place.
Performances and Film
Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Buckingbong Rd Narrandera
Friday 25 October, 7pm - 9:30pm, Free
BYO chairs
Bring along a picnic and tour the new fisheries building before the event starts at 7:45pm with performances. We will then screen ‘More than a Fish Kill’, a documentary that explores how artists, fisheries managers and First Nations custodians came together in the aftermath of devastating fish kills along the Barka (Darling River) and turned ecological disaster into cultural healing.
More details on the Cad Factory website: www.cadfactory.com.au
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Theatre On Toast presents ‘Tinderella & the eight unique uses of Tinder’, a one human show created and performed by, Alyce Fisher. It explores real life tales of her very own Tinder escapades, investigates contemporary app dating culture and aims to empower everyone to take control of their own app dating experience. Tinderella is a comedy cabaret, which has been strongly influenced by Disney characters, features a bespoke mockumentary film, an informative Ted Talk (or as we call it TIT Talk), audience interaction/participation, a magic wand and two life size condom costumes. The Character of the Fairy Godmother acts as the narrator, guiding the audience through the twisting tales of our girl Tinderella, who is very much so focused on delivering her very informative TIT Talk. Tinderella is a rollicking good time, super funny and has a whole lot of heart.
Suited for audiences 18+, running time 50minutes, Tinderella is for comedy and cabaret lovers, anyone who has experienced the highs and the lows of the dating apps and those who are curious as to how it all works.
Book your tickets today!
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Head to the Yanco Powerhouse Museum on Sunday 27th October for a day of family fun.
On display will be a private collection from a local Teddy Bear Collector. The Leeton Town Band will be showcasing their orchestral skills with a special selection of children's songs. As well as miniature train rides - Teddy rides free!, a Teddy Bear scavenger hunt throughout the Yanco Powerhouse Museum, and of Special note is the Teddys in Teslas synchronised light show which will show three times across the event!
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In April 2024 Narrandera Arts & Creative Network (NACNet) kicked of their Stitch Up project led by
Lindee Russell and made possible by Western Riverina Arts 2023 Country Arts Support Program (CASP).
Stitch Up has been exploring a wide range of textile and other methods and processes to create a series of unique panels that will be installed at the ArtsHub to both enhance the look and reduce noise.
This collaborative community arts project has welcomed and involved up to 26 people at various times. NACNet have created a collegiate group of enthusiastic people who are enjoying both the company and the creativity of this project.
The Panels will be launched at The Hive (68 East Street, Narrandera) at 4pm on Saturday 16
November 2024 and be on display for 2 weeks before being installed permanently at NACNet's
ArtsHub @ the Narrandera Railway Station.
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Marrambidya River Fest
The festival will feature live music performances by Lawrence Barlow, Damien Thorne, and Scar Tree, along with a special band performance. Attendees can enjoy Koori Kinnections bush tucker, engage in traditional skills like basket weaving and possum skin workshops, and participate in cultural games. There's plenty for families too, including face painting, a jumping castle, a pool disco, and a skating competition. To top it all off, there will be a DJ to keep the festive spirit alive throughout the day.
The event is part of the Open Streets Festival and will also serve as the media launch for the Warangesda Festival 2025, with a special session from 7 PM to 8 PM.
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Save the Date!
Western Riverina Arts will be hosting the Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition celebration and Winner Announcement on Thursday the 21st of November 2024.
Get those entries in! The competition closes Midnight November 3rd 2024.
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You’re invited to the Western Riverina Arts Networking Christmas Party and Horizons Celebration!
Join us on Friday, 13th December, from 6pm at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery for an evening of festive cheer, creative connections, and celebration. Let’s come together to recognise the amazing achievements of our artistic community and enjoy a night of good company, holiday vibes, and inspiring conversations.
Don't miss out on this chance to wrap up the year on a high note! We can't wait to see you there.
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Western Riverina Arts Artist of the Month - October 2024
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Anne Mills – A Creative Journey Rooted in Family and Nature
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Approaching The Art Mill Studio, there is an immediate sense of tranquillity that washes over you. Nestled among vibrant gardens, this space is where Anne Mills, a practising artist and art educator from Griffith, allows creativity to bloom. As she hands me a cuppa, we sit down to chat about her lifelong relationship with art.
For Anne, art is not about working through trauma or using it as therapy. It is simply part of who she is. “Art is therapy for a lot of people, but it’s not really therapy for me,” she tells me. “I can’t really tell you I’ve got a lot of trauma in my life that’s caused my art – but in saying that I can’t live without it.” Her art is, instead, a discipline that is central to her everyday life, a reflection of joy and connection.
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As we talk, it becomes clear that the beautiful garden surrounding her studio is a living extension of her art. Not only has Anne created this peaceful space, but it also serves as a connection to her family’s legacy of creativity, particularly the women who inspired her. “Well, I think like a lot of people, I had a creative mum,” she says, handing my daughter some pencils from her ever-present art supplies. “And a creative gran with the gardening... it's all a matter of creativity and being born in a household that embraces and fosters it.”
Growing up on a citrus farm surrounded by lush gardens, Anne’s childhood memories are the heart of her artistic inspiration. “Art comes from a happy place, a wealth of childhood memories, on my family’s citrus farm with the most wonderful garden. It was a carefree and happy childhood,” she shares. Though access to formal art lessons was limited, Anne’s natural inclination for drawing flourished at home, where she simply “just drew” whenever she could.
Anne’s distinctive style, characterised by vibrant colours and a focus on light, is a reflection of her bright approach to life. While she occasionally makes political statements in her work, her focus remains on the joy found in everyday objects, the garden, and the natural world around her. “I think my art’s cheerful and hopefully makes people happy to have in their home—and inspiring,” Anne explains. Her careful use of shadows to create a bright, joyful aesthetic is one of her hallmarks. She smiles as she recalls a conversation with fellow artist Richard Claremont. “When I said that I struggle to use a lot of darks, he told me, ‘You’re a medium bright girl, so that suits you.’”
Anne’s passion extends beyond her own artistic practice—she is deeply committed to fostering creativity in others. Her Wednesday painting group, which includes established local artists like Anne Moreshead and Lisa Taliano, is already preparing for a major exhibition at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery. On Tuesdays, she mentors emerging artists, working towards this group exhibition that will also showcase their growth and talent. |
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Anne also has a strong commitment to nurturing young artists. As a retired early childhood educator, she continues to offer art classes during school holidays, providing children with a safe and supportive space to explore their creativity. “As a fully qualified early childhood educator, I have been fortunate enough to share my love of art and educate both young children and now adults.” Anne is proud to see the young people in her classes come together and express themselves, much like any team sport would—but through art.
With several exciting projects on the horizon, Anne’s schedule is full. She is working on a joint exhibition with Green Gecko Studio, where her impressionistic style will contrast with the more abstract approach of her collaborator. They will be showcasing their recent travels through Europe and how their artistic experiences differ, despite visiting the same locations. On top of that, Anne has recently been preparing a new work inspired by the Barren Box Swamp for the community art exhibition The Fruits of Our Labour highlighting the legacy of the CSIRO in Griffith.
Despite her work’s international reach, Anne remains deeply connected to her roots in Griffith. Her family has lived in the area for generations—her grandfather even rode his bike to settle on a farm near Lake Wyangan—and the community has supported her art practice. “I’ve been lucky enough to have participated in many local community collaborative projects as well as exhibiting both individually and with fellow artists,” she says. “I sell my work Australia-wide and additionally have artwork in international collections.”
As our conversation winds down, I take in the birdsong from the surrounding trees and the late afternoon sunlight that warms the studio garden. Anne Mills is not just an artist; she is a creative force within her community. Her work, her teaching, and her connection to nature reflect a deep and enduring relationship with the world around her. In both her art and her garden, there’s a sense of constant growth and vibrant life that is utterly contagious.
To learn more about Anne’s work or to enquire about commissions, visit her website or follow her on Instagram and Threads. |
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Written by Zooey Korhonen, Western Riverina Arts Communications Officer
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The Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition is in its fourth year and continues to grow!
For the first time in 2024 winners will be announced at an in person event!
The competition provides an opportunity to inspire people to be creative and is FREE to enter and is for all ages!
Four Prize Categories:
The winners will be announced in November after they have undergone a blind judging process with the panel. Winning entries will be featured in upcoming Western Riverina Arts newsletters and published on our website. First Place Winners will be announced at our first ever MSSC event! Highly Commended writers will all receive digital certificates.
Open
· 1,000 – 3,000 words
· Cash prize $350
Open Runner Up
· 1,000 – 3,000 words
· Cash prize $200
Under 18
· 500 – 2,000 words
· Cash prize $200
Under 12
· Min 250 words
· Cash prize $75
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Last Chance!
The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) closes next week!
CASP is an annual small grants program funded by Create NSW and guided by their Cultural Funding Program’s three major objectives which are to:
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grow creative leadership and programming excellence in NSW
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strengthen NSW arts and cultural activity that drives community and social benefits
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showcase NSW as a leader for strategic arts and cultural governance and strong financial management
Find out more and apply via our website.
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Creative Connection Riverina (CCR)is calling out for production team expressions of interest (EOI).
Ties That Bind is a family drama exploring the impact of dementia on the afflicted individual and their loved ones written by Bernie Maxwell. This full length play with a cast of 5 will be staged at Roxy, Leeton on 14 and 15 February 2025.
CCR is seeking a vibrant and enthusiastic team who shares their love for theatre. Join them and help create something truly magical on stage! If you are interested in any production roles, send an expression of interest to creativeconnectionriverina@gmail.com
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Volunteer with Burrundi Theatre
Burrundi Theatre are calling for volunteers for the upcoming Marrambidya River Fest.
Have you always wanted to learn about the inner workings of running a festival? Perhaps you simply love supporting your local community? Contact marrambidyariverfest@gmail.com to find out more about volunteering today!
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