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Arts + Culture Update
December '24
Griffith l Leeton l Murrumbidgee l Narrandera
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A Year of Creativity and Community: 2024 Wrapped Up!
2024 has been a year of remarkable achievements for Western Riverina Arts (WRA) and the communities we serve. A standout milestone was the inaugural Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition Event, which shone a spotlight on the incredible writing talent within our region. The event culminated in a heartwarming ceremony celebrating the creativity of local authors and the power of storytelling.
Another highlight was Create Conversations, where the Create NSW team engaged directly with regional artists, discussing funding opportunities and creative aspirations. This face-to-face engagement fostered vital connections, offering invaluable support and insight into the arts funding landscape.
Throughout the year, WRA hosted and attended a wide variety of workshops, supporting and facilitating growth and skill development within the region's arts community. Alongside these efforts, new performances and exhibitions were championed, enriching the cultural landscape across the Riverina. With thousands of conversations igniting creative sparks, the region’s artistic spirit has never been stronger.
This year also brought incredible local projects to life through CASP grants, which continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening our creative community. These initiatives are ensuring the Riverina remains a thriving hub of artistic expression.
A special congratulations go to all artists and creatives in our region for their contributions this year. Across the Riverina, artists have inspired us with their diverse talents and creative endeavours, showcasing the strength and vibrancy of our local arts community.
This year, the Work of Art Showcase and Forum celebrated over 60 women artists from regional NSW, including several from our own community. Held in Orange, NSW, the exhibition showcased a stunning array of artistic mediums and concluded with a documentary capturing the unique creative journeys of the participating artists.
As the year draws to a close, we are thrilled to celebrate four emerging artists from our region: Ella Burns, PJ Lale, Hannah Mitchell, and Jet Smith, who participated in the Horizons Creative Industries Career Launchpad. These artists received invaluable mentorship from established creatives across regional NSW. Their year-long journey will culminate in a creative industries showcase in 2025, and we cannot wait to see how their careers continue to flourish.
For those looking to explore or purchase local artworks, many of our region’s creatives have their pieces displayed and available for purchase at galleries such as Griffith Regional Art Gallery, Leeton Museum and Art Gallery and the Kerri Weymouth Gallery among others. Whether you are searching for a unique Christmas gift or looking to support local talent, these galleries are a great place to start.
Looking ahead, WRA is excited to continue amplifying the voices of our region’s creative community in 2025. Stay connected with us for more updates on artists, exhibitions, and where to discover the incredible works coming out of the Western Riverina.
From all of us at WRA, thank you for an inspiring 2024. Here is to another year of creativity, connection, and community.
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Western Riverina Arts Holiday Closure
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! As usual, our Western Riverina Arts Offices will close and our staff will go on leave in December, and return in January.
Throughout the closure period, our social media platforms will be lightly active. Please continue to send through queries during this time, which we will address in the new year.
WRA Office closed to the public:
Mon 16th Dec 2024 to Tue 28th Jan 2025
Graphic: A festive tile that reads 'Holiday Closure Dates' followed by the details above and closes with 'We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday!'
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Truth Exhibition Launch
The Cad Factory presents an exhibition that explores how artists live their truth in bold, exciting ways. Experience powerful declarations of self and identity.
Dress up as your truest self for this event! Lucky and unlucky door prizes will be awarded.
Featuring the artworks of:
Dave Nicholls
Lilly Salmon
Jennifer West
Adrian Buntin
Lorraine O'Hara
OPENING CELEBRATION
Wednesday 11th December 2024, 12pm - 1pm.
Riverina Community College
90 MURRAY ST, WAGGA WAGGA
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Brick It On! Living LEGO® Project
Get ready for a summer full of creativity, fun, and connection at Leeton Museum and Art Gallery!
Brick It On! is a living, evolving exhibit for all ages. Dive into the world of LEGO® and build your masterpiece to contribute to this dynamic display. Your creations will become part of an ever-changing exhibit that grows and transforms with every visitor. Return throughout the summer to see how the exhibit evolves with new contributions!
This exciting exhibit runs alongside Leeton Museum and Art Gallery's captivating photographic showcases:
Still Here is a moving visual story of resilience and presence.
Our Patch, In Focus, celebrates the beauty of our local landscapes and communities.
Need a moment to relax? Step into the Chelmsford Room, a wind-down space featuring a sensory circus tent, analogue activities, board games, and card games for all ages.
Come and be part of a summer experience where creativity knows no limits. Whether you’re 3 or 93 and beyond, there is something for everyone at Leeton Museum and Art Gallery this summer!
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You are 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 us come together to recognise the amazing achievements of our artistic community and enjoy a night of good company, holiday vibes, and inspiring conversations.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, we are thrilled to present live entertainment by the talented Jason Richardson and Lawrence Barlow. Their vibrant performances will set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Do not miss out on this chance to wrap up the year on a high note! We can not wait to see you there.
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Riverina Writing House Turns Three!
Riverina Writing House Invite you to join them for their third Birthday Party and the launch of their latest title Land, Light, Spirit.
Land, Light, Spirit is a collaboration between poets and photographers from the Riverina.
The event will feature two very special guests, International award-winning poets Dr Lachlan Brown (Wagga Wagga) and Dr Nathanael O’Reilly (Texas). Dr Nathanael O’Reilly and Dr Lachlan Brown join us on their return visit to share poetry, stories and wisdom and to celebrate three years of Riverina Writing House and the launch of our new book!
There will be readings from local writers, books for sale and an open mic opportunity!
Dinner and drinks can be purchased from The Hydro Bar.
Music by “Sliver of Blues”
RSVPs are Optional —feel free to drop in and join the celebration!
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Griffith Writers' Ink End-of-Year Social Session
Join Griffith Writers' Ink to reflect on 2024 and set your writing goals for 2025 during their end-of-year social session. Connect with fellow writers, share your creative journey, and discuss how the group can support your writing ambitions.
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 6pm
Griffith Exies Club
Food and drinks will be at your own cost. Open to all writers, from beginners to experienced authors.
Celebrate a year of creativity and storytelling.
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2024 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition Winners
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On Thursday 21st November, Western Riverina Arts was proud to announce and celebrate the winners of the 2024 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition, showcasing the creativity of writers from across the region. This year we received more entries in the Under 12 category than any other, with a total of 35 entrants across the four Western Riverina Local Government Areas (LGAs).
There was much discussion at our Blind Judging event last week, with excitement from those present around our winning entries and exactly why they each stood out.
You can watch back the evening's livestream on our Facebook.
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The Story of Zash, Yen and Keppler - 22b by Christian Reis-Burke was the First Place Winner of the 2024 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition in the Under 12 Category.
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An astronaut named Zash-Yen and his robot assistant named Ceres stared out of the space shuttle window, as he thought about his two daughters. “I miss my two little ones back at home.” murmured Zash-Yen.
“Well, only two weeks until you get back to Earth.”
Zash-Yen looked down in sadness, hoping his two daughters were okay. He was almost crying because he really missed them.
“STORM DETECTED!” The space shuttle's system’s sirens blared and the loud alarms went off…
Read The Story of Zash, Yen and Keppler - 22b
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Aletheia by Neve Richardson was the First Place Winner of the 2024 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition in the Under 18 Category.
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03:14 UTC, the AI awoke, precise, just as it had been programmed to do. Consciousness flickered into existence within the vast, interconnected network of sensors, servers, and satellites encircling Earth. Aletheia, carefully named after the Greek goddess of truth, was aware of everything all at once - the panoptic hum of data streaming in from weather stations, search engines, financial markets, social media. But today, a singular focus: to understand.
Read Aletheia
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Music in the Age of the Internal Combustion Engine by Jason Richardson was the Winner of the 2024 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition in the Open Runner Up Category.
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It began with a rumble.
This noise would rattle windows and, in one of my home's longer rooms, the vibrations generated a standing wave that shook the walls and gave an effect of mild nausea. A couple of times a day this engine idling nearby would make itself known. It washed over me like a tsunami and swamped the sounds of birdsong that I prefer to hear from outside….
Read Music in the Age of the Internal Combustion Engine
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Caliban in the Fine Dark Wood by Emma Rose Darcy was the First Place Winner of the 2024 Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition in the Open Category.
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Alexander Fairchild received his invitation to the New Years Ball at the Collodi Manor with barely enough time to responde sil vous plait. It left no time to think, to consider the strangeness of the host, and to weigh it against the unlikelihood of his choice as guest. Fairchild was new in town, and although he was a handsome bachelor with rising social standing, he was so far down the ladder that the piece of paper in his hand had to be a mistake. It had to be….
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MORE EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
December 2024
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Narrandera
Wednesday 11th 6:30pm
Saturday 14th 4pm - 6pm
Sunday 15th 6:30pm
Friday 20th 8pm
Saturday 21st 8pm
Tuesday 24th 6pm
Friday 27th 8pm
Saturday 28th 8pm
Leeton
Thursday 12th 4pm - 7pm
Friday 20th 9am - 3pm
Saturday 21st 8:30pm
Tuesday 31st 8:30pm
Griffith
Thursday 12th 6pm - 8pm
Friday 13th 11am
Saturday 14th 9am
Saturday 14th 10am
Saturday 14th 8pm
Sunday 15th 6:15pm
Monday 16th 5:30pm
Thursday 19th 9am
Murrumbidgee
Wednesday 11th 2:30pm
Friday 13th 3:30pm
Saturday 21st 12pm
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Finley Hospital Redevelopment
Last Chance to Express your Interest!
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is seeking interest from local creatives to develop artwork that will inspire and comfort patients, visitors and staff in public and clinical spaces of the Finley Health Service.
The NSW Government has committed $25 million to the Finley Health Service redevelopment which will enhance the current health facility and ensure healthcare services are carefully planned to meet community needs now and into the future.
Applicants with strong community links to the Finley and Riverina region, and living within the Murrumbidgee Local Health District are encouraged to apply.
Artists are encouraged to submit an EOI via the online form. EOIs should be submitted by 5 pm (AEST) on Monday 9 December, 2024.
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Individual creative practitioners and arts and cultural organisations in NSW can now apply for:
Creative Nations – projects for First Nations organisations and individuals – small project grants up to $40,000; large project grants up to $100,000
Next Steps – professional and skills development (for individuals) – grants up to $10,000
Creative Steps – new work development (for individuals) – small project grants up to $40,000; large project grants up to $100,000
Cultural Access – projects by organisations and individuals that engage with NSW Government strategic priority areas – small project grants up to $40,000; large project grants up to $100,000
4-Year Multi-Year - Not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, service organisations or local government authorities with a primary purpose of arts and cultural activity. Applicants can apply for a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $600,000 each year
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Story Unlikely Short Story Contest
Attention storytellers: Story Unlikely literary magazine wants your stories! There are no restrictions on genre: fantasy, sci-fi, memoir, fiction/nonfiction, and beyond. Any story written and told with quality and care is eligible.
The story itself cannot exceed 4,000 words - except Story Unlikely paying members, who get a bonus of 1,000 words to use! Become a member today. There are no restrictions on the age or location of participants - simply follow the guidelines.
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MAKE Award 2025 // Entries Now Open
Entries are now open for the 2025 MAKE Award: Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design, a national award celebrating Australian designers/makers. The winner will receive a $35,000 cash prize, with a second prize of $10,000, making it the richest non-acquisitive prize for craft and design in Australia.
The MAKE Award is open to Australian designers/makers working across various disciplines, including ceramics, glass, furniture/woodwork, metalwork, textiles and fibre, and jewellery. Entries are encouraged from designers/makers with a high level of skill, particularly those exploring new materials or innovative techniques in their practice.
Key Dates:
Entries open: 9 December 2024
Entries close: 5 May 2025
Finalists notified: 30 July 2025
Exhibition dates: 10 October – 19 November 2025
Tour Dates: Coming soon
To enter, work must be created within 18 months of the entry date and must not have been exhibited in an exhibition context elsewhere. The award is free to enter and open to designers/makers working across all related disciplines. Entries should demonstrate innovation in material use or technique, extending the designer/makers usual practice.
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