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Arts + Culture Update
February '24
Griffith l Leeton l Murrumbidgee l Narrandera
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A Message from the Executive Director
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Aanya Whitehead - Executive Director Western Riverina Arts
A big hello to everyone and I hope you all had a well-deserved break over this lovely
summer. Our team is back in the office and planning for a strong 2024 program. I am
beginning my fifth year as Executive Director of Western Riverina Arts and things have
become busy on all fronts. For the past four years our direction has been on building up
funding support for both creatives and organisations in order to practice and engage with
arts and culture in our regional area.
WRA’s strategic direction for 2024 is ‘Innovation and Strategic Partnerships’. We are looking at a streamlined program in terms of actual events with an impetus to expand our relationship with institutions and organisations both locally and nationally that can support and expand creative employment in our region. As well the program will address ongoing priorities including Regional Artists, First Nations Regional Artists, Regional Youth, and Connecting Creative Communities.
I would especially like to express my gratitude to WRA’s very talented team, advisors and Board who keep WRA engaged across the region. In 2024 we will also look at strategic support for our fulltime practising artists who continue to underpin our creative community in the region and who are reaching national spaces as well as bringing liveability to our towns and villages – there is a lot to creatively see and do in 2024 and we look forward to this journey with you – Happy New Year!
Aanya Whitehead 7th February 2024.
Image: Aanya Whitehead, courtesy Western Riverina Arts 2020 (by Camille Whitehead).
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Professional Development for the WRA Team
During a three-day intensive schedule of professional development and networking, members of the Western Riverina Arts team were hosted by Tony Briggs and Damienne Pradier of Typecast Entertainment Melbourne. Tony, who is the creator and writer of one of Australia’s most successful feature films ‘The Sapphires’, and Damienne, are the co-directors of Typecast - which is a collaborative film, television and events production house.
The Typecast vision is to nurture leadership and provide visibility of First Nation Filmmakers from around the globe and to encourage emerging leaders in the Screen Industry.
For Western Riverina Arts Chair Oumi Karenga-Hewitt, Executive Director Aanya Whitehead, Miil Miil Productions’ Elijah Ingram and Bernard Higgins (also proprietor of Birdyulang Animations) it was an opportunity to learn more about the wider screen industry, connect with skilled and experienced practitioners, and to participate in creative and professional development workshops with the Typecast Directors and team – with the firm intention of continuing to build the emerging Western Riverina screen industry.
Based in and around Collingwood Yards the team experienced an impressive hub for creative professionals across a wide range of disciplines from screen, fashion, visual arts, digital, theatre, and education. Through Typecast Entertainment, the team were able to connect with highly acclaimed professionals such as award-winning director, writer, actor, and producer Wayne Blair (Total Control, Bay of Fires, Mystery Road, Firestarter, Top End Wedding, and The Sapphires). A visit to The Post Lounge provided an opportunity to see first-hand some of the processes and inner workings of a high-quality post-production suite.
Western Riverina Arts Executive Director Aanya Whitehead said that providing direct opportunities to meet with film creatives gave the team insight into the industry workings and further creative empowerment to bring ideas back to the region for testing and realisation.
“We were extremely grateful for the generous time, care, advice and interest that Tony Briggs and Damienne Pradier of Typecast Entertainment dedicated to our visit. There are real opportunities for our region’s writers and emerging screen industry professionals to collaborate with urban creative and production partners and to create and develop film and screen stories that are very much of this place and this time,” said Aanya
Image: Clockwise from bottom left Oumi Karenga-Hewitt, Bernard HIggins, Tony Briggs, Elijah Ingram, Damienne Pradier, courtesy Western Riverina Arts.
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Western Riverina Horizons Recipients Announced
Congratulations to the five young creatives from the Western Riverina who have been selected to participate in a state-wide mentorship program that will see them collaborate and learn with a mentor in their chosen discipline. They will receive support and skills in career pathway development, peer networking opportunities and an end of year showcase of work.
The emerging Western Riverina artists who will participate in the program through 2024 are;
Ella Burns - Film, TV and performing arts.
PJ Lale – Design.
Hannah Mitchell - Performing arts, film and TV.
Jet Smith - Software and creative technologies.
Aduny Takele - Music and sound recording.
Horizons recipient and Griffith based creative PJ Lale says, "I am very excited to be a part of this project, forever grateful for the opportunity to be able to create and learn from people within the creative arts industry."
Horizons Creative Industries Career Launchpad is funded through the Regional Youth Incentive Program of the Office of Regional Youth and the NSW Regional Arts Network.
Western Riverina Arts as part of the wider NSW Regional Arts Network is delighted to support this talented and exciting local cohort, and look forward to seeing them take the next step in their chosen disciplines. We'd also like to encourage established artists in the region to consider the paid mentoring roles within the program.
More on our webpage.
Image: PJ Lale, courtesy the artist.
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Co-celebration sees out 2023
We had so much fun co-celebrating our 2023 end-of-year Networking Christmas party with local artist Kerri Weymouth as she launched her new Coleambally Art Gallery & Studio. Thank you to all the artists, supporters and partners who joined us for a lovely night of review and new beginnings. A special thank you to Griffith Regional Art Gallery Coordinator, Ray Wholohan who officially opened Kerri's new space with a heartfelt tribute to her as an artist, a friend and a valued member of the Western Riverina community.
Another huge thank you to Kerri for sharing her amazing space with us (it is a most incredible asset for Coleambally), Julie Bellato of Muddy Duck of Coleambally for the delicious supper, and Dookie Thorne, Shane Ronan and Xavier Beauchamp for the music.
Image: Kerri Weymouth and Camille Whitehead, courtesy Western Riverina Arts.
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TEDxGriffith Team Gets to Work
TEDxGriffith Thursday 29th August 2024
Join the TEDxGriffith team! Organiser and license-holder Sara Pixley and Co-organiser Jacinda Violi have put the call out - the team is seeking passionate volunteers with skills in planning, logistics, tech, design, marketing, composing and videography to help organise a transformative and hyper-local event.
Sara believes that there are voices, stories and ideas that are unique to the Western Riverina region, and wants to hear from people who have a topic that the TEDx event can platform. The committee will be hosting initial information sessions seeking speakers and skilled volunteers from the community.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organised events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organised TED event. TEDx Griffith
Image: Jacinda Violi and Sara Pixley, courtesy Sara Pixley.
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Lillardia Briggs-Houston
Creative Australia Flourish Initiative Recipient
WRA gives a huge congratulations to Lillardia Briggs-Houston for being announced as one of 11 recipients of the 2024 Creative Australia Flourish initiative; an Australian Government First Nations textile design and fashion innovation fund. Since establishing her design label five years ago Lillardia has consistently achieved national recognition with award-winning hand crafted original and intricate textile design. Lillardia designs and creates her works in Narrungdera, Wiradjuri Country expressing self determination and sovereignty through First Nations fashion and textiles. Image: Lillardia Briggs-Houston designed Walung (money/stone) bodysuit designed, printed and constructed by hand in Narrungdera, Wiradjuri Country. Image source: Lillardia Briggs-Houston Facebook.
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Oumi Karenga-Hewitt
Screenworks 2024 Career Pathways
Hats off to Western Riverina Arts Chair Oumi Karenga-Hewitt, who has been named a successful recipient in the Screenworks 2024 Career Pathways Programs and Screen Composing Mentorship, supporting regional practitioners.
Oumi joins three other regional producers who will receive invaluable support and guidance over the next 12 months from some of Australia’s most respected writers, directors, producers and composers. Oumi will receive support for her professional development, as well as attendance at the Screenworks Regional to Global Screen Forum in 2024 and the 38th SCREEN FOREVER to be held on the Gold Coast in March 2024. Congratulations Oumi!
Image: Oumi Karenga-Hewitt (stage manager for TEDx Wagga), courtesy the artist.
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WRA Artist of the Month - Oumi Karenga-Hewitt
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'What if it's not no??'
In the creative industries we so often view our big ideas or creative concepts in the first
instance through the lens of naysayers and critics – mentally ticking through all the reasons someone, anyone, even ourselves will block that fabulous big idea.
This month’s Western Riverina Artist of the month and Western Riverina Arts Chair Oumi
Karenga-Hewitt flips this thinking in her creative process by asking herself and the creative
communities around her ‘What if it’s not no? What if there’s the slimmest chance it’s a yes?’
Born in Burundi, Oumi moved to London with her mum and siblings when she was four.
During the school years that followed Oumi was immersed in learning, team sports and
drama, and these set the foundations for her love of collaboration, skill building, language
and story-telling. Continuing her collaborative and creative pathway, Oumi completed a
Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature with Film Studies, with an eclectic
slipstream of activities as an extra and a cheerleader.
“Working as an extra was a great introduction to acting and the film process. Cheerleading
combines team sport with performance and is very physical and trusting. It’s like being in a
sisterhood of strength and power, plus it’s huge amounts of fun!” says Oumi.
In 2015, Oumi and her partner Jake stepped out of their busy London-centric lives for a
working holiday in Australia which provided them with time and distance to reconsider what
the future held for them. The holiday turned into a real life plunge into the community of
Griffith; taking up work, celebrating their marriage and welcoming the arrival of their son
Eli.
Oumi says that she never imagined the types of community and creative activities she has
been able to be part of in Griffith. Signing up for the community production of ‘Wicked - the
Musical’ was a significant turning point in how she felt she ‘fitted’ into life in a regional
town.
“I realised there was a place for me here; I was able to maintain a professional career, and
at the same time sing, dance, and act with an amazing group of people - I was fully engaged and invigorated. It showed me that there are so many creative opportunities here for me and for other creatives, and that I could use what I had learned and share it in the creative community of Griffith, and to learn so much myself just by stepping in.”
“Someone I admire in the film industry said to me ‘Let other people say no.’ She was saying take that risk, chase your ideas, what’s the worst that can happen? Hearing that changed my perspective, particularly when I’m developing ideas, writing or approaching people who I would normally place on a pedestal. It helps when you have to go out of your comfort zone to realise an idea. There’s every chance that someone will say no to the idea, but what if it’s not no? What if it’s a yes? It’s terrifying, but you’ve got to take that risk, and be prepared to try again, pivot, or take the idea somewhere else, just don’t let it go because someone else sees an obstacle.”
“Across my work and personal life, I’ve found myself providing opportunities for people to
find their passion and build their skills. Working at CUC Western Riverina, as well as the
many community groups and projects I’m engaged with. I’ve found a lot of young people
aren’t exposed to career opportunities in the creative industries, feeling they have to be in a metro area to realise their dreams; one of my drivers is helping them see what they can
create as a performer, as an artist, as a writer…and show them the avenues available to
them right here. There is no reason to leave or feel left out.”
Oumi says that culturally her family was always very community driven. “We do things
together – I’m not so interested in doing things by myself, it feels very flat in comparison to
working with a community or team.”
2023 showcased Oumi’s versatility and deep involvement in the creative community; in the cast and crew of ‘The Wedding Singer’, as a teaching artist for NIDA Connect, editing non-
fiction for MONA Magazine, stage managing for TEDx Wagga, convening the Griffith Screen Industry Forum, on the casting and production teams for local short film ‘Lords of the Soil’, positions on several committees and taking on the role of Chair of Western Riverina Arts. Amongst all this Oumi finds time and space for her own writing and production work, and to ‘mini-mentor’ a group of emerging young artists from throughout the region, calling them her ‘kidlets’ and involving them in multiple projects – empowering and teaching throughout.
For Oumi nothing is off limits. She has found a community of makers who share common
ideas and thoughts on stories that are positive and reflective of the community, and is
determined to bring at least some of these stories to light.
“Of course, my days are busy, but if you are doing things that speak to something in you,
and you are with people who make you feel good, valued, and worthwhile, then you are
both productive and valued. I am constantly looking for more diversity, people from all
backgrounds and ages to create a greater sense of belonging in the community. To make
what we do even more magical.”
Words: Gemma Purcell February 2024.
Image: Oumi Karenga-Hewitt, courtesy the artist.
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Errol Fielder: Retrospective
Griffith Regional Art Gallery
Until Sunday 3rd March
Griffith Regional Art Gallery’s first major exhibition for 2024 is a comprehensive retrospective of the Wagga-based artist Errol Fielder. Exhibition Curator, art historian Dr Neill Overton, says “As an artist, Fielder does not occupy a convenient ‘ism’, although I tend to refer to it as ‘rural surrealism’, in its inventive narrative scenarios, and drawn images melding personal biography with larger psychologies of the regional landscape of The Rock Hill and the Murrumbidgee River. Fielder’s paintings emerge like sleepwalkers; there is nothing literal about them, they are poetic excursions into place.”
A floor talk with Dr Neill Overton will be offered on Saturday 10 February 2024 at 11am
Image: Errol Fielder, The Olympic Way, 2014, (section).
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2024 Exhibition Program Launch
Griffith Regional Art Gallery
6pm Friday 9th February
Find out what’s showing at the Gallery in 2024 - join the GRAG team at the exhibition program launch event on Friday 9 February at 6pm. Enjoy light refreshments with complimentary bubbles from Dee Vine Estate and get a full run down on all upcoming exhibitions for the year, as well as public programs.
The Gallery team is eager to show off the 2024, and all are welcome to attend the launch.
More information here.
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Miniature Marvels
Memories of Architects & Builders
Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
Until Saturday 17th February
Calling all history enthusiasts and architecture buffs! The town of Leeton has an incredibly rich design and architectural heritage.
The Leeton Family & Local History Society invites you to dive a little deeper into the early foundational buildings of Leeton with this fascinating exhibit at Leeton Museum and Art Gallery.
You will discover the magic of Leeton's early architectural heritage at 'Miniature Marvels: Memories of Architects & Builders.'
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HOME
Workshops at Griffith War Memorial Museum
Friday 9 February, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Saturday 10 February, 11am - 2pm
Have you moved to Griffith from another country? Do you have a special object that you brought with you? Come and share your story!
Gregory Carosi and Elijah Ingram have been commissioned to make a mural in the new Griffith Base Hospital Emergency Department that tells the stories of Griffith’s multicultural community. Griffith residents with a multicultural background are invited to participate in the making of this artwork based on ideas
of ‘home’ and the things we bring with us and the new things we discover during the
experience of migration. The artists are asking people of all ages to drop-in and visit them
at the Griffith War Memorial Museum with an object from their previous home that they brought to Griffith. Participants will be asked to share the story of their object and how the idea of ‘home’ has changed for them. These stories and objects will be brought to life within the mural and will create the final artwork.
For more information call
Sarah on 0405 447 490 or
email sarah@cadfactory.com.au
Image: Gregory Carosi, ‘River-Tree-Plain (Tree 5)’, lift lobby installation,
Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment, 2021. Image courtesy of the artist.
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Flickerfest comes to Griffith
7.30pm Friday 23rd February 2024
Griffith Regional Theatre
With a selection of films handpicked from 3400 entries Flickerfest celebrates the most entertaining and innovative short filmmaking from Australia and around the world.
Celebrating 33 years, Flickerfest is Australia’s only Academy® Qualifying and BAFTA-Recognised Short Film Festival. Everyone is invited to enjoy innovative, humorous and heartfelt shorts from the best in the industry.
Tickets at Griffith Regional Theatre.
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Kokedama Workshop
12.30pm-2.30pm Saturday 2nd March 2024
Monash Park, Jerilderie
The art of creating Kokedamas originated in Japan and involves wrapping and binding plants in moss and string, transforming plants into a mini work of art!
This all inclusive workshop will see you create your own Kokedama, and enjoy refreshments and afternoon tea with your co-creators. Stay into the evening for the Jerilderie Fun Fair!
The workshop is presented by St Joseph's Jerilderie Parents Social & Fund Raising Committee and supported by Western Riverina Arts.
Places are limited, so secure your spot by contacting Eden on 0437 898 430.
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2024 Scene Shift Residency Program
A Cad Factory and Brand X Collaboration
Expressions of Interest open Friday 1st March 2024
The Cad Factory (Narrandera) and Brand X (Sydney) are committed to a rural and urban flow of artistic exchange and learning. This residency program gives a regional artist studio space in the Sydney CBD and gives a Sydney artist studio space in rural NSW. The residencies will allow artists to connect with different communities, build industry connections and give time and space to develop work. The aim of the program is to have meaningful dialogue between the art ecologies of regional and metropolitan NSW.
KEY DATES
Expressions of Interest Open 1 March closing midnight 31 March 2024.
Artists notified 19 April
Residency 1 Dates: 8 – 22 July
Residency 2 Dates: 2 – 16 December
Images: 2023 Scene Shift Residents.
Julie Montgarrett at Brand X Photo: Christina Mishell.
Nick Wishart at the Cad Factory. Photo Vic McEwen
Courtesy The Cad Factory.
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Leeton Art Society
11th Annual Penny Paniz Acquisitive Art Exhibition (PPAAE)
Entries closing Friday 16th February 2024.
It's time for Leeton Shire artists to unleash their creativity and be part of this extraordinary celebration of local art and talent.
The Penny Paniz 2024 theme is Dust & Rain.
Check the Leeton Art Society Inc website for full entry and submission details.
Official Opening Night and Awards Presentation: Friday March 22, 2024, 6pm
Exhibition: Saturday March 23 – Saturday May 4 2024 10am – 3pm
Leeton Museum & Art Gallery
27 -33 Chelmsford Place, Leeton
lasi.com.au - leetonartsociety@gmail.com -
For further details and entry forms Leeton Art Society Inc.
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Horizons Creative Industries Career Launchpad.
Call out for artist mentors.
EoI closes at midnight on Wednesday 21 February 2024.
Become a Mentor for this exciting Regional NSW Youth Project! Regional Arts NSW is looking for practising artists based in regional NSW who have a passion for supporting the next generation of creatives. This is a paid mentoring position which will require approximately 60 hours of time across the life of the project.
You will be connected online with 5 – 6 young people, aged between 16 – 25, who have an interest in a similar field of creative practice that your career has focused on.
Download full details and the Expression of Interest form at Western Riverina Arts.
For any further information contact:
Project Lead Mentor
Narelle Vogel on 0458 716 283.
Project Manager
Fabian Pertzel on 0427 532 044.
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66th Annual Tumut Art Show
Entries close Friday 8th March.
More than $15,000 in prize money.
The Tumut Art Society is proud to present the 66th Annual Art Show, with over $15,000 in prize money!
All entries are welcome in the following categories:
- Open
- Local Scene - identifiable by title
- Oils
- Watercolours / Ink & wash
- Acrylics
- Pastels
- Works on Paper
- Textile Art
- Small Painting
Image: Sue Cochrane – Sun and Gum 2023 First Place Winner – Pastels, courtesy Tumut Art Show.
Find out more & enter here.
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Burrundi Theatre for Performing Arts
Bulangumbaay Bila Dance Workshops
Burrundi Theatre & Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers invites all local youth aged 10-18yrs old to participate in an afternoon of Traditional and Contemporary dance on Wiradjuri Country.
This invitation is extended to all youth across the three rivers to come participate.
The session will be lead by Wiradjuri sisters Rayma and Kerry Johnson. The workshop will also help develop a youth Traditional & contemporary dance group from the Riverine.
The workshop will be held at 2-5pm on Saturday 10th February 2024 at Shannons Dance Studio - 13 Altin Street Griffith. Entry via the rear of the Building.
Please let the team know if you'll be joining via email burrunditheatre@gmail.com
Gathering in respect of Wiradjuri sovereignty never ceded.
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New Dance School opens in Barellan
After a summer refurbishing and preparing the Barellan Anglican Church Hall, Barellan's new dance school, Prestige Classical Coaching is ready for an exciting 2024, providing a full program of classes for all ages and abilities, and saving hours of travel for many local dance families.
Director and founder Jorja Nicholls says there has been keen interest in the lead up from those in Barellan, Griffith, Leeton and beyond.
Join Prestige Classical Coaching as they open their studio to the public and all dance families.
Petite, Junior, Intermediate and Senior classes are filling quickly. Enrolments are available online here and at the studio.
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Create NSW Arts & Cultural Funding Program
Round 2 closing 19th February
Funding is available in four categories:
Creative Koori - for individuals/groups and organisations up to $60,000. This targeted funding is for NSW-based Aboriginal artists, groups, arts/cultural workers and organisations in delivering arts and culture activities that benefit Aboriginal artists, arts/cultural workers and Aboriginal communities.
Project funding for individuals and groups - up to $60,000. This fund supports innovative, accessible NSW arts and culture, and the employment and development of professional artists and cultural workers.
Project funding for organisations - up to $60,000. Funding for organisations and local government authority projects to support innovation, vibrancy and creativity within the NSW arts and cultural sector.
Annual funding for organisations - up to $200,000. This funding is provided to support arts and cultural organisations, local government authorities and service organisations to deliver arts and cultural activities throughout a single calendar or financial year.
Find out more about ACFP funding and support.
Image: Circus Monoxide -Through the decades. Photo: Children of the Revolution Photography
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We Weave Together, Weaving Gathering
Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance
Expressions of Interest Now Open
We Weave Together, Weaving Gathering is a weaving journey that intertwines culture, skill and community. Be part of this cultural exchange, where threads of raffia meet the product of modern connectivity, creating a fabric of unity that stretches across the vast landscapes of regional and remote NSW. This event commits to providing a culturally safe space for Aboriginal Yinaar from Regional and Remote NSW to come together to share stories, and the cultural practice of weaving.
Expressions of Interest are open now for We Weave Together - Weaving Gathering.
Friday, 8th March to Sunday, 10th March 2024
Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre 69 Redrock Road, Corindi Beach NSW 2456 Gumbaynggirr country.
COST: $50 per person WHATS INCLUDED IN THE COST: 2 Nights shared accommodation at the venue. All meals from Morning Tea Friday until Lunch on Sunday at the venue. A selection of raffia, needles and weaving materials. Travel is not included in the cost.
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Create NSW’s Createability Internship Program
Open for applications until 11th March 2024
Applications are open for a career-enhancing opportunity for creative practitioners with disability or who are d/Deaf to intern with some of NSW’s leading arts and screen organisations. Create NSW’s Createability Internship Program invites applications for its 2024 program, for NSW artists and arts workers with a disability or who are d/Deaf to gain valuable paid experience and professional development and increase their networks in their chosen field.
Up to 10 interns will be selected in 2024 to work with host organisations in Regional NSW, Western Sydney and Sydney. The internship opportunities range from technical TV production roles, digital production, program research, behind-the-scenes theatre roles, to marketing, fundraising, audience development and event support.
The Createability Internship Program is delivered through Create NSW and Screen NSW, in partnership with disability advocacy organisation Accessible Arts to grow pathways to employment for arts and screen practitioners with disability or who are d/Deaf. Accessible Arts will provide training for host organisations and interns to improve access and inclusion, helping to remove the barriers people with disability often face in the workplace.
Image: Renee Allara 2023 Createability Intern Cementa Kandos NSW. Photo: Garry Trinh.
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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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Regional Arts Touring - 2023/24 applications now open. Closing 26th February 2024.
Applications for Create NSW’s 2023/24 Regional Arts Touring funding program are open.
Supporting NSW artists and cultural producers to tour high-quality productions, experiences, exhibitions and events to regional and rural centres in NSW. Applications close 26 February 2024.
Learn more and apply.
Image: Jonathan Jones untitled (transcriptions of country) Photo: Jenni Carter.
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$10,000 National Acquisitive Prize 2024
Entries are now open for $10,000 Harden Art Prize.
The event aims to promote Harden-Murrumburrah to the arts community of Australia and to encourage visitors to the region. The exhibition will take place during April 2024 at the Old Courthouse, Albury St, Murrumburrah NSW.
Entries close Friday 16th February 2024.
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