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Arts + Culture Update
May '24
Griffith l Leeton l Murrumbidgee l Narrandera
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Hello Fellow Artist,
My name is Roslyn Lockhart. I am a Barkindji woman from my grandmother's and mother's side and Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba from my grandfather's and mother’s side. I acknowledge my heritage with pride and respect because of my amazing family.
I still cannot get my head around the landslide of the (2023 Voice Referendum) no vote. I thought I would be ok about it. But it has left me feeling lost in an ocean, with no sense of which direction to start swimming. It is months now, and I have yet to find how to meaningfully move forward in a positive way, that also stamps this landmark time.
When I talk to many other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within my circle of contacts, they feel great grief, disappointment or that they have let our future generations down. Non Indigenous Australians who wished for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have constitutional recognition also have deep sadness.
I am wondering how we, as artists, can work in ways to positively impact ourselves and those around us in a creative way post the referendum. I am wondering who is feeling the same, or who just feels the need to create, so that something is left as an artist statement about this point in time.
Please ring or email me. I am happy to hear your thoughts. I work full time, so if I miss your call, I will ring you back.
I am trying to gauge if I am alone in this feeling or if we are quietly, all feeling the same.
Regards Roslyn Lockhart
Phone: 0427 275 886
Email: lockharr@bigpond.net.au
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The Joyce Spencer Textile Awards 2024
Textile artists based in regional NSW are invited to submit an expression of interest in the Joyce Spencer Textile Awards, open now until Sunday 2nd June 2024.
Joyce Spencer (1928-2019) of Narrandera was a talented, curious and generous artist and craft practitioner, mentor and author - highly active in spinning, weaving, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and more. Joyce's personal motto was "a creative mess is better than tidy idleness.”
The Joyce Spencer Textile Awards have been created in her honour, and aim to support regional NSW textile artists or collectives to deliver new artworks or exhibitions. The awards are made possible with funds from the Spencer family and Western Riverina Arts, in partnership with the Cad Factory.
One fellowship of $4000 will be awarded to a mid-career artist or group, with a further $1500 awarded to a highly commended artist. One mentorship of $500 will be awarded to an emerging artist, they will also receive a one-hour mentorship session with a suitable senior textile artist.
EOI's close Sunday 2nd June 2024.
Read more and apply.
Image: Joyce Spencer (1928-2019), artist, James T Farley.
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Josephine's Talent Recognised.
16-year-old vocalist Josephine Furore has been named Young Musician of the Year at the Griffith Musician's Club's fifteenth annual competition.
Well done Josephine!
The award recognises teenage musicians in the Griffith community who have excelled in their chosen field of music.
Out of a very high quality field of 15 applications, four finalists were selected;
Anthony Bethe - Flute
Emily Power - Piano & Vocals
Kemuel Dela Rosa - Guitar
Josephine Furore - Vocals.
The Musician's Club meets monthly, every 3rd Wednesday and new members are very welcome.
Image: Josephine Furore, courtesy Griffith Musician's Club Facebook.
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Scene Shift Recipients Announced.
Congratulations to Harriet Gillies (Sydney) and Scott Baker (Bermagui) on receiving the Scene Shift Residency in 2024! Brand X (Sydney) and the Cad Factory (Sandigo) are committed to a rural and urban flow of artistic exchange and learning via the Scene Shift Residency, which enables a regional artist to undertake a residency at the City of Sydney Creative Studios, and a metropolitan artist to undertake a residency at the Cad Factory Studio in Sandigo.
Harriet Gillies is an award-winning performance artist whose work spans digital, durational, participatory, visual, immersive, new writing and hybrid text forms of contemporary performance. Says Harriet, "Being selected for this residency is an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a new artistic ecosystem. By exchanging urban Sydney for rural Narrandera, I'll gain fresh perspectives that will breath new life into my creative practice, particularly my new mixed media project, 'When the Entropy Hits'."
Scott Baker is a multidisciplinary artist pushing pixels around since the late 90s when floppy disks were currency. Agile and adaptable, he works with live audio-visual performance, audio-visual installation and large-scale video projections exploring site specific responses to life, the universe, and everything. He says, "The Scene Shift Residency is a unique opportunity to further existing connections and to forge new ones....the set and setting of inner Sydney for a regional artist creates a fish out of water scenario where creativity comes from rapid adaptation."
Images: Scott Baker, courtesy the artist. Harriet Gillies photographer Joseph Mayers.
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'Meet the Instruments' Street Performance and Artist Chat in Coleambally.
On 23rd April a crowd of locals gathered in the glorious autumn sunshine outside the Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery & Studio, Coleambally, as the Acacia Quartet filled the street with known and new music. The performance was followed by an enthusiastic question and answer session with the artists about their work, their careers and their instruments, plus a wonderful afternoon tea.
Western Riverina Arts was a partner in the event, and we would like to thank Kerri Weymouth for providing her Art Gallery and Studio as the perfect venue, the wonderful organisers and artists of Music in the Regions and The Acacia Quartet, and Coleambally's The Coffee Nest Cafe for the trays of deliciousness provided. The whole afternoon was a treat.
Image: Members of Acacia Quartet, Lisa Stewart, Doreen Cumming, Stefan Duwe & Anna Martin-Scrase performing at Coleambally, courtesy Western Riverina Arts.
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The Robertson Brothers
1960 Variety TV Show
Geoff and Ben Robertson are your cheeky hosts for this fab night of entertainment as they pay tribute to the musical giants of the 1960’s.
7.30pm Friday 10th May l Griffith Regional Theatre.
Bookings and more information.
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Kurrajong Narrandera Drama Group
'When Juliet Met Johnny'.
Experience the Enchanting Tale of 'When Juliet Met Johnny' with Kurrajong Narrandera Drama Group.
Prepare for a magical journey filled with laughter, tears, and dance.
Click the link below or call the Narrandera team on 02 5938 0962 today to get your tickets.
Friday 3rd May 6pm l Narrandera CRC Church.
Saturday 4th May 1pm l Narrandera CRC Church.
Bookings and more information.
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Leaving Jackson
Jeff Carter leads the charge with an absolute no holds barred performance of a younger Johnny Cash. A high energy wholehearted performance you will love.
7.30pm Friday 17th May l Griffith Regional Theatre.
Bookings and more information.
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Sophie Chauncey - Trails
Growing up by the banks of the Murrumbidgee, artist Sophie Chauncy is inspired by the energy and beauty of the MIA and rural Australian bushland. Join the artist and friends for the launch event.
6pm Friday 14th June l Griffith Regional Art Gallery.
Bookings and more information.
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Highway of the Lost Hearts
A woman. A dog. A campervan. And 4,500kms of wide open road.
Mot wakes up one morning to find that her heart is missing from her chest. She can breathe; she has a pulse—but she feels… nothing. So, she decides to go and look for it. 'Highway of Lost Hearts' by Mary Anne Butler is half gritty road journey, half magic realism and all heart. It leaves you pondering the question: when your heart goes missing, what lengths will you go to in order to find it again?
7.30pm Wednesday 29th May l Griffith Regional Theatre.
Read More
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Stories of Resilience
Leeton Business Chamber, Rotary Club of Leeton and Leeton Connect presents 'Stories of Resilience' Breakfast Event No 4 in their Series of Five Events. You are invited to breakfast with a panel of Leeton locals who will share their stories and experiences of overcoming adversity and bouncing back to success.
For further information contact
Mary Errey
Leeton Connect Inc
0407 948 397
Email: coordinator@leetonconnect.com
7:00am - 8:30am Wed 22nd May l Hydro Hotel Leeton.
Read more and register.
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Open Studio
The Griffith Regional Art Gallery is opening its courtyard for artists to enjoy a collaborative art space. Book a place and meet other artists for encouragement and inspiration.
Saturday 25 May 11:30am l Griffith Regional Art Gallery.
Read More
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Saturday Night Social
Imagine taking a spin to a swinging live band under sparkling lights. Join Dance Makers Collective and The Tin Shed Rattlers in a night of joyous dancing at the Saturday Night Social at the Ganmain Town Hall.
Saturday 11th May 7pm l Ganmain Hall.
Read More
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Artist of the Month - Jake Semmler, Videographer & Photographer
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Artist of the Month Jake Semmler’s earliest memories are of jumping in the car with his father, Daryl Semmler, a talented photographer, and racing out the Barellan Road to capture a storm rolling in, to Narrandera’s Rocky Waterholes for a particular light or spending an afternoon shooting the vast and changing landscapes in the region.
“At first, I just wanted to hang out with Dad, cruise around and explore, but then I got more and more interested in what he was actually doing. I was given a little point-and-shoot camera for my 10th birthday and haven’t really put the camera down since,” said Jake.
In the first year of high school Jake had stockpiled enough pocket money to purchase a Lumix FZ80, with video capability, and started shooting and learning.
“I had learned all the basics of photography like framing, light and aspect from Dad and then, moving into video, I was constantly online looking for tutorials, and how-to guides. I’d go out and try stuff with the camera then come home and edit it, and then try again.”
Holding on to and giving oxygen to an artistic streak through high school can be a challenge. The common ground for Jake and his circle of friends was the skate park – where they’d spend their spare time – messing about on skateboards and scooters - with Jake capturing all the action.
“I always had the camera out, and of course we all wanted to see the end result. I would race home from school and stay up late or get up very early to edit the latest shoot we had done and put it up on YouTube. I couldn’t wait to get home, there was always a project to edit or fix or change.
“Working with video is so dynamic – there is so much you can do with it, with dialogue, music, effects…even then I knew that it was all I really wanted to do, but I wasn’t sure of the path.”
The idea of a career as a videographer crystallised for Jake when his drone footage of the Murrumbidgee River flooding Narrandera was picked up by news outlets and shared nationwide. By senior high many of Jake’s friends were splintering off to pursue apprenticeships, join family businesses or to farm. An offer of consistent work from Griffith Real Estate gave Jake the confidence to leave school and commence freelancing.
“I had to say to them, ‘Hey I’m only 16, I don’t even have my driver’s licence yet.’ They were willing to give me a go anyway and have stayed with me ever since. My parents were really supportive and drove me to all the early jobs until I had my P plates, and with that independence I started taking on more and more commercial work from all over the region.”
Around that time independent filmmaker Ozan ‘Ozzie’ Fikri arrived and settled in Narrandera with his partner Cassie and their young children. From the time they met Ozzie and Jake became firm friends, creative collaborators, and partners in film.
“There was suddenly this mentor in my world, but also from my world of film and video, who has all this experience and knowledge and is so generous in sharing and teaching. We work together often, and Ozzie has taught me so much.”
Over the past twelve months Jake has shot and edited music videos featuring emerging Narrandera rap artist Xavier Beauchamp (Beacho 2700), street events, festivals, content for rising Narrandera boxer Jesse Riddell, news items and advertisements. Jake balances the bread and butter of running a business with the creative freedom and innovation of working on music videos and promotional content.
At just 18, Jake is now the artistic force and proprietor of his own freelance photography, videography and editing business - Jake Film and Photography.
“The transition from the structure of school to owning and running a small business has been huge. You are meeting clients, shooting, editing – all while keeping up with social media, filing, invoicing, marketing, managing the tech and studio equipment, and trying to build your skills. There’s so much involved.
“I’m always surprised where the work comes from – and it’s all over the region,” he says. “Based here in Narrandera I’m central to several major towns.”
Jake intends to continue building his business in Narrandera, working with business and creative partners and one day shifting his home studio into its own commercial space.
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Currawa Crossing 2024
The ‘Currawa Crossing’ exhibition is returning in 2024. Indigenous Artists from across the Riverina and Murray regions are invited to submit work to the community exhibition to be held at the Corowa Art Space.
The exhibition will be on display from the 24th May – 14th July 2024 and will run to coincide with Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and artistic achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples residing in the region.
Artists interested in submitting work can find out more and receive a submission form by emailing communityevents@federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au.
Artwork Drop Points and Deadlines
9th May: Kerri Weymouth Art Studio and Gallery, 25-27 Brolga Place, Coleambally NSW.
9th May: Western Riverina Arts Offices, Leeton Museum and Gallery, 27-33 Chelmsford Pl, Leeton NSW.
9th May: Griffith Regional Art Gallery, 167 Banna Ave, Griffith NSW.
20th May: Federation Council, Corowa Civic Centre, 100 Edward Street, Corowa NSW.
Image: Detail of 'Ages Ago' by Sarah Weymouth.
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Casting Call
GRAPA and Creative Connection Riverina present Read & Feed being staged on 19th May - and are currently looking for interested actors.
'Read & Feed' is a series of lightly staged play readings, presented live to an audience.
Actors will be given their role and script prior to rehearsals, but the nature of the play will remain a secret for the audience until the moment they arrive. Actors will have the opportunity to develop their characterisation skills, understanding of text and improvisation in a low-pressure, low-time commitment environment.
If you are interested in joining the cast, please submit the linked form.
Season 4: Rehearsals on 5th and 12th May.
Performance on 19th May.
Expression of Interest:
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Griffith Regional Art Gallery
Community Art Exhibition
The Fruits of Labour: Celebrating 100 years of Irrigation Research and the CSIRO
Artists are invited to contribute to this Community Exhibition, highlighting the legacy of the CSIRO in Griffith. The Australian Citrus Research Station was established in Griffith in 1924, and later became part of the CSIR and then the CSIRO in 1949. This exhibition will showcase CSIRO memorabilia and artworks depicting its importance to the community.
Contact the Gallery for details on how to be involved.
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Grieve 2024
Hunters Writers' Centre
The Hunter Writers’ Centre announces the reopening of the Grieve Project, inviting writers and storytellers nationwide to participate. This year, storytelling genres for Grieve will include prose, poetry, and a variety of multimedia formats such as film, audio, graphic storytelling, and visual imagery.
Submissions close Friday May 10, 2024 at 8.00 pm.
Grieve 2024
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Voices of Women Short Film and Script Festival (NSW)
Women creatives are invited to take part in the Voices of Women Short Film and Script Festival, a platform that centres recognition, networking and forging lifelong connections with like-minded artists. Awards are available for actors, writers and directors, and submissions are accepted for Best Film, Best Script and Best Music.
Early bird entries close 2nd June 2024.
Learn more and enter.
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Dance Rites
Registrations are now open for the eighth annual DanceRites competition, a celebration of First Nations dance, music and culture, taking place on the Opera House Forecourt and live streamed online on 19-20 October. Each group will present a Cultural Dance and Song Cycle, representing their local storytelling and language.
Registrations close 22nd May 2024.
Learn more and register.
Image: Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers performing at DanceRites 2023, by Daniel Boud.
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Jacaranda Acquistive Drawing Award (JADA)
Grafton Regional Gallery invites artists from across Australia to submit entries for the 2024 JADA.
The JADA is Australia’s richest regional drawing award. This award seeks to encourage and promote innovation and excellence in drawing. Over the years the JADA has documented the development of contemporary drawing practice in Australia, and has captured how drawing has changed and evolved.
At the official opening of the exhibition to be held on Friday 27 September 2024, two prizes will be awarded.
First Prize: $35,000
Early Career Award: $5,000
Entries close 30th June.
For further information.
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National Association for the Visual Arts
NAVA Talks AI
NAVA Talks AI is a collaborative series of good practice conversations on the use and impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on work and practice in visual arts, craft and design.
While AI presents a world of creative and supportive potential for artists and arts workers, it also poses significant challenges regarding copyright, consent, creative/cultural autonomy, Indigenous sovereignty and labour.
In May, NAVA presents three online sessions where industry experts will tackle legal and ethical tensions at the intersection of AI and arts practice.
Participation is free. Register for each session to join the conversation.
For further information.
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