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Arts + Culture Update
February 2025
Griffith l Leeton l Murrumbidgee l Narrandera
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Welcome to 2025 – A Year of Creativity and Connection
The Western Riverina Arts team is back and already deep into planning what promises to be an extraordinary year of connecting creative communities. From exhibitions and performances to funding opportunities, artist support programs, and professional development initiatives, we are dedicated to supporting the vibrant creative communities that make up our region.
Our Executive Director, Aanya Whitehead, started the year by attending two significant cultural events that set the tone for the exciting year ahead. At the Yarruwala Festival in Griffith, Aanya witnessed the beginning of a collaborative large-scale artwork, which will pay tribute to the cultural and historical importance of the Three Ways site. The project will be completed in 2025 and will stand as a lasting symbol of the region's connection to its rich heritage.
Meanwhile, at Jeithi Jerilderie’s Respect and Hope event, Damien “Dookie” Thorne’s storytelling and music, presented by Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation, highlighted the theme of community resilience. The event brought people together to reflect on culture, unity, and pride. Aanya shared with the WRA Team her enthusiasm for the incredible strength and creativity displayed by the artists and performers.
Looking ahead, the arts and culture calendar is already packed with exciting events, including the upcoming Warangesda Festival. This event will celebrate First Nations culture and will be another incredible opportunity for the community to come together and witness the talent of local artists.
2025 is shaping up to be a year filled with major projects, community collaborations, regional exhibitions, and artist support programs. As we continue to work hard behind the scenes, we look forward to seeing these plans come to life and supporting the artists and cultural initiatives that make the Western Riverina a unique and thriving creative hub.
Stay tuned for updates on all the latest news, funding opportunities, and events. Got an event, workshop, exhibition, or arts news to share? We would love to hear what is coming up in your community—let us know so we can help spread the word!
Photo: Care of Western Riverina Arts - Aanya Whitehead. Taken at Jeithi Jerilderie Respect and Hope Event.
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On Saturday March 15 and Sunday March 16, join us for Warangesda Festival 2025, a powerful celebration of First Nations music, culture, and storytelling, marking 100 years since the closure of Warangesda Aboriginal Mission.
Established in 1880 through the direct collaboration of the Wiradjuri people and Reverend John Brown Gribble, Warangesda was more than a mission—it was a place of strength, resilience, and cultural continuity. The Wiradjuri people chose the site for its deep connections to nearby ceremonial sites, shaping it into a thriving community that became a model for First Peoples sovereignty, self-determination and advocacy.
Set on these historic grounds, this multi-day festival will bring together incredible Indigenous artists, musicians, and performers, alongside cultural workshops, a youth festival, and more. Through music, art, and shared experiences, we reflect on the past while celebrating the living culture and creativity of First Nations people today.
The organisers are calling for Expressions of Interest in the following areas:
* EOI Local Artists & Performers - Contact the Artistic Director for opportunities at Warangesda Festival.
* EOI Volunteers - Always a fantastic way to engage with a festival and you get to learn so much.
* EOI Sponsors - Get your sponsor package now! a great way to contribute and engage with your community.
Do not miss this unforgettable gathering. Head to warangesdafestival.com.au or visit FB or Insta for opportunities, lineup, event details, and ticket information.
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Flamenco For Everybody – Western Riverina Tour 2025
Western Riverina Arts is proud to present Flamenco For Everybody, a dynamic program of performances and workshops celebrating the passion and artistry of flamenco. Led by the acclaimed Annalouise Paul Dance Theatre, this tour brings world-class flamenco music and dance to communities across the Western Riverina and Outback New South Wales.
"Flamenco for Everybody is an exhilarating theatrical experience that opens with Annalouise’s story and unfolds into a full live concert of languid Flamenco guitar, Spanish songs, poetry, high-energy percussion, contemporary-flamenco dance and evocative sound design. This Australian story is seamlessly woven, deeply emotional and energising. A brave show that shares its resilience with communities everywhere. It is the very spirit of this dance and music that uplifts and heals. You’ll love to listen but by the end, you’ll want to get up and dance!"
This tour is travelling the region and Western Riverina Arts is excited to be a major supporter.
There really is something for everybody! You have the opportunities to go to workshops and very special live evening shows - so why not go to both! Fully experience this is a very rare dance treat coming to our towns.
Tour Schedule:
6pm Tuesday 4th March - GRONG GRONG Sing-Along at Grong Grong Earth Park; Free (details in our newsletter below)
5.30pm Wednesday 5th March - NARRANDERA Community Dance Workshop; $15 entry
7.00pm Friday 7th March - YANCO/LEETON Live Evening Show; $25 entry
7.00pm Saturday 8th March - JERILDERIE Live Evening Show; $25 entry
Bookings Here!
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6pm Tuesday 4th March - GRONG GRONG Sing-Along at Grong Grong Earth Park; Free
The Grong Grong Sing-Along Community Workshop marks the first public event of the tour and offers a rare opportunity to experience flamenco in an interactive and welcoming setting. Whether you are a musician, a casual singer, or simply enjoy live music, this free community event invites everyone to participate. No prior experience is required.
Set under the open sky at Grong Grong Earth Park, the evening will be filled with music, rhythm, and community spirit. Thanks to With One Voice Riverina and the Grong Grong School of Arts the event will feature local musicians and singers for a truly unique experience.
Pizzas will be on offer with Spanish-inspired flavours will be available for purchase freshly made in the community pizza oven by the Grong Grong School of Arts.
Tuesday, 4 March 2025, 6.00 PM
Grong Grong Earth Park
This is a free event, and no bookings are required.
Do not miss this special opportunity to be part of Flamenco For Everybody as it begins its journey through the Western Riverina. In addition to this free event, the tour will feature a series of other workshops and performances in other locations, offering audiences the chance to experience the full depth and artistry of flamenco.
Flamenco For Everybody – Western Riverina and Outback Tour 2025 is presented by Annalouise Paul Dance Theatre, made possible with funding from Create NSW, and supported by Western Riverina Arts, Auspicious Arts Projects, Outback Arts, and South West Arts.
Photos: Supplied by Annalouise Paul Dance Theatre 2025
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The Leeton Roxy Community Theatre is reopening with a community launch on Saturday 1st March 2025. You now have a chance to see a range of programming in the newly upgraded venue, which has been a long journey for the Leeton Community who have put years of time and effort to getting its doors back open.
Explore here!
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Celebrate Sisterhood – A Special Fundraising Event
Join us for a day of connection, celebration, and giving back at Celebrate Sisterhood. Enjoy a wonderful gathering while supporting melanoma awareness.
Saturday, 15 February 2025, 11 AM
The Commercial Hotel Barellan
56 Yapunyah St, Barellan, NSW
Tickets: $100 (includes a $20 donation to Melanoma Awareness)
Limited spots available – secure your place now!
For bookings and details, call (02) 6963 9249.
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Exhibitions & Events Beyond the Western Riverina
If you are looking for arts and culture just beyond the region, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery’s autumn exhibition program offers a compelling mix of group and solo exhibitions.
On now and coming soon:
Nuanced: 75 Years of the Wagga Wagga Art Society (4 Feb – 27 Apr) – A celebration of the society’s current members.
Mei Zhao: Remapping Erased Landscapes (15 Feb – 25 May) – A newly commissioned exhibition supported by Create NSW.
Lisa Sammut: Radial Sign (15 Feb – 27 Apr) – A touring exhibition from Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
Fantastic Forms: Bundanon (14 Feb – 27 Apr) – A dynamic exhibition featuring works from the Bundanon Collection alongside contemporary artists.
For full details, visit: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
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Charles Sturt University Art Collection Exhibition
Discover a compelling selection of printmaking and poetry at the Charles Sturt University Art Collection exhibition. Featuring historical linocut prints and framed poetry by First Nations activist, poet, and printmaker Kevin Gilbert, alongside unique and editioned screen prints by Michelle Hamer and environmental monotype prints by Sarah McConnell.
Now showing.
Griffith Regional Art Gallery, 167 Banna Ave, Griffith, NSW
This exhibition explores activism, storytelling, and environmental themes through a powerful combination of print and text.
Find out more: Facebook Event
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Turbans4Australia: Our Southwest Sikhs Exhibition Launch
Explore the fascinating history of Sikh immigrants in Australia at Turbans4Australia: Our Southwest Sikhs, an exhibition that traces Sikh migration from 1890 to the present and celebrates their contributions to Australian society and cultural heritage.
Saturday, 15 February 2025, 10 AM
Pioneer Park Museum, 167 Banna Ave, Griffith, NSW
Join the museum team for the official launch on Saturday, 15 February, 12:00 – 2:00 PM, featuring live music and free food.
The exhibition will be open daily from 10 AM – 4 PM.
Free exhibition - Standard admission prices apply.
Join the Pioneer Park Museum team to learn about the Sikh community’s journey and legacy in the region.
Find out more: Pioneer Park Museum Facebook Event
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Griffith Regional Art Gallery 2025 Launch Event
Celebrate the start of an exciting year at Griffith Regional Art Gallery’s 2025 launch event. Enjoy light refreshments and complimentary bubbles from Dee Vine Estate while getting an exclusive preview of the year’s upcoming exhibitions and public programs.
This event will also mark the official opening of What We Owe, an exhibition featuring historical linocut prints and framed poetry by First Nations activist, poet, and printmaker Kevin Gilbert, alongside screen-printed works by Michelle Hamer and environmental monotype prints by Sarah McConnell.
Saturday, 17 February 2025, 6 PM
Griffith Regional Art Gallery, 167 Banna Ave, Griffith, NSW
All are welcome to attend. Join Griffith Regional Art Gallery in celebrating the year ahead!
Find out more here.
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Upcoming Exhibitions at Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
He Took My Beautiful – Raeleen Pfeiffer
Raeleen Pfeiffer’s powerful solo exhibition He Took My Beautiful is a deeply personal exploration of trauma, resilience, and justice. Through striking linocut prints, Pfeiffer shares her lived experience, challenging societal and legal responses to survivors of sexual violence. This confronting yet important body of work invites reflection and dialogue on issues too often left unspoken.
8 March – 5 April
Chelmsford Gallery, Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
Content Warning: This exhibition explores themes of sexual assault and contains adult material and coarse language.
If this exhibition raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available:
A Common Thread – Year 3
Celebrate the artistry of textile and fibre artists in A Common Thread, now in its third year. This community-driven exhibition explores the beauty of texture, light, and storytelling through thread, with each piece reflecting the invisible bonds that unite us all.
Gather with fellow artists and art lovers for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and creativity as we open this much-loved exhibition.
Opening late February
Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
Stay tuned to Leeton Museum and Art Gallery’s socials for upcoming events and offerings.
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Create and Connect with Narrandera Arts 2025
Bring your painting, stitching, mosaics, or any creative project and join fellow artists and makers at the Narrandera Railway Workshop. Enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environment where you can share ideas, find inspiration, and work alongside like-minded creatives.
Tea and coffee provided. Treats to share are welcome.
$5 per session – no commitment, just good company.
Monthly sessions:
Wednesdays at 6:00 PM – First and third Wednesday of the month
Saturdays at 1:30 PM – Second and fourth Saturday of the month
First session: Saturday 15 February 1pm - 3pm
Location: Narrandera Railway Workshop
For more information, visit: Narrandera Shire Council – Create and Connect
For enquiries, contact Julie on 0427 985 297.
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CSU: What We Owe - Curator Talk with Dr. Thomas Middlemost
Join Griffith Regional Art Gallery for a curator talk with Dr. Thomas Middlemost, curator of the What We Owe exhibition. Dr. Middlemost has been the art curator of the Charles Sturt University Art Collection for over 25 years and holds a PhD in Art History from the Australian National University, specialising in monotype printmaking.
What We Owe brings together works exploring themes of activism, identity, and environmental impact. The exhibition features historical linocut prints and framed poetry by Wiradyuri activist, poet, and printmaker Kevin Gilbert, whose powerful works reflect on justice and resilience. Also included are Michelle Hamer’s screenprints examining the medicalisation and imaging of the body, and Sarah McConnell’s monotype prints, which depict large-scale environmental protests and extreme weather events.
Light refreshments provided.
Date: Saturday 22 February, 2pm
Location: Griffith Regional Art Gallery, 167 Banna Ave, Griffith
Find out more here.
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We are excited to introduce The Spotlight Series! Formerly known as Artist of the Month, this refreshed feature will continue celebrating the artists of the Western Riverina while also diving into big conversations shaping the arts and culture world. From creative journeys to industry insights, we will be exploring the stories that creatively matter. But we want to hear from you—what topics, trends, or discussions would you love to see in the spotlight? Let us know, and help shape the conversations that inspire our community. Stay tuned for our first feature soon!
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The Penny Paniz Acquisitive Arts Exhibition (PPAAE) is the annual art event for the Leeton Art Society Inc. With the exhibition beginning in 2013, PPAAE has continued to grow year on year and showcases an abundance of local artworks. The 2025 exhibition is highly anticipated, with over 150 artworks on display and for sale at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery. The PPAAE exhibition is set to run for six weeks, and is sure not to be missed.
2025 Entries Open 11/11/24 and Close 10/03/2025
Find out more here.
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PATHWAYS FOR ARTISTS AND CREATIVES
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Pricing for Creatives – Free Online Workshop
Take the uncertainty out of pricing your creative work with Pricing for Creatives, a practical online workshop for artists, makers, and creatives. Learn how to calculate costs, choose pricing methods, and understand market value in a structured and informative session.
Thursday 20th February - 6pm
Online via Zoom.
Delivered by Creative Plus Business through Service NSW Business Connect.
Bookings are essential. Participants will receive valuable resources, expert insights, and access to further support.
Find out more and register here.
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How to Start a Creative Business – Free Online Workshop
Thinking about turning your creative passion into a business? How to Start a Creative Business is a free, practical online workshop designed for artists, makers, and creatives ready to take the next step. Learn the essentials of business setup, financial management, and marketing in a supportive and informative session.
Thursday 22nd February – 6pm
Online via Zoom.
Delivered by Creative Plus Business through Service NSW Business Connect.
Bookings are essential. Participants will receive expert guidance, practical resources, and access to further support.
Find out more and register here.
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Creative Australia – Grant Opportunities Now Open
Creative Australia currently has 16 open grant opportunities available on its Investment and Development page, supporting artists and creative professionals across a range of disciplines. Funding is available for professional development, residencies, and international touring, with grants designed to help artists expand their practice, develop new work, and connect with audiences worldwide.
Some opportunities close in a matter of weeks, while others remain open all year. Do not miss out—take a look today and find the right support for your creative journey.
For more information and to explore available opportunities, visit Creative Australia – Investment and Development.
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Stay Cool Exhibition, Workshops and Call For Entries
Griffith Artspace will host an international collaboration later in 2025 and you're invited to get involved. The Stay Cool exhibition is looking for photography, poetry and music inspired by the landscape.
"We're asking people to share the locations where they feel a connection," said Curator Jason Richardson. "It would be great if you have a photograph of the site to bring along to one of the online workshops planned for March and April."
A series of tutors from different parts of the world will share their tips for creating short, three-line poems that encompass insights into responses to the places identified by participants.
A selection of these poems will be distributed by Naviar Records, whose online community have been creating music and soundscapes from these creative prompts for over a decade.
"In 2017 I we collaborated on the Crossing Streams exhibition in Narrandera that included dozens of haiku from local writers aged between eight and 80, as well as nearly six hours of music."
The Stay Cool exhibition will be held at the Griffith Artspace later this year to present the haiku, photography and links to the musical contributions.
To get involved see https://ree.org.au/stay-cool/ or email staycoolgriffith@gmail.com
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Venue Upgrade Grants – Funding for Live Music Spaces
The NSW Government’s Venue Upgrade Grants Program is supporting live music venues with funding of up to $250,000. This grant assists with infrastructure upgrades, sound and lighting improvements, and accessibility enhancements to create better experiences for artists and audiences.
Applications close 14 April 2025.
For more information and to apply, visit: Sound NSW – Venue Upgrade Grants Program.
Photo: Horrorshow performing with Janna Beth at Jams Karaoke in Newcastle, Thursday 16 February 2023. Photo by Playstate.
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Breaking Ground: Women in Arts and Creativity – Travel Bursaries Available
Applications are now open for travel bursaries to support up to 15 regional women from NSW to attend the Breaking Ground: Women in Arts and Creativity Symposium during Women’s Week. This event celebrates the artistic contributions of CaLD, CaRM, migrant, and refugee women through live performances, networking opportunities, and panel discussions.
Do not miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and be part of an inspiring creative community.
Apply now: Diversity Arts Australia – Travel Bursaries
Applications close: February 17 at 5pm
📷 Dream Collective Workshop. Image credit: The Dream Collective.
This event is presented by Diversity Arts Australia and proudly funded by Women NSW as part of the NSW Government, with additional support from Creative Australia and Create NSW.
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SMARTY KIDS with Isis-Rae Ronan
Looking for an engaging extracurricular activity? SMARTY KIDS is a fun and educational after-school art program designed for 7–12-year-olds. Led by local artist Isis-Rae Ronan from Tambourine Art Studio, these creative sessions encourage artistic exploration and hands-on learning.
Thursdays, 4 PM – 5 PM
20, 27 February & 6, 13, 20, 27 March
Griffith Regional Art Gallery
Cost: $72 for the term (6 sessions)
All materials supplied. Creative Kids Vouchers accepted – contact the Gallery for details.
Spaces are limited. Give your child the opportunity to create, learn, and have fun!
Find out more and register here.
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Uplift: Digital Skills Program
Uplift provides grants of up to $50,000 to support professional development, training, and mentoring in digital capability for First Nations artists and creative workers.
This opportunity is open to First Nations-led organisations and businesses to deliver digital skills training within local communities. Funding can support a range of development activities identified as priority areas for capacity building.
Projects must take place between 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026.
Applicants must submit a detailed proposal outlining planned activities, timeline, and intended outcomes.
Find out more and apply here: Creative Australia – Uplift
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