Farewell to WRA: Message from the Executive Officer

It is with some sadness that I have to announce I am finishing work with Western Riverina Arts at the end of this month, just shy of 7 years in the role.

As many of you would know I’ve been travelling back and forth between Wagga regularly for a number of those years, picking up my kids for the weekends, and it’s been increasingly hard to manage. For that reason I have now made the decision to move back to Wagga permanently.  

It has been a privilege to work in this role and I’ve been lucky to work with some great artists throughout the region. We’ve faced challenges as well as successes over the years, but overall I think WRA has had a positive impact, helping to build capacity in the region and helping to increase arts activity and visibility. My thanks goes to out to all WRA staff I have worked with over my time, and of course to past and present WRA Board members, who have been incredibly active and supportive.

My personal highlights have included projects such as Murrumbidgee Marramarra (showcasing the work of local Aboriginal artists), Willandra Three Rivers (a residency project with exhibition outcomes in 3 centres), For Prosperity’s Sake (an oral history project for Leeton Seniors) and most recently Activating Narrandera Arts (a 2 year project featuring 6 exhibitions). Of course these public highlights are simply the most visible outcomes. The main work I’ve been doing in the region over the past years has been talking to people, discussing what they want and need in terms of a cultural life, assisting many with advice and direction.

I’ve made some great friends working across the Western Riverina region (and built up a fine collection of local artworks) and I look forward to keeping in contact with you all and getting back for events whenever I can.

Derek Motion

Executive Officer (2013-2019)