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Western Riverina Arts presents Constance on the Edge!

Western Riverina Arts presents: Constance on the Edge - an unflinchingly honest portrayal of one refugee family’s resettlement story in Australia.

"In Africa I was fighting for survival; In the refugee camps I was fighting

for human rights, and here in Australia, I am fighting for belonging."

- Constance

One family. Two wars. Three countries. What does it take to forge a new life far from home?

Walk in the shoes of a Sudanese refugee as her resilience is tested to the limit striving for a settled life in rural Wagga Wagga, NSW. Constance on the Edge tells the story of feisty and charismatic Constance, a mother of six leading her family away from their painful past in war torn Sudan and years spent in border camps before making the regional NSW town their new home and risking everything in Australia so her family can thrive.

Constance and her family are facing serious challenges – discrimination, disappointments, run-ins with the law and the resurgence of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Mary, Constance’s niece, finds it impossible to find a job in Wagga; Vicky, her daughter, studies every morning from 4am, hoping to get into university and Charles, 23, is struggling with alienation and depression.

Director and Human Rights Award Winner Belinda Mason wanted to put refugee issues at the forefront of people’s minds. "Refugees are strengthening our communities across the country. I envision Constance on the Edge as contributing to the national conversation around refugees by highlighting the complex issues and experiences they face in Australia. What we gain as a nation by creating more welcoming communities for refugees is at the heart of this story."

Nominated as a Finalist for the 2016 Sydney Film Festival for the Documentary Australia Foundation Award in the category Australian Documentary, Constance on the Edge gets to the heart of a contemporary untold story about the courage and resilience it takes to build new lives.

Western Riverina Arts Executive Officer Derek Motion is excited to be able to bring the movie to theatres in Leeton and Griffith. "In light of the current global refugee crisis this topic seams more important than ever and to raise awareness and acceptance with a story right from our region is great. It also presents a fantastic opportunity to have the Director and Constance talk about the creative process and outcomes of the film."

Filmed over 10 years Constance on the Edge is a longitudinal study of one refugee family’s struggle to forge a new life in Australia and the important role communities play in encouraging a sense of belonging for everyone.

Presented by Western Riverina Arts Constance on the Edge will be coming to movie theaters in Leeton and Griffith 24 & 25 September. The 80 minute film will be followed by a Q&A with Director Belinda Mason and Constance. We would love to see you there!

24 September 2 pm Roxy Community Theatre Leeton
25 September 2.30 pm Griffith City Cinema Griffith

Regional Landscapes and People Celebrated at the Powerhouse Museum

The Cad Factory has just returned from presenting an artwork called Shadow Places at the Powerhouse Museum for Sydney Design Festival, from 2 - 11 September. 

Shadow Places consists of six round straw bales, with video projections onto the front of the bales with sound telling the story of local design. Alongside the straw bales are three large textile hangings linking the hay bales and video content.

The project has been devised by The Cad Factory’s Vic McEwan, and includes collaborations with the National Museum of Australia’s George Main and Sydney artist Nicole Barakat, who led textile workshops with local makers Caroline Applebee, Maxi Bohl, Julie Briggs, Kathleen Foster, Robyn Gown, Marilyn Manning, Holly McEwan, Sarah McEwan, Josie Middleton, Julie Montgarrett, Natalie Power, Lindee Russell and Joyce Spencer.

Local farmers, John and Kathleen Foster, Jan and Garth Strong and Graham and Amanda Strong have been included in the projection work, along with Colin Seis from the Gulgong district, in the central tablelands of NSW.

Voice over for the projection work was done by Boree Creek resident, Steve Harradine.

The artwork was presented as part of the Sydney Design Festival and celebrated the way farmers design and modify equipment, systems and processes in order to adapt and devise new practices.

The term ‘Shadow Places’ comes from the writings of eminent Australian philosopher Val Plumwood, who talked about the notion that our place in the world is supported by what she calls ‘Shadow Places’, referring to the places that we rely upon but don’t know. For example, urban people are intimately tied to area’s like the Riverina, for their food and fibre production, however, there is little opportunity for these people to get to know the land and communities that they rely upon.

Vic McEwan said, “It is a very important step to present a work like this as part of Sydney Design Festival. We are showcasing the idea that design doesn’t just happen in our capital cities, that in fact, user-led design is happing all over our regional areas. This has a big effect on people back in the cities, through improvements in production of food and fibre and also in the development of new types of more ecologically driven agricultural practices.”

The Powerhouse Museum estimate that 20,000 people saw this artwork in just 11 days. The inclusion of Shadow Places in such a high profile city institution has been a fabulous opportunity to share the story of the Narrandera region and to celebrate the community members involved in the project.

WRA Conference Grants & Arts NSW bursaries - Your chance to go to Dubbo!

Western Riverina Arts has recently received a philanthropic donation to specifically assist with the professional development of artists and arts-workers living in the Griffith region. The donation was used to offer three grants to the value of $1000 to help Griffith-based artists to attend ARTLANDS,

We are pleased to announce the following artists as the recipients of the WRA Conference Grants:

1. Sharni Montgomery from Yenda has a professional background in Journalism and Advertising and is currently studying Arts and Dementia Car through the University of Tasmania. She is aspiring a career as an Arts Therapist and wants to work with groups within the community.
2. Anthea da Silva is a Griffith based arts & health professional, a qualified Occupational Therapist & Tertiary Arts Lecturer who has worked across a diverse spectrum – including Specialist Paediatric Clinics, University & TAFE, Prisons and Community & Urban Arts Projects. She’s also an engaging & experienced presenter in Life Drawing, painting & singing. Anthea’s artworks are exhibited nationally.
3. A representative from Ley+Lah, a local design and production label based in Hanwood. Operated by 3 sisters the business creates indigenous themed & designed apparel and home decor items since early 2016. 

All artist were really excited about the opportunity and are looking forward to attend the biennial regional arts conference and festival in Dubbo from 27-30 October 2016.

If you missed out and are still keen to go to ARTLANDS we've got good news for you - Arts NSW is offering up to 10 bursaries for NSW artists and arts cultural workers to attend the ARTLANDS Regional Arts Conference. Each bursary allocation will cover full registration for the four day conference event.

Bursaries are open to all NSW artists and art and cultural workers however priority is given to people who live in regional NSW and Western Sydney and to young people, Aboriginal people, people with disability and from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

Applications close 26 September. Find out more HERE

Applications close: 26 September 2016 (5pm, AEST – Sydney time)

NAVA - Visual Arts Fellowship

The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) launched two $20,000 fellowships supported by the Copyright Agency's Cultural Fund, aimed at assisting exceptional mid-career Australian visual and media arts, craft and design practitioners to undertake a self-directed program of professional development.

This Fellowship will address the ‘mid-career desert’ where there are fewer existing opportunities for visual arts, craft and design practitioners and wants to ensure that two outstanding mid-career artists or collaborative groups can explore the next major developmental step in their practice and seek opportunities to enhance their reputations, build professional relationships and consolidate their careers.

Contemporary Australian painter and NAVA board member, Michael Zavros says, “This is an exciting new initiative offered by NAVA. We have such a fascination with young and emerging art in Australia and a focus on what's new and what's next that mid-career can be a long slow burn where artists lose impetus and find their careers plateau.”

This support also ensues artists will be temporarily relieved of the need to generate income allowing them to concentrate on the longer-term expansion of new ideas, artistic processes and career directions.

“Mid-career artists also find it increasingly difficult to extend their practice and take necessary risks, to make time for skills development and experimentation. These fellowships will give outstanding developing artists support at a crucial time in their development,” Zavros continued.

The fellowships will be open to individual mid-career artists and groups and can be used toward a range of activities in 2017 which may include, but not limited to research, travel, skills development, residencies, mentorships, professional development and training, and the creation of new work and exhibition/project costs.

Criteria for Evaluation:

• demonstration of high quality work to date
•  comprehensive exhibition history which can include commercial galleries, public galleries, state institutions and biennales and festivals.
• practicing for more than 5 years
• published articles and reviews about the artist’s practice
• potential for the artist to develop new directions and ideas in their practice
• demonstration of the benefit of the fellowship to the applicant’s professional practice and development of work
• demonstration of the applicant’s capacity to undertake their proposed Fellowship Program. 

Eligibility:

•  Applicants must:
  - be the practitioner/s who will be the recipient/s of the Fellowship
  - identify as a mid-career artist, having practiced as a professional artist for at least 5-10 years
  - be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  - not have any outstanding unacquitted grants from NAVA
• Collaborative group applications (groups are at least two people) must be submitted with the details of all group members involved in the project. The grant will be awarded to the applicants nominated on the form
• Grants are not retrospective. Funds will only be provided for projects taking place between January to December 2017
• Late or incomplete applications will not be assessed (except for artists living in remote areas, see conditions below)
• All other considerations being equal, NAVA members will be given priority. 

Professional status: 

Applicants must be practising professional visual or media arts, craft or design practitioner/s. Under NAVA’s definition, a professional practitioner will have some of the following professional characteristics: 

• has regular public exhibitions of artwork
• offers work for sale, or is selling work
• is eligible for or has been awarded a government grant
• is selected for public exhibition, awards, prizes
• has secured work or consultancies on the basis of professional expertise
• has had work acquired for public and/or private collections
• has their work critically reviewed or written about
• has given talks or workshops based on their practice
• is a member of a professional association on the basis of his/her status as a professional practitioner/s 

Applications close Saturday 8 October 2016. 

For more information visit https://visualarts.net.au/nava-grants/

Music: Count Us In - One Song, Your School, More Music

Music: Count Us In is an Australian schools initiative, where students across the country get the chance to be a part of something BIG and celebrate music by singing the same song, on the same day, at the same time.

The goal is to encourage young people to become passionate about music and musical education and Music: Count Us In is inviting all Australian schools to get involved. All you need to do is register your school for free, learn this year’s song and join more than half a million kids for Celebration Day on Thursday November 3rd.

Music: Count Us In 2016 has now launched and gives teachers and student across the country the chance to be a part of it. The 2016 Program Song ‘Let It Play’ was written by students Stella Kelly (16, WA), Tom Meadows (11, VIC), Bonnie Staude (14, WA) and Breanna Truscott (14, QLD) along with the Program Ambassador and Mentor. (See the video above)

Working directly with schools and teachers, Music: Count Us In assists teachers in providing quality music education to Australian schools. The program is both a participation program and an advocacy program – raising the profile of music education on the national stage, and providing students with practical music learning.

Spurred on by a 2007 National School Music Review which pointed to glaring inadequacies in music education in schools, the report included a recommendation to raise the status of music in schools. Music: Count Us In was the response. It's purpose is to energise and engage teachers, principals, school communities, and families, and to provide quality music participation opportunities, available to all.

The program has exceeded expectations by extending into all states and territories, and connecting with schools of every shape and size. It is freely available to every student in the country.

Previous mentors for the program have included esteemed artists Katie Noonan, Josh Pyke, Marcia Hines, Clare Bowditch and Melinda Schneider; led by Program Ambassador John Foreman OAM.

Actor and singer Jay Laga’aia of ‘Play School’ fame joins Music: Count Us In this year as program mentor. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how people interpret the song. This is very much a story that you send to different communities and they come back with their versions of the story. To get together on that special Celebration Day and for everyone to sing it – for me, that’s going to be very exciting!”

For more information and to become involved please visit www.musicaustralia.org.au.

Griffith Regional Art Gallery "FLOWER POWER" - be part of it!

Spring is finally here, the first vivid flowers are blooming and what a beautiful sight it is. Definitely time to put this delicate creation of nature in the spotlight and celebrate FLOWER POWER at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery. The annual community exhibition will be on from Saturday 17 September to Sunday 16 October and will coincide with the towns popular Festival of the Gardens.

And YOU can be a part of it!

Griffith Regional Art Gallery is inviting all local artists to enter up to two works in any medium (painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, etc) based on the theme "Brighter is better". The artworks and entry forms need to be handed in by Saturday 10 September and a number of awards will be given to outstanding artworks.

HOW TO ENTER: 

Drop off your completed entry form and artwork/s to Griffith Regional Art Gallery on Saturday 10 September 2016 between 10am and 5pm. When you deliver you will be required to pay entry fee of $5 (per artwork) to the Gallery. All work must be presented ready to be hung.

CHECK LIST:

• include D-rings on the back of your work for hanging
• carefully read and complete all components of the entry form, including the terms and conditions. 
• $5 entry fee (per entry).  
• put the artist/s name/s and title of the artwork on the back or underside of the artwork. 

DATES TO REMEMBER:

•  Artworks and completed entry forms to be delivered to Art Gallery by Saturday 10 September 2016
• Exhibition opening Saturday 17 September at 11am (closes Sunday 16 October 2016)
• All artworks must be collected no later than Sunday 23 October 2016
  

NANCY SAINTY ENCOURAGEMENT AWARDS 

Is open to all students from Preschool to Year 12 aimed to encourage and develop young artists. The awards will be judged by the Sainty family. A number of awards will be given:

• 3 x preschool highly commended certificates
• $50 creative arts materials pack of a junior primary school student (K - Years 4)
• $100 creative arts materials pack for senior primary school student (years 5&6)
• $100 creative arts materials pack for junior high school students (Years 7 - 10)
• $100 creative arts materials pack for senior high school student (years 11&12)

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD 

The People’s Choice Award will run for the duration of the exhibition giving the exhibition visitors the chance to vote for their favourite artwork. Votes will be collected throughout the exhibition and collated at the close of the exhibition. The winner will receive a Griffith Regional Theatre 2017 membership, a double pass to one of the season shows of their choice, and a solo exhibition at the ArtSpace at Griffith Regional Theatre in 2017.

Interested? Fill out the entry form now and be a part of FLOWER POWER - Brighter is better!

Sydney Dance Company is coming to the Riverina!

Sydney Dance Company’s CounterMove explores luminescence and life in a double bill with exhilarating physical dance performed by some of Australia’s finest dancers.

From one of the world’s most exciting choreographers comes a laugh-out-loud funny and affectionate tribute and parody of modern art: Cacti. Swedish Alexander Ekman’s witty and energetic piece, performed by the full Company and a string quartet, will take you in with a knowing wink, then surprise you with its bracing physicality.

The Australian proclaimed Cacti ‘… a delight: witty, effervescent, playful, surreal and joyously physical’, Time Out Sydney lauded its ‘infectious playful energy and absolutely incisive wit’. Crikey.com called it ‘blindingly brilliant’ and the Daily Telegraph noted the audience’s laughter was ‘impossible to suppress’. Cacti has been on tour since it premiered in 2013 performing to sold-out audiences.

Rafael Bonachela’s world premiere, Lux Tenebris, provides the perfect contrast: light and darkness emerging from a dusky sonic landscape by composer Nick Wales (long-term collaborator of Sarah Blasko). Movement follows deep, unexpected, visceral beats, and sharp, sudden twists to discover a dark place where there is space for beauty and light. Bonachela’s work, as always, is deeply emotional.

CounterMove will intrigue, move and entertain you. Don’t miss out.
SHOW DETAILS
Wednesday August 24, 7.30pm
Rated G
Genre: Dance
Duration: 75 mins including interval
Advance tickets end 17 August @ 5pm

TICKET PRICES
Advance Ticket: $25
Member: $30
Adults: $40
Cons/U21: $35
Child: $15

Lockharts Spirit of the Land Festival - calling all artists!

The Lockharts Spirit of the Land Festival is a colourful and vibrant celebration of the land, held on Saturday and Sunday, 8 & 9 October in the heart of the Riverina. More than 5000 people visit the festival every year to enjoy the artistic sculptures, fine arts and photography, lively markets, boutique stalls, vivid open gardens, music and entertainment. 

The festival is well known for the celebration of the arts and all artists are welcome to participate in the Spirit of the Land Arts Festival with a prize pool of $20,000. The Arts Festival includes two exhibitions, Sculptures and Fine Arts. and attracts high calibre artists from all across Australia.

The exhibition categories are:

1. Sculptures

• National Farm Art Sculpture Award
  The major award is the $10,000 National Farm Art Sculpture Award, sponsored by Lockhart Shire Council. The sculptures should showcase and capture the uniqueness of the Australian landscape, flora, fauna, and lifestyle of living on the land. These sculptures can be created from any medium. It is a non-acquisitive award, and award winners will retain ownership of their artwork. The winning piece must stay on display in the Lockhart Shire for a period of twelve months. The Sculpture must be created predominately from metal and the re-use of old machinery and farm equipment is encouraged.
• Creative Cocky AwardThis award is for art that has to have been made by a practising or retired farmer, that clearly show the origin of the steel. Pieces in this category could be refashioned farm scrap metal, but this is not mandatory. In this prize category 'imagination’ is the goal.
• Local Artist Award For artists who reside within 50 km of Lockhart.
• Small Sculpture Award (
  For sculptures of less than one square metre.
• Youth Artist Award
  For sculptors who are under 18 years of age.
• Spirit of the Land Award
  For a sculpture created from natural elements that reflect the unique Australian landscape.

Please read the Awards Criteria for specific criteria relating to each award.

2. Fine Arts Awards

• Spirit of the Land and its People Award
  Open for art works that celebrate the spirit of the land, its people, flora, fauna, and lifestyle of living on the land and their important connection to each other. Any medium excluding photography. 
• Open Section AwardThis is an open section and may depict subject matter of the artist’s choice. Any medium excluding photography.

3. Fine Arts Photography Award

• Spirit of the Land Photography Prize
  Striking photographic prints encompassing landscape, portrait, and people. The prize will be awarded to the image that best captures “Australian Spirit of the Land”. 

Finally, in the sculpture and fine arts exhibitions there are two People’s Choice Awards, one for each
exhibition space, Fine Arts and Sculpture.

Registration is open to emerging and established artists who can exhibit in any or all categories. There is no limitation on the number of entries. Entries close on Friday 30 September.


Installation of artworks will be on Thursday 6 October, judging is on Friday 7 October, and the Festival officially opens on Friday evening with a preview of exhibitions and Awards Presentation evening.

For more information please visit http://www.spiritofthelandlockhart.com.au/

Making History at Griffith Pioneer Park

Griffith Pioneer Park Museum will host a visit by Margaret Simpson, a curator from Sydney's Powerhouse Museum. Mrs Simpson is a transport specialist and with her husband Phillip has written on agricultural machinery, among other topics.

She will visit Griffith as part of a curatorial visit offered by the Museum of Applied Art and Sciences.

Mrs Simpson will speak on the role of museums in teaching history and the use of their collections.

“We’re really lucky to have Margaret visit Griffith at this time as she’s enthused about the opportunities for regional museums to contribute in educating younger generations,” said Jason Richardson, Curator at Pioneer Park Museum.

“When I spoke with her recently she mentioned visiting our Museum last year and described it as ‘one of the best in the state for variety and potential to engage students’ – which is high praise from someone who has visited so many of the public collections throughout New South Wales.”

Mrs Simpson will talk about what country museums can contribute to their communities, how curators can assist them to do this and the role of museums in inter-generational learning.

Come to Griffith Pioneer Park Museum to hear Margaret Simpson talk at 11 am on Tuesday 30 August. Cost is $5 or free for Museum volunteers.

Community Presenter Touring Grant - NOW OPEN

The Community Presenter Touring Grant is a new funding initiative by Arts on Tour designed to broaden access to professional productions to audiences throughout NSW. The grant supports the presentation of professional, NSW-based productions in community-run venues, in regional towns that do not have professional performing arts infrastructure.

Community presenters can submit a proposal for funding to:

• extend a regional tour to one or more community-run venues in regional NSW
• support a new tour to two or more community-run venues in regional NSW

Grant funds can be used to support up to 50% of the performance/delivery fee of a touring production. Applicants can apply for

• between $500 and $2,500 per venue
• up to $7,500 for a consortium of three or more venues.

The first round is NOW OPEN and closes on 27 September 2016 for projects between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018.

Interested? Simply visit the Arts on Tour website for more information, grant guidelines, FAQs and a link to the application form.

You can also email us at Western Riverina Arts or call us on 0428882059 for advice and to find out if this grant is for you.

Taste Coleambally - it's all about the arts!

With a little less than two month to go to the Coleambally Food and Farm Festival the planning and organising is full steam ahead. The program of the biennial event is bigger and better than ever and the visitors can expect a wide variety of entertainment, arts and agriculture in and around Coleambally from the 21st to the 23rd of October.

This year there will be a new addition to the festival - the Taste Coleambally Art Precinct, which will showcase a range of artistic events, dance classes, workshops, open mics and an art exhibition. The Festival also invites regional artists to showcase and/or sell quality handmade original wares at there "Meet the Makers" Stall to create an interactive art space. Spectators will be able to watch varied artists at work.

Artists of the region can also enter their original artwork in the Taste Art Prize 2016. All mediums are welcome and the artists should create an original piece that interprets the theme “Flora, Fauna and Farming” in the local area. Melbourne artist Linda MacAulay and Western Riverina Arts RADO Derek Motion will be judging the art competition with winners announced at the opening Cocktail Party off the art exhibition on October 21. The winner will be rewarded $500 by Western Riverina arts.

Entry forms for the Taste Art Prize 2016 must be submitted by 4 pm, Friday 30th September. Find the form HERE

If you wish to be involved in the festival, whether it be as an artist, stall holder, producer, sponsor, or spectator, please contact the Coleambally Food and Farm Festival  as soon as possible!

Early Career Writer Grants

Enjoy writing? Then this is your chance!

Early Career Writer Grants are awarded by the NSW Writers’ Centre to assist early career creative writers in any genre who are resident in NSW. The aim of the grants is to foster a vibrant, diverse and innovative writing culture in the state with funding available of up to 4 grants of $5000 each.

Applicants must be early career writers who have had no more than two full-length works professionally published or performed and must not have previously received a grant of $5,000 or more for their writing from either State, Territory or Federal governments or their agencies.

At least one grant will be awarded to a writer from regional NSW!

Activities to be funded by the grant may include:

• Creation, production or publication of new work
• Professional development or mentoring
• Cultural exchanges or other travel that will assist in the production or presentation of new work
• Audience development activities conducted by the writer 

Access costs for regional writers or for writers with disability may be included in the proposal.

Opening date: 1 August 2016
Closing date: 28 August 2016
For project period: 1 February 2017 to 31 December 2017

Applications must be submitted online through the Arts NSW SmartyGrants system by midnight on the closing date. You will need a SmartyGrants login.

Please read the guidelines or talk to RADO Derek Motion about your application.

Calling all Indigenous Screen Practitioners in NSW!

Screen NSW gives three NSW based emerging Indigenous screen practitioners the opportunity to undertake paid attachments on season 2 of the Screen NSW supported sci-fi hit Cleverman Season 2, made by Goalpost Pictures for the ABC.

Cleverman is an Australian-New Zealand-American television drama on ABC. The six-part drama series reimagines several stories of the Aboriginal Dreaming in a modern, superheroic context. The series was renewed for a second season on 2 June 2016 and received A$450,000 in funding from Screen NSW.

This opportunity is in addition to the nationwide call out for attachments made by Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department.

Applications can be made for, although are not limited to, the following departments:

Art Department
Make Up and Costume
Sound Post
1st AD
Production Office

The majority of production will take place in Sydney with a proposed start date in early September, and the paid internships will run for 8-10 weeks in duration. However, the Sound Post internship will take place in New Zealand.

Screen NSW may offer support to practitioners living in regional NSW, to meet their travel and accommodation costs, if they are selected for the Screen NSW attachments.

Applications are due by Thursday August 18 and Applicants must be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

Please submit a two-page Expression of Interest along with a CV by Thursday August 18 to tracey.corbin-matchett@screen.nsw.gov.au or visit Screen NSW for more information.

A Capella Workshops in Leeton

The Queen of Jazz Ella Fitzgerald said " the only thing better than singing is more singing" and if you feel the same way you might want to join the a cappella singing workshop by Tony Backhouse in Leeton.

Tony Backhouse is an international composer and vocal arranger. In November he will lead a singing workshop covering a variety of musical styles including African American and Gospel.

The workshops are suitable for the beginner and experienced singer. Participants do not need to be able to read ‘sheet’ music, you just have to enjoy singing!

Where: St Francis College – ARC Centre – Yanco Avenue, Leeton NSW 2705

When: Saturday 12th of November 2016
             10.00am to 3.00pm
             Sunday 13th of November 2016
             10.00am to 2.30pm

Cost: $80 per person per day  (students/pensioners $40) OR $120.00 for a weekend ticket

Morning Tea/coffee will be available from 9.30 each morning before the workshop commences with a light lunch of sandwiches and fruit on each day.

For more information and a booking registration form please contact Ian Pettit on 0458 538102 or pettiti@ww.catholic.edu.au

Numbers are limited so please get in early!

Bookings Close: Monday 7th of November 2016

Leeton Town Band scores Government funding

The NSW Government showed their support to 21 community bands across NSW by offering almost $30,000 in funding in order to reach new audiences and further develop their performance skills and musicianship.

Leeton Town Band was one of the successful applicants and scored $1,035 for the Krazy Kids Klapping project involving children, making and learning to play percussion instruments made from recycled materials. Their performances will be part of the Outback Band Spectacular festival that will take place in Leeton from the 4th to the 6th of November.

Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the funding supports activities including workshops, concerts, sister band relationships and development of promotional, production and IT skills.

“The NSW Government is proud to support community bands that contribute to nurturing talented musicians across NSW,” Mr Grant said. “These Community Band Development Grants will help bands expand their skills, gain new audiences and promote their activities.”

GRAND OPENING - Narrandera Arts and Community Centre

MP Ben Franklin and Narrandera Mayor Jenny Clarke opening the new Arts and Community Centre

Narrandera’s wish for an exclusive venue for arts, culture and community events finally came true when the new Arts and Community Centre opened its doors for the first time on Friday July 15th and welcomed more than 80 people with the fantastic works of regional Aboriginal artists.

The centre was officially opened by NSW Upper House MP Ben Franklin, who represented Minister of the Arts Troy Grant. Mr. Franklin was impressed by the look of the new Arts centre, which is housed in a refurbished 100 year old heritage building, and its meaning to the community. "This is a beautiful event in such a beautiful place...if every town of 5000 people had a facility like this then arts culture would explode in Regional NSW. This Centre is in line with what we’re trying to achieve which is to create opportunities to enjoy art in regional areas because every artist should be allowed to flourish.", Mr. Franklin said.

The Representative also spoke fondly of the opening exhibition Murrumbidgee Marramarra, a project initiated by Western Riverina Arts and Griffith Regional Art Gallery. “What could be more appropriate than to open this fine facility but with the magnificent Marramarra Exhibition which showcases the finest of local indigenous talent."

Western Riverina Arts Executive Officer Derek Motion, who put together the exhibition was delighted about the outcome and describes Murrumbidgee Marramarra as a real draw card exhibition, that will put Narranderas new arts space on the cultural map. The showcased outstanding Aboriginal artworks are exclusively from regional artists including Michael Lyons, Ros Lockhart, William Ingram, Rodney Simpson, Allan McKenzie, Sarah Weymouth, Wayne Krause, Corey McKenzie and Veronica Collins.

Mr. Motion is also planning a second iteration of Murrumbidgee Marramarra for 2017. "Western Riverina Arts will be conducting skills development workshops for Aboriginal artists over the next twelve months with funding from the Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund to create new work for the 2017 program. The new Arts and Community Centre will provide an ideal location for this and similar arts projects."

The opening of the new Arts Centre is an exciting occasion for the whole community as it is the first dedicated space for arts and culture in Narrandera Shire. The former heritage Lodge Leopold building which was in use since 1909 was acquired by Narrandera Shire council in 2012. The restoration of the building costed over $320,000 and was was supported by the NSW Government with substantial grants from Clubs NSW and Arts NSW’s Regional Capital Grants program.

The beautifully refurbished building offers now an arts display room with an adjoining performance room and aims in particular at the development of Indigenous arts practice. Narrandera Mayor Jenny Clarke said the opening, was something to be celebrated. “Being able to open the doors on the first exhibition at the Centre marks the culmination of an all-out effort by the Narrandera Arts and Community Centre Working Party and Council staff to create a beautiful space for the development of arts and culture in our Shire."

The Arts and Community Centre is the beginning of a new era for arts and cultural life in Narrandera and the community is confident that the Centre will bring not only arts and cultural benefits to the community, but also possible economic benefits through attracting interest from across the region. Community Committee member Michael Pieper said early attendances had already exceeded expectations. “We’ve had visitors come from around the Riverina and Victoria so it’s fair to say the response has been fantastic,” Mr Pieper said.

The success of the opening night continued the next day when the new Arts Centre opened its doors to the public. Over 100 people came to see the artworks and the centre stayed busy till late, hosting the first of many art networking sessions by Western Riverina Art.

The exhibition Murrumbidgee Marramarra will be showing until Saturday August 13th. The Arts and Community Centre will be open every Tuesday and Wednesday and for a limited time each Saturday. Entry to the exhibition is free.

Arts activated - Arts and disability conference in Australia!

The premiere biennial arts and disability conference in Australia, ‘Arts Activated’ showcases the accomplishments of people with disability, as leaders, arts practitioners, audience and advocates, alongside best practice initiatives from arts and culture industry.

The conference fills the gap in the exchange of knowledge and ideas within the arts and disability sector, both nationally and internationally. As the leading conference in Australia dedicated to arts and disability, the event offers a unique opportunity for professionals to come together, share ideas and create stronger partnerships whilst being inspired by a diverse range of nationally and internationally recognised experts in the fields.

Across a two-day event, the conference provides the perfect opportunity to explore, debate, and connect to future pathways for people with disability relating to accessible arts practice.

‘Arts Activated 2016 - Pathways to Practice’, will explore the varied paths that artists with disability take in developing their practice during their career and how organisations are fostering pathways for artists and audiences with disability.

What's in it for the artists:

• Chance to meet the funders, role models, organisations for future opportunities / work, in a climate where arts and  disability and disability arts are currently on the map
• Contribute to the voice and rigour around discussions that directly impact on their lives and careers
• Creative revitalisation – connecting with peers
• Arts and disability - Relevant sessions for artists about pathways to practice

Arts Activated 20 & 21 of September Carriageworks

More information, a list of speakers and the full program HERE

Sydney Dance Company's Pre-Professional Year 2017 Auditions - Apply NOW

Applications are now open for Sydney Dance Company's Pre-Professional Year 2017 Auditions.

This one year intensive offers students the chance to work with some of Australia's most renowned choreographers and dance educators, including Company dancers and Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela.

Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year provides a unique opportunity for aspiring professional dancers to attend a one-year nationally accredited course with one of Australia’s leading contemporary dance companies.

Led by Course Director Linda Gamblin, the Pre-Professional program is designed to be rigorous, challenging and rich in practical skills development and professional career preparation while encouraging individualism and diversity. Students are provided with opportunities to explore the endless possibilities of contemporary dance, and fully immerse themselves into the role of a professional artist.

The course reflects Sydney Dance Company’s calibre of technical expertise and artistic innovation. Students will work with some of Australia’s most renowned choreographers and dance educators with a major performance opportunity at the end of the year. Students will develop their technique, artistry and performance skills alongside Sydney Dance Company in a professional environment.

The course will also provide students with invaluable networking opportunities with the artistic team from Sydney Dance Company, as well as leading Australian and international choreographers.

“Creating an environment that allows dancers to develop an understanding of their own individuality as a dancer and develop creative expression is intrinsic to the education outcomes of the course. We look forward to supporting you in your development as an artist.” Caroline Spence, Director of Education and Outreach, Sydney Dance Company.

Applications close 7 August 2016. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an 'invitation only' audition on 4 September 2016 at Sydney Dance Company Studios.

Find out more and apply here

Celebrate the Centenary with NOW and THEN

Photos by Jason Richardson

ArtSpace at Griffith Regional Theatre will be hosting an exhibition of photographs depicting iconic buildings at Griffith’s Pioneer Park Museum, titled Pioneer Park: Now and Then, until 19 August.

“2016 is a big year for birthday’s in this city,” said Griffith Pioneer Park Museum curator, Jason Richardson. “I don't think it's a coincidence the centenary coincides with the 45th birthday of Pioneer Park Museum, an institution that was first recorded in Wade Shire Council's minutes soon after the Griffith’s 50th birthday.”

Viewers will see a collection of photographs from the Museum’s archives, with the earliest dating back to 1971 with construction of an entrance building by members of the Griffith branch of Soroptimist International. Others feature many faces of those who have grown and shaped the Museum.

“I’ve heard many local people share their memories of times at the Park,” said Mr Richardson. "Many recount their visits and know people who have volunteered their time to contribute to its development.”

“This exhibition shows in a way the hands-on relationship people have with history at Pioneer Park Museum. It’s a place where people have a physical experience of history like walking into the home of a pioneer,” he added.

The Griffith Regional Art Gallery Coordinator, Ray Wholohan said it is wonderful to have this exhibition included in the centenary celebrations. “The photographs show past events and people in our community and also highlight what a wonderful asset Pioneer Park Museum is in recording Griffith’s collective history,” said Mr Wholohan.

If you would like further information on the Now and Then exhibition, please contact Griffith Regional Art Gallery on 6962 8338. The exhibition is open until Friday 20 August in ArtSpace at Griffith Regional Theatre, 1 Neville Place, Griffith. Opening hours are 10am-5pm Monday to Friday.

We are doing it again - Art Networking Session by Western Riverina Arts

Western Riverina Arts’ Networking Sessions are informal networking events, designed to help us and you to share stories and to connect people interested in regional arts. Come along and meet with other creatives in your region - hear interesting artists and community members present their stories in a quick, visual format.

This is the second in a series of sessions that will run across the Western Riverina region beginning in 2016. Your host will be Regional Arts Development Officer for the region, Derek Motion.

To present your story all you’ll need is around15-20 images (we can help you take some photographs if you need some). Each will be displayed briefly while you talk for around 5 minutes. Easy!

Ready to share your story at our Narrandera event? Then please get in touch with Western Riverina Arts RADO Derek Motion: rado@westrivarts.com.au or call 0428882059. Or contact our Narrandera Board Member Julie Briggs julie.briggs@narrandera.nsw.gov.au or 0427985297

Snacks and drinks will be provided. Come along and meet people involved in the arts in your area, maybe even begin a fruitful conversation or collaboration.

We'd love to see you there!

Art Networking Session, Saturday 16th July, 5-7pm, The Narrandera Arts Centre

Get your groove on

The Innovating Dance Practice grant program is an initiative of Ausdance NSW to support professional dance practitioners residing in NSW to develop and innovate their practice through funds made available by Arts NSW on behalf of the NSW Government. Applicants can apply for an amount between $500 and $5,000 to expand their personal dance practice.

Michelle Silby, Director of Ausdance NSW, is certain that the Innovating Dance Practice initiative will provide numerous artists with the ability to innovate their practice and ultimately contribute to the New South Wales dance sector. "We are really thrilled to have been successful in initiating this opportunity for individual dance artists in NSW. We will be delivering a devolved funding program for dance, supported by Arts NSW. This small grants program aims to support peoples dance practice through small one off grants that inspire and develop dance artists' skills. There is a total of $30,000 available each year, for the next three years".

The Innovating Dance Practice initiative welcomes all dance artists in the state to apply who:

• are professional dance practitioners
• engage with at least one Arts NSW ACDP priority (see below)
• are Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia AND have been a resident in NSW for at least 12 months 

The grant provides assistance to realise an opportunity that inspires new work, knowledge and skills and can include:

• a program of activity that develops professional practice
• a secondment with an organisation
• a mentorship with an individual
• residencies involving innovative approaches to working practice.

The proposal must engage with at least one of the following Arts NSW, Arts and Cultural Development Program (ACDP) priorities:

• people with a disability
• young people
• Aboriginal people
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• people living and/or working in regional NSW
• people living and/or working in Western Sydney.

The fund can be used to cover any costs associated with the dancers activities, such as, artist fees, materials and equipment, travel (including international travel), venue/studio rental fees, registration fees, workshops, conferences, documentation.

Closing date is the 16th of August with the first projects running from 1 Jan – 31 December 2017. Applications must be submitted by 5.00pm (AEST) on the closing date.

In order to apply please head to Arts NSW SmartyGrants.

For more information visit Ausdance NSW.

2016 Aboriginal Art Fellowship

After recently announcing the funding of 25 projects that support training, career development and marketing opportunities for Aboriginal artists, arts workers and young people across NSW with almost $770,000, the NSW Government is now calling all regional-based and Aboriginal artists to apply for another fellowship worth $30,000 to support them in further developing their careers.

The 2016 Aboriginal Art Fellowship will allow an Aboriginal arts practitioner based in regional NSW to undergo a self-directed program of professional development. It is  is open to professional artists from all art forms, including dance, design, digital arts, history, Aboriginal arts, literature, music, theatre, screen, community arts, curatorial and the visual arts.

Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the fellowship supports professional development projects that will provide a big boost to the successful artists’ careers. 

So you better hurry and apply IF you are:

• an individual artists and arts/cultural workers
• an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• a NSW resident for at least 12 months 

Some of the following activities could get funded:

• international or national travel
• mentorships or internships with recognised professional practitioners or organisations
• residencies at institutions or organisations
• an outstanding opportunity of significance to the applicant’s practice
• short-term courses, workshops or other training at recognised institutions or organisations
• research and development
• creation of new work 

The 2016 Aboriginal Arts Fellowship applications close on 25 July and funding is available for activities commencing after 1 December 2016.

For further details about the 2016 Aboriginal Arts Fellowship please read the 2016 Aboriginal Arts Fellowship Guidelines for more comprehensive information, including special eligibility requirements and assessment criteria for this funding category. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact RADO Derek Motion from Western Riverina Arts.

NSW Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund - We Got It!

MP Adrian Piccoli bringing the good news to RADO Derek Motion

Described as one of the most famous art critics worldwide, Australian Robert Hughes defined Aboriginal Art as the “last great art movement of the 20th Century”. Whether it is woodcarving, sculpting or painting – Aboriginal art is captivating, expressive and reflects the richness and diversity of our Indigenous culture.

The Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund (through Arts NSW) has the aim of making Aboriginal culture of regional NSW more visible and accessible, and increasing professional and skills development opportunities for Aboriginal artists living in regional NSW. Each year regionally based artists and arts organisations are invited to apply for funding to support Aboriginal communities in exploring and expressing their cultural identities.

Western Riverina Arts was one of the successful applicants in 2016 and the non-profit organisation has been awarded $15,000 from the Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund, Arts NSW. “This funding will be used for skills development workshops across the region.” says Regional Art Development Officer Derek Motion. “Over the next 12 months we will employ Aboriginal artists to run a series of workshops across all of our local government areas - Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera & Murrumbidgee.”

The 16 workshop days will offer a wide variety of art styles including painting, woodcarving and weaving. Aboriginal artists will run two-day workshops in each area for young aboriginal artists, helping them to acquire new skills and create some original artwork, which can be seen in the second iteration of the  Murrumbidgee Marramarra exhibition 2017 and will be a follow up to the widely praised and successful Murrumbidgee Marramarra exhibition currently showing at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery.

The NSW Government has provided almost $770,000 for 25 projects that support training, career development, employment and marketing opportunities for Aboriginal artists, arts workers and young people across NSW. Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the new projects will enable Aboriginal artists to build on their abilities and talents, boost local economies and encourage a greater appreciation of Aboriginal culture in the wider community.

Much of the heart and soul of Aboriginal life and culture can be found in their artwork, that often comes with a deep spiritual meaning based on significant ancient stories. Some Aboriginal artwork can even be dated back more than40,000 years ago. That’s why it is even more important to support and promote Aboriginal artists and their work and Western Riverina Arts is excited about the great opportunities this project has to offer to the aboriginal communities in the region. If you are interested in being involved in the Marramarra project – either as an artist or workshop participant – get in touch with RADO Derek Motion to express interest.