Thursday, 31 December 2015
Top five stories in 2015
Thursday, 17 December 2015
Guy Sebastian set to visit Griffith
Having conquered charts and stages internationally, Guy Sebastian is now set to embark on his “YOU…ME…US” major national regional tour in early 2016.
Fresh off the back from sell out Arena tours, the International Eurovision stage and an acclaimed European tour, Guy Sebastian is set to bring his sound and style to regional Australia with this special stripped back tour, and Griffith audiences are set to be thoroughly entertained when he stops at Griffith Regional Theatre on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 February.
Whilst having received international acclaim, Guy Sebastian is a true blue Aussie. He is firmly cemented in Australia’s music history with his plethora of awards, album sales, sell-out concerts and fans as proof alone. Presenting his music across the country in 2016 is further testament to his home-grown down to earth attitude and innocent love of Australia.
Manager Griffith Regional Theatre and Art Gallery, Sarah Boon said Guy remains the only Australian male artist to have ever achieved six number one singles and two number one albums in chart history.
“Quite simply, he has become one of Australia’s greatest assets and his live shows continue to demonstrate why he has achieved such success,” said Mrs Boon.
“We have been working for over two years to get Guy to perform here and are beyond excited to have the tour stop here in Griffith in early 2016 – Griffith Regional Theatre is one of 30+ concerts already scheduled in regional Australia. I know the audience is going to love every minute of his performance.”
These special concerts will see Guy return to venues and towns that he hasn’t performed in for some years.
With ARIA Awards, over 11 top ten singles, multi-platinum albums, platinum and gold certifications, over 3 million album sales, a wife, 2 children and a voice and stage show he is excited to deliver, Guy Sebastian is ready to present his music once again to regional Australia.
“I love just getting out and meeting people. Some of the characters I come across in regional Australia are some of the most interesting people and stories I have met. I’m really looking forward to this tour and stripping back some of the elements and making it all about the music”, said Guy.
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Thursday, 26 November 2015
HSC Graduates Exhibition Showcases Talent
Griffith Regional Art Gallery is once again proud to be hosting the HSC Graduates Exhibition, now in its eighth year, from Saturday 28 November until Sunday 20 December 2015.
The ever popular exhibition provides an opportunity for graduating HSC students to display their major artworks in a professional gallery environment, and is a great way for the community to come together and celebrate our region’s talented youth.
High Schools across the region have been invited to submit entries in the disciplines of visual arts, textiles, design and the industrial arts. Griffith Regional Art Gallery Coordinator, Ray Wholohan said it always astounds him, just how innovative HSC students can be in producing their major works.
“Young people seem to have such an uninhibited level of creativity and the artwork they produce can often be more compelling than some well established artists,” said Mr Wholohan. “This exhibition is an extension of our commitment to promoting the arts practices of young people, and is an important part of our annual calendar,”
“During 2016 we are hosting a number of exhibitions which promote young local artists, such as continuing the annual HSC Graduates Exhibition, Flower Power and Murrumbidgee Marramarra to continue to showcase the talent we have across the region.” The HSC Graduates Exhibition is proudly sponsored by Nathan Thomas, Property Specialist, who is providing the winning award and the Griffith Branch of ANZ Bank, who are providing the highly commended award.
Griffith Regional Art Gallery are also providing a number of encouragement awards, with the award pool in excess of $500. The winners of these awards will be announced during the exhibition’s opening function on Friday 27 November, 6pm. All are welcome to attend.
For further information, please contact the Gallery on 02 6962 8338. Griffith Regional Art Gallery is located at 167 Banna Avenue, Griffith. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and weekends from 11am to 2pm.
Photo of artwork by Laura Panarello supplied.
The ever popular exhibition provides an opportunity for graduating HSC students to display their major artworks in a professional gallery environment, and is a great way for the community to come together and celebrate our region’s talented youth.
“Young people seem to have such an uninhibited level of creativity and the artwork they produce can often be more compelling than some well established artists,” said Mr Wholohan. “This exhibition is an extension of our commitment to promoting the arts practices of young people, and is an important part of our annual calendar,”
“During 2016 we are hosting a number of exhibitions which promote young local artists, such as continuing the annual HSC Graduates Exhibition, Flower Power and Murrumbidgee Marramarra to continue to showcase the talent we have across the region.” The HSC Graduates Exhibition is proudly sponsored by Nathan Thomas, Property Specialist, who is providing the winning award and the Griffith Branch of ANZ Bank, who are providing the highly commended award.
Griffith Regional Art Gallery are also providing a number of encouragement awards, with the award pool in excess of $500. The winners of these awards will be announced during the exhibition’s opening function on Friday 27 November, 6pm. All are welcome to attend.
For further information, please contact the Gallery on 02 6962 8338. Griffith Regional Art Gallery is located at 167 Banna Avenue, Griffith. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and weekends from 11am to 2pm.
Photo of artwork by Laura Panarello supplied.
Regional Gallery Goes Retail
Griffith Regional Art Gallery has recently opened the Griffith Regional Art Gallery Shop, providing local creatives with the opportunity to display and sell their original art and craft products.
Expressions of Interest are being sought from locals who would like to sell their goods at the Gallery Shop.
Gallery Coordinator, Raymond Wholohan said they are looking for professionally presented hand crafted/artisan objects or art and design works which can be sold as giftware.
“The idea of this shop is to engage locals with the Gallery and encourage people to see the Gallery as something more than a traditional museum venture,” said Mr Wholohan.
“Some ideas of products we are looking for include, jewellery, candles, cards, pottery, prints and other small giftware. Our hope it to have the Shop in full swing prior to Christmas.”
Applications can be obtained on the Gallery website, at the Gallery or via email. Works that are successful in the application will be on consignment for 3 months.
After this period, applicants can re-apply to sell their products for the next 3 month period and so on.
“Many other regional art galleries have a retail venture and Griffith Regional Art Gallery ran a very successful shop in the past,” said Mr Wholohan.
“In the New Year we will look to have an official launch of the Shop and it is anticipated we will be able of offer patron’s some wonderful introductory offers.”
The Gallery Shop will be open during the Griffith Regional Art Gallery’s ordinary opening hours, including weekends.
For further information, please contact the Gallery on 02 6962 8338. Griffith Regional Art Gallery is located at 167 Banna Avenue, Griffith. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and weekends from 11am to 2pm.
Expressions of Interest are being sought from locals who would like to sell their goods at the Gallery Shop.
Gallery Coordinator, Raymond Wholohan said they are looking for professionally presented hand crafted/artisan objects or art and design works which can be sold as giftware.
“The idea of this shop is to engage locals with the Gallery and encourage people to see the Gallery as something more than a traditional museum venture,” said Mr Wholohan.
“Some ideas of products we are looking for include, jewellery, candles, cards, pottery, prints and other small giftware. Our hope it to have the Shop in full swing prior to Christmas.”
Applications can be obtained on the Gallery website, at the Gallery or via email. Works that are successful in the application will be on consignment for 3 months.
After this period, applicants can re-apply to sell their products for the next 3 month period and so on.
“Many other regional art galleries have a retail venture and Griffith Regional Art Gallery ran a very successful shop in the past,” said Mr Wholohan.
“In the New Year we will look to have an official launch of the Shop and it is anticipated we will be able of offer patron’s some wonderful introductory offers.”
The Gallery Shop will be open during the Griffith Regional Art Gallery’s ordinary opening hours, including weekends.
For further information, please contact the Gallery on 02 6962 8338. Griffith Regional Art Gallery is located at 167 Banna Avenue, Griffith. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and weekends from 11am to 2pm.
Friday, 20 November 2015
Leeton-based Lynne McQuillan exhibits
Ms McQuillan is an established artist from the Leeton area and has exhibited widely across the region. She is the founder of the Fivebough Studio, which became a meeting place of a core group of artists that became the genesis for the Leeton Art Society. Along with artists Penny Paniz, Jacqui Herrmann, Dee Cameron and Kylie McGuire, are known as the ‘Fivebough Friends.’
Griffith Regional Gallery Coordinator, Raymond Wholohan said Lynne’s arts practice is broad and she is adept in the traditions of landscape, figuration and still-life.
“Technically, Lynne is fluent with the application of acrylic paint, and mixed media, but her real strength is pastel work - anyone with an interest in landscape, figuration or still-life will find her work a visual luxury,” said Mr Wholohan.
“Lynne’s travels around Australia have increased her love of this country and its unique environments and feels compelled to express this love in her art.”
“The colours of our Country will always amaze and inspire me to try and capture its beauty and strength, light and vastness,” said Ms McQuillan. “This is what I’m wishing to capture in this exhibition.”
Mr Wholohan said it is a pleasure to bring Lynne’s artwork into ArtSpace this year and we wish her every success in her future artistic pursuits both locally and beyond.
“I urge anybody who is interested in painting and drawing to make time to view this visually rich exhibition,” he added.
The exhibition will be launched with an opening function on Friday 20 November at 6:30pm at Griffith Regional Theatre and all are welcome.
(Note: painting by Lynne McQuillan shown above is not part of the exhibition.)
International sculptors coming to Griffith
Acclaimed sculptors from around the world have signed up to be part of the Griffith International Sculpture Symposium, the flagship event to celebrate the centenary of Griffith next year.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi said Griffith is a young city of great diversity and home to people from many nations.
“It is exciting to run an International Arts event drawing sculptors from over the globe to come to our city and create a lasting legacy for current and future generations to enjoy,” said Councillor Dal Broi.
“So far we have sculptors from Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Germany and New Zealand, with two more to sign up. Each sculptor brings a unique approach and style to the mix which adds incredible interest and depth to the whole project.”
Queensland sculptor Luke Zwolsman has been appointed to manage the Symposium in Griffith.
“I am delighted to oversee this key centenary project and to bring a fabulous group of sculptors together for two weeks during May 2016,” said Mr Zwolsman. “Pioneer Park Museum will be the Symposium location and I have handpicked seven granite blocks from a quarry in NSW. The sculptures will be contemporary and reflect a connection to Griffith through the theme 'The meaning of water and the City's Multicultural Diversity'.
“The selected sculptors are all very skilled and highly successful sculptors who have completed large scale public works all over the world. We are delighted to have them take part in the 2016 symposium and can’t wait to see what they will create for the town of Griffith.”
“It will be incredibly interesting to watch pieces unfold, as acclaimed sculptors from around the world are let loose on 10 tonnes of stone, with the tools of their trade, carving, chipping and cutting, to create permanent public art for Griffith region,” added Councillor Dal Broi.
For further information on the Griffith Centenary visit www.griffith2016.com.au
Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi said Griffith is a young city of great diversity and home to people from many nations.
“It is exciting to run an International Arts event drawing sculptors from over the globe to come to our city and create a lasting legacy for current and future generations to enjoy,” said Councillor Dal Broi.
“So far we have sculptors from Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Germany and New Zealand, with two more to sign up. Each sculptor brings a unique approach and style to the mix which adds incredible interest and depth to the whole project.”
Queensland sculptor Luke Zwolsman has been appointed to manage the Symposium in Griffith.
“I am delighted to oversee this key centenary project and to bring a fabulous group of sculptors together for two weeks during May 2016,” said Mr Zwolsman. “Pioneer Park Museum will be the Symposium location and I have handpicked seven granite blocks from a quarry in NSW. The sculptures will be contemporary and reflect a connection to Griffith through the theme 'The meaning of water and the City's Multicultural Diversity'.
“The selected sculptors are all very skilled and highly successful sculptors who have completed large scale public works all over the world. We are delighted to have them take part in the 2016 symposium and can’t wait to see what they will create for the town of Griffith.”
“It will be incredibly interesting to watch pieces unfold, as acclaimed sculptors from around the world are let loose on 10 tonnes of stone, with the tools of their trade, carving, chipping and cutting, to create permanent public art for Griffith region,” added Councillor Dal Broi.
For further information on the Griffith Centenary visit www.griffith2016.com.au
Looking to buy work from young creatives in Griffith?
Griffith City Library is giving young people the opportunity to set up shop in the Library with Y-shop!
Y-shop is a new concept from Griffith City Library to enable young people aged between 12 and 25 years to sell their own original creative works. The program has been designed to give young people, who may not have the resources, money or equipment to attend local markets, the opportunity to start their own business.
Joint Library Manager, Pam Young said by providing a free ‘retail space’ young people can develop their entrepreneurial and customer service skills, build confidence and gain retail experience to their very own business.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to test the market while also developing basic skills for future employment," said Mrs Young. “We are really excited to be able to incorporate this space and grow our young talent.”
Y-shop will be open every Thursday at Griffith City Library from 4:30pm – 6:30pm starting from November 26 through to December 17.
Applications are now open for those interested in setting up their own Y-Shop. For further details or a copy of the application form, contact the Library on 6962 8300 or visit www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/library
Y-shop is a new concept from Griffith City Library to enable young people aged between 12 and 25 years to sell their own original creative works. The program has been designed to give young people, who may not have the resources, money or equipment to attend local markets, the opportunity to start their own business.
Joint Library Manager, Pam Young said by providing a free ‘retail space’ young people can develop their entrepreneurial and customer service skills, build confidence and gain retail experience to their very own business.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to test the market while also developing basic skills for future employment," said Mrs Young. “We are really excited to be able to incorporate this space and grow our young talent.”
Y-shop will be open every Thursday at Griffith City Library from 4:30pm – 6:30pm starting from November 26 through to December 17.
Applications are now open for those interested in setting up their own Y-Shop. For further details or a copy of the application form, contact the Library on 6962 8300 or visit www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/library
Friday, 23 October 2015
Dawn: One True Note
Dawn Beaumont-Stevens’ long musical career, and remarkable life, is being celebrated with a biographical musical to be performed in Griffith - where she is a singer, music teacher, and community leader.
A group of Dawn Beaumont-Stevens’ current and past students are well into rehearsals for a show about Dawn’s life, written by Mark, Shari, and Clare Blumer (all former students of Dawn). The 25 strong cast ranges in age from 8 to 80.
“Dawn is a champion of the bush. This show is very much about Dawn, but it’s also about those pioneering women who came from the cities and the coast to live in a very harsh place and managed to soften and civilise their environment by championing music and art,” said Mark Blumer who is directing the show. “And most of all, they provided entertainment.”
“My grandmother Nancy Blumer was another of those women, like Dawn, whose strength and courage I respect. That’s why I personally wanted to make this show with the help of my daughters Shari and Clare.”
The show will be held at the Griffith Regional Theatre, the location of many popular community shows Dawn musically directed or contributed to, like Griffith Remembers and Ten: The Show. The musical dramatises her remarkable life, beginning as a child who contracted polio at 3-years-old, and showing her successful singing career in her late teens and early twenties in Sydney and as a protégé of singing star Gladys Moncrieff.
“We interviewed people in Dawn’s life and found out what her story really is,” said Blumer. “We’ve found press clippings, written records, photographs, radio recordings and scripts from the 1950s. All of this added up to a unique but also a representative story of pioneering women of the twentieth century.
The musical contains many of the popular songs that Dawn’s students performed all around Griffith, including some of the classic hits that made Griffith Remembers memorable, and featuring a song written especially for this show by Steven Bailey.
“It’s great to have some of Dawn’s star students gathering in Griffith to honour Dawn with this show.” Directed by Mark Blumer (Griffith Remembers, Ten the Show, K-Tel Killers Kocktail Kabaret), musically directed by Steven Bailey (who directed Griffith: The Musical), produced by Margie Couch (Hermit, My Place), and assisted in direction and design by Don Hillam (Beauty and the Beast and many others), the team has had vast experience in creating community shows in Griffith.
A group of Dawn Beaumont-Stevens’ current and past students are well into rehearsals for a show about Dawn’s life, written by Mark, Shari, and Clare Blumer (all former students of Dawn). The 25 strong cast ranges in age from 8 to 80.
“Dawn is a champion of the bush. This show is very much about Dawn, but it’s also about those pioneering women who came from the cities and the coast to live in a very harsh place and managed to soften and civilise their environment by championing music and art,” said Mark Blumer who is directing the show. “And most of all, they provided entertainment.”
“My grandmother Nancy Blumer was another of those women, like Dawn, whose strength and courage I respect. That’s why I personally wanted to make this show with the help of my daughters Shari and Clare.”
The show will be held at the Griffith Regional Theatre, the location of many popular community shows Dawn musically directed or contributed to, like Griffith Remembers and Ten: The Show. The musical dramatises her remarkable life, beginning as a child who contracted polio at 3-years-old, and showing her successful singing career in her late teens and early twenties in Sydney and as a protégé of singing star Gladys Moncrieff.
“We interviewed people in Dawn’s life and found out what her story really is,” said Blumer. “We’ve found press clippings, written records, photographs, radio recordings and scripts from the 1950s. All of this added up to a unique but also a representative story of pioneering women of the twentieth century.
The musical contains many of the popular songs that Dawn’s students performed all around Griffith, including some of the classic hits that made Griffith Remembers memorable, and featuring a song written especially for this show by Steven Bailey.
“It’s great to have some of Dawn’s star students gathering in Griffith to honour Dawn with this show.” Directed by Mark Blumer (Griffith Remembers, Ten the Show, K-Tel Killers Kocktail Kabaret), musically directed by Steven Bailey (who directed Griffith: The Musical), produced by Margie Couch (Hermit, My Place), and assisted in direction and design by Don Hillam (Beauty and the Beast and many others), the team has had vast experience in creating community shows in Griffith.
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
Tricks and treats at Lillypilly Winery this Halloween
Leeton’s Lillypilly Winery is teaming up with local musician Jason Richardson to host a Halloween party from 7pm on Saturday 31 October.
“It’ll be fun for all ages with creative pursuits, music and a spooky story,” said Mr Richardson.
“Traditionally it’s the time of year when spirits visit our world and Lillypilly are very kindly offering a complementary wine tasting for visiting adults, which should help raise spirits.”
The event will provide a venue for people who want to dress-up to mark the occasion.
“As a parent I know how much kids want to get into a costume and roam the streets in search of sugar. It got me thinking that it would be much better to provide an event where families could gather and share the thrill.”
Entertainment will include stories, hands-on activities, a movie and more.
“In previous years I’ve screened a silent movie in town as well as projecting my music videos and the film for this event will bring together both, with a silent film suitable for kids that I’ve created a soundtrack from music written and recorded in the last year or so.”
‘The Lost World’ is a classic film from 1925 that is based on a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, better known for writing the Sherlock Holmes stories. It’s remarkable for being the first feature to use stop-motion animation, as well as being the first film to be shown to airline passengers.
“I’m also looking forward to telling people about the troll that once lived in Leeton,” said Mr Richardson. “It’s a little-known fact that he was directly responsible for the creation of Fivebough Wetland.”
Learn more at Lillypilly Winery from 7pm on 31 October.
“It’ll be fun for all ages with creative pursuits, music and a spooky story,” said Mr Richardson.
“Traditionally it’s the time of year when spirits visit our world and Lillypilly are very kindly offering a complementary wine tasting for visiting adults, which should help raise spirits.”
The event will provide a venue for people who want to dress-up to mark the occasion.
Entertainment will include stories, hands-on activities, a movie and more.
“In previous years I’ve screened a silent movie in town as well as projecting my music videos and the film for this event will bring together both, with a silent film suitable for kids that I’ve created a soundtrack from music written and recorded in the last year or so.”
‘The Lost World’ is a classic film from 1925 that is based on a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, better known for writing the Sherlock Holmes stories. It’s remarkable for being the first feature to use stop-motion animation, as well as being the first film to be shown to airline passengers.
“I’m also looking forward to telling people about the troll that once lived in Leeton,” said Mr Richardson. “It’s a little-known fact that he was directly responsible for the creation of Fivebough Wetland.”
Learn more at Lillypilly Winery from 7pm on 31 October.
Friday, 9 October 2015
Sketchy addition to local festival
Western Riverina Arts ask that people attending participating venues this October to sketch their experiences.
"As part of the TASTE Festival this year we've delivered coasters to Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith with instructions to draw something you've tasted in the Riverina," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer.
"Please provide a quick sketch of something you've tasted in the Riverina. Use words if you prefer or perhaps a quill dipped in a local shiraz and just provide an outline of a local flavour."
The coasters will be collected for display at the end of the Festival.
Participating venues in Narrandera include the Eipper's farm and Trent's Coffeehouse, in Leeton at Pages on Pine and in Griffith at the Exies.
"Or visit Western Riverina Arts and collect a couple to take along with you to a TASTE Festival event and show us your flavour," said Mr Motion.
"Please provide a quick sketch of something you've tasted in the Riverina. Use words if you prefer or perhaps a quill dipped in a local shiraz and just provide an outline of a local flavour."
The coasters will be collected for display at the end of the Festival.
Participating venues in Narrandera include the Eipper's farm and Trent's Coffeehouse, in Leeton at Pages on Pine and in Griffith at the Exies.
"Or visit Western Riverina Arts and collect a couple to take along with you to a TASTE Festival event and show us your flavour," said Mr Motion.
Haunting installation to transform the banks of the Murrumbidgee as part of On Common Ground
As part of On Common Ground, two special night time events will transform the banks of the Murrumbidgee River into a haunting video and sound performance.
Watch as a 60-metre wide video projection wraps around trees, water, river banks and more, bringing to life stories from the past and present. Haunting is a stunning artwork made by Vic McEwan, Artistic Director of The Cad Factory and George Main, Curator at the National Museum of Australia.
Over the last six months Vic and George have been working with collection items from the National Museum of Australia and the Narrandera Museum that relate to the Riverina area. The photographs of these items have been projected onto shifting environmental conditions like fog, mist and smoke on the banks of the Murrumbidgee river in Canberra.
The show was presented to a sell out audience in Canberra in September and received critical acclaim. It will now be remade to fit the banks of the Murrumbidgee in Narrandera. George says, “Haunting celebrates our hidden histories and seeks to foster an exploration of some of the more difficult situations now facing humanity.”
On Friday 16 October and Saturday 17 October this work will be presented at Second Beach in the Narrandera Common with a few added twists. Vic says, “We have been working with local artists Fiona Caldarevic, Elizabeth Gay Campbell, Wagga poet David Gilbey and visiting artist Greg Pritchard to add extra performative elements to the event. As well as projecting onto the banks of the Murrumbidgee, we will also project onto the artwork Vanishing Point: Swan Hopper Legacies which spans the entire 110 metre width of the river."
These night time events will be held from 7pm - 10pm at Second Beach. Cars can drive into the Common and park near the Koala count marshalling area. Audience numbers are limited so if you would like to attend this event, please go to www.cadfactory.com.au to book your free tickets.
Bring along dinner and a picnic blanket to enjoy a fun evening of conversation, artworks and ideas in Narrandera’s beautiful natural environment, the Common.
From Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October, the Narrandera Common will be taken over by nineteen Riverina artists, seven visiting artists and over 50 community members for a spectacular art experience. You can view over 24 artworks between 10am - 4pm on Friday 16 October, 1pm - 6pm on Saturday 17 October and 1pm - 6pm on Sunday 18 October.
Over the last six months Vic and George have been working with collection items from the National Museum of Australia and the Narrandera Museum that relate to the Riverina area. The photographs of these items have been projected onto shifting environmental conditions like fog, mist and smoke on the banks of the Murrumbidgee river in Canberra.
The show was presented to a sell out audience in Canberra in September and received critical acclaim. It will now be remade to fit the banks of the Murrumbidgee in Narrandera. George says, “Haunting celebrates our hidden histories and seeks to foster an exploration of some of the more difficult situations now facing humanity.”
On Friday 16 October and Saturday 17 October this work will be presented at Second Beach in the Narrandera Common with a few added twists. Vic says, “We have been working with local artists Fiona Caldarevic, Elizabeth Gay Campbell, Wagga poet David Gilbey and visiting artist Greg Pritchard to add extra performative elements to the event. As well as projecting onto the banks of the Murrumbidgee, we will also project onto the artwork Vanishing Point: Swan Hopper Legacies which spans the entire 110 metre width of the river."
These night time events will be held from 7pm - 10pm at Second Beach. Cars can drive into the Common and park near the Koala count marshalling area. Audience numbers are limited so if you would like to attend this event, please go to www.cadfactory.com.au to book your free tickets.
Bring along dinner and a picnic blanket to enjoy a fun evening of conversation, artworks and ideas in Narrandera’s beautiful natural environment, the Common.
From Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October, the Narrandera Common will be taken over by nineteen Riverina artists, seven visiting artists and over 50 community members for a spectacular art experience. You can view over 24 artworks between 10am - 4pm on Friday 16 October, 1pm - 6pm on Saturday 17 October and 1pm - 6pm on Sunday 18 October.
Friday, 2 October 2015
Bell Shakespeare's Hamlet
Off the back of directing the critically acclaimed, award winning Henry V for Bell Shakespeare in 2014, Damien Ryan will deliver a new production of Hamlet, one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies at Griffith Regional Theatre on Thursday 8 October, 7.30pm.
Hamlet is a detailed family portrait in the political landscape of a “rotten” Denmark, a country furiously preparing for war, not realising that the enemy lies within.
Hamlet is a young man cast in an unfamiliar role in a story he never expected to tell. Deeply saddened by the sudden death of his father, he is further shocked to find his mother quickly remarried to his uncle, the dead king's brother.
Haunted by his mother’s perceived crime, Hamlet is a mass of contradictions and a modern anti-hero. He is at once vulgar, misogynist and cruel while being overwhelmed by insecurities and indecision. He stands before us and speaks the truth, confronting us with just how fragile our ideals of family, love, community, loyalty, faithfulness and the courage to ‘act’ can be.
Manager Griffith Regional Theatre and Art Gallery, Sarah Boon said Hamlet is the play about everything: death, life; sex, love; revenge and punishment; ambition, power, war and conquest; fathers, mothers, sons, daughters; heaven, hell and in between; friendship; fate.
“Hamlet is such an interesting and riveting story: anguish, passion and desperation collide in an incredible production which makes the story fresh, accessible and relevant,” said Mrs Boon.
“Hamlet is one of the most complete experiences theatre can provide and Shakespeare casts his spell through the sheer scope and grandeur of this story - beginning with a dead man walking and ending with a stage littered with bodies.”
Advance purchase ticket price of $25 ends October 1, 5pm. Tickets are available online at www.griffithregionaltheatre.com.au or by calling the Box Office on 6962 8444.
Hamlet is a young man cast in an unfamiliar role in a story he never expected to tell. Deeply saddened by the sudden death of his father, he is further shocked to find his mother quickly remarried to his uncle, the dead king's brother.
Haunted by his mother’s perceived crime, Hamlet is a mass of contradictions and a modern anti-hero. He is at once vulgar, misogynist and cruel while being overwhelmed by insecurities and indecision. He stands before us and speaks the truth, confronting us with just how fragile our ideals of family, love, community, loyalty, faithfulness and the courage to ‘act’ can be.
Manager Griffith Regional Theatre and Art Gallery, Sarah Boon said Hamlet is the play about everything: death, life; sex, love; revenge and punishment; ambition, power, war and conquest; fathers, mothers, sons, daughters; heaven, hell and in between; friendship; fate.
“Hamlet is such an interesting and riveting story: anguish, passion and desperation collide in an incredible production which makes the story fresh, accessible and relevant,” said Mrs Boon.
“Hamlet is one of the most complete experiences theatre can provide and Shakespeare casts his spell through the sheer scope and grandeur of this story - beginning with a dead man walking and ending with a stage littered with bodies.”
Advance purchase ticket price of $25 ends October 1, 5pm. Tickets are available online at www.griffithregionaltheatre.com.au or by calling the Box Office on 6962 8444.
Friday, 25 September 2015
Spring into action!
The annual community exhibition, ‘Flower Power’ is back again this year at Griffith Regional Art Gallery, coinciding with Griffith’s annual Festival of Gardens.
Gallery Coordinator, Raymond Wholohan is calling for local artists to enter up to two works in any medium (painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, costume, textiles, etc), created to theme ‘My imaginary garden’.
“Flower Power always attracts an incredible range of artworks, and we are once again calling on locals to enter artworks to be displayed in the exhibition,” said Mr Wholohan.
“The theme ‘My imaginary garden’ allows the artist to conjure anything they can imagine – we hope the theme will inspire our talented artists to explore the idea of environments that may not be able to be achieved by conventional horticulture.”
The exhibition has two prize categories: The Nancy Sainty Encouragement Award and a People’s Choice Award. The Nancy Sainty Encouragement Award is open to all students from Pre-School through to Year 12 and is aimed at encouraging and developing young artists. The Sainty family will judge the Nancy Sainty Encouragement Award, with awards available for a pre-school student, primary student and a secondary student.
The People’s Choice Award will be open throughout the exhibition giving visitors the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork. Votes will be tallied at the close of the exhibition. The winner will receive a Griffith Regional Theatre 2016 membership, a double pass to any season show, and a solo exhibition at ArtSpace at Griffith Regional Theatre and Griffith City Council during 2016.
“Flower Power is consistently one of the Gallery’s most popular exhibitions,” said Mr Wholohan.
“Over the years we have exhibited paintings, drawings, photography, textiles, embroidery, sculpture, jewellery, video, mixed media and collage, so I am really looking forward to seeing what this year will bring.”
“Art has a special place in our lives as it’s one of the avenues where we a given the freedom to explore the undamaged or make believe.”
Entry forms can be downloaded from the gallery website at www.griffithregionalartgallery.com.au and works need to be received between Thursday 1 October and Tuesday 6 October 2015.
Flower Power will run from Saturday October 10 and until Sunday October 25.
Gallery Coordinator, Raymond Wholohan is calling for local artists to enter up to two works in any medium (painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, costume, textiles, etc), created to theme ‘My imaginary garden’.
“The theme ‘My imaginary garden’ allows the artist to conjure anything they can imagine – we hope the theme will inspire our talented artists to explore the idea of environments that may not be able to be achieved by conventional horticulture.”
The exhibition has two prize categories: The Nancy Sainty Encouragement Award and a People’s Choice Award. The Nancy Sainty Encouragement Award is open to all students from Pre-School through to Year 12 and is aimed at encouraging and developing young artists. The Sainty family will judge the Nancy Sainty Encouragement Award, with awards available for a pre-school student, primary student and a secondary student.
The People’s Choice Award will be open throughout the exhibition giving visitors the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork. Votes will be tallied at the close of the exhibition. The winner will receive a Griffith Regional Theatre 2016 membership, a double pass to any season show, and a solo exhibition at ArtSpace at Griffith Regional Theatre and Griffith City Council during 2016.
“Flower Power is consistently one of the Gallery’s most popular exhibitions,” said Mr Wholohan.
“Over the years we have exhibited paintings, drawings, photography, textiles, embroidery, sculpture, jewellery, video, mixed media and collage, so I am really looking forward to seeing what this year will bring.”
“Art has a special place in our lives as it’s one of the avenues where we a given the freedom to explore the undamaged or make believe.”
Entry forms can be downloaded from the gallery website at www.griffithregionalartgallery.com.au and works need to be received between Thursday 1 October and Tuesday 6 October 2015.
Flower Power will run from Saturday October 10 and until Sunday October 25.
Thursday, 24 September 2015
New exhibit at Pioneer Park
When Jessie Mather married Kevin Hogarth at Scotts Memorial Church in September 1958 it is unlikely that she thought her dresses would be on display at a museum nearly 60 years later.
Yet the wedding dress and 'going away' outfit are now on display in the Roundhouse at Griffith Pioneer Park Museum.
"Griffith Pioneer Park Museum has a remarkable collection of clothing including a number of dresses which are in a national registry," said Museum Curator, Jason Richardson.
"These preserve a variety of aspects of history but also illustrate local stories like the work of seamstress Myrtle Crockford, who created the wedding dress and going away outfit."
Mrs Crockford ran Griffith fashion business 'La Vogue' for a number of years and dressed many women in the region.
Jessie Hogarth found the wedding dress in a newspaper and provided a copy to Mrs Crockford who then created it from lace and tulle without the use of a pattern.
The exhibition was put together by Griffith Pioneer Park Museum volunteer Heather Waide, who has contributed hundreds of hours to the Museum over the years.
"Heather's research has included sourcing photographs of the dresses at the wedding, as well as many hours restoring and conserving other dresses and uniforms in our collection," added Mr Richardson.
Griffith Pioneer Park Museum volunteers contribute their time and energy toward preserving history, where their efforts are seen by thousands of visitors annually.
Take the opportunity to step back in time and view Jessie Hogarth's wedding dress and 'going away' outfit for yourself.
For more information, please contact Griffith Pioneer Park Museum on 6962 4196 or www.griffithpioneerpark.com.au
Yet the wedding dress and 'going away' outfit are now on display in the Roundhouse at Griffith Pioneer Park Museum.
"These preserve a variety of aspects of history but also illustrate local stories like the work of seamstress Myrtle Crockford, who created the wedding dress and going away outfit."
Mrs Crockford ran Griffith fashion business 'La Vogue' for a number of years and dressed many women in the region.
Jessie Hogarth found the wedding dress in a newspaper and provided a copy to Mrs Crockford who then created it from lace and tulle without the use of a pattern.
The exhibition was put together by Griffith Pioneer Park Museum volunteer Heather Waide, who has contributed hundreds of hours to the Museum over the years.
"Heather's research has included sourcing photographs of the dresses at the wedding, as well as many hours restoring and conserving other dresses and uniforms in our collection," added Mr Richardson.
Griffith Pioneer Park Museum volunteers contribute their time and energy toward preserving history, where their efforts are seen by thousands of visitors annually.
Take the opportunity to step back in time and view Jessie Hogarth's wedding dress and 'going away' outfit for yourself.
For more information, please contact Griffith Pioneer Park Museum on 6962 4196 or www.griffithpioneerpark.com.au
Niu Warrior exhibition
Griffith Regional Art Gallery is proud to be hosting Niu Warrior: NRL Stars of the Pacific.
This exuberant and masculine exhibition showcases photographic portraits of over 30 of the NRL’s finest superstars including Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Fuifui Moimoi, Frank Puletua, Nigel Vagana & Ruben Wiki.
The exhibition is comprised of two different bodies of photographic artwork, the first series titled Body on the Line, by artist Greg Semu, is comprised of twelve elegantly executed life size portraits of NRL superstars wearing traditional Polynesian dress and holding objects of personal significance.
The second series titled Mana Pasifika, is by Ethan Mann with the assistance of Frank Puletua and comprises of six large scale photographs that capture NRL superstars in traditional Polynesian dress, immersed in dramatic hyperreal landscapes of significant Polynesian islands.
Gallery Coordinator, Raymond Wholohan said the exhibition is perfect for this area as Griffith has both a strong love of Rugby League, as well as a large Polynesian community.
“Niu Warrior is a fantastic example of contemporary photography and it will appeal to anyone with a love or interest in photography,” said Mr Wholohan.
“It is a must for any NRL fans or anyone with an interest in the culture and islands of Polynesia – I highly recommend visiting the Gallery to take in these awe inspiring photographs.
The exhibition is on loan from the Casula Powerhouse Art Centre, part of the Liverpool City Council.
Niu Warrior: NRL Stars of the Pacific runs until the Sunday 4 October. For further information, please contact the Gallery on 02 6962 8338 or visit www.griffithregionalartgallery.com.au
This exuberant and masculine exhibition showcases photographic portraits of over 30 of the NRL’s finest superstars including Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Fuifui Moimoi, Frank Puletua, Nigel Vagana & Ruben Wiki.
The second series titled Mana Pasifika, is by Ethan Mann with the assistance of Frank Puletua and comprises of six large scale photographs that capture NRL superstars in traditional Polynesian dress, immersed in dramatic hyperreal landscapes of significant Polynesian islands.
Gallery Coordinator, Raymond Wholohan said the exhibition is perfect for this area as Griffith has both a strong love of Rugby League, as well as a large Polynesian community.
“Niu Warrior is a fantastic example of contemporary photography and it will appeal to anyone with a love or interest in photography,” said Mr Wholohan.
“It is a must for any NRL fans or anyone with an interest in the culture and islands of Polynesia – I highly recommend visiting the Gallery to take in these awe inspiring photographs.
The exhibition is on loan from the Casula Powerhouse Art Centre, part of the Liverpool City Council.
Niu Warrior: NRL Stars of the Pacific runs until the Sunday 4 October. For further information, please contact the Gallery on 02 6962 8338 or visit www.griffithregionalartgallery.com.au
Author Judy Nunn to visit Griffith
Griffith City Library is pleased to be hosting a champagne and canapé evening with bestselling author and one of Australia’s favourite storytellers, Judy Nunn, on Thursday November 5, at 7pm.
Judy Nunn’s career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 90s to turn her hand to prose.
Her first three novels, The Glitter Game, Centre Stage and Araluen, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers, and the rest is history, quite literally in fact. She has since developed a love of writing Australian historically-based fiction and her fame as a novelist has spread rapidly throughout Europe where she is published in English, German, French, Dutch, Czech and Spanish.
Her subsequent bestsellers, Kal, Beneath the Southern Cross, Territory, Pacific, Heritage, Floodtide, Maralinga, Tiger Men and Elianne confirm Judy’s position as one of Australia’s leading fiction writers.
In 2015 Judy was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her ‘significant service to the performing arts as a scriptwriter and actor of stage and screen, and to literature as an author’.
Tickets to the event are $15 per person and can be purchased from Griffith City Library. Ticket sales close on Friday October 30.
Judy Nunn’s career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 90s to turn her hand to prose.
Her first three novels, The Glitter Game, Centre Stage and Araluen, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers, and the rest is history, quite literally in fact. She has since developed a love of writing Australian historically-based fiction and her fame as a novelist has spread rapidly throughout Europe where she is published in English, German, French, Dutch, Czech and Spanish.
Her subsequent bestsellers, Kal, Beneath the Southern Cross, Territory, Pacific, Heritage, Floodtide, Maralinga, Tiger Men and Elianne confirm Judy’s position as one of Australia’s leading fiction writers.
In 2015 Judy was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her ‘significant service to the performing arts as a scriptwriter and actor of stage and screen, and to literature as an author’.
Tickets to the event are $15 per person and can be purchased from Griffith City Library. Ticket sales close on Friday October 30.
Thursday, 17 September 2015
On Common Ground in Narrandera
On Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October, the Narrandera Common will provide the backdrop and inspiration for a spectacular art experience featuring the work of 18 Riverina artists, 8 visiting artists and over 50 community members.
The site-specific arts festival will take place along the Murrumbidgee River and over the 3 days of activities, audience are invited to explore this stunning flora and fauna reserve where artworks will be embedded into the landscape.
The Murrumbidgee river has a long history as a contested site. Colonisation, the development of agriculture, species extinction and reduction, continuing environmental changes and resource management initiatives such as the Murray Darling Basin Plan, make this location and its surrounds a place of consternation with many conflicting views. On Common Ground is a celebration of what links us, through all of our different viewpoints and histories. It is an attempt to allow a neutral place, a place for discussion and reflection for three days and beyond.
Over the past year, artists and community groups have been devising new, original artworks in the lead up to the festival. The featured artwork includes a huge textiles installation made in collaboration with Julie Montgarrett, Vic McEwan and Clytie Smith, and addresses the fraught history of the black swans in the region. Julie Montgarret says, “ The river textile carries the patterns, shapes and shadows of the black swans that once filled the skies over the rivers and billabongs of the Riverina. Made up of over 2000 pieces of recycled cloth dyed and printed, it hangs 10 metres overhead and stretches 110 metres across the width of the river.”
Another highlight of the festival includes a night time projection event called Haunting, on the banks of Beach 2 in the Common. Vic McEwan and National Museum of Australia curator, George Main, have been collaborating and working with collection items related to the Narrandera area to create the video work. George Main says, “Haunting acknowledges the multi-dimensional realities of these objects, of our celebrated and hidden histories, and seeks to foster cultural shifts that allow society to explore and face difficult situations now facing humanity.”
Along with these artworks, there will be an additional 22 artworks spread throughout the Common, between the entrance near Lake Talbot, Beach 1 and Beach 2. Artistic Director of The Cad Factory Vic McEwan says, “On Common Ground is an opportunity to celebrate The Riverina’s amazing talent and to fill this beautiful natural area with people, conversations, artworks and ideas”
The Chair of Western Riverina Arts, Marg Couch says, “On Common Ground is an innovative Riverina grown project developing the creative economy through skills development, enhanced tourism opportunities, social inclusion, identity and placemaking.”
The festival is a partnership between The Cad Factory, Narrandera Arts and Creative Network, Narrandera Council, Arts NSW, Regional Arts NSW, Australia Council for the Arts, Performance Space, National Association for the Visual Arts, National Museum of Australia, Western Riverina Arts, Happy Herbs Company and Bendigo Bank.
On Common Ground
16 - 18 October
The Narrandera Common
Friday 16 October: Open from 10am - 4pm
10am - 2pm: Schools’ Day
Local Students will be given tours around the Common to look at the artworks and engage with artists. This special Schools’ Day has more places available. For more information contact Sarah McEwan, sarah@cadfactory.com.au or 0405 447 490
Friday 16 October: Projection Event and Opening
6:30pm - 10pm at Beach 2
Bring your dinner and a picnic blanket to enjoy an evening by the river
Bookings essential: sarah@cadfactory.com.au
Saturday and Sunday: Open from 1pm - 6pm
For Interviews or additional information contact Vic McEwan on 0409 543 953 or cadfactory@ihug.com.au
List of Artists
Amelia Reid (Murwillumbah)
Angela French (Sydney)
Bec Dean (Sydney)
Clytie Smith (Sydney)
David Gilbey (Wagga Wagga)
Derek Motion (Leeton)
Eco-dyeing Circle (A group of women from Wagga, Narrandera, Grong Grong and Coleambally)
Elizabeth Gay Campbell (Narrandera)
Emma Piltz (Narrandera)
Fiona Caldarevic (Narrandera)
George Main (Canberra)
Greg Pritchard (Nomad)
Gwen Lee (Narrandera)
Hands on Weavers (Wagga Wagga)
Hape Kiddle (Griffith)
Jacqui Ryding (Narrandera)
Joyce Spencer (Narrandera)
Julie Briggs (Narrandera)
Julie Montgarrett (Wagga Wagga)
Kerri Weymouth (Coleambally)
Lindsay Campbell (Narrandera)
Local Narrandera Students (From Narrandera High, Narrandera Public and St Joseph’s)
Lorraine Tye (Uranquinty)
Marilyn Manning (Narrandera)
Narrandera Arts and Creative Network (Local arts group)
Nicole Barakat (Sydney)
Pen to Paper (A group of writers from Narrandera)
Rachel Viski (Wagga Wagga)
Sarah McEwan (Narrandera)
Tamsin Salehian (Sydney)
The Lace Makers (A group of women from Wagga, Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith)
Vic McEwan (Narrandera)
The Murrumbidgee river has a long history as a contested site. Colonisation, the development of agriculture, species extinction and reduction, continuing environmental changes and resource management initiatives such as the Murray Darling Basin Plan, make this location and its surrounds a place of consternation with many conflicting views. On Common Ground is a celebration of what links us, through all of our different viewpoints and histories. It is an attempt to allow a neutral place, a place for discussion and reflection for three days and beyond.
Over the past year, artists and community groups have been devising new, original artworks in the lead up to the festival. The featured artwork includes a huge textiles installation made in collaboration with Julie Montgarrett, Vic McEwan and Clytie Smith, and addresses the fraught history of the black swans in the region. Julie Montgarret says, “ The river textile carries the patterns, shapes and shadows of the black swans that once filled the skies over the rivers and billabongs of the Riverina. Made up of over 2000 pieces of recycled cloth dyed and printed, it hangs 10 metres overhead and stretches 110 metres across the width of the river.”
Another highlight of the festival includes a night time projection event called Haunting, on the banks of Beach 2 in the Common. Vic McEwan and National Museum of Australia curator, George Main, have been collaborating and working with collection items related to the Narrandera area to create the video work. George Main says, “Haunting acknowledges the multi-dimensional realities of these objects, of our celebrated and hidden histories, and seeks to foster cultural shifts that allow society to explore and face difficult situations now facing humanity.”
Along with these artworks, there will be an additional 22 artworks spread throughout the Common, between the entrance near Lake Talbot, Beach 1 and Beach 2. Artistic Director of The Cad Factory Vic McEwan says, “On Common Ground is an opportunity to celebrate The Riverina’s amazing talent and to fill this beautiful natural area with people, conversations, artworks and ideas”
The Chair of Western Riverina Arts, Marg Couch says, “On Common Ground is an innovative Riverina grown project developing the creative economy through skills development, enhanced tourism opportunities, social inclusion, identity and placemaking.”
The festival is a partnership between The Cad Factory, Narrandera Arts and Creative Network, Narrandera Council, Arts NSW, Regional Arts NSW, Australia Council for the Arts, Performance Space, National Association for the Visual Arts, National Museum of Australia, Western Riverina Arts, Happy Herbs Company and Bendigo Bank.
On Common Ground
16 - 18 October
The Narrandera Common
Friday 16 October: Open from 10am - 4pm
10am - 2pm: Schools’ Day
Local Students will be given tours around the Common to look at the artworks and engage with artists. This special Schools’ Day has more places available. For more information contact Sarah McEwan, sarah@cadfactory.com.au or 0405 447 490
Friday 16 October: Projection Event and Opening
6:30pm - 10pm at Beach 2
Bring your dinner and a picnic blanket to enjoy an evening by the river
Bookings essential: sarah@cadfactory.com.au
Saturday and Sunday: Open from 1pm - 6pm
For Interviews or additional information contact Vic McEwan on 0409 543 953 or cadfactory@ihug.com.au
List of Artists
Amelia Reid (Murwillumbah)
Angela French (Sydney)
Bec Dean (Sydney)
Clytie Smith (Sydney)
David Gilbey (Wagga Wagga)
Derek Motion (Leeton)
Eco-dyeing Circle (A group of women from Wagga, Narrandera, Grong Grong and Coleambally)
Elizabeth Gay Campbell (Narrandera)
Emma Piltz (Narrandera)
Fiona Caldarevic (Narrandera)
George Main (Canberra)
Greg Pritchard (Nomad)
Gwen Lee (Narrandera)
Hands on Weavers (Wagga Wagga)
Hape Kiddle (Griffith)
Jacqui Ryding (Narrandera)
Joyce Spencer (Narrandera)
Julie Briggs (Narrandera)
Julie Montgarrett (Wagga Wagga)
Kerri Weymouth (Coleambally)
Lindsay Campbell (Narrandera)
Local Narrandera Students (From Narrandera High, Narrandera Public and St Joseph’s)
Lorraine Tye (Uranquinty)
Marilyn Manning (Narrandera)
Narrandera Arts and Creative Network (Local arts group)
Nicole Barakat (Sydney)
Pen to Paper (A group of writers from Narrandera)
Rachel Viski (Wagga Wagga)
Sarah McEwan (Narrandera)
Tamsin Salehian (Sydney)
The Lace Makers (A group of women from Wagga, Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith)
Vic McEwan (Narrandera)
Thursday, 10 September 2015
Putting small schools on the map
With less than a month to go until Wamoon's Centenary Celebrations, on Thursday September 10, 2015 Wamoon Public School unveiled their commemorative mural.
Artist Louise Cooper has been working with the Wamoon students using a range of traditional and non-traditional techniques and mediums to capture the heritage, present and future of Wamoon in this mural.
From sponges, to brushes to stencils and spraypaint; everyone got involved to paint this mural featuring a fisherman by the channel, a horse jumping a haybale, grain and citrus crops growing in the red earth and the centenary logo against the blue sky.
The Centenary Artists Residency is supported by Western Riverina Arts and Regional Arts NSW's Country Arts Support Program. Artist, Louise Cooper took the theme 'Putting Wamoon Back on the Map' to inspire her work within the school and community.
The concept has gone large, with Ms Cooper establishing The Bilby Bulletin: Small Schools, Big Adventures Network with small schools from Yetman on the Queensland border to Mulwala and Lowesdale on the Victorian border and Fern Bay on the East Coast.
This network of small schools spanning a wide geographic area will work together as creative collaborators to produce a publication and mail art projects, Wamoon Public School will act as the host school for The Bilby Bulletin Small Schools Network.
What better way to learn about other parts of Australia than from those who live there? Local students will be encouraged to get out and explore their local environments and communities so as to share their findings with other students and communities across the state.
A Bilby Bulletin Postcard Challenge has been issued to small schools across the state and Wamoon Public School has received their first response from Ladysmith Public School, a small school of 42 students 20km from Wagga Wagga.
We have already received tremendous support for the project with authors, John Marsden and Mem Fox donating books to be distributed by Lucky Draw amongst the small schools network. Tarcutta, Blighty, Conargo, Kapooka, Collingullie, Wyangala Dam, Greenethorpe, Woodstock, Ulan and Fern Bay Public Schools are our first lucky winners!
Charles Sturt University will support the The Bilby Bulletin team touring small schools throughout the Riverina later this year through a Regional and Rural Arts and Culture grant. Our small schools are an iconic part of Australian Bush Culture and we are seeing too many close down. The Bilby Bulletin: Small Schools, Big Adventures team headed by Louise Cooper will work towards raising awareness of our small schools and inspiring creative communities for success.
From sponges, to brushes to stencils and spraypaint; everyone got involved to paint this mural featuring a fisherman by the channel, a horse jumping a haybale, grain and citrus crops growing in the red earth and the centenary logo against the blue sky.
The Centenary Artists Residency is supported by Western Riverina Arts and Regional Arts NSW's Country Arts Support Program. Artist, Louise Cooper took the theme 'Putting Wamoon Back on the Map' to inspire her work within the school and community.
The concept has gone large, with Ms Cooper establishing The Bilby Bulletin: Small Schools, Big Adventures Network with small schools from Yetman on the Queensland border to Mulwala and Lowesdale on the Victorian border and Fern Bay on the East Coast.
This network of small schools spanning a wide geographic area will work together as creative collaborators to produce a publication and mail art projects, Wamoon Public School will act as the host school for The Bilby Bulletin Small Schools Network.
What better way to learn about other parts of Australia than from those who live there? Local students will be encouraged to get out and explore their local environments and communities so as to share their findings with other students and communities across the state.
A Bilby Bulletin Postcard Challenge has been issued to small schools across the state and Wamoon Public School has received their first response from Ladysmith Public School, a small school of 42 students 20km from Wagga Wagga.
We have already received tremendous support for the project with authors, John Marsden and Mem Fox donating books to be distributed by Lucky Draw amongst the small schools network. Tarcutta, Blighty, Conargo, Kapooka, Collingullie, Wyangala Dam, Greenethorpe, Woodstock, Ulan and Fern Bay Public Schools are our first lucky winners!
Charles Sturt University will support the The Bilby Bulletin team touring small schools throughout the Riverina later this year through a Regional and Rural Arts and Culture grant. Our small schools are an iconic part of Australian Bush Culture and we are seeing too many close down. The Bilby Bulletin: Small Schools, Big Adventures team headed by Louise Cooper will work towards raising awareness of our small schools and inspiring creative communities for success.
Friday, 4 September 2015
Young Archie exhibition
Monday, 31 August 2015
Bring To Light a local angle
Video to promote Jason Richardson's collaboration with Trent's Cafe for Bring To Light Projects 2015. See Facebook for more.
Friday, 28 August 2015
Bring To Light will shine in Narrandera
The second annual #bringtolightproject gets underway at four locations across NSW next month, on Wednesday, September 30.
Five artists from Dubbo, Leeton and Sunny Corner will show work on the one day, for only the one day, taking a range of digital media artworks into public spaces.
This year’s selection of works will include a real time video recording & playback of people’s feet in an open air mall, projections on to grain silos and a pub, a music video made from noises in a café and an apocalyptic vision created with toys and other objects by a lake.
The event started last year with four artists from Dubbo and Lithgow in an event aiming to take art to the people, openly inviting them to take photos of the works and themselves with the art, uploading the photos to social media using the project hashtag #bringtolightproject15.
#bringtolightprojects coordinator and artist, Kim V. Goldsmith says it’s exciting to have the project grow in its second year, taking it to new parts of regional NSW.
“We’re moving beyond the Central West and Western Plains this year into the Riverina as well, with a couple of new artists joining us.
“As artists, while we all work in digital media, our backgrounds and work styles are very different and this event is an opportunity for us to try new things, albeit in a very public way.
“It’s a celebration of the innovation of regional artists and their ability to collaborate despite great distances, as well as potentially reaching global audiences through the integration of social media into the experience."
One of the key social media elements of #bringtolightprojects is the upload of photos by the public specifically to Instagram using the #bringtolightproject15 hashtag to create a gallery of images of all the works across all locations by the end of the day. Last year there were more than 40 images on Instagram, as well as across other social media platforms.
This year’s line up of #bringtolightproject artists are: Adrian Symes (Central West), Greg Pritchard (Western Plains), Jack Randell (Western Plains), Kim V. Goldsmith (Western Plains) and Jason Richardson (Riverina).
More information about the September 30 event will be revealed over the next few weeks via the website – http://bringtolightprojects.com
Five artists from Dubbo, Leeton and Sunny Corner will show work on the one day, for only the one day, taking a range of digital media artworks into public spaces.
The event started last year with four artists from Dubbo and Lithgow in an event aiming to take art to the people, openly inviting them to take photos of the works and themselves with the art, uploading the photos to social media using the project hashtag #bringtolightproject15.
#bringtolightprojects coordinator and artist, Kim V. Goldsmith says it’s exciting to have the project grow in its second year, taking it to new parts of regional NSW.
“We’re moving beyond the Central West and Western Plains this year into the Riverina as well, with a couple of new artists joining us.
“As artists, while we all work in digital media, our backgrounds and work styles are very different and this event is an opportunity for us to try new things, albeit in a very public way.
“It’s a celebration of the innovation of regional artists and their ability to collaborate despite great distances, as well as potentially reaching global audiences through the integration of social media into the experience."
One of the key social media elements of #bringtolightprojects is the upload of photos by the public specifically to Instagram using the #bringtolightproject15 hashtag to create a gallery of images of all the works across all locations by the end of the day. Last year there were more than 40 images on Instagram, as well as across other social media platforms.
This year’s line up of #bringtolightproject artists are: Adrian Symes (Central West), Greg Pritchard (Western Plains), Jack Randell (Western Plains), Kim V. Goldsmith (Western Plains) and Jason Richardson (Riverina).
More information about the September 30 event will be revealed over the next few weeks via the website – http://bringtolightprojects.com
Bring to light project from Adrian Symes on Vimeo. Photo above by Trent Light.
Monday, 24 August 2015
Dream Big 15
The Cootamundra Arts Centre provided the perfect setting for Dream Big, the Riverina’s annual arts and culture conference on Friday August 21.
This once derelict factory complex was transformed into a multipurpose arts facility thanks to a small band of locals who dared to ‘dream big’ and stuck to their vision.
Known for her ambitious and risk-taking artistic programming, Lisa called for audiences to be given a less mediated experience of the arts. “Don’t aspire to be safe. Aspire to provide the space for intelligent, hardworking audiences to engage and reflect upon their own place in the world.”
Speaking on commercial partnerships, Lisa explained that what an organisation says no to is just as important as what it tries to do.
General Manager of one of Sydney’s newest venues, Giant Dwarf, Nikita Agzarian said the demand for curated live events spaces in Sydney is growing, but such dedicated venues are few and far between. A venue that hosts events with low ticket prices to suit a younger audience was needed.
Enter Giant Dwarf, the brainchild of The Chaser team. Seeing virtue in the way night clubs run, Nikita sought to create a venue that provided a middle ground of professional entertainment outside of a traditional, rigid theatre-going experience. Promoting shows only via social media and word of mouth, Giant Dwarf attracts big name talent as well as those seeking to perfect their craft.
The fire station has been transformed into a full gallery with office, exhibition and studio spaces. The Old Fire Station Arts Centre has so far had four artists-in-residence, 24 exhibitions and two productions and is available for hire.
Art appreciation and Soup Sessions (where community members live crowd-fund selected arts projects) are helping to maintain community involvement. An artists’ exchange with Western Sydney arts centres is also planned.
Elisa McGrath, Operations Manager at the arts centre, Cootamundra described how the small core staff (1.5 positions) and volunteers turn their hands to lots of different things to keep the arts centre open seven days a week.
Along with building connections with other community groups and programming around their events, the arts centre also seeks several opportunities to engage with artists when they are in town to better defray costs.
Benefits to the community of having an arts centre like this include social cohesion, driving economic development, being able to “tell our own stories”, learning from visiting artists and building capacity in local artists.
Describing her talk as a “consumer eye view”, Tamara first described how to secure a meeting with a politician (shoring up that 90 second elevator pitch), and then being:
- Informed – know what you’re asking for and what it will mean to real people
- Purposeful – show what you want from the meeting, go in with a solution to the problem at hand (and be prepared to trade)
- Anthropological – understand the nature of the person/people you’re meeting with to press their buttons and ignite their interest
- Strategic – form alliances with organisations and individuals to add power to your case; employ petitions, hard copy letters and social media to get the point across
- Enduring – be prepared to be in it for the long haul and never ever give up.
Tamara encouraged people to have a say in the cultural future of Australia by contacting NAVA and by following #freethearts.
This was the lens for a broader discussion on the need to support young people to play, create, fail and ultimately make sense of the world around them.
Whether it was seeing Pope Paul VI on a Papal visit to Sydney in the early 1970s and dressing up as the ‘Man in White’, or making a costume like The Flying Nun and attempting to catch a strong gust of wind in his suburban backyard to fly like Sr Bertrille, Tim had a person who allowed him to live out his big dreams – his Mum.
The role of parents and teachers in helping young people experience art is vital.
“When we started Monkey Baa, we had dreams, hopes and a passion to make a difference and bring quality theatre to young people and perhaps inspire them to follow their own creative dreams,” Tim said.
“Creativity can be taught and nurtured… We need to nurture creativity so young people can use their senses and express their emotions. It takes believing, encouragement and time. We have to instil in our young people that it’s ok to fail. The process is far more important than the end result.”
What was meant to be the Fantastic Five soon became the Magnificent Seven as seven artists and community builders took to the stage to talk for seven minutes (no mean feat!) on their recent projects.
- Sarah Last, Wired Lab: looking at the qualities of emergent, convergent and disruptive digital media, Sarah spoke about Temporary Amateur Radio Club which gave local artists a doorway into the unique and idiosyncratic world of ham radio operators.
- Gemma Meier: a big project in a small community, Gemma spoke about the Grong Grong Earth Park project, social licence and the need to get a small community involved. (Who else can still hear, “But who’s going to mow”?)
- Louise Cooper: exploring the value in the stories of our community elders, Louise spoke about the For Prosperity’s Sake project that gathered the life stories of 15 Leeton Shire residents.
- Victoria Lowe, Wagga Wagga City Council: recognising the need to take theatre experiences to outlying villages, the ‘Hall-a-Day Adventures’ program brings live performance to community halls. Key messages included ‘Dream big but start small’, conduct a cultural audit, and keep program design simple.
- Scott Howie, Eastern Riverina Arts: funded by Regional Arts NSW, Bold – Selfies by Oldies is a Creative Ageing Project that sought to subvert the genre of selfie and stereotypes about ageing. Scott called for those interested this project to touch base as other similar projects may be in the works.
- Greg Pritchard, Regional Arts NSW: Cultural Program Director, Artlands Dubbo 2016, Greg gave a brief insight into what audiences can expect from Artlands next year.
- Kylie Dunstan, REROC: noting the importance of volunteers to the arts and the very fabric of our communities, Kylie spoke about the Take Charge and Volunteer website that helps match volunteers to the organisations that need them.
Conference goers then had a ‘choose your own adventure’ session.
Conference wrap-up was expertly handled by Tim Kurylowicz.
Quotable quotes:
- “Why can’t engaging with the arts be messy and slightly dangerous, as our lives are?” Lisa Havilah, Carriageworks
- “Young audiences are impossible to trick. You have to match or better the experiences you’ve sold them on.” Lisa Havilah, Carriageworks
- “You have to be open to the work processes of others, which leads to a bigger, more excellent result. It takes being open and open minded about constant change.” Lisa Havilah, Carriageworks
- “People want to see low cost, accessible entertainment.” Nikita Agzarian, Giant Dwarf
- “Everyone is important, from the big names right through to the cleaner.” Nikita Agzarian, Giant Dwarf
- “Having venues like Giant Dwarf is important in regional area for the kids who don’t do sport.” Nikita Agzarian, Giant Dwarf
- “It’s a huge asset to have the available space for the Orana Arts program. We wouldn’t be able to enter into so many ventures without it.” Alicia Leggett, Orana Arts Executive Officer discussing the Old Fire Station Arts Centre, Dubbo
- “Good administration has to be underpinned by professional staff who care greatly about the centre and the town.” Elise McGrath, the arts Centre, Cootamundra
- “Explain the problem and the solution. This is worth gold to a politician.” Tamara Winikoff, NAVA
- “Don’t forget individual hard copy letters. Politicians read every letter like 100 people agree with it.” Tamara Winikoff, NAVA
- “My imagination had been well and truly awakened.” Tim McGarry, referencing The Flying Nun and living at the Globe Hotel, Cootamundra
- “I had a parent who let my imagination fly.” Tim McGarry, Monkey Baa
- “We need to capitalise on the intrinsically engaging nature of the arts and the sense of belonging you feel in a theatre space – we all love to pretend.” Tim McGarry, Money Baa
- “Check your hashtags thoroughly first before using them!” Vanessa Keenan, Comms & Co.
Friday, 14 August 2015
CASP opens for 2016
Western Riverina Arts encourage local community organisations to come and discuss applying for funding through the Country Arts Support Program (CASP), which closes Thursday 1st October 2015 for delivery in 2016.
“CASP grants are designed to primarily cover professional artist's fees and expenses such as travel and accommodation.,” said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer. “Grants of up to $3000 are available and the guidelines are now less prescriptive for its use.”
In 2015 there was a variety of projects throughout the Western Riverina that were made possible with funding through CASP.
In Griffith the Police Citizens Youth Club ran the Spray Sessions program, which taught young people graffiti-style art skills. The 16-week project included a professional artist delivering four workshops and the creation of a mural at the local skate park and an exhibition at the regional gallery.
In Narrandera The Cad Factory received funding towards the forthcoming On Common Ground event. This site-specific exploration of innovative contemporary textile practices and traditional textile crafts will focus on their interaction with the land and environment.
In Leeton the Riverina Community College ran a series of workshops with local artist Louise Cooper during National Youth Week 2015. Ms Cooper taught local young people simple crafts, marketing and event management skills to produce small craft goods.
In Wamoon the parents and citizens committee of the public school ran the Wamoon Centenary Artist in Residence Program: Putting Wamoon Back on the Map! This series of creative community development workshops and activities was run by Louise Cooper for Wamoon primary school students and the community as part of the Wamoon Centenary celebrations in 2015.
"Any community-based incorporated group can apply and I hope they will,” said Mr Motion. “Individual artists can also apply, they simply need to have their application auspiced by an incorporated group. Talk with me for assistance."
CASP provides small grants to arts and community organisations in regional NSW for short term, locally initiated projects. Download an application form here.
The Program aims to support locally determined cultural activities and make them accessible, so communities can explore and express their cultural identities. Benefits include social and economic outcomes for the community through training, employment and promotional activities, while leading to greater awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity in rural and regional New South Wales.
For more information contact Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer, Western Riverina Arts.
Spray Sessions photo courtesy of The Area News.
“CASP grants are designed to primarily cover professional artist's fees and expenses such as travel and accommodation.,” said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer. “Grants of up to $3000 are available and the guidelines are now less prescriptive for its use.”
In 2015 there was a variety of projects throughout the Western Riverina that were made possible with funding through CASP.
In Narrandera The Cad Factory received funding towards the forthcoming On Common Ground event. This site-specific exploration of innovative contemporary textile practices and traditional textile crafts will focus on their interaction with the land and environment.
In Leeton the Riverina Community College ran a series of workshops with local artist Louise Cooper during National Youth Week 2015. Ms Cooper taught local young people simple crafts, marketing and event management skills to produce small craft goods.
In Wamoon the parents and citizens committee of the public school ran the Wamoon Centenary Artist in Residence Program: Putting Wamoon Back on the Map! This series of creative community development workshops and activities was run by Louise Cooper for Wamoon primary school students and the community as part of the Wamoon Centenary celebrations in 2015.
"Any community-based incorporated group can apply and I hope they will,” said Mr Motion. “Individual artists can also apply, they simply need to have their application auspiced by an incorporated group. Talk with me for assistance."
CASP provides small grants to arts and community organisations in regional NSW for short term, locally initiated projects. Download an application form here.
The Program aims to support locally determined cultural activities and make them accessible, so communities can explore and express their cultural identities. Benefits include social and economic outcomes for the community through training, employment and promotional activities, while leading to greater awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity in rural and regional New South Wales.
For more information contact Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer, Western Riverina Arts.
Spray Sessions photo courtesy of The Area News.
Monday, 10 August 2015
How do the arts help students?
Australian research has identified the value of participating in arts experiences in school. The study is based on 643 primary and secondary school students from 15 schools over the course of two years.
Monday, 3 August 2015
Want to exhibit at Burning Seed?
- Installation
- Interactive
- Sculptural
- Visual
- Light
Their criteria for funding art this year includes:
- Ingenuity
- Interactivity
- Accessibility to all community members
- Relevance to theme
- Wow factor
- Cost effectiveness
- Application of the 10 principles
One condition is that the artist(s) applying must have bought their own ticket(s) for Burning Seed 2015.
Applications close on Monday 17 August, contact Western Riverina Arts to learn more.
Photo by Jason Richardson
Thursday, 30 July 2015
Get on Board!
The Western Riverina Arts Board is looking for a new community member to represent the Murrumbidgee Shire. Western Riverina Arts is one of fourteen Regional Arts Boards across NSW, and has been working since 2011 to support arts and culture across the region.
Murrumbidgee Shire is the newest LGA member of Western Riverina Arts, as of 2015 joining Griffith, Leeton, and Narrandera Councils.
Regional Development Officer Derek Motion says they are looking for someone with a passion for the arts, a good knowledge of the local community and its arts culture, and experience with sitting on a Board of an incorporated body.
“The Board meets four times per year during business hours so the commitment isn’t too onerous,” he said. “But we’re looking for someone who want to be active, someone with ideas and passion, who is keen on having a direct input into cultural development across the region.”
“Our next Board Meeting is set for Friday 14th August at Darlington Point and it would be great to be able to introduce a new representative then.”
The community representative for this position must be a current resident of Murrumbidgee Shire. Interested people should send a brief expression of interest to Derek Motion at rado@westrivarts.com.au or call 0428882059 for further information.
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