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.