Narrandera-based artist contributes to ARTLANDS

ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 is a four-day conference and festival that will take place from 27 to 30 October. Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts, Troy Grant MP, launched it recently at the Sydney Opera House.

This marks the first time in over a decade that the national conference for regional arts has been held in New South Wales and it will feature contributions from Narrandera-based artists, including Vic McEwan. 

This biennial event will feature national and international keynote speakers and panels, facilitated forums, workshops, and discussions surrounding three key themes within the arts sector: Regeneration, Connectedness and Emergence. Each theme will explore contemporary issues, challenges and opportunities through research, debate and collaboration.

Narrandera-based artist Vic McEwan from The CAD Factory will be heavily involved in the ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 program. McEwan is working with Artistic Director Greg Pritchard, Mullumbimby's Joey Ruigrok and Natimuk's Dave Jones to create an amazing opening ceremony for the conference. It is expected to be a spectacle rarely seen in Regional NSW.

Complementing the conference is the ARTLANDS Festival that will feature a line-up of artists and performers never seen together in regional NSW right on the streets of Dubbo. Curated by festival director, Greg Pritchard, the program will include musicians Heath Cullen, Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, Dave Mason & Brendan Gallagher and Radical Son. 

Furthermore, internationally acclaimed curator Djon Mundine will curate a new exhibition of work by regional NSW Aboriginal artists, Old Land New Marks, and regional physical theatre companies, FLiNG and Lingua Franca will perform their latest works.

Presented by peak organisations Regional Arts Australia and Regional Arts NSW and supported by Dubbo City Council, the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 is the must-attend event for artists and arts workers living and working in regional Australia.

The regional city of Dubbo is located 600kms west of Sydney and its 40,000-plus residents are preparing to host 1,000 conference delegates and festivalgoers. The event will showcase the city's taste and enthusiasm for the arts in all its forms. 

The ARTLANDS DUBBO 2016 program information and tickets are available at artlands.com.au

Photo of Troy Grant MP launching ARTLANDS supplied.

Milestone rocks Griffith

The centenary of Griffith is a milestone and it was members of the community who proposed the development of a sculptural precinct by the waters of a central irrigation channel, which is symbolically the lifeblood of the city.

A group of international sculptors will assemble in the grounds of Pioneer Park Museum to create artworks for a park to celebrate the first century of the city. The activity will make the production of public art an event for the public to witness and, in doing so, gain experience in an art form that is rarely seen in the Western Riverina.

"Symposiums are great for bringing sculptors together from all over the world in one public space," enthuses convenor Luke Zwolsman. "It brings art to the people and allows them to see how stone sculpture is created. There's a wonderful symmetry in having public art created in public."

In a little over a fortnight, blocks of granite weighing up to four tons will shaped into forms that reflect the observations and different styles of seven artists. Each work in abstract styles but there will be distinct differences in their approaches. "Different sculptors bring individual styles," agrees Zwolsman.

The choice of material means the sculptors will have their work cut out for them. "Most sculptural symposiums work with softer stones. There are few granite-based sculptural symposiums in the world. You need to employ different skills to work with it."

The granite shows white streaks of silica, making it shine brightly in the Riverina sunshine. "This granite is fairly local, coming from near Parkes. It is one of my favourite sources of granite."

It's a material that, as well as requiring skill to shape, possesses both practicality and prestige. "Sculpture is a tangible art form. People touch the work, some climb on it. It's tactile as well as visually stimulating. Granite is more expensive than marble, as it is more difficult to quarry."

The Symposium will also present an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sculpture with a day-long workshop planned. Griffith's own craftsman Hape Kiddle will introduce participants to the debate of form versus function through carving individual spoons. Kiddle has extensively explored this form, through solo exhibitions and most recently an auction to raise funds for a public school program.

Workshop participants will explore form, line, texture, and material benefits and restrictions while carving by hand using only a chisel and carvers knife. Up to twelve people will learn material issues, including wet versus dry timber and maximising woodgrain strength. Kevlar gloves will be supplied for safety, as well as the use of tools including chisels and carvers knives.

"The workshop will be aimed at beginners," says Kiddle. "It will be a gateway into sculptural basics and process that will enrich their understanding of the stone sculptors at work."

The international sculptors will also be providing an education, with a 10-day program planned for visits from tour groups and schools in and around Griffith. A number of larger events are also planned, including a Welcome to Country, a Mother's Day afternoon tea and a concluding Long Table Dinner with the Sculptors on Saturday 14 May that will provide an opportunity for the public to hear about the process of creating sculptures from the sculptors.

Photos and text by Jason Richardson, who works as curator at Griffith Pioneer Park Museum as well as communications officer with Western Riverina Arts.

Big year for Western Riverina art

A large number of arts projects will be funded through the Country Art Support Program in 2016.

“It’s remarkable to see so many successful applicants,” said Derek Motion, Western Riverina Arts’ Development Officer. “There are seven projects being funded and that’s almost twice the four that were successful last round.”

“It’s great to see so much activity planned for the year, and it’s also a good outcome as Western Riverina Arts has grown. This means there are more people able to apply for the funding directed to our region.”

“This funding showcases the NSW Government’s commitment to increasing opportunities for participation in arts and cultural activities in local communities,” Mr Piccoli said.

“Our local region is full of artistic talent and I’m chuffed the NSW Government is supporting our community to develop new skills and reach new audiences.”

The projects demonstrate a broad range of activities throughout the local government areas of Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera and Murrumbidgee shires.

In Griffith Pioneer Park Museum will host a video projection workshop and presentation over the June long weekend.

The Coleambally Town Life Committee will host painting workshops with Linda MacAuley, including acrylics, watercolours and more. The final workshop will involve an exhibition at the local festival.

Waddi Housing will provide an avenue for emerging Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artists to promote their artwork within the Murrumbidgee Shire. The project will culminate in an exhibition.

In Narrandera the John O’Brien Bush Festival will bring The Drop Bears to town for the Festival, as well as workshops in poetry and music at local schools. The project will expose children to bush verse to grow future audiences and educate on traditional culture with an emphasis on local contribution to history.

The Leeton Art Society will run three artist workshops at the Leeton Multipurpose Centre between February and August 2016.

Parkview Public School P&C Association will host artist Christina Read to explore drawing and lino cut print making techniques. Work will be presented at an informal exhibition at the school.

Riverina Singing Group will host a weekend workshop conducted by ‘a capella’ group conductor Tony Backhouse. To bring members of the community together to sing and perform for a local retirement village at the end of the workshop.

Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the NSW Government is focused on ensuring art and culture thrives throughout regional NSW. “Local art projects help build community spirit and I’m proud the NSW Government is ensuring everyone can enjoy quality arts and cultural experiences, no matter where they live,” Mr Grant said.

“Supporting art and culture in regional NSW is a priority under the Government’s new Create in NSW 10-year policy framework built on the ambitions of excellence, access and strength.”

The funding will be provided through the Country Arts Support Program, administered by Regional Arts NSW on behalf of Arts NSW.

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.

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.

Dreaming bigger for Dream Big in 2015

Dream Big is the foremost conference for culture in our region. 

"It's a rewarding day of sharing stories with leading professionals and networking within the many artistic communities in the Riverina," said Derek Motion of Western Riverina Arts. 

"Who better to tell you about what’s local and special than local people?"

Click here to buy tickets

The conference is now in its fourth year and will be held in Cootamundra for the first time at their arts centre. 

“It’s exciting that local councils right across the Riverina have come on board to support this great initiative. Many are taking advantage of the group discounts for tickets to send staff.”

People attending the conference will come away with lots of ideas of how to add vitality to their events with an understanding of what funding is available to support their ideas. 

Once again the line-up feature arts professionals and artists speaking on how to grow the arts in our region through sharing skills and creating networks.

“This is a great opportunity for local festivals and artists to make connections and learn about possibilities.” 

As well as sharing their experiences, this conference provides an opportunity to pick the brains of people producing public art. 

It's designed to inform a diverse audience, from local government through to artists looking for commissions.

"Dream Big is a chance to ask questions of people with years of experience," said Motion. "It's great to see what is achievable and to provoke people to think how to take it further."

Councils and cultural organisations will hear about how to engage with their community and attract new audiences at this year’s Dream Big conference hosted by Eastern Riverina Arts and Western Riverina Arts. Click here for more.

Leeton's 'Mr Magic' shares his tricks

Dave Boyd is sharing his tricks. Leeton's 'Mr Magic' is known for performing at parties and events throughout the region.

Now he's putting those skills towards breaking down barriers and ensuring people of all abilities can perform magic.

Boyd's magic workshops will run for five weeks at Leeton Shire Library, starting at 10am on Saturday 18 July.

"Each week the children will be taught a magic trick and any props required will be provided free," said Dave Boyd. "The workshops are funded by FundAbility and Northcott NSW."

The workshop is open to ages nine to 15 and aims to provide a mix of all abilities. "By having a mix of children, the workshops will help get the kids interacting with each other and learning together."

"I'm hoping that having them share their skills will help those with a perceived disability to learn to entertain people using magic."

For more information contact Dave Boyd on 6953 4272. Numbers are limited for these free magic workshops.

Linking generations For Prosperity's Sake

As the launch of Western Riverina Arts’ creative ageing project 'For Prosperity's Sake' draws close, artist Louise Cooper has begun focusing on linking the stories of seniors with the visions of youth.

Ms Cooper recently visited primary schools in Leeton, Yanco and Wamoon with Western Riverina Arts regional arts development officer Derek Motion to share excerpts from the seniors’ histories and teach students how to make simple animation flipbooks.

“The flipbooks form part of the intergenerational aspect of this project and are inspired by the stories of local seniors,” said Ms Cooper. “These will be compiled and inspire an animation to be launched alongside the book and website. Children enjoyed the stories of jumping cargo trains, fishing, riding bikes, swagmen, bonfires, hopscotch and more.”

The animation and flipbooks will be available for viewing at the launch of 'For Prosperity's Sake' at 6.30pm on Friday 26 June at the Leeton Multipurpose Centre.

“We invite everyone to come and join us in launching the book and website that will result from the 'For Prosperity's Sake' project,” said Derek Motion. “Western Riverina Arts have been delighted with the stories collected by Louise and look forward to sharing the stories of so many of our community elders and their interpretation as animations by local children.”

These creations based on the stories of local elders will also be available for viewing at the Multipurpose Centre on Saturday June 27 from 11am-1pm, when Ms Cooper will host ‘A Blast From the Past,’ an intergenerational morning of "simple but good" historic pleasures to kick off the school holidays. Come to the on Saturday June 27 for old time games, storytelling, flipbook-making and a morse code demonstration by Brian Aird.

Ms Cooper is seeking seniors to volunteer to share their favourite childhood games and stories with the children on the day. To volunteer, please contact Louise Cooper on 0499 552 536 or email loulou_cooper@live.com.au

Both events are free and open to the public. Western Riverina Arts’ 'For Prosperity's Sake' is funded by the NSW Government’s Creative Ageing Fund.

Get Social Media Working For You

Social media offers businesses, including artists, a low-cost marketing opportunity and it is one that Western Riverina Arts will be promoting through workshops in Griffith and Narrandera during June.

Kim V Goldsmith, a marketing communications consultant and trainer, will be providing practical tips on how to get a result from social media.

"It's not often you get to rub shoulders with big players," said Ms Goldsmith. "It's how you use it that creates that extra bit of oomph."

Goldsmith has more than 20 years experience in media skills training, which includes running workshops for a variety of organisations such as those in local and state government.

Her workshops provide a clear overview of social media with emphasis on the audiences they reach and how to stimulate engagement.

"I focus on key performance indicators and these often aren't the numbers many people focus on when using social media," said Ms Goldsmith. "It's the old argument of quality versus quantity. I often say a conversation starts with one, not once you get to 100."

"Social media is one of the few marketing tools where you can afford to make mistakes. It's quickly changing though, particularly now mobile internet use is overtaking desktop-based internet use."

New applications like Periscope and Meerkat are now offering the ability to live-stream video to followers and these could be used to great effect by savvy operators looking to reach new customers or audiences.

"Social media is an equaliser for regional organisations and many artists would benefit from increasing their exposure."

To book your place at the Western Riverina Arts social media workshop on 15th-16th June in Griffith, visit http://www.westrivarts.com.au/opportunities/

The first workshop 'The Basics' (June 15, Griffith) will introduce you to the social media landscape and teach you how to effectively use social media to build communities of interest. The second workshop 'Building on Basics' (June 16, Griffith) will cover planning and implementation of your strategy to engage audiences, and how to evaluate results. The final workshop (June 17, Narrandera) will be tailored to meet the needs of participants - beginners or strategists.

ABC Open for Profiles of Local Artists

Want to tell the story of a local artist to a national audience?

ABC Open will be in Leeton on Wednesday 20 May to run an information session about how you can get involved in a free video workshop series.

If you have a video camera and a story to tell, producer Sonya Gee from ABC Riverina will assist you to create a short piece on a local artist or craftsperson for ABC Open's Makers and Creators project. 

A selection of these videos have been aired on ABC television. Western Riverina Arts' communications officer Jason Richardson produced a video on his music which screened on ABC's news channel recently. 

"It was exciting to be television and surprising to see my Facebook page gained five likes overnight," said Mr Richardson. "Sonya had great advice on how to finesse my video to keep an audience interested."

If you would like to learn to make a video, contact Sonya Gee to book a place in the lunchtime ABC Open information session at Leeton library on Wednesday 20 May. It will run from 12-1pm.

To register call abcopen.riverina@abc.net.au or call 02 6923 4826 and head to abc.net.au/open to check out the video project.

Change of Chair

A new Chairperson was elected to the role at the Western Riverina Arts annual general meeting on friday 27 March. Marg Couch, community representative for Griffith, replaced Julie Briggs, community representative for Narrandera.

"It is with great pride that I accept the position of Chair of Western Riverina Arts," said Ms Couch. "As community member on this board for the past four years I have been fortunate to learn from a fine leader in Julie Briggs who will continue to be seated very closely as we transition and grow in the years ahead. Under Julie’s leadership Western Riverina Arts has maintained a  solid foundation for the incoming board to continue the work of connecting creative communities across the Local Government Areas of Griffith Leeton and Narrandera."

Ms Couch enthused about the role of Western Riverina Arts in the region. "Building strong vibrant communities requires a diverse range of arts and cultural services and programs that regularly connect the community," she said. "Our programs enable Western Riverina communities to build strong leadership through skill development on many levels and the capability to creatively enhance the livability of our rural towns. This practice builds, not only resilient communities, but thriving communities with strong creative programs that actively and frequently engage all community sectors."

"Understanding the potential of the arts to contribute to local priorities is also an important role of Western Riverina Arts. Experimenting with new ideas, challenging audiences and experiencing new ways of working are all central to this purpose. Supporting and including our local and visiting artists in the broader community encourages us to see new ways of being."

Regional Arts Development Officer Derek Motion thanks Ms Briggs for her continued contributons to the board and welcomed Ms Couch to the board. "We look forward to building on the achievements of the past four years as we continue to strategically build stronger relationships and partnerships with other community service and government organisations and in doing so ensure sustainable delivery of arts and creative industries programs and services to the Western Riverina region."

Talking about artists in schools

Western Riverina Arts invites you to enjoy an evening of guest speakers at the Leeton Multipurpose Community Centre on Thursday 5th March from 6pm. 

He'll also be running a workshop on the following day, see information near the end of this post

The theme for the evening will be Artists in Schools, and all of the speakers will give short and engaging ‘petrol kulture’ style presentations (a quick talk accompanied by images).

Heading the line-up will be noted Australian artist Jason Wing. Wing is an artist of Aboriginal and Chinese heritage and has exhibited work both nationally and internationally. His work is held in both private and public collections including the National Gallery of Australia. Wing is well known for his innovative and collaborative mural projects, and while in Leeton he will be developing a new mural work with the students at Leeton High School.

Joining Jason Wing to speak will be a group of local artists and arts workers who have also undertaken different arts projects working with schools:

• Sarah McEwan is an artist based in Narrandera – as a part of the CAD Factory she has worked with a number of schools on arts projects, including recently developing a smartphone app with the students of Narrandera High School.
• Melanie Baulch is an artist from Griffith who has been running art classes for children for many years. In 2014 she was one of the lead artists employed for the Western Riverina Arts project ‘Eco-Deco’, a project that saw her lead creative workshops using natural materials in schools across Griffith and Leeton.
• Louise Cooper is an artist from Leeton who is currently engaged in managing the Western Riverina Arts project ‘For Prosperty’s Sake’, an oral history project that will see her work with children to animate recorded stories. She will also be employed to be Wamoon Public School’s first artist-in-residence in 2015.
• Renee De Saxe is an artist from Griffith. In 2014 she initiated and managed the Lake Wyangan Public School’s inaugural photography festival, a project that involved artists working in the school to run workshops, and also to develop an exhibition outcome. 

This evening will be lively and engaging and will definitely be of particular interest to teachers, art enthusiasts, or anyone concerned about the role the creative arts should play in our education system. RSVP via the event on the Western Riverina Arts Facebook Page.

On Friday 6th March from 5pm Jason Wing will also run a FREE masterclass for artists and teachers, a practical workshop where he will guide people through stencil-based techniques that can be easily adapted for use on fabric. This event will be held in the art workshop area of the Leeton Multipurpose Centre.  

Finding Your Pot of Gold

Do you have an idea for a community-based project? Are you looking to explore grant opportunities to help fund your project and make it happen?

"Nobody really believes in pots of money at the end of rainbows but I like to think they do exist for artists," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer with Western Riverina Arts. “Of course just like any good treasure hunter, you need to do your research and put in some hard work.”

"There are many funding sources available for arts projects, and part of the role of our regional arts organisation is to help artists access that kind of support."

Funding can come from local, state or national government organisations, as well as commercial sources. Some grants are tied to specific outcomes, while others have a wider scope for their use.

As part of the workshop program planned by Leeton Shire Council to promote the opening of the Multipurpose Centre in Wade Avenue, Western Riverina Arts offer a workshop to help artists and community-based organisations understand the process of allocating funding.

This practical workshop will give you all the basics you need to know about funding and grant opportunities. Participants will be briefed on relevant grants and will be given space to discuss their projects ideas. They will also be taken through the process of applying for a grant.

"This will be a two-part workshop," said Mr Motion. "First we'll look at the grants available and discuss ideas for projects, looking at how to identify the appropriate proposal for a funding source.

"This will be followed with a practical session on how to apply, with consideration for how a grant application is reviewed."

Derek Motion has many years experience working with funding bodies at a local, state and federal Government level. He has successfully applied for and managed grants, and has also sat on grant assessment panels.

To register your interest in attending the Western Riverina Arts funding workshop on Monday 23 February from 6pm, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/grant-writing-workshop-tickets-15265154488 

Photography competition in Leeton

The Western Riverina Arts photography competition returns to coincide with the Penny Paniz Art Prize in 2015.

The theme of “Living Leeton" encourages local scenes and identities. "We want people to share their view of life in the town," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer.

"This competition is open to photographers of any skill level, using any camera device. Photography is an increasingly accessible medium, with many mobile phones having cameras."

Western Riverina Arts will be shortlisting up to a dozen of the most popular images as finalists in the competition.


To enter, download an entry form from www.westrivarts.com.au/s/Paniz-Prize-2015-Photography-Guidelines.pdf and email your photo with a brief rationale to Western Riverina Arts Regional Arts Development Officer at rado[at]westrivarts[dot]com[dot]au

All entries will be uploaded to Western Riverina Arts’ Facebook page on Tuesday 3 March 2015, where shortlisting will take place: www.facebook.com/western.arts

Ask your friends to support your image with a ‘like’. Shortlisted entries will be exhibited and a popular vote will decide the winner, who will receive $500.


"This competition aims to get a larger audience involved in the arts in Leeton," said Mr Motion. "We recognise that a good photo is one that connects with viewers, so it will be viewers who decide the winning entry."

"We want everyone to enter this competition because everyone has a view and the diversity of views will show what's great about living in Leeton."

Entries close in Monday 2 March. Download an entry from here.

Shown above is Rocco Pirrottina’s image ‘Travel Back in Time’ which won the Western Riverina Arts photography competition in 2014.

NAVA workshop will help local artists

Western Riverina Arts will assist local artists to propel their careers with a six-hour workshop led by staff from the National Association for the Visual Arts on 25 February.

Register to attend by clicking here!

NAVA is the national peak body for the visual and media arts, craft and design sector. Since its establishment in 1983, NAVA has been successful in securing policy and legislative change to encourage the growth and development of the sector and to increase professionalism within the industry.

The workshop will teach how to write the perfect artist statement and CV, as well as sharing tips and ideas in developing your individual brand.

Staff from NAVA will be on hand to provide industry knowledge on pricing your work, artwork inventory, creating a marketing plan and how using an online presence such as websites or social media can propel your art career into the 21st century and potentially reaching a global audience!

The workshop will discuss dealing with rejection from grants agencies, tapping into artist networks from around Australia, and finding and maintain a mentor throughout your career and resources available to artists.

This workshop will also discuss practical opportunities to exhibit your work whilst providing you with key knowledge from industry professionals on working in partnership with galleries, knowing what a formal agreement is and the 3 C’s: consignment, contracts and commission.

"Any artist who takes their work seriously will have to sign a contract at some point in their career," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer with Western Riverina Arts. "Even if it's a small amount of money, it's worth understanding the implications of commissioned work."

Be sure to register to be part of this opportunity for local artists.

GIMP the Photoshop skimp

Western Riverina Arts are offering photography workshops at Leeton and Narrandera libraries this month. 

In addition to sharing tips and skills, attendees will be able to take home free software to edit digital photographs on computers running Windows or Mac operating systems.

"Digital photography is one of the most accessible forms of artistic expression," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer. "Many people have a camera, whether it's part of their mobile phone or a dedicated device.

"These workshops will assist photographers to realise their potential."

The workshops will be run by Jason Richardson, who has decades of experience as a published photographer and has exhibited in Wagga Wagga and Leeton.

"We'll be looking at the program GIMP," said Mr Richardson. "It's a free alternative to Photoshop that has tools to crop, scale, and touch-up images.

"If you'd like an introduction to editing digital photographs, as well as software, join a workshop and I'll help get you started."

Bring a USB drive and take away GIMP.

"You may remember Gimp as a character in Pulp Fiction? I should add that he has nothing to do with this workshop," said Mr Richardson.

Workshop at Narrandera Shire Library on Friday 23 January from 2pm to 3pm. Cost is $5, book your place by phoning the Library on 6959 5585.

Workshop at Leeton Shire Library on Tuesday 27th January from 11am to noon. Cost is $5, book your place by phoning the Library on 6953 0945.

$19,405 for Western Riverina art

Acting Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant has announced the NSW Government will provide nearly $20,000 to support country arts projects throughout the Western Riverina in 2015.

“These projects celebrate local arts and culture, and build community spirit by encouraging people to participate in and create art.

“They provide wonderful opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills and experience the joys of art first-hand,” Mr Grant said.

The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an Arts NSW devolved funding program administered by Regional Arts NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.

CASP provides small grants to arts and community organisations in regional NSW for short term, locally initiated projects. It is designed to primarily cover professional artist's fees and expenses such as travel and accommodation.

In Griffith the Police Citizens Youth Club will receive $5,000 for the Spray Sessions program, which teaches young people graffiti-style art skills. Classes will include sketching, virtual design on iPads and spray can technique. The 16-week project includes a professional artist delivering four workshops and finishes with the creation of a mural at the local skate park and an exhibition at the regional gallery.

In Narrandera The Cad Factory will receive $5,000 towards the project On Common Ground, a community-driven, site-specific exploration of innovative contemporary textile practices and traditional textile crafts of the region with a focus on their interaction with the land and environment. This interdisciplinary collaboration will respond to local agriculture and manufacturing industries. 

In Leeton the Riverina Community College will receive $5,000 towards a series of workshops with local artist Louise Cooper. Ms Cooper will teach local young people simple crafts, marketing and event management skills to produce small craft goods. The project will culminate in the development of a showcasing market to launch products and services to both local and worldwide audiences. The event will take place during National Youth Week 2015. 

In Wamoon the parents and citizens committee of the public school will receive $4,405 toward the Wamoon Centenary Artist in Residence Program: Putting Wamoon Back on the Map! There will be a series of creative community development workshops and activities run by local artist, Louise Cooper, for Wamoon primary school students and the community as part of the Wamoon Centenary celebrations in 2015. Activities will include painting a mural wall, making heritage costumes, an exhibition, and recording memoirs for publication in the Wamoon Centenary Book. 

Western Riverina Arts played a role in shortlisting of these projects and recommending them for CASP funding. As the peak body for arts and cultural development across the Western Riverina, our region covers the Local Government Areas of Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith.

Our objective is to connect artists, communities and councils to foster a vibrant and creative region. Western Riverina Arts is a member of Regional Arts NSW and is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.

Everything is Pozible

Griffith has supported a number of crowdfunded projects to successfully reach their goals this year, including Barellan Beer. 

Now Western Riverina Arts want to help you to realise your own dream project.

"Pozible is an Australian website which has a great reputation for supporting a wide variety of endeavours," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer at Western Riverina Arts.

Crowdfunding is an online phenomenon where you attract lots of little donations from a big group of people. "This month Pozible have seen pledges to the tune of a record $2429 per hour, which shows there is a community who want to help make dreams into realities."

Pozible ambassador Suzanne Nguyen will lead an introductory workshop at The Brett Naseby Gallery on Thursday that will discuss how to seek crowdfunding for your own art and community-based projects.

Ms Nguyen is no stranger to Griffith, having run an exhibition at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery earlier this year. Joining her will be Neil Bull, who raised over $50,000 to fund a local project to protect an endangered Australasian bird, see www.pozible.com/project/186259

The Western Riverina Arts crowdfunding workshop will start at 6pm on Thursday, 27 November 2014. Light refreshments will be provided on the evening, please register your interest at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/crowdfunding-workshop-griffith-tickets-7404873175

Self-publishing history in Leeton

Western Riverina Arts will employ artist Louise Cooper to deliver a creative history project in 2014/15 with financial support from the NSW Government through the Regional Creative Ageing Fund.

For Prosperity's Sake is a pilot project that will see Western Riverina Arts (WRA) partner with Leeton community groups, including the Returned Soldiers League, Country Women's Association and Rotary, to deliver a self-publishing project for seniors and also inter-generational schools-based art workshops.

The overall aim is to produce a collaborative oral history archive. The archive will be available online as audio and visual slides, transcribed as individual self-published booklets given to each participant and as a compiled book.

Ms Cooper has run self-publishing workshops in Leeton during 2014, as well as art and craft activities for children and seniors. The final outcome of For Prosperity's Sake will be launched at a public exhibition and screening in May 2015.

"We'd like to hear from you if you're over 60 years old and interested in sharing your story," said Derek Motion, WRA Regional Arts Development Officer.

"To begin the project Louise Cooper will liaise with Sue Gavel from Leeton Rotary, and also meet with representatives from other participating organisations to generate a list of willing participants.

Louise has a keen interest in local history and over the past two months has been a part of the planning process for this project.

"We're looking to working with Louise to finalise a document compiled of the self-published booklets. This compilation will then be published via a print-on-demand platform, and a limited print run ordered," Mr Motion said.

Eco Deco shows kids' raw talent

This weekend is the Leeton exhibition for the Eco Deco project delivered by Western Riverina Arts through funding from Riverina Local Land Services.

Artworks by children from Parkview and Murrami public schools will be on display in the The Roxy Gallery from 11am to 2pm.

Artists Melanie Baulch and Hape Kiddle were employed to run art workshops with schools in Griffith and Leeton using locally sourced resources from natural settings.

"The Griffith exhibition at Brett Naseby Gallery was popular, with many kids bringing their parents in to share their unique works," said Derek Motion, Regional Arts Development Officer with Western Riverina Arts.

"It was fascinating to see the individual artworks, as each was an expression of the vision and skills of that child. The results were varied, from domestic items to the fantastic, as well as things you might see in the natural world."

The materials were collected in a non-destructive and were used to inspire the children as well as introduce common items in their local landscapes. "We gave them a leaping-off point, starting with a story that they had landed on an island and had to make items. It put everyone on the same page," explained artist Hape Kiddle of the workshop held at Parkview on Tuesday this week.

The results were varied, as the workshop let the children decide what they would make from the materials. "It was open-ended and wasn't prescriptive. To help get them started we talked about how people approach creative work, how some people draw or talk or feel as a way of generating ideas. How some prefer working in groups or on their own," said artist Melanie Baulch.

"There were a lot of options, it could've been crippling for the kids creatively. I think the outcome was empowering as a result, they were very proud of their work. There is no right or wrong, rating or judging, and I think that's empowering for children."

"I found it really interesting to see the different approaches taken by the kids. We had only a few parameters, so it was a very creative exercise. Sometimes open projects can throw kids but they were into it," said Mr Kiddle. "It was surprising where the ideas went."

"The process was very playful rather than being outcome-oriented. I was surprised at how much they produced. Much of it may turn up as Christmas presents, I'd guess."

Melanie Baulch said the workshop went well. "The kids couldn't wait to get started and, at the end, the children were very respectful and helped clean up."

"We’re grateful to Riverina Local Land Services for supporting this project," said Mr Motion. "It's great to be able to challenge the way people think about the environment through art. Last year our Reimagining exhibition brought varying perspectives on the Murrumbidgee from artists.

"This year we aimed to continue that conversation and were able to generate even more individual expressions from artists through these workshops."

Eco Deco artworks by Parkview and Murrami public school students will be on display in The Roxy Gallery in Leeton from 11am to 2pm on Saturday 24 October.