Artist Maree Kelly’s favourite view from the top of Long Mountain, Curlewis (Image supplied by Maree Kelly)
932 SKETCHBOOKS have made their way out across the New England North West as part of Arts North West’s Panorama Project.
Arts North West were also able to pay 10 emerging and professional artists to be part of this historic project. With over 30 applications, the following artists were successful:
• Nadia Kliendanze, Inverell
• Maree Kelly, Gunnedah
• Carmel Higgins, Tenterfield
• Paula Jenkins, Walcha
• James O’Hanlon, Armidale
• Trish Petersen, Armidale
• Jan Clark, Rocky River
• Joanne Stead, Tamworth
• Isabelle Devos, Armidale
• Sophie Masson, Armidale
“I was delighted to be involved with the project as I thought it was a great initiative from Arts North West to engage with the many creative people living in our region during such a hard time for the arts community in particular. The project was a great way to help keep people inspired and working creatively” said Gunnedah based artist, Maree Kelly.
Arts North West recognised this time of national self-isolation meant countless creative workshops and opportunities have been cut off, postponed or cancelled. To meet this challenge, the organisation took a scheduled project off the drawing table and reconfigured it as a community project for people to do at home.
“For me personally, I found joy in going back to basics and working in a small sketchbook with drawing media. I found myself rediscovering my ‘backyard’ and looking more closely at my environment, which I most definitely take a bit too much for granted. It was fabulous to have something to focus on to keep the creativity flowing and to start developing ideas for new work in my own arts practice.” Ms Kelly continued.
Arts North West Executive Director, Caroline Downer has been overwhelmed by the success of the project.
“Even though this project spans across 12 council areas and thousands of kilometers, there is a real sense of community and connectiveness involved with this project” Ms Downer said.
“We were thrilled with the EOI applications we received, and the recipients are a great reflection of the quality and diversity of the New England North West creative landscape.” She continued.
The Panorama Project will begin its tour around the New England North West libraries starting around September. Follow the Arts North West Facebook page for more details.