Six organisations from across the New England North West region will be starting off the new year on a high after successfully securing a Country Art Support Program grant (CASP). CASP is a Create NSW initiative that supports locally initiated projects by not-for-profits, local government authorities and collectives in regional NSW. The small grants fund supports a creative, vibrant and resilient NSW arts and cultural sector that engages with diverse audiences and communities.
“I congratulate the successful applicants and really look forward to seeing these projects roll out in 2020. The diversity of the successful projects will make a valuable contribution to the arts and cultural landscape and will no doubt bolster community spirit after a tough 2019 in the New England North West” said Arts North West Executive Director, Caroline Downer.
The successful applications are as follows:
Deepwater Progress Association Inc: Woodfired Raku Kiln Workshop ($2,000)
A 2-day workshop on history of Raku and glaze making for woodfired Raku pottery and how to use steel rubbish bin kilns to fire the participants work.
Quirindi Preschool Kindergarten Incorporated: Biochrome – Children, Nature, Art and Science Collaboration ($2,450)
Artist Dr Renata Buziak will conduct a 3-day workshop. Educators, children and families will explore one of the earliest historical photographic processes: the cyanotype. Using botanical specimens, found objects and sunlight, participants will create unique photograms on cotton with flat natural vegetation within the preschool/children’s homes to use in their own composition.
New England Regional Art Museum: Winter Blooming Festival ($3,000)
Winter Blooming is a festival that celebrates Indigenous, multicultural and LGBTIQ arts, culture and communities. The festival is an inclusive event that supports diversity and it open to all occurrence.
New England Writers’ Centre: Leaf, Stone, Beetle: Storytelling through metaphor and visual narrative ($3,000)
Presented by multi-award winning author Ursula Dubosarsky and acclaimed publisher Margrete Lamond of Dirt Lane Press, this imaginative, innovative project, centred around Ursula's book Leaf, Stone, Beetle(published by Dirt Lane Press)is a follow-up to our successful Stories Connect program(2019), and will involve a community workshop, public talk, and school presentations.
Arts Gunnedah Inc: Workshops to be held by Professional Artists during the year of the 50th Annual Art Exhibition Celebration in 2020 ($3,000)
To run visual art workshops, encouraging local artists of all ages from Gunnedah and the surrounding district. These workshops will assist beginners, and experienced artists in all mediums to learn new skills, and come together to facilitate learning and encourage community involvement.
Moree Cultural Art Foundation Ltd: The Painted River Project ($3,000)
Two professional artists will lead an "en plein air" workshop at the Gwydir Wetlands in Moree in collaboration with University of Western Sydney, local Moree artists and the Local Lands Services in April 2020. Artworks by artists will be exhibited as part of the BAMM Art Fair 2020.
Glen Innes Pottery Club: “Precious Flora” ($2,450)
In January 2020, Glen Innes Pottery Club propose to host ceramic artist Dr Cathy Franzi for a workshop called "Precious Flora"- participants will visit World Heritage National Parks, gather inspiration from the precious environment, learn new ceramic techniques and exhibit work at the local Agricultural Show.
CASP is administered by Regional Arts NSW on behalf of Arts NSW.