The Work of Art pilot program, aimed at fostering business development for women in the creative industries across regional NSW, recently culminated in a vibrant two-day showcase in Orange. This initiative, led by Regional Arts New South Wales (RANSW) and funded by Women NSW, brought together over 60 women from diverse arts practices to celebrate their achievements and explore the unique challenges and opportunities of working regionally.
The program's finale, held on November 14–15, offered a packed schedule of workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, and performances, designed to highlight the participants’ talents and facilitate dialogue around regional arts practice.
A Celebration of Talent and Collaboration
The event kicked off on Thursday morning at the Orange Regional Art Gallery Theatrette with film screenings showcasing documentaries and short reels about the Work of Art participants. A welcome concert featuring performances by Alyce Fisher, Abby Smith, and Carm Hogan set the tone, followed by an opening dance work by Beth Lane.
Workshops such as Fragments of Collaboration, led by Elaine Camlin, invited participants to create concertina books from collaborative art fragments, symbolising the program's spirit of unity. Attendees also explored the creative reinterpretation of museum objects during sessions at the Orange Regional Museum.
The afternoon featured exhibitions across multiple venues, including the Scout Hall and CWA Hall, displaying 2D and 3D artworks and projections. Concurrently, forum roundtables and panel discussions at the Canobolas Hotel Ballroom addressed critical topics such as sustainability, arts and wellbeing, and the benefits and challenges of regional practice.
Day one concluded with a cabaret performance at Badlands Brewery, providing a lively close to the day’s events.
Day Two: A Deeper Dive into Regional Creativity
The second day expanded on the themes of inclusion, connection, and mindful making. Highlights included:
The Big Meet-Up Circuit, where attendees met industry leaders from organisations such as Create NSW, Accessible Arts, and Theatre Network NSW.
A film showcase spotlighting the work of regional filmmakers, followed by discussions on inclusion, disability, and the creative potential of regional life.
Workshops on weaving, woodworking as meditative practice, and fibre arts, emphasising mindfulness and connection to material processes.
The program concluded with a Sip and Support Social Arts Fundraiser at The Hive. Attendees bid on artwork and services, raising funds for a scholarship to support regional women in the arts and creative industries in NSW. The night ended with a live performance by Abby Smith at Badlands Brewery, offering a musical send-off to an inspiring two days.
A Platform for Regional Women
The Work of Art program, delivered in partnership with 14 Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADOs) and industry mentors, underscored the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of women artists in regional NSW. The program not only provided a platform for showcasing talent but also built a community that champions sustainability, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts.
The success of the program's pilot year and its culminating event has paved the way for ongoing support and development of regional arts practitioners, reaffirming the vital role they play in enriching NSW’s cultural landscape.
Images provided by The Work of Art participant and photographer Maddie https://www.snapsbymadds.com/