Arts North West has announced the recipients of their Quick Response Micro Grants for 2024.

This funding program is designed to boost the arts and cultural landscape of our region. These flexible microgrants aim to support local independent professional artists, community groups, and arts organisations by providing them with up to $1,000 to make their creative ideas a reality.

The Arts North West Microgrant recipients for 2024 exemplify the diversity and talent within our region, with each submitting a unique and inspiring project that will contribute and benefit to the communities. This year 18 Quick Response Micro Grants have been awarded to individuals, groups, and community organisations with over $17,000 worth of funds distributed across the region.

This year’s Arts North West Quick Response Micro Grants recipients are:

Lorrelle Munro, Tamworth LGA
Creating woven artworks rooted in Gomeroi weaving traditions using locally-sourced Lomandra grasses at Warrabah National Park, inspiring future works to be displayed in Tamworth.

The Florin Arc, Armidale LGA
Recording a 10-track music album at Golden Retriever Studios in Sydney, blending instrumentation and studio expertise to craft a polished final piece.

Shingal Music, Armidale LGA
Bringing Kurdish (Ezidi) folk music to wider audiences, this project by Ezidi refugee musicians will preserve cultural heritage and foster community connection.

Mary McMillan, Armidale LGA
Expanding textile techniques at the ‘Landscape Fragments’ workshop by award-winning artist Julia Wright, enhancing her practice of nature-inspired textile art.

Janna Hayes, Armidale LGA
Acquiring a 60x64" tapestry loom to produce large-scale, hand-dyed wool works, exploring human creativity through an intricate fusion of organic and methodical design.

Amy Schultz, Liverpool Plains LGA
Recording original music and engaging in professional development for educational music performances, benefiting students at Willow Tree Public School.

Taleiah Conlan, Gunnedah LGA
Establishing a digital presence and acquiring art supplies to support larger commissions, aiding her growth as a Gomeroi artist.

Armidale Piper, Armidale LGA
Launching a digital shopfront for the business, enabling broader reach and integration across social platforms for marketing and sales.

James Warren: Australian Poetry Hall of Fame, Armidale LGA
Hosting the Poets on the Mountain Festival with workshops and school outreach to develop and celebrate poetic voices within the community.

Solasta Performing Arts, Narrabri LGA
Supporting an end-of-year performance at the Crossing Theatre, creating a high-quality showcase for students at no charge to the community.

Wood We Create, Walcha LGA
Launching the exhibition Created from Ash, showcasing local Claret Ash trees' journey from tree to art, complemented by a videography project documenting the transformation.

Arts Gunnedah, Gunnedah LGA
Covering venue and display costs for gallery workshops, enriching the Gunnedah community's engagement with art.

Isabelle Devos, Armidale LGA
Exploring the Liverpool Plains for her exhibition at Weswal Gallery, blending landscape painting with local history and community storytelling.

Lisa Marple, Narrabri LGA
Developing techniques for her #bullawacreeklove exhibition, combining painting, weaving, and cyanotype printing inspired by natural elements.

Awan Eveleigh (Mosaics by Awan), Narrabri LGA
Conducting a mosaic workshop for youth at the Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre, fostering artistic skill and community involvement.

Mona Fernando, Moree LGA
Delivering weaving and painting workshops in regional schools, sharing artistic skills and enhancing local cultural experiences.

Jane Stewart (Stellar Music School), Tamworth LGA
Supporting choir direction and rehearsals for Christmas events, ensuring a high-quality performance and music purchases for the choir’s repertoire.

Fiona McDonald, Armidale LGA
Developing interactive puppet automatons using gears and motion sensors to create engaging, responsive artworks that bring characters to life.

Arts North West wishes to congratulate the recipients, whose creativity and passion for the arts and cultural practices continue to enrich our communities. We would also like to thank all those who applied for this round of Quick Response Micro Grants; we received an overwhelming number of submissions and had some difficult decisions to make.

Arts North West releases funding opportunities periodically throughout the year. All updates are released on our website and fortnightly newsletter.