Arts North West Covid-19 Update

Hello all,

I’m sure you are all being inundated with information about Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on our sector. 

It has been a particularly difficult time – from drought to bushfire and now to a global pandemic. All of these have had a huge effect on our creative industries.
 
Event Cancellation
While the current requirement is to cancel all events that have an audience of 500 and above, many of our venues and organisations may not reach that audience figure but are still understandably anxious. Resourcing and growing community anxiety will also affect ticket sales and we recognise that organisations and individuals will need to take this into consideration in their planning.
 
If you are in a position to not require a refund for an event, festival, workshop or class that may be cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19 then please consider the ticket you purchased as a donation to the artist, organisation or community. Check out this article from Cut Common Magazine

Advocacy
Regional Arts Australia has also been working with national organisations and Ministers to facilitate a coordinated impact assessment and industry response. A number of surveys have been developed so that a clear picture can be formed as to the impact of Covid-19 on our sector. Please help the advocacy work by filling these out – PAC Australia survey or the National Association of Visual Artists survey. You are also able to submit information to the #Ilostmygig database.
 
Health and Wellbeing
We are not in a position to provide health advice.  Common sense reminds us to wash our hands, cough into elbows and stay at home if we are unwell.  Please be guided by the following sites that are updated daily:

Australian Government Department of Health

NSW Department of Health

Having said that, hand washing is obviously a crucial requirement.  But… really… handwashing to “Happy Birthday” twice, seems a little prosaic.  Send in your best version of a funky tune/song/poem/ and we will put it up on our social media… let’s keep our creative juices flowing!  (Have a look at TwoSetViolin’s ideas!) Email to media@artsnw.com.au
 
We are also very aware of the wellbeing of our communities.  With events cancelled, and social distancing in place, we hope that we can still look after each other as best we can. An arts-focused wellbeing helpline is available at Support Act. 
 
Resources

Some more practical information here: 
A policy that could be implemented for your workplace from the Institute of Community Directors.
World Health Organisation - Getting your workplace ready
Further info from the World Health Organisation
COVID-19 Arts Organisations’ Plans from Theatre Network Australia
Resources from The Australia Council for the Arts

Stay safe and well, look after each other and support family, friends and our wonderful creative community.  Let’s work together.

Board and Staff of Arts North West

Country Arts Support Program Ready for Applications

Do you have an arts project idea that needs Arts North West’s help to get off the ground? Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is open for applications.

“If you, or someone you know, has an idea for a short term, locally initiated arts project in 2020? you may be able to access a little extra support through CASP,” said Caroline Downer, Executive Director  at Arts North West.

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.

“In previous years, groups have been successful in securing CASP funding for a diverse range of really interesting activities, ranging through classical music, oral histories, pottery kiln building, community choir and craft workshops and graffiti art,” Ms Downer said.

The Deepwater Cool Choir, a community choir for the people of Deepwater and surrounds, received a boost from the 2017 CASP round.

“The choir came to life after a chance meeting in an Arts North West grant writing workshop in 2017. The connections and experiences of the individual people in the room that day feed the idea of creating an opportunity for the Deepwater community to benefit from the joys of singing together” said Christine Davis, the Cool Choir coordinator.  “From my own experiences, I know music is a great way of connecting with people and singing together has many benefits, both physical and psychological. Most people like to sing but lack confidence and a community choir is the perfect environment for people to feel safe to develop their skills” continued Ms Davis.

Call us today to have chat about your eligibility to apply for the Country Arts Support Program or book into a free one-on-one session near you with our Executive Director to discuss your application. More information can be found here on our website www.artsnw.com/artandabout

Applications close 5pm, Monday 29 July 2019.

Creative Plus Business Workshops in March

Creative Plus Business heading our way in March to deliver a suite of fantastic workshops for creatives!

Business advisor and creative industries expert Monica Davidson from the Creative Plus Business Group will be presenting these workshops. Monica is a writer and filmmaker by trade who learned how to run a successful creative business and now shares that knowledge with others. In her workshops Monica helps creative people from all practices and professional stages figure out the basics of financial literacy, with the help of jokes, anecdotes and pictures. This surprisingly fun and informal workshop will leave participants feeling more confident about their financial situation, and provide an opportunity to ask all the questions they’ve always wanted to know.

Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business. Creative Plus Business provides confidential, independent business advice and skills training for small and medium creative businesses across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s Business Connect program.

BOOK IN NOW via the Facebook events

GUNNEDAH WORKSHOP - Money is NOT a Dirty Word
https://www.facebook.com/events/550368545451042/

TAMWORTH WORKSHOP - Comms for Creatives
https://www.facebook.com/events/1914628545302124/

ARMIDALE WORKSHOP - Money is NOT a Dirty Word
https://www.facebook.com/events/304217746963641/

GLEN INNES WORKSHOP - Comms for Creatives
https://www.facebook.com/events/369066980352847/

TENTERFIELD WORKSHOP - Money is NOT a Dirty Word
https://www.facebook.com/events/2157504490974008/ 

Successful Regional Arts Fund Applications Announced

What a great way to wrap up 2018 with the announcement of the following successful Regional Arts Fund applications from the New England North West region.

Miyay Miyay: A Creative Collaboration

Miyay Miyay: A Creative Collaboration is a two-year project comprising of the creative development of a performing arts piece based on the Gamilaroi version of ‘Miyay Miyay’, the ‘Seven Sisters’ songline, and is inspired by Country and the landscape of the New England North West. Central to the project will be an artistic collaboration between two key Gamilaroi artists – writer Cathy Craigie, and dancer Katie Leslie. In its entirety, this project will comprise of research and development, a creative residency, mentorships, documentation, presentation, further creative development and regional tour components.

New England Writers Centre Stories Connect

Stories Connect is an innovative and creative multi-arts project aimed at forging fruitful connections between the newly- Regional Arts Fund NSW - List of Projects Funded 2019 Page 2 resettled Yazidi refugee community in Armidale and the broader community, through the creation and sharing of stories. With a mix of writing and illustration workshops for school-aged children, story, songwriting, poetry and photographic narrative workshops for young people, and storytelling/sharing sessions for adults and children. The project will be delivered in partnership with Settlement Services International, who will facilitate consultation with the local refugee community, Armidale Regional Council, and Arts North West.

Screenwave Nextwave: Building a Network for Regional NSW Youth Film Development Regions

Screenwave will partner with Mayfly Media and Got Ya Back Productions across two years to develop Nextwave’s youth film and mental health education program in the Riverina and Upper Hunter – adding to the current regions of Mid North Coast, New England and Northern Rivers. Nextwave will train mid-career filmmakers as workshop facilitators, educating more young regional Australians with employable creative skills. The program will raise the profile of screen arts in regional NSW schools, build capacity for teachers to support student filmmakers and see the production of original films to be distributed nationally.

Successful projects announced in Round One of the Regional Cultural Fund for New England North West

Successful projects announced in Round One of the Regional Cultural Fund for New England North West

Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place Inc., Development completion – New England North West ($846,000)
This funding will enable the Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP) to complete its gallery works, car park, footpath, landscaping and install solar panels on the building. Being the only fully operating Aboriginal cultural centre and keeping place in the New England North West region, the ACCKP has become a significant venue for the community and surrounding regions.

Guyra & District Historical Society Inc., Museum refurbishment – New England North West ($60,000)
The Guyra Historical Museum will undergo a major refurbishment and renovation, which includes painting the whole building, electrical and plumbing repairs, replacement of doors and flooring where necessary, and the temporary removal of all museum display objects whilst these works take place. The project also includes a new research space and upgrade of data research tools.

Inverell Shire Council, Inverell Town Hall annex upgrade – New England North West ($26,440)
The upgrade of the Inverell Town Hall annex will re-energise the arts landscape in Inverell by boosting the capacity of the 1905 venue to host a wider variety of events. Following the upgrade, the annex will host arts, cultural and heritage events including drama workshops, pop up theatre, short films, acoustic live music performance, contemporary dance, week-long artist-in-residence programs and visual art exhibitions.

Moree Plains Shire Council, Civic Precinct redevelopment – New England North West ($1,052,182)
The Moree Civic Precinct – incorporating the Memorial Hall, Banquet Hall and Moree Plains Library – is an iconic 1923 building set in the heart of Moree’s main street. It has long been the home of the dramatic arts for the region, however needs redevelopment to satisfy the current and future requirements of theatrical and dance groups, visiting stage shows, schools and community groups. The redevelopment will improve heating and cooling, access, amenity, acoustics, access for people with a disability, and fire safety, and provide a safe and modern stage.

Narrabri Shire Council, Outdoor cinema screen – New England North West ($9,480)
Narrabri Shire Council will purchase an outdoor cinema screen and operating accessories for use throughout the shire (and adjoining shires when requested). It will provide cinematic, cultural and artistic experiences for the broader community and be available for community fundraising activities. The equipment will be based in Narrabri and transported to various locations as needed to serve the needs of community groups, outlying towns and neighbouring shires.

Tamworth Regional Council, Barraba Museum revitalisation – New England North West ($52,805)
The revitalisation of the Barraba Museum will provide essential upgrades to the museum buildings to better support site activation, place making and access to the museum and its collection. This volunteer run museum requires essential building maintenance to provide a safe, secure and accessible museum that adequately cares for its collection. The project is supported by a dynamic volunteer community.

Tamworth Regional Gallery, TRANSMIT project– New England North West ($58,500)
TRANSMIT will provide large-scale portable and permanent digital screens to enable wide community access to events occurring in places such as state galleries and universities. It will also support education programs for all ages and abilities. The screens will be located inside the Tamworth Regional Gallery and in other locations in the region. TRANSMIT supports access to the arts in regional Australia, the principle priority of the gallery since it opened nearly 100 years ago. TRANSMIT was launched on the gallery’s centenary 1 June 2019.

Uralla Shire Council, Aboriginal Cultural Display – New England North West ($16,196)
Uralla Shire Council has been approached by Local Aboriginal Elders wishing to loan or donate artefacts to preserve and assist the community in learning about local cultural heritage. This display will offer a diverse and distinctive cultural experience by encouraging development and growth in the regional cultural sector. The cabinets will be placed in the soon-to-be-upgraded Visitor Information Centre allowing tourists and locals to experience and learn about the local Aboriginal Culture and strengthen the relationships between the Local Elders, Uralla Shire Council, the local Community and the high tourist market.

All things new at Arts North West

May 2018 has been a busy one for Arts North West. Following a comprehensive review of its governance structure, Arts North West elected a new skills-based Board at its AGM held on 11 May. The new Board of Management consists of nine members with the 2017 Chair Anna Watt (Glen Innes) re-elected to the position of chair, Sandy McNaughton (Inverell) as Vice-Chair, Sue Price (Moree) as Treasurer and Chris Newbigin (Inverell) as Secretary/Public Officer.  Previous board members Hayley Ward (Armidale) and Vivien Clyne (Moree) will continue in 2018 and new to the Board are Peter Ross (Tamworth), Len Waters (Tamworth) and Sally Blackwood (Quirindi).   We are delighted to have a diverse set of skills on the Board, from financial to legal as well as arts management in music, visual arts and theatre.  The new Board structure also includes a second tier, the Strategic Advisory Council, which comprises a delegate from each of our contributing Local Government Authorities as well as four community arts organisation representatives.  Arts North West is looking forward to working together to drive creativity in our communities.

And there have been more changes.   After more than ten years above the Glen Innes Tourist Information Centre you can now find Arts North West at 16 East Avenue, in the beautiful Glen Innes King George Parklands. The new move will give Arts North West a more noticeable presence in the Glen Innes community and a more accessible location for staff and visitors.   Our contact details remain the same.

Finally we would also like to welcome a new member of staff – Christine Davis as our new Admin Assistant.

Christine brings with her a wealth of experience in not for profit organisations and administration tasks, previously working for New England North West Landcare and Queensland Murray-Darling Committee.

CASP Projects Ready to Roll Out in 2018

Arts North West extends a massive congratulation to the 2017 Country Art Support Program recipients from the New England North West region.  As you can see from the list below, this year’s recipients are excitingly diverse in both medium and subject and we look forward to seeing these projects roll out throughout the year. 

CASP is an annual small grants program administered by Regional Arts NSW (RANSW) on behalf of Create NSW with the main objectives of supporting a creative and vibrant NSW arts and cultural sector, engagement with diverse audiences and communities and the building of a resilient NSW arts and cultural sector and cultural activities. 

Enliven: the beginning of a street art explosion Armidale Regional Council

Council is working hard to revitalise its CBD and central mall. A concrete building owned by council is a perfect blank canvas to showcase street art. Council will employ a street artist in summer to create a vibrant mural that will eventually become part of a street art walking tour.
 
Marsupials and Birds Sculpture Techniques Barraba Potters and Craft Guild Inc.

Maggie Brockie, well known potter/sculpture, will tutor a 3 day workshop in Barraba early in 2018 focusing on 'Marsupials and Birds - Sculpture Techniques' to enhance the skills of regular potters and introduce new potters to sculpting in clay. The workshop will include support for new potters and hand building techniques
                                                                                
Arts Gunnedah Visual Arts Workshops Arts Gunnedah Inc

To hold visual art workshops, encouraging local artists of all ages, from Gunnedah & surrounding areas. These workshops will assist beginners & experienced artists from all backgrounds, in Printmaking, Oil, Acrylic Painting, and Life Drawing. This program run by professional artists, and will be held at the Creative Arts Centre, Gunnedah.
 
Walcha Sculpture Symposium Walcha Tourism C/- Walcha Council

4 Artist Demonstration Workshops are a component of a wider sculpture symposium to be held in Walcha in April 2018. Our professional artists will engage with the community, promote and demonstrate their work, collaborate and network as part of a sculpture event for, Walcha's Open Air Gallery.
 
Cool Choir Christine Davis

Cool Choir is a series of four community choir workshops to be held in Deepwater February/ March 2018. The choir will be facilitated by professional choir conductor Cathy Welsford, who will also conduct four separate training sessions to upskill a local person to take over as choir leader after the workshops
 
An Orchestral Celebration Armidale Youth Orchestra

The Armidale Youth Orchestra turns 50 in 2018 - and it is celebrating by commissioning a work by local composer Paul Marshall to be performed at a special celebratory concert in Armidale in August 2018 by current members and alumni of the orchestra.

For more information please contact the individual organisation.