APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR COUNTRY ARTS SUPPORT PROGRAM

 
Haunting (Vic McEwan + George Main) and Vanishing Point: Swan Hoppers Legacy (Julie Montgarrett + Vic McEwan + Clytie Smith) for On Common Ground. Photo by James T Farley.

Haunting (Vic McEwan + George Main) and Vanishing Point: Swan Hoppers Legacy (Julie Montgarrett + Vic McEwan + Clytie Smith) for On Common Ground. Photo by James T Farley.

 

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR COUNTRY ARTS SUPPORT PROGRAM

Create NSW has announced applications for the Country Arts Support Program (CASP) 2021 are now open for regional NSW not for profit organisations and local collectives.

Funding is available to support regional NSW community arts and cultural development through grants of up to either $3,000 or $5,000, for projects including arts activities as part of community festivals or events, performances, exhibitions, workshops and other local arts initiatives.

Create NSW Executive Director Chris Keely said the annual Country Arts Support Program supports regional NSW arts and cultural activities by increasing opportunities for organisations to showcase a range of arts programs that focus on the community and create social benefits for the regions.

“Create NSW is committed to funding artistic development in our State’s regions and showcasing NSW’s diverse history and contemporary life through cultural expression.

“The program will support arts and cultural activities across the State and allow regional communities to explore and express their cultural identities through local arts projects, reinforcing that NSW is the engine-room of creativity,” said Mr Keely.

Grants are available primarily for professional artists’ fees, travel and accommodation that will support a range of activities including workshops, artist-in-residence programs, public art and design projects, seminar and exhibitions.

The fund is delivered in partnership with the 14 Regional Arts Development Organisations.

The program is designed to assist locally determined, regional NSW community arts and cultural activities that will lead to greater awareness and appreciation of cultural expression and diversity and increase the sustainability of regionally-based community arts organisations.

Applications for the Country Arts Support Program 2021 close 5pm Tuesday 29 September 2020 for projects to commence on 1 January 2021. More information, including the guidelines, can be found on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/arts-and-cultural-funding-program/casp.

 

$12,500 TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON AT TINGHA’S WING HING LONG MUSEUM

 
Photo caption: Wing Hing Long Museum President Danny Coleman, left, and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall look through the many exciting exhibits on display.

Photo caption: Wing Hing Long Museum President Danny Coleman, left, and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall look through the many exciting exhibits on display.

 

NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today announced a $12,500 State Government grant for the iconic Wing Hing Long Museum at Tingha, helping to replace the building’s aged electrical wiring and protect its collection of historic artefacts.

Mr Marshall said the current electrical system was installed in the 1950s and the museum’s volunteers were concerned it had become a serious fire hazard.

“For 70 years, the electrical wiring in the Wing Hing Long General Store has kept the lights and heaters on in the 140-year-old building,” Mr Marshall said.

“Updating the wiring will reduce the chance of any unfortunate fires developing in the museum and work to prevent the destruction of the important local landmark.

“Part of this grant will also update the lighting system throughout the building, making it safer for people to walk through the building while also illuminating the treasure trove of items which are on display.”

President of the Wing Hing Long Museum Danny Coleman said the facility was an important window into the town’s past.

“The legacy of the 900 Chinese migrants who lived in Tingha at the height of the tin mining boom in the 1880s can still be seen today,” Mr Coleman said.

“Over the years our committee has made a considerable effort to preserve the Wing Hing Long General Store building, using it to house a comprehensive collection of local artefacts – some dating back to the 19th century.

“Recently, we have become concerned about the state of the building’s old electrical wiring, fearing a single rogue spark onto an old newspaper or piece of clothing, could result in our entire collection being destroyed.

“We have already engaged an Inverell electrician to undertake the work which we anticipate will take about a week to complete.

“Prior to COVID-19 the museum was incredibly busy with organisations, clubs and school groups calling in, however sadly that has stopped due to social distancing restrictions.

“With these measures starting to ease, we look forward to again opening our doors and providing visitors with a unique insight into our region’s past.”

MEDIA: Kris Wall 0447 432 392


Sarah Streams for her Supper

 
TECH-SAVVY SONGSTRESS: Baan Baa singer-songwriter Sarah Leete (photo: supplied)

TECH-SAVVY SONGSTRESS: Baan Baa singer-songwriter Sarah Leete (photo: supplied)

 

A ONE-HOUR live performance distributed on social media by a Narrabri Shire-based singer-songwriter has added to the array of artists reaching out to new audiences as part of an initiative funded by Arts North West.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Baan Baa musician Sarah Leete toured her special blend of country music locally and interstate, but like so many other recording artists, she was faced with the sudden closure of performing arts venues in March.

“I have now been forced to take it solely online,” the singer told Arts North West this week.

While online performances might seem an easy task, as Sarah explained they’re no mean feat considering the expectation of high quality sound and lighting in online arts offerings, and working with limited or no access to technical support.

“I received a micro grant so I could perform on a high-quality live stream broadcast to my fans on social media,” Sarah said. “The grant helped me to purchase the equipment to use my DSLR camera to stream the project, as well as lighting and sound gear to make it look and sound professional.”

According to Sarah the project is going well, with her first video (assisted ably by family members) attracting close to 1000 views across the country and a huge response from fans on social media, many of whom generously donated to the singer’s PayPal account in exchange for her gutsy performance.

“The learning experience has been very steep though, and I have found it quite challenging,” she said.

“I would consider myself to be somewhat tech-savvy, but this project required a lot more time, effort, learning and understanding than I anticipated.

“Ultimately the live broadcast of my performance went off without a hitch, but there will be things I can improve on for next time.”

Unexpected obstacle

Performing a blend of originals and cover songs, Sarah spent the hour-long broadcast taking requests and delivering shout-outs to her fans, but she also dealt with unexpected phone calls, had to moderate comments while on air, and as she told Arts North West, an unexpected obstacle nearly threw the whole idea on its head.

“The main surprises in this project were technical,” she said, “but I also struggled to purchase the equipment necessary to complete the task, as a lot of musicians around the world are trying to do the same thing!”

Follow Sarah’s journey and live streams on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/sarahleetemusic and Instagram www.instagram.com/sarahleetemusic

Create NSW Arts and Cultural Funding Heading to the New England North West

Congratulations to the following New England North West Create NSW Arts & Cultural Funding Program Recipients:

2 Rivers Pty Ltd Cultivating Creative Communities ($120,000)

Cultivating Creative Communities is a professional development program to develop and promote access for regional and remote artists and art workers to increase their skills and networks. This program includes mentoring and workshops with professional Aboriginal artists and art workers resulting in exhibitions and performances across the region.

Dr Alana Blackburn. Regrowth - New multimedia work for recorder ($19,000)

A collaboration between recorder player Alana Blackburn and composer Ros Bandt to provide an opportunity for regional NSW community members affected by drought, floods and fire to have their voices heard in a poetic and respectful way. The project aims to contribute to the diversity of cultural expression and audiences.

Art and NOT About - Arts North West is coming to you!

Meet your local Regional Arts Development Organisation on Zoom from the comfort of your own home! Executive Director Caroline Downer is eager to discuss your ideas and offer advice on a range of topics: project management, planning, budget, insurance, promotion & marketing, funding sources & opportunities post COVID-19. She can also provide feedback on grant applications including Regional Arts Fund, opening end of June. This free one-on-one meeting focuses on artists, arts and community workers living and working in the 12 LGAs that ANW covers. BOOK A 30 MINUTE SESSIONS ONLINE VIA THIS LINK https://www.trybooking.com/BJRRS

Eleven New England North West Creative Projects Funded by Arts North West

Eleven creative endeavours have been successfully funded through the Arts North West Micro Grants program. Due to COVID 19, cutbacks were made on normal spending, giving Arts North West the opportunity to offer the funding to the New England North West region.

The turnaround time for applications was relatively tight, but the New England North West responded promptly, submitting numerous applications, for an array of creative projects and ideas.

“These are very unusual times for all of us in the New England North West and we really understand the difficulties faced by the arts and cultural communities in our region” said Arts North West Executive Director, Caroline Downer. “We are absolutely thrilled at the response to the new initiative and it just goes to show that despite the current challenges faced by the sector, arts and culture is still very much alive and pumping in the New England North West ” Ms Downer continued.

The successful applicants are as follows:

Natasha Soonchild, Nundle

To research and develop an at-home sewing kit which would provide materials and instructions to produce a unique soft sculpture. This would be sold through website and utilise recycled textiles.

Sarah Leete, Baan Baa

To take practice online and compete in the ‘virtual world’. To connect with her audience and stay relevant on social media.

Alex Robson, Inverell

To run an online workshop series on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The workshops would be open to university students, and high school students in Year 11 and 12.

Stephanie Marshall, Inverell

To roll out collaborative UnstopAbility performance sessions online through the Zoom Pro platform.

Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, Moree

To assist two Aboriginal artists and cultural knowledge holders, Chris Roberts and Dorothy Tighe, to adapt to self-isolation whilst also supporting their communities through creative projects.

Leah Bullen, Armidale

To undertake an at home residency and record the environment and activities of my family home.

Walcha Handmade, Walcha

Online art lessons aimed at children.

Alan Buchan, Tamworth

To record and release a song in support of the heroes who have been overlooked during the COVID19 crisis.

NERAM, Armidale

To offer a NERAM (from home) 5-week Artist Residency.

Fiona Macdonald, Armidale

To undertake a home-based residency experimenting with new drawing techniques.

Helena Pastor, Armidale

To produce quality digital recordings to share with the New England community and further afield.

The Arts North West Microgrants were designed to support the continuation of locally determined community arts and cultural practice in uncertain times, this funding aims to be as flexible as possible. Projects do not require a specific outcome but can focus on skills development or capacity-building.

For more information, contact Caroline Downer via rado@artsnw.com.au