Arts Taster Day Planned for Manilla

Arts North West is hitting the road and setting up shop in the Manilla Town Hall from 10am to 1pm Thursday 29 of September for a FREE community ‘Arts Taster Day’. This is a fun opportunity for participants to get their hands dirty and their minds immersed in creative offerings from local artists.

The event is aimed at young people and members of the community to experience and take part in different art practices and activities, with local artist Hilary Morten hosting blind contour drawing, a collaborative painting activity with Sharyn Jones, Evelyn Alvarez conducting a lino stamps workshop, Jodie Herden facilitating eco-dying activities and extending on their Regional Futures Project, Joanne Stead and Tania Hartigan will be offering papier-mâché and weaving workshops. The activities will be accompanied by a live music performance from Manilla’s own three-piece rockabilly sensation, The Thunder Cats Band, and dance performances from Manilla’s very own Rising Stars Dance Company.

Throughout the event, participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Arts North West team. This feedback will assist in informing the Arts North West Strategic Plan that is currently being developed for 2023-2024.

“We look forward to using this creative opportunity to spend more time in the community to gain a greater understanding of community’s vision and aspirations for the future of arts and cultural landscape in the New England North West.” Arts North West Executive Director Lauren Mackley said.

“We are asking all of community, creative or not, to take part in our Arts Taster Days, our online questionnaire, or book in for a one-on-one session to generate innovative idea sharing and a clear pathway to help Arts North Nest better service, support and advocate for our region.”

If you would like more information regarding Arts North West’s Arts Taster Days or the Arts North West Strategic Plan, please contact Lauren Mackley directly via rado@artsnw.com.au or 0493 316 463.

Get on the Road to Creativity with Arts North West this September

Image: Wee Waa Arts & Cultural Centre Coordinator Lisa Almagro with Workshop Facilitator, Robert Dunn. Photo, courtesy of Robert Dunn.

Arts North West invites the region to get on the road to creativity for Arts Trail Live, a weekend of free creative workshops over the weekend of 17-18 September 2022.

Venues based in the western portion of Arts North West footprint will be hosting four artists, providing workshops in ceramics, songwriting and performance, photography, and eco-dyeing, as with funding from the Australian government's Regional Arts Fund.

“It’s an initiative to support our regional artists, give people a chance to learn a new skill, or hone their passion, and encourage people across our region to get on the road, and explore these really great arts venues,” Arts North West project officer Michèle Jedlicka said.

Artists were chosen through an expression of interest process, and Michèle said submissions reflected the extraordinary level of talent in the region.

“The selection process was tough. So many incredible artists put their hands up for this project. The final four are no different - passionate about what they do, and their dedication about sharing that knowledge is evident.”

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park at Warialda will host Tenterfield textile artist Kay Gray for an eco-dyeing workshop, Tamworth blues legend Buddy Knox will give a songwriting and performance workshop at Moree’s Yaama Ganu Gallery, Narrabri photographer Robert Dunn will hold a digital photography workshop at the Wee Waa Arts and Cultural Centre, and Uralla ceramicist and community arts advocate Andrew Parker will visit the Barraba Fuller Gallery and Clay Pan Studio for a ceramics workshop.

All workshops are free, and materials will be provided for workshops where needed. Spaces are limited to ensure all participants get great support, but family members, friends, and spectators are welcome to watch and learn.

“And also to take time to browse the work on display at these venues,” Michèle said.

“All these locations are not just creative spaces, but real destinations, and they change their exhibitions all the time. Most offer classes, and all of them are based in terrific communities. Definitely worth booking a place, and taking a road trip to learn something new, and meet like-minded creative people.”

To learn more and find booking information, go to www.artsnw.com.au/arts-trail-live-2022

New Creative Work Launched at Arts North West

Arts North West’s Seven Sisters Project has come to spectacular finale with the launch of a new creative video work, Miyaay Miyaay. 

The work has been developed by key Gamilaroi artists. Writer Cathy Craigie's story formed the basis of the Miyaay Miyaay film, with dance choreography from Katie Leslie and Shae Duncan, and the illustration by Tania Hartigan.  

Miyaay Miyaay is based on the Gamilaroi version of the Seven Sisters songline, and inspired by Country, and landscape of the New England North West.  

The Seven Sisters songline is an epic narrative that spans across a vast area of Australia from the West coast through Central Australia to the North West of NSW and to Gamilaroi country. Miyaay Miyaay celebrates the Gamilaroi version of this Aboriginal story. 

A recipient of the prestigious 2016 New South Wales Aboriginal Arts Fellowship, Cathy is from the Gamilaroi and Anaiwan nations. She is the founding director of Koori Radio and First Nation Australia Writers Network, and has written several produced plays and published two children’s books. Cathy writes short stories and works as a writing mentor and workshop facilitator. 

Katie Leslie is a proud Gamilaroi and Mandandanji woman from Moree. She has a deep passion and love for her Aboriginal culture and heritage, as well as the performing arts. She studied acting at ACPA (The Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts) and later went on to study dance at NAISDA Dance College. Since graduating she has worked for many people in different places, performing and teaching dance. 

“We feel very honoured to be able to present a new creative work, Miyaay Miyaay, to our Arts North West audiences and to the wider community. Being able to provide the creative tools and support to see this important story come to life is a significant moment within Arts North West’s 25-year history,” Arts North West executive director Lauren Mackley said.  

“I would like to extend a massive thanks to the everyone who made this project possible including our previous Executive Director, Caroline Downer, and Project Manager, Miranda Heckenberg. The film and the storybook can be viewed on our website and will also be distributed in hardcopy throughout the region.”

The Seven Sisters Project is supported by the NSW Government’s Creative Koori Fund through Create NSW and by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund through Regional Arts NSW. 

Visit www.artsnw.com.au/miyaay-miyaay-film to view the film and storybook. Please contact the Arts North West office on 6732 4988 if you would like more information. 

Arts North West Micro Grants Ready to Roll

New England North West creatives are set to benefit directly from Arts North West, with the announcement of another round of Arts North West’s Micro Grants opening in early August.

The first round of Micro Grants was announced in April 2020 and saw a range of artists and arts projects boosted during the COVID-19 pandemic, including musicians, textile artists, visual artists, performing artists and more. Since then, the fund has expended around $25,000 directly to New England North West creatives.

“Announcing the opening of the Micro Grants Funding round is one of my first tasks as the new Executive Director of Arts North West” said Arts North West Executive Director Lauren Mackley.

“It has been an incredibly challenging couple of years for our arts community in the New England North West, from droughts, bushfires, Covid and now floods, and it gives me great joy to know that we have the opportunity to financially assist creatives and their practice as they navigate these unprecedented times.” Ms Mackley continued.

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 can be outcome-focused or be designed around skills development or capacity-building.

“The main reasons why this fund is so well prescribed, is the simple application and the quick turnaround, something you do not get when applying to other funds. Applications open first week of August and closing on 5 September, and each applicant can apply for up to $1000. Successful applicants will be notified on 19 September. Previous unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply.” Concluded Ms Mackley.

To apply to the Arts North West Micro Grants Round, visit the Arts North West website www.artsnw.com.au or contact the Arts North West office for more information (02) 6732 4988.

The Owl’s Apprentice to six towns in the region Quirindi, Gunnedah, Bingara, Armidale, Glen Innes and Tenterfield

Little Wing Puppets are on their way to North West New South Wales, bringing with them their shadow puppet show, The Owl’s Apprentice to six towns in the region Quirindi, Gunnedah, Bingara, Armidale, Glen Innes and Tenterfield.

The story is about the idea that owl’s aren’t born wise, they have to learn it from somewhere. A young owl named Poot Poot is sent to study at Owl school. On his journey he meets an Echidna, a Wombat, a Kookaburra, a Lyrebird, a Kangaroo and a Platypus who each share with him their own kind special kind of wisdom. But will he pass the final test and become wise enough to save the forest? The Owl’s Apprentice is an interactive show for families combining shadow puppetry and physical comedy.

A puppeteer of more than twenty years, Jenny Ellis, weaves the whole tale together with a single set of hands, often playing multiple characters at once. Jenny has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Puppetry from the Victorian College of the Arts, and has performed hundreds of shows in numerous festivals, theatres and country halls in every state and territory of Australia, as well as overseas.

Jenny Ellis, Artistic Director of Little Wing Puppets, said,

“We are thrilled to be coming to the North West. We believe that young people deserve equal access to the arts, wherever they live. We have demonstrated that with over 16 years on the road, taking shows to some of Australia’s most remote communities. We know that we can help shape young people’s lives by igniting their imaginations. In a time when there is so much time spent on screens, the simplicity of puppet theatre still retains a sense of magic. It’s amazing to hear a room full of children gasping and exploding into laughter over the antics of a puppet on stage. It’s still able to captivate their imaginations.”

This tour has been supported by Arts North West. See attached page for full details of the performances

Watch 1 min video: https://vimeo.com/73988806

ARTS NORTH WEST TOUR
THE OWL’S APPRENTICE – 2022

Monday 1 August, 2022 10:30am & 1pm
The Royal Theatre Quirindi
115 Henry St, Quirindi NSW 2343
Bookings: https://www.royaltheatrequirindi.com/
Phone: (02) 6746 1755

Tuesday 2 August, 2022 11am & 1:30pm
Civic Theatre Gunnedah
83 Chandos St, Gunnedah NSW 2380
Bookings: https://www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events
Phone: 02 6740 2266

Wednesday 3 August, 11am
Roxy Theatre Bingara
74 Maitland St, Bingara NSW 2404
Bookings: https://www.roxybingara.com.au/little-wing-puppets-presents-the-owls-apprentice/
Phone: 02 6724 0066

Friday 5 August, 2022, 2pm
The TAS Hoskins Centre Armidale
Barney St, Newling NSW 2350
Entry Via Chapel Street
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CAHFO
Phone: (02) 6776 5800

Saturday 6 August, 2022 2pm
Chapel Theatre Glen Innes
143 Church St, Glen Innes NSW 2370
Bookings: https://giac.com.au/movie/owls-apprentice
Phone 6732 5688

Sunday 7 August 2022 10:30am
Tenterfield School of Arts
205 Rouse Street, Tenterfield
Bookings: http://www.tenterfieldcinema.com.au/event/the-owls-apprentice
Phone: 02 67366100

Arts North West To Make Arts Trail Live in September

Arts North West is thrilled to announce their latest project, Arts Trail Live which will be rolling out across four creative venues in the New England North West over the 17th and 18th of September 2022.

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park Warialda, Yaama Ganu Gallery Moree, Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre, and the Fuller Gallery/Barraba Potters and Craft Guild will host four local artist facilitators as they deliver a free community workshop.

Arts North West are currently calling for EOIs from local artist facilitators in all genres to facilitate these one-day creative workshop, with $1500 allocated for each facilitator.

"I am so happy to have an opportunity to not only support our regional artists, but bring these unique workshops to gems in our towns and encourage people to travel and visit these really thriving creative spaces," Arts North West Projects Officer Michèle Jedlicka said.

Selected artists will be emerging-professional and must have a primary focus in the arts sector. This includes, but is not limited to visual arts and photography, film, literature, music, songwriting, textiles, ceramics, theatre, dance, First Nations Arts, puppetry, musical theatre, community arts, or experimental arts.

“Artists can preference to work at any of the venues, and some suit specific genres, which could be appealing. Applicants must reside within our New England North West footprint to be eligible, but we do encourage artists to venture out to a community they may have not yet explored," Michèle said.

The project has been made possible by funding from the RAF Cultural Tourism Accelerator program and Arts Trail Live has been designed to encourage arts tourism across the New England North West region, allowing people a chance to take part in a creative activity in one weekend.

Visit the Arts North West website (www.artsnw.com.au) for more information and to fill out the EOI form before COB 1 August 2022. Applicants will also need to email three examples of their work produced in the last three years to projects@artsnw.com.au.

For more information, please contact ANW Projects Officer Michèle Jedlicka on projects@artsnw.com.au

Country Arts Support Program Investment into New England North West

Six organisations from across the New England North West region will be starting off the second half of the year on a high after successfully securing a Country Art Support Program grant (CASP).

CASP is an annual small grants program administered by the Regional Arts Development Organisations, providing grants of up to $3,000 to support a creative and vibrant regional NSW arts scene.

“CASP is a significant investment directly into the New England North West region and announcing six successful CASP applications has been a great start to my new role at Arts North West.” Said Arts North West Executive Director, Lauren Mackley. “We received numerous applications to the fund this year, which is a fantastic indication that the New England North West arts and cultural landscape is bouncing back after a difficult couple of years.” Ms Mackley continued.

The successful applications are as follows:

Moree Cultural Art Foundation Ltd ($3,000)

BAMM will partner with TAFE Moree to deliver capacity building workshops for local artists. Selected Indigenous TAFE artists and Moree-based artsworkers will collaborate to train each other in arts practices, learn teaching skills, and create weaving kits. Artists will then lead a series of classes for the public at BAMM.

Black Gully Printmakers ($1,980)

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.

High Country Theatre and New England Bach Festival ($3,000)

This project plans to commission two local composers, Matthew Minter and Benjamin Thorn to compose new works to be performed in next year’s New England Bach Festival. The composers will also present a seminar at NECOM for high school students later this year introducing their new works and compositional processes.

Glen Innes Pottery Club Inc ($3,000)

4-day workshop over two weekends in August 2022 at our club rooms at Glen Innes TAFE with artist/ceramicist Max Powell. Focusing on making a series of different plaster moulds using 3 different techniques, developing skills in the commercial, experimental and creative use of plaster moulds.

Arts Gunnedah ($3,000)

Three advanced level printmaking workshops to be conducted by three leading printmakers, two from New England North West and one from Sydney at the studio, Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre, Gunnedah between October 2022 and June 2023.

Walcha Handmade Community Co-Operative Ltd ($3,000)

Workshops to learn new skills in photography or art by highlighting and showcasing their favourite image of Walcha.

For more information on each of these project, please contact the organisation directly.