We are gearing up for an action-packed weekend at the state regional arts conference which is being held in Tamworth in November. Registrations are open now, and I encourage you all to book in - it will be a fabulous couple of days of high level discussion wrapped up in arts and culture. Our entire region is represented in both the Speakers and the Arts Program and we are delivering a number of projects as part of this event. The last couple of months have been busy, as usual. We have been out and about across the region, delivering projects, meeting with our wonderful artists and arts organisations, and supporting creativity in the New England North West. We held our Board meeting and AGM in Glen Innes on 10 May where we welcomed Lauren Mackley to the Board. Lauren is the Cultural Precinct Team Leader at Gunnedah Shire Council and we are looking forward to working with her to generate creative opportunities in the New England North West.
A Free Family Fun Day Out for the Glen Innes Severn Community
Join Arts North West in the beautiful Glen Innes parklands for Lift Off! The Festival of Wind on Sunday 1 September. A day of free family fun to celebrate Glen Innes Severn Community’s newest icon, The White Rock Wind Farm and Spring’s return, with a day of arts activity stalls and music in King Edward Park.
The focus is on community participation for all with creativity at the fore. Local artists will run a number of wind-related arts activities including kite making, wind toys, eco wind chimes, paper plane constructions and more. With the help of The Bubble Lady and her amazing secret formula, come and enjoy making your very own amazing giant Bubbles at her Interactive Bubble Stations.
Arts North West will also be joining forces with The Makers Shed as The High-Country Handmade Showcase joins in the festivities. This unique handmade shopping experience is for those seeking to meet the artisans behind some of the region's finest products and get tips on their skills. Live music will also be a feature with a series of performances by local choirs, wind and brass players from 10am to 2pm.
The day will culminate in a performance by carrot player extraordinaire Linsey Pollak at The Chapel Theatre at 3pm. Linsey is well-known all-around Australia as a musician, instrument maker, composer, musical director and community music facilitator. Tickets $5 at www.giac.com.au
This Festival has been funded by The White Rock Wind Farm. For more information, contact Arts North West by calling (02) 6732 4988.
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.
Welcome and Invite you to our AGM in May
It has been another busy quarter of activity, right across our region! Arts North West has certainly been out and about, delivering a number of projects, professional development workshops, and providing key networking opportunities and support for the wonderful artists in our region. We held our Board meeting in Inverell in February. Our AGM will be in Glen Innes on 10 May and the Annual Report and audited financials are available on our website www.artsnw.com.au. We say farewell to our Treasurer Sue Price, who has been on the ANW Board since 2013. We have certainly valued her contributions and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.