PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Arts North West provides professional development workshops as well as individual advice to arts workers, creatives, councils, businesses and arts and cultural organisations in our region. We can:

• Review funding applications

• Suggest funding sources and opportunities

• Auspice grants

• Provide tips on project management, planning, budgets, partners

• Assist with logistics planning – insurance, branding, business plans

• Advise on promotion and marketing

• Art handling and installation

For more information contact our Executive Director.

THE MIX IS COMING TO URALLA

Calling all regional-based artists and industry folk! The MusicNSW team are hitting the road over the next few months for The Mix.
Join Niño Haggith with us, Arts North West, for a industry mixer and listening party where you'll get the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities in your local music scene.
URALLA 📍
WHEN: Friday 5 September @ 6-7:30pm
WHERE: @thealternaterootcafe
Amateur Original Music Night will follow!

Opportunity for Aboriginal Artists and Makers

Arts North West is pleased to share that the Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre is establishing a dedicated space to showcase and sell the work of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and makers. This initiative recognises the rich cultural heritage and continuing contributions of First Nations people in the region.

The centre is seeking expressions of interest from makers and artists including:

• Weavers, jewellers, painters, woodworkers and carvers

• Creators of bush soaps, native moisturisers, herbal balms and other handmade cultural items

This is a valuable opportunity to share culture and creativity with visitors from across the region and beyond.

For more information or to express your interest, contact Rindy at the Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre:
📞 02 6799 6760
📧 rindym@narrabri.nsw.gov.au

Songwriting for Wellbeing

NEXT SESSION FRI 22 August 4:30pm to 7pm

A powerful program designed to help young people explore their emotions, build confidence, and connect with others through the art of songwriting.

BOOK NOW 

Do you know a young person who loves music, needs a creative outlet, or could benefit from a safe and supportive space to express themselves?

Whether they’re experienced musicians or simply curious about expressing themselves through music, this workshop is open to all levels and abilities.

Why it matters:

Creative expression is a proven tool to support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth. This program is a great opportunity for young people to discover the healing power of music in a guided, encouraging environment.

If you’re a parent, teacher, youth worker, or support professional, please share this with the young people in your life – it could make a real difference.

Join like-minded young people (12yrs+) for Songwriting For Wellbeing sessions at Gunnedah Conservatorium!

Whether you have a song that you are currently working on that could use some guidance, or looking to write a song from scratch, Songwriting for Wellbeing monthly meetup offers a supportive space to do it!

Regular monthly sessions on Friday afternoons
Upcoming 2025 Date:
August 22 2025

Mentor: Sewa Emojong
(E.S Malaika)
Ages: 12 years+
Bookings and Enquiries: Gunnedah Conservatorium 6742 3998 or via the link https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/HwewFc4XvY

Calling GLEN INNES Local Artists and Creatives

Arts North West is excited to share an opportunity for artists, schools, community groups and clubs to have their work featured in Christmas in the Highlands – Illuminations in Glen Innes.

Glen Innes Severn Council is seeking 16 unique banner artworks to form part of the Christmas in the Highlands Art Trail through the town centre.

Theme:
What does Glen Innes at Christmas mean to you? Consider highland magic, Celtic roots, festive traditions, community spirit, starry nights or your own creative interpretation.

Key Details:

• Entries close: Friday 22 August 2025, COB

• Judged by: Glen Innes Public Arts Advisory Committee

• Display period: 29 November 2025 to 11 January 2026

• Unveiling: During the Christmas in the Highlands Illuminations event

• Entry format: Digital submissions only, high resolution and print ready (template provided)

To submit your interest or ask questions, contact Rhonda Bombell at rbombell@gisc.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6730 2400.

SPRING ART PRIZE

Celebrate the creativity of the season at the Spring Art Prize, hosted by Artists’ Collective Studio Gallery, Tenterfield, from 26 September to 2 November 2025.

Explore an inspiring collection of 2D and 3D works including wood, ceramics, fibre arts, wearables, glass, found objects, assemblage, bronze, stone, wire and metal.

The exhibition features $1400 in prizes, including:

• Best in Show $500 sponsored by Tenterfield Bowling Club

• $400 first prize for 3D artworks sponsored by Tenterfield Golf Club

• $400 first prize for 2D artworks sponsored by Jennings and Kneipp

• Two $50 Highly Commended awards sponsored by ACS Gallery

Judging will be conducted by Tess Cullen from Armidale Art Gallery.

Join the gallery for the informal opening event on Friday 26 September with extended hours until 7 pm.

Regular gallery hours are 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, Thursday to Monday.

Find the entry form here >>>

Expressions of Interest Open

The BAMM Regional Art Fair (BRAF) celebrates the exceptional talent of artists from across Australia. BRAF invites works across a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, screen, textiles and photography. It provides a platform to showcase the depth of creative practice that thrives in regional communities.

EOIs are invited from professional artists who live or practise in, or are connected to regional Australia. Artists can apply to have their work exhibited salon-style as part of BRAF, one work only per artist. All works exhibited at the Art Fair are for sale.

For more information and the Expression of Interest form, visit the BAMM website,

KEY DATES
Expression of Interest: Now open
Expression of Interest close: 23 August 2025
Artists notified: 1 September 2025

Exhibition Opening: Thursday 25 September 6pm
Exhibition: 26 September–18 October
Where: BAMM Gallery

⭐ Free Mentoring Sessions for Aboriginal Artists and Arts Workers

Elevate Your Creative Practice with Expert Guidance

Are you an Aboriginal Artist or Arts Worker from Regional NSW looking to elevate your practice? Thanks to the support of Create NSW, Outback Arts and Mara Mara we are excited to offer 20 FREE mentoring sessions with Lorrayne Fishenden, valued at $140 each. This unique opportunity is part of the Dhurrali Project, dedicated to empowering and supporting Aboriginal creatives.

About the Mentoring Sessions

These sessions are designed to provide personalised guidance, deep insights into the arts landscape, and strategic advice to help you grow and succeed in your creative endeavors. Each participant can benefit from up to three sessions, ensuring a tailored and impactful experience.

Meet Your Mentor: Lorrayne Fishenden

Lorrayne Fishenden is a well known leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in community development, Aboriginal arts advocacy, and business management. Lorrayne has been a pivotal advocate for Aboriginal artists and communities across regional NSW. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cultural development make her an inspiring mentor for this program.

What's Included

Each free mentoring session includes:

• Personalised guidance and support from Lorrayne Fishenden

• Insights into the Aboriginal arts landscape

• Strategies for growth and recognition in your field

• Expert advice on sustainable business practices

How to Book

Use this link https://LorrayneFishenden2Rivers.as.me/?appointmentType=65864844 to schedule a time. Don’t forget to fill in the quick questionnaire that will help Lorrayne prepare for your meeting. Remember, spots are limited, so don't miss this opportunity to take your art to new heights!

Important Information

• Each session is valued at $140

• Up to 3 sessions per participant

• Limited to 20 sessions total

Join us in this exciting initiative to celebrate Aboriginal voices, cultivate creativity, and build a vibrant community of artists committed to sharing their stories with the world.

Apply now and embark on a transformative creative journey!

⭐ Business Connect – Free business support for Creative Industries

Did you know Service NSW Business Connect offers free, independent, tailored business advice for NSW businesses (including sole traders with an ABN)? Business Connect advisors, including specialist creative experts can provide you up to 8 hours of free, tailored business advice in one-on-one sessions more.

⭐ AIM Talent Awards

The AIM Talent Awards is an annual talent contest organized by the AIM Association, designed to celebrate and promote multicultural talent from around Australia. This dynamic event seeks to uncover and showcase the diverse skills and creativity of performers from various cultural backgrounds, offering them a platform to gain exposure and public opportunities.

The contest is open to individuals and groups of all ages, presenting a wide array of talents including singing, dancing, instrumental performances, comedy, and other unique acts that highlight cultural heritage. Participants go through several rounds of auditions, with the most exceptional talents advancing to the final stages of the competition.

Throughout the contest, a panel of esteemed judges, composed of industry professionals and cultural icons, evaluates the performances based on criteria such as originality, skill, and cultural representation. The audience also plays a crucial role, with opportunities to vote for their favourite acts, adding to the excitement and engagement of the event.

Winners of the AIM Talent Awards receive not only prestigious trophies and recognition but also significant opportunities to perform at high-profile events, collaborate with renowned artists, and gain media coverage. The contest aims to empower multicultural talents, fostering a sense of pride and unity through the celebration of diverse cultural expressions.

APPLY NOW >>>

⭐ Copyright agency fellowships

The Copyright Agency offers Fellowships for Australian writers to create significant new works.

Year-long Fellowships are intrinsically important to Australian creative writers as it buys them time to create new work.

Two $80,000 Fellowships are available for Australian writers who have achieved some success and critical acclaim with their writing and who have a publisher interested in publishing the intended work.

Author Fellowship

The Copyright Agency’s Author Fellowship will support an established Australian author to create a new work for publication.

One Fellowship will be awarded each year.

Amount of grant: $80,000

Closes: 1pm AEST 18 August 2025

Fellowship for Non-Fiction writing

The Copyright Agency’s Fellowship for Non-Fiction Writing will support a mid-career or established Australian author to create a new work of creative non-fiction for publication.

One Fellowship will be awarded each year.

Amount of grant: $80,000

Closes:  1pm AEST 18 August 2025

FRANK MOORHOUSE FELLOWSHIP FOR YOUNG WRITERS

The Copyright Agency Frank Moorhouse Fellowship for Young Writers will support a writer aged 18-35 years to develop and write a new work of fiction.

One Fellowship will be awarded each year.

Amount of grant: $10,000

Closes: 1pm AEST 23 June 2025

READING AUSTRALIA FELLOWSHIP

The Copyright Agency’s Reading Australia Fellowship for Teachers of English and Literacy will support an experienced teacher or teacher librarian to undertake professional skills development and career-enhancing opportunities.

One Fellowship will be awarded each year.

Amount of grant: $15,000

Closes: 1pm AEST Mon 5 May 2025

⭐ 2025 Sculpture Acquisition Prize - Ceramic break sculpture park

An acquisition prize of $12,000.00

The winning sculpture will form part of the permanent display at Ceramic Break Sculpture Park. The Park offers guests an art experience with a difference in rural NSW. The goal of the contest is to diversify the park’s collection.

Apply now >>>

⭐ Screen NSW - Charlie’s Working Space, LA!

Screen NSW, in partnership with Australians in Film (AiF), offers NSW screen practitioners the opportunity to secure access to a dedicated co-working space at Charlie's in Los Angeles. The one free creative workspace is available for NSW based screen practitioners visiting LA to conduct business, collaborate, and network.

Successful applicants to Charlie’s will receive access to:

• One desk and a writers' room with whiteboards and screens

• Wi-Fi

• An equipped kitchen

• AiF staff.

Charlie’s is located in the Writer’s Building at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood.

⭐ Screen Australia – Industry Partnerships

This program aims to create opportunities through new, original and inclusive approaches to the industry that will expand networks and grow the Australian industry. Screen Australia will consider funding a portion of a total activity budget up to a cap of $30,000 per activity/activities conducted by an organization over the financial year. 

⭐ Screen Australia – International Marketing Support: Festivals and Awards

This program aims to support the promotion of Australian content and talent at the key international festivals and awards events, enabling the enhancement of international marketing strategies in conjunction with other partners. Screen Australia will contribute to the promotional budget for eligible events generally up to $20,000 for feature films and television series and $10,000 for short films. The level of funding will be determined by a film’s individual international marketing strategy as evidenced by a comprehensive plan and budget, produced by either the sales agent or producer. Festival screenings must be the title’s world or international premiere.

⭐ Screen Australia – Distribution Support: P&A Plus

This program aims to enhance the distribution and marketing of quality Australian films across traditional and alternative release platforms. Funding can be sought to support the traditional theatrical ANZ release of completed feature films that have an established local distributor attached, or for alternative release campaigns in certain circumstances

⭐ Screen Australia – First Nations Program: Sector Development (Internships)

This program aims to assist the career development of talented screen content makers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. Internships assist practitioners whose careers would benefit from an attachment to a person, production or organisation. This program is designed to assist the career development of talented filmmakers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. This is not an entry-level scheme. An internship may take many forms and involve features, documentaries, animation, interactive digital media, TV drama or comedy series

Current ARTS Employment & Voluteering Opportunities