Celebrating Regional Creativity: Horizons Digital Showcase

In 2024, 75 young creatives from across regional NSW participated in Horizons, an innovative mentoring program designed to support emerging talent in the creative industries. Managed by the NSW Regional Arts Network and funded by the Department of Regional NSW, Horizons provided participants with mentorship, industry connections, and hands-on experience to help shape their future careers.

Through one-on-one mentorships with 14 experienced artists, participants refined their skills, explored professional opportunities, and developed creative projects that reflected their unique artistic voices. The program fostered collaboration, professional growth, and a deeper connection to the creative industries—without requiring young artists to leave their regional communities.

Now, the culmination of their year-long journey is showcased in the Horizons Digital Showcase—a collection of works that highlight the talent and dedication of these emerging artists.

Meet Some of the Featured Artists

Tilda Morse | Dance & Musical Theatre

A passionate dancer and choreographer from Moree, Tilda has trained extensively in contemporary and classical ballet while also exploring acting and costume design. Her ability to blend technical skill with artistic expression makes her a standout performer.
🔗 Explore her work: horizons.regionalfutures.net.au/showcase-2024/tilda-morse

Jack Fuller | Music Producer

Known as JACKY BOY, Jack is a First Nations artist and music producer who has developed a distinctive sound, fusing ethereal vocal chops with boom-bap and trap-inspired beats. His work challenges conventional music structures, reflecting his bold approach to sound design.
🔗 Listen to his work: horizons.regionalfutures.net.au/showcase-2024/jack-fuller

Tommy Burnett | Playwright & Actor

A young playwright from the New England region, Tommy explores the complexities of human relationships through absurdist and naturalistic storytelling. His work engages audiences with thought-provoking narratives and deep emotional resonance.
🔗 Read more: horizons.regionalfutures.net.au/showcase-2024/tommy-burnett

Belle Meyer | Musical Theatre & Acting

With over 20 stage productions to her name, Belle has dedicated herself to performance and aspires to a career in theatre and acting. She brings enthusiasm, experience, and a commitment to storytelling through live performance.
🔗 Discover her journey: horizons.regionalfutures.net.au/showcase-2024/belle-meyer

The Impact of Horizons

The Horizons program was designed to provide young creatives with:
✅ Professional Development – Skill-building opportunities to help participants become work-ready or pursue further education.
✅ Mentorship & Industry Connections – Guidance from experienced regional artists, fostering lasting professional relationships.
✅ Community Engagement – Encouragement to explore how their creative practice can contribute to and reflect their local communities.

Through regular online sessions and in-person meetups, Horizons created a supportive environment where young artists could learn, collaborate, and gain confidence in their craft. By showcasing their work in a statewide digital platform, participants have an opportunity to share their artistic journey with a broader audience.

Explore the Digital Showcase

The Horizons Digital Showcase is now live, featuring work from all participants across various disciplines, including dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and writing.

🌐 View the full showcase here: horizons.regionalfutures.net.au/showcase-2024

This showcase is not just a celebration of artistic achievement—it is a testament to the creative potential that exists in regional NSW. Congratulations to all the talented participants and their mentors for making Horizons 2024 an inspiring success!

#horizonsnsw #regionalarts #emergingartists #creativecareers #mentorship #nswarts #regionalyouth #artsmentoring #digitalshowcase

Exciting News for Walcha!

Arts North West, in collaboration with the Walcha Arts Advisory Committee and Walcha Council, has successfully completed a project to enhance Walcha’s renowned ‘Open Air Gallery’!

With over 58 incredible sculptures and artworks by local, national, and international artists, this outdoor exhibition has long been a highlight of cultural tourism in the New England North West. Thanks to funding from the FRRR Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, plaques with artwork details and QR codes have now been installed to celebrate the artists behind the works and enrich the visitor experience.

Visit the Website: https://walchansw.com.au/openairgallery/

Country Music Industry Engagement Days

A New Chapter for Australian Country Music

📅 Mark Your Calendar: 22–23 January 2025
📍 Tamworth Community Events Centre, 3 Darling St, Tamworth

This January, the inaugural Country Music Industry Engagement Days are set to make their debut in the heart of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. This unique event promises to bring together artists, industry experts, and music lovers to explore the intricacies of the country music scene in Australia.

Designed for everyone from aspiring musicians to seasoned professionals, the event offers an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into songwriting, touring, artist management, mental health, and even exporting Australian country music to the world.

Two Days of Inspiration and Collaboration

Over two jam-packed days, attendees can look forward to engaging discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at empowering and inspiring the country music community.

Wednesday, 22 January will feature sessions such as:

• The Future of Country: Understanding the Music Industry (APRA & CMAA Academy)

• Not My First Rodeo: Managing Mental Health in the Country Music Industry (Support Act)

• In Conversation with Fanny Lumsden: Launching Your Own Label (AIR)

• Strategies in Artist Management (Association of Artist Managers)

• Sound Advice: Regional Touring Essentials (MusicNSW & Sound NSW)

• APRA Songcraft Session with Kasey Chambers & Troy Cassar-Daley

On Thursday, 23 January, attendees will dive deeper into the industry with Gettin’ Gone: A Country Music Export Workshop hosted by Sounds Australia, focusing on taking Australian country music to international stages.

A Celebration of Australian Country Music

The Country Music Industry Engagement Days offer much more than just knowledge-sharing. They celebrate the resilience, creativity, and camaraderie that define Australia’s country music scene.

Attendees will have the rare chance to connect directly with industry leaders, gain insights from top artists, and take away strategies to further their careers—all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Tamworth.

While entry is free, attendees are encouraged to contribute a gold coin donation to Support Act, a charity providing critical assistance to music industry professionals.

A Focus on Inclusivity

The organisers, APRA AMCOS, are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone involved. Their goal is to ensure that these events represent the values of respect and collaboration that underpin the Australian music industry.

Event Details

• Dates: Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 January 2025

• Location: Tamworth Community Events Centre, 3 Darling St, Tamworth

• Cost: Free entry (gold coin donations to Support Act encouraged)

Be Part of This Milestone

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Australian country music. Register today to secure your spot and be part of an event that’s set to shape the future of the industry.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.apraamcos.com.au/about-us/news-and-events/country-music-industry-engagement-days?mc_cid=dbf8be0cbd&mc_eid=dca9962948

Looking Back, Looking Forward: Gomeroi Artists Shine in Sustainable Art Exhibition

The stunning new exhibition, Looking Back / Looking Forward, highlights the talent and resilience of the Gomeroi Artists Group, presented by the Euraba Paper Company. This impactful show features 50 works on cotton pulp paper, a sustainable and innovative medium crafted using locally sourced cotton fabric waste from iconic Australian brands like Country Road and RM Williams.

The exhibition, now on display at the Yaama Ganu Gallery, 211 Balo St, Moree NSW 2400 celebrates the cultural and creative revival of the Toomelah and Boggabilla communities. Through immense dedication, the communities have reopened the Euraba studio, transforming it into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, cultural pride, and connection.

Through collaboration with Yaama Ganu, Bank Art Museum Moree and Arts North West, supported by the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support Program the exhibition stands as a testament to the power of art in fostering resilience, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Looking Back / Looking Forward marks a major milestone for the Euraba artists, showcasing their creativity while championing environmental sustainability through their innovative papermaking process.

Here an extraordinary group of nine senior Gomeroi women established a production paper mill, the Euraba Paper Company. They are the first indigenous community to make handmade paper and paper arts in Australia.

“Arts North West are honoured to work with the Gomeroi artists in this first group show for the artists, since the reopening of the studio.” said Lauren Mackley, Executive Director of Arts North West. “This show is a powerful celebration of cultural pride, creativity, and community resilience. The dedication of the artists and the Euraba Paper Company in championing sustainable practices while honouring Gomeroi traditions is truly inspiring. We encourage everyone to experience this unique exhibition and support the talented artists who have brought it to life.”

All artworks are available at an accessible price of $600, encouraging collectors and supporters to invest in these unique, handmade pieces. Opening day sales have been strong, demonstrating the growing appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of the works.

Arts North West, in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, is proud to support this initiative. Their backing has been instrumental in making the exhibition a success, fostering opportunities for regional artists and enriching the local arts scene.

Experience Looking Back / Looking Forward and support the Gomeroi artists by visiting the Yaama Ganu Gallery Moree. Every piece you acquire helps sustain the creative and cultural heartbeat of the Toomelah and Boggabilla communities.

The exhibition continues until the end of January 2025.