Arts North West is proud to announce the successful recipients of the 2025 Arts North West Micro Grants, supporting artists, collectives, and creative organisations across the New England North West.
The Micro Grants program offers up to $1,000 in quick-response funding for independent professional artists, community groups, and arts organisations to support their creative practice. Designed to sustain and grow locally led arts and cultural activity, the program enables artists to respond flexibly to opportunities in skills development, capacity building, and creative experimentation, particularly during times of uncertainty.
The 20 successful recipients represent a vibrant cross-section of the region’s creative community, from emerging artists and experienced artisans, to filmmakers, musicians, and arts collectives. Each project reflects the strength, diversity, and innovation of arts practice across regional NSW.
Artists and organisations from Glen Innes, Tamworth, Armidale, Walcha, Uralla, Gunnedah, Moree, Liverpool Plains, and Tenterfield will undertake projects that include purchasing new creative equipment, delivering professional development workshops, producing films, hosting community events, and creating new artistic works, all contributing to the rich cultural life of our towns and villages.
Arts North West Acting Executive Director Miranda Heckenberg said the Micro Grants demonstrate the value of flexible, small-scale funding in keeping regional creativity thriving.
“These small grants have a big impact. They help artists keep making, sharing, and connecting through creativity. Each project strengthens our region’s cultural ecosystem and ensures that arts and culture remain part of everyday life across the New England North West,” she said.
Funded to full amount requested:
Emily Simson – Attending a two-day Watercolour & Woodcut workshop in Manly Vale to explore new printmaking methods. (Armidale Region)
Gallop Productions – Completing post-production and marketing for the short film Cigarette Fingertips, furthering regional storytelling and filmmaking. (Uralla Shire)
Glen Innes Pottery Club Inc. – Installing a new small kiln to improve studio efficiency and increase member access, with funding assisting electrical installation costs. (Glen Innes Severn Shire)
Jurassic Jack Roarsome Adventure – Construction of a new Triceratops puppet to be used in the future Roarsome Dino Kindy show. (Tamworth Region)
Liz Powell – Expanding her printmaking studio with new equipment for copper plate etching and mezzotint. (Tenterfield Shire)
Moree Arts Community Centre Inc. – Developing a new professional website to manage programs, showcase local artworks, and strengthen community engagement. (Moree Plains Shire)
New England Bach Festival – Hosting a public concert and community launch to introduce new artistic directors and promote the upcoming 2027 Festival. (Armidale Region)
Riley Jordan – Enrolling in online printmaking workshops to explore natural materials and develop new artistic techniques. (Glen Innes Severn Shire)
Roger ‘Buddy’ Knox – Running a music workshop with guest mentor Eugene Hideaway Bridges to inspire and develop young local musicians. (Tamworth Region)
Tamworth Art Academy (Big Sky Studio) – Hosting an outdoor projection event linked to the Fitzroy Street Outdoor Gallery, supporting artist fees and event resources. (Tamworth Region)
Tania Hartigan – Purchasing a fibre grinder to recycle textiles into handmade paper, supporting sustainable art practices and community workshops. (Liverpool Plains Shire)
The Blank Canvas – Launching Tuesday Art Hour, an affordable and inclusive after-school art program for children. (Gunnedah Shire)
Wade Fishenden – Expanding regional leathercraft workshops with the purchase of new leatherworking tools and marketing support. (Tamworth Region)
Wendy Lorraine Thompson – Creating a new body of landscape paintings for exhibition at regional and national galleries. (Tamworth Region)
Wood We Create – Expanding woodturning workshops and demonstrations through the purchase of new tools and mobile equipment. (Walcha)
Funded to half amount requested:
Brainsplode Artist Services – Presenting The Songwriters Hub at UNE Tamworth, providing professional development and showcase opportunities for local songwriters. (Tamworth Region)
Gay Landeta – Attending a three-day etching workshop to enhance technical printmaking skills and artistic practice. (Tenterfield Shire)
GuyrARTists – Delivering a pop-up exhibition and interactive community art activity at the Guyra Agricultural Show. (Armidale Region)
Paul Wilson – Supporting local music showcases through Listen in Glen Innes. (Glen Innes Severn)
Tamworth Regional Craft Centre Inc – Contribution to the purchase of new pottery wheels. (Tamworth Region)