NENW Aboriginal Arts Strategy to be rolled out after funding boost

Arts North West are delighted to receive funding from the Federal Government to support and foster Aboriginal artists in the New England North West by engaging Lorrayne Fishenden and 2 Rivers Pty Ltd to implement the NENW Aboriginal Arts Strategy.

This supports strong participation by Aboriginal artists in a professional, sustainable visual arts industry including exhibitions, art fairs, professional and skills development through mentoring and workshops, online resource development and networking opportunities. The strategy focuses on training and resources to inform investment and best practice that will result in positive outcomes for the region by strengthening capacities for self-determination, transmission of culture to future generations and increasing sustainable career pathways through arts and cultural pursuits.

"We are thrilled that this funding will allow us to get back out there and reengage with the incredible Aboriginal artists in the New England North West. We will be focusing on creating economic outcomes for visual artists through a series of different opportunities, designed around the needs and the wants of our community." said Lorrayne Fishenden, 2 Rivers Pty Ltd Managing Director.

For more information please contact Lorrayne Fishenden on 0467 668 977 or email lorrayne@2rivers.com.au

Arts North West Covid-19 Update

Hello all,

I’m sure you are all being inundated with information about Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on our sector. 

It has been a particularly difficult time – from drought to bushfire and now to a global pandemic. All of these have had a huge effect on our creative industries.
 
Event Cancellation
While the current requirement is to cancel all events that have an audience of 500 and above, many of our venues and organisations may not reach that audience figure but are still understandably anxious. Resourcing and growing community anxiety will also affect ticket sales and we recognise that organisations and individuals will need to take this into consideration in their planning.
 
If you are in a position to not require a refund for an event, festival, workshop or class that may be cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19 then please consider the ticket you purchased as a donation to the artist, organisation or community. Check out this article from Cut Common Magazine

Advocacy
Regional Arts Australia has also been working with national organisations and Ministers to facilitate a coordinated impact assessment and industry response. A number of surveys have been developed so that a clear picture can be formed as to the impact of Covid-19 on our sector. Please help the advocacy work by filling these out – PAC Australia survey or the National Association of Visual Artists survey. You are also able to submit information to the #Ilostmygig database.
 
Health and Wellbeing
We are not in a position to provide health advice.  Common sense reminds us to wash our hands, cough into elbows and stay at home if we are unwell.  Please be guided by the following sites that are updated daily:

Australian Government Department of Health

NSW Department of Health

Having said that, hand washing is obviously a crucial requirement.  But… really… handwashing to “Happy Birthday” twice, seems a little prosaic.  Send in your best version of a funky tune/song/poem/ and we will put it up on our social media… let’s keep our creative juices flowing!  (Have a look at TwoSetViolin’s ideas!) Email to media@artsnw.com.au
 
We are also very aware of the wellbeing of our communities.  With events cancelled, and social distancing in place, we hope that we can still look after each other as best we can. An arts-focused wellbeing helpline is available at Support Act. 
 
Resources

Some more practical information here: 
A policy that could be implemented for your workplace from the Institute of Community Directors.
World Health Organisation - Getting your workplace ready
Further info from the World Health Organisation
COVID-19 Arts Organisations’ Plans from Theatre Network Australia
Resources from The Australia Council for the Arts

Stay safe and well, look after each other and support family, friends and our wonderful creative community.  Let’s work together.

Board and Staff of Arts North West

POSTPONED - Yesterday Today Tomorrow Exhibition Opening Moree

Yesterday Today Tomorrow, an Arts North West initiated project, draws its inspiration from Kamilaroi country, from the traditional songs and stories surrounding the significant Aboriginal Cultural Sites in the New England North West.

Six emerging Kamilaroi artists have been mentored to develop works inspired by Country, working on three significant sites near Inverell, Moree and Manilla. Kamilaroi/Tongan film-maker Tim Leha developed a series of short documentaries which have captured the stories and artist’s relationship with their Country.

Our Elders have been an integral part of the knowledge transfer and we thank Liza Duncan, Len Waters and Noeline Briggs-Smith for their participation and support. I would also like to acknowledge artists Brent Emerson, Vicky Duncan, Paris Knox, Quarralia Knox, Elizabeth Munro and Paul Spearim for their participation in this project.

Yesterday Today Tomorrow was funded by the Australian Government through its Indigenous Languages and Arts Program.

On a personal note, I have enjoyed working on this project as I love to learn about my culture, you can never learn too much. This project is particularly special to me as it is about my Country, and where I grew up.

- Pene Riggs, Projects Officer

Yesterday Today Tomorrow Exhibition Opening

Yesterday Today Tomorrow, an Arts North West initiated project, draws its inspiration from Kamilaroi country, from the traditional songs and stories surrounding the significant Aboriginal Cultural Sites in the New England North West.

Six emerging Kamilaroi artists have been mentored to develop works inspired by Country, working on three significant sites near Inverell, Moree and Manilla. Kamilaroi/Tongan film-maker Tim Leha developed a series of short documentaries which have captured the stories and artist’s relationship with their Country.

Our Elders have been an integral part of the knowledge transfer and we thank Liza Duncan, Len Waters and Noeline Briggs-Smith for their participation and support. I would also like to acknowledge artists Brent Emerson, Vicky Duncan, Paris Knox, Quarralia Knox, Elizabeth Munro and Paul Spearim for their participation in this project.

Yesterday Today Tomorrow was funded by the Australian Government through its Indigenous Languages and Arts Program.

On a personal note, I have enjoyed working on this project as I love to learn about my culture, you can never learn too much. This project is particularly special to me as it is about my Country, and where I grew up.

- Pene Riggs, Projects Officer