SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT - MURAL ARTISTS ANNOUNCED

Arts North West is thrilled to announce the 10 artists selected to create a collection of portable murals as part of our 'Something to Talk About' project. The project combines a series of pop-up events that incorporate the roaming murals, projections, yarnbombing, live music, and art workshops to activate CBDs around the New England and North West region. The initiative aims to support communities in their efforts to recover, restart and reconnect after the challenges of the last few years.

✨Congratulations to the following artists ✨
Fiona McDonald, Jodie Herden, Tone Cotter, Amy Canfield, Audrey Fogg, Maisie Johnson, Fonda Shae, Karen Balsar, James O'Hanlon, and David Allan.

We are excited to be launching the first Something To Talk About pop-up event as part of Glen Innes’ Margarita and Taco Festival on Saturday 25th November 2023. As part of the festivities, Arts North West will be delivering an Artists Walk, showcasing some of the roaming murals, as well as some Yarn Bombing and light installations.

Media Release:
Something To Talk About: Arts North West Launches CBD Activation Project at Margarita and Taco Festival

STATE OF THE SCENE - Survey

NSW Government launches Survey:
STATE OF THE SCENE

November is Australian Music Month and the NSW Government has launched a survey as part of a comprehensive effort to understand the challenges faced by venues, artists and professionals in the music industry, with the goal of revitalizing the live music scene in the state. Over the past decade, NSW has seen a significant decline in live music venues, with only 137 remaining around the state.

Survey participants will evaluate the music industry's strengths and identify obstacles such as noise restrictions, venue closures, COVID-19, and cost of living pressures. This survey is a key component of a broader research initiative, including economic analysis, venue mapping, and audience research. The initiative’s findings will then help inform the NSW Government's first strategic policy for contemporary music and help boost the arts and cultural landscape of NSW.

The data collected from the survey aims to reshape the live music industry by fostering new policies that support the live music scene. Those working in the industry are strongly encouraged to submit their thoughts, including artists, managers, promoters, technical teams, and venue owners.

The survey is anonymous with no personal information collected.

The survey is open until 15 January 2024.

Arts North West Announces Recipients of Quick Response Micro Grants

Arts North West is thrilled to announce the recipients of our Quick Response Micro Grants for 2023. This funding program is designed to boost the arts and cultural landscape of our region. These flexible microgrants aim to support local independent professional artists, community groups, and arts organisations by providing them with up to $1,000 to make their creative ideas a reality.

The Arts North West Microgrant recipients for 2023 exemplify the diversity and talent within our region, with each submitting a unique and inspiring project that will contribute and benefit to the communities. This year 22 Quick Response Micro Grants have been awarded to individuals, groups, and community organisations with over $20,000 worth of funds distributed across the New England North West.

This year’s Arts North West Quick Response Micro Grants recipients are:

• Tamworth Community Ceramics - Kylie Lamph (Tamworth LGA)

• CWA of NSW Weemelah Branch - Libby McPhee (Moree LGA)

• Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre – (Moree LGA)

• Sound and Soul Music - Athol Munro (Tamworth LGA)

• Indigico Creative Studio - Amy Allerton (Tamworth LGA)

• Gunnedah Pottery Club - Louise Chad (Gunnedah LGA)

• Phoebe Hillard (Armidale LGA)

• Jody Ekert – Hey Vernon Project (Tamworth LGA)

• Yinarr Maramali - Amy Hammond (Tamworth LGA)

• Maryanne Piper – Music Region New England North West (Tamworth LGA)

• Carmen Ronald (Liverpool Plains LGA)

• Tamworth Art Academy - Danny Stanley (Tamworth LGA)

• Christopher Purcell - Firebirds, a community choir (Armidale LGA)

• Janna Hayes (Glen Innes Severn LGA)

• Ngurrambaa - Kayleb Waters (Tamworth LGA)

• The Moree Arts Community Centre - Dr. Mojgan Habibi (Moree LGA)

• Sonia Lawson (Glen Innes Severn LGA)

• Lizzie Horne (Armidale LGA)

• The Musicians of Armidale Inc - David Carr (Armidale LGA)

• Music With AIM - Amy Schultz (Liverpool Plains LGA)

• Jada Fields (Glen Innes Severn LGA)

• Narrabri Music Appreciation Group - Judith Watson (Narrabri LGA)

Arts North West wishes to congratulate the recipients, whose creativity and passion for the arts and cultural practices continue to enrich our communities. We would also like to thank all those who applied for this round of Quick Response Micro Grants; we received an overwhelming number of submissions and had some difficult decisions to make.

Media Release:
Arts North West Micro Grants Recipient Announcement

INTERVIEW: ARTS NORTH WEST'S LAUREN MACKLEY ON ABC NEW ENGLAND NORTH WEST

Arts North West Executive Director Lauren Mackley chatted with ABC New England North West Saturday Breakfast’s Kevin Rigby. Topic of conversation: Fiesta La Peel!

Lauren spoke about ANW’s Pavement Performances that were held in Tamworth and Manilla as a homage to the Greek cafes that were once a significant part of the local community. She also provided an overview of the lineup of the Fiesta La Peel event that took place on Saturday, 21 October 2023 - including the many food stalls, world music and dance performances!

Broadcast: Sat 21 Oct 2023

Scrub through to timecode 01:08:18 to listen back.