New England North West Snapshot project

The NENW Project selected ‘Snapshot Photographers’ who were located within or near the council areas where they resided. Throughout 2021, they were dispatched to photograph a variety of local arts and cultural events, both indoors and outdoors, within their respective council regions. Occasionally, they assisted local artists by capturing portfolio images or undertaking specific photographic assignments.

The photographs were uploaded and delivered to Arts North West (ANW) to be used across its platforms, including the Arts North West and Arts North West Connect websites, social media channels, news releases, and to be shared with local councils and tourism initiatives.

Arts North West, as the Regional Arts Development Organisation for the New England North West, was dedicated to promoting and supporting individuals working within the arts industry across the region.

The selected photographers participated in a virtual photojournalism workshop led by journalism mentor Michael Burge and joined a dedicated Facebook group to share their images, ideas, and connections.

In November 2021, two to three images from each participating photographer, created during the assignment period, were curated by Arts North West for an exhibition held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

The Waste Into Art Exhibition is held in Gunnedah once every two years at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

This popular exhibition opened on Friday, May 28, 2021, with close to 60 entries from sculptures of all sizes to wall hangings and functional art.

The theme this year was "Metal Reimagined". Artworks must incorporate the re-use or recycling of waste or preloved materials.

The exhibition, which is held by Gunnedah Shire Council in conjunction with Northern Inland Regional Waste, will continue at the gallery until Friday, July 2.

The 2021 winners were:

• Early Childhood/Preschool section - “Metal Art” by Gunnedah Family Day Care

• Primary School Section - ‘Uluru’s Flying Shadows’ by Jeffrey Barr

• Secondary School Section - “Sustainable Flowers” by Claudia Cobb

• Most Creative Category - “Chief” by Elizabeth Emmerson

• Best Suits Theme of “Metal Reimagined” category - “Jimmy” by Warren Thomson

• Functional Art Category - “Table and Chair” by Robert Witts

The winner of the Open Community category is people’s choice, with visitors to the exhibition encouraged to cast their vote.

Winter weather didn’t deter creatives from attending the Currabubula Art Show, which was back after being cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions last year.

Dr Michael McGee Surgeon presented on opening night and congratulated the Currabubula Red Cross on their many years of service.

Hundreds of people attended historic Currabubula Hall, with some leaving with a newly purchased artwork or handmade item.

David Emanuel of the Currabubula Branch of the Australian Red Cross was kept busy welcoming guests on opening night.

President of the Currabubula branch of Red Cross, John Davis, said the event had been incredible in a number of ways.

"It's been a highly successful weekend, we've had good sales, we've had a huge crowd through the door, and it's been really good," he said.

Event Patron, Karen Arnott shared a laugh with friends at the event.

“Art is important because it is expression and it fun. It’s always important to support the arts and artists as they express life and the world,” said Karen.

The visitors and entrants alike travelled from a number of places including from across the state.

ARMIDALE

Waleed Al-ali

Plein Air Workshop With Ross Laurie

GWYDIR

Caleb Duncan (Inverell photographer)

Sounds of Country

GUNNEDAH

Marie Low

LIVERPOOL PLAINS

Sally Alden

Currabubula Red Cross Art Exhibition

NARRABRI

Robert Dunn

Narrabri Arts Eisteddfod

MOREE PLAINS

Brent Emerson

BAMM Art Fair

TAMWORTH

Conor Noonan

Fiesta Fusion

GWYDIR

Kim Miller

Happy Days Festival