north east regional extra | June 19 - 25, 2024
nemedia.com.au
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June 19 - 25, 2024 ◆ PASSIONATE ARTIST: Nina Machielse Hunt loves to share her passion for art with others. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
Exploring Beechworth’s history through art NINA Machielse Hunt ‘s passion for the arts was nurtured by family when growing up and has led her on an incredible journey. Nina went from developing her own artistic profession, remote and international teaching, working at the Brett Whiteley Studio, working with First Nations artists in communities to opening an art gallery and instigating the Beechworth Biennale event. “Art, music and culture was greatly valued by my parents...whilst travelling we always visited museums and galleries - my dad is Dutch, so maybe there was a European influence on
By CORAL COOKSLEY my artistic endeavours too,” she said. Nina undertook university studies at the College of Fine Arts, now known as UNSW Art and Design, majoring in painting and education but also studying performance sound video and photography, graduating as a top student. “I was offered a permanent teaching position in Broken Hill and found myself as a
22-year-old teaching art, dance and drama to students not much younger than myself,” she said. “I was fortunate to be involved in a large regional reconciliation festival and it was fantastic to help design and oversee the event. “The time spent in the Broken Hill region was life-changing and I’ve been an advocate for Indigenous and rural communities since then. “I began to learn about our First Nations peoples and gain knowledge about culture and community.
“A highlight was when acclaimed Bangarra Dance Company visited and worked with my dance students.” After successfully attaining a master’s degree by studying at night whilst teaching during the day, Nina left a Sydney teaching position and moved to a remote Aboriginal Art Centre in the Northern Territory. More recently she volunteered at another art gallery in North East Arnhem Land prior to relocating with her family to Beechworth.
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