Western Riverina Arts Annual Report 2013
Message from the Chair
The past year has been and exciting one of change and growth. Earlier this year the board farewelled our pioneering RADO Greg Pritchard whose huge task it was to make the first connections across this newest of NSW arts regions. We welcomed to the position Derek Motion, who has come to us from Booranga Writers Centre and brings to the role a demonstrable passion for arts administration and a background in literature and a particular interest in poetry. Derek and his family have settled in Leeton. Three of our inaugural members, all active on the formative steering committee, have also moved on. I thank Peter Taylor, Jane McGrath, (Griffith City) Lyn Williams (Leeton Shire) for their lengthy and energetic commitment to the advent and early years of Western Riverina Arts Inc., a commitment that began in 2009. It’s also pleasing to welcome back Anthony Morton, who due to work commitments stepped down, only to accept our recent invitation to join the board again recently. We also welcome Kristy Brown (Griffith City) and Lyn Middleton (Leeton Shire) to the table. An increase to our funding is already paying off with our new office space and the employment of a communications and project officer both contributing immensely to WRA’s profile across the region and accessibility to our arts communities.
Western Riverina Arts Strategic Goals 2013-15
• • • • • •
We the board are very excited about the scope of talent and promise this region represents and anticipate a galvanising of arts communities efforts across our three shires over the next few years. WRA is excited to be supporting our innovators and our audiences. Julie Briggs
The following is a summarised list of strategic goals , taken from the Western Riverina Arts Business Plan 2013-15:
4
Effective Communications
5
Pathways for Developing Artists
8
Audience Development
10
Arts Leadership in the region and NSW
13
Encouraging Community Capacity
14
Governance and Financial Data
Message from the Regional Arts Development Officer It’s been a year of great changes for me. In March 2013 I took up the position of Regional Arts Development Officer here in the Western Riverina, and moved with my whole family across from the East. I’d like to acknowledge here the fine work my predecessor Greg Pritchard has done in helping to establish the presence of the Western Riverina Arts Board across Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith. We are still building on that work, and thanks to an increase in funding from Arts NSW we are now able to employ a part-time communications officer to help put arts activity into the public eye. It’s been great to work as part of a team, and indeed to work for a board that is new, supportive and energetic. The increased funding from Arts NSW also made it possible in 2013 for us to move into our own office space, 50 Kurrajong Avenue in Leeton. This new office has two large bay windows and we have begun featuring a monthly rotation of artists’ work. Beginning next year we will extend this rotation so artists have their work featuring in our windows and also the gallery space in the Griffith Theatre. After only a little while here I’ve come to realise that the Western Riverina Region is bubbling with artistic activity of many forms. The Roxy Gallery space houses exhibitions in a prime location in Leeton, and in the past year we’ve featured more traditional painting and photography exhibitions; exhibitions that incorporate interactive multimedia, gameplay and sound elements; also collaborative exhibitions featuring artists working across a variety of mediums. In April of this year (and in partnership with Leeton Council and the Leeton Arts Society) we supported the Penny Paniz Memorial Arts Acquisitive Prize, a fantastic exhibition housed in the old State Bank Building. And of course our final project for 2013, the exhibition ‘Re-Imagining the Murrumbidgee’ will open in December, and will feature the works of 5 diverse local artists, all with works exploring what the river means to them.
This year I took an active role on the committee of the annual Griffith Readers’ Festival, and it was great to see the level of enthusiasm for this event in the community. We look forward to planning an even more interesting and diverse program for next year’s festival. I’ve attended live music events in all centres, and have even managed to attend performances in some of our villages, Yenda, Barellan and Grong Grong. I’ve personally run workshops in performance poetry and life writing in Narrandera, and we have plans to develop more skills-based programs for the future. I was pleased to see a number of successful CASP projects over the year, including artists’ workshops at the Griffith Regional Arts Gallery, workshops as part of the Griffith Readers’ Festival, and a chalk art workshop the Narrandera Arts Creative Network group. There has already been a significant amount of interest in CASP grants from small groups in the community, and hopefully next year we can support even more projects in this way. Over the year I have attended 3 state RADO network meetings in Sydney, as well as professional development workshops in Albury. Our 2nd annual Dream Big Conference was staged in Lockhart, and was again a successful collaborative project between Eastern and Western Riverina Arts. 2013 has been a great year for Western Riverina Arts in terms of growing our organisation, reaching new audiences and supporting our local artists. We’ve observed an increased awareness of our activities amongst the community, and we have some great ideas currently in the planning stages for projects and opportunities in 2014. I’m excited to be working with a supportive organisation but also in a region of NSW with so much scope for developing new idea and activities. Derek Motion
Western Riverina Arts 2013 Annual Report Page 3
Effective Communications
Look online http://www.westrivarts.com.au http://www.facebook.com/western.arts http://twitter.com/westrivarts http://western-riverina-arts.blogspot.com http://youtube.com/WesternRiverinaArts
News Bulletin
Western Riverina Arts is now sending out weekly email news bulletins to a subscriber list of 160 people. These updates have a local, regional focus and feature upcoming events, grant opportunities, positions vacant and artist feature stories. The regularity and readability (each news bulletin features on average 3 – 4 short news stories) has ensured the emails have been well received.
Media
Western Riverina Arts has had a strong print media presence since its inception, and benefits from the support of the three local newspapers coming out of Narrandera (The Narrandera Argus), Leeton (The Irrigator) and Griffith (The Area News). In the past year Western Riverina Arts has featured in these newspapers over 40 times, including a number of cover stories. Since the employment of our communications officer the rate of featured news stories has been increasing. Both Western Riverina Arts staff as well as local and visiting artists have spoken on ABC Riverina radio promoting arts activity throughout the year.
Social Media
Western Riverina Arts has significantly raised its social media profile with regular activity on Facebook and Twitter as well as establishing a blog to capture media releases. Social media has proved a useful way to emphasise and extend the reach of our news stories. During the current year Western Riverina Arts has raised its number of Facebook ‘likes’ to 309, an increase of 160%. Our Twitter followers now number 231, and increase of 40%. On average 20 new Facebook and Twitter posts are made per month. Facebook is used to focus on local stories and to engage with other local groups and pages, whereas Twitter is used to promote the region’s stories to a wider audience, and to create national dialogues around showcase events such as the annual Dream Big Conference and the Griffith Readers’ Festival. Western Riverina Arts currently has 7 videos uploaded to its Youtube channel, and more are in the planning stages. The blog provides an effective overview of activities and promotions, as well as contributing to Western Riverina Arts’ search engine optimisation.
Website
We are currently reviewing the design of the Western Riverina Arts Website. However the site continues to serve as a portal for online arts enquiries in the region, with 2,545 visitors during the year.
Above: cover story on Western Riverina Arts’ new office in Leeton’s The Irrigator newspaper
Pathways for Developing Artists
Five Minutes of Fame
Western Riverina Arts provided organisational support for the Griffith Readers’ Festival in 2013, including co-ordination of the local authors section ‘Five Minutes of Fame’. This event allows local and emerging writers to share the stage with professional writers from across the country, and to develop their confidence while sharing their work. The result was eight authors, including a number who’d been published, were introduced to a supportive local audience as well as each other.
Clockwise from top right: Caroline Tuohey, Barry Walsh, Rozanne Gilbert, Martin Mortimer, Natalie Hopwood and Amanda Robins, showing her book How to Turn On a Tired Housewife
Western Riverina Arts 2013 Annual Report
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“The space here is great and I think we’re pretty lucky to have it as local artists.” Leeton-based artist Ann Rayment, on The Roxy Gallery in The Irrigator, 28 August 2012 On left an image from Jason Richardson’s exhibition in November 2012, For 100 Years
“While I’m able to hold a brush I’ll keep painting, I think it’s keeping me young… I don’t think artists feel as old as other people.”
Above: Emma Piltz and Trent Light at Art Misadventure #3, shown during January 2013
Leeton-based artist Lee Blacker-Noble (shown right) on her retrospective at the Roxy Gallery, quoted in The Irrigator, 27 September 2013
Above in centre, Patrick and Shannon Ronald with their interactive show. Courtesy of The Irrigator
The Roxy Gallery
The transformation of The Roxy Community Theatre’s supper room into a small gallery in 2012 has proven to be a resounding success. Dozens of artists have made use of the Roxy Gallery and over 1000 people have visited the space to view a variety of works. In the past year Western Riverina Arts, in partnership with Leeton Shire Council and the staff of The Roxy Theatre, continued to support local artists in hosting their own exhibitions. The space is ideal for solo shows and features track lighting. Solo shows this year included photographic exhibitions exploring Leeton by Jason Richardson and then Emma Beecher, the magical realism of painter Ivanka Jakopec and a retrospective covering close to 40 years of work in many mediums by Lee Blacker-Noble. Artists from a variety of career points have taken the opportunity to display their work in The Roxy. Most recently the Leeton Art Society have displayed their recent work, including paintings by new members who are exhibiting for the first time. The venue also introduced students from Leeton High School, with year 10’s art showed work alongside projects from the year 11 wood technology class in December 2012.
Lee Blacker-Noble’s 1956 watercolour of The Roxy Theatre featured in her retrospective exhibition in The Roxy Gallery in 2013
In October 2012 Ganmain-based artists The Ronalds debuted an interactive exhibition drawing on internet-streaming and a video game based in Leeton’s Pine Avenue. The technology in this show surfaced in their contribution to the 2013 Underbelly Arts Festival on Cockatoo Island -- which also featured Western Riverina Arts’ former RADO Dr Greg Pritchard. A group exhibition curated by The CAD Factory was the first time they had deployed one of their ‘misadventures’ outside of Sydney. Art Misadventure #3 drew together diverse talents and stress-tested them with a short exercise responding to unexpected stimuli. The results revealed the techniques and working methods of nine locals in media including sculpture, collage, photography, video and poetry. The Roxy Gallery has provided a venue to display artists from Leeton and the surrounding region. Its popularity has shown both the talents within the community as well as the support and interest of a large audience. Western Riverina Arts believe resources like these offer an important pathway for artists and we are exceedingly optimistic about the potential for the Masonic Hall currently being developed as a community centre by Narrandera Shire Council.
The artists of Art Misadventure #3 (from left): Julie Briggs, Jason Richardson, Greg Pritchard, Jo Roberts, Trent Light, Gay Campbell, Isobel Maccullum and Emma Piltz
Western Riverina Arts 2013 Annual Report Page 7
Audience Development
Making news
The appointment of a part-time communications officer has allowed Western Riverina Arts to provide support in promoting arts events, including solo shows and workshops and a festival. Through assisting to promote activity in the region in the development of media releases, the organisation has contributed directly to audience development.
Public Art
The Western Riverina Arts Business Plan 2013-15 places an emphasis on the development of works of public art in the region. In keeping with this aim a major chalk artwork was commissioned and created in Leeton’s main street, where it is estimated thousands viewed and even interacted with the work. Consultation also took place between Western Riverina Arts’ staff and staff at Narrandera and Griffith Council regarding the creation of public art works and projects within these shires in the future.
“With the help of Western Riverina Arts we’ve been getting some good exposure lately. We’ve got some new members in the pipeline that are set to come along. “I think more and more people know what we are now and what we do. There’s definitely a buzz going around at the moment.” Ann Rayment, President of the Leeton Art Society, quoted in The Irrigator on 16 August 2013
Top: Trent Light talks at his exhibition during August in Narrandera Left and below: Hape Kiddle’s exhibition opening in Griffith, August 2013
Window Gallery Exhibition Space
In the latter half of 2013 Western Riverina Arts established a new office space in the middle of the region. A gallery space (rotating monthly) has been established to take advantage of the wide bay windows with main street frontage. So far the Window Gallery Exhibition Space has featured the work of 4 local artists, with the work on display ranging from traditional painting to more conceptual installations. An estimated 150 people walk past the windows every day and many stop to engage with the artwork.
“I could do something like that…” “I like it.” “Every time I walk past, it just gives me a lift!” “I love it – it’s jazz art!”
From top: Leetonbased artist Jo Roberts in front of her Phoenix collage, Birregobased artist Sarah McEwan’s red shoe installation, works by Leetonbased artist Claire Dunn
A few comments overheard about the work displayed by local artists in our window gallery Western Riverina Arts 2013 Annual Report Page 9
Arts Leadership in the region and NSW
Above: Noel Forbes and Leeton’s Hydro Art Club
Advocacy and Advice
In the past year Western Riverina Arts has given advice and support to both individual artists and existing arts organisations in the region. The RADO has liaised with various council staff and offered advice on matters such as the future development of the CWA Building in Leeton (to be developed into a multi-purpose community centre and gallery) and also the development of the Masonic Hall in Narrandera (to also be developed into an community art centre). Western Riverina Arts Staff have worked with community groups closely, providing advice on funding and project direction for the Griffith Readers’ Festival, and also the Leeton Art Society. On average Western Riverina Arts received over 300 personal queries to the office over the year, and over 1000 phone enquiries.
Strategic Projects
One of the core aims of the Western Riverina Arts Business Plan 2013-15 is to increase arts project activity in the region. Western Riverina Arts aims to lead the way in providing innovative yet accessible projects, visible activity that stimulates and inspires artists of the region. Staff of Western Riverina Arts have been working throughout the year on ‘Re-Imagining the Murrumbidgee’, a process-driven exhibition featuring 5 diverse local artists, which will open in December 2013. Planning is now underway for a region wide music project, as well as major projects to tie-in with the existing community festivals in the area, such as the Leeton SunRice Festival, The Griffith Readers’ festival, and the Narrandera John O’Brien Poetry Festival.
Dream Big Conference
The annual Dream Big Conference is a partnership between Western Riverina Arts and Eastern Riverina Arts. In 2013 the event was focused on Public Art, and the speakers featured prominent artists as well as Council and Community-based Arts representatives. Dream Big was held in Lockhart and over 60 people attended. This annual event continues to be an important vehicle, allowing Western Riverina Arts to facilitate regional discussion, and to deliver arts skills and knowledge to representatives from many different groups in the community.
Fiona Foley argued that it’s important to maintain cultural integrity to a site when planning public artwork. “It’s an indictment on Australian society if we can’t promote our own culture,” she said. “We need to stop giving priority to overseas artists and start cultivating our own.”
From top: Eastern Riverina Arts RADO Scott Howie, artist Fiona Foley, Western Riverina Arts RADO From http://showcasejase.blogspot. Derek Motion, Waverly com/2013/09/dreaming-big-in-lockhart.html Council CDO Wendy Hee and sculptor Col Henry Western Riverina Arts 2013 Annual Report Page 11
From top: Chalk Circle’s work in Leeton ahead of their Narrandera workshops in October 2013, The CAD Factory and Greater Kengal Network of Small Schools’ Small Voices production in Tootool during October 2012, and, Jason Richardson’s digital video and photography workshop at Narrandera Library in October 2012 (Image courtesy of The Narrandera Argus)
Encouraging Community Capacity
Country Arts Support Projects
Western Riverina Arts administers the region’s annual allocation of CASP funding on behalf of Regional Arts NSW. These grants (available for up to $3000) have again proven useful and have helped groups fund the following local projects: • The Griffith Readers’ Festival – ‘Share the Passion’ Workshop Program • Griffith Regional Art Gallery – Visual Arts Public Program • Narrandera Arts and Creative Network – ‘World at our Feet’ Chalk Workshops
“Our Short + Sweet Riverina experience was wonderful. It gave the 4 Griffith local actors exposure, a chance to network and a way to improve their skills performing out of town and out of their comfort zones. I’m delighted one of my plays won ‘Best Script’ and it gave us all a sense of a wonderful accomplishment. It’s an experience we hope to repeat.” Griffith-based playwright Donatella Parise
Left and below: Vic McEwan and scenes from The CAD Factory’s Grong Grong Creative House in August 2013
Workshops
Western Riverina Arts is committed to providing skills development opportunities for artists of all kinds. Apart from the ongoing one-onone grant writing sessions facilitated by Western Riverina Arts, staff have also provided youth multimedia workshops and creative writing workshops. We have recently developed a plan to provide regular arts law and tax advice sessions for artists in the region during 2014 and beyond.
Partnerships
Western Riverina Arts works with other organisations on a regular basis to help source and auspice funding, or to help develop and manage project activities. During the year Western Riverina Arts auspiced two grants on behalf of the CAD Factory, a performing arts group based in Birrego, near Narrandera. The first was a ConnectEd grant through Arts NSW, culminating in a performance event at Tootool Silo; the second was a Regional Arts Fund grant directed towards ‘Grong Grong Creative House’, a project where a group of artists transformed an entire motor inn into a gallery and performance space.
Access
On request Western Riverina Arts supports other arts groups in the community to either: allow them to take advantage of opportunities for professional development, or showcase their work outside of the region; allow them to provide affordable skills development opportunities for our local artists. During the year Western Riverina Arts subsidised a series of D-Lux Media workshops at the Griffith Regional Gallery, allowing locals to attend at a minimal cost. Western Riverina Arts also subsidised the travel costs for Griffith Playwright Donatella Parise and her cast, allowing her to mount a production of her own play at the Short and Sweet Festival in Cootamundra. Western Riverina Arts 2013 Annual Report Page 13
Governance
Reviews and Reporting
Western Riverina Arts reviewed standard staff contracts and artist contracts. New policies were drafted and implemented with regard to dealing with requests for financial assistance, and internet and social media usage. The RADO reported to all financially contributing councils (Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith) twice during the year, providing information on projects and future plans directly to the Mayor and General Manager of each shire.
Professional Development Western Riverina Arts Staff attended quarterly RADO meetings in Sydney, and also took part in regular teleconferencing meets. One Sydney meeting each year is a joint event for RADOs and Communications Officers. Western Riverina Arts staff use these opportunities to share information, network with staff from other regional arts areas, and also to receive personal updates from other peak arts and funding bodies. Earlier this year the Julie Briggs, Chair of western Riverina Arts, attended the Regional Arts NSW Advisory Council meeting in Sydney.
Western Riverina Arts Board • CHAIR Julie Briggs, Narrandera Community Representative
• TREASURER Linda Bell, Leeton Community Representative • Marg Couch, Griffith Community Representative • Kirsty Brown, Griffith City Council Representative • Lyn Middleton, Leeton Shire Council Representative • Andrew Brown - Narrandera Shire Council Representative • Sue Killham - Leeton Community Representative
Staff
The Western Riverina Arts employs two staff members to deliver its core program and services, a full-time RADO and a part-time Projects and Communications Officer. The total hours are equivalent to 1.5 full time positions. • Regional Arts Development Officer – 1.0 FTE: Derek Motion • Projects and Communications Officer – 0.5 FTE: Sarah McEwan (March to July 2013) Jason Richardson (August 2013 to present)
Financial Data
Western Riverina Arts
Income Statement for Financial year ended 30th June 2013
2013
2012
Grants Received Arts NSW: 140,000 101,800 Griffith Shire Council:
15,638.85
15,110.00
Leeton Shire Council: 9,383.31 9,066.36 Narrandera Shire Council:
6,193.44
6,044.55
23,200
15,624
Other Revenue Project Grants:
Auspiced grants: 20,000 20,000 Interest Received:
2,117.16
1,762.75
Other Income
2615.48
50
Total Income
$219,148.24
$169, 457.66
Acknowledgments
Western Riverina Arts 2013 Annual Report
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