NEWS

$25,000 Contemporary Art Prize on Offer

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:15:48 +0930

Long established as a major regional art award, attracting entries from artists nationwide, the $25,000 City of Whyalla Art Prize is now open for entries.

Artists are invited to submit works for the pre‐selection process by 5pm Friday 30 September 2011. The panel of judges will then select a series of works for inclusion in the final judging and public exhibition at the Middleback Theatre Whyalla from 10 November – 1 December 2011.

Major sponsor of the bi‐annual prize, the Corporation of the City of Whyalla has once again contributed the $25,000 prize money for the 2011 City of Whyalla Art Prize, one of the richest awards for contemporary art in any theme in Australia.
OneSteel continues to support the development of young South Australian artists with the 2011 OneSteel Young SA Artists Award.

The two categories on offer are Most Promising Young SA Artist 18 to 26 Years of Age ($1,500) and Most Promising Young SA Artist 17 Years of Age and Under ($500). These awards seek to enrich the lives of young South Australians through the arts.

The ever‐popular and hotly contested People’s Choice Award is supported by Country Arts SA.
In 1972, the Whyalla Art Prize was established by the Whyalla Arts Council. Originally designed to promote regional emerging artists, the prize has flourished and developed into a significant award and is seen as an important exhibition of contemporary art in Australia.

Country Arts SA’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Steve Saffell said: “Discovering new talents and invigorating artistic passions while supporting our national artists has seen the Whyalla community acquire an impressive and notable collection of artworks in iconic styles that reflect the spirit and changing face of Australia.”

The City of Whyalla Art Prize and the OneSteel SA Youth Awards represent a major commitment by the region and Country Arts SA in bringing contemporary visual arts practice to Whyalla.
In 2009, Tasmanian artist Neil Haddon won the $25,000 Whyalla Art Prize with his painting Portrait with PaperChains and emerging Adelaide artist Kate Gagliardi won the $1500 Young SA Artist Award for her mixed media on wood, I Do What I Want. Students from the Room Five class at Lincoln Gardens Primary won the $500 under 17 prize for lino print, Eyre Peninsula Biodiversity.

Entries for pre selection for the 2011 City of Whyalla Art Prize close Friday 30 September 2011.
Entries must be wall based works in any medium other than photography. They can be 3 dimensional works but must be able to be displayed via regular wall hanging systems. A GST inclusive entry fee of $33 (or $11 for artists entering the Young SA Artists Award) applies to each work.
Winners will be announced at the official opening on Thursday 10 November 2011 in the Middleback Theatre Foyer Gallery in Whyalla where the works will be exhibited until 1 December 2011.

Entry form and conditions: contact Kirsty Connor on 08 8644 7309 or email kirsty.connor@countryarts.org.au or download at www.countryarts.org.au

Free workshop will explain arts funding

Wed, 11 May 2011 19:34:39 +0930

On Wednesday 25 May 2011 West Darling Arts together with Regional Arts NSW will be hosting a workshop with Annette Eassie, Funding Manager at Regional Arts NSW, who will present an insight into the world of arts funding. Annette oversees the state-wide funding programs of Regional Arts NSW including the Country Arts Support Program and the Regional Arts Fund.

The free workshop, to be held at the Broken Hill Regional Arts Gallery, will focus particularly on the Regional Arts Fund, one of the key funding sources for arts and cultural activities in regional and remote communities of NSW. Applications for the Regional Art Fund close on August 12.
There will also be an overview of the Australia Council for the Arts Grants, Arts NSW funding and the Country Arts Support Program. The workshop will also cover general funding information, specific skills development on grant writing and opportunities for open discussions and networking.

Bookings are essential for this free one-day workshop with RSVP Thursday 19 May. It is open to anyone but bookings and RSVP are essential for catering purposes. A free light lunch is provided. Workshop session is from 10am-2pm. Please contact Kellie at West Darling Arts on 08 8087 9035.

Spanish artists visit

Sun, 8 May 2011 23:08:23 +0930

Two Spanish artists have praised a recent trip to Broken Hill as the “seed of a great initiative”.

Juan Barba Robles and Jesus El Toro Cardenas spent over a week in Broken Hill in April.
The trip is the latest part of a burgeoning cultural exchange between the city, Rio Tinto in Spain and the Slovakian town of Banksa Stiavnica. the relationship is the brainchild of the EMED Mining company as it seeks to re-open a Rio Tinto mine. Delegations from Broken Hill have already visited both Spain and Slovakia.

Juan and Jesus are both painters who live in the region surrounding Rio Tinto - a district of seven villages that collectively house roughly the same population as Broken Hill. their town’s economy is also traditionally dependent on mining.
Juan is also director of the Contemporary and Modern Art Centre in Nerva, 15 kilometres east of Rio Tinto.

While in Broken Hill the men counted on photographer Robin Sellick as their guide. Robin is the chief driver of the cultural exchange in Australia.
He took his visitors to met local artists including Jim Paterson and Peter McGlinchy, as well as Rick Ball, John Hart and Virginia Kaiser, the three of whom are planning an exhibition in Juan’s Spanish galley in the near future.
“It was a big opportunity for them to view the local art scene, they were thoroughly impressed. they now have a clear vision of the Broken Hill market they can take home with them,” Robin said.
“Talking with the artists, both sides are already getting fresh ideas and inspiration from each other.”

On top of that, Robin enjoyed the chance to see his hometown through the fresh eyes of visitors.
“”We visited Mootawingee - Juan and Jesus were both particularly interested in Aboriginal culture and art - and we stayed out at Mulberryvale. They’ve had a really authentic outback experience, which is something they’d never had.”

Juan and Jesus, writing through an interpreter, said they were thrilled by the warm welcome they had received.
“We learnt that cultural activities are a powerful means to provide dynamism to society and economy. Broken Hill’s society is particularly active in many aspects of the arts and culture, beyond the core resource industrial and mining activities.
“We see this Broken Hill experience as the seed of a great initiative. We wish not only for this experience to continue, but also for the energy of this project to be transferred to Rio Tinto and (Banksa Stiavnica)
We will try to become the best ambassadors for the continuity of the project.”

There a big things planned for the cultural exchange. A mining symposium in Broken Hill this month will feature an art sale and a strong push for the city as an art presence. A golf tournament and a visit from Rio Tinto’s mayor are also on the cards.
continue, but also for the energy of this project to be transferred to Rio Tinto and (Banksa Stiavnica)
“We will try to become the best ambassadors for the continuity of the project.”

Youth Development and Support Program

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:37:18 +0930

Applications for the Youth Development and Support Program 2011-12 are open until May 27.

This year the program will focus funding on projects under the theme ‘Youth arts and creative enterprises’.

Applications should demonstrate how the projects will enable young people to engage in the arts and creative enterprises.

Projects will enhance wellbeing and build resilience of young people and/or demonstrate the social and economic benefits of engaging with the arts and the broader community. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations are strongly encouraged.

This year’s theme includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the following areas:
·       music and performing arts
·       film, television and radio
·       interactive and digital media
·       writing, publishing and print media
·       design
·       visual arts, and
·       cultural collections and not-for-profit collecting institutions (such as galleries, museums and libraries).

Eligible organisations will be able to apply for the level of assistance appropriate to the scale and scope of the proposed project.

New board for Regional Arts NSW

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 11:17:51 +0930

Four new regional directors were appointed to the Regional Arts NSW Board following April’s General Meeting.

Rebecca Coyle, Associate Professor, School of Arts and Social Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore;
Bernadette Haldane, General Manager, Hot House Theatre Company, Albury, and;
Jennifer Turner, Director, Tamworth Conservatorium of Music were each appointed for a two year term.
Lani Houston, Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia, Griffith and Chair of South West Arts, Deniliquin was appointed to a one year term to fill a casual vacancy.

They join Lindy Hume, Chair of South East Arts and Festival Director, Sydney Festival to make up the team of five regional directors required under the Constitution.

At the meeting, an additional four directors were co-opted to complete the team. Naomi Messenger from Swaab Lawyers, Peter White, Aboriginal Arts and Culture consultant and Janice Summerhayes, Director Environment and Community Services, Wagga Wagga City Council. Meg Larkin, who did not seek re-election as a regional director, was co-opted to serve an additional 12 month term as Chair as part of the board’s succession planning strategy.

Regional Arts NSW CEO, Elizabeth Rogers welcomed the new board, both new directors and those returning for a further term.
“This new board marks the final stage of a process of constitutional reform that has seen the Company move from a representative model to a skills based board.”

“The expertise and experience of the directors will provide a valuable resource to the organisation and the network of 14 regional arts boards across the state. “
“I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the outgoing directors, Mr Kym Fuller and Cr Mave Richardson. I am also extremely grateful to Meg Larkin for forfeiting her well earned plans for retirement by agreeing to return to take the Chair for a further year.”

Meg Larkin replied that she was honoured by the Board’s wish to have her return for another year. “My term will be devoted to familiarising the new Board with governance and advocacy issues that are essential for the future of arts and cultural development in country NSW,” she added.

Nora Heysen Centenary Art Prize for still life

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:45:08 +0930

The Hahndorf Academy is calling for entries for the Nora Heysen Centenary Art Prize.

The prize commemorates the life and work of artist Nora Heysen AM (1911-2003), daughter of landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen.

The Academy is located in the Adelaide Hills, SA.
The $10,000 prize is open to all Australian artists, and will be awarded to a still life in any medium.

This year’s judge is eminent artist Margaret Woodward. A people's choice pie of $1,000 will also be awarded.
The winning entry will be announced October 8, with an exhibition of finalists to run from then until December 4.

For more details and an entry form,
visit heysenprize.com
Information about the Hahndorf Academy is available at hahndorfacademy.org.au

Indigenous Arts Fellowship

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:24:19 +0930

Applications for the Arts NSW Indigenous Arts Fellowship are open until May 16.

This year the value of the Felowship has doubled, and $30,000 is now available. Applicants can propose to use these funds to undertake further study or training, professional research or a particular arts project.

The Fellowship may be undertaken in Australia or overseas.
Indigenous Australians residing in NSW are eligible, and proposals will be assessed on artistic merit, professional skills and experience, potential career impact and ability to advance the State's Aboriginal arts and cultural sector.

Details: http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/funding-and-support/for-individuals/fellowships-scholarships-awards/indigenous-arts-fellowship/

CASP funding recipients

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 20:00:24 +0930

Recipients of the 2011 Country Art Support Program (CASP) grant have been announced.

Organisations in the West Darling Region to receive funding are as follows:

• $3,000.00 to Tibooburra & District Progress Association for Poetry and Motion Festival. Adelaide-based Rock and Roll duo 'The Party Cats' will perform at the annual Tibooburra Festival to provide the music motion for this year's festival theme.

• $2,978.00 to Broken Hill Philharmonic Society for 2011 Choral Workshop With George Torbay. Renowned conductor and choral director George Torbay will conduct a two day choral and conducting workshop with senior primary school choristers as well as adult choir leaders/conductors.

• $3,000.00 to White Cliffs Music Festival for The Lonely Horse Band Performance. Engagement of The Lonely Horse Band for a professional performance at the Saturday night concert of the 2011 White Cliffs Music Festival.

• $1,250.00 to Broken Hill Potters Society for Back to Basics. Two-day workshop with potter Nicci Parry-Jones on the techniques of throwing, turning and finishing pots.

• $1,545.00 to Dubbo Artz Incorporated for Broken Hill/Dubbo Youth Performing Arts Initiative. Dubbo artists Katrina Walker, Kate Bain and Val Clark will travel to Broken Hill to present performance workshops for young people who will later travel to Dubbo for workshops as preparation for the Dubbo Eisteddford.

VFX placements

Wed, 6 Apr 2011 23:24:08 +0930

Applications for Screen NSW’s VFX Placement Scheme are due by May 2.

The scheme offers participants six months of paid work as a trainee with a high-profile digital visual effects company, hands on experience in a production pipeline, mentoring from top industry VFX artists and the opportunity to work with Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation teams. Up to five trainees are offered each year.

Artists selected for traineeships are likely, but not required, to have a background in one or more of the following: film or television, digital media training, a degree from an accredited fine art course, or experience as an artist, designer or modeller with the desire to crossover into digital visual effects.
Applicants must be permanent residents of NSW and Australia.

For more details: www.screen.nsw.gov.au/index.php?page_id=44&news_id=935

Sweatbox and Agri Art Exhibition

Wed, 6 Apr 2011 23:13:43 +0930

The Wentworth Arts Sweatbox and Agri Art Exhibition is on from July 16 to 24.
The event is in its ninth year and agri arts is a new addition.
The major Sponsor is again Sunbeam Foods.

Categories have changed to include found materials from the Sunraysia’s Horticultural sector.
The Dried Fruits Industry Prize is for all items, including sculpture and furniture, made from dried fruits industry materials. Specifically sweatboxes, timber or ply bulk bins, rack wire netting, dip tins and hessian.

The Horticultural Industries Prize is for all pieces, including sculpture and furniture, constructed from second-hand items integral to Sunraysia's horticultural sectors including viticulture and orchard grown crops like citrus. It can include any of the materials above, as well as recycled steel, timber or plastics used in the horticultural sphere.

Download an entry form.