|
Arts + Culture Update
May 2025
Griffith l Leeton l Murrumbidgee l Narrandera
|
|
|
|
Congratulations Melanie Toscan!
Western Riverina Arts would like to congratulate past Board Member and Vice-Chair, Melanie Toscan on her appointment as Art Gallery Coordinator in Griffith.
Melanie has held significant roles across the local arts space for a number of years including as Public Programs Officer for Griffith Regional Art Gallery, Arts Program Coordinator with Murrumbidgee Local Health District, and Vice-President of Griffith Regional Association of the Performing Arts (GRAPA).
Melanie has been an active member of the arts and culture community as a visual artist, performer, producer, and community advocate. In 2023, Melanie launched WHOOP Theatre supported by the Australian Theatre for Young People and she has run the Youth Theatre Troupe at Griffith Regional Theatre for 2 years. Melanie has also produced GRAPA's recent production of God of Carnage, held numerous crew roles on the locally-shot Lords of the Soil film, featured in the 2019 Griffith Community Production of Legally Blonde and GRAPA productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo & Juliet and The Crucible. In September, Melanie will be taking to the stage again in the community production of Mamma Mia! at Griffith Regional Theatre.
Melanie spent over five years on the Western Riverina Arts Board, as a community representative for both Murrumbidgee and Griffith, and as Vice-Chair last year. We know she is going to do a fantastic job in her new role. Griffith Regional Art Gallery has gained a passionate and highly-skilled Coordinator and we wish her all the best.
Written by Western Riverina Arts Chair Oumi Karenga-Hewitt
Photo: supplied, Oumi Karenga-Hewitt
|
|
Beacho2700 opens for Barkaa!
As some of you may remember from our Artist of the Month article on Xavier Beauchamp in November 2022, he is a rising professional rap artist from Narrandera. Performing under the rap handle Beacho2700 a combination of his nickname “Beacho” and the Narrandera postcode 2700, he’s quickly making a name for himself.
At just 18 years old, Xavier already has original tracks available on Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, YouTube, and SoundCloud. But the big news we are excited to share is that on April 24, Beacho2700 was the opening act for Barkaa at the recent concert held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
Bernard Higgins had the honour of co-organising this event alongside Vickie Burkinshaw and the Wiradyuri Elders of Mawang Gaway. Being able to offer Xavier the opportunity to open for one of his idols in the rap scene was incredibly rewarding. "After his performance, countless people approached me asking who he was and how to find him online. I’m genuinely excited to see where his music career goes from here." said Bernard.
One of the highlights of the night was when Civic Theatre staff told organisers that Xavier had broken his record for the loudest crowd reaction, thanks to a powerful “shake a leg” moment on stage. Although Barkaa later claimed the title during her own set, it was still an incredible achievement for an emerging artist. He may have been relatively unknown to many when he stepped on stage, but by the end of his set, he had won over the entire audience.
In addition to the concert, Barkaa generously led a workshop for local youth, focusing on poetry and songwriting. Around 20 young people attended, many of whom shared their poems afterwards. Some even had the chance to join Barkaa on stage during her performance, either to share their words or dance alongside her. It was an unforgettable sight to see so many young people, many of them Aboriginal, celebrating, creating, and connecting with one of their favourite artists.
Written by Bernard Higgins
Photo: supplied - Patrick Ronald
|
|
|
|
Funding challenges demand a new approach for the arts
The latest four-year funding round from Create NSW has raised serious concerns across the sector, with several high-performing organisations missing out on support. While outcomes remain under embargo, Regional Arts NSW CEO Tracey Callinan says the issue goes beyond individual performance or process — it is about chronic underinvestment in the arts.
In a recent statement, Callinan highlighted the ongoing struggle to position the arts as essential. “Right now, the NSW Government is more concerned about how to pay doctors than keeping arts organisations solvent – and it’s difficult to argue against that,” she writes. “But it is time to stop seeing the arts as the least justifiable area for funding support.”
The arts deliver proven cultural, social and economic benefits, yet remain a go-to for cuts. Regional communities, in particular, rely on the arts to support wellbeing, identity, and recovery. With demand increasing and funding shrinking, the sector must explore alternative models and build a stronger case for investment.
RANSW will continue advocating for better funding, while also helping organisations develop diverse income streams to remain sustainable.
Read the full article via Regional Arts NSW.
|
|
Gala of Couture dazzles at Whitton Malthouse
The Whitton Malthouse was transformed into a runway of elegance and nostalgia for the Gala of Couture—a spectacular fashion event celebrating the legacy of designers John Claringbold and Ross Weymouth. Hosted by GRAG Ltd Community Committee, the evening featured a dinner and fashion parade showcasing highlights from The Couture Collection, a body of work that spans over 90 years of combined fashion excellence.
Claringbold and Weymouth, who spent their final years in Darlington Point, won a record 12 Gown of the Year titles and received acclaim for their contributions to bridal couture and racewear. This event marked the final opportunity to see these gowns modelled before they are permanently housed at Griffith Regional Art Gallery.
Funds raised on the night will support the ongoing conservation of these exquisite pieces of Australian fashion history. The event was a fitting tribute to the designers’ artistry and their connection to the Riverina, drawing a crowd that included fashion lovers, arts supporters, and regional creatives.
Western Riverina Arts congratulates GRAG Ltd Community Committee for their vision and effort in honouring these remarkable designers and preserving their legacy for future generations.
Photos: Aanya Whitehead, supplied
|
|
|
Coming Soon to Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
Fire Beneath the Wax – Sharon De Valentin
Opening soon at Leeton Museum and Art Gallery, Fire Beneath the Wax showcases the luminous encaustic work of Sharon De Valentin. Using molten beeswax and resin, Sharon’s abstract paintings and delicate sculptural forms explore themes of memory, transformation and resilience. Join Sharon and the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery team to celebrate this bold solo exhibition that brings an ancient medium into powerful contemporary focus.
Exhibition dates: 24 May – 28 June 2025
Opening event: Saturday 24 May | 4:30pm for 5pm start
Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
RSVP by 21 May 2025
|
|
Coming Soon to Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
UnForgetting – A QUEER Exhibition
Presented as part of the Leeton Pride Festival, UnForgetting invites those who find themselves curious about the tales woven into the very fabric of Pride—its humble beginnings, the courageous battles fought for equality, and the vibrant community that has risen from adversity—this exhibition invites you to delve deeper into the poignant stories of resilience, love, and unwavering determination that have shaped the movement.
22 May – 28 June 2025
Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
Free Entry
|
|
|
Leeton Pride Festival 2025
Leeton Pride Festival is back in action from June 13-15, 2025! It is a fabulous fiesta of diversity and resilience in the queer community. Over three glorious days, you will be dazzled by vibrant parades, fun parties, and jaw-dropping performances, all in a friendly space where love takes center stage! So grab your pink cowboy hat and save the date for this epic celebration of unity and acceptance—it is going to be unforgettable!
13 June 2025 Welcome Party
@ Wade Hotel
6.00pm til late
14 June 2025 Fair Day & Parade
@ Mountford Park
3.00pm til 8.00pm
15 June 2025 Queer Films
@ Leeton Museum and Art
Gallery
11.00am til 3.00pm
|
|
|
Music in the Regions at Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
Music in the Regions in partnership with Leeton Museum and Art Gallery present the Penny Quartet.
Fresh from their much-praised National Tour with Musica Viva, including appearances at the Perth and Adelaide Festivals, Penny Quartet’s journey through the evolution of the string quartet is a joy to experience. Their Riverina tour programme begins with Haydn, “the father of the string quartet’’ before exploring new musical territories from Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe and Grammy Award winning contemporary composer Caroline Shaw. And finally, a tribute to Maurice Ravel, in the 150th anniversary year of his birth, with a performance of his joyful composition.
Thu, 12 Jun, 7pm - 9pm AEST
Leeton Museum and Art Gallery
Get you tickets today!
|
|
|
|
BAZAAR: Community Art Exhibition & The Couture Collection at Griffith Regional Art Gallery
Griffith Regional Art Gallery Presents BAZAAR: Community Art Exhibition & The Couture Collection, explores exquisite handmade gowns from the Gallery’s Couture Collection, designed by the late fashion masters and life partners, Ross Weymouth & John Claringbold, will be showcased, alongside works of art created by our community.
Exhibition open: Saturday 10 May - Sunday 15 June
|
|
Brown Women Comedy at Griffith Regional Theatre
Bold, Besharam, and Brilliantly Funny – An award-winning besharam (shameless) line-up of Punjabi, Indian and South Asian comedians.
After sold out shows at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe & Sydney Comedy Festival, Brown Women Comedy is heading to Griffith. Laugh your heart out to an award-winning besharam (shameless) line-up of Indian and South Asian comedians living in Australia.
No topic is too taboo. From growing up brown in Australia, being bisexual to getting disowned thrice, these women won’t be holding back on turning traditional family expectations into comedy gold. Featured in ABC, The Age and SBS.
Comedians:
Daizy Maan: born and raised in Griffith, Daizy is a sharp storyteller who speaks with laid-back confidence and candidly weaves through taboo topics, no wonder her hilarious Punjabi TikTok videos have garnered over 30 million views
Guneet Kaur: RAW Comedy National Finalist and contributing writer on ABC show ‘Question Everything’, she’s been described by the Sydney Morning Herald as both “sharp” and “anxious”.
Kru Harale’s vivacious energy crackles through her routine, as she describes her stories about Indians, Australia and globe-trotting.
Ru Halwala: Improv and drag icon-in-the-making who was also a writer on the latest season of Gruen (ABC).
June 7th, 2025
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Price to: $40
Book now
|
|
|
|
Beats and Bars at the Coro Club
Beats and Bars is a youth-led concert showcasing original music by emerging hip hop artists and producers from our community.
It’s chance to hear something new, support young artists, and connect through music that’s made right here in the region.
This is an all-ages free event, presented by ArtFarm and the Coro Club.
June 6th, 2025
6pm - 9pm
|
|
Sunday Blues at Piccolo Family Farm
Celebrate June long weekend at Piccolo Family Farm. Enjoy live Jazz and Blues music, food and wine with your family in the sunshine at Piccolo family farm.
Live jazz music, food and bar.
June 8th
12pm - 5pm
$10pp entry fee, Under 12s free
|
|
|
|
Creative Classes at Mon Repos Narrandera
Mon Repos Narrandera is run by the husband and wife team of Scott & Rebecca Rowlings. Scott and Rebecca are both qualified teachers, in Industrial Arts and English respectively.
Mon Repos Narrandera has been running Woodworking, Furniture Restoration, Furniture making and Grandfather trade classes since 2023. These classes are taught by Scott, or a visiting Teacher who is passionate about their skills and want to pass them on to others.
From Spoon carving to smithing to Yarn Club there are new creative endeavors around every corner at Mon Repos Narrandera.
Upcoming Yarn Club
June 11th
6:30pm
|
|
Create and Connect with Narrandera Arts and Creative Network
Grab your paints, stitching, mosaic, tools or whatever you are working on and join other creatives at our railway workshop.
Tea and coffee available. Treats to share welcome.
$5 per session.
No commitment, just good company and sharing.
For more information call Julie on 0427 985 297
Next Sessions:
Wednesday 21st May 6pm
Saturday 24th May 1:30pm
Wednesday 4th June 6pm
Saturday 14th June 1:30pm
|
|
|
|
Jerilderie’s First Indigenous Football & Netball Round
Jeithi Aboriginal Group and the Jerilderie Football Netball Club invite you to a landmark celebration of culture, community and sport. On Saturday 26 July 2025, Jerilderie will host its first Indigenous Round, with Jerilderie taking on Mathoura in a day full of game-day action, ceremony, music and connection.
The program will include a Welcome to Country by Jeithi Elder Barb Browne, a smoking ceremony, didgeridoo performance, and presentations by the Jeithi Group. Enjoy music by SCAR TREE featuring Uncle Damien Dookie Thorne, a delicious feed from Jake of RUB N SMOKE, and the chance to bid on signed footy and netball gear.
For more information please contact Jeithi Jerilderie
|
|
Toganmain's 150th Birthday Celebrations
As part of Toganmain Wool Shed 150th celebration, there will be a variety of market stalls offering delicious food and a range of other goodies. If you’re interested in running a stall, follow their website for registration information and secure your spot as soon as possible!
Friday, 13 June 2025 | 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday, 14 June 2025 | 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday, 15 June 2025 | 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Toganmain Woolshed Precinct, sturt highway, Darlington Point, New South Wales
|
|
|
|
Coming this May, step into the world of PJ Lale — also known as the fabulous Lady J — a proud Samoan artist whose work spans performance, visual art, and cultural storytelling. His journey is one of pride, protest, and powerful self-expression.
Newsletter subscribers will receive our May Spotlight Series direct to their inbox this May.
|
|
|
PATHWAYS FOR ARTISTS AND CREATIVES
|
|
|
|
Western Riverina Arts Micro Grants Now Open – Apply Today!
Western Riverina Arts is now accepting applications for our 2025 Micro Grants Program, offering $300–$500 in fast-turnaround funding to support creatives living or working in Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera and Murrumbidgee.
These small grants are designed to be flexible and responsive, with a simple application process and a one-week turnaround from submission to outcome. You can use the funding to support a range of creative needs—including delivering a project, running a workshop, accessing training, buying equipment, or promoting your arts practice.
Applications are open now and will be accepted on a rolling basis until Monday 16 June 2025, or until funds are fully allocated—so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
To be eligible, applicants must be listed (or have submitted a listing) on the Creative Riverina online directory and have no outstanding grant acquittals with WRA.
Contact Western Riverina Arts today to request an application form or more information.
Let’s keep creativity thriving in our region—get your idea off the ground with support from Western Riverina Arts.
|
|
|
Creative Australia’s Arts Projects Grants Now Open
Creative Australia is now accepting applications for its Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups program. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 are available to support a wide array of arts activities, including new work creation, professional development, community engagement, touring, and more. This funding is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents who are practicing artists or arts professionals. Applications close at 3pm AEST on Tuesday 2 September 2025, for projects commencing after 1 December 2025.
For more details and to apply, click here.
|
|
Local Council Grants – Now Open
A number of local government grants are now open across the Western Riverina, offering valuable support for artists, creatives, and community organisations. If you have a project idea that could benefit from funding, now is the time to take a look.
Griffith, Leeton and Murrumbidgee councils currently have grant rounds accepting applications, while Narrandera Shire Council offers a handy Grant Finder tool and email updates to help you stay in the loop.
We encourage you to explore the opportunities available and consider how your creative or community project could grow with local support.
Visit the following council websites for more information:
Griffith
Leeton
Murrumbidgee
Narrandera
|
|
|
Joyce Spencer Textile Awards – Apply Now
Applications are now open for Round 5 of the Joyce Spencer Textile Awards, supporting regional NSW artists working with textiles. Offered by The Cad Factory, in partnership with Western Riverina Arts and the Spencer family, the awards include:
A $4,000 fellowship for a mid-career artist or group
A $1,500 highly commended award
A $600 prize
Projects must be delivered between July 2025 and December 2027.
Applications close Wednesday 11 June 2025 at midnight.
All applicants will be notified by Friday 27 June 2025.
More info: cadfactory.com.au/joyce-spencer-awards
|
|
GreenHouse National Artist Residency – Applications Now Open
Hot House Theatre’s Green House: National Artist Residency is now accepting applications for its 2025/26 program. Set within the serene Wonga Wetlands on Wiradjuri Country near Albury, this immersive residency offers performance-makers from across Australia the chance to develop new work, explore interdisciplinary practices, and engage in creative experimentation.
Residencies provide up to three weeks of onsite accommodation and studio access, with some offering a stipend of up to $1,000. Artists are also encouraged to conduct a community workshop in collaboration with AlburyCity or Murray Arts.
Applications close at 9:00 AM on Monday, 2 June 2025. For more information and to apply, visit:
murrayarts.org.au/greenhouse-national-artist-residency
|
|
|
Project Development Grants – Applications Open Soon
Museums & Galleries of NSW will open applications for the 2025 Project Development Grants on Monday, 14 July 2025. These grants offer $2,500 to $7,500 to support strategic and innovative projects in community museums and Aboriginal cultural spaces across NSW. Eligible projects include strategic and marketing plans, significance assessments, exhibition development, and public programs.
Applications close on Sunday, 7 September 2025, with projects to commence from mid-December 2025 and be completed by 31 December 2026. For more information and to apply, visit:
👉 mgnsw.org.au/project-development-grants
|
|
STILL: National Still Life Award 2025 – Entries Now Open
STILL is Yarrila Arts and Museum’s biennial national acquisitive art award, celebrating excellence, diversity and innovation in contemporary still life. Established in 2017, the award invites Australian artists at all stages of their practice to push the boundaries of this enduring genre.
Open to all mediums—painting, photography, sculpture, video, installation and more—STILL offers:
$30,000 Acquisitive Prize
$5,000 Coffs Coast Artist Award
$1,000 People’s Choice Award
Entries close 6 July 2025
artsmidnorthcoast.com/still-national-still-life-award-2025
|
|
|
|
|
