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Joyce Spencer Textile Awards 2026 |
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Photo: Janet Steele. Headshot courtesy of Edward Cross |
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The Cad Factory, Western Riverina Arts and the Spencer Family are delighted to announce the 2026 recipients of the Joyce Spencer Textile Awards: Janet Steele – Fellowship Recipient Mary Coughlan – Highly Commended Award Recipient Lorraine Tye – Joyce Spencer Prize Co-Recipient Stephanie Smith and Anne De Nooijer – Joyce Spencer Prize Co-Recipients
Congratulations to all the selected artists!
Fellowship Recipient Janet Steele is a textile artist living on Wannarua land, near the village of Paterson in the Upper Hunter who has spent recent years supporting the National Trust to draw attention to the needs of Morton Bay figtrees. Says Janet: “I intend my work speaks for me, to show that contemporary Australian textile artwork to be a high form of art. This is the legacy of Joyce Spencer." |
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Artwork: Janet Steel, Figtree Connections (detail), 2024. Image courtesy of the artist. |
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Photo: A Whitehead, Western Riverina Arts, 2025 |
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Western Riverina Arts Board and Staff extends its sincere thanks to our former Communications Officer Zooey Korhonen for her dedication, creativity, and commitment during her time with the organisation. Says Executive Director Aanya Whitehead: “Zooey’s passion for being the public face, representing WRA on radio, broadcast media, press and social media, organising networking events, and being our excellent MC on so many occasions has helped share the stories of our artists, and support the community, and continue our programs.” Zooey is still right here among the arts community as a practising artist and arts worker in Leeton. Do not miss her vibrant and fun exhibition on circus curated for the Australian Art Deco Festival Leeton at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery ‘Masks, Mischiefs and Marvels’ running to 5th September. We also appreciate and acknowledge her contribution setting up the very successful and high-profile Spotlight Series for WRA. Says Zooey: “I have valued the opportunity to work alongside artists, community organisations, volunteers, local councils, peak bodies and creative practitioners across the Western Riverina. I am particularly proud of the projects, partnerships and community outcomes I have contributed to." |
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Pioneer Park’s Oral History Plans |
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Curator of Pioneer Park Museum Fox Darcy speaks to WRA. Photo, Western Riverina Arts 2026 |
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WRA caught up with Curator of Pioneer Park Museum Fox Darcy to speak plans on partnering on an in-depth oral history project that will be rolled out towards the end of the year and continue into 2027. With a focus on First Nations outcomes, there can never be enough stories captured for posterity and Fox is committed to having Pioneer Park be able to be entrusted as a proactive and engaging museum for the community. Also partnering is the digital arts studio Miil Miil Productions to ensure stories are safely recorded, owned by the story teller, and kept in trust. As curator, Fox has established a full oral history recording facility and policies that a beneficial for the long-term, and can travel to the storyteller. Stories can start being recorded now. If you would like to arrange a recording of either yourself or a family member, you can visit or contact Fox Darcy at the museum on: 02-6962 8333, or contact them via their online platforms. |
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Griffith Regional Art Gallery Visit |
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WRA’s Elijah Ingram and Aanya Whitehead visit GRAG Team Melanie Toscan (Curator) and Isis-Rae Ronan (Public Programs). Photo, Western Riverina Arts 2026 |
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WRA visited Griffith Regional Art Gallery’s dedicated team. Over the past twelve months, the gallery has continued to strengthen its reputation for delivering engaging exhibitions and community-focused arts experiences under the curatorship of Melanie Toscan. Approaching her first anniversary in the role, Melanie says the gallery has expanded its diverse exhibition program while continuing to showcase a balance of local artists, touring exhibitions and culturally significant works. A major highlight has been the growing success of the gallery's public programs, with workshops proving increasingly popular and many regularly selling out. Coordinated by Public Programs Officer Isis-Rae Ronan, the workshops are encouraging greater community participation and creativity through hands-on arts experiences. Melanie believes the strong attendance at exhibitions and workshops demonstrates the region's enthusiasm for arts and culture. The gallery is now looking ahead to another exciting year of exhibitions and creative opportunities. Currently showing until 16th August is Myth, Mayhem & Metropolis by Marco Luccio. |
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This month WRA attended the annual Regional Arts Development Organisation Network Meeting in Sydney hosted by Regional Arts NSW. Executive Director Aanya Whitehead and Creative Officer Elijah Ingram participated in a full program. Held over two days, it brought together representatives from across NSW to strengthen collaboration and share regional arts initiatives. Discussions focused on advocacy, delivery of the Regional Arts Fund, Create NSW's Heartland strategy, professional development, and building sustainable arts organisations. The meeting reinforced the importance of the RADO network in ensuring regional voices continue to influence cultural policy and investment across New South Wales. |
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NSW Service Organisations discuss ways in which they can further work to assist activity in regional NSW. L-R Steve Miller CEO ACHAA, Penelope Benton Executive Director of NAVA, Susan Wacher Exhibitions and Programs Manager M&GNSW, Joe Muller Managing Director Music NSW, Lena Nahlous CEO Diversity Arts Australia. Photo: E Ingram, Western Riverina Arts 2026 |
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Coleambally Creates Together |
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WRA visited Kerri Weymouth at her remote art gallery in Coleambally. “Art is very important for health and wellbeing, and it is very underestimated how much it can help,” says Kerri who is a qualified art therapist and fulltime practising artist. Kerri is NDIS registered and from this unique remote gallery, she provides a welcoming space where creativity supports mental health, connection and community. In a region with limited services and no public transport, the gallery offers more than art. “It provides a safe place where people can come together, feel supported, and thrive.” If you have an art therapy initiative, or would like to book a session, contact Kerri through the gallery website. |
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Art Therapist Kerri Weymouth at her remote gallery in Coleambally. Photo: A Whitehead, Western Riverina Arts 2026 |
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Leeton’s Cutting Room Floor |
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Editing Nganhayung Galingabangbur (Our Children). Director Elijah Ingram works with Editor Alicia Gleeson in the Miil Miil Productions digital arts studio located at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery. On screen are lead actors Yarri Lambshead, Marley Sharp and Darren Wighton. Photo A Whitehead, Western Riverina Arts 2026 |
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Writer, Producer, Director Elijah Ingram and Editor Alicia Gleeson have been for many weeks editing the film Nganhayung Galingabangbur (Our Children). It was filmed in April in and around Leeton. After this editing phase it will head to Melbourne towards the end of the year to be sound edited and mastered. The film is thought to be the first one to use complex Wiradyuri dialogue. It is produced by Miil Miil Productions, Birdyulang Animations, and executive produced by the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council. A huge thank you to so many generous local volunteers who gave their precious time to make it happen. The film is supported by a grant from the Aboriginal Languages Trust. Supporting partners include Western Riverina Arts and Leeton Shire Council. Keep a lookout for its community premiere in 2027 at the Roxy Community Theatre! |
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Em Shannon workshop facilitator Botanical Ink Making Workshop. Photo A Whitehead, Western Riverina Arts 2026 |
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| WRA attended NACNet's Botanical Ink Making Workshop in Narrandera on Saturday 25th July, where nature met creativity. Participants discovered how to transform foraged plants into vibrant handmade inks. Guided by artist Em Shannon, attendees explored sustainable artmaking while creating vibrant works inspired by local wildlife. A wonderful celebration of creativity, connection and the colours found in nature. NACNet are running a series of workshops to the end of the year, get in early to book as they fill up fast! |
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Photo: Disquiet Website, Bassling 2026
Local artist Jason Richardson has transformed a familiar Leeton landmark into an international creative collaboration. Says Jason: “I've been going past this sign outside the Leeton Rice Mill for years, but had an idea that it could be a creative prompt for the Junto community. There are 18 songs from around world interpreting the sign, and I revisited some earlier material to make my video. It turned out that my Give Way prompt coincided with my 500th video for the Junto projects. And, in a weird coincidence, on the day the project closed they replaced the Give Way sign with a Stop!” |
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| | | Book Now for Speaking Place |
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The Speaking Place weekend includes an open community festival, where workshop facilitators and participants showcase their newfound skills to the wider community. This event is a celebration of regional arts; and includes presentations, panel discussions, keynote addresses, live demonstrations, and performances. ArtFarm also opens the Speaking Place Festival to local and regional makers, with the opportunity to showcase their work and hold market stalls, and network with other artists. Find out all about SPEAKING PLACE held at Piccolo Family Farm Workshops: Saturday 24th October Festival: Sunday 25th October |
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Griffith artist Nehma Vitols is initiator and artistic director for Citrus Threads, happening on Saturday 17th October 2026 in Memorial Park, Griffith. You can keep up to date with the festival program by subscribing to their newsletter. WRA is supporting the event and we look forward to its unfolding. Nehma Vitols is an award-winning fashion designer who created Vintage 2025, an artistic fashion event celebrating women winemakers of the Riverina. |
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Pastel on board entry Luciano Pedro (2025) from the collection of Aanya Whitehead. Photo A Whitehead, Western Riverina Arts 2026 |
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Bloomin' Art is the Griffith Art Collective’s annual event and forms part of Griffith's Spring Fest celebrations. The event brings together artists, makers and the wider community in a vibrant outdoor exhibition and market environment, providing opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work, engage with the public, and connect with fellow creatives. The event will be held on Sunday 18 October 2026. Keep up to date with Griffith Art Collective.
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| | | | | Connect through Creative Groups |
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With One Voice Riverina Community Choir |
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| Join in and sing up a storm at the Narrandera Arts Centre every Tuesday night (unless advised otherwise) at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome and free to sing in a safe and caring environment and together, we can change the world, one voice at a time. |
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| ArtsHub @Narrandera Railway Station |
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Location: Gordon Hall, Leeton Multipurpose Community Centre, 3-5 Wade Avenue, Leeton.
For more information contact Vita Vitellie via email leetonartsociety@gmail.com |
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Griffith Art Collective meets monthly. Contact Jenny Ellis via email or through their socials: griffithartcollective@gmail.com |
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Griffith Regional Art Gallery - Open Studio |
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| The Griffith Regional Art Gallery is opening its courtyard for artists to come in and enjoy a collaborative art space. Have you got an art project or artwork you have been working on at home that you just can’t get finished? Book a place at the GRAG Open Studio and join other local creatives for ideas, encouragement and inspiration. Open Studio Sessions are facilitated by GRAG Public Programs Officer, Isis-Rae Ronan. Contact them through their socials or email: Gallery@griffith.nsw.gov.au |
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The MAKE Group Coleambally |
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| The M.A.K.E. Group in Coleambally is a regional social enterprise and community art collective based at the Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery and Studio, empowering local marginalised women through creative projects. https://www.kerriweymouth.art/make |
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| Leeton Library Writers’ Group |
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| Meets third Saturday of the Month at Leeton Library. Contact the library for details. |
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| Jerilderie Library Knitting Club |
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Knitting Club hosted on Thursdays, excluding public holidays, at the Jerilderie Library. All are welcome to attend. Weekly on Thursdays 10:00am to 11.30am. Location: Jerilderie Library, 45 Jerilderie St, Jerilderie, New South Wales, Australia, 2716, View Map |
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Grants and Funding Enquiries |
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| Griffith City Council Community Grants |
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Searching for a Career in the Arts? |
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Bookmark this page if you have a desire to follow a career pathway in the arts. @artshub prides itself on being a central information source across Australia. |
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