Arts

Josephine Hyes. Denmark choreographer Annette Carmichael is casting movement across 1000km, releasing an epic of hope, in her latest grand-scale community dance performance ... The odyssey begins in Margaret River and journeys to Northcliffe, Porongurup, Fitzgerald Biosphere and Kalgoorlie.

Now on display at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is the national art exhibition Three Echoes – Western Desert Art curated by writer, artist and activist, Djon Mundine OAM FAHA, showcasing works by 57 acclaimed artists heralding from communities in the Western Desert regions of the Northern Territory.

Concerned with the amount of litter adorning roadsides, a couple of locals have taken it upon themselves to help clear the rubbish and take pride in their surroundings ... Using drone footage, Esther Hume and Geoff Eldridge created a short video of their escapades which was uploaded to social media.

The 2023 River Daze festival thrilled attendees with talented musicians, great food and reasonable prices. “It’s such an intimate setting to have over 1,000 people in here, the river in the background and a family friendly atmosphere,” said Paul, who had travelled from Melbourne for the event.

Hiromi Hotel: Rainbow  by acclaimed Japanese Australian artist Hiromi Tango is a sensory art installation that takes inspiration from 'the rainbow’, drawing on the colours and symbology of this natural wonder. The rainbow is a recurring theme in Tango’s work, however, it has particular significance for Lismore.

Nicola Harvey is an experienced media executive, producer and writer working across digital, audio, print and live events. She’s also the author of 'Farm: the making of a climate activist' ... Speaking from her farm in New Zealand, Nicola talked to Australian Rural and Regional News contributor Serena Kirby about the writing process and the incredible amount of work that went into writing her book. She also offered some wise words to other first-time authors.

There’s an outbreak of a famous book in Woodburn. Samuel Allis who opened Hemlocks Books and Coffee three weeks ago has been recommending one of his favourites to customers.

What a night. The Woodburn Memorial Hall was packed with more than 300 people who had come to the official launch of the short film  Tinnie Heroes. At the end of the film, there was a standing ovation ... " although it was an emotional experience ... it actually felt uplifting and inspirational to listen to the stories of the amazing tinnie heroes who risked their own lives in order to save others": Jim Lagerstedt.

The markets are back in their home at Coronation Park, eager to bring the community back together to create the famous iconic event. Held on the second Sunday of the month since 1976, the market is renowned for its colour and atmosphere.

Hungry Ghosts exposes the heart and soul of the gritty side of life on the fringe of Sydney in the lead up to the 2000 Olympics. It exposes the addictions and obsessions that torture the lives of these often misunderstood people. Hungry Ghosts is James May’s first full-length play and this will be its premier.

After years of careful planning, interrupted by bushfire, floods and a global pandemic, the Bago State Forest Nature-Based Tourism Enhancement program was launched with reveal of its long-awaited Masterplan ... the Masterplan aims to deliver growth in the local and regional tourism economy through improved forest-based visitor experiences incorporating art, health and wellness, and environmental projects.

... what I also loved about this book was how it painted a picture of life at the time when these various criminals were active. Jim adds information about the laws of the day, government, and social norms to give context to the dastardly deeds of his cast of criminals. There’s no doubt this book will delight fans of true crime. True stories of true criminals from Australia’s past have definitely resulted in a book that’s one heck of a darn good read.

St. Arnaud artist, Gabriele Rohlje, is all set to unveil her latest creative works at the upcoming exhibition titled “Sayings and Quotations” at the St. Arnaud Raillery Hub Gallery on Queen Street, St. Arnaud. Gabriele has been a prominent figure in the St. Arnaud contemporary art scene for several years now, known for her unique style that blends figurative and abstract elements in a stunning display of colour and form.

Narrandera-based artist Vic McEwan, who is also the National Museum’s 2015 artist-in-residence, created the large-scale still photography and video works in ‘Haunting’, in collaboration with curator George Main ... Haunting honours the Murrumbidgee River and its communities of people and other living beings.

There's something big happening at this weekend’s Lockhart Heritage Truck Show, and it’s not just the trucks. This year, for the first time, it’s not all about heavy vehicles. There’s something new in the pavilion ... this year, they are covering fashion, cooking, floral art, market stalls ...

Mildura Rural City Council has bestowed one of its highest honours upon a locally-born and trained performing artist who is now one of the most sought after classical singers on the international stage. Councillor Stefano de Pieri announced Siobhan Stagg as Mildura’s latest Key to the City recipient in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon after her latest appearance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Jenny Pollard. It starts with a road trip and bridges the city / country divide. There’s a playlist for the road and it brings some of the biggest names in indie music to the “bush”. But above all, what makes the “OK Motels Festival” such a hit is the positive focus it brings to Charlton and the energising momentum that results.

There was a buzz of activity in Maldon last Tuesday, with the filming of a four-part mini-series named Scrublands getting underway. Dolphin Street was blocked off to the public while the film crew and actors took over.

There is more to a career in the visual arts than meets the eye! The National Summer Art Scholarship is an immersive and comprehensive arts program for young people interested in a career in visual arts ... one of the 16 recipients from around Australia is Meg Miles.

The hall was packed and all eyes were on the screen at the Bangalow Flickerfest on Saturday, February 18. IndyNR.com presented  Tinnie Heroes  – a film about the floods.

The highly anticipated and community-driven Kangaroo Island Easter Art Exhibition is returning in 2023, and while it is promising to be bigger and better than ever before, the theme of the iconic is graciously titled Precious Moments. The biennial exhibition, which started 35 years ago, has been given a significant boost with the doubling in value of the major prize – the Diana Keir Art Award – honouring the memory of the local artist, friend and muse to many on the Island.

Bouncing back from the flood-enforced cancellation last October, Charlton's "OK Motels" Festival was back with a bigger and better impact as visitors soaked up the relaxed country lifestyle last weekend. With the focus firmly set on “community” and the town presenting an array of add-on activities, there was a tangible feeling of homecoming, as friendships were rekindled, new ones made, and former attendees introducing newcomers to what could viewed as a “lifestyle” event.