March Newsletter

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Hello

Welcome to the first week of Autumn !

It seems weird that as I sit in the Murray Arts office watching the rain through the window that a month ago we were in the aftermath of horrendous fires across the region.  As the rain falls I  can feel a collective sigh of relief -rainwater tanks are filling, plants watered, rivers flowing. A perfect, fresh start to Autumn - my favourite season in this region. Not only is the weather glorious here this time of year but the abundance and diversity of arts and events. To kick off the new season there's the inaugural Upstream Festival of Art & Culture. With over 100 things to see and do across Albury and Wodonga you'll be inspired, entertained and amazed!

As well as Upstream there's loads of arts, events and workshops across the Murray Arts footprint throughout all of March. Have you got any events you are particularly excited about? We'd love to hear!

We've also got a great suite of workshops as part of our Smart Art series. The professional development workshops are essential for all creatives no matter your discipline or experience and they are super affordable #noexcuses


Nat & the Murray Arts team

Latest News

Murray Arts in conjunction with City of Wodonga present Smart Arts a series of professional development workshops for those in the creative industries.

Workshop 1: Social Media for Creatives | 18 March | 5:30-7:30pm | The Cube book here

Workshop 2: I Hate Networking | 3 April | Victor Supper Club | Gateway Island | book here

Workshop 3: Valuing Your Work | 18 April | The Cube | Video Link |
book here
burraja gallery exhibition | not a MYTH | Rita Wenberg 

Our first exhibition of 2020 presents the work of Bundjalung/Gumbayngirr artist Rita Wenberg.
‘not a MYTH’ chronicles the impacts of the forcible removal of First Nations children from their families through a lifetime of Rita’s poetry and painting.
The exhibition will juxtapose the truths of Rita’s experiences alongside the writings about Cootamundra Girls Home as published in the June 1953 issue of Dawn Magazine.
School Drama 2020 | Workshop | HotHouse Theatre

School Drama is a professional learning program that partners Primary School teachers with professional performing artists for 7 weeks, across one school term – inspiring a passion for reading, critical thinking, performance and oral literacy.

A partnership between Sydney Theatre Company, Murray Arts and HotHouse Theatre, School Drama has a dual focus. The primary focus is on the individual teacher’s professional learning. With this in mind, a Teaching Artist will model how to use process drama-based strategies with quality children’s literature to improve teaching and learning. The secondary focus is on improving student literacy and engagement.

Workshop- All teachers are invited to attend a professional development workshop with Director of Education, John Nicholas Saunders from Sydney Theatre Company, 4pm-7pm on Monday 16 March 2020 at The Studio, HotHouse Theatre. The workshop will include practical approaches to using drama to improve literacy in your classroom. Book workshop HERE

Photo: Local Teaching Artists Rachel McNamara & Alyson Evans. Photo by Nisha Agiasotis

 

Featured

There’s more than 100 things to see, do and enjoy as part of the Border’s newest arts and cultural festival on this weekend!

Born under the banner of Two Cities One Community, Upstream - Festival of Art + Culture embodies the theme of partnership which makes Albury-Wodonga unique.

Across four days there will be a host of activities which celebrate our rich art and cultural fabric and place a spotlight on creativity.

This inaugural event will feature diverse art forms in prominent central and natural public locations, bringing art to the people in unique settings.

The festival is family-friendly, has lots of free activities and is accessible to all, creating experiences that people can share across generations.

Four days. Two Cities. Immerse Yourself.
See the program here.

What's On

Art Workshop on Farm with Tony Nott | Bibbaringa
7 & 8 March

Tony will guide you on a relaxed and enjoyable journey to learn the ancient technique of photographic printing called Cyanotype. Tony Nott a Photographer and art educator for over 40 years, will present a hands-on workshop for photographers or anyone interested in learning an old art form with no technical skills required. Using found objects from the landscape and the sun to develop images transforming these magical cyan-blue prints into art.   More info
Meet the Artists | Albury Wodonga Photography Group | Turks Head Gallery | Albury
8 March 10am-4pm


The Albury Wodonga Photography Group exhibition is now open and you have the opportunity to meet some of the artists behind the works. Check out photographic works from over 40 local photographers at the region's newest gallery.
More info
 
Spamalot | Livid Productions | Albury Entertainment Centre
11-14 March

If you love Monty Python's 'The Holy Grail' then this is the show for you! Spamalot, winner of the BEST MUSICAL at the 2005 Tony Awards, tells the legendary tale of King Arthur's quest to find the Holy Grail. Inspired by the classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical also diverts a bit from more traditional versions of the legend. Instead, Spamalot features shenanigans including a line of beautiful dancing girls, flatulent Frenchmen, and killer rabbits. Outside there is a plague with a 50% chance of pestilence and famine. Throughout the show, Arthur, travelling with his servant Patsy, recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Galahad. Besides the rabbits and farting Frenchman, they meet such characters as the Lady of the Lake, Prince Herbert, Tim the Enchanter, Not Dead Fred, the Black Knight, and the Knights who say Ni. More info
Young Writers | Wodonga Library
12, 19, 26 March


Meet with other writers and illustrators to discuss ideas, work on your current projects and share your work with others. Meetings are weekly on a Thursday night during term 1.  More info
Churchill Fellowship | Albury Entertainment Centre 
12 March 5:30-7:30pm


Every year, Churchill Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for more than 100 Australians from all walks of life to travel overseas and investigate a topic they are passionate about. Unlike more traditional academic fellowships, they are not given for tertiary study and no formal qualifications are required. Recipients design their own projects and itinerary so they can access expertise in their chosen field, anywhere in the world. The Trust covers travel costs and living expenses for four to eight weeks, with Fellowships worth an average of $29,000 each. Aside from the general fellowships, specific sponsored fellowships are available in sectors such as disaster mitigation, dairy, horticulture, the arts, health and medicine, education, architecture and building, and automotive skills. There is an information session to help people develop their project ideas and to provide valuable advice on how to apply for a Churchill Fellowship. Those attending will also have the opportunity to hear Churchill Fellows talk about their inspiring experiences. More info
Summer pArty Series | Wangaratta Art Gallery
13 March


The Wangaratta Art Gallery is spilling outside of its walls and onto the Gallery Lawn for the Summer pArty Series. Themed to delight and entertain, these Friday night pArties will have something to suit every palette. For the Risqué series enjoy the Melbourne based Sugar Fed Leopards. Expect balmy Friday evenings of music, food and art happenings at the three carefully curated event experiences during February and March. Drinks and dinner boxes available to make it the perfect kick off into the weekend. Be inspired, all summer long. No need to book, just turn up. More info
Film Launch | Squirrel Glider Rescue | Burrumbuttock
13 March 


A family friendly evening to celebrate a successful Squirrel Glider rescue and launch the short film made about it. There will also be a talk with local wildlife rescuer, Hazel Cook, to discuss what to do if you find an injured Squirrel Glider. Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre, Burrumbuttock. More info
The Gruffalo’s Child | The Cube | Wodonga
March 14 12pm & 2pm


If you loved The Gruffalo, don't miss the sequel, which returns following previous sell-out Australian tours – now in a new West End production! Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical adaptation of the much-loved picture book. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he? More info
Music in the Gardens | Albury Botanic Gardens
15 March


Festival favourites and Golden Guitar Finalists, The Hillbilly Goats, join us for the Autumn series of Music in the Gardens. These guys aren’t just a band – they’re a “show” featuring stories and songs combined with hard fiddle, fast harmonica, banjo and big harmonies. Drawing influence from old-time traditional folk tunes, the Hillbilly Goats are like no other band you’ve seen and are geared up to get the gardens jumping. Bring your family and friends to this free open-air concert staged at the Albury Botanic Gardens. Food and drinks available for purchase or pack a picnic. More info
21C | Murray Conservatorium | Rutherglen Town Hall
22 March 2:30pm


Join the 21C Orchestra and Saxaphonics from the Murray Con for an afternoon of modern instrumental music including themes from Cinmea Paradiso, Children of Sanchez , Pixar and Star Wars. More info


Band Concert | Murray Conservatorium | Kensington Gardens
24 March 6:30pm


Join the Murray Con for an evening of foot-tapping marches and concert band favourites. More info
Breaking the Castle | HotHouse Theatre
24-28 March


David can’t get enough, of anything. Alcohol, drugs, women, gambling – whatever it takes to escape the bark of the black dog.  Consumed by an overwhelming feeling of never belonging anywhere, David’s life becomes a chaotic struggle as he battles compounding mental health issues. Breaking the Castle unlocks a sometimes jobbing actor’s descent into the hell of dependence. Days and nights are lived through a thick haze of drugs and alcohol and this bender could be his last, but he doesn’t care – there are worse things than death. Devoured by the back streets of the city David is thrown an unlikely lifeline. Finding himself in the mountains of South-East Asia he is offered a chance at redemption – but he will need to confront his inner demons, traumas and secrets long buried in his psyche. Visceral, fierce, and uplifting Breaking the Castle brings a gripping performance from creator Peter Cook as a man yearning for connection.  More info
In My Blood It Runs | IPAA Victoria film screening |Albury Cinema
24 March


Ten-year-old Dujuan is a child-healer, a good hunter and speaks three languages. As he shares his wisdom of history and the complex world around him we see his spark and intelligence. Yet Dujuan is ‘failing’ in school and facing increasing scrutiny from welfare and the police. As he travels perilously close to incarceration, his family fight to give him a strong Arrernte education alongside his western education lest he becomes another statistic. We walk with him as he grapples with these pressures, shares his truths and somewhere in-between finds space to dream, imagine and hope for his future self. With the guidance of Arrernte Elders, In My Blood It Runs focuses on education in and beyond the classroom, and magnifies the profound successes that are rarely captured by mainstream narratives. It aims to creatively highlight the strengths and insights of Dujuan, his family, his community and through their story, First Nations families everywhere. More info
Lecture Series : Illustrated History of Photography | MAMA |Albury
25 March, 1 & 8 April 5:30pm


In celebration of MAMA's Season of Photography, and the National Photography Prize 2020, MAMA presents a  three-part lecture series with MAMA's Curator, and photography buff, Michael Moran. Over three weeks, Michael will take you through the history of photography, sharing pictures, examples and anecdotes that will bring this medium to life. Beginning with the first daguerreotype and its effect on painting, through developments of the 20th Century, to the re-photographing of photography, Instagram and the Internet. This program is brought to you by the MAMA Members program.  More info
Gypsy Jazz Guitar | Jazz Basement | Gateway Island
27 March


Currently based in Ireland, Ian is a legend of the Australian jazz scene. Renowned for being an expert Django Reinhardt specialist he is equally adept in imitating all the great jazz guitar players of the past. For many years he was associated with the best jazz musicians in the country including Don Burrows, James Morrison, George Washingmachine and Tom Baker. He has collaborated with some of the best guitarists in the world, recording and performing with Martin Taylor, Robin Nolan and the great gypsy guitarist Fapy Lafertin. Guitarist Nigel Date is based in Sydney and plays with many musicians and bands from around the country including The Gypsy Swingers and The Eye of Chaos. The Date Brothers’ concerts are rare due to the distance they live apart but they do perform all over the world.  Phone or text Graeme on 0438 623 462 for seating reservations.

The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival | Corryong
2-5 April 


A unique bush gathering of mountain riders, poets, artists and lovers of the Australian High Country and pioneering spirit. Held every April, the Festival brings together people from around Australia as well as international visitors to celebrate traditional high country and bush culture and in particular the imagery created by AB Banjo Paterson's and Australia's most famous poem “The Man from Snowy River”. The Festival offers contestant and visitor alike a unique opportunity to be part of the celebration of traditional Australian Bush skills that remain an essential part of Australia's heritage. More info
Intro to Lights and Sound | Workshop | HotHouse Theatre
3 April


Interested in the technical side of theatre? Curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the theatre? Know a thing or two about tech, but would love to know more? If you want to know more about how lights and sounds can enhance your production, or if you are itching to get behind a sound and lighting desk this workshop is for you. This two-day workshop for 14-18 year olds will cover basic workplace safety, introduction to design principles, as well as gain hands-on experience in best practice of working in technical theatre. There will be a sharing of learnings with family and friends from the workshop at 3.30 on the Saturday. More info

 
Workshop | Print Safari | MAMA | Albury
3 April 


Join Holly & Ash of Print Safari to make your very own unique framed artwork! In this workshop you will learn printmaking, collage and drawing techniques to create a unique art piece. Learn how to block print using pre-cut lino blocks made by Print Safari. Experiment with shape, pattern and colour, layering textiles, printed paper and drawn elements to compose a stunning artwork. To finish off your fabulous creation, Print Safari will provide you with a beautiful oak frame ready to hang. In this class we make lots of collaging materials so you can continue your creativity at home! No prior knowledge of printmaking is required and all materials are provided. More info
Time Management for Creatives | Creative + Business | Turks Head Gallery | Albury
4 April 10am


This workshop answers the age-old question – how are we supposed to find the time to run a creative career, pursue our arts-based practice, and have a life as well? Time Management is a fun and informal workshop that discusses practical strategies to help you keep all the juggling balls in the air. We'll talk about the realities of: Setting and keeping goals; Staying motivated and understanding procrastination; Recognising self-sabotage, and; Finding the balance between being creative and making money. What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive: Printed material to help you make the most of the practical exercises; Lifetime access to a dedicated Time Management for Creatives dropbox folder full of additional resources and help; Access to a dedicated webpage full of links and resources to help them get ahead in their creative business. The workshop is relaxed and informal, you can ask all the questions you’ve never been able to ask before, and participants will also be given ample opportunity to network and get to know each other. More info
Diversify Your Creative Income | Creative + Business | Turks Head Gallery | Albury
4 April 1:30pm


An interactive workshop that allows participants to discuss the various general ways that creatives can make money (including services, goods and passive income), and includes practical exercises to help brainstorm those ideas. The workshops examines: Identifying your Core and Complementary Skills; The Minimum Viable Offering; Using a Skills Audit to inspire ideas; How to identify a 'good' idea; Creating a Value Proposition; Helpful resources and more. The workshop is tailored specifically to creative businesses who are (or want to be) self-employed, and the tips shared are relevant no matter what your profession – filmmakers, writers, musicians, designers, visual artists, performers - all are welcome! More info
Reflective Lens Workshop | Corowa
8 April 


If you are interested in environmental photography make sure you come along to an interactive workshop with ecologist & environmental photographer Alison Pouliot. Coordinated by Corowa District Landcare, Federation Council and hosted within Regional Design Services new studio this interactive workshop will explore a wide range of environmental themes and photographic techniques. 
 
This highly interactive workshop explores a wide range of environmental themes through an illustrated seminar, active discussion, image critique, demonstration of techniques and a practical field trip. It goes beyond the literal representations of 'nature photography' to address the thought processes behind creating compelling and meaningful images and visual stories. More info
 

 

 
National Photography Prize | MAMA | Albury
now until 31 May


Every two years the National Photography Prize offers an opportunity to consider the vital role of photography in contemporary art in Australia. In 2020, the National Photography Prize finalists’ exhibition presents a selection of the most innovative and thoughtful photo-based practices from across the country. The exhibition gives audiences the ability to consider each of the finalists’ work in-depth, with a number of key recent works by each finalist resulting in an exhibition that has much room for reflection on the current state of photography and image-based work in Australia. More info
 

Opportunities

JOBS
curator
burraja gallery

burraja gallery is seeking applications for the position of Aboriginal Arts Curator. The Aboriginal Arts Curator will be responsible for burraja gallery, the regions only dedicated local Aboriginal art gallery download position description here  or for more info email director@murrayarts.org.au
GRANTS, FUNDING & OPPORTUNITY
Regional Arts Funding ( Quick Response -VIC)
Closes 30 June ( or when funds expended)

The Quick Response Grant program has been set up to be responsive to exceptional cultural opportunities that may be on offer to artists or community groups. These grants are available throughout the year and applications can be submitted any time between 3 to 12 weeks prior to the activity commencing. 

  • Organisations can apply for up to $3,000 for small-scale cultural development and arts initiatives. Organisations must be incorporated and not-for-profit.
  • Individuals can apply for up to $1,500 for for professional or skills development of small scale project opportunities
More info
Small Project Grants (Quick Response- Create NSW )
Closes 30 June (or when funds expended)

Small Project Grants support the creation, development and presentation of new work and professional development or promotion for NSW-based professional artists and arts and cultural workers. You can apply for between $500 and $5000 towards your project. Apply now until the end of June 2020.
More info
MentorHer | WIFT Australia
Closes 9 March 


MentorHer is a three month program that facilitates mentorships between emerging, early career, or those looking to shift into a new area in the screen industry, and experienced practitioners. The initiative offers support and guidance to help further careers within the screen industry. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and from all areas within the industry including games, distribution, cinematography and composition. Our definition of women includes anyone with female experience –past or present– and is trans-inclusive and non-binary inclusive. Anyone who feels addressed by the term is welcome to apply. More info
FIRST NATIONS WRITER'S RESIDENCY | Australia Council for the Arts
closes 12 March


The residency will enable 6 participants to be immersed in their craft of writing and have the space to reflect and reconnect to their practice in collaboration with like-minded creatives. It is also an opportunity to engage with our project partners, Magabala Books – a leading Indigenous publishing house. This residency is designed to provide First Nations writers with the opportunity to gain insight into the roles of editors, agents, sales representatives and marketing work within a global context. It will enable further discussion around First Nations literature and its place within the Australian contemporary society. This residency is open to mid-career to established First Nations Writers who have published a minimum of one book and have an ISBN and barcode. All travel expenses, accommodation and meals are included. Successful applicants will also receive a fee of $1,000. More info
Creative Activation Fund | Create Victoria
closes 19 March


The Creative Activation Fund seeks to support the development and delivery of creative projects that can increase visitation and have strong potential to become cultural tourist attractions. Creative activation projects that can be supported include, but are not limited to, public art that responds to the natural landscape, creative interventions that breathe new life into buildings, silos or unused sites, large-scale murals or sculptures as well as digital activation that could bring sites to life using cutting edge technology through VR or AR. This program is open to local and international partnerships, led by a Victorian organisation or local government authority. More info

Stan and Film Victoria Comedy Fund
closes 19 March


Stan and Film Victoria are challenging Victorian-based writers and producers to deliver fresh ideas for new Australian narrative comedy series, rom-coms and comedy-dramas to premiere on Australia’s leading homegrown streaming platform.

The Stan and Film Victoria Comedy Fund will initially provide funding to up to four Victorian writers or writer/producer teams to deliver a 30-minute pilot script and series outline. The teams will be given the opportunity to participate in a workshop with a preeminent comedy writer to build their concepts into a pilot. More info

The FUSE Glass Prize | JamFactory
closes 20 March


Presented by JamFactory the FUSE Glass Prize is a non-acquisitive biennial prize for Australian and New Zealand glass artists. The entry must be predominantly glass but may incorporate other materials. The FUSE Glass Prize will be selected from a group of 12 established artist finalists. The FUSE Emerging Artist Prize will be selected from a group of 6 emerging artists finalists. Prizes: The winner receives a cash prize of $20,000. The winner of the Emerging Aratist Prize receives $2,500 cash and a professional development opportunity at the JamFactory valued at $2,500. More info


 
Under Construction | Flying Fruit Fly Circus
closes 27 March


Applications now open for 2020 residencies Under Construction is an exciting new initiative to develop and support emerging circus artists in regional NSW. It provides a structure for the creative development and presentation of original new physical theatre and circus works, concluding with a work-in-progress premiere during the Flying Fruit Fly Circus' annual Borderville Circus Festival in Albury-Wodonga. Two residencies are available in 2020 and the successful applicants will receive: Seed funding of $4,000 cash and extensive in-kind support. More info
The William Fletcher Rome Residency
closes 17 July 


The award includes a three-month residency at the British School at Rome (BSR), which is situated in the heart of the city, near the Museo Borghese and the Italian National Gallery of Modern Art. The period of residency is from the beginning of April to the end of June 2021, being the European spring, and optimum time for exploration of the city and its environs. The Fellowship is valued at about A$30 000 and includes accommodation with a studio, at the BSR, $A4000 for airfares and health and travel insurance, and a monthly stipend of $A2000. Two other finalists at that exhibition will be provided with grants to attend residencies at Bundanon, worth $4500 each. These include accommodation for three weeks and a stipend of $2000. More info

 
Future 2030
closes 1 June


Future2030 is an inaugural triennial comic book competition for Ceramic Break Sculpture Park. The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $7000.00 plus an original Batman #4 comic book. All published artists will receive 5 copies each of the limited edition comic book. All published artists not including the grand prize winner will share in a prize pool of $5000.00. This competition is open to both emerging and established comic book artists with the aim to promote new unpublished works. More info

Murray Arts is Watching

Creativity in Your Control

How do you approach your creative practice? Do you dedicate time to work at your craft? Listen to author Jane Harper speak about how she approaches creative practice including time management and setting goals.

Listen/ watch here.

We'd love to hear how you work in your creative practice Write to us.
Murray Arts contributes directly to the arts and cultural lifeblood of the NE VIC/ Border region by working directly with individuals, communities and local government to assist them in developing the arts and cultural life of their communities.

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Gateway Island VIC 3691
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Murray Arts acknowledges the traditional custodians and caretakers of the land and waters on which we are privileged to work. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and encourage everyone to champion our emerging leaders of the future.

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