Artists from the Central West are profiled in a state-wide exhibition in Sydney that celebrates 80 years of Regional Arts NSW.
The exhibition opened November 10 and runs to 26 November at the Fountain Court, at NSW Parliament House.
“The exhibition is a celebration of our legacy and the artists that have been central to our mission since the beginning,” said RANSW CEO Tracey Callinan.
10 of the 40 artists represented are from the Central West: Nyree Reynolds (Blayney), Amala Groom (Kelso), Ronda Sharpe (Parkes), Ellen Ferrier (Portland), Nicole Welch (Hill End), Harrie Fasher (Portland), Rebecca Wilson (Hill End), Laura Baker (Blayney), Ikuko Fujisawa (Orange), Nicola Mason (Napoleon Reef).
The artworks on display embody the unique sense of place that is present in work of regional artists, derived from their deep connection with the environments and communities they live in. This exhibition draws from across NSW, demonstrating the value and impact of regional storytelling in the Australian arts and cultural sector.
Works can also be seen online at Digital Exhibition: Art in the Bush – Regional Arts NSW
Arts OutWest’s Aboriginal Arts Development Officer Aleshia Lonsdale co-curated the Reconciliation Wall of works by First Nations artists and with Arts OutWest’s Steven Cavanagh installed the exhibition for Regional Arts NSW.
Art in the Bush: 80 Years of Regional Arts NSW’ is supported by the Regional Arts Fund: Strategic Partnerships Project Grants, an Australian Government program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia. The Regional Arts Fund is managed by Regional Arts Australia on behalf of the Australian Government.
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Pictures: from the opening
Bathurst Region mayor Ben Fry with Arts OutWest executive director Kyie Shead
Bathurst Region mayor Ben Fry with featured artist Nicola Mason
Speaker of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin speaks at the opening (photo Ben Fry)