Creatives from across NSW gathered in Orange in Central NSW on the 14 and 15 of November 2024 for the Work of Art Showcase and Forum, organised by Regional Arts NSW (RANSW). The event marked the culmination of an 18-month women’s business development program funded by Women NSW and supported by the Regional Arts Fund.
The showcase featured the work of over sixty talented women arts practitioners, each bringing their own unique practices to the forefront. Work of Art not only celebrates these regional artists but also sparks important conversations about the future of regional arts. In addition to these artists, another 60 or so people attended.
Hosted across multiple venues in and around the Orange Cultural Precinct and presented in collaboration with partners including Theatre Network NSW, Creative Plus Business and Arts OutWest, the program included a variety of performances, art exhibits and dynamic discussion. Prominent mentors such as musician Fanny Lumsden, former Archibald Prize winner Cherry Hood shared their insights as regional women in the arts and all those attending the forum were invited into these discussions covering issues of sustainability, inclusion and regional identity in the arts and creative industries.
The event, ticketed at a reasonable cost, offered the chance to talk, network and meet with industry representatives. Those more interested in active art-making chose from seven workshops ranging from weaving to woodworking as meditative practice. Additionally there was opportunities for the community to get involved through free exhibitions at the 2nd Orange Scout Hall, the CWA Hall Orange and the Hotel Canobolas. Theatre performances took place in the late afternoon at the Uniting Church in Anson Street and live music was enjoyed in the Cultural Precinct and at Badlands Brewery.
RANSW CEO, Dr Tracey Callinan OAM, said “I am a firm believer that regional NSW is the most dynamic and exciting place to be in the Australian arts industry, and this showcase and forum event is our way of demonstrating that”. This will be a much-needed opportunity for the industry to gather in celebration of the incredible work happening in the regions and plot the best way forward for regional arts practitioners in times of change.
Tickets for the Work of Art Showcase and Forum, made possible with funding from Women NSW and the Regional Arts Fund.
A project of: Regional Arts NSW
Where: State-wide 2023-2024 with forum and showcase event Orange November 20204
When: 2023-2024
Supported by: The Australian Government through the Regional Arts Fund; the NSW Government through Women NSW