Orange, 14 & 15 November 2024. A two-day discussion and showcase centred on women of regional NSW. Presented by Regional Arts NSW with support from Arts OutWest and in partnership with 14 Regional Arts Development Organisations.
The Work of Art pilot program, aimed at fostering business development for women in the creative industries across regional NSW, recently culminated in a vibrant two-day showcase in Orange. This initiative, led by Regional Arts New South Wales (RANSW) and funded by Women NSW, brought together over 60 women from diverse arts practices to celebrate their achievements and explore the unique challenges and opportunities of working regionally.
The program’s finale, held on November 14–15 around the arts precinct in Orange offered a packed schedule of workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, and performances, casual meet ups, and social events designed to highlight the participants’ talents and facilitate dialogue around regional arts practice.
The event kicked off on Thursday morning at the Orange Regional Art Gallery with a welcome. An opening free outdoor concert featured performances by Alyce Fisher, Abby Smith and Carm Hogan and a site-specific dance work by Beth Lane.
Forum roundtables and panel discussions at the Canobolas Hotel addressed critical topics such as sustainability, arts and wellbeing, and the benefits and challenges of regional practice.
Across the two days were exhibitions at Orange Scout Hall and CWA Orange, and film screenings at Orange Regional Gallery.
On Thursday afternoon at the Uniting Church the Central West’s Catherine McNamara gave a taster of her work in development ‘ViV!’, with the support of musician and composer Cindy Fox and members of the group Compareo. It was so warmly and emotionally received we’re even more excited for the full public production in August 2025.
Day one ended with a hilarious cabaret at Badlands Brewery featuring women from The Work of Art program.
The second day expanded on the themes of inclusion, connection, and mindful making. This included The Big Meet-Up, where attendees met industry leaders from organisations such as Create NSW, Creative Plus Business, the Creative Recovery Network and Theatre Network NSW.
A highlight of both days were the 20 x 20 slide presentations by women in the Work of Art program that gave a real insight into the inspiring women involved – and some inspirational ideas. Orange Regional Museum‘s two presentations on items from the collection that they will be calling artists to respond to got lots of ideas flowing.
Friday also included sector specific panels and lots of very relaxing looking (we ourselves only looked on enviously) hands-on workshops in woodworking, clay, fibre and more.
There was showings of work in development by Alyce Fisher and Carm Hogan.
The official bit of the program concluded with a Sip and Support Social Arts Fundraiser at The Hive. Attendees bid on artwork and services, raising funds for a scholarship to support regional women in the arts and creative industries in NSW (the Arts OutWest team got into the spirit of the bidding and came away with new artworks to take home). The night – and the two days – ended with a solo live performance or new original tunes by Lithgow’s Abby Smith at Badlands Brewery.
The Work of Art was funded by Women NSW. A project of Regional Arts NSW.
More images and quick films on our Instagram
See the artists from the NSW Central West participating in The Work of Art
Read about the TNN State of Exchange that interlinked with The Work of Art in Orange
Gallery of official images by Dubbo photographer Snaps By Madds
More pictures by Arts OutWest
