Arts North West is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2024 Quick Response Micro Grants, a funding initiative that supports the rich artistic landscape of the region.
These flexible microgrants, providing up to $1,000 per award, enable independent artists, community groups, and arts organisations to bring their creative visions to life, ultimately enhancing the arts and culture in our communities.
This year, 18 unique and inspiring projects were selected from a large pool of applicants, with over 17,000 distributed to artists, groups, and organizations. Recipients span a variety of artistic disciplines, from traditional Gomeroi weaving by Lorrelle Munro and Kurdish folk music by Shingal Music, to puppet automation by Fiona McDonald and wood artistry by David of Wood We Create.
Through these grants, Arts North West is fostering local talent and enriching the communities through diverse creative contributions. Each project has been selected based on its potential to inspire, engage, and connect with the community. The funded initiatives include interactive workshops, cultural performances, music recordings, exhibitions, and professional development, all dedicated to sharing art with the wider community.
And the recipients are:
Lorrelle Munro, Tamworth LGA
Creating woven artworks rooted in Gomeroi weaving traditions using locally-sourced Lomandra grasses at Warrabah National Park, inspiring future works to be displayed in Tamworth.
The Florin Arc, Armidale LGA
Recording a 10-track music album at Golden Retriever Studios in Sydney, blending instrumentation and studio expertise to craft a polished final piece.
Shingal Music, Armidale LGA
Bringing Kurdish (Ezidi) folk music to wider audiences, this project by Ezidi refugee musicians will preserve cultural heritage and foster community connection.
Mary McMillan, Armidale LGA
Expanding textile techniques at the ‘Landscape Fragments’ workshop by award-winning artist Julia Wright, enhancing her practice of nature-inspired textile art.
Janna Hayes, Armidale LGA
Acquiring a 60×64″ tapestry loom to produce large-scale, hand-dyed wool works, exploring human creativity through an intricate fusion of organic and methodical design.
Amy Schultz, Liverpool Plains LGA
Recording original music and engaging in professional development for educational music performances, benefiting students at Willow Tree Public School.
Taleiah Conlan, Gunnedah LGA
Establishing a digital presence and acquiring art supplies to support larger commissions, aiding her growth as a Gomeroi artist.
Armidale Piper, Armidale LGA
Launching a digital shopfront for the business, enabling broader reach and integration across social platforms for marketing and sales.
James Warren: Australian Poetry Hall of Fame, Armidale LGA
Hosting the Poets on the Mountain Festival with workshops and school outreach to develop and celebrate poetic voices within the community.
Solasta Performing Arts, Narrabri LGA
Supporting an end-of-year performance at the Crossing Theatre, creating a high-quality showcase for students at no charge to the community.
Wood We Create, Walcha LGA
Launching the exhibition Created from Ash, showcasing local Claret Ash trees’ journey from tree to art, complemented by a videography project documenting the transformation.
Arts Gunnedah, Gunnedah LGA
Covering venue and display costs for gallery workshops, enriching the Gunnedah community’s engagement with art.
Isabelle Devos, Armidale LGA
Exploring the Liverpool Plains for her exhibition at Weswal Gallery, blending landscape painting with local history and community storytelling.
Lisa Marple, Narrabri LGA
Developing techniques for her #bullawacreeklove exhibition, combining painting, weaving, and cyanotype printing inspired by natural elements.
Awan Eveleigh (Mosaics by Awan), Narrabri LGA
Conducting a mosaic workshop for youth at the Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre, fostering artistic skill and community involvement.
Mona Fernando, Moree LGA
Delivering weaving and painting workshops in regional schools, sharing artistic skills and enhancing local cultural experiences.
Jane Stewart (Stellar Music School), Tamworth LGA
Supporting choir direction and rehearsals for Christmas events, ensuring a high-quality performance and music purchases for the choir’s repertoire.
Fiona McDonald, Armidale LGA
Developing interactive puppet automatons using gears and motion sensors to create engaging, responsive artworks that bring characters to life.
“Arts North West congratulates the recipients, whose creativity and passion for the arts continue to enrich our communities,” said Arts North West Executive Director, Lauren Mackley.
“The volume and quality of applications were awe-inspiring, and we thank everyone who applied.”
Arts North West extends its congratulations to all recipients and thanks everyone who applied. These projects will not only enrich the local arts community but also inspire creativity across the region. For more information on upcoming grants, visit our website.
Top image: Isabelle Devos’ work ‘The Corner Shop Held a Certain Significance’ (supplied)
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