News

Last year Scone-based artist Janno McLaughlin set herself the task of sewing & assembling a quilt as big as a house to deliver to the Ukrainian embassy in London then on to Ukraine to be wrapped Christo-like around significant landmarks. More than 9,000 patches have been received from all around the world: an outstanding show…

Arts Upper Hunter (AUH) is one of fifteen not for profit Regional Arts Development Organisations funded by the NSW Government. Servicing the LGAs of Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter, AUH also receives contributions from these councils. The board meets four to six times a year in various locations or via Zoom. While the position…

Upper Hunter Youth Services, located in Muswellbrook, is an organisation that provides counselling, casework, support and after school youth programs, is after an Art Teacher/Person to lead or facilitate a small workshop for our young people during April 2023 School Holidays, which is also Youth Week 2023. The Workshop will consist of 10-25 young people,…

Thanks to a grant from Regional NSW’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, the Liddell WORKS Creative Residencies program now has more happening! The iconic Liddell Power Station is retiring in April 2023 and, in collaboration with AGL, Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre and others, we have been developing a program to mark the transformation. Now with our…

Liddell WORKS – artist residencies  The iconic Liddell Power Station is shutting down in April 2023 and Arts Upper Hunter, in collaboration with AGL, Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre and others, is developing a creative project called Liddell WORKS.   The core of the project is an innovative program of artist “residencies”, culminating in a major…

The Federal Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, has released Australia’s first national Cultural Policy in almost a decade and it’s worth a read. It’s built around five “pillars”, namely First Nations First; A Place for Every Story; Centrality of the Artist; Strong Cultural Infrastructure; and Engaging the Audience. An intriguing item that will affect…

Hive & Gobbler is a destination hub in Dungog for sharing in creativity, slow-living and sustainability ideas. Sharing knowledge is a focus.  They have a calendar packed with workshops, regular classes and in-store demos. They also cater for group bookings and a range of activities and workshops to suit most group sizes, and can cater for social, corporate or…

The Hunter Writers Centre is seeking a new Director, with the full-time position commencing in February 2023. Applications close January 27, 2023. Apply now at: https://www.seek.com.au/job/59552338   Image courtesy of HWC

The board and staff of Arts Upper Hunter wish you a happy, safe and creative festive season. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you in the new year. Arts Upper Hunter will be closed Thursday 22 December 2022 and opens on Tuesday 3 January 2023.

Gresford (and East Gresford) are getting into murals. The Gresford Public Art Project is a long term project that will see the development of many public works across the township. The organising committee is looking for mural artists from across the Hunter. If you would like to contribute your details for the project, please get…

This qualification gives you the skills you need to develop your creative practice. You will learn to collaborate on art projects, build your portfolio and create your career as an artist. Information Session on 18 January 2023. This is a full time course, Monday & Tuesday for 18 weeks. Commences Monday 6 February 2023. For…

Arts Upper Hunter has new staff! Three part-time Project Officers are working on a range of projects and sundry activities. (Sundry activities will include talking to you about your art practice and needs, grants, promotions, issues facing artists and communities, and more.) Suzannah Jones brings many years of experience in Regional Arts Development in South…

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin and Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell have announced Singleton and Murrurundi will benefit from over $230,000 in funding thanks to the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program. Singleton Council and the Murrurundi Arts & Crafts Council Inc. have two of the 82 projects sharing in a total of $11.7 million…

Community and sporting facilities in the Singleton, Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter council areas are among 13 Upper Hunter Electorate projects which have secured a share of $400,000 funding through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program. Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities…

MusicNSW’s highly-successful Regional Music Officer program is gearing up for its next instalment. Having recently successfully confirmed for four-year funding for the program, MusicNSW is kicking off 2023 with the addition of five regionally-based roles to its team. The five positions will provide on-the-ground tailored support for regional musicians, venues and live music professionals to…

The Scone Grammar School has an exciting opportunity for a Visual Arts Teacher to join their dynamic team to commence 25 January 2023 or at a date to be negotiated. The successful candidate will be able to teach Visual Arts Stage 4-6. This a full-time 12-month contract to cover Maternity Leave. Please visit the link…

The Murrurundi Arts & Crafts recently held two very creative and successful weekend workshops. Agnes Lingane, Secretary of the MACC, provided the following report. Book Binding Workshop: A terrific weekend was had by all on the 19-20 November in learning new skills/techniques or adapting skills to a new craft of making books. It was also…

Along with Muswellbrook Shire Council, who since 1958 has acted as sponsor and administrator of the Muswellbrook Art Prize, Bengalla Mining Company has generously sponsored the Prize for close to three decades, their commitment ensures the development of the Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection. Categories are: * Painting ($50,000 acquisitive) * Works on Paper ($10,000 acquisitive)…

Create NSW is offering grant information sessions to provide artists and arts and cultural organisations with information on the Arts & Cultural Funding Program. Are you an NSW artist, group or arts and cultural organisation? Are you considering applying for round 2 of the Arts & Cultural Funding Program opening on 5 December 2022? This…

AUDITIONS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED. MATS advised due to unexpected circumstances they have had to postpone the auditions. Please visit their website for more details.   The Muswellbrook Amateur Theatrical Society (MATS) are excited to announce their 2023 production, MATS The Musical. A musical showcase celebrating their past, future and theatrical dreams. Featuring many musical classics…

The Merriwa Gallery is calling for workshop facilitators for the Gallery’s back to back workshop block in the 2023 Easter School Holidays. Thursday 13 to Sunday 22 April 2023. Facilitators being sought for kids/adults/mixed aged group or groups. Morning, afternoon or evening. Mixed Media. EOIs accepted until all vacancies filled, otherwise close 28 February 2023…

Artists are invited to respond to an unusual space in the Scone CBD for public mural artwork. Once the well-known Niagara Cafe, 133 Kelly St is now a throughway and amenities area. Several walls offer the chances for treatment through an innovative and engaging approach that speaks to the place, its history, or another theme…

Singleton Council are seeking an Arts and Culture Program Officer, to join their team for 3 days a week, initially for 8 months, but with a view to become more long term for the right candidate! This new role will bring expertise and energy to assist with the development and delivery of an innovative and…

Project Officer / Communications Staff Extended Deadline to Apply – now 9 September! Are you looking for the chance to work for the creative industries in our region? Arts Upper Hunter is seeking people who are keen to be involved in regional arts and culture, working flexible hours. We are looking for multi-skilled people to…

Muswellbrook Shire Council is one of the six councils awarded a share of more than $400,000 through the inaugural round of the NSW Government’s Social Cohesion Grants to support projects aimed at rebuilding, reconnecting and strengthening communities. Council has received almost $60,000 to implement a joint project with Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council – Building…

Applications are now open for artists and arts and cultural organisations to tour their work across regional NSW as part of Create NSW’s Regional Arts Touring Program. Create NSW Interim Chief Executive Annette Pitman said Regional Arts Touring will deliver significant benefits for regional communities. “We want our regional communities to be able to experience…

The Australian Photographic Society (APS) and its Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize (MCPP) is delighted to announce a major sponsor partnership. Already a significant MCPP sponsor in both 2021 and 2022, Bengalla Mining Company Pty. Ltd. has now committed to an annual $15,000 cash sponsorship for the Prize. Advising the MPCC Management Team of this wonderful…

Arts Upper Hunter is seeking feedback from the arts and cultural communities of our region (that covers Dungog, Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter council areas) on what professional development opportunities they’d like to see come to their region. Would you benefit from grant writing, website building, or social media workshops? Or perhaps a workshop on…

Arts Upper Hunter would like to know if you’ve been impacted by the recent floods that swept the region. Information we collect will be used by Create NSW and Arts Upper Hunter to help develop support where needed. Please contact John on 0409 382 509 or via rado@artsupperhunter.com.au Other support available: Museums & Galleries NSW …

Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre is going from state-of-the-art to cutting edge within mere months of operation with a $448,600 grant under the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program to support the centre’s fit-out digital activation. Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell MP was on hand at the opening of the Rotary Club of Singleton on…

Local councils, not-for-profit organisations and Local Aboriginal Land Councils can now apply for funding to support creative cultural infrastructure projects that improve arts and cultural facilities. This funding is part of the NSW Government’s $72 million Creative Capital program. Minor Works and Equipment grants are available for minor capital works projects, master-planning and equipment including…

Upper Hunter author Paula Stevenson has recently debut her picture book, ‘Buster follows his Nose’. This delightful book has been written for kids 3-7 years. Paula advises, “The book was published by a local publisher in Armidale, Little Pink Dog Books and is available for sale through their website or from any good book store…especially…

Entries are now open for the 57th Scone Art Prize. Wide range of categories. Total prize pool is $10,000. Click to download an entry form Entries close on 12 August 2022.  

Create NSW is calling for applications across NSW to its 2022/23 Artform Advisory Boards. Expressions of interest are encouraged from members of small and medium-sized organisations and major arts companies, and individual practitioners and artists across all artforms, including professional artists, producers, business managers and independent company leaders. Create NSW Interim Chief Executive Annette Pitman…

Here is a message from the Mayor of the Singleton Council. “As extreme weather and flooding again affects our local government area and with evacuation orders in place, I encourage everyone to follow the directions of the SES and emergency services and to keep safe during this time. As usual, we are fortunate to have…

Applications for Regional Arts Fund (RAF) Project Grants are officially open. The Project Grants will fund high-quality arts projects benefiting regional or remote artists, arts workers, audiences and communities. The focus of the project could include any area of creative practice, multiple art forms or cross-disciplinary practice.   There have been some changes to this…

As reported in the June ArtSparks, Scone artist Janno McLaughlin has set herself the task of sewing/assembling a quilt as big as a house to deliver to the Ukrainian embassy in London then on to Ukraine to be wrapped Christo-like around significant landmarks. Janno is asking for people all over Australia (and the world) to get…

Australian artists and arts workers are invited to participate in a research project about the visual arts sector in Australia. Click to commence survey. Visual Arts Work aims to strengthen the sustainability of the Australian visual art industry. We know incomes are low for artists and arts workers and this research seeks to develop a…

The new Merriwa Gallery has excitedly had its first two exhibitions. Both photographic, the first planned over the Festival of the Fleeces weekend, and the second set up for the following week. The FOTF event was a co – exhibition featuring the works of Ellie Matthews’,‘for the love of rust’, and Roger Skinner’s ‘Landscapes et.al’.…

Experienced sector leader Karen Rodgers has been appointed as Director of Arts with Create NSW, a newly created role within the NSW Government’s agency responsible for arts, screen and culture. Ms Rodgers joins Create NSW from the Australia Council for the Arts and will be responsible for overseeing arts and cultural operational funding programs and…

This video was created by Anna Rankmore.   Arts Upper Hunter is supported by Create NSW, Dungog Shire Council Muswellbrook Shire Council Singleton Council and the Upper Hunter Shire Council.

The Gallery, which will be opening soon, is inviting expressions of interest in bookings for a two week exhibition block in the gallery. EOI are being sought by artists/creators from both the Upper Hunter and beyond. Email merriwagallery@gmail.com for details.

Janno McLaughlin is a regional artist based in Scone (3 hours north of Sydney) who has set herself the task of sewing/assembling a quilt as big as a house to deliver to the Ukrainian embassy in London then on to Ukraine to be wrapped Christo-like around a significant landmarks. With hand-stitched squares rolling in from…

Request for Proposal Open The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is seeking to engage a suitably experienced artist/s to design and paint a community inspired mural on their signal and communications boxes at Wingen, in the NSW Upper Hunter. They are seeking an artist with a connection to the area or the rail network to…

Current Chair, Howard Glenn recently announced that he and 4 other committee members will not be seeking re-election at the AGM on Sunday 22 May. Howard advised, “It is now time for new people to step up onto the committee. We leave the organisation in a healthy financial position, to continue its dual goals of…

The Scone Literary Festival has announced Cassilis farmer Shelley Piper as the winner of its 2022 Farmers’ Short Story Writing Competition. Shelley’s story was about the 2017 Sir Ivan bushfire that swept through their beef cattle property. Second prize went to Marina Lee-Warner for ‘Life of Brian’, with third prize shared between Bill Moses for…

Upper Hunter artists Grace Barnes and Jane Richens are two of twenty-nine artists from across NSW that have been announced as participants in the state-wide Regional Futures project. Regional Futures is a two-year state-wide creative project funded by Create NSW and delivered by the NSW Regional Arts Network which represents 15 members organisations that support…

The Hunter Valley Art Fair is being held on on the long weekend in June in Pokolbin. Artists and creatives are being invited to be part of this fabulous new event. Dates: 11, 12 and 13 June 2022 Venue:Pokolbin Community Hall Facebook: Website: http://www.huntervalleyartfair.com.au/ For all the details contact Kim Lundy and Suellyn Connelly 0429…

Presented by the Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter, the 2022 Yancoal Singleton Art Prize is a painting and drawing show. Entries are now open! More please visit http://www.singletononhunterrotary.org.au/singleton-art-prize/  

Are train sets Art? They are certainly creative, theatrical, intricate, often artisanal and aesthetically engrossing. And there’ll be three different ones to visit at the Murrurundi Rail 150th anniversary event on April 2 and 3. It’s a big weekend for the township, with much happening – you can even choo-choo up from Maitland (steam Picnic…

Arts Northern Rivers, one of the Regional Arts Development Organisations in the network Arts Upper Hunter belongs to, has launched a crowdfunding campaign seeking support to assist in the recovery from the catastrophic 2022 floods across the Northern Rivers region. Click here to donate: https://www.pozible.com/project/flood-recovery/ The creative sector across the entire region has collectively suffered…

A Great but Challenging Opportunity We are thrilled to announce an amazing opportunity for one or more artists from the Arts Upper Hunter region to develop new work, in a state-wide project called Regional Futures. Are you interested in collaboration, dialogue, challenging your own artistic practice through working with other artists and non-artists (thinkers, scientists,…

Create NSW is calling for applications for the Beyond the Studio: Early to Mid-Career Dance Fellowship with Sydney Dance Company, Conductor: NSW Orchestral (Early Career) Fellowship with Sydney Youth Orchestras, and the NSW First Nations Creative Fellowship with the State Library of NSW, as they again partner with prestigious arts and cultural organisations to support…

Mark Reedman passed away in early February last year. As a small but heartfelt memorial, we’re asking anyone to contribute a memory or image of Mark on AUH’s Facebook post. Here’s current Executive Director John O’Brien’s contribution: A few months before he died Mark Reedman, my predecessor here at Arts Upper Hunter, asked if I’d…

Are you currently or thinking about operating an Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Business in Regional NSW? or do you simply want to know more about what Cultural Tourism is? This workshop will showcase what Cultural Tourism is and undertake a series of interactive activities that will help you to know more about Cultural Tourism and will…

The Scone Literary Festival committee has made  the following announcement. “We’re is very disappointed to announce today that we’ve had to make major changes to our eagerly anticipated March festival due to the uncertainty and anxiety with COVID. A modified, community-focussed outdoor event is being planned to replace the packed, mostly indoor-focussed three-day program that…

Firstdraft and Metro Arts are now seeking proposals from regionally based NSW artists, for the 2022 exhibition program. An info session will be held on 19 January at 6.30 pm – book here ⁠ Firstdraft and Metro Arts are committed to diversity and strongly support applications from First Peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse…

Plan B, anyone?  Nothing is certain, not even art! As for making New Year’s Resolutions, my advice for 2022 is to put a little asterisk next to any resolution you make and mark it “weather/pandemic permitting”. Some internet gurus are advising us to choose different kinds of goals this year – eg “grow my skills”…

Museum Selfie Day invites the general public to go to a museum or gallery, take a selfie and post it on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #museumselfieday. The campaign to raise awareness of great collections of work stored in museums, was created in 2015 by Mar Dixon. This painting of Francis Little of Invermien,…

The board and staff of Arts Upper Hunter wish you a happy, safe and creative festive season. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you in the new year. Arts Upper Hunter will be closed 22 December 2021 to 4 January 2022. Our Muswellbrook Office re-opens 10 January.

Christmas is approaching and it’s been a heck of a year for many many people. For Arts Upper Hunter, 2021 was truly bittersweet. Let’s look back at this tumultuous year. In February Mark Reedman, a larger than life character in so many ways – that memorable voice, love of theatre, devotion to the communities he…

Next year is coming fast. Reopening is upon us. Some are already creaking open their doors and inviting viewers crowds listeners gawkers in. What are your plans? We’d love to know. Swing us an email telling us what you’re up to. rado@artsupperhunter.com.au Are you a venue with an intriguing program of music starting in, say,…

The Regional Futures project is currently seeking applications from regionally based creatives for three aspects of the project: 1. First Nations Curator – EOI (closes 15 Dec) – click here 2. Brand Identity – Request for Proposals (closes 13 Dec) – click here 3. Website Development – Request for Proposals (closes 13 Dec) – click…

Due to the current rain, flooding and road closures, our office in Muswellbrook is closed today, Friday 26 November. We apologies for any inconvenience this causes. Staff can be contacted by phone, email and PM. John O’Brien, Executive Director, on 0409 382 509 or via email rado@artsupperhunter.com.au Sandra Reichel, Office Manager, on 0481 166 415…

Two individuals and three community organisations have been inducted to the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame at a special COVID-safe event at Singleton Civic Centre recently. Current Singleton Citizen of the Year and NSW Rural Fire Service stalwart Fred Turner and aunty Jean Hands, the Chair of the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council, were…

The Cultural Tourism Accelerator Program is a $5 million targeted measure announced by the Australian Government as part of the Regional Arts Tourism package, which will enable arts organisations to promote and develop cultural events for tourists across regional Australia. The program will increase tourism visitation in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia by…

Dungog by Design wants to boost membership and is inviting artisans residing in the Dungog Shire to apply as exhibiting members. There is a selection process and an enjoyable 6 hour day per month in the gallery is required. Alternatively, if you would like to support Dungog Artisans Inc and be a part of this…

Around mid December, the unvaccinated will join the vaxed in more freedoms. Meanwhile the rusty gears of creative commerce are grinding back into motion. Please, support anything that’s opening, with all due caution, of course. Over the summer, I’d love it if you did some thinking (just drop the novel into the sand for a…

FIrstdraft (Gadigal Land, Sydney) and Metro Arts (Meeanjin, Brisbane) are delighted to announce a new two-year reciprocal partnership supporting two artists living outside of capital cities – one from NSW and another from QLD – to present work across both organisations in 2022 and 2023. The partnership between the two organisations will support the production…

The next instalment in Singleton’s Living Laneways activation program is set to kick off in Tre Bella Lane next month and everyone is encouraged to participate. Launching in December 2021, ‘Acoustic Alley’ is a soundscape experience powered by the University of Newcastle’s Future Art, Science and Technology Lab that invites people to record the sounds…

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for RANSW’s staff, partnerships, programs and growth to ensure that we continue to be the loudest voice in the room as the peak body for artists and arts and cultural organisations located in regional NSW.   RANSW’s CEO…

As work on the new Arts and Cultural Centre pushes ahead, Singleton Council is encouraging local creatives to be part of the newly formed Arts and Culture Advisory Group to help make the local government area the Hunter’s centre of creativity. Meeting at least four times a year, Vicki Brereton, Council’s Director Organisation and Community…

Screenworks is calling for applications to its three Career Pathways Programs which help regional screenwriters, directors and producers make stronger industry connections, build skills and advance their careers. The deadline for applications for each of the programs – Regional Producer Elevator Program, Director Pathways Program and Inside The Writers Room – is Friday 29 October…

Regional Stakeholder Forum 2021 Date: Friday 26 November 2021 Time: 9.00am-1.15pm Location: Webinar Price: Free, booking essential at https://www.maas.museum/event/regional-stakeholder-forum-2021/ Over the past year the way we connect to people and place has changed. Almost overnight, museums shifted their collections, exhibitions, and programming online. Working from home became the norm and, as a result, creative ways…

Audiences and creatives in the Upper Hunter will benefit from an increase to Arts Upper Hunter’s core funding as a result of a funding boost from the NSW Government. Through Create NSW the state government will invest over $3.4 million in the Regional Arts Network in 2021/22 that includes $200,000 per annum to each Regional…

Audiences and creatives in regional NSW will benefit from increased employment opportunities and exciting community initiatives as Regional Arts Development Organisations receive a funding boost from the NSW Government. The NSW Government, through Create NSW, will invest over $3.4 million in the Regional Arts Network in 2021/22 that includes $200,000 per annum to each Regional…

Hiya. What’s it mean to live creatively in a regional place? How do we engage with the land and communities we live in? How do we find support, and support others? How do we spread the word, make our art accessible, find a market, connect, build a career or a hobby that thrills us? We’ve…

Arts Upper Hunter’s phone numbers 6541 4776 and 0409 382 509 have been out of action. The problem has been resolved however at this stage we are unable to access any messages that may be been left in last week or so. Can you please call us if you are waiting for a call back.…

Communities across NSW will benefit from new and improved cultural infrastructure thanks to $60 million available through the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program. Applications for the Creative Capital grants open today (21 September) to address the demand for cultural infrastructure, support the creative economy and improve access for local communities to quality arts venues. Minister…

The NSW Government has announced Stay-at-home restrictions are in place for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and Cessnock local government areas until 11 October and Muswellbrook local government area until 5 October. For all the details visit NSW Health website. Here is a list of events that have been either cancelled or postponed and…

On the 17 September 2021 the NSW Government announced Dungog, Singleon and Upper Hunter local government areas were released from lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 situation. Muswellbrook LGA has since been placed into a 7 day lockdown with restrictions due to be lifted on 6 October. Arts Upper Hunter is compiling a list of…

The Paterson Allyn Williams Science Hub held a Masked Ball on Zoom that experimentally proved that you CAN have fun on Zoom. Highlights of the 21 August event included an interview with Dr Karl (who’s favourite plague is the Bubonic, but not for the reason you might think), lots of fun dancing and a wonderful…

Inspo x nature: a free music competition inspired by nature at Callicoma Hill Eco-cabins at Mt Royal, 50km north of Singleton. Can you write & record an original, short piece of music inspired by the natural environment at Callicoma Hill? The comp requires your inspiration to come from either your previous visit to Callicoma Hill,…

John O’Brien, the brand-new Executive Director of Arts Upper Hunter, brings an intriguing slate of skills to the job, with a background in music, film, TV, improvisation, museums, travel writing and community groups. Arts Upper Hunter (AUH) is one of 14 Regional Arts Development Organisations across the state. It’s a key community group for local…

Carlie Brown, Youth and Family Support Worker for Upper Hunter Youth Services said,” Spoonville originated from an idea by Upper Hunter Youth Services Youth Worker, Dennis Givney, after he saw a Spoonville story on the news one evening. During lockdown we have been engaging with our Youth Centre members via Zoom. Dennis thought “Spoonville” would…

The Regional Arts Network (RAN) consists of 14 Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADO) supporting and advocating for arts engagement in Regional NSW. RAN is about to embark on a 2 year Strategic Project (Project) and is seeking expressions of interest for a qualified project manager based in regional NSW. The role will oversee the development…

The Board of Arts Upper Hunter would like to thank Carolyn O’Brien for stepping into the role of Acting Executive Director following the unexpected passing of Mark Reedman earlier in the year. One of Carolyn’s advantages was that as a former Arts Upper Hunter Board Member and someone who had worked locally for many years,…

Support Act has announced that its COVID-19 Crisis Relief Grants are now open to applications for performing arts workers via the website. These one-off cash grants are valued at $2,000 for individuals and $2,700 for families with dependent children and are available to anyone working professionally in the performing arts, provided they meet a set…

Individual artists and small to medium arts and cultural organisations impacted by COVID-19 restrictions will soon be able to apply for COVID Development Grants to support the development of new work. Up to $300,000 in small development grants will be delivered through Create NSW. Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the grants would provide…

On the 14 August 2021 the NSW Government announced a state-wide lockdown due to the COVID-19 situation. Arts Upper Hunter has compiled a list of upcoming events in our region that have been postponed or cancelled. Please note, this list will be updated as information comes to hand.     Upper Hunter Shire  Aberdeen Highland…

Arts Upper Hunter is continuing to support local artists and cultural organisations. Due to the current COVID-19 situation  AUH has closed the office to the public. Our staff are being supported to work remotely. Please contact staff by phone, email or our social media platforms. Carolyn O’Brien, Acting Executive Director, on 0409 382 509 or…

The Australian Government is providing extra funding to two proven COVID-19 support measures for arts workers and arts companies, with an additional $20 million to go to Support Act and an additional $15 million to go to the Sustainability Fund. This additional funding will enable Support Act to broaden beyond its current support of the…

The NSW Government has announced Stay-at-home restrictions are now in place for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Cessnock local government areas from 5pm Thursday 5 August until 12.01am Friday 13 August. For details visit NSW Health website. The Upper Hunter Shire is not in lock down. Here is a list of…

The committee of the Dungog Arts Society regretfully announces the Annual Art Exhibition set down for October 1 to 10 has been postponed.   The Dungog Arts Society is calling for entries for their 2021 Annual Art Exhibition. Total prize pool is $6,500.00 The categories are: Open Cam & Lesley Skinner Traditonal Landscape Local Artist…

There has been some quiet film and screen rumblings on the Coffs Coast – other than Russell Crowe’s new film studio. The Screenwave International Film Festival has just finished its sixth festival, with a touch more than 11,000 festivalgoers converging on the beachside, mountain-hewn holiday town of Coffs Harbour this past April. And now, SWIFF…

Not-for-profit and commercial performing arts organisations, as well as live music venues can now apply for funding to keep the lights on and staff and performers in jobs thanks to the NSW Government’s $75 million stimulus package. The funding forms part of the up to $5.1 billion package announced yesterday to keep businesses in business…

Applications have officially re-opened for the Regional Arts Fund (RAF) Quick Response Grants! These Quick Response Grants are designed to support the immediate needs of regional artists where the activity is unable to be planned for or supported in other funding rounds, for example, access to professional development, skills development or small project opportunities that…

In response to the NSW Government restrictions due to COVID-19, AUH has been advised some art events have been postponed or cancelled and some venues are closing temporarily. This post will be updated as more information comes to hand.   Dungog Shire Dungog Tea Cosy – postponed. Call Pauline on 4992 3692. James Theatre Dungog…

Applications close: Monday 12 July 2021 NSW arts and cultural practitioners, including professional artists, producers, business managers and independent company leaders are invited to submit their expressions of interest for appointment to the 2021/22 Artform Advisory Boards. Successful applicants will join current Board Members on the 10 Artform Advisory Boards and work with the Chairs…

Roger Skinner, one of the artists currently featured at the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, recently gave the members of the U3A a guided tour. Roger has provided this image and account of the visit. “It was an arranged visit with members of U3A visiting the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, which forms part of their regular…

Anne Fisher from the Bandon Gove School of Arts has advised the Pizza Oven Project has been finalised. The community made tiles for the pizza oven and they are now in place and looking great! Congratulations to everyone who participated. Please visit the Hall on Chichester Dam Road and admire your artwork: Sarah; Anne and…

2021 marks the inaugural year of the Sone Horse Festival – NEIGHbour Art Competition. An idea founded by Scone Horse Festival Committee Member, former teacher and Scone local, Phil McGuirk, to help make up for no festival street parade on this year as well as a fresh approach to the window-dressing competition previously held. Phil…

  Presented by the Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter, the 2021 Yancoal Singleton Art Prize is a painting and drawing show. There is a wide range of categories and a total prize pool over $16,000. Entries close Friday 2 July 2021 For all the details including guidelines and entry form please visit http://www.singletononhunterrotary.org.au/singleton-art-prize/ Image:…

Arts Upper Hunter has relocated to: Shop 11, 30 to 34 Brook St, Muswellbrook Office is closed and will open Monday 17 May 2021 For urgent matters call 0409 382 509.  

Nominations are now open to recognise the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a special COVID-delayed 2020/2021 Upper Hunter NAIDOC Week Awards. Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore joined the Chairperson of the Upper Hunter NAIDOC Week Awards Committee aunty Jean Hands and other representatives of committee to officially launch the…

Ivan Skaines, Chair of Arts Upper, interviewed by ABC Newcastle Radio Ivan Skaines has been elected Chair of Arts Upper Hunter (AUH), at the Annual General Meeting held on 1 April 2021. He was previously Vice Chair. Ivan is looking forward to being able to make a contribution to the creativity of the Upper Hunter.…

The NSW Government has announced a new Service Needs Strategic Fund for arts, screen and cultural organisations, to meet the demand for professional development and capacity-building across the sector. $300,000 in targeted support will be made available in 2021 for NSW organisations to provide services, resources, and skills and career development for the arts and…

Entries are now being called for Sculpture on the Farm being held 1st to 10th October 2021. Wide range of categories and prizes. You can submit up to 4 works. This year large sculptures will be at “Fosterton”, 824 Fosterton Road, Fosterton, and smaller sculptures will be displayed in 3 venues in Dungog. For all…

If you operate a live music venue that has suffered financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for funding from the NSW Government’s Live Music Support package. This funding helps live music venues stay open and create employment opportunities for musicians, promoters and technicians. Eligible businesses can apply for funding to…

The board of Arts Upper Hunter has appointment Carolyn O’Brien as the Acting Executive Director and Anna Rankmore as the Restart Project Officer. Carolyn (left) has been a ‘local’ in the Upper Hunter area for a while, with qualifications in Business Management and Administration, with experience in marketing, event management, audience development, risk management, career…

The impulse to create and collect is innately human and can make life richer, fuller and deeper. And if you have a body of creative work or an interesting collection and are looking for an inclusive space to display your work or collection, the Muswellbrook Library is offering their spacious foyer to you. The Muswellbrook…

Applications close: 17 December 2021, or when fund is fully committed. To support the social and economic recovery of our regions, the NSW Government’s $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund helps organisations to attract new major international and domestic events to regional areas and supports existing regional events to grow even bigger and better. The…

It is with great sadness that the board of Arts Upper Hunter brings you the news that our Regional Arts Development Officer & Executive Director Mark Reedman, passed away unexpectedly from a suspected heart attack in early February. Arts Upper Hunter has been advised by Mark’s family that there was a private cremation and Mark’s…

NSW Government has announced that regional and rural arts organisations from around NSW are to benefit from $267,116 in small-grant funding. The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) will fund 83 organisations to support community arts and cultural development. Successful recipients in the Upper Hunter region are: Upper Hunter Community Services Inc Warriors Hip Hop Workshop…