You are invited to a truly authentic and fun filled bush dance in the beautiful Upper Hunter Valley. Traditional music will be performed acoustically by Hunter musicians ‘Waltzing Jack’ & Friends in the historic timber-lined Baerami Hall, in a picturesque valley at 1361 Bylong Valley Way, Baerami, near Sandy Hollow & Denman. Arrive from 4pm…
From Shakespeare and African drumming to relaxation and massage, Singleton Youth Venue’s first ever Youth Fest – Teens in 19 aims to help young people uncover their hidden talents and reach their potential. The three-day event will be held on Friday 26 April, Saturday 27 April and Sunday 28 April, with a packed program including…
Calling all emerging and established makers, designers, artists, and food and drink purveyors! Applications are open now for The Olive Autumn Seasonal Market at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. With over a decade of producing successful creative markets The Olive Tree Market was recently nominated by Better Homes and Gardens as one of the “Eight best…
Arts Access Victoria will be opening applications for the Stella Young Award on the 30th April. This award is open to any young artist with disability, 16-30 years, working in comedy, performing arts and/or screen, who have used their art to challenge the social narrative about disability. The award is $3000. For all the details…
Local artist and Teachers Aide, Leanne Ward, has been working with the students at the Muswellbrook High School as part of the school’s visual art program. Leanne said, “The large seascape mural was created from a workshop I conducted with Yr 7 students from a 2018 class. I asked them to draw anything related to…
Since 2007, in the small town of Doisaket – – just 30 minutes outside of Chiang Mai city, ComPeung has hosted over 100 artists in all disciplines from every corner of the world. They offer warm, engaging hospitality with fresh home-cooked meals daily and provides all the basic necessities for living in a semi-rural, tropical…
The Singleton Mechanics Institute will be a headline in Singleton’s Australian Heritage Festival program for this year as the subject of an exhibition of photographs and artefacts as well as a topic at a special High Tea & History event. Singleton Public Library has joined forces with Family History Society Singleton Inc to celebrate the…
The $10,000 acquisitive Newcastle Foundation Art Prize is open to all artists living in the Hunter Valley. This year’s theme and dimensions of works for the prize have been announced. This year’s theme is Cornucopia: “When first settled by Europeans, Newcastle and the Hunter was recognised for its abundance of flora and fauna. Images of…
Are you new to writing and wondering how to get your words down on paper? Or are you already writing and looking to go to the next level? Want to make your fiction soar? Writing Gymnastics will look at ways to make your stories leap into life. Facilitator Megan Buxton taught secondary English for thirty…
The Murrurundi and District Historical Society’s is proud to present this exhibition of models from regional taxidermists Kevin and Leanne Bowman, and Steve Miller. The exhibition features birds, animals and fish. Venue: God’s Waiting Room (next door to the Murrurundi Museum) Mayne St, Murrurundi. Open: Weekends 10am to 1pm, Other times by appointment. Exhibition closes:…
Scone Arts & Crafts will be holding their 23rd Annual Members Exhibition alongside the Annual Scone Horse Festival in May 2019. This will be a ‘Members’ Exhibition’ (joining fee $25.00 annually). open to anyone who is a current financial member. Entry is free and if your work is sold we take 20% of the sale…
She has been likened to Evelyn Waugh and Agatha Christie, and now award –winning author Sulari Gentill is heading to Singleton Public Library in March for a free author talk, and everyone is welcome. Sulari Gentill is the mastermind behind the critically-acclaimed Rowland Sinclair mysteries, with a list of impressive awards to her name including…
Create NSW has announced that a new round of Arts and Cultural Projects 2018/19 funding that opened on Monday 25 February, following the distribution of $1.7m for 39 projects including $500,000 for 13 across Western Sydney through earlier rounds. Open to individual artists, arts and cultural workers, partnerships and organisations, the Arts and Cultural Projects…
Arts Upper Hunter is hosting an exhibition by Jess Dugan, a local photographer, from the 11 March to the 18 April in our office foyer at 142 Bridge St, Muswellbrook. ‘Happiness is different for everyone. One thing that might make one person happy, another doesn’t give thought to. During some recent training I did…
Arts Upper Hunter has just announced the dates for the tour of Choo Choo Troupe’s hilarious family show “You’ll Never Guess Where I Hid the Cheese”. Dungog – 23 September Singleton – 24 September Muswellbrook – 25 September Merriwa – 26 September Scone – 27 September Murrurundi – 28 September This is a very funny…
Saturday 27th April 2019, 7.30pm Venue: St Mary-on-Allyn Church, 840 Allyn River Road, Allynbrook (near Gresford) Tickets: $150 including light supper and drinks afterwards. Bookings and information: Email Lisa johnandlisa@activ8.net.au John Lill is a famous British pianist. This will be his only Australian performance. John Lill is the kind of pianist you thought they…
Entries close: 15 March 2019 If you had a work published or released during 2018 you may be eligible to enter this year’s Awards. Prize money is awarded in each category with up to $80,000 for winners and $5,000 for shortlisted books. Awards are presented across six categories: •children’s literature •young adult literature •fiction •poetry…
Saturday 16th March at 7pm Venue: Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 30 Queen Street, Singleton The Brandenburg’s principal baroque flautist Melissa Farrow has carefully curated a program to represent the distinctive styles of English and French music from the early and mid-eighteenth centuries. The concert will include works by Handel, Lully, Playford,…
Presented by the Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter, the Yancoal 2019 Singleton Art Prize is a painting and drawing show. Wide range of categories, total prize pool is $16,825. Entries close Friday 12 April 2019. For all the details including guidelines and entry form please visit http://singletononhunterrotary.org.au/singleton-art-prize Image: Taken at 2010 Singleton Art Prize,…
To support farmers and communities during the big dry, Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network invites you to submit a grant application of up to $50,000 for activities that promote wellbeing in our community. Activities can include: Community events or workshops Events to improve physical and mental health, like exercise, sport, yoga…
Local award-winning and bestselling author, Tea Cooper is heading to Singleton Library in February for an intimate author talk and everyone is invited. Thursday 21 February 5.30pm to 7pm. Singleton Library Free – bookings essential. Cooper’s latest release, The Woman in the Green Dress, is set in the Hawkesbury during 1853 and 1919, and in…
Sacred Spaces at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, Singleton, Hunter Valley Saturday 9 February 2019 at 8pm. A classical instrumental ensemble from the famous German musical city of Cologne returns to the stunning Sisters’ Chapel on their 2019 Australian tour. Violin, oboe and cello soloists, accompanied by other musicians in the ensemble. You may BYO…
The State Library NSW has just announced a new short film prize worth $20,000 – Shortstacks. The State Library of NSW announced the launch of its inaugural short film prize Shortstacks, with a total of $20,000 on offer across two categories. Shortstacks is now open to established, emerging and first-time filmmakers of all ages, but…
Small Forest will be hosting an exhibition Tomoko Oka who is a Japanese calligraphy artist based around Sydney and the Central Coast. Demonstration – Saturday 2 February, 1pm. Venue: Small Forest. Denman Exhibition open: 2nd February 2019 to 31st March 2019, weekends 10am to 4pm Website: http://smallforest.com.au/ Tomoko practiced calligraphy from the age of ten.…
Singleton has celebrated Australia Day with an official ceremony including the Australia Day address by decorated army colonel Iain Cruickshank, a citizenship ceremony to welcome 36 new Australians and the announcement of Singleton’s leading citizens. 2017 Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of fame inductee Peggy Moore was named 2019 Citizen of the Year, for her tireless…
Agora Gallery is pleased to invite artists from across the globe to enter the 34th Annual Chelsea International Fine Art Competition. Selected artists will receive prizes and opportunities that will grant invaluable exposure, boost recognition, and promote career growth. “The Chelsea International Fine Art Competition has been an annual tradition within New York City’s vibrant…
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin is calling on NSW artists to be the first participants of a new partnership between Create NSW and internationally-acclaimed Sydney production company Animal Logic. Three experienced NSW artists are sought across a wide spectrum of art forms, for the Animal Logic Artist in Residence pilot initiative, with each artist…
An outdoor concert by Anthony Albrecht at Callicoma Hill Eco-cabins, Hunter Valley Sat 12 January 2019 from 6pm As the sun sets on the forest, be immersed in a nature-led, outdoor, acoustic performance of Bach and other baroque favourites by UK-based cellist Anthony Albrecht. The program of this very different outdoor classical concert in a…
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. Our office will be closed Friday 21 December 2018 to Sunday 13 January 2019.
Maitland City Council is inviting artists to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the creation of contemporary installations in Maitland laneways. There are two opportunity’s available, with each installation carrying a separate historical theme, ‘Poverty’ and ‘Prosperity’. Artists are welcome to submit an expression of interest for one or both of the opportunities. …
Michael Johnsen MP, Member for Upper Hunter today announced $2,787,000 for Singleton to construct a new Arts & Cultural Centre through round two of the NSW Government’s $100 million Regional Cultural Fund. Mr Johnsen said the Arts & Cultural Centre in Singleton will benefit Singleton Council’s cultural efforts and many local community groups. “I heartily…
The Desert Festival is an annual platform that showcases local and interstate artists, celebrating artistic and cultural vibrancy throughout the Spring season in Alice Springs/Mparntwe. Expressions of Interest for the 2019 festival are open now and Red Hot Arts Central Australia are inviting local and interstate artists of all artistic disciplines to apply. Desert Festival…
Murrurundi is having it’s Twilight Christmas Shopping event Saturday 15th December. Local galleries, artists studios, shops and cafes will be open. In addition the Murra Country Markets will be on in the park. Date: Saturday 15 December. Venue: Venues throughout Murrurundi More details: Contact David Darcy at https://www.facebook.com/daviddarcyphoto/ Image: courtesy of David Darcy.
Arts Upper Hunter hosted two contemporary dance workshops run by Catapult Dance’s Toni Ambrogetti. Toni worked with performers from Showstoppers Performing Arts Company for People with Abilities at Scone and participants from integratedLiving Australia at Muswellbrook. Many thanks to Jill Hamling from Showstoppers Performing Arts Company for People with Abilities, and Chic Taylor from integratedLiving…
Arts and culture in regional NSW will continue to shine with an outstanding line-up of new creative projects fast-approaching thanks to over $259,000 in funding from the NSW Government, announced today by Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin. Through this funding, creative organisations from across regional and rural NSW will play host to range of…
Showcasing Talented People Within Our Communities The Singleton Showground will be a buzz this Saturday, 1st of December. Market Stallholders from our local communities will be in attendance showing their unique arts and crafts. So if your looking for a unique present be sure to come along and amble through the Stallholders have a bbq…
Saturday 8th December. 10am to 4pm. Scone Arts & Crafts Centre. 63 Kingdon St, Scone. Free entry. Everyone Welcome. Come and see what we do: Painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, photography, bridge, yoga, spinning and weaving, dance for little ones and bigger one too. Almost anything artistic that might interest you! Well priced objects to buy,…
The decorations are going up as Singleton prepares for the Hunter’s biggest community Christmas party with Christmas on John Street to have jingle bells ringing on Friday 7 December 2019. A big night of entertainment, music, food and fireworks is on everyone’s list, and Santa will be checking it twice with free photos at a…
In partnership with the Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW is calling for expressions of interest from inspiring NSW-based visual arts leaders to attend the Venice Biennale 2019 as mentors for emerging Australian visual artists. Two positions are available for proven leaders to travel to Venice to support up to eight participants from the…
Arts Upper Hunter hosted a one day drama workshop at St James’ Primary School Muswellbrook run by Tantrum Youth Arts’ Chris Dunstan (front right). Chris worked with year 5 & 6 students. At the end of the day the plays were performed for the whole school. Many thanks to Acting Principal Ashley Borg.
A new exhibition by emerging artist Lana Grant at Small Forest by Atsuko will feature a collection of works using graphite, soft pastel, acrylic, gold leaf and photography mediums. ‘Aurum’, meaning ‘gold’ in latin, focusses on the natural details and beauty seen throughout the Upper Hunter and is a celebration of flora and fauna that…
The artist call-out for the 2019 Emerging Writers’ Festival is now open! Whether you have a specific idea or would just like to be involved, submit before 2 Dec for your chance to be a part of the festival. Diversity, inclusivity and accessibility are the core values that underpin EWF’s artistic program, offering a unique…
On Saturday 3rd November, Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Don Harwin MLC announced Tamworth will be the next host city for Artstate, Regional Arts NSW’s celebration of arts across the state. The event will take place from Thursday, October 31st to Sunday, November 3rd 2019. Minister Harwin said, “Tamworth is an authentic Australian heartland…
The Toolkit is tailored to creative practitioners and small to medium organisations. It takes a “how to” approach, and details the steps needed to grow and develop income streams from sources such as philanthropy, sponsorship, crowdfunding and new products. Individual guides and fact sheets contain links to related information throughout the Toolkit, including successful case…
The National Arts and Disability Strategy is being renewed! The Department of Communications and the Arts wants to hear about your experiences in the sector, and how you think the participation of people with disability in the arts, screen and culture sector can be increased. How can I have my say on the National Arts…
Celebrating International day for People with A Disability. 1 December marks the International day for People with A Disability and this year Singleton celebrates with a twang at the annual Bush Dance & Dinner. The night is an opportunity for the community to come together to enjoy a night of fun and music and enjoy…
Saturday 24 November 2018 Escape the noise of the supercars in Newcastle, and come up to the forested mountainside for peace & quiet & fresh air – and see some historic ‘movies under the stars’. Movies Under the Stars is held annually at the Callicoma Hill Eco-cabins, 50km north of Singleton at Mt Royal, on…
9th to 11th of November 2018 Scone From bush poetry to steamy sex scenes, crime writing and conversations with living legends, this year’s Scone Literary Festival has it all. With the theme of “ The Magic and Power of Literature, the festival will take place over the weekend of November 10 and 11 and will…
Together, Create NSW and SBS will fund up to six short films by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmaking talent and content creators as part of a four-year initiative, with No Coincidence Media’s Mitch Stanley (Transblack, Colour Theory Underground, Servant or Slave) onboard to work as Executive Producer on this year’s successful projects. The initiative…
Now open for entries. Calling for short stories up to 2000 words. Over $7000 in prizes. The top 30-35 works will be published in the 2019 anthology. The judges are Annabel Smith and Tim Richards. Entries close: 4th February, 2019 For all the details please visit https://hunterwriterscentre.org/newcastle-short-story-award-2019/
1st to 4th November 2018 Bathurst (various venues) TICKETS: On sale now at www.artstate.com.au Artstate is a four-year program presented by Regional Arts NSW which aims to shine a light on excellence in regional arts practice and to explore the exciting possibilities for arts and cultural development across the state. The event will include a…
In collaboration with Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, Arts Upper Hunter hosted the fourth in this series of popular professional development events on Wednesday 14 November at the art centre. Fourteen artists each spent seven minutes one on one with each of five gallery professionals: Sandra McMahon (Director Weswal Gallery, Tamworth), Ahn Wells (Director Gallery 139,…
Quantum Words festival for writing about science is just around the corner! Saturday 3 November 2018 at Writing NSW, Callan Park. Covering topics from astronomy to consciousness, writing mental illness to the apocalypse, Writing NSW one-day festival explores the ways we come to understand ourselves, our world, and the expansive universe we live in. With…
A warm welcome to Arts Upper Hunter’s new board member Peter Carlin. Peter was co-opted as part of an ongoing process of moving to a skill based board model. After working as a contract designer and design manager, Peter and his partner Jane opened Haydon Hall, an art, design and cuisine business in Murrurundi. Peter…
Get ready to Dance in Dungog’s high street You’ll be able to dance the night away in Dowling Street this Long Weekend’s Sunday Night Street Party when the iconic Dog Trumpet takes over the main street during the Dungog Festival. The weekend will bring non-stop music, six artisans outlets showing their wares and no less…
Saturday 13 October 2018, 6pm, at the Barn, Mayne St, Murrurundi. The ENREC Studio Band feature of Tim Rickards new CD of diverse story songs, with the legendary Garry & Kirk Steel (Piano plus Accordion – from John Williamson to Kings Cross bars LOL), Christian Marsh (deluxe Harmonica) and James Gillard (from Mental as Anything…
Many thanks to all who attended our Upper Hunter Festival Forum, especially Professor John Connell and panel members: Jan Fallding, Deidre Peebles and Nancy Knudsen.
Entries for the 2019 Ramsay Art Prize open on 14 September inviting submissions from Australian artists under 40 working in any medium. Finalists are selected by an international judging panel with the selected works included in an exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Through the generosity of the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation,…
Be sure to save the date for Scone Short Film Festival on 22nd and 23rd September. Scone Films presents its annual short film festival, featuring a fantastic selection of world class Australian short films. Now in its tenth year, the festival only screens Australian short films. There is something for everyone, with a range of…
The inaugural Sculpture on the Farm exhibition at Fosterton outside Dungog will be held over the coming October long weekend to coincide with the Dungog Festival. There will be approximately 100 sculptures on display from both local sculptors and those from further afield and including prominent names, such as the late Inge King and Newcastle…
Create NSW has announced funding of nearly $250,000 to boost NSW screen practitioner skillsets and bring a range of screen experiences to audiences across the State. “In addition to delivering the most innovative, diverse and compelling events for audiences, we also want to ensure that our incredible screen workforce continues to upskill through as many…
The Upper Hunter Festival Forum was held on Tuesday 18th September at Singleton. Many thanks to everyone who attended Arts Upper Hunter’s Festival Forum and especially speakers Professor John Connell, Jan Fallding, Nancy Knudsen and Deidre Peebles. Festivals and major events are great for community and economic development but behind the scenes it’s not…
Arts Upper Hunter hosted a one day drama workshop on Monday 6 August at Murrurundi Public School run by Tantrum Youth Arts James Chapman. James worked with Year 5 & 6 students. Many thanks to Year 5 & 6 teacher Meghan Foley.
When was the last time you channelled your creative genius on a piece of footpath? Maybe, like so many of us, it was over a decade (or two!) ago when you were just a kid. This year Dungog Festival is to be richer than ever with a chalk art competition to take place in the…
Saturday 1 September. Murrrurundi. Well known Hunter Valley artist Rebecca Rath will be running a workshop on Saturday 1 September for visual artists interested in developing their use of social media. Using social media tools and platforms, visual artists have new ways to connect with audiences and buyers far and wide. And because these websites…
Get $100 off full-price registration until THIS FRIDAY 17 September 2018. On Friday 25 July, at the Australian Museum, Regional Arts NSW announced the program for Artstate Bathurst, a four-day event that will bring an expected 200 arts delegates to the city from 1st to 4th November 2018. Artstate Bathurst will feature a two-day conference…
Running an arts festival in regional NSW? Suffering volunteer burnout? A new stream as part of the Regional Arts Fund can help build your event with a paid coordinator. Regional Arts NSW know how hard volunteers work in regional communities, and that sometimes the juggle between work, life and festival management can be overwhelming. As…
Saturday 29 September 2018. 9.15am to 1.15pm. Dungog Start writing that script you have burning up inside you, get a toolbox full of great tips and hints, and develop a scene in this script-writing adventure. Bring your own idea or not, either is fine, and it can be TV, feature or short. There’s some pre-work…
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 September 2018 Clarence Town Dungog-Clarence Town CWA presents its popular Quiltarama on Saturday 08 September 2018, 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 09 September 2018, 10 am – 3 pm at the Clarence Town School of Arts Hall, Grey Street, Clarence Town and the Clarence Town Senior Citizens Day…
Everyone has a secret space. Whether it’s your room, the quiet spot in the park or that spot on the street where something important happened. Perhaps your secret space isn’t a place at all? Hunter Writers Centre’s Youth Writing Prize calls for people aged 16-35 living in the Hunter to write a piece on the…
Applications for the 2019 round of the Country Arts Support Program (CASP) are now open. CASP provides grants to arts and cultural groups, not for profit organisations and local councils in regional NSW for short term, locally initiated projects. Schools can’t apply but school Parents and Citizens’ Associations can. The grants of up to $3,000…
The Blue Heeler Film Festival is back – and 2018 is shaping up to be a watershed year for local short film producers with a new patron, substantial cash prizes to be won and the Gold Bluey Award up for grabs. Inspired by star of the big and small screen, Sigrid Thornton, who has graciously…
There has been a recent renewal of energy and interest in revitalising the historic Bandon Grove School of Arts Hall about 10 kilometres north of Dungog. The School of Arts Committee aim to reconnect residents of the Bandon Grove area by making the hall relevant and refurbishing the building. This has motivated a couple of…
On Monday 28 May at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Regional Arts NSW launched Artstate Bathurst, the second iteration of a four-year program building upon conversations, partnerships and opportunities for regional artists and arts organisations. Partnering with Arts OutWest, this four-day event in Bathurst will welcome an anticipated 200 arts industry delegates and include a…
Sculpture on the Farm will be held at “Fosterton” opening on Friday 28 September at 5pm, then Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 September and Monday 1 October, 2018. This inaugural exhibition and sale of sculptures will be held in conjunction with the renowned Dungog Festival, which is a celebration of the arts, local food and rural life and attracts people from all over the state.
Kaput, the multi-award winning family show has melted hearts of all ages around the world with its glorious brand of slapstick, acrobatics and total silliness. Be swept up in the mayhem that is the larger-than-life ‘elegant buffoon’ Tom Flanagan, as one man’s life is flipped upside down by the lonely dust covered world that surrounds…
Have you always wanted to write or been writing alone at home for years? Then join our Creative Writing course lead by Karen Crofts director of Hunter Writers Centre to help you whether you’re anew or seasoned writer. This workshop is presented by the Singleton Public Library in partnership with Arts Upper Hunter and the…
WORKSHOP IS FULLY BOOKED Visitors Welcome Get weaving in your own creative way with Saori free style weaving! This weekend workshop is for anyone and no experience at all is an advantage in weaving this creative cloth. You’ll be weaving in a few minutes and take home a unique piece of cloth. All looms are…
Making Art Work: An Economic Study of Professional Artists in Australia by David Throsby and Katya Petetskaya is the sixth in a series carried out independently over thirty years by Professor Throsby at Macquarie University, with funding from the Australia Council. The series tracks trends in the lives and working conditions of Australian artists over…
The Creative Achievement Awards celebrate and reward the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams and organisations that have helped raise the global profile of the creative industries in NSW. Nominations close 16 March 2018 This year there are three categories: 1) The prestigious NSW Creative Laureate. This award recognises an individual, team or organisation making a…
The NSW government has announced $17,458 in arts project funding to the Arts Upper Hunter’s region. The funding was part of the NSW Government’s CASP which is administered by Regional Arts NSW and the 14 NSW regional arts development organisations of which Arts Upper Hunter is one. Nearly $250,000 was distributed for 76 projects across…
Opening the latest exhibition by Murrurundi & District Historical Society, Brad Franks, Manager of Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre said the small community was fast developing into an art clique in the Upper Hunter. Around 40 people turned out for the opening and witnessed not only a complete change in art directions but also a revamped exhibition…