On Sunday May 20 Weddin Shire hosted the Arts OutWest AGM and regional roundup. The annual event traditionally is a brilliant way to showcase the host areas finest arts assets while facilitating fantastic networking opportunities for all attendees. The day commenced with the Arts OutWest bus leaving Bathurst at 9am. Those travelling on the bus were then treated to a visit to the Cowra Regional Art Gallery to view the Calleen Art Award. The Calleen was won this year by Aboriginal artist Brian Robinson, while Grenfell artist Paul McKnight managed to secure a place as a Calleen Finalist, 2nd year running. Those wishing to view the works can visit the Cowra Regional Art Gallery until June 10.
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The bus arrived in Grenfell to a casual red carpet affair at the Grenfell Visitor Information Centre, where guests were treated to morning tea and sweets provided by "FOGLS" (Friends of the Grenfell Library). Attending in splendid vintage attire was Grenfell Dramatic Society’s President Kathrine Holmes and Festival Queen entrant Kelly Luthje. Fresh off the back of the Society’s Vintage Fashion Parade, the ladies injected some local class into the AOW AGM, alternating attire as we changed venues throughout the day. With a wardrobe that is the envy of the Central West it was a delight to view these garments as part of a modern day occasion. While at the Community Hub guests viewed Councils Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Acquisitive Collection as well as the current exhibition in the Grenfell Art Gallery titled ‘Shared Observations’ which features works by local artists Kathleen McCue, Nina Roderick and Allen Crowe. On the day Kathleen McCue also kindly hosted the Arts OutWest audience at her stunning Patina Gallery; this was one of two studio visits on the day. Paul McKnight generously opened his private space to our guests, both artists are noted as making a solid contribution to the success of the day.
As part of the official welcome on the day a formal Welcome to Country was delivered by Wiradjuri artist and Arts OutWest Board member Nyree Reynolds from Blayney. Nyree's welcome was extremely well received by the Arts OutWest gathering. Weddin Shire Mayor Mark Liebich also warmly welcomed our guests, and acknowledged the recent successes and infrastructure developments happening within the Weddin Shire. Mayor Liebich highlighted the new Aquatic Centre, our developing Medical Centre, TAFE Connected Learning Centre, our impending new Ambulance Station and mentioned Weddin's plans for it's brand new Sewerage Treatment Plant. Mayor Liebich congratulated Arts OutWest for their continuous effort to promote, and advocate for arts and cultural development in the NSW Central West.
Not to be left out Grenfell Librarian Erica Kearnes presented about the State Governments Public Library Infrastructure grant providing the library space with movable shelving and a microfilm reader. All in all our guests were astounded with the activity happening in Weddin. The opportunity was not missed to further showcase our township and community with a delicious lunch directly followed by the Arts OutWest AGM at the Country Club.
During the public AGM, Arts OutWest Chair Fran Charge, Oberon, acknowledged the dynamic organisation that is AOW. Fran boasted the contributions and dedication of AOW's Executive Director, Tracey Callinan, which was met with unanimous agreement. AOW have been actively enacting a transition towards becoming a Skills Based Board. The May 20 AGM of AOW made solid that commitment with a full transition to the Skills Based Board model to be in place by the 2019 AOW AGM. Executive Director Tracey Callinan delivered Arts OutWest's Annual Report which featured arts projects and promotions for Weddin. Also in the mix was a speech delivered by Nyree Reynolds, Nyree's speech was an abridged version of her International Women's Day address and was received with equal amounts of laughter, compassion and respect.
The writer of this article is sure she could not have coordinated a better day of like minded individuals. It was both a thrill and an honour to host this event at home. I am immensely proud to represent Weddin Shire Council as it's Delegate to Arts OutWest and I hope that all attendees enjoyed our regional roundup as much as I did.
For information about Arts OutWest visit the website at http://artsoutwest.org.au/ or phone 02 6338 4657.