West Darling Arts is thrilled to supported six projects with its annual round of Country Arts Support Program funding.  

Congratulations to Kelly Leonard, Tane Ngata, Katherine Waite, Broken Hill Art Exchange, Broken Hill Repertory Society, and Big Sky Stories, who were each awarded their share of almost $18,000.

The funded projects will employ 14 professional arts practitioners, utilise 13 volunteers contributing over 532 volunteer hours and $12,750 in volunteer dollars, representing $46, 201 of regional economic activity, and countless, immeasurable, ongoing benefits to the far west. 

We can’t wait to see what the funding injection will support these creatives to do and make; from electroformed copper sculptures, to a new hip hop album, a newsletter and podcast, theatre workshops, school workshops, and artists’ residencies. 

The NSW Government’s Country Art Support Project Grants are an essential financial support for our regional artists and creators and it’s wonderful to see such a diverse range of projects underway in our region!  

 2024 CASP Funding Recipients :    

Katherine Waite   

Katherine is working to establish herself as a content creator and producer based in the Far West of NSW who shares stories about the history and place from a local perspective. The grant will support her marketing and distributing the podcast ‘A Home in the Outback’ - which tells the stories of people living and working in far west New South Wales. 

“Designing and printing a newsletter about my podcast content will help recirculate content which is important in a community like Broken Hill, where online connectivity and literacy is still a challenge for some people.” 

Kelly Leonard    

Broken Hill-based artist Kelly Leonard's project is to research and develop electro-formed copper sculptures incorporating hand-woven forms and found objects/minerals in Broken Hill. The work will be exhibited at “Weaving Matter 2” in Ararat, Victoria, in October. This grant allows her to purchase a large electro forming kit and power supply.   

“This support allows me to explore further an experimental way of working with textiles and metals in ways that relate to Broken HiIl’s mineral and mining history.” 

Tane Ngata   

Broken Hill musician Tane Ngata (Neocortex.au) is working on a conscious hip hop album. The grant will allow him to purchase equipment that will level up his production capabilities.  

"Being in a remote community there's not a lot of support or equipment for musicians; this will immensely improve the quality of my audio and also my professionalism.”  

Big Sky Stories  

Children's book shop and literacy project Big Sky Stories will travel to Tibooburra, Menindee, Wilcannia, and White Cliffs twice in 2024, offering storying, drama and visual arts workshops for children and their families, and strengthening connections with several remote rural schools. 

“When creative activities are carried out in a social setting, they can increase social connection, sense of identity, understanding of others' perspectives and development of empathy and compassion. We’re excited to be able to offer that to children, young people and families in remote and rural contexts, who often miss out on those kinds of activities.” 

Broken Hill Repertory  

Broken Hill Repertory will offer writing, acting, and directing workshops for adult beginners in 2024. Workshops will lead to performances of short pieces, written, directed and performed by Broken Hill locals.  

 “These workshops will help develop and support adults who might want to gain greater confidence in performance, public speaking or simply explore their interest in the performing arts. We also hope it will encourage greater community involvement in our upcoming 80th Birthday celebrations.” 

The Broken Hill Art Exchange  

The Art Exchange will provide a two-week creative development residency for four artists in 2024. The residency will include accommodation, studio space, meetings with local artists and trips into the desert. These will result in artists talks and workshops for the local community.  

"Focusing on creative development will give artists greater freedom to experiment and absorb their interactions with the landscape, country, and local artists.”