The Arts: Alive, well – and a national model
The arts - ranging across the spectrum from visual to music and crafts - are vigorously alive and well in Celtic Country because of the work of dedicated voluntary organisations.
The Glen Innes Arts Council, formed in 1944 is the oldest continuously operating arts council in Australia. As well as staging local and travelling exhibitions in the Chapel Theatre (www.gleninnesartscouncil.com), New England Highway, the council arranges movies every weekend and monthly arthouse films in the former, 122-year-old Methodist Church.
Arts Northwest, based in Glen Innes for the past 11 years and supporting regional capacity building for the arts and cultural sector, has used the volunteer-run cinema as a model - which has been adopted nationally.
Backed by regional local governments and the state government through Arts NSW, Arts Northwest gives advice on funding and supports communities developing arts projects and infrastructure.
The Glen Innes Learning Centre provides 24-hour access for young and mature students to Armidale’s University of New England.
A far-sighted initiative of Glen Severn Council, TAFE and the community, the Learning Centre has under one roof facilities of TAFE, University of New England, spacious Public Library and an Art Gallery.
The centre’s primary aims include halting the drift of young people from the community, creating educational opportunities for indigenous youth and enhancing business development. The centre has workshop and seminar facilities.
Gallery’s
‘Archies’
The Glen Innes Art Gallery, backed by an enterprising group of volunteers, features works of local and regional artists and travelling exhibitions.
Exhibitions in 2007 included Jewels of the Earth, comprising painting, photography, ceramics, jewellery, gemstones and curios; Scape, reflecting land, sea and sky; Waste Into Art – and the Glen Archies for portraiture. The gallery is also an important outlet for TAFE students.
Mimosa Art Gallery, Bourke Street, has exhibitions and displays local artworks, paintings, photography, screen printing, pottery and sculpture.
The Big Book, Ferguson Street, specialises in classical and antiquarian books, has more than 100,000 titles, clients nation-wide and overseas.
The Book Market, Grey Street, has a wide range of books displayed in categories, collectables, sheet music and records.
Kanga Langa, Grey Street, specialises in new books and has sections for children and resources for school students. Future by establishing a vibrant, accessible, sustainable creative learning environment. The Art Gallery will provide more than 68 square metres of space to display the work of local artists and for touring exhibitions. The centre’s objectives also include facilitating workshops and seminars, providing video-conferencing with state of the art technology, and increasing tourism through improved training.
Glen Innes Arts Council, formed in 1944, the state’s oldest, stages local and travelling productions in the Chapel Theatre, with movies every weekend including arthouse films monthly.
For classical and antiquarian books, The Big Book, Ferguson Street, more than 100,000 titles, clients nation-wide and overseas. Deepwater’s Café Blue Belle, home cooking, gourmet foods - and embroidery, pottery, paintings, other district artworks.
