Get Ya Art On

Published on 10 October 2023

Young people showcased their individual artistic talents throughout the Shire during the last week of the hugely successful holiday program delivered to the three larger towns of Lightning Ridge, Collarenebri and Walgett.

Following a successful funding submission through the NSW Department of Regional Youth, Walgett Shire Councils youth teams delivered a program tagged “Get ya Art On” engaging over 100 young people with workshops, mentoring and in place skill enhancement with local Aboriginal artist Frank Wright.

Youth centre staff facilitated the programs with each centres artworks to be completed and displayed in the coming months. The program has connected many young people with local forms, styles and interpretations of Indigenous art while also educating and in some cases introducing them to connections to heritage and cultures through the artform of painting. Walgetts own Frank Wright said,” it’s been a full on few days across the three larger communities and it was encouraging to witness the many talented youth and young people across our Shire”.

Councils Manager Community Development, George McCormick who also participated in the facilitation of workshops, supported by each community’s youth teams said, “it’s important that we are able to work alongside these young people and under Frank’s guidance share and support involvement with arts and at the same time utilise these workshops as a form of talent identification”.

Frank’s work over many years with the Moorambilla Festival and other programs focusing on youth development is second to none, he has a connection and vibe that young people can relate to, and this program has evidenced that young people like to paint!”

The second stage of the program “Get you Art On #2” will play a part on the Holiday Programs in early 2024.  

Further information please contact.

George McCormick     0268286107 or gmccormick@walgett.nsw.gov.au
Sandra Bladen            0268286126 or sbladen@walgett.nsw.gov.au