Highlights of 2021 included a range of Ebb+Flow artist residencies across the North Midlands, our Summer Nights events in Carnamah and Morawa, broadcasting Opera in the Park onto the silos in Three Springs, the creation of a new mural by Helen Ansell in Coorow, and a standout Activating Collections residency with felt artist Martien van Zuilen.
If any time was lost from the disruptions of 2020, it was made up for in 2021!
The year kicked off with the launch of our Ebb+Flow artist residency program in collaboration with the Regional Arts Network. An artist from each region of Western Australia spent a month in the North Midlands exploring the normality of life having its ups and downs. The result was an engaging cross-regional series of exhibitions, performances, artist talks, open studios, community and school workshops.
We delivered a range of events during the year, with the highlights being Summer Nights in Carnamah, Coorow, Morawa and Perenjori; Opera in the Park events in Mingenew (live) and Three Springs (broadcast onto the silos); a fantastic Our History Our Heritage Festival in Morawa in collaboration with the Morawa Museum; and Harvest Sunset Sounds in Carnamah and Perenjori.
Working with the Carnamah Historical Society & Museum we hosted one of Art on the Move's three Activating Collections residencies, with felt artist Martien van Zuilen spending three months at the 150-year-old Macpherson Homestead. The length of the residency allowed for a deep immersion by the artist and the opportunity for real connections to be formed between the artist and local people. The practice, skills and passion shared by Martien was life-changing for some members of our community.
We continued our weekly program of creative workshops, events and performances at Rocks Laneway in Geraldton; and further developed the Creative Toolbox and Learning Hub online resources to be used by both our communities and others elsewhere in WA.
In 2021 we were proud to promote creativity through the Act Belong Commit message in partnership with Healthway; to foster an Alliance Against Depression in collaboration with WA Primary Health Alliance; and to receive support from Lotterywest; Regional Arts WA; the Regional Arts Fund, Good Things Foundation; Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; and the Government of Western Australia's Regional Exhibitions Touring Boost through Art on the Move.
– Jane King and Andrew Bowman-Bright
North Midlands Soul by Lynda Howitt, Ink & Oil on Canvas 153x153cm (2021)
'James Nairn' felt vessel by Martien van Zuilen (2021)
In 2021 our Act Belong Commit Creative Community Program delivered 333 activities encouraging creativity, positive mental wellbeing and vibrant, liveable towns. 6,419 participants and 25,687 spectators engaged with our activities including workshops, performances, exhibitions and events in Carnamah, Coorow, Eneabba, Geraldton, Greenough, Mingenew, Morawa, Perenjori and Three Springs. Thank you to all of the partners and supporters who worked with us during the year.
