BRAG boasts boosts for audiences, artists

Art lovers have plenty to look forward to at the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries this year, with a wealth of exciting exhibitions on the way supported by two new staff members joining the team.

With the South Western Times Survey and the South West Stories exhibitions quickly approaching, newly appointed audience development officer Claire Pendrigh Elliott said she was looking forward to seeing the exhibitions come to fruition.

“I think the South West Stories is just such an exciting idea, having those ephemeral installation artworks that connect with the history of those sites, it’s really quite poetic,’’ she said.

“I’m also really looking forward to the workshops we’ll be doing here. We’ll have our kids’ workshops and some short intensive workshops for adults.’’

Balingup artist Sandra Hill will work with the indigenous community in her new role as Noongar community cultural development officer.

“My role here is to create opportunities for Noongar people to be able to come into the gallery space or other venues and actively participate in arts-based and culturally-based projects, workshops and events,’’ Ms Hill said.

“It’s about lifting the spirit of the people and encouraging them to do their artwork as an artist. I know what it’s like to be in the initial stages of a career in art.’’

Part of Ms Hill’s new role will be encouraging indigenous artists to get involved in the Noongar Country exhibition in July.

The South Western Times Survey runs from February 16 to April 14, and the South West Stories exhibition is at the Galleries from April 24 to June 16.