Orange Regional Gallery calls on central west artists for annual local exhibition

One of the highlights of the annual Orange Regional Gallery calendar is the Here/Now exhibition, a community exhibition featuring artists from the central west.

The Gallery is gearing up for the show, due to open from January 30, by calling on all central west artists to enter a digital submission before January 3.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the annual Here/Now exhibition was a chance for local artists, particularly amateur artist to feature in a professional gallery.

“To be able to say they’ve had their work featured in the same gallery as some of the country’s most renowned artists is a huge boost to the self-esteem of our aspiring artists,” Cr Kidd said.

“It’s also great to see established artists from our region entering their work in the exhibition every year.

Gallery director Brad Hammond installing a previous Here/Now exhibition

“This exhibition is always hugely popular in terms of the number of submissions but also the number of people through the doors.”

Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Scott Munro said the Here/Now exhibition was an opportunity to showcase the talent in the region.

“This popular exhibition provides an opportunity for all amateur and professional artists living in the central west to exhibit their artwork at the Gallery,” he said.

“Here/Now also offers locals and visitors a chance to experience the creativity of our region through a vibrant and varied exhibition of work.

“In 2019 the Gallery received more than 380 artworks from 184 artists, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, photography and other interesting objects.

“The Gallery is looking forward to another inspiring show in 2021.

“I certainly hope 2021 is a much better year for those in the arts given what the pandemic restrictions have done to the industry.

“I really want the community to come together to support this industry as best they can.”

The 2020/21 submission process has changed from previous years and is now digital.

Entry is open to all artists over the age of 16, living in the local government areas of Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan Shire, Lithgow, Oberon, Parkes and Weddin Shire.

Artists are encouraged to submit up to two works, including digital images, via email.

The Gallery will select one work by each artist to include in the exhibition with artists notified in advance which work they should deliver.

All the details and important dates can be found on the submission form here: www.orange.nsw.gov.au/gallery.

If you would like to make a non-digital submission please call Claire Buchanan at the Gallery on 6393 8136.

Submissions close at 5pm Sunday 3 January 2021

Here/Now will be on show in the Alan Sisley Gallery from Saturday 30 January – Sunday 28 February 2021.

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