New England Regional Art Museum

Mokulito Workshop
2025-05-02 09:00 - 2025-05-03 16:00 (Australia/Sydney)
This exciting two-day course with Sam Sosnowski will introduce you to the Mokulito process.
Mokulito can be described as “kitchen lithography”. It combines wood block printing with lithography but uses everyday non-toxic and inexpensive materials. One can get the sharp lines of wood cutting with the softer and expressive tones possible in lithography. It is an inexpensive and portable medium that has surprising and creative results. Suitable for all levels.
DATES | Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd May
TIMES | 9am – 4pm
VENUE | Museum of Printing NERAM
COST | Friends of NERAM/Culture Club Members – $240, General Price – $265
MATERIALS | Please read the materials list below carefully.
The following materials (Mokulito kit) will be supplied by tutor: The extra cost for materials is $50 (could you please bring cash to the class to receive your materials) Mokulito Kit includes: 1 sheet of Plywood (A4), Litho tusche, Litho crayons, Liquid litho ink, Gum Arabic, Offset inks, Litho sponges, Scrapers, Japanese paper/Kozo paper for 2 editions, Butchers paper, Tracing carbon, Sharpening stones, Plastic gloves
Materials for students to bring:
Lino cutting tools / Woodblock tools
Sketch Pad
Some design roughs and/ or scrapbook of ideas
Drawing tools, ruler, pencils, pens. etc
Stanley knife or cutting blade
Selection of Brushes (fine and medium, wide)
Watercolour paint set (for multi-colour printing)
Mixing palette and water containers
Paper – A selection of A4 paper to play with. Any Japanese paper, textured paper.
Apron/old shirt for printing
Rags
Palette knives
“Sharpie” pens/fine medium (must be permanent markers – Sharpie brand is the best)
Image Credit: Scotts Head, Sam Sosnowski.

Terms and Conditions

All bookings for workshops require payment in full at the time of booking.
A minimum of 8 participants for workshop to proceed, maximum of 12 participants.
Bookings close on Thursday 24th April at 10am. No refunds can be made after bookings close.
If the workshop does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount.
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential.

2025 Galah Regional Photography Prize Exhibition Party
2025-05-02 17:00 - 22:00
Help us celebrate the winners of the Galah Regional Photography Prize at the 2025 exhibition party.
Join us as at NERAM as we celebrate the 42 finalists and announce the winners of regional Australia’s richest photography prize.
There’ll be music, dancing and the best of food and drinks – all included as part of the $90 ticket.
All we need is you to help us grow this event into one of Australia’s most prestigious prizes that can have a big impact on the careers of photographers living in regional Australia.
Winners will be announced at 6.30pm.
Ticket includes:

Drinks: a welcome cocktail, followed by wine, beer and non-alcoholic shrubs thanks to Husk Distillery, The Welder’s Dog and ChaLou Wines.
Music by the Versace Boys. Bring your dancing shoes.
A delicious standing dinner, canapé style, made by Cathy Armstrong and Laura Swan
Charity Partner Country Education Foundation

Buy Tickets >>>>>>>>>>>>>
Image: The Bush is Calling by Angel Stirling, one of 42 finalists in the 2025 Galah Regional Photography Prize.

Chromatic Wood Type Printing
2025-05-03 10:00 - 13:00
This half-day workshop introduces participants to chromatic printing; the process of printing multiple colours in wood type (for instance, a blue letter with a red drop shadow). Using NERAM’s F.T.Wimble collection as a starting point, we will speculatively extend a historic font into the chromatic sphere by designing and printing a second chromatic layer. This class fuses knowledge from current digital techniques with historical type and equipment, placing participants at the intersection of past and present.
Participants will learn some type history while getting their hands dirty through printing with the historical equipment in the NERAM collection.
VENUE | Museum of Printing
DATE | Saturday May 3
TIME | 10am -1pm
COST | $70
All materials supplied.
Max 10 participants

About the presenter: Wayne Thompson is a type designer and began Australian Type Foundry in 2001. He has a Masters degree in Typeface Design (MResTD) from the University of Reading, UK, the world’s most highly regarded type design program. Wayne has been serving as a board member of ATypI.org. since 2023.

Terms and Conditions

All bookings for events, art classes and workshops require payment in full at the time of booking
Please book by Tuesday 29th April. Please be aware that once bookings close, we are unable to offer a refund
If the class does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential

Image Credit: Wayne Thompson, Cedric colorfont.

Ink & Drink with The Moveable Type Studio @ Wimbles Wayzgoose 2025
2025-05-03 15:00 - 18:00
Date: Saturday, 3rd May
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST
Location: MoP Black Gully
Join Moveable Type Studio’s Pop-Up Press at Wimbles Wayzgoose for Ink & Drink—a one-off twist on our Letterpress & Lasers workshop.
Housed in a fully decked-out tradies trailer, the MTS Pop-Up Press brings hands-on letterpress action anywhere—from festivals to libraries to community events.
It’s relaxed, it’s creative, and it’s your chance to get inky without the structure of a formal workshop.
What’s in Store?

Explore letterpress printing in combined with laser engraved plates
Get up close and personal with historic stereotypes from the Museum of Printing collection
Interactive Demonstrations and walk away with your own custom letterpress print

And while we’re definitely focusing on inking, there’s always room for a cold beer on a Saturday evening.
Whether you’re an artist, designer, or just curious to get your hands dirty with real printmaking, this is your chance.
🔥 Spots are limited—book now and get amongst it! 🔥

Wimble's Wayzgoose Dinner
2025-05-03 19:30 - 21:30
Kick on after the Print Swap on Saturday night with a casual dinner at the Six Counties Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious alternate drop in true Six Counties style and continue the spirit of the event into the night. Drinks are available to purchase throughout the evening.
Saturday May 3 @ 7.30pm
MENU
Starters:
Bread and Butter on tables
Mains Alternate Course:

Crispy Skin Salmon fillet with cauliflower mash, sweet potato crisp, grilled

asparagus & bacon crumble.

Slow cooked rump steak grilled with kimchi butter, garlic cream potato

galette, dijon buttered beans.
Bookings Essential
COST : $35.00 per guest
If you have any special dietary needs please email foh@neram.dev.nucleoserver.com

Opening Night
2025-05-09 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the opening of two new exhibitions.

Outside our doors | Ascent GROUP exhibition
Movers and Shakers | Celebrating Art Deco

Image credit: ASCENT Group works, 2025.

Assemblage & Diorama Workshop
2025-05-31 14:00 - 16:00
Inspired by Bridie McKelvey’s latest exhibition “Halfway Home” join NERAM’s Culture Club member Kim Carruthers for an afternoon of whimsical delight and create your very own diorama or assemblage from a combination of your own treasured little trinkets and from Kim’s own stash of paper, cardboard, beads, metallic thread, banksia pods & washi tape goodies, all displayed in a black wooden frame.
Come along and enjoy a glass of wine with an afternoon of creativity, bring a friend! Participants are encouraged to bring their own bits and pieces to use, along with their imagination.
All materials are supplied including the black wooden frame, a glass of wine and nibbles. If you prefer to bring your own biscuit tin (as seen in Bridie’s exhibition) for the diorama, please select the *BYO frame option in the booking link.
Bookings close on Tuesday 27th May, book early places are limited!
For 18yrs +
DATE | Saturday 31st May
TIME | 2pm-4pm
VENUE | Mazda Gallery NERAM
PRICE | General Price $75. FoN/CC member Price $70.
*General Price BYO Box Frame $65. *FoN/CC member Price BYO Box Frame $60.

Image credit: Example of diorama assemblage by Kim Carruthers.

EMANATE Artist Talk
2025-06-13 17:45 - 18:30
Join us to hear from some of the exhibiting artists from EMANATE: Recent National Art School Graduates.
EMANATE showcases the works of ten graduating students, selected from the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Postgrad final exhibitions held at the National Art School Gallery and Raynor Hoff Project Space in 2024. While the exhibition represents just a small sample of the many outstanding NAS graduates, the selected students are drawn from across the full range of disciplines taught at NAS including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photo media and printmaking.
Talk proceeds the opening night event.

Image: Sophie Victoria. Under the Pressure of the Gaxe, 2024. vinyl and synthetic polymer on polycotton. Image courtesy of the artist.

Opening Night
2025-06-13 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the opening of three new exhibitions.
EMANATE: Recent National Art School Graduates
From Gunnedah to Gara Gorge: Anna Henderson, Maree Kelly and David Manks
Night & Day: Jane O’Sullivan

Artist Talk: Jane O’Sullivan, Anna Henderson, Maree Kelly and David Manks
2025-06-14 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for an engaging morning of artistic exploration as we delve into the landscapes and inspirations behind two new exhibitions. Artists Anna Henderson, Maree Kelly, and David Manks will discuss their exhibition From Gunnedah to Gara Gorge, offering insights into their personal connections with the diverse terrains of northern New South Wales. Following this, Jane O’Sullivan will share the creative journey of her exhibition Night & Day, inspired by the shifting moods and colours of the Australian landscape across time and season.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the artists and gain a deeper understanding of their work.

Image: Anna Henderson, Myall Station, 2025. mixed medium on canvas.

Open Studio - Neerja Peters
2025-06-24 12:30 - 13:30
Join us in NERAM’s Packsaddle Studio, for an informal open studio visit with artist in residence Neerja Peters. Peters has been engaged in a self directed artistic residency for the past two weeks at NERAM and this is an opportunity to see what she has been doing in the studio and to have a discussion abut her creative practice.
Since 2010, New Delhi-based artist Neerja Peters, has explored spiritual themes through geometric abstraction, creating meditative works that guide viewers toward introspection and harmony. Her art has been showcased in solo exhibitions in Australia, the USA, and India, including the New England Regional Art Museum and Bikaner House. Peters’ work has earned international acclaim, featuring in over 500 exhibitions worldwide and receiving numerous awards for its contemplative depth and visual resonance.
Location: Packsaddle Studio

NAIDOC WEEK 2025: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy
2025-07-07 10:00 - 2025-07-13 16:00
Taragara Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with New England Regional Art Museum is proud to present NAIDOC WEEK 2025: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.
The program includes:
Monday 7th – Sunday 20th July
Exhibition: The Shack that Dad Built by Kamilaroi artist Elaine Russell
Elaine Russell (1941–2022) was a renowned Kamilaroi artist whose vibrant paintings reflect her memories of growing up on the Aboriginal mission at Tingha in northern NSW. Her work often explores themes of family, community, and cultural resilience, rendered in a distinctive, narrative style. One of her most celebrated contributions is the children’s book The Shack That Dad Built, which she both wrote and illustrated. The book draws from her own childhood experiences, offering a warm and humorous glimpse into life on the mission, and has become a beloved resource for sharing First Nations stories with younger generations.
Tuesday 8th July 2025
Art Workshop with Aunty ​Jaluka Rose Quinlan ​
Time: ​10am – 2pm
Suitable for ages 8+(including adults)
Venue: ​New England Regional Art Museum Mazda Gallery
Thursday 10th July 2025
Weaving Workshop with Aunty Gwen Barker
Time: ​10am – 2pm
Venue: ​New England Regional Art Museum

This program has been produced in partnership with the Taragara Aboriginal Corporation.
Image: Elaine Russell, The Hand of Friendship, 2004.

Guided tour of Lost in Palm Springs
2025-07-12 15:00
Join us for a free guided tour of Lost in Palm Springs with Sam Creyton, Curatorial and Engagement Manager from HOTA.
Saturday July 12 at 3pm
Sam Creyton is the Curatorial and Engagement Manager from Home of the Arts, Gold Coast.

This interdisciplinary exhibition brings together 14 creative minds – including internationally recognised artists, photographers and thinkers from America and Australia – who respond to, capture, or reimagine the magical qualities of the landscape and the celebrated mid-century modern architecture found in the desert city.

Connections between Palm Springs and Australia are remarkably strong, particularly when viewed through the lens of the current renaissance of interest in modernist architecture. Place and home, desert atmospheres, landscapes (real and imagined), and Bauhaus sensibilities inform the works.

The Australian artists represented in the exhibition are Kate Ballis, Tom Blachford, Anna Carey, Sam Cranstoun, Paul Davies, Rosi Griffin, Vicki Stravrou, Robyn Sweaney and Gosia Wlodarczak. American artists in the exhibition are Darren Bradley, Jim Isermann, Troy Kudlac, Lance O’Donnell and Kim Stringfellow.

Curated by artist Dr Greer Honeywill, Lost in Palm Springs is a touring initiative developed by HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast in partnership with Museums & Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through its Visions of Australia program and through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. It is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy, and proudly sponsored by IAS Fine Art Logistics and o2 Architecture.

Museums & Galleries Queensland is supported by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and receives funds from Creative Partnerships Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund.

Image credit: Paul Davies, Built Landscape III, 2015, vinyl acrylic copolymer on canvas. Collection: Patrick Corrigan Collection. Image courtesy of the artist and the Patrick Corrigan Collection

Lost in Palm Springs Winter Cocktail Party
2025-07-12 19:00 - 21:30
Step out of the chilly New England winter and into a sun‑drenched fantasy with our Palm Springs–themed cocktail party, celebrating the opening of Lost in Palm Springs at NERAM!
Expect a fabulously ironic splash of mid‑century glam, palm‑frond pink-and-green décor, and inflatable flamingos & palm trees. Sip on curated cocktails and enjoy grazing boards surrounded by lush kitsch vibes—with just a hint of White Lotus drama.
Soundtrack by Bitz of Buzz will keep the retro energy pulsing while you’re lounging poolside (in your mind) and rocking your best resort wear outfits (but bring a coat too). Wander through the exhibition’s dreamy reinterpretations of Palm Springs architecture and art—a desert oasis within the New England winter landscape.

Palm Springs inspired cocktails (cash bar, eftpos available)
Grazing boards
Live Music
Exhibition entry + catalogue

Lost in Palm Springs is a touring initiative developed by HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast in partnership with Museums & Galleries Queensland. This interdisciplinary exhibition brings together 14 creative minds – including internationally recognised artists, photographers and thinkers from America and Australia – who respond to, capture, or reimagine the magical qualities of the landscape and the celebrated mid-century modern architecture found in the desert city.

Unfolding the Domestic – workshop with artist Sam Cranstoun
2025-07-13 10:30 - 13:30
In this workshop Lost In Palm Springs exhibition artist Sam Cranstoun will guide participants in how to create a series of paper sculptures inspired by the humble breeze block.
By exploring the rich design legacy of this easily recognisable building material, participants will create a range of delicate but bold objects that elevate these everyday objects found in their neighbourhoods.
Using a combination of drawing, sculpture and site specific installation, participants will find awe and wonder in the domestic. Taking inspiration from pre-existing breeze block designs, and using a range of processes that include drawing, cutting and folding, workshop participants will create intricate yet striking origami-like, 3-dimensional objects.
All materials supplied. Places are limited, bookings essential.

Menopause is not a dirty word!
2025-07-30 18:00 - 21:00
Join HealthWISE for this free community event focused on the stages of menopause. Connect with others experiencing this stage of life and those supporting them.
Featuring a lineup of special guest speakers, who specialise in menopause support.
Empower yourself and your family with valuable insights, open discussions, strategies and support. Men are welcome! Refreshments will be provided.
Contact Emma for more information on (02) 6766 1394 or emma.knights@healthwise.org.au

Date | July 30
Time | 6 – 9pm, doors open at 5.30pm

Venue | NERAM

Culture Club open studio
2025-08-13 18:00 - 20:30, 2025-09-10 18:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-08 18:00 - 20:30
Culture Club is proud to present OPEN STUDIO.

This month we are meeting at Get Framed Armidale and taking walk with photographer Simon Scott and he is going to teach you some photography tricks and tips as well as some basic editing using Snap Seed. All you need to bring is your phone. The arty times kick off at 6pm.

Venue: Meet at at Get Framed Armidale Shop 45/195-197 Beardy Street, Armidale Plaza SC. Entrance on Dangar Street.

INFO:

Can I bring wine? YES YOU CAN
If it’s cold will you put the heaters on? YES WE WILL
Do I need to be good at art to come? NOPE
How much does it cost? NADA
Will there be snacks? MAYBE. Each month is hosted by a different Culture Club Committee member, so it’s up to them how the evening goes. They’re in charge of the music, the still life set up and the good feels.
Do I need to be a member of Culture Club to come? NO. But we’re kind of hoping that you really dig it and decide you want to support us by becoming a member.
Is there an age restriction? NO… BUT… if you are under 18, you’ll need to show up with a responsible adult… and if you are a responsible adult who shows up with a little person you’ll need to make sure they don’t climb the walls.

Artist Talk: Lee Bethel and Michael Simms
2025-08-15 17:30 - 18:00
Join us at NERAM as we speak to and learn from exhibiting artists Michael Simms: Stages and Lee Bethel: A Way with Words. Hear about the creative, emotive and intellectual journey’s taken by the artists in producing these body of works.
We’ll talk to Michael Simms about his exhibition Stages, an ongoing series of portraits, honouring performers whose work spans music, theatre, dance and performance art. A series that explores how presence is expressed — both onstage and off.
Learn from Lee Bethel about her exhibition A Way With Words, works that explore the material and symbolic potential of paper, cutting and shaping it into intricate forms that cast shadows of memory, history, and meaning. A Way With Words is a powerful reflection on feminism, language, and domesticity.
This is an opportunity to connect with the artists and gain a deeper understanding of their work, their influences and their processes. Please book your ticket below.

Image: Michael Simms, The Celebutante (detail), 2023, oil on canvas.
Image: Lee Bethel, Counting The Dead (detail), 2022, watercolour and hand cut paper.

Opening Night
2025-08-15 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the opening of four new exhibitions.

Stages: Michael Simms

A Way with Words: Lee Bethel

Personal Cinema: Cosima Scales

ARTEXPRESS

Artist Talk: Cosima Scales
2025-08-16 10:30 - 11:30
Join Cosima Scales and NERAM Director Rachael Parson’s in conversation as they discuss Scales’ exhibition Personal Cinema.
Cosima Scales’ paintings capture fleeting moments of domestic life — sunlight on floorboards, fruit on a table — transforming everyday scenes into quiet dramas. Balancing realism and painterliness, her works explore the rhythms of natural light and the subtle narratives of home. Scales’ exhibition Personal Cinema invites viewers to find beauty and meaning in the ordinary.
This is an opportunity to hear and learn from the artist directly and gain a deeper understanding of their work, influences and processes. Please book below.
Image: Cosima Scales, Full sun, studio window (II), 2025, oil on board

Image: Cosima Scales, Full sun, studio window (II), 2025, oil on board

Creating Art With Paper
2025-08-16 10:30 - 16:00
Spend the day with exhibiting artist Lee Bethel, learning a variety of techniques including cutting, folding and piercing to create your own unique paper works. For Lee Bethel, elegant constraint is the foundation of her work, in her hands paper reveals its capacity for resilience and malleability.

The workshop will begin with Lee taking participants through her exhibition A Way with Words to discuss her work.
Students will then spend time planning and discussing their own works under the guidance of Lee.
Lee will demonstrate a variety of techniques that can be used in the process of creating the artworks.
After a lunch break participants will spend the rest of the workshop bringing their creations to life.

DATE | Saturday 16th August
TIME | 10:30am – 4.00pm
VENUE | Mazda Gallery NERAM
COST | General Price $175.00 – FoN/Culture Club member Price $160.00
All materials included.
Min 8, Max 12

Image credit: Lee Bethel, After Mary Delany

Open Studio - Adrienne Kenafake
2025-09-19 14:30 - 15:30
Join us in NERAM’s Packsaddle Studio, for an informal open studio visit with artist in residence Adrienne Kenafake.
Adrienne Kenafake is a multi-disciplinary Australian artist from the lands of the Widjabul Wia-bul people, Lismore, Northern New South Wales. With a focus on sculpture and performance her practice investigates the potential of objects as physical, psychological and extrasensory archives of emotion, story and place. During her residency at NERAM she will be conducting research into contaminated Xagricultural and Xindustrial land, exploring ideas of subsurface hauntings, protection and remediation through the lens of the suburban spiritist.
Location: Packsaddle Studio NERAM

For more information:
Website
Instagram

Winter Blooming Ball 2025
2025-09-19 19:00 - 22:00
It’s time to dance at the 2025 Winter Blooming Ball!
The prom you always dreamed of — the event of the season and a night to remember. Dress to impress as your true self, come with your partner, friends, or slay it solo. Everyone is welcome!
Tropical Fruits will light up the night with an unforgettable mix of DJs and drag performances. Enjoy delicious nibbles, cocktails from our pop-up bar, and a celebration full of sparkle.
Get ready to shine brighter than the disco ball!
Pre order your hot food when you purchase your tickets.

Winter Blooming has been Produced in collaboration with the University of New England, Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council, and ACON.

Opening Night & Artist Talk
2025-10-03 17:30 - 20:00
Join us for the opening of Anna Johnson’s first solo museum exhibition, NYMPHAEA NYMPHAEA.
Artist talk – 5.30pm
Opening event – 6.00pm
Please book a ticket (below)

Image credit: Anna Johnson, Persephone (detail), 2025, Acrylic on linen.

Opening Night: Packsaddle Exhibition 2025
2025-10-24 17:00 - 20:00
Join us for the ringing of the bell to open the 2025 Packsaddle Exhibition!
Be among the first to view—and purchase—original artworks by leading and emerging Australian artists. Now in its 40th year, Packsaddle is a beloved fundraising exhibition that brings together a curated selection of contemporary paintings, prints, and sculptures in support of NERAM.
Every artwork sold directly supports both the artist and the future of the New England Regional Art Museum. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to collect something special and celebrate four decades of community, creativity, and generosity.
Viewing from 5.00pm. The bell will ring at 6pm (no artworks will be sold prior), when the selling and celebration will commence.

Portraiture in Charcoal with Michael Simms
2025-11-01 10:00 - 2025-11-02 16:00
Due to popular demand, Michael Simms is back with his charcoal portraiture workshop. Excitingly the workshop has been extended to two days, giving students more time to develop, practice and hone their skills under the guidance of Michael.
In this workshop, students will learn how to draw the human face with charcoal – one of the most versatile and expressive mediums. Michael will provide his unique tips and tricks on how to simplify the face into basic shapes to make portraiture fun and accessible.
Michael will conduct demonstrations and provide individual feedback to students throughout both days.
Students will also have the opportunity to visit Michael Simms Stages exhibition in the Mazda Gallery of NERAM.
Topics covered include:

Overview of materials: the different types of charcoal and how to use it
The proportions of the human face
How to simplify the human face into basic planes and tonal shapes
How to break down individual facial features
How to build structure into your portrait
Capturing a ‘likeness’
Understanding tonal values
How to achieve a sense of volume and form in your drawings
Drawing from a live model
The impact of lighting

DATE | Saturday and Sunday, 1st & 2nd of November
TIME | 10am – 4.00pm both days
VENUE | Packsaddle Studio
COST | General Price $221.00 – FoN/Culture Club member Price $245.00
All materials are included
Min 10, Max 14

Image: Courtesy of Michael Simms

In Conversation: Behind the Scenes with Packsaddle
2025-11-01 10:30 - 11:30
Join us at NERAM for a special In Conversation between NERAM Director Rachael Parsons and members of the current Packsaddle Committee.
Together, they’ll pull back the curtain on all things Packsaddle — how this beloved annual exhibition is imagined, planned, and brought to life each year. Discover the stories behind the art, the community connections that make it possible, and why this remarkable group of women continues to dedicate their time, creativity, and passion to supporting NERAM after 40 years.
An inspiring and insightful look at one of the most enduring and generous supporter groups in regional Australia.

The Community Weathering Station at Black Gully Festival
2025-11-08 10:00 - 16:00
The Community Weathering Station is a market stall about climate change. This black gully festival we have a program of visiting artist-researcher facilitated workshops that link up with the themes of weathering: a concept that explores climate change from a grounded, localised and embodied perspective.
Throughout the day we will also offer Tea/Tarot readings when the readers are in, and there will be other little things in the stall to look at and discuss. For the workshops: We will endeavour to have all the materials you need on hand, but please read below for any specific instructions and to register to help us plan for numbers.
All Workshops begin at the CoWS Stall

Stall opens 10am

Mixed Weathering Workshops 10-11am
Drop into the CoWS Stall and participate in a selection of activities “Lucky Dip”, “Close Meteorology”, “Speed Zining” and “Weathering With and Without”. These games are connected to How to weather together exhibition in the gallery and book of the same name. Participants can take home their contributions or they can add it to the exhibition upstairs. These activities are all designed to engage with yourself and each other differently and carefully in relation to everyday weather, but also as a method for connecting to the large scale catastrophe of climate change. If you miss the early workshop options to participate will be available throughout the day.
We believe weathering well requires the proliferation of feminist, queer and anticolonial environmentalisms and the global redistribution of shelter and vulnerability. To assist in grass-roots revolutionary mobilisation, we offer up simple practices as part of a larger historical movement: to change the climate of climate change and be ourselves changed in the process.
Facilitator Bio/s: The weathering workshops are facilated by Tessa Zettel (Sydney), Astrida Neimanis (Canada) and Jennifer Hamilton (Armidale). These three have been collaborating for a decade as The Weathering Collective.
FREE REGISTRATION

Rest your identity: 11-12
With Ju Bavyka
This workshop leans on meditation practices to examine our relationships to aspects of our identity, including habits or social roles, that get overworked in everyday life. This overwork can be a response to social injustice, patriarchy, gendered roles, being disabled, or to the self-exploitation of one’s ethnic and cultural background in order to exist and survive. After a short introduction, participants are invited to follow a guided meditation and to identify parts of themself that require a little rest, revision, and kind reintegration on better terms. A space for encounter and possible connection is created during the discussion afterwards. This workshop is included in the CoWS program as a practice that allows for new openings to the weather world.
Cushions provided.
Facilitator Bio: Ju is a visual artist, writer and community organiser. They create from a queer, forager perspective and are interested in practices of hospitality and generosity. Ju lives, works and rests on unceded Gadigal Wangal lands in so-called Sydney, Australia, and sometimes in Berlin. They have ties to Kazakhstan and Germany through their birth, education, community connections and family history.
FREE REGISTRATION (Please RSVP to help with numbers, but please also show up on the day either way)
15 Max

12pm Welcome to Country (Mainstage)

DAY FOR IT! why we love good weather 12.30-1.30pm
With Blanche Verlie
Most of our efforts to communicate the importance of global heating focus on how scary and bad changing the climate is. But a lot of people find it too scary to think about, and so they disengage from the topic. What if we celebrated all the benefits that a safe climate affords us? This walkshop riffs on the Australian idiom “Day for It!” that celebrates all the great, fun things we can do in good weather and who those activities allow us to be, to help us clarify the cultural and personal value of our Holocene climate.
What you’ll need to participate: a phone with a camera and internet connection OR a pen and paper. We’ll be walking around the Festival and chatting to people about what their favourite weather is, and why they love it.
Facilitator Bio: Blanche is a multidisciplinary social scientist whose work focuses on climate change working. Her research investigates how people understand, experience, and respond to climate change, and how we might do this differently and better. Her book Learning to live-with climate change: From anxiety to transformation is available as a free e-book. At the University of Sydney, she is a Sydney Horizon Fellow in Gender and Cultural Studies, and one of the leaders of the Environmental Justice theme at the Sydney Environment Institute.
FREE REGISTRATION (Please RSVP to help with numbers, but please also show up on the day either way)

1.30-2.30 Lunch break (& Rocky Bottom Girls playing on mainstage!)

Learn to Scry with the Sky: how to prophesize through gazing, 2.30-3.30pm
With Nina Vroeman
This workshop will explore exercises from Horizon Factory’s publication Deep Gazing.
The book is a guide, a tool, an atlas and a companion for individual and communal attunement to the environment. Opening to the expansiveness of the sky, learning to read its signs and traces, and allowing for messages and meanings to arise beyond the art of forecasting.
Facilitator Bio: Nina makes interdisciplinary work about ecology that is speculative and embodied. They live in Tiohtiá:ke (Montreal), on the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka and are a recent MFA graduate from Sculpture and Ceramics at Concordia University. For more information about their work visit ninavroemen.com/
FREE REGISTRATION (Please RSVP to help with numbers, but please also show up on the day either way)
15 Max

Stall closes 4pm
