Arts & Culture

from Kyogle & Villages Visitor Guide 2022

Off the Beaten Track

Our area’s natural beauty and idyllic lifestyle have attracted an impressive variety of artists, makers and creators from a variety of artistic backgrounds. The region’s Indigenous artists share their knowledge of this land through their paintings, songs and dances and you will spot public art that strengthens our connection with Indigenous culture throughout the area. Nestled in our valleys and perched atop our hills there are many private creative studios including those of internationally acclaimed locals Jenny Kitchener and Ross Tamlin. In October 2022, the Gullibul people of the Bundjalung Nation invite you to the inaugural Dalaang Galii Wogun Festival to learn about the local area and celebrate Aboriginal art, culture and music. The area is home to a bevy of award-winning musicians, talented actors and filmmakers, published writers, and acclaimed dancers creating new works or teaching their skills. There’s a plethora of painters and potters whose work you will find at local galleries and art exhibitions, as well as available for purchase in local venues, cafes and shops. Wander past a local hall and you may hear Kyogle’s Semitones choir rehearsing, while the local theatre group prepares for its next show and the dance school limbers up. Creative workshops and events are often held at local community halls, private studios, at the Roxy Gallery and The Business Hive in Kyogle. For more information check out www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au/events

This page images from top: Arminel Nagas, Gullibul artist, creating work for Dalaang Galii Wogun Festival, Creative tradie, Col Garred, working with steel, and singer, Cynthia Denton, in her element. Opposite page images from top: Roxy Gallery opening. ‘Rose’ by Elani Mann, Roxy Gallery interior.

The Roxy Gallery

When you’re visiting Kyogle and discovering its rich tapestry of natural wonders, a visit to the Council’s Roxy Gallery in the main street is a must. The gallery is located upstairs in the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall with access via a lift in the new foyer entrance on Summerland Way, next to Clay Corner. The Roxy Gallery is run by volunteers and Council staff, with strong support from the Kyogle and District Arts Council. The aim of the Roxy Gallery is to present a broad artistic program to locals and visitors through a professionally curated exhibition space that can also be used as a workshop, event and meeting venue. The Roxy Gallery presents ever-changing exhibitions of various media that support and promote cultural diversity in the creative fields. It’s a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet, have a look around, or sit on the verandah and watch the world go by. With many of the artworks available to purchase, the next piece to take pride of place in your own collection could well be from here.