Arts Rutherglen

11/08/2026

African Women’s Dance Reflections & Highlights

Here are a few more photos capturing the energy and warmth from the event, along with some wonderful comments from those who attended.

✨ “A joyful weekend. You can make your own world bigger simply by meeting and including other people.”

🌍 “There is only one race: the human race. We may all look different, but our ultimate goal is to love each other.”

💖 “This is true friendship. I wish this experience for everyone in Australia—thank you for sharing the happiness.”

🏡 “Our hosts opened their hearts to us before they even knew us. I hope we stay friends forever.”

🚪 “Thank you for opening your doors and welcoming us in.”

🌱 “I learned so much about multiculturalism. This is only the beginning!”

11/08/2026

Rosemary Kariuki OAM & the African Women’s Evening 🌟

Arts Rutherglen hosted a unique and successful cultural evening full of colour, song, drumming, food, and wine 🍷🥁, led by the indomitable Kenyan-born Rosemary Kariuki, OAM, who works energetically and joyfully with migrant and refugee women.

Her Cultural Exchange program takes isolated women from migrant backgrounds into the homes of Australian families across New South Wales - and for the first time, into Rutherglen 🏡✨. The program helps these women experience Australian life and culture, forging connections that can last a lifetime. Many of the participants have never left their local suburb before taking part!

These weekends are life-changing not just for the women, but also for the host families, who gain both friendship and a deeper understanding of the lives of refugees and migrants 💕. True to its name, the Cultural Exchange reflects a genuine two-way sharing of cultures 🤝.

This logistically complex event was beautifully organised by Maree Castles and her team of willing workers 👏.

Arts Rutherglen wishes to thank Cofield Wines and our generous business sponsors 🙏.

24/07/2026

A reminder of this event tomorrow evening at School of Arts Hall Wahgunyah. QR code for tickets on the flyer.

The music events team at School of Arts Hall Wahgunyah have another hot event coming up - Saturday 25 July. See poster for full details.

24/07/2026

Arts Rutherglen's Maree Castles recently joined Scott from Indigo FM for a chat about our upcoming event - Rosemary's African Women's Dinner Dance on Saturday 1 August - an evening featuring a fusion of African and Australian cuisine, storytelling, African song, drumming and dance. Take a listen here.

Arts Rutherglen's Maree Castles joins Scott for a chat about Rosemary's African Women's Dinner Dance on Saturday 1 August - an evening featuring a fusion of African and Australian cuisine, storytelling, African song, drumming and dance. Arts Rutherglen welcomes back Rosemary Kariuki, author & re...

24/07/2026

⏰ Not long until Rosemary's African Women's Dance!

Join us Saturday 1st August for an unforgettable event full of fun, energy, and community. A limited number of tickets are still available so you don't miss out! ✨

https://www.trybooking.com/DNQGG

19/07/2026

🎨 Introducing Our New President: Sue Griffiths

Arts Rutherglen is thrilled to announce the appointment of our new President, Sue Griffiths!

After being deeply impressed by her first experience with the Tastes of Art Prize, Sue is excited to take on a more active leadership role. She would love to see this major event grow even larger, especially as we prepare to celebrate our milestone 10th year presenting the show in 2027.

Sue and her husband, Greg, moved from Melbourne to Rutherglen in June 2020. Once the Covid lockdowns lifted, they were determined to dive headfirst into the local community. While Greg joined Rotary, Sue’s journey with Arts Rutherglen began a few years ago after a chance meeting with AR member Robyn Sullivan at a Rotary Club BBQ.

Having travelled extensively throughout Europe over the years, with local galleries and museums always being a major drawcard - joining Arts Rutherglen felt like the perfect fit for Sue.

Please join us in giving Sue an exceptionally warm welcome! 🥂

05/07/2026

The music events team at School of Arts Hall Wahgunyah have another hot event coming up - Saturday 25 July. See poster for full details.

05/07/2026

✨ Get ready for a magical night! ✨

Arts Rutherglen warmly invites you to Rosemary’s African Women’s Dinner Dance! 🥂💃🏽 We are thrilled to welcome back the incredible Rosemary Kariuki (2021 Australian of the Year Local Hero) for an unforgettable evening of vibrant African song, drumming, storytelling, and dance.

Yes, men are absolutely welcome, and there will even be a disco to cap off the night! 🪩🕺

📅 Saturday, 1st August 2026 ⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM) 📍 St Stephens Anglican Church Hall, 158 High Street, Rutherglen 🍽️ Includes: A delicious fusion of African & Australian cuisine + complimentary bubbles on arrival! (Local wine & published works also available for purchase).

🎟️ Tickets are strictly limited - book yours now! 👉 www.trybooking.com/DNQGG
• $55 General | $50 Arts Rutherglen Members
• Disability concession: $50 & Carer is free

📞 Questions? Contact Maree at 0409 918 311.
Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration of culture, community, and delicious food. See you there! ❤️🌍

29/04/2026

🎨 Calling local artists – Expression of Interest now open

NSW Health Infrastructure is inviting artists with a connection to the Albury Wodonga region to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for new artworks at the Northeast Building as part of the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital Project.

Two exciting opportunities are available:

🌿 Landscape artwork to enhance the arrival gardens
🖌 Internal glazing artwork for the waiting area

The selected artworks will help create welcoming spaces that promote calm, wellbeing and connection to place for patients, visitors and staff.

Artists are encouraged to develop works that reflect the identity of the region, local landscape and community.

📅 EOIs close Tuesday, 5 May 2026

ℹ️ Artist information session
📍 Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)
🗓 Wednesday 29 April
🕥 10:30am – 12pm

🔗 Learn more and apply here 👉https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/albury-wodonga-regional-hospital-project/albury-wodonga-northeast-building-eoi

28/04/2026

A new two-performance show is happening in Beechworth later this week, featuring the Yackandandah-based SongShed Choir, with a guest appearance from Beechworth poet Frank Prem.

Songs From a Suitcase explores themes of immigration through original songs by Leanne Murphy, personal stories from choir members, and a selection of Frank's poems reflecting on the experience of coming to Australia from elsewhere.

The choir has been sounding splendid in rehearsal. You can catch a recent preview here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1634344724462464

There are still a few tickets available for both shows, though they are selling fast. Get your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1554255