• Charles Sturt to contribute to Regional Artstate Conference in Wagga Wagga

Charles Sturt University will contribute to development of arts and culture in regional NSW with assistance for a vibrant four-day festival.

The University will waive the hire fee of the Riverina Playhouse to host the Regional Artstate Conference this week, as well as donating equipment to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Charles Sturt staff will also participate in panel discussions, including Professor of Creative Industries in the School of Communication and Creative Industries Professor Eleanor Gates-Stuart, who will discuss where art fits into the world of extended reality.

Other Charles Sturt academics who will speak during the event include:

• Lecturer in Animation and Visual Effects in Wagga Wagga, Mr Andrew Hagan
• Lecturer in Photographer and Director of the HR Gallop Gallery in Wagga Wagga, Dr James Farley
• Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries and Sub Dean Academic (Learning and Teaching) in Wagga Wagga, Mr Christopher Orchard
• Senior Lecturer in Indigenous Australian Studies in Dubbo, Dr Holly Randell-Moon
• Director of the Djirruwang Program – Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) in Wagga Wagga, Dr Faye McMillan

Events will be held in a range of venues across the city, including the Riverina Playhouse, which Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement for Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga Ms Samantha Beresford said played a vital role in the Wagga Wagga community.

“Charles Sturt University recognises the value the Riverina Playhouse brings to our local region in supporting major events, such as Artstate,” she said.

“The playhouse continues to be a vital part of the Wagga Wagga community and this is another example of the University’s commitment to helping support our local community’s interaction and use of this beautiful facility.

“We are delighted to be able to offer our facilities and technical expertise to ensure that Artstate 2020 in Wagga Wagga is a success.”

Regional Arts NSW CEO Ms Elizabeth Rogers said the contribution to the speakers program from University staff and use of the venue showed the importance of the creative industries in regional NSW.

“We are delighted to have the support of Charles Sturt University again this year after working with the University so successfully for Artstate Bathurst in 2018,” she said.

“It has been a critical component of the program to be able to use the Charles Sturt Riverina Playhouse for both the conference and the arts program for Artstate Wagga Wagga.

“I hope that this partnership demonstrates the value of the arts in bringing communities together for an inspirational conversation and a showcase of the best of the arts from the Riverina region.”

Purchase a ticket for the conference or reserve a seat at any of the free events on the Artstate website.