Outback Arts is pleased to welcome Lorraine (Rainy) King into the position of Aboriginal Arts Officer. Lorraine will be based at Outback’s regional office in Coonamble but will service and support Aboriginal Artists across the Shires of Bourke, Brewarrina, Bogan, Cobar, Coonamble, Warren and Walgett.

Lorraine is a qualified Special Education Primary teacher with 20+ years’ experience. She is also an accomplished artist, predominately applying her creative skills to photography, and ceramics. She will apply her wealth of experience and creative skills to the delivery of workshops across the region, providing increased access to a range of opportunities for members of these communities learn creative skills.

“I’m super excited to get out there amongst it all, especially to meet and work with the amazingly talented people who live and create in our outback regions. I look forward to being a part of the many wonderful opportunities and experiences that will be created and available for outback artists.”

The Aboriginal Arts Officer program is funded by the Federal, Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program (IVAIS). This funding program is highly competitive with regional New South Wales receiving limited representation as successful applicants. Outback Arts was thrilled to be successfully funded, for an extended term of two years, 2022-2023. The aim of the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program is to support a professional, viable and ethical Indigenous visual arts industry. Support from such programs is vital to support Aboriginal arts and culture across the Outback Arts region, providing skill building opportunities, developing a strong network of Aboriginal art workers and artists, increasing the profile of NSW Aboriginal arts & cultural practices in the National and International scene.