OUTBACK Arts have welcomed Lorraine (Rainy) King into the position of Aboriginal Arts Officer for their region.

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.

“I started a couple of weeks ago and I’m really looking forward to travelling in the new year and getting out to the wider network,” Ms King said.

“I do love to work in community and this is another way to connect.”

Ms King completed her schooling in Coonamble before heading off to train as a teacher.

She returned in 2012 as a qualified Special Education Primary teacher and has accumulated more than 20 years of experience.

Along the way she has also become an accomplished artist, developing her creative skills through photography and ceramics, and is keen to expand her artistic horizons through the new role.

“I think there’s lots of untapped talent that definitely needs to be showcased more,” Ms King said.

“I hope to be part of uncovering some of the hidden gems who are just poking along not realising they’re amazing.”

“We’ll be working to find more platforms where they can showcase their work.”

“I look forward to being a part of the many wonderful opportunities and experiences thatb will e created and available for outback artists,” she said.

The Aboriginal Arts Officer program is funded by the Federal, Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program (IVAIS). 

This funding program is highly competitive with few successful applicants in regional New South Wales and Outback Arts say they were thrilled to be successfully funded for an extended term of two years.

“The aim of the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program is to support a professional, viable and ethical Indigenous visual arts industry,” said Communications & Touring Co-ordinator Maddi Ward. 

“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.”

Ms King will be working in the role for two days each week and also intends to spend time developing her own arts practice as she gets more acquainted with her own “backyard”.

“When I’m travelling I’ll have my camera sitting on the passenger seat,” she said.