Arts Northern Rivers is currently delivering a creative recovery project in the Richmond Valley community of Rappville. In response to the 2019 bushfires, the project has initiated opportunities for residents of the Rappville township and surrounds to share their stories, engage in a range of art activities and workshops and get involved in the creative process.
 

‘It is a project of both site-specific gifting and restoration, looking into the sense of place, people and stories through the landscape, plants and food that are enjoyed, shared and grown.’ – Charlotte Haywood
 

Lead-artists  Charlotte Haywood and Lyndall Phelps, two renowned multidisciplinary artists who have a strong track record in delivering innovative and community-based work, have spent a large amount of time in Rappville throughout 2021, working alongside community members in the development of permanent and temporary artworks.

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‘Each time I visit Rappville I feel more and more attached to the village. It has been a privilege spending time with residents; their resilience, warmth, compassion and humour always shine through.’ – Lyndall Phelps

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Through their community engagement and creative workshops, both artists have developed artworks responsive to the local history, landscape, plants and people, culminating in a range of works that are intended to be gifted to the Rappville Community. Community participation in the making of the primary artworks has emerged as an important and vital component of each artists’ creative response.

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‘The arts can play a deep, real role in supporting communities and individuals to tackle disasters and the potential of reframing life, landscape and connection beyond the impact.’ – Creative Recovery Network

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The project will conclude in 2022 with both artists installing work in the new Rappville Community Hall when it  opens in 2022.