Baan Baa-based singer and songwriter Sarah Leete has released a new song about the early farming community in north west NSW.
The track has been created with the help of Wee Waa’s Namoi Echo Museum and was developed as part of an Arts North West project, funded by the NSW government’s Arts Restart program.
As one of five resident artists under the project, Ms Leete immersed herself in the collection as she created and refined the new song.
She also drew inspiration from the Namoi Echo Museum volunteer staff who shared their stories and memories.
The new song, In the Museum, was debuted at a breakfast event put on by the venue on Saturday, April 24.
Museum committee president, Julie Dowleans OAM, said the project was welcomed with open arms.
“We’re just really grateful that Sarah could come out here, and spend her time coming backward and forwards,” she said.
Another museum volunteer, Fran Luke, said the team were thrilled to have Ms Leete.
“It’s something different and it’s giving us a bit of enthusiasm – which we are never lacking – but it’s just a big plus,” she said.
Ms Leete said it was a cathartic process that helped her reconnect with the region.
“It was surprisingly emotional, but so lovely to give something back to show some appreciation for the great work the volunteers do, and the kindness they have shown me,” she said.
“Although I am based not far from Wee Waa, we have a more mixed society now with mining, but the farmers have my heart, it’s what drew me to the north west in the first place.”
Arts North West executive director, Caroline Downer, said the song is part of a number of diverse responses to the project, which has been wonderful to see.
“We are delighted that we are able to give creatives an opportunity to embed themselves in our museums and to be inspired by our local history,” she said.
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