Just returned from the Sunny Coast where I met with my research colleagues in the Faculty of Arts & Business at the University of the Sunshine Coast. We’ve received a research grant  to develop a new model to measure the public value – and return on investment – of the Sunshine Coast Council’s investment in arts, culture and heritage. There is lots of interesting material to draw on but the plan is develop a new model that will be useful for the SSC and adaptable to regional areas. Exciting times ahead.

Great to be back in St George to finish off the series of arts business development workshops. This week we brought all our efforts together to make a business plan. It can be tough going but participants all earnestly beavered away on their  plans. There are some great ideas and hopefully the enthusiastic efforts over the three workshops will bring great success. Thanks to St George Arts Council and thank you to my workshop friends. BTW when in St George make sure you have a look at Handmade – original, distinctive locally created arts and crafts. Brilliant.

While I love to travel the State and work with the regional arts and cultural champions, it was a welcome change this weekend to spend a day working with the artists and arts workers of Brisbane and surrounds. What a  wonderful group of practising artists and crafters, keen to learn how go about setting up a professional arts practice and to turn the things that they love to do into a successful business enterprise. With an understanding of business principles to go with their obvious passion and dedication, it’s all very possible establish a sustainable arts practise. Thanks to host Flying Arts & good luck all.

Just back from a week working out West where I got to revisit some old friends in familiar places and some new friends in a place I haven’t stopped before. Always a joy to drive around Maranoa and this time I was workshopping in Mitchell, Roma and, for a first, Yuleba. Writing successful grant and funding applications was the topic of the trip and once again I had the pleasure to work with the community and cultural champions from around the region. Good work everybody and good luck with your projects.

Happily spent another few days in St George undertaking the second workshop in the Getting Your Art to Market arts  business series. Still pretty hot out that way but our hardy group of participants were undaunted; eager as ever to come to grips with the mysteries of marketing. Once again the local Arts Council did a great job of local coordination and hot as it was, it all went like a breeze. Thanks, see you in a few weeks.