Had a stimulating trip to Gladstone on Saturday to consult on a new project that could transform regional arts service delivery as we know it.  Certainly seems time for a new paradigm. We’ll see how this one plays out. Stay tuned.

Old Petrie Town and the Pine River Heritage Museum might seem unlikely places for a workshop on the mysteries of Strategic Planning but what a great day we had. The hardy and courageous group of participants from all walks of life from around the region was up for the challenge right from the get go and enthusiastically embraced the topic. Along the way we managed to explore principles, ideas, stories from the front line, case studies and have fun. Thanks to host Moreton Bay Regional Council and the agency of Flying Arts Alliance for making it happen. It was a pleasure to facilitate. Old Petrie Town and the Museum are definitely in my diary for another visit; a must see destination.

Happily just finished the literature review for my current research project: Measuring the return on investment in arts culture and heritage. Quite amazing how much great work there has been done in this area of research and practice, around the world. Quite amazing how policy makers of all shapes sizes and colours can’t grasp how significant investment in arts, culture and heritage can be for our development, well being and prosperity. On so many levels. Really excited about the next phase of this work.

Great day with some of Brisbane’s emerging/practicing artists and educators in the workshop: How To – Plan and Write Grant/Funding Applications (that have a greater chance of success). A lot to cover in one day on what can be a challenging topic but everybody hung in well, asked good questions and generously contributed from their own experiences. Hopefully they all got something that will be useful when it comes to writing the next grant/funding application. There is no magic formula but there are a number ways to increase the chances of success. Good luck everybody and thanks for a stimulating day. Thanks to our host Flying Arts Alliance.

Another great and successful trip to Longreach this week as work continues on the research for the Youth Development Plan. This time lots of primary research with students, young people and community stakeholders. The public forum was a bottler with some great contributions and robust discussion about the well being and future of the youth in the Longreach region.  AND we had rain. Don’t want to say too much but this is the fifth time a trip to Outback Queensland has resulted in bringing rain. Must be a coincidence. Anyway the youth of the region are well served by the keen community interest in a plan for their future.