Back up in the Sunshine Coast hinterland over the past two weeks for the completion of the Artist in Business Series of workshops. These last sessions focused on setting up and running an arts business and the foundation principles of marketing or getting your art to market. Not easy or engaging stuff for the creative class but one of those necessary evils if you want to make a living from your work. As ever the hardy members of the group enthusiastically got amongst the guff and used the time and content to advantage. It’s been a terrific experience to deliver this workshop series and to meet and work with a wonderful, creative group of artists. Best wishes for you business’ folks; wishing you every success. Thanks to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council for the opportunity.

PS. And thanks Kim for the baker’s delights.

Happy return gig in Noosa Shire this week. A full house of artists and arts workers keen to know more about the ins and out of setting up and running a successful arts business. This group was full of energy and enthusiasm with lots of probing questions. No doubt there’ll be some successes here – everything from ceramic art to garden art. Thanks everyone for a stimulating session and thanks to Noosa Council for the invitation.

Back in Hughenden last week to continue the front line consultation work for the Arts and Cultural plan (and Public Art Policy) for Flinders Shire. Lots of interviews, meetings and an enthusiastic public meeting. Much touring around and many many photographs. Always an interesting and learning experience. This place has a remarkable history and a warm, friendly culture. Thanks to the good people of Flinders for being so welcoming and willing.  Early days yet but already some good ideas emerging.

Backed up Hughenden with two days in Charters Towers. I spent this time in the company of many of the special event and festival organisers in the community; firstly in an intensive workshop on event planning and management for sustainable success and then, the next day, a series of one on one consultations with event organisers to complete the diagnostic process. Great people, all making an enormous contribution to the community through their enthusiastic and tireless efforts to make good cultural things happen in the region. Here’s to your sustainable success.