Getting On With Arts Business in Central Queensland

It’s a wonderful subtropical winter in Rockhampton and fortunately I had the chance to visit for the weekend and spend some time with an enthusiastic group of artists, writers and musicians. The hardy members of this creative group were keen to set up or further develop their arts business’ and gain a little more insight in to how to better connect with the arts business world and their customers. Lots of engagement and enthusiastic curiosity – just the energy and focus needed to enhance the prospects of arts business success.  Looking forward to coming back soon to complete the professional development workshop series. Thank you to Mark at Arts Central Queensland Inc. and Flying Arts Alliance Inc. Rocky is looking great and happily had the chance to drop in at the Cri and bask in many good memories of trips past.

Top picture: The old Court House, home of the new Smart Hub.
Below: The classic Criterion Hotel

Artists Doing Business on the Fraser Coast

A great pleasure to be back in Hervey Bay early this week to workshop with the local creative clan.This trip, over a couple of days, we covered the principles of writing funding applications which have a greater possibility of success and demystified the mysteries of getting art to market. An enjoyable few days working the gorgeous subtropical winter with an enthusiastic group of visual artists. Happily also had the time to visit the wonderful Hervey Bay Regional Gallery – a real treat. Thanks to Melissa and the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

A New Cultural Vitality for Innisfail

Always a joy to visit the Cassowary Coast – even if it’s just for a couple of nights and a really busy day. The newly established umbrella arts and cultural Association ‘Innisfail Creative’s Inc’ needs a strategic business plan to guide its direction and sustainable development. This visit was all about community engagement and in one day we managed to fit in two public meetings and a number of separate stakeholder consultation sessions – before adjourning to the delightful Sapore Di Italia for a debrief, pasta and little red. A successful journey and the start of a new cultural vitality for Innisfail. Thanks to ICI, 4KZ’s Gazza  and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Discover Eumundi Discovers a Rich Vein of Potential

The recently completed visitor and community survey commissioned by the Discover Eumundi Visitor and Heritage Centre has revealed a rich vein of information about visitor experiences and interests and provided greater insight into those who have yet to visit this wonderfully eclectic centre for heritage, local art work and visitor information. A great deal of valuable knowledge that came out of this initiative some of it life affirming, all of it valuable input for future planning and sustainable success. Good luck to Wendy and the volunteer crew who do such a wonderful job in providing this important service. This was a joyful gig. Thanks everyone; keep up the great work.

New Drivers for Outback Cultural Development

The new ubeat Paroo Shire Arts and Cultural Policy and Plan are now finalised, designed and delivered. This region is a very special part of Outback Queensland with a rich cultural heritage and an abundance of creative enthusiasm. Hopefully the new policy and plan will help provide the platform and pathways to a very liveable and visitable future. Thank you to all contributors. It was a joy to live like a local for a little while. Go well.