Lucky enough to be invited back to this glorious part of Australia to work on the development of the Cook Shire’s new Arts and Cultural Strategy. What an amazing two weeks it was touring and consulting around the Cape. This is a spacial place with so much to explore and so much to offer. Now, after all the fun, the hard work begins on preparing a great plan. Great job!
Author Archives: Site
Happy Return To The Towers
Happy return to the Charters Towers Region last week – quintessential North Queensland country. Along with some RADF training and a workshop on Creative Collaboration, one of the main reasons for my visit was to do some research on how to more effectively promote locally produced cultural activities and events to residents and visitors in the region. This is an issue which arose out of the consultation process for the Arts & Cultural Investment Plan – and one that is a challenge for most of the regions I visit. Already some interesting feedback which will help to shape a fresh planned approach to community communications. So good to be back on the road. Thanks CTRC for the opportunity – and Earl for the painting!
Aha! Back in Business
Charters Towers Sets The New Normal For Investment in Arts & Culture
It’s been a little time in the baking but happily Charters Towers Regional Council has now formally adopted a new Arts and Cultural Investment Policy and Plan. The documents outline the vision, direction and priorities for investment arts and cultural development over the next five years. This sits comfortably alongside the other responsibilities of Council as the 4th pillar of community sustainability. It can only be a good thing for the future well-being and prosperity of the community. At the same time Council also adopted a new Public Art Investment Policy. Charters Towers Region is certainly setting the bar for the new normal. Congratulations.
Mission Accomplished
Happy to say… this one’s done and dusted.
Mission Arts Strategic Review & Business Plan
A Creative, Cultural Future for Charters Towers
This week it was back to Charters Towers, one of my favourite regional Queensland centres. Over the next few months I will be working on the new Arts and Cultural Development Policy and Management Plan for the region. This a great opportunity or work with the Council and the community on crafting a plan that will make a measurable contribution to health and well being, quality of place and the cultural tourism experience. There can be a bundle of public benefits arising from this initiative. This place has so much going for it. So good to be back working in regional Queensland.
Back in Town With a Mission
After 12 months living in Nepal I’m happy to say that aha! is back in town with a mission – Mission Beach that is. Just a few days following my return it was up to FNQ to undertake the first consultation session with Mission Arts and friends for a strategic review of the Mission Beach Community Arts Centre (including the gallery) as part of the preparation of the new strategic business plan. Fabulous to back there – such a beautiful place. And what an amazing contrast to land-locked Nepal. Ridiculous! Look forward to working with MA & Co on this excellent project designed to chart a sustainable future for the Centre.
Kathmandu Adventure Update
Eight months into the one year Nepal immersion adventure. As Tourism Development Officer with Budhanilkantha Municipality Kathamandu, I have had the great fortune of meeting and working with some wonderful people on some engaging projects. In the periphery of my role I have also connected with many great people who are doing extraordinary things in challenging circumstances. I have traveled around many parts of the country and experienced the diverse ancient and contemporary culture. What an adventure. In October i will be back in Oz to pick up the reins of aha!goodthinking. Looks like I’ll have to hit the ground running.
Creative Regeneration in Innisfail
The newly established Innisfail Creatives Inc. now has a new strategic business plan to guide its program and key creative coordination and facilitating role in the Innisfail Community. Always a pleasure to visit, it’s also been a pleasure to have the opportunity to work on this brave new initiative. With strong community and Cassowary Regional Council support, ICI will do doubt be a valued addition and contributor to the arts and cultural landscape in the region. Thanks and good luck ICI.
A New Era For Cultural Development in the Gladstone Region
The Gladstone Region is poised for a new era of Arts and Cultural development with the delivery of the new policy and plan. After many months of consultation, research and review the Plan, when finally adopted, will chart the strategic direction for development in the region over the next five years. The Region has a rich cultural heritage, an active arts and cultural program and more than its share of artist, artisans and arts workers. With well directed investment, arts and culture will sit comfortably alongside social, economic and environmental domains as the forth pillar of sustainability.
Cultural Adventures In Kathmandu
In the spirit of cultural adventure, I’m off to Kathmandu, Nepal for 12 months working on a tourism development project with Australian Volunteers International. So, aha!goodthinking and ArtReach Queensland will be in recess until October 2019.
Currently I’m finishing off projects for Gladstone, Toowoomba and the Cassowary Coast and then it will be up and away. I’ll still be contactable via the goodthinking website and the ArtReach Queensland facebook page. I’ll continue to post resources for artists and arts workers as well as provide an update on cultural and creative adventures in Asia. I am taking bookings for projects and workshops from October 2019 when I return.,
Thank you for your continued custom and support. If you’re in the vicinity, do drop in.
Namaste
Stephen
The Australian Volunteers International Program is funded by the Australian Government.
Peeling the Onion on Artist Statements
Last week had three happy days with the creative class in beautiful Hervey Bay. For this program we were exploring the theme of confidently writing and communicating about an arts practice. Bit like peeling away the layers of an onion to find a gem. Shocking mixed metaphor but getting to the heart and soul of an artist’s practice can be personally very challenging. But what success! Some very beautiful stories and artist’s statements; many of which were captured on video for web sites etc. Always a joy to visit this part of the world and have fun at work. Thanks to Melissa and the Hervey Bay Regional Council.