Cultural Adventures In Kathmandu

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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

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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.

 

More Arts Business in Rocky

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Another great trip to glorious subtropical Rocky over the weekend. This time I was working with the hardy group of cultural champions on the finer points of writing about, documenting and presenting an art practice and the even finer but slightly more challenging topics of preparing budgets and managing finances. Had a happy time with this enthusiastic group and hopefully was of some assistance in helping them along the way to a sustainable arts practice. Thank you all for making the trip so enjoyable. Thanks again to Mark and Arts CQ and to Flying Arts Alliance.

Musica! is Vital in Gladstone

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Back in Gladstone last week in the glorious subtropical winter- catching up on all things arts and cultural planning. Lucky to be in town when the fabulous Musica! event was happening. Such a great buzz about the place with plenty of musicians and music lovers around town. Happily was able to catch the concert on Saturday night which was a joy –  a star studded cast including Stefan Cassomenos, a fine Concert Pianist, Claire Munting Mezzo Soprano, Liane Keegan Dramatic Contralto, MC & jazz diva Monica Trapaga along with Gladstone’s own Sim Kelly and Jessica Johnson. And great to hear that all the community workshops were over subscribed. Thank you to Cindi Bush and all involved in this hallmark event for the region.

 

Getting On With Arts Business in Central Queensland

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Carnival Spirit Good for Gladstone Artists

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Another great few days in Gladstone spruiking the benefits of investment in arts and culture and to present the new draft    A & C policy and plan. Had a good hearing and now it’s a matter of the feedback process and finalisation. Lucky enough to be in town when the Carnival Spirit stopped in for the day, with its 3000 passengers and crew. The East Shores Markets and local makers were doing a roaring trade as was most of the rest of Gladstone city. Great to see the city and the Gladstone Art Gallery abuzz and to think what the visitor experience could become in the future, if all goes according to plan.

Townsville Makers Embrace the Nitty Gritty of Arts Business

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Spent last weekend in Townsville working with local artists, writers and filmmakers on the nitty gritty of planning for and setting up a sustainable arts business. Initially we discussed the importance of approach and how to think more ‘businessy’ as well as how an understanding of the scope of the arts business world can help to identify where the opportunities are. With the right approach, insight, curiosity, enthusiasm and a few fundamental business principles and skills, setting up and running a successful arts business is not so hard. Good luck everybody. Thanks to the Townsville City Council and Flying Arts Alliance

Artwork and image: Amanda Feher.

Gladstone Cultural Plan Takes Shape

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Per capita I have to say that there is a great deal going on in the Gladstone Region in the realm of arts and culture. With the new Arts and Cultural Plan now taking shape I reckon there could be a whole lot more happening in the years to come. Look forward to heading back up there shortly to present the work in progress and get some feedback. No doubt arts and culture is poised to play a key role in the vitality and liveability of this beautiful part of the world.  Opposite is a snapshot of just some of the fine public art that garnishes the character of the region.