So good to back in Charters Towers this weekend to catch up with the cultural champions, old friends and new.  This time we were exploring the virtues, principles and practice of public art. Firstly a canter through what public art is and what it could be, followed by a squiz at what a public art project brief looks like and how best to respond in a planned and creative way. Lots of videos and images along the way to stimulate imaginations. Day two began with a look at public art policies, why they are important and a tilt at what a policy for Charters Tower could look like. The afternoon was given over to project development with some inspiring ideas emerging. A great, creative way to spend a couple of days in regional North Queensland. Look forward to seeing the fruits of this adventure.

Season’s greeting to all my regional and remote Queensland clients and colleagues. No doubt it’s been a big year for everybody  – it always is. I am always impressed and stimulated by your unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. Best wishes all.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a well deserved break. Thank you for your support this year and look forward to catching up next.

Just returned from 6 days on the road in Western & Central Queensland…..plus a couple more to boot. Apart from the joy of travelling, the intention of the trip was to consult with colleagues in six regional Councils on a potential collaborative project. My travel colleague and I were greeted warmly and we had a joyful and instructive tour. If the project comes off it could be a game changer. As we ended up in Gladstone I took the opportunity to start up the consultation process for their new Arts & Cultural Development Plan. There is a great deal of energy around this already and I can’t wait to get stuck in, in the New Year. On the road again……

Out Moreton Bay way again last Saturday to catch up with some of the creative champions of the region. This trip we were exploring the principles and practice of workshop facilitation. Many artists and arts workers seek to augment their income from running workshops and training sessions. To be successful and enable good learning outcomes there needs to be some method in the process. We had a pretty intensive and happy day’s training. Thanks to all the enthusiastic participants and to my hosts the Moreton Bay Arts Council and Flying Arts Alliance. A good day out.

Had the pleasure of visiting the gorgeous Cassowary Coast in northern Queensland over the past few days. Truly it is a tropical paradise with more than their fair share of arts and cultural champions. This trip was about RADF Committee training and community information sessions. The RADF is a most successful and sustained arts and cultural funding program and after 25 years + it continues to support cultural development and creative endeavour around Queensland. Here’s to its continued success in this region and some new, exciting projects coming out of this very creative community. Thanks to my hosts CCRC and all the enthusiastic participants in the workshop sessions.

The weekend might have been a big one for sport but in Gympie we settled down for an intensive session on Arts Marketing Essentials. A baker’s dozen of the region’s finest visual artists gathered to hone their understanding of and skills in getting their art to market. It was a day of serous fun as we drilled though the nitty gritty of identifying opportunities, understanding the marketplace and updating skills in marketing practice. Thanks to the GRC and the hardy group of visual creatives. Good luck for future endeavours and lookout for the follow up.

Just back from another great weekend with the artists of the Gladstone region exploring the mysteries and magic of Instagram along with a rigorous review of the principles of project evaluation and a short sharp session on how to make a solid project pitch.  As well  as its glorious natural features, Gladstone has a vibrant, pulsating cultural heart. Always a joy to visit.

Entertaining day in the Moreton Bay region on Saturday with an enthusiastic group of visual artists – and one writer – discussing the pros, cons and principles of setting up and running an arts business. It’s not for everyone but for those whose intention it is to make money from what they love to do, then it’s the way to go. In the meantime it doesn’t hurt to gather all the information and build the necessary skills you’ll need for when the time comes. Thanks to the Moreton Bay Arts Council and Flying Arts and our hardy bunch of artists. Good luck all and thanks for your contribution to a successful day.

Fantastic week out west in the epicentre of Paroo Shire, Cunnamulla. This is quintessential Outback Queensland steeped in rich cultural heritage. Cattle and sheep grazing around the rich plains and river flats remains the staple industry but there are opals still to be found in these parts. Cultural development and its links to community wellbeing and prosperity is high on the agenda at the moment which is why I’m out this way. Lots to learn and much to do but hopefully a new cultural development policy and strategic plan will help to make a difference to this wonderfully warm, enthusiastic and creative community.

Fortunate enough to be up on the Fraser Coast on the weekend. Glorious winter. And most fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a couple of days with the local cultural champions honing arts business and management skills. Hervey Bay is not just a pretty beach. It’s got a lively cultural life (and a wonderful gallery) made richer by the energy and enthusiastic efforts of its champions. Thank you to my hosts the Fraser Coast Council and Arts Collective and to Flying Arts for the gig. Great work.

The Strategic Review and Business Plan for Creative Samford Inc is now done and dusted. Pretty rigorous ‘ground up’ process providing structure, clarity, direction and method. The Association is now making a few local tweaks and developing an action plan before adopting as the business blue print for the next 3-5 years. Ensuring the sustainability of local cultural organisations is challenging. A challenge made eminently manageable by having a good, solid plan. Well done CSI. Here’s to your sustainable creative future.