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.
Tag Archives: artreach queensland
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.
Carnival Spirit Good for Gladstone Artists
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
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
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.
Embracing Arts Marketing in Moreton Bay
The last of a series of arts business workshops in Moreton Bay this weekend. Great group visual artists and a couple of writers. This week it was all about marketing and the essential principles of unashamedly getting art to market. The customer focused marketing concept is not that mysterious but the topic can become a little complex when it comes to defining your arts business, identifying your customers and knowing how to reach them – in a mutually rewarding way. Simple idea but can be one of the toughest topics. Thanks everybody for your great contributions. Good luck with your art business. And thanks to the Moreton Bay Arts Council and Flying Arts Alliance.
Hot Topics for Artists in Cool Caloundra
Lucky enough to return to beautiful, beachside Caloundra on Saturday and the really cool Caloundra Regional Gallery. Following the public art development strategy last year, this trip was about working with local artists on the challenges of writing about, documenting and presenting their art in order to increase public and commercial opportunities. Once out from the comfort of a studio and in the public arena, it’s important for artists to have the skills and confidence to talk about their work, write about it for different purposes and platforms and know how to best document and present their work for various opportunities. Happily these are all skills that can all be learnt, practised and perfected. Best thing is to grasp the principles and have a go. And inspiration is everywhere; go seek. Thanks to CRG and Flying Arts Alliance. An inspiring day out.
Artwork. ‘Drawn Together Caloundra’ 2014.
Adam Lewczuk, Ryan Sullivan, John Waldron, David Houghton.
Noosa Embraces Art Marketing Essentials
Full house at the Noosa Regional Gallery yesterday. Visual artists from around the region sat down with me to explore the mystery of Marketing Essentials – getting your art to market. It can be a challenging topic for creatives. What business am I in? What are the opportunities available to me in the market place? Who are my customers and how do I reach them? Happily with a clear approach, a few basic principles and a marketing tool box to make use of, the mystery of marketing begins to make sense. A great day out with an enthusiastic, creative group. Good luck all. I look forward to coming back to deliver the next two workshops in the professional development series. Thanks to Noosa Shire Council and Flying Arts Alliance.
*An excellent exhibition; well worth the trip. NRG until 6 May.
Pathway to Greater Funding Success
Quick trip up to Noosa yesterday for a stimulating session with local artists and art workers on the principles of writing grant and funding applications – which have a greater chance of success. Like most things, the essence is in the planning so ensuring that having a clear, well founded idea matched with a grant program of best fit is the starting point of a good application. Get the preparation right and writing the application itself is the easy bit. Thanks to Noosa Shire Council and Flying Arts Alliance. An enjoyable day’s work.
Image: Noosa Botanical Gardens
Public Art and Asset Audit for Toowoomba
Currently collaborating with my colleague Jamie Maclean who has been commissioned by the Toowoomba Regional Council to undertake an audit of all plaques, memorials, monuments and public art works in the Region. Big job. Jamie will be preparing exhaustive condition reports and a detailed maintenance plan. Together we will be developing a new ubeaut classification and valuation model for these important public assets. Great work.
Image: Brian Robinson: Playfulness of the Perennials.
2016.
Gladstone Region Votes on Arts & Culture
Back in the Gladstone Region last week finishing off the research and consultation process for the new arts & cultural policy and plan. Another round of stimulating conversations with the cultural champions of the region. Got the results of the community survey in too – 100% of respondents from across the region reckon that a vital arts and cultural life is important – amongst other good things. Not a bad foundation to work from. Got all the info I need now; just have to write it all up in some kind of meaningful way and get the ball rolling on the next exciting chapter of arts and cultural development in the region. Per capita there’s already a great deal going on. It’s onwards and upwards from here.