Tag Archives: arts workshop

Happy Return To The Towers

Posted on by

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!

The newly refurbish Charters Towers Post Office

Peeling the Onion on Artist Statements

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.

Getting On With Arts Business in Central Queensland

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.

Townsville Makers Embrace the Nitty Gritty of Arts Business

Posted on by

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.

Embracing Arts Marketing in Moreton Bay

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.

Pathway to Greater Funding Success

Posted on by

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

Eventful Return to the Central Highlands

Posted on by

Happy to be back in Emerald, Qld over the last few days. Haven’t been there for a few years and the town is looking great – as is the coffee. This trip I was lucky enough to work with the cultural champions from around the region brushing up on event and project management and marketing. Key messages included: a project management approach to event/project management will help to take the cry out of crisis management; and an understanding of the key principles of marketing will help ensure that a project or event will engage with its intended audience and that promotion will cut through the noise. Enjoyed being back in the Central Highlands. Best wishes for continued event and project success.

Image: The Big Easel. Painting by Cameron Cross