REGIONAL ARTS NSW THE YEAR IN REVIEW...

REGIONAL ARTS NSWTHE YEAR IN REVIEW 2015

For arts and cultural development and activities that build positive futures for regional communities across New South Wales

Artlands 2016 mascot ‘Reggie’ on a West Darling Arts field trip!

REGIONAL ARTS NSW THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2015

PROFILE

Regional Arts NSW is the peak body and service agency for arts and cultural development in regional NSW. Our vision is for a vibrant, dynamic and engaged creative arts and cultural sector that is valued and integral to the development and vitality of regional communities. We aim to achieve this through;

Supporting the network of Regional Arts Boards in NSW; strengthening, developing and maintaining our grants programs; promoting the value of the arts and cultural sector; developing the regional NSW Aboriginal arts and cultural sector; and demonstrating leadership in effective governance.


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THE REGIONAL ARTS NSW NETWORK

Each Regional Arts Board services an area made up of a group of local government areas. A regional arts program now exists in 14 different regions.

01 Arts Northern Rivers02 Arts Mid North Coast03 Arts North West04 Arts Upper Hunter05 Southern Tablelands Arts06 South East Arts Region07 Orana Arts08 Arts OutWest09 Eastern Riverina Arts Program10 Murray Arts11 Outback Arts12 South West Arts13 West Darling Arts 14 Western Riverina Arts

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FROM THE CHAIR

In 2015, the important role that Regional Arts NSW (RANSW) plays as the peak body and support agency for arts and cultural development in NSW has continued to respond and rise to meet the challenges of an ever changing arts and culture sector, with vast movements in the policy and funding landscapes across a wide range of areas.

This strong support and advocacy provided by RANSW has ensured that the NSW regional arts sector has been agile and responsive to address the changing landscape of issues such as Local Government Reform and navigating and identifying opportunities within the new NSW Arts and Cultural Policy Framework. Our support of regional Aboriginal arts development has continued through the support and guidance of the network of Aboriginal Arts Officers in a range of professional development initiatives that included joint network meetings and facilitated engagement with the broader sector.

Utilising National Strategic Project funding under the Regional Arts Fund, specialist training was also delivered in response to feedback on the successful 2014 Black Arts Market. Specialist training in business skills for Aboriginal artists was delivered through a uniquely tailored and facilitated program called Making Money Business workshops. These workshops were delivered in 11 areas that included Albury, Dubbo, Lismore, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Taree, Muswellbrook, Narooma, Orange, Moree and Coonamble. Approximately 60 Indigenous artists participated in these workshops, which covered goal setting and strategic planning, as well as selling techniques in person and online and regulatory basics such as ABN, GST and so on.

2015 saw the continuing work on planning for the biennial Regional Arts Australia national conference and arts festival in Dubbo in October 2016. The immense scale of the event and the high expectations from the professional development and cultural programs were a massive undertaking for a small

organisation with limited human and financial resources. The dedicated staff at RANSW have worked tirelessly in developing the ARTLANDS business plan ensuring that ARTLANDS Dubbo 2016 will be one of the premier events in the arts and cultural calendar. Testament to their dedication and work was the ability to secure major Commonwealth funding from both the Australia Council and Ministry for the Arts.

In closing I would like to acknowledge and thank the amazing team at RANSW led by our CEO Elizabeth Rogers. This team navigated through a myriad of changes that encompassed an office relocation after 22 years at Pier 5 in Walsh Bay to our new home at the Arts Exchange in The Rocks, changes to funding policies and arrangements at both state and federal levels and the loss of three long serving staff members during the year. Annette Eassie finished her employment to return to WA in February. She had been with RANSW since 2003. Ben Sibson resigned to take up a new position in August and Palmarita D’Orazio retired in September.


Both had been with the Company since 2008. Their contributions to the organisation were substantial over many years and they are all missed. The success of RANSW in achieving so much with so little whilst manoeuvring through these major impacts is testament to the ongoing professionalism and commitment of the staff.

I would also like to express my appreciation to my fellow board members, and I am sure I echo their sentiments in what a pleasure it is to work with an incredible group of diverse professionals that show amazing insights, share a wealth of knowledge and bring bucket loads of passion to the role.

And a final special mention to Janice Summerhayes, who served as chair and deputy chair over her six year term as a director of RANSW that ended following the 2015 AGM in April. Her leadership, contribution and sound advice were outstanding and she is a champion for the arts in regional communities.

Peter White Chair. March 2016

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Peter White — Chair Stephen Champion — Deputy Chair Stephen Bradley David Dwyer Lani HoustonLindy Hume Naomi Messenger Ben Roche Jennifer Turner

STAFF

Elizabeth Rogers — Chief Executive OfficerPrudence Tan — Administration Officer Rosie Grady — Trainee Administration Assistant (from 29 Sept)Ben Sibson — Funding Manager (until 20 August)Fiona Hunt — Funding Manager (from 24 August)Palmarita D’Orazio — Finance Manager (until 3 September)Brian Wilson — Finance Manager (from 27 August)Robyne Young — Communications Officer Anthony Walker — Aboriginal Arts Development Officer Annette Eassie — Special Projects Officer (until 25 February)Jane Kreis — Research and Development Officer (from 1 April)Greg Pritchard — Artlands Cultural Program Director

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SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN Regional Arts Boards are: Independent incorporated associations with:

— Paid professional staff — Multiple stakeholders — Diverse funding sources — Projects and program delivery.

Governance + Funding program knowledge + Grant writing + Grant program management + Media + Comunication practices +

Aboriginal arts development + Financial administration + Human resource management + Arts administration + Strategic planning +

Project management + Event management + Research

Our Services...

...plus our Skills

Networking meetingsProfessional development General information on all arts grants

Management of devloved funding programs Funding / Grant writing workshops

Aboriginal arts developmentGroup services

Human Resource Management adviceArts Management advice

Policy advice and developmentGovernance and organisationalDevelopment assistance

State wide databaseResearch relevant to RA

WebsiteGrants calendarRegional Festivals calendar

Media and publicityPublications and resources E-bulletin / Communications practices

Advocacy – regional, state and national level

Developing strategic partnershipsFacilitating Connections


STRUCTURE

The current organisational structure of RANSW (as per diagram to the right) has been in place since 2009 when a major review of the governance structure led to a revision of the Constitution and shifted the RANSW Board from a representative to a skills-based model. Prior to this time, directors of the Board were delegates (usually the Chair) of each of the Regional Arts Boards (RABs) but, as the number of RABs grew, effective governance was impacted by the subsequent size of the Board, the frequent turnover of board members, the financial costs of bringing the Board together and the difficulties in maintaining a spread of skills and knowledge. After the restructure, representation from all the RABs continued through an Advisory Council that meets annually prior to the AGM. Strategic and operational issues are discussed at the tri-annual two-day meetings of Regional Arts Development Officers, RAB staff and RANSW staff.

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Regional Arts NSW Ltd Board of Directors — 9 member board, meets 5 times per year — 5 regional & 4 co-opted Directors — Directors appointed for 2 year terms with a maximum of 3 terms. — Appointment of Directors is based on their skills as contained in the Constitution.

14 Regional Arts Boards — Body Corporate members of the Company, Regional Arts NSW Ltd — Committees of management

RANSW Executive — 3 members, meet as required

Regional Arts NSW — Non-profit state peak body and service agency — Staff

14 Regional Arts Boards — Non-profit regional arts & cultural development entities servicing a group of LGAs — RADOs and staff

Regional Arts NSW Advisory Council — 14 Chairs of Regional Arts Boards representing the ordinary members of the Company — Meet 1 day per year prior to AGM — Elects up to 5 Directors depending on vacancies in the cycle from nominations submitted, professional development and workshops, reviews the Company’s strategic directions

NETWORK SUPPORT

RANSW host 3 face to face, two- day meetings in Sydney per year for our network of Regional Arts Development Officers. The network of Aboriginal Arts Officers and Communications Officers join these meetings once per year, respectively, to access specific professional development and networking opportunities.

— Regional Arts Development Officers [14] – February, July and November

— Aboriginal Arts Officers – 8 officers from 6 regions – February

— Communications Officers [14] – November

Skills Development — The RANSW Funding Manager delivered a project development workshop for STARTS in Goulburn.

— Four AAOs attended the 10th Mildura Palimpsest with the RANSW CEO

— David Sharpe, Generate Financial Services – business skills workshops for Aboriginal artists


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Warren 80 Coolamon (2015), image: Shona Pratt. BOLD selfies by oldies Regional Creative Ageing Funded project delivered by Eastern Riverina Arts.


Regional TravelField trips and regional travel are an integral support service for the RABs and RADOs undertaken by the CEO to cover an itinerary developed by the RADO according to their region’s needs.

CEO undertook 3 week long field trips to STARTS, Arts Out West and West Darling Arts in 2015.

— 15 meetings with local councils

— 3 regional presentations

— Attended 25 regional events and meetings

— 31 regional towns visited, 5 twice and 1 three times.

— Attended 4 RAB board meetings (Arts Mid North Coast, Arts OutWest, Orana, Arts Upper Hunter)

— Presented to the Rural Arts & Culture Symposium, Forbes

— Opened the Show Us Your Pink Bits exhibition for West Darling Arts and the Breast Cancer Foundation, Broken Hill

Facilitating ConnectionsRANSW has developed ongoing relationships with a large number of Sydney based arts organisations providing a significant conduit between metropolitan and regional organisations. Formal and informal meetings take place throughout the year including providing opportunities to present at regional network meetings, attendance at various networking functions and scheduled meetings to discuss specific agenda items. Among the major activities undertaken in 2015 were:

1 — RANSW partnered with the Museum of Applied Arts and Science this year to support their annual Regional Stakeholders Forum.

2 — The CEO presented a case study from Eastern Riverina Arts project, BOLD, Selfies by Oldies at the Seniors and the Arts Symposium held at the City Recital Hall in March.

3 — RANSW supported the inaugural Creative Ageing Forum held at the Sydney Opera House in August and presented on the three regional creative ageing projects supported by Dept of Family and Community Services.

4 — The CEO was invited to join the Regional Conservatoriums Advisory Group hosted by Department of Education.

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CASP Project, Tumut (Eastern Riverina Arts) “5 Ways Mural Walk”. Image courtesy the artist, Jennifer Foster.


Group insurance Regional Arts NSW offers group insurance policies for its members (RABs) and affiliated members (local arts organisations). These group policies offer participants considerable savings on their insurance costs and a premium product.

— Voluntary Workers Personal Accident Insurance (RABs and LAOs)

— Broadform Liability or ‘Public Liability’ Insurance (RABs and LAOs)

— Association Liability Insurance (RABs)

— Business Package (RABs)

— Journey Insurance (RABs)

— Motor Vehicle Insurance (8 RABs)

In 2015 RANSW partnered with Artsure by Finsura to develop an insurance package tailored to insure the risks of individual artists who are not covered by the group insurance policies for Regional Arts NSW affiliated members and Regional Arts Boards. An online resource has been developed to address the large volume of insurance inquiries fielded by RANSW, and can be accessed via the website.

Cold Steel by Mark Booth, Cementa 2015. Image: RANSW.

99 CASP projects funded — $291k+

23 RAF projects funded —$388k+

29 Quick Response projects funded — $37k+

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DEVOLVED FUNDING PROGRAMS

Response to funding enquiries

— 830 phone calls; an increase of 37%

— 2209 emails; an increase of 22%

2015 Country Arts Support Program (CASP) on behalf of Arts NSW:

The maximum grant amount was increased to $5000.

— 196 applications received, requesting a total of $622,896 an increase of 31%

— 99 projects were funded a total of $291,001

— Activities took place in 81 locations, covering 68 Local Government areas

— Approximately 233 artists employed with CASP funds, on a temporary or contract basis

— Estimated 7053 active participants in projects

— Estimated 40,045 people attended project outcomes, such as performances and exhibitions

— Approximately $285,931 in cash contributions and $784,449 in ‘in- kind’ support for projects – total $1,361,381 leveraged by CASP funding – nearly five times the amount of CASP funds!

2015 Regional Arts Fund (RAF) on behalf of the Ministry for the Arts:

— 54 applications received, requesting a total of $1,460,53

— 23 successful projects funded a total of $388,267

2015 Quick Response Grant program on behalf of the Ministry for the Arts:

— 33 applications received, requesting a total of $42,653

— 29 successful projects funded a total of $37,602

Combined RAF and Quick Response Grants:

— Approximately 126 artists employed with RAF funds, on a temporary or contract basis

— An estimated 1643 people actively participated in projects

— An estimated 31255 people attended project outcomes, such as performances or exhibitions

— Approximately $970,679 in cash contributions and $376,777 in ‘in- kind’ support for projects means a total of $1,347,456 was leveraged by RAF funding- approx. 3.5 times the amount of RAF funds!


Digital Arts InitiativeThe Digital Arts Initiative is a National Strategic Project funded by the Regional Arts Fund delivered on behalf of RANSW by Eastern Riverina Arts. This is an ongoing project at the cutting edge of new technology, experimental in nature it is a collaborative project over three years. VIrtGraf mixes large-scale

projection, hacker technology and high speed broadband to allow a graffiti artist to cover the wall of the Wagga City Council with a virtual ‘piece’ in real time.. Stage 2 continues to public out come by 30 June 2016. Stage 3 will be to document the public art component and to demonstrate the work at Artlands Dubbo 2016.

RAF Project, Narrandera (Western Riverina Arts) “Haunting” Vic McEwan and George Main, as part of On Common Ground. Image courtesy the artists and Cad Factory.

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PROMOTING THE VALUE OF THE ARTS

Artlands Dubbo 2016In 2016, NSW will host the biennial RAA National Conference / Festival in Dubbo and, as the state peak regional arts organisation, RANSW is responsible for its delivery. It is the first time in 14 years that RANSW has hosted the event and presents a rare opportunity to strengthen and expand our advocacy role and to fulfil many of our strategic goals. The scale of the event and the high expectations from the professional development and cultural programs are a massive undertaking for a small organisation with limited human and financial resources so will involve assistance from, and close working relationships with, both our state and national networks and with current and new partners.

— www.artlands.com.au redeveloped and launched 2 December 2015

— 970 site visits and 3,741 page views, since relaunch

— 221 subscribers to ARTLANDS e-news bulletin

— @ARTLANDSDUBBO twitter currently has 379 followers

— The ARTLANDS DUBBO Facebook page has 281 page followers; 270 post likes; 12,296 views and 83 post shares

— artlandsdubbo2016 Instagram account currently has 253 followers, 12 posts and 293 likes

— Call for papers opened and over 70 submissions for presentations received


RANSW Communications and MarketingThe Regional Arts NSW website www.regionalartsnsw.com.au continues to be our main platform for promoting, informing and communicating the work of the Regional Arts NSW network. The website is updated on a regular basis with a mix of events, funding news, regional news and news from kindred organisations, and regional arts employment opportunities.

Case studies of CASP and RAF projects are prioritised and the website is a platform to broadcast many of the major projects of our regional arts boards.

— More than 36,000 unique visitors to the website

— RANSW currently has 3142 subscribers to our monthly e- news bulletin

— @RegionalArtsNSW twitter account has 5476 followers and growing an increase of 1051 from 2014

— Publication of RANSW arts stories and interviews in national media; The Country Web and ABC regional radio.

36k website visitors 3142 e-new subscribers

5476 twitter followers

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AdvocacyThere were significant changes to the arts funding environment in 2015, especially at the federal level.

RANSW supported the various RAA national submissions including the submission to the Senate Enquiry into arts funding.

Meeting with the NSW Health Minister, the Hon Jillian Skinner MP to:

— request ministerial support to maintain the arts budgets in the regional hospitals redevelopment program

— with Art OutWest discuss the value of regional arts and health programs being delivered by the RABs

— Shortly following this meeting, the Minister announced a taskforce to be headed by Chris Puplick to develop guidelines for arts and health programs across the entire NSW Health system.

— The CEO and the Chair attended a private consultation with Chris Puplick, leader of the NSW Arts & Health Taskforce

— Tracey Callinan, EO Arts OutWest, currently represents RANSW on the NSW Arts & Health Taskforce


ABORIGINAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT

Travel assistance and skills development projects for regional Aboriginal Arts Officers (AAOs) and artists are funded as part of a four year National Strategic Project, Building Networks, under the RAF framework.

In 2015 supported activities included:

— Aboriginal Arts Officers Network meeting, February 2015 – Aboriginal Creative Rights with Copyright Agency; Market Development with Lucy Simpson, Gaawaa Miyay; Dance Rights with Sydney Opera House

— RANSW worked closely with Ausdance NSW and other partners to encourage regional participation in the final year of the Birrang Aboriginal dance development project.

— Following feedback from participants and stakeholders in the 2014 Black Arts Market, in 2015 RANSW partnered with Generate Financial Services, to deliver “Making

Money Business” workshops to 60 Indigenous artists in 11 regional arts boards across the state.

— Four Aboriginal Arts Officers attended the 10th Mildura Palimpsest.

— The establishment of a closed Facebook page for the Aboriginal Arts Officers as an internal networking tool for information sharing and dissemination of news, resources and opportunities.

RANSW’s employment of an Aboriginal Arts Development Officer (AADO) is critical to the delivery of this program. During 2015 this role focused on strengthening relationships, and building new connections, with major NSW institutions and other metro organisations, including attendance at:

— NAVA’s Future/ Forward Conference.

— The Australia Council’s Keeping Culture Strong Forum.

— Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

Arts OutWest Aboriginal Arts Officer, Aleshia Lonsdale and her work, Disambiguation, at Ceamenta 2015. Image: RANSW.

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LEADERSHIP AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

Board — The RANSW Board meets five times per year to oversee the effective governance of the organisation

Financial — The RANSW Public Fund was administered according to the regulations of the Register of Cultural Organisations. Directors of the Board; Naomi Messenger, Ben Roche and David Dwyer were appointed the Trustees of the Public Fund at the Board meeting, 16 April 2015.

— The annual full year audit is undertaken in January by Stephen J Miller and Co. A further mid-year audit was undertaken in July, 2015 to acquit federal government grants.

— RANSW acquitted the third year and entered a fourth year of its 2012 to 2014 negotiated funding agreement with Arts NSW for core operations

Funding — In 2015, RANSW entered the fourth year of its four-year agreement of the Regional Arts Fund on behalf of the Ministry for the Arts. Additional funding through the National Strategic Project continues to support both Indigenous Engagement and Digital Development in partnership with the other state regional agencies.

— RANSW received funding to deliver a grant program for regional NSW. The contract covers 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2015 and is the first time the Department has undertaken a devolved grant program.

— Three projects were funded and delivered.

— A number of applications for funding were submitted during the year to support Artlands Dubbo 2016.

Staff proffessional development

— CEO attended Remix Conference, Creative Ageing Forum, APAM, Arts & Health Conference and completed a one day First Nations Governance Workshop at Melbourne University.

— Administration Officer attended REMIX, Keeping It Real conference, Albury and a number of SAMAG presentations.

— Both attended a Murkutu online Indigenous resource presentation at the NSW State Library.

Office relocationAfter over 22 years at Pier4/5 in Walsh Bay, RANSW re-located to the Arts Exchange, 10 Hickson Road, The Rocks on 28 April, 2015.


If These Halls Could Talk Arts. Northern Rivers. Image Jules Ober.

REGIONAL TRAVEL

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• ARTS MID NORTH COAST Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Taree

• ARTS NORTHERN RIVERS Bangalow, Lismore

• ARTS NORTH WEST Glen Innes, Tamworth, Quirindi, Willow Tree, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Pilliga, Barraba, Armidale

• ARTS UPPER HUNTER Singleton, Muswellbrook (2), Scone, Dungog, Lake Glenbawn

• EASTERN RIVERINA ARTS Wagga Wagga (2)

• MURRAY ARTS Albury (2)

• ORANA ARTS Dubbo (3), Narromine

• SOUTH EAST ARTS Bega

• SOUTH WEST ARTS Berrigan, Deniliquin

• SOUTHERN TABLELANDS ARTS Goulburn (2)

• WEST DARLING ARTS Broken Hill

R ANSW HE AD QUARTERS

Regional Arts NSW is a member of Regional Arts Australia

Regional Arts NSW Tel 02 9270 2500 Fax 02 9270 2525 [email protected]

Level 1, 10 Hickson Road The Rocks Sydney NSW 2000

www.regionalartsnsw.com.au

This document contains highlights of activities undertaken by Regional Arts NSW in 2015. For the full Annual Report and audited financial statements visit www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/

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