Regional Arts NSW Annual Report 2011

Transcription

1 FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES THAT BUILD POSITIVE FUTURES FOR REGIONAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS NEW SOUTH WALES Advocacy Capacity Building Communication Support Regional Arts NSW Annual Report 2011

2 Regional Arts NSW is the peak body for regional arts activity in NSW. Based in Sydney, it provides a range of services and represents the state-wide network of independent regional arts boards. Its primary objectives are: To foster and enhance the capacity of arts and cultural organisations in the regions To play a leading arts advocacy role To deliver dynamic communications and marketing programs To deliver excellent arts management support and services To ensure effective corporate governance The Regional Arts NSW Network 01 Arts Northern Rivers 02 Arts Mid North Coast 03 Arts North West 04 Arts Upper Hunter 05 Southern Tablelands Arts 06 South East Arts Region 07 Orana Arts 08 Arts OutWest 09 Eastern Riverina Arts Program 10 Murray Arts 11 Outback Arts 12 South West Arts 13 West Darling Arts 14 Western Riverina Arts

3 1 DIRECTORS Board Meetings The Board met in Sydney on 3 March, 14 April, 7 July, 8 September and 24 November. The Annual General Meeting was held in Sydney on 14 April Meg Larkin Chair MBA Arts Consultant, Tamworth Regional Director New England North West Appointed 24 May 1997 Mave Richardson PSM Dep. Chair Councillor, Greater Taree City Council Regional Director North Coast Appointed 1 September 2005 Resigned 14 April 2011 Lindy Hume Dep Chair (from April) Doctor of Letters UWA Festival Director and Chief Executive Sydney Festival Regional Director South East Appointed 22 April 2010 Kym Fuller Treasurer Manager Community & Economic Development Central Darling Shire Council Regional Director Far West Appointed 8 December 2007 Resigned 14 April 2011 Jennifer Turner Treasurer M Ed (RMIT) Grad Dip Arts, Music (VCA) B Ed (Melbourne) Director Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music Regional Director North West Appointed 14 April 2011 Calum Henderson BA (ANU), LLB (ANU) Grad Dip (Legal Practice) NSW College of Law LLM (Melbourne) Partner, Competition & Anti Trust Group Norton Rose Co-opted Director Sydney Appointed 17 April 2009 Resigned 14 April 2011 Bernadette Haldane BA (production major) Ballarat General Manager HotHouse Theatre, Albury Regional Director South West Appointed 11 April 2008 Janice Summerhayes BA (social science & welfare) Director Environment and Community Services Wagga Wagga City Council Co-opted Director Riverina Appointed 17 April 2009 Peter White B App Sci (Cultural Heritage Management) UC Aboriginal Arts Consultant Co-opted Director Canberra Appointed 9 September 2010 Rebecca Coyle B Ed (Melbourne), MA (UTS) Associate Professor, School of Arts and Social Sciences Southern Cross University, Lismore Regional Director Northern Rivers Appointed 14 April 2011 Lani Houston B Ed (USyd) Cert Small Business Mgt (TAFE) Executive Officer Regional Development Australia - Riverina Regional Director South West Appointed 14 April 2011 Naomi Messenger B Laws (Murdoch) LLB BA Arts Management (WAAPA) Senior Associate, SWAAB Attorneys Co-opted Director Sydney Appointed 14 April 2011

4 2 ADVISORY COUNCIL The Regional Arts NSW Advisory Council consists of the Chairs of the Regional Arts Boards or their representatives. It meets annually to review and endorse the Company s strategic plan, review the Company s key performance indicators, raise regional issues and priorities, act as the information conduit between the board of directors and the Regional Arts Boards; and at the meeting immediately prior to the annual general meeting, elect up to five people to recommend to the members to appoint as Regional Directors. The Advisory Council Meeting was held on 13 April in Sydney with the following members in attendance: Arts Mid North Coast Arts Northern Rivers Arts North West Arts OutWest Arts Upper Hunter Eastern Riverina Arts Program Murray Arts Orana Arts Outback Arts South East Arts South West Arts Southern Tablelands Arts West Darling Arts Western Riverina Arts RANSW Director and Chair, Tamworth RANSW Director, Wagga Wagga RANSW Director, Albury Mave Richardson (RANSW Director) Susan Meehan Rob Hurcum Brandon Wilson Janice Hanicar (apology) Julie Briggs (apology) Fiona Schirmer Jen Shearing (apology) Amanda Colwell Lindy Hume (RANSW Director) Lani Houston Jane Cush (apology) Kym Fuller (RANSW Director) Julie Briggs Meg Larkin Janice Summerhayes Bernadette Haldane In 2011 there were three vacancies for Regional Directors and one casual vacancy. Rebecca Coyle (Northern Rivers), Bernadette Haldane (Murray Arts), Jennifer Turner (Arts North West) and Lani Houston (South West Arts) were elected by the members for appointment to the Board of Directors of Regional Arts NSW Ltd.

5 3 RANSW Staff: L-R Tatiana Barisa, Elizabeth Rogers, Palmarita D Orazio, Ben Sibson, Annette Eassie, Catherine Wyburn. Photo Amy Curl Structure 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 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. 14 Regional Arts Boards Body Corporate members of the Company, Regional Arts NSW LtdCommittees 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 Staff Elizabeth Rogers Palmarita D Orazio Annette Eassie Ben Sibson Catherine Wyburn Elinor Heard Max Becker Tatiana Barisa Chief Executive Officer Finance Manager Funding Manager (until 4 July) / Special Projects Officer (from 4 July) Funding Officer (until 4 July) / Funding Manager (from 4 July) Funding Officer (from 4 July) Administration & Communications Officer (until 15 April) Administration & Communications Officer (4 April to 12 August) Administration & Communications Officer (from 10 August)

6 4 FROM THE CHAIR I have been thinking of 2011 as a year of consolidation and steady strategic management, but on reflection I realise that there has been much change both externally and internally and that we have been operating soundly in an uncertain and dynamic environment. A coalition government was elected in NSW in March 2011 with inevitable changes to the Arts Ministry and Arts NSW. Although the arts budget did not expand greatly, as we would have liked, there were no major cuts. For the regional arts network it was business as usual. Our advocacy continued throughout the year for increases to core funding for Regional Arts Boards, Regional Arts NSW and the Country Arts Support Scheme (CASP). At the end of the year it was announced that Regional Arts NSW, in its new triennial Funding Agreement for , will receive an additional $110,000 per annum for its core operations and an additional $50,000 per annum for CASP. I am encouraged to believe that consideration is now being given to review the funding to the Regional Arts Boards for their next triennial Funding Agreements which will commence in Changes occurred in Canberra during 2011 too with the establishment of the Office of the Arts, followed by a review of programs delivered to regional Australia, and in particular, the Regional Arts Fund, now coming to the end of its current four year term. Significant effort has been made by Regional Arts NSW, as a member of Regional Arts Australia (RAA), to advocate strongly for an increase to this valuable fund in its next four year round. A highlight of the early part of the year was our participation in a national forum organised by RAA to explore the potential benefits of the roll out of the National Broadband Network in the coming years. The Forum was attended by representatives from a diversity of arts organisations. The outcomes of the Forum have been well received by government, and an ongoing dialogue established through RAA. Regional Arts Australia experienced significant change with the retirement of its long serving Executive Director Ruth Smiles in October Ruth had provided Regional Arts Australia with excellent leadership, direction and growth in her term in the role. She has been succeeded by Jane Scott who brings to the organisation a very impressive record of advocacy and leadership in arts organisations. In our network there was much change and development. Western Riverina Arts was officially launched in May and new RADOS were appointed to Western Riverina, Orana Arts, Arts Mid North Coast, Arts Upper Hunter, Arts Northern Rivers and Eastern Riverina Arts. The Board was pleased, in November, to offer a new five year contract to Elizabeth Rogers, who has, since her appointment in 2006 provided dynamic and effective leadership to Regional Arts NSW. The development of the organisation under Elizabeth s direction has been extremely strong and has positioned RANSW as a highly respected and credible organisation.

7 From the Chair 2011 was the second full year of operation under the restructured skills based Board. The Board met five times and fulfilled its governance obligations. We worked on a new Business Plan for the Triennium and commenced a review of our policies. I thank all of the Board, for their contribution, and for the range of skills, experience and commitment they bring to the table for the development of arts and cultural life in regional NSW. We were all saddened by the loss of our Advisory Council member and Chair of Arts OutWest, Brandon Wilson just 10 days after our successful second meeting in Sydney. Brandon was a lively contributor to any debate and is missed by all those who knew him. This is my last year on the Board, and I leave knowing that Regional Arts NSW is in good hands. I thank everyone for their support and great work. I now look forward to standing back and seeing Regional Arts NSW thrive and prosper in the future. Meg Larkin Chair

8 Art and disabilities project from Art in the Garage, Bega. Photo RANSW REGIONAL ARTS NSW ANNUAL REPORT ADVOCACY

9 Lantern at Kalari Lachlan River Festival. Photo: Steve Woodhall. Advocacy RANSW continues to advocate on behalf of the regional arts network to state and federal government MPs and agencies, local government and kindred organisations through attendance at meetings, submissions to government, circulation of its annual report, correspondence, attendance and presentations at conferences and sitting on assessment panels was a period of ongoing change for both state and federal governments. A new NSW Government was elected in March with Arts NSW moving to NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (NSW Trade & Investment). The Australian Government undertook a number of significant reviews that will all feed into a new National Cultural Policy to be announced in The future of the Regional Arts Fund was a critical issue for RANSW as this program is vital in supporting projects in our regional communities. Overall RANSW staff and/or Chair attended 64 meetings and functions during the year with MPs, state and federal arts funding agencies, peak bodies and other government and non-government organisations with regional interests. The CEO spent 43 days in the regions including attending 5 RAB board meetings, 6 trips for RADO recruitment, 4 regional field trips and visited 11 of the 14 RABs. She visited 44 regional NSW towns at least once and during those visits met with local government representatives, local arts organisations, artists and other allied organisations. RANSW Annual Reports were mailed to all Federal and State MPs, Mayors and GMs of regional councils, arts funding bodies and kindred organisations.

10 8 Advocacy National Issues Through correspondence to and formal meetings with Federal MPs in regional electorates, RANSW requested support for the Regional Arts Fund as a devolved program. RANSW was active in responding to the National Cultural Policy Discussion Paper through: > > Developing a submission to Dept Prime Minister and Cabinet - National Cultural Policy > > Encouraging Regional Arts Boards and regional arts organisations to either prepare their own submissions or complete the on-line survey through hosting a teleconference to discuss this matter. > > Participating in the development of a submission from Regional Arts Australia > > Participating in a forum at Arts NSW > > Attending a one day forum at the Sydney Opera House for the Australia Council s Community Partnerships - Key Producers > > Accepting an invitation to make up the live audience for the ABC TV special edition of Artscape hosted by Virginia Trioli to examine the proposed National Cultural Policy. The Chair, CEO and South East Arts RADO participated in the National Arts Broadband Forum in Canberra hosted by Regional Arts Australia at Parliament House in Canberra on 28 March. This Forum was attended by an audience of 70 and 600 tuned in to live broadcast via an audio webcast. RANSW participated in 7 Regional Arts Australia meetings and teleconferences. The CEO served on the sub-committee to develop the Arts & Health publication Seeded and to recruit a new Executive Director. RANSW responded to the Australia Council s Discussion Paper for renewal of Community Partnership funding and had a number of meetings throughout the year with Australia Council staff. The Director, Arts Funding accompanied the CEO and the RADO on a week- long field trip to South East Arts region to gain an understanding of the RANSW Network.

11 9 NAIDOC Week event at Jigamy Farm on field trip to SE Arts. L-R Andrew Grey, RADO, SE Arts; Libbie Christie, Executive Director Arts Funding, Australia Council; Ossi Stewart, Elder; Elizabeth Rogers CEO RANSW. Photo: RANSW Advocacy State issues > > Contributed to Performing Arts Touring Review being undertaken by Bronwyn Edinger. > > Prepared an annual submission to the NSW Arts Minister. > > Prepared template advocacy letter for use in regional electorates in lead up to state election > > Formal meetings were held with the former Shadow Minister for the Arts, Anthony Roberts, the member for Armidale, Richard Torbay, the new Minister for the Arts the Hon George Souris MP and Jan Barham, Greens MLC and Arts spokesperson. > > A number of papers were prepared for Arts NSW during the development and negotiation for the funding agreement and RANSW was consulted on a number of issues including the Outdoor Screen Project, The Rock Arts Pop Ups Project, Walsh Bay development, devolved funding programs, Aboriginal Arts development, Arts Funding Program, National Parks facilities and reporting. > > CEO sat on the Regional Conservatoriums funding Assessment Panel and the Funding Officer sat on the selection panel for an IT Officer. > > Meetings were held with peak bodies and metropolitanbased arts organisations throughout the year, a number of which made presentations at the tri-annual RADO network meetings. Conferences and Presentations RANSW made presentations at a number of conferences and forums including MG NSW Funding Forum, Dubbo (Funding Manager), presentation to Screen NSW Regional Officers (CEO), MG NSW seminar on tourism Talk the Talk: Tourism and Marketing Tips, Rural Women s Gathering in Gloucester on the value of the arts in a regional context, the New England North West Regional Managers meeting, Armidale as well as numerous presentations to councils, arts organisations and community groups during extensive trips to the regions. RANSW attended the MG NSW Summit on Aboriginal Keeping Places at Carriageworks in Redfern, the 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture held in Melbourne and the 3 rd International Art of Health and Wellbeing Conference, Canberra.

12 ArtStart Regional Showcase, Bingara Photo: Nicci Parry-Jones REGIONAL ARTS NSW ANNUAL REPORT CAPACITY BUILDING

13 11 Capacity Building Funding Programs RANSW continued to administer two grants programs for supporting the arts in regional NSW, the NSW Government s Country Arts Support Program (CASP) and the Australian Government s Regional Arts Fund (RAF). In 2011 online applications were introduced for RAF following on from the successful trial of CASP in Country Arts Support Program and PROP UPs CASP is an annual small grants program that supports community cultural development in regional NSW. Applications close in mid-february and successful applications are notified in late March. The funding pool is divided evenly across the 15 regions, 14 RABs and one covering local government areas that do not contribute to a RAB. Applications are assessed by regional panels. In 2011, 134 projects totalling $236,484 were approved. The funds available for this program continue to fall well short of the demand and this year 176 applications were received requesting a total amount of $383,753. The CASP also includes a limited amount for PROPS UPs (quick response grants) which provides assistance for performing arts projects, such as a touring production, that become available at short notice and outside the annual funding round. Although some regions prefer to allocate their PROP UPs allocation to meet the high demand for CASP funds, 14 projects totalling $12,564 were funded in CASP 2011 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY MAIN ARTFORM CASP 2011 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY MAIN TARGET GROUP VISUAL ARTS 1% 7% 7% 5% 11% 5% 2% 1% 3% 1% 8% 33% 16% NEW MEDIA COMMUNITY CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CRAFT DANCE MULTI- ARTS PHYSICAL THEATRE PUPPETRY SCREEN ARTS TEXTILES LITERATURE MUSIC THEATRE GENERAL COMMUNITY 5% 2% 3% 14% 36 % INDIGENOUS MEN WOMEN CALD ARTS VOLUNTEERS DISABILITY GROUPS ELDERLY YOUTH 1% 2% 9% 7% 1% ARTISTS/ARTS WORKERS CHILDREN 20%

14 12 Capacity Building CASP 2011 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY ARIA REMOTENESS STATUS CASP 2011 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY MAIN ACTIVITY TYPE REGIONAL ARTS FUND 2012 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY ARTFORM MULTI-ARTS MUSIC THEATRE VISUAL ARTS NEW MEDIA DANCE 4% 5% 18% 18% 5% 18% 9% 9% 9% 5% CIRCUS LITERATURE SCREEN ARTS TEXTILES INNER REGIONAL OUTER REGIONAL REMOTE WORKSHOPS ARTISTS IN-RESIDENCE FESTIVALS/EVENTS ACTIVITIES PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES 55% 33% 9% 2% 1% VERY REMOTE/ISOLATED CROSS REGIONAL 60% 1% CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT/NEW WORK 10% 2% COMMUNITY SEMINARS/FORUMS 1% EXHIBITION CURATORS 8% 1% 4% 8% 5% ORAL HISTORY PROJECT OTHER LOCAL INITIATIVES PUBLIC ART/ DESIGN PROJECTS REGIONAL ARTS FUND 2012 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY MAIN TARGET GROUP ARTISTS/ ARTSWORKERS CHILDREN DISABILITY GROUPS GENERAL COMMUNITY INDIGENOUS YOUTH 9% 9% 9% 23% 18% 32%

15 13 CASP funded lanterns at Kalari Lachlan River Festival. Photo: Steve Woodhall Capacity Building 2. Regional Arts Fund: Community Grants and Quick Response Grants In 2011 RAF entered into the final year of its current four year funding agreement with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Office for the Arts. The Community Grants program is designed to support arts and cultural activities that are sustainable, have long term cultural, economic and social benefits, develop partnerships and cultural networks and provide skills development opportunities. Multi year projects can be funded under this program. During 2011, 16 RAF new projects totalling $233,169 were delivered, including the first year of a two-year project, as well as the continuation of an additional six multiple year projects (two three-year projects and four twoyear projects) which were approved provisional funding in previous years. The funding round for projects commencing in 2012 closed in August applications were received and 22 new projects funded totalling $330,906. The RAF also delivers the Quick Response Grants program for which $10,000 is allocated to each quarter of the year. The Quick Response Grants program supports professional development for artists or skills or arts development for community projects and, in 2011, 27 projects totalling $29,610 were funded. REGIONAL ARTS FUND 2012 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY PROJECT S ARIA REMOTENESS STATUS 18% 18% 5% REMOTE CROSS REGIONAL INNER REGIONAL OUTER REGIONAL 59%

16 14 Capacity Building Funding Development: Targeted Communities This project is a RAF Strategic Initiative Project and aims to increase the quality of grants applications submitted by communities that currently do not access the RAF and to build their capacity to be competitive for all funding programs. This project is managed by the Funding Manager and involves conducting Funding Information sessions and Grant Writing Workshops in specific communities across regional NSW targeted for assistance on the basis of extensive research and consultation with the Regional Arts Network. In 2011 workshops were conducted by the Funding Manager and Funding Officer in Narrandera, Forbes, Broken Hill, South East (Bombala and Bodalla), Far West (Cobar and Walgett) and Northern Rivers (Brunswick Heads and Maclean). 162 participants from approximately 60 regional communities attended and included artists and arts workers in many different art forms, local government representatives, Cultural and Community Development workers, Health workers, Project Managers, Executive Officers, Administrators, Festival Directors, Event Managers, Grants Officers, Curators, Gallery Directors, Librarians, Audience Development workers, teachers, Committee members, Youth Workers, Gallery Owners and Business Managers from a range of arts and non-arts organisations. Professional Development International Arts + Health Conference The CEO of Regional Arts NSW attended the 3rd Annual International Arts and Health Conference at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra from 14 to 17 November at which RADOs Tracey Callinan (Arts OutWest), James Giddey (West Darling Arts) and Jane Kreis (Arts North West) delivered presentations on their respective regional arts and health programs. Organised by the national advocacy and networking organisation, Arts and Health Australia, this annual arts and health conference offers delegates access to an outstanding group of speakers from across Australia and overseas over three days as well as a range of workshops and activities for delegate participation, including Art and Dementia training workshops, Medical Education presentations and Aboriginal art, culture and health sessions. Each year the Conference also presents awards for excellence and outstanding achievements and this year Arts OutWest and West Darling Arts won these prestigious awards demonstrating that the innovative programs being developed in regional NSW are considered world s best practice.

17 Ben delivering Funding Workshop at Forbes, Targeted Communities Photo: Maryanne Jacques Capacity Building World Summit on Arts and Culture The Chair and CEO of RANSW also attended the 5 th World Summit on Arts and Culture held in Melbourne from 3 to 6 October. Under the theme of Creative Intersections, the Summit brought together approximately 500 government and cultural leaders from 72 countries to explore how artists can give a voice to diverse communities and explore concerns through collaborations with experts in health and well-being, the environment, education, business, new technologies and cultural identity. The Summit was organised by the International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies (IFACCA) and cohosted by the Australia Council for the Arts. Best Practice in Grants Management Conference In February 2011, the Funding Manager and Funding Officer attended the Best Practice in Grants Management Conference in Melbourne which is an opportunity to remain informed about new approaches in grant making, including grant making technology, and to network with peers about common issues relating to grants management. Professional Development: Regional Staff RANSW provides customised training to regional staff throughout the year and is offered as an extension to regular network meetings in Sydney or undertaken in the regions, when the need arises. Two optional skills development workshops were presented for staff adjoining the regular network meetings. > > 23 February, then Funding Manager, Annette Eassie facilitated a training session with 7 Aboriginal Arts Officers from the network regarding funding assistance and training needs. > > 15 November, Funding Manager, Ben Sibson conducted database training for RADOs and regional administration staff. 7 people attended this session. Annette also conducted comprehensive training on RANSW funding programs, travelling to Wagga Wagga to train 4 RAB staff from Murray Arts, South West Arts, Eastern Riverina Arts and Western Riverina Arts and to Dubbo to assist the new Orana RADO and Communications Officer. Attendance at forums / seminars Throughout the year, RANSW attends numerous seminars and forums that provide valuable professional development and networking opportunities. During 2011 this included regular attendance at the monthly SAMAG (Sydney Arts Management Advisory Group) seminars, Sidney Myer Fund presentation regarding changes to the focus of their funding programs, Australia Council workshop on Evaluating Social Impact by Dr Gianni Zappala and a presentation by SWAAB Attorneys on Managing Employee Exits. The CEO and Directors, Lindy Hume and Naomi Messenger attended a Board development workshop at the Australia Council presented by David Fishel.

18 Marramarra in Bathurst. Photo: Peter Gumpert REGIONAL ARTS NSW ANNUAL REPORT COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

19 Narek Galleries, Tanja. Photo: RANSW Communications and Marketing The monthly e-bulletin and the website are the main communication tools for the Communications and Marketing program of Regional Arts NSW. E-bulletin > > The monthly e-bulletin is a highly successful, highly valued service amongst artists, arts workers, stakeholders, decision makers and the media in regional and rural New South Wales, with an extensive reach into additional audiences beyond the direct subscribers. > > 11 free e-bulletins were transmitted during 2011 (December/January editions are combined) at the beginning of each month. Each e-bulletin is posted on the website with the highlights of the latest edition featured on the website home page. > > 3,840 subscribers now receive the e-bulletin. Each year there continues to be a steady increase in the number of subscribers and the current figure represents a 5.2% (189 new subscribers) increase from 2010 and a 20% (640 new subscribers) since > > Subscribers had access to a total of 949 news items in 2011 including 309 What s On events promoted, 201 grants / fellowships / residencies listed, 85 general news stories covered as well as 78 seminars / workshops / training, 75 Awards and Prizes, 68 Opportunities and 33 employment positions advertised.

20 18 Communications and Marketing Website > > Website content is updated on an ongoing basis and includes features that are useful resources and sources of information for both the broad arts and cultural sector and the Regional Arts network of Regional Arts Boards throughout NSW. > > All editions of the e-bulletin are archived on the website. > > 55 stories were featured in the News section of the website in 2011 mainly covering Positions Vacant, Funding Announcements and new appointments. 12 of these were RANSW media releases announcing the opening of grant programs, grant recipients through the RAF, CASP and Quick Response grant programs and the new RANSW Board of Directors. > > The Grants Calendar has proved a valuable tool for the RABs and other organisations and many of the Regional Arts Boards provide a link to this page on their websites and in their newsletters. Grants are searchable by funding body and / or closing date and include the main arts and cultural grants and funding opportunities. > > RANSW set up a Twitter account in Twitter is the only social marketing tool RANSW currently utilises and is a very effective way to not only share important information about upcoming events and opportunities but also to gain information that is relevant to regional NSW. This information can then be re-tweeted to RANSW followers or used in the e-bulletin. Over the last four months of 2011 the number of RANSW followers increased from 641 to 842. > > RADOs and Board members are able to access documents via a secure log-in on the home page of the website. > > Information on group insurance policies available to RANSW members was posted on the website in June 2011.

21 Fours Winds Festival amphitheatre, near Bermagui. Photo RANSW Communications and Marketing Print > > The 2010 Annual Report was distributed to all stakeholders including all councils contributing to the Regional Arts Board program. > > New corporate material was produced with new letterhead, envelopes, with comps, business cards and an electronic letterhead template to bring the last of our material in line with the refreshed design. Media > > 12 RANSW media releases were distributed in 2011 advertising the opening of grant programs, and the announcement of grant recipients through the RAF, CASP and Quick Response grant programs as well as the new RANSW Board of Directors. > > A 12 month contract with a media tracking service that enable us to support RABs with clippings commenced in 2010 and was renewed for Communications Network All Regional Arts Boards have a communications and marketing program and 10 of the 14 have dedicated Communications Officers positions. Currently RANSW does not have the resources to adequately coordinate, support and build the capacity of this network of Communication Officers but did facilitate a Teleconference on the 14 June 2011 attended by 12 representatives from 10 regions. This provided a forum in which to share information and ideas regarding communication practices in the regions, receive updates on the national Regional Arts Promoters Network and discuss regional and state issues. It was also resolved that Communications be the theme of a future networking meeting with invitations to all RAB communications staff.

22 20 Communications and Marketing Events The Annual Dinner on 13 April 2011 was well attended by 43 representatives from the RANSW Board of Directors, the Chairs of the Regional Arts Boards, key personnel from the state and federal funding bodies and arts ministries and representatives of peak arts organisations with an interest in regional NSW and our staff. Guest speaker was Frances Rings, acclaimed choreographer from Bangarra Dance Theatre. The Hon George Souris, Minister for the Arts, Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing made some introductory remarks and the Hon Richard Torbay, Member for Northern Tablelands made a presentation of a work of art by regional artist, Angus Nivison, to the Chair of RANSW, Meg Larkin in acknowledgement of her extraordinary contribution to the development of arts and culture in regional NSW and her service to the Board of RANSW. Among others attending were the Hon Kevin Humphries, Minister for Healthy Lifestyles, Mental Health and Western NSW, Mr Kim Allen, Office of the Arts, Canberra, Mary Darwell, Executive Director, Arts NSW. Tania Chambers, CEO Screen NSW and Patron RANSW, Justice Ian Gzell.

23 21 CASP funded Didgeridoo workshop at Eden Primary School with Stu Fergie. Photo: Jenny Robb SUPPORT AND SERVICES

24 22 Support and Services Enquiries All RANSW staff respond to a variety of enquiries from individuals and organisations requesting assistance and information about our programs and services. The majority of enquiries relate to the RANSW funding programs and 702 enquiries were recorded during As per previous years, a month by month breakdown shows peak activity in the months of February and August coinciding with the closing dates of CASP and RAF respectively. RANSW also provides ongoing assistance to the RADOs on staffing and HR issues and requests for references and letters of support. Financial Services RANSW continues to provide financial management support and group insurance policies for the regional network. The support provided by the Finance Manager has contributed to building the capacity of RABs to manage their own finances with ongoing advice on various accounting and tax issues provided to regional staff. All group insurance policies undergo annual review to obtain the best outcomes for the network of regional arts bodies and arts organisations. Group public liability insurance covers 71 regional arts organisations. In addition Regional Arts NSW manages group policies for association liability insurance for all regional arts boards, volunteers personal accident and sickness insurance for 72 regional arts entities, property insurance for 6 regions and motor vehicle insurance for 6 vehicles. These group policies provide substantial savings for the participating organisations. RANSW FUNDING PROGRAM PHONE ENQUIRIES BY MONTH 2011 JAN 43 FEB 105 MAR 43 APR 42 MAY 63 JUN 39 JUL 72 AUG 138 SEP 36 OCT 43 NOV 57 DEC 21

25 Kalari Lachlan River Festival. Photo: Steve Woodhall 23 To address the many enquiries directed to Regional Arts NSW, a resource on Insurance is located on the website and includes general information on the two types of group insurance policies available to RANSW members (Public Liability and Voluntary Workers Personal Accident Insurance) as well as frequently asked questions. Regional Arts NSW Public Fund The Public Fund was administered according to the regulations of the Register of Cultural Organisations. The Trustees withdrew from the fund to support the Award for Arts and Health in Regional and Rural Australia at the Art of Health and Wellbeing Conference in Canberra. This is the 3 rd year RANSW has supported this Award. State-wide Database Project Over the past 5 years, RANSW has designed, created, refined and improved an integrated grants and contact management system both for its own use and for the sharing of information through the regional network. It is an inter-relational database (single record can link to multiple records) that is web-based so that participating RABs can access information instantaneously, can store and retrieve their data from any location and do not have to invest in expensive localised hardware or software. RANSW provides ongoing technical support by phone or . RABs have gradually integrated into the state-wide database system over a period of time and, during 2011, 2 more Regional Arts Boards imported their data and have full access to the system. This brings the total of participating RABs to 11 and contributes to the overall integrity of the data available on a state-wide level. The usage of these regions is being monitored and ranges from minor and sporadic information retrieval to fully blown replacement of all contact management systems. In 2011, Arts OutWest implemented a function in their website that allowed for specified records from the state-wide database to be made available in a public cultural directory. This greatly enhances the functionality of the system whilst retaining a central data source, and planning is underway to implement a similar public cultural directory system that will be enabled for all regions through the RANSW website in RANSW s ongoing investment in this system has enabled considerable streamlining of grants administration processes at regional and state levels. It provides accurate and accessible data for reporting and analysis, and enables tracking of the management of each grant through its entire cycle.

26 24 Support and Services Research ARC Linkage Grant: Cultural Asset Mapping Cultural Asset Mapping for Planning and Development in Regional Australia (CAMRA) is a major 2.5 million dollar Australian Research Council and industry funded project running from 2008 to RANSW is a partner in this project which aims to provide planners, policy-makers and communities in regional Australia with the knowledge they need to make better-informed planning decisions for more effective development of their local arts and cultural industries. Highlights from CAMRA activity in 2011 include: > > The Local Government and Shires Associations NSW (LGSA) endorsed a resolution That the Associations collaborate with the CAMRA Project to review and adapt the research methodologies trialled in the pilot regions into cultural planning research tools for use by local government and regional arts agencies for cultural planning. > > Data collection in the Central Darling Shire completed and research analysis of 150 in-depth interviews, hand drawn maps, GIS data and images in progress. >> > > Data collection in Uralla Shire completed and research analysis of community surveys and in-depth artistmaker interviews in progress. > > Research to map creative spaces of Armidale in development for data gathering in > > The Outhouse video booth, originally designed for use in the Central Darling, was re-developed to interview Indigenous cultural leaders at Museums & Galleries NSW summit, Keeping Places and Beyond: Building Cultural Futures in NSW, September > > Papers from the research were presented at the Royal Geographical Society (London), Association of American Geographers (Seattle), Institute of Australian Geographers (Wollongong), Art, Research and the Creative Practitioner (Sydney) and Mapping Ecologies of Place (Sydney) conferences.

27 NSW Regional Arts Development Officers meeting in Walsh Bay. Photo: Maryanne Jacques Support and Services Network Meetings During 2011, there were three Network meetings for Regional Arts Board staff members held on 21 to 23 February, 18 and 19 July and 15 and 16 November. All meetings were held in the Training Room at Accessible Arts with one day of the July meeting held at the Australia Council. Agendas for the meetings include a broad range of strategic and operational issues of relevance to regional staff and presentations from Sydney based government and arts agencies and arts organisations, including regular attendances by Arts NSW to provide information and discuss issues. The meetings also provide a valuable mechanism for sharing of information and experiences in the field, foster peer support and strengthen relationships between Sydney and regional staff. Where possible Network meetings are planned around a theme and, building on the momentum of Aboriginal Arts in regional NSW and an increase in the number of Aboriginal Arts Officers emerging in the Network, the theme of the February meeting was Aboriginal Arts Development. This attracted considerable interest with 33 attendees: 24 representing all 14 RABs; a representative from Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance; 4 RANSW staff members; RANSW Board Director and Aboriginal Art Consultant, Peter White; Arts NSW s Aboriginal Cultural Development Officer, Liza-Mare Syron; Museum & Galleries NSW Aboriginal Sector Programs Manager, Steve Miller and independent Aboriginal curator, Djon Mundine. Each of the RABs provided an overview of Aboriginal Arts activity in their region and guest speakers covered topics of Philanthropic Support for Aboriginal projects, MGNSW template for Keeping Places, services of the Gadigal Information Service, exhibition opportunities through National Parks and Wildlife Service and activities of Boolarng Nangamai Aboriginal Corporation. RANSW hosted an informal pub dinner on 18 July for all regional staff to farewell former Orana Arts RADO Merryn Spencer and to welcome new RADOs, Scott Howie (Eastern Riverina Arts), Greg Pritchard (Western Riverina Arts) and Alicia Leggett (Orana Arts). Network Teleconferences In addition to the three face to face meetings a year, RANSW will host a teleconference from time to time for network discussion on a specific issue. RADOs participated in two teleconferences, one on the NSW Arts Funding Program 2012 and the second on the National Cultural Policy. Additional teleconferences have been held for the Communications Officers and the Aboriginal Arts Development Officers.

28 26 Support and Services Network Surveys Every year RANSW conducts surveys that provide a current overview of the network and seek feedback on issues that inform advocacy and responses to governmental requests. A survey covering general staffing and employment conditions of RABs and feedback on the assessment of regional CASP applications are conducted annually. In 2011 specific feedback on the value of CASP was sought in response to Arts NSW s review on their devolved funding programs. Aboriginal Arts Development In 2011 there were 10 Aboriginal Arts Officers employed within the Network: two through Arts OutWest (Central West), one each at Arts Northern Rivers and Wilcannia Arts (West Darling) and six (part-time) through Outback Arts (Far West) based in Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Warren, Cobar, Coonamble and Bourke. As professional development and as forums for information sharing and peer support, RANSW facilitated a training session for this group during the February Networking meeting and held three Teleconferences throughout the year which also included representatives from Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance in the mid north coast, Boolarng Nangamai Aboriginal Corporation in the Shellharbour / Shoalhaven region and Uniting Care Ageing in the south east of the state. Support is also offered through frequent distribution of relevant information and, whenever possible, attendance at events such as the Saltwater Freshwater Festival in Port Macquarie, Marramarra showcase of Central West Aboriginal Arts held in Bathurst, the Fabric of our Culture exhibition at Boomalli Aboriginal Arts Gallery in Sydney featuring the textile work of Bundjalung women from the Northern Rivers region and Museum & Galleries NSW two-day Summit on Keeping Places held at Carriageworks in Redfern. RANSW became a member of the Indigenous Art Code. RADO Recruitment The new RADO appointments for 2011 were Scott Howie (Eastern Riverina Arts), Greg Pritchard (Western Riverina Arts), Alicia Leggett (Orana Arts), Mark Reedman (Arts Upper Hunter), Rod Howard (Arts Mid North Coast) and Peter Wood (Arts Northern Rivers) who will commence his appointment in January The CEO worked with the Chairs and the boards, providing advice, developing recruitment schedules, ad copy, position descriptions, sample contracts as well as participating in the short listing process and sitting on the interview panels when required. Departing RADOs were Merryn Spencer (Orana), Tony Duke (Northern Rivers) and Richard Holloway (Arts Mid North Coast). Mark Reedman moved from Eastern Riverina to Upper Hunter and Western Riverina is a new position.

29 27 Out Back Arts Field Trip, Bourke L-R Elizabeth Rogers, Angie-lee Stahl, RICDO, Jamie Lea Hodges, RADO. Photo: Out Back Arts Support and Services Regional Travel 13 of the 14 regions were visited by RANSW staff during The CEO continued to travel extensively to attend regional board meetings, meet with regional councils and arts organisations, attend events to provide support for the regional staff and Regional Arts Boards and to assist with RADO recruitment panels. Regional travel in 2011 included extensive field trips by the CEO through four regions, North West, Far West, South West and South East. These trips are organised by the RAB and involve a schedule which includes the major stakeholders in the region. The Funding Manager and Funding Officer delivered a series of funding workshops under the Targeted Communities project, attended events funded through the RAF and provided customised training for regional staff. 53 towns were visited at least once, 44 by the CEO and 9 by the Funding staff members National Travel RANSW Funding Manager and Funding Officer travelled to Melbourne to attend the Best Practice in Grants Management Conference. The CEO travelled to Melbourne to attend the World Summit on Arts and Culture and RAA meetings. The CEO to Canberra for the National Broadband Forum and associated RAA meetings.

30 Arts and dementia training at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery with staff from the National Gallery of Australia. Photo Arts OutWest REGIONAL ARTS NSW ANNUAL REPORT MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

31 ACRE Film Maker s in Residence project funded by RAF. World premiere of Market to Market in Conargo. Photo: Kristen Dyer Management and Governance Board Matters The board met five times during the year giving directors greater capacity to effectively oversee the governance of the organisation. The key issue during this period was the review of the organisations strategic plan and business plan in preparation for the next three year agreement with Arts NSW. A number of policy and procedural matters were streamlined including revised staff and RADO employment contracts to comply with current workplace legislation. Naomi Messenger and her colleagues at Swaab Attorneys gave the organisation substantial pro-bono advice on this matter. Funding Matters 1: Arts NSW > > Completed the third year of a three year negotiated funding agreement with Arts NSW for core operations, acquitted the second year of the agreement. > > New business plan developed and submitted for next triennial agreement > > Received a one-off increase of $50,000 for the 2011 CASP round. > > Received notification in early December of an ongoing increase to the CASP funding pool of $50,000 pa. > > Received notification in early December of increased core funding of $110,000 pa to assist with the delivery of the Key Priorities identified in the business plan. 2: Regional Arts Fund - Office for the Arts (OFTA) In July 2011, RANSW entered into the final year of its four year Funding Agreement to deliver the Regional Arts Fund on behalf of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Negotiations for the four year agreement from 1 July, 2012 have commenced. During the year OFTA was transferred to the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport. 3: Australia Council for the Arts Funding from Australia Council under Community Partnerships as a key service organisation has been extended until 31 December RANSW has been formally advised that this funding will terminate at that time as the program is under review., Staffing Matters Administration & Communications Officer, Elinor Heard resigned in April. Max Becker was appointed as her replacement until his resignation to travel overseas in August. Tatiana Barisa was then appointed to the position. A restructure took place mid-year with Annette Eassie moving over to a newly created part time position as Strategy and Policy Officer, Ben Sibson was promoted to the Funding Manager position and Catherine Wyburn was recruited as Funding Officer to manage the CASP.

32 30 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Auditor s Independence Declaration under s307c of the Corporations Act 2001

33 31 Financial Statements Income Statement

34 32 Financial Statements Balance Sheet

35 33 Financial Statements Statement of Changes in Equity

36 34 Financial Statements Cash Flow Statement

37 35 Financial Statements Directors Declaration

38 36 Financial Statements Independent Audit Report

39 Financial Statements Independent Audit Report

40 Regional Arts NSW is a member of Regional Arts Australia Regional Arts NSW Tel Fax info@regionalartsnsw.com.au Address Pier 5, 15 Hickson Road Walsh Bay NSW