Agenda of Shoalhaven Arts Board

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 23 May 2019

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Membership

Clr John Wells – Chairperson

Clr Greg Watson

Clr Mark Kitchener

Ms Alison Chiam

Ms Karen Akehurst

Ms Barbara Dawson

Dr Peter Lavelle

Mr Rob Crow

Mr Paul McLeod

Ms Jennifer Thompson

Quorum – Majority of the members.

Purpose

a) To contribute to and develop strategy and policy both for the Shoalhaven City Council as well as in alignment with the Region.

b) To develop and implement policy, planning and vision for the broad arts within existing resources and use a co-opted panel of peers for professional advice. They include:

· Visual Arts

· Heritage and Museum Sector

· Literature

· Performing Arts

c) Advocate and maintain specific arts related portfolios.

d) Advocate and promote Board recommendations.

Delegated Authority

· Act within adopted budgets aligning with Council’s strategic plans and document, and make recommendations on the arts to Council.

· Appoint suitable representatives to fill casual vacancies on a set term basis.

· Inform and recommend policy for arts related funding programs, and where required by Council, vote on related matters.

· Establish a peer panel of professionals, experts and practitioners across art forms, heritage and cultural platforms to be co-opted as needed for input and advice to the Shoalhaven Arts Board.

· Establish a Shoalhaven Arts Foundation:

o To support the development and enrichment of broad arts across the Shoalhaven including visual, heritage, literature & performing arts

o To ensure that the Foundation in its governance, membership and charter are independent/ and at arms-length from Council yet works in concert with the Shoalhaven Arts Board, Council and the community needs

o To fundraise and develop a sustainable principal investment to generate ongoing grant funds.

Relevant staff will work collaboratively with the Shoalhaven Arts Board to:

· Develop and implement activities to achieve objectives in line with the Shoalhaven Arts Board recommendations, the Council’s policies and corporate plan.

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board

Meeting Date: Thursday, 14 February 2019

Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 2.00pm

The following members were present:

Clr John Wells - Chairperson

Clr Mark Kitchener

Alison Chiam

Karen Akehurst

Barbara Dawson

Dr Peter Lavelle

Robert Crow

Jenny Thompson

Others present:

Dr Vanessa Barbay – left the meeting at 2.45pm

Stephen Dunshea – Director, Finance Corporate & Community Services

Jane Lewis – Manager, Recreation Culture & Community

Bronwyn Coulston – Manager, Arts & Culture

Karen Patterson – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Manager

Nicole Lonesborough – Collection & Resources Manager

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Sarah Taylor, Library Services Manager.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Peter Lavelle / Robert Crow)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board held on Thursday 29 November 2018 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Presentations

AB19.1 Bherwerre Wetland Art Panel Project - Sanctuary Point

HPERM Ref: D19/2539

Dr Vanessa Barbay gave a presentation to the Board on her Bherwerre Wetland Art Panel Project, installed at Larmer Avenue, Sanctuary Point. Council has funded the third stage of this four-stage project, which aims to raise awareness of and help to protect the Wetland.

Bay and Basin Community Resources approached Vanessa in May 2016 about painting twelve 122 x 122 cm panels featuring native birds and orchids that inhabit the wetland. Local photographer Chris Grounds provided photos for reference.

Some funding was initially available but the first seven panels Vanessa completed on a volunteer basis for the BBCR. The BBCR Great Mates Shed framed four of these murals and constructed two of four rotating stands that hold three panels each. During stage three, she has continued working to finish the remaining five panels, the final three having just been completed.

Vanessa added it has been gratifying to note the local community pride in the project, and the Men’s Shed in particular has expressed their sense of ownership.

She has given public acknowledgement of the Shoalhaven Arts Board’s support on BBCR community radio 92.7; on 4 June at Sandholme during SeeChange 2018; and in local media.

Members of the Arts Board expressed their appreciation to Dr Barbay for the artworks presented, and congratulated her on the success of the project. Special note was made of the project’s role in generating community pride.

AB19.2 Presentation - Strategic Plan for Nowra CBD including Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and Library

HPERM Ref: D19/14906

Gordon Clark (Manager Strategic Planning) presented the most recent plans for revitalising the Nowra CBD, and its implications for the Gallery and Library precinct.

The CBD Urban Design Masterplan adopted in 2014 sets out Council’s long-term vision and strategic direction for revitalising the Nowra CBD. Nowra should be considered a cultural gateway. Six potential sites have been identified for key initiatives: Stewart Place, Junction Court, Berry Street, Junction Street. Egans Lane, and the Princes Highway. Pertinent to the Arts Board is the potential to strengthen a cultural precinct in Berry Street and adjacent areas. Proposed areas for new civic/retail space may incorporate other cultural and community uses close to the Library and Gallery.

The Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee, also launched in 2014, has its own budget and is currently focusing on public domain improvements such as an additional mural, upgrading the Berry Street footpath, an historic walk app and signage, banners and lighting.

Gordon then summarised the Riverfront Masterplan, which was exhibited and adopted in 2018. Council is awaiting finalisation of the Nowra Bridge plans from RMS. Progress is also being made on the Shoalhaven Gateway Project. It is recognised that better use needs to be made of Nowra’s riverfront; however, the topography of Nowra means the land on the north side of the CBD is all flood prone, so the city historically was built at a distance from the river to avoid flooding.

Although funding will be required for these initiatives, Council does play a significant role, as it owns many of the identified sites.

Jenny Thompson asked whether the Roxy Cinema may be at risk from the potential inclusion of a cinema multiplex in the plans for Stewart Place. Gordon Clark clarified that this suggestion had been contained in the Retail Hierarchy Review Report prepared for Council by a consultancy, which has not at this stage been adopted by Council. He added that the Roxy’s heritage significance is recognised in the Local Environmental Plan.

Gordon also confirmed that Council is not currently looking at any potential impact of the riverfront plans on the Berry Street arts hub. Bronwyn Coulston (Manager Arts & Culture) confirmed that the $50,000 proposed for a Creative Economies Strategy is subject to a budget bid.

In response to a question about encouraging businesses to remain open at the weekends, Gordon clarified that the planning controls have been amended to allow mixed-use zoning in a ring around the CBD to allow residential development. Depending on whether developers take up this opportunity, this might facilitate use of the CBD at weekends and off season. Similarly, there is a need to encourage visitors to use Nowra, not just the coastal villages. Gordon noted that hotel accommodation in Nowra capacity has been shrinking and ideally we would attract a 4½-5 star hotel to the riverfront. Additional capacity will also support the SEC’s conferencing facility.

The Board members thanked Gordon Clark for his comprehensive presentation.

Reports

AB19.3 Shoalhaven Arts Board Art Acquisition Subcommittee Report

HPERM Ref: D19/30982

Bronwyn Coulston drew members’ attention to Option 2 in the report, which suggests using solely funds in the Arts Reserve rather than undertake crowdfunding for the Guy Warren Big River works.

Although there are sufficient funds available, the Board felt that a crowdfunding campaign would provide an opportunity for public engagement. The recommendation as printed was preferred.

Clr Wells stated this had been the most impressive acquisitions report yet presented to the Arts Board. The Margaret Dredge proposal for 13 works is outstanding. Bronwyn noted the Judy Cassab works in person are spectacular.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Shoalhaven Arts Board

1. Acquire the nine (9) works making up the Big River series by Guy Warren through a combination of Cultural Gift, purchase and crowdfunding.

2. Accept the offer of a donation by photographer Riste Andrevski for the work Elisabeth Cummings.

3. Purchase the thirteen (13) remaining works on paper by Margaret Dredge.

4. Acquire twenty four (24) works by Judy Cassab through the Cultural Gift Donations process.

5. Decline the offer of donation of various works from the Estate of Elizabeth Howcroft.

RESOLVED (Alison Chiam / Barbara Dawson)

That Shoalhaven Arts Board

1. Acquire the nine (9) works making up the Big River series by Guy Warren through a combination of Cultural Gift, purchase and crowdfunding.

2. Accept the offer of a donation by photographer Riste Andrevski for the work Elisabeth Cummings.

3. Purchase the thirteen (13) remaining works on paper by Margaret Dredge.

4. Acquire twenty four (24) works by Judy Cassab through the Cultural Gift Donations process.

5. Decline the offer of donation of various works from the Estate of Elizabeth Howcroft.

CARRIED

AB19.4 Shoalhaven Arts Board One Off Grant Program

HPERM Ref: D19/31006

A workshop on this topic was held prior to the Arts Board meeting, which produced the recommendation that the Shoalhaven Arts Board fund a grant program, titled “Arts Practitioners Professional Development Grants”, for amounts up to $3000. Details are to follow on eligible activities, compulsory criteria, the impact on the activity to the development of the Shoalhaven Arts Community, etc. Individuals and Groups resident in the Shoalhaven are eligible to apply.

The program will have a closing date in early April, in time for the next Arts Board meeting and for a report to be submitted to the Council meeting in May. The funds will be disbursed by 30 June.

It was confirmed this recommendation can be resolved under delegation, so that advertising can commence immediately.

Action: Bronwyn Coulston to circulate the final wording to all members.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That following a workshop held on 14 February 2019, the funds of $9,300 remaining in the Cultural Activities Budget (21596 / 22521) will be spent as follows:

1. Details to be filled in at meeting following the workshop.

RESOLVED (Barbara Dawson / Alison Chiam)

That following a workshop held on 14 February 2019, the funds of $9,300 remaining in the Cultural Activities Budget (21596 / 22521) will be spent as follows:

1. The Shoalhaven Arts Board fund a grant program, titled Arts Practitioners Professional Development Grants, for amounts up to $3000;

2. Grants will be open to individuals and groups to undertake activities related to their development including (but not limited to) Mentorships, Residencies, Performances, Presentations, Exhibitions, Forum / Conference / Workshop attendance, travel, study or venue hire. The applicants will be required to demonstrate the impact of the proposed program on their career and on the growth and development of arts in the Shoalhaven.

CARRIED

General Business

AB19.5 Additional Item - NOW Contemporary

Bronwyn Coulston confirmed the public exhibition of the NOW Contemporary Art Prize entry fees has now closed, and the fees ($40/$30) will be adopted. Arts Board members are encouraged to inform their contacts and colleagues who may be interested in sponsoring or donating, and to contact Bronwyn for a sponsorship pack. Jane Lewis (Manager, Recreation Community & Culture) advised that electronic copies will be circulated to members.

AB19.7 Additional Item - Australia Day Awards

Alison Chiam advised the Australia Day Awards, presented on 24 January, had seen 13 artists nominated and 6 being celebrated.

The award winners who are artists were:

· Jenny Robertson – Citizen

· Karen Akehurst – Outstanding Emerging Artist

· Dora Rognvaldsdottir - Outstanding Contribution to an Inclusive Shoalhaven

· Alison Tait - Outstanding Contribution to Arts and Culture

and those who were highly commended:

· Max Dingle - Outstanding Contribution to Arts and Culture

· Ona Frazier - Outstanding Contribution to Arts and Culture

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 3.14pm.

Clr John Wells

CHAIRPERSON

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 23 May 2019

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AB19.8 Shoalhaven Arts Board - Membership - Term Expires June 2019 - Call for Expression of Interest

HPERM Ref: D19/116155

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Human Resources, Governance & Customer Service

Attachments: 1. Arts Board Terms of Reference ⇩

Purpose / Summary

To advise the Shoalhaven Arts Board and Council that in accordance with the adopted Shoalhaven Arts Board Terms of Reference (POL16/267) a number of Community Member and casual vacancy memberships on the Shoalhaven Arts Board will either expire or are due for review on 30 June 2019, and to seek Shoalhaven Arts Board and Council support to call for Expressions of Interest.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Approve the appointment of a second two (2) year term for the following expiring Community Members who have advised that they wish to continue on the Board in accordance with the Arts Board Terms of Reference:

a. (INSERT NAMES )

2. Call for Expressions of Interest for Community Members on the Shoalhaven Arts Board for the remaining (INSERT NUMBER) positions now vacant on the Board.

Options

1. As recommended

Implications: This will allow for the timely calling of Expressions of Interest and the appointment of Community Members to the Board to enable a smooth transition, continuity in the Board’s activity and its effective functioning in accordance with the Terms of Reference.

2. The Arts Board adopt an alternate recommendation

Implications: Adopting an alternate recommendation will result in the Board not adhering to the Terms of Reference.

Background

The initial appointment terms of the following Community Members will expire on 30 June 2019:

· Alison Chiam

· Karen Akehurst

· Barbara Dawson

· Peter Lavelle

All four were appointed to the Board in 2017 and have each served one (1) two (2) year term on the Shoalhaven Arts Board which will expire in June 2019. All four are eligible to be reappointed for a further two (2) year term. Council encourages these members to consider this, and if they wish to take up this option, their continuing Community Membership of the Board can be recommended to Council by the Board. Should any of them not wish to be reappointed these positions will also need to be advertised as vacant Community Member positions.

Jenny Thompson was appointed to the Shoalhaven Arts Board as a casual vacancy in November 2018, her term also due to expire on 30 June 2019. As a casual vacancy member Jenny is not eligible for an extension or reappointment and is encouraged to apply for a formal appointment as a Community Member through the proposed EOI process.

The recommendation for membership of Paul McLeod as designated Aboriginal Local Member is made in a separate report to this meeting.

Community Engagement

Any vacancies arising due to existing members not opting for reappointment will be advertised through an Expression of Interest process in accordance with the Shoalhaven Arts Board Terms of Reference (POL16/267).

Financial Implications

Nil. Costs associated with the Expression of Interest process to appoint Community Members to the Shoalhaven Arts Board are funded in the Arts and Culture Unit budget.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 23 May 2019

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AB19.9 Recommendation from Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Membership - Representation

HPERM Ref: D19/8169

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Human Resources, Governance & Customer Service

Purpose / Summary

To advise the Shoalhaven Arts Board of the Recommendation made by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee in relation to membership and Aboriginal representation on the Arts Board.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That:

1. Mr Paul McLeod be appointed to the Aboriginal Local Member of the Shoalhaven Arts Board as recommended by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

2. The Shoalhaven Arts Board consider the request from the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to appoint an additional two (2) Aboriginal Local Members (as alternates) to the Board’s Terms of Reference.

Options

1. As recommended

Implications: The two (2) alternate representatives will need to be identified.

2. The Shoalhaven Arts Board accept one (1) representative being Paul McLeod

Implications: Adopting this recommendation would be contrary to the request made by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

3. Adopt an alternate recommendation.

Background

The Arts Board Terms of Reference states that “one of the community member representatives is designated as an Aboriginal Local Member” (3.3). Following the lapsing of membership of the previous designated Aboriginal Local Member, the Arts Board (SAB) requested the Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) to nominate a new representative (AA18.31). This request was discussed at the Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting on 26 November, 2018 and it was recommended that the AAC nominate three (3) representatives, one (1) with voting rights. Mr Paul McLeod agreed to participate as a representative on the Shoalhaven Arts Board.

It is proposed that the alternate members would attend the meetings of the Board in a non-voting capacity unless the Aboriginal Voting member is absent, in which case one of them could vote as the Aboriginal Local Member.

Committee members noted that a number of requests for advice and support regarding Aboriginal cultural art had been presented to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and the valuable contribution that could be made between the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and the Shoalhaven Arts Board.

Community Engagement

This request provides greater opportunity for a strong working relationship to develop between the SAB and AAC and for the Arts Board to have input from a range of Aboriginal Community Member representatives.

Policy Implications

The Shoalhaven Arts Board Terms of Reference in relation to Membership will need to be amended should the Arts Board resolve as recommended.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 23 May 2019

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AB19.10 Shoalhaven Arts Board Art Acquisition Subcommittee Report

HPERM Ref: D19/133730

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

To advise the Shoalhaven Arts Board members of the recommendations of the Shoalhaven Arts Board Art Acquisition Sub-Committee regarding additions to the Shoalhaven City Council Art Collections through donations, cultural gifts and purchases in accordance with Policy (POL18/23) Shoalhaven City Council Art Collection – Acquisition and Management.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Shoalhaven Arts Board;

1. Acquire the work Trunks and Treeferns, Jamberoo by Luke Sciberras through the Cultural Gifts Program as an addition to the Shoalhaven City Council Art Collection.

Options

1. Accept the recommendation as printed.

Implications: The Shoalhaven City Art Collection will continue to grow in line with the Policy and develop the key collecting areas; increasing the value of the collection both for the community access to a range of visual arts and as a regional gallery collection of significance, while ensuring that the allocated budget for conservation and preservation of works is not placed under undue stress.

2. Amend the recommendation.

Implications: The Shoalhaven City Art Collection will continue to grow in line with the Policy and develop the key collecting areas. The arts reserve budget may be reduced, impacting our ability to acquire works of significance in the short-term and reducing our ability to further grow and enhance the collection.

3. Adopt an alternate resolution.

Implications: The Shoalhaven City Art Collection may not grow and develop in line with the policy, and conservation requirements of the collection many impact the future acquisition budget.

Background

Acquisition of the work Trunks and Treeferns, Jamberoo by Luke Sciberras through the Cultural Gifts Program.

In 2018, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery worked with several artists as part of the Jamberoo Mountain Road exhibition. One of the artists in that show was Luke Sciberras. Luke has recently approached Shoalhaven City Council, offering one of his works from the show Trunks and Treeferns, Jamberoo as a donation through the Cultural Gifts Program.

Sciberras is best known for his landscape works. He studied at the National Art School in Sydney and worked as a Studio Assistant to several senior artists, including Guy Warren. Since graduating he has exhibited extensively and has work in many collections, including the Parliament House Collection and ArtBank. He had been a finalist in the Wynne Prize and a recipient of the Brett Whitely Travelling Art Scholarship.

This is a large landscape work (120x160cm) and is highly representative of Sciberras’ style. This is a good opportunity to acquire a work by a rising artist with a rapidly developing reputation.

The proposed acquisition meets the criteria of the Shoalhaven City Council Art Collection under section 3.1.6 under the following considerations:

· Significance of artist,

· Local Significance,

· Cost and/or value for money,

· Advantageous opportunities.

Community Engagement

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery provides a broad range of local and nationally significant exhibitions to showcase a cross section of artworks and media. It is important that the City Art Collection supports this and reflects the range of artists and art work produced within the Shoalhaven. This provides an aspirational element to inspire artists and community members who visit the gallery.

Policy Implications

All offers to acquire works have been assessed against the Shoalhaven City Art Collection – Acquisition and Management Policy (POL18/23) and the subclause 3.1.6.

Financial Implications

Works acquired through the Cultural Gift Program are received as donations, with the only cost the valuation of the work. As per standard procedure for cultural gift donations, the Gallery will pay for one of the valuations required, and the artist will pay for the other. This cost is covered within the operational budget for the gallery.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 23 May 2019

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AB19.11 Shoalhaven Arts Board Professional Development Grants - Recipients and Submissions - One off Grant program 2019

HPERM Ref: D19/133826

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

To seek Board approval for the Shoalhaven Arts Board Arts Practitioners Professional Development Grants 2018/19 and approve the allocation of funding to successful applications.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board, as recommended by the Working Group, award the following Shoalhaven Arts Board Arts Practitioners Professional Development Grants:

1. (Insert successful applicant’s names to be determined at the meeting)

2. (Insert successful applicant’s names to be determined at the meeting)

3. (Insert successful applicant’s names to be determined at the meeting)……

Options

1. Adopt the recommendations of the Shoalhaven Arts Board Working Group for the allocation of Shoalhaven Arts Board Arts Practitioners Professional Development grant funding for 2018/19.

Implications: The Shoalhaven Arts Board Grant Funding is dispersed in a timely way to successful applicants enabling projects to commence.

2. Reject the recommendation of the Shoalhaven Arts Board Working Group and allocate the funding another way.

Implications: The grant funding may be allocated to projects that do not meet the funding criteria.

3. Reject the recommendation of the Shoalhaven Arts Board Working Group and not allocate any grant funding at this time.

Implications: Community expectations about the dispersal of Arts Board Grant funding will not be met and the budget will not be dispersed in a timely manner.

Background

The Shoalhaven City Council’s Arts Board Arts Practitioners Professional Development Grant program is a one-off program of grants, designed as a result of unexpended Arts Board funds.

At the Board meeting in February 2019 it was resolved (AB19.4):

That following a workshop held on 14 February 2019, the funds of $9,300 remaining in the Cultural Activities Budget (21596 / 22521) will be spent as follows:

1. The Shoalhaven Arts Board fund a grant program, titled Arts Practitioners Professional Development Grants, for amounts up to $3000;

The program was devised to support individuals and small groups to enhance their professional skills in their chosen area of the arts. Applications where open to individuals, local non-profit and non-government organisations, for activities that further develop and enhance their skill-set, connect with peers and build sustainable careers through professional development activities.

Projects were required to demonstrate their capacity to contribute to the Shoalhaven Arts Board’s vision:

“Make the Shoalhaven a recognised outstanding arts destination that connects people, fosters sustainable communities and celebrate indigenous and contemporary history”.

The Professional Development Grants offer funding of up to $3,000 with a total of $9,000 available to allocate. All applicants were encouraged to consider and demonstrate how their project aligns with the Shoalhaven Arts Board’s vision and the benefits and/or impacts of their project on arts in the broader Shoalhaven.

Shoalhaven Arts Board Arts Practitioners Professional Development Grants 2018/19 closed on 10 May 2019. At the time of preparing this report the Arts Board Grants Assessment Working Group had not met to review the submissions.

A meeting has been scheduled for the week prior to the Shoalhaven Arts Board meeting. The Working Group will provide a verbal report at the Arts Board meeting on 23 May 2019. This verbal update will include an update on:

· The number of submissions received and their compliance with the grant funding criteria,

· The Working Group’s recommendations for funding.

This will enable the Arts Board members to discuss and consider the applications and endorse the Working Party’s recommendations or make alternate recommendations at the meeting on the successful Shoalhaven Arts Board grants recipients.

Community Engagement

The Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants provide funding for a range of individual artists and art organisations working within the Shoalhaven, ensuring that the community benefit from increased access to and participation in the arts and that the arts are of a high standard.

The following engagement channels were used to inform the community about the Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants 2018/19:

· Public Notice advertising placed in the following:

o South Coast Register,

o Milton/Ulladulla Times,

· Media Release via Council Media Coordinator,

· Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Website, Social Media Platforms, E-News,

· Counter Display at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery,

· Shoalhaven City Council Website, Social Media Platforms, E-News,

· Shoalhaven Libraries Social Media Platforms,

· Direct emails to known groups / organisations within the Shoalhaven.

Financial Implications

The Shoalhaven Arts Board is provided with budget allocations for the support and development of Arts in the Shoalhaven. As per Agenda item AB19.4 from the meeting on 14 February 2019, it was resolved that the unexpended amount of $9,000 from the 2018/19 Arts Board Grants and the cancelled Arts Awards program would be reallocated to fund this one-off grant program.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 23 May 2019

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AB19.12 Shoalhaven Art Board Grants Program - 2019/20 - Formation of working party

HPERM Ref: D19/134063

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

To request that the Shoalhaven Arts Board review the current grant program, through the formation of a working group to considers the focus, structure and timing of the 2019/20 Shoalhaven Arts Boards Grants Program.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Agree to the creation of a working party be formed to consider the focus, structure and timing of the 2019.20 Shoalhaven Art Board Grants and report back to the SAB at the August meeting;

2. Nominate members to be on the working group as follows:

(insert members name / s)

Options

1. Adopt the resolution as written, with members’ names to be added following nominations at the meeting.

Implications: The working party can be formed and will meet to consider options for the ongoing focus, structure and timing of the Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants program in 2019/20 FY. Ensuring that the grants program is delivered in a way that continues to develop and support arts and culture in the region.

2. The Shoalhaven Arts Board provide advice on an alternate resolution.

Implications: The Arts Board grants may be continued as per previous years with no significant change to the program, allowing the budget to be expended as anticipated. Or, the program may not be able to go ahead, jeopardising the growth and development of the program and impacting on the reputation of the Shoalhaven Arts Board.

3. Reject the Resolution

Implications: The Arts Board grants program will not be able to go ahead in a timely manner and may not be carried out in the 2019/20 Financial Year.

Background

Since 2015/16, the Shoalhaven Arts Board have used their grant funding for three major and ambitious projects. These have aimed to both develop public art across the region and build capacity of artists and arts organisations within the Shoalhaven. The 2013 adopted strategy ‘Developing Public Art – Themes and ‘Sense of Place’’ has been used as the guiding document for submissions and decision making and has seen public artworks installed across the region.

Smaller grants have strategically focused on capacity building through encouraging collaboration, best practice and mentorships with field leaders. These grants have seen innovative and engaging projects across a wide range of artforms be delivered and supported with tangible outcomes for individuals and the community.

Current Situation

In 2018 the Arts Board Grants received a limited number of applications and only two of the three possible grants were awarded. As a result, remaining unallocated budget led to the development of a second, one-off, grants program, designed for the professional development of arts practitioners.

While the 2019 budget has not been finalised, a request has been made on behalf of the Shoalhaven Arts Board to again receive $20,000 in the 2019/20 financial year for an Arts Grants Program to be delivered by the Board in 2019/20.

As the current grants program has now run for several years it is timely to review what is working and what is not within the current structure. Feedback from some Arts Board members has been that the program is not perceived as inclusive and applicable to all art forms. It is recommended that the Board create a Working Group to review the program and consider the focus and structure of the grants offered by the Shoalhaven Arts Board for 2019/20 and into the future.

Community Engagement

Once the Working Party has reported back to the Arts Board, and the recommendations and structure of the grants program has been approved, the Arts and Culture Unit will undertake the necessary community engagement to promote the arts grants and inform interested parties of changes (if any).

Financial Implications

There is an application for the Arts Board Grants program in the draft 2019/20 budget. If approved, any program will need to be within the allocated Arts Board budget lines.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 23 May 2019

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AB19.13 Shoalhaven Arts Foundation Working Group - Progress Report

HPERM Ref: D19/134370

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

To provide the Shoalhaven Arts Board with information regarding the progress of the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation Working Group and to outline the way forward.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board continue to champion the need for a Shoalhaven Arts Foundation, through the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation Working Group.

Options

1. Report is adopted as recommended

Implications: The Foundation working party will continue progressing the model proposed and work to raise awareness and understanding of the benefits of the Foundation to the Shoalhaven.

2. Alternate Recommendation is adopted

Implications: Unknown at this time, will depend on the alternate recommendation.

3. Reject the Recommendation

Implications: The working party will not continue to pursue the development of the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation and the SAB goal in the strategic plan will not be met.

Background

At the meeting of 8 February 2018, a Working Party consisting of Cllr White, Allan Baptist, Alison Chaim and the Unit Manager – Arts and Culture was formed to progress matters relating to the establishment of the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation.

Since then, the Working Party have met at regular intervals to consider a range of matters relating to the formation of the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation, including mission and vision, objectives of the foundations and its structure, and key aspects of the constitution such as number of directors, establishment of an advisory group and Shoalhaven City Council’s role in the Foundation.

In late 2018 staff became aware that the Sunshine Coast Council were looking to establish an arts foundation with similar aims and objectives, and we have since obtained a copy of their constitution and are working to set up a meeting with a Councillor from the Sunshine Coast Council to discuss the establishment of their foundation.

Using the Sunshine Coast model, we believe we can now rapidly progress the establishment of the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation, and that we have found a workable solution for the role of Council on the Foundation – that of ‘Founding Member with Reserve Powers’.

This model provides Council with the ability to nominate a representative to be on the Foundation board, and that any resolution to wind up the foundation, or change its objectives, must be ratified by the Founding Member (Council), but ensures the Foundation is independent of Council.

Proposed Next Steps

The establishment of the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation requires funding from Shoalhaven City Council or a suitable philanthropic body to cover legal fees, employment of staff and establishment costs.

Based on the advice of Frank Howarth (consultant on Foundations in 2017) and the review of the report from Sunshine Coast Council, these costs are estimated at $125,000 each year for three years, after which the Foundation would aim to be self-sufficient.

Members of the Working Group plan to speak with Councillors from Sunshine Coast, after which they will then meet with the Acting General Manager and Local State MPs to promote the Foundation and the need to establish it with suitable funding.

The Working Group are proposing to present the draft Foundation model to a Councillor Briefing and aim to have a report requesting funding presented to an Ordinary Meeting of Council later this year for consideration as part of the 2020/2021 budget.

Community Engagement

The initial workshops on the Foundation were conducted in 2017 and included a range of Councillors, community members and Council staff. The Working Group have also, at various times, consulted with key members of the community to refine the proposed foundation model and aspects of the relationship between the Foundation, Shoalhaven City Council, the Arts Board and community arts organisations.

Financial Implications

The establishment of the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation is unfunded and will require a significant investment through a donation, sponsorship or grant arrangement to ensure it has adequate resources to become self-sufficient within the anticipated three-year timeframe.

Funding is required for (as example):

· Legal advice on the establishment of the constitution and registration as a charitable company,

· Hiring of staff (1x FT admin staff, 1x 0.75 senior position),

· Hiring of premises,

· Purchase of IT equipment, programs, software, communications equipment etc,

· Development of marketing collateral – website, logo etc,

· Possible purchase of donor lists to run initial targeted campaign.

Initial costs based on advice is that a target of $125,000 per annum for three years will provide the Foundation with a strong base and set it up to be self-sufficient within that time.

The Working Group propose that Council be approached to provide this initial establishment funding, and do so as the ‘Founding Member’, through a sponsorship arrangement that keeps Council at arm’s length to the Foundation. This will still require a degree of reporting and financial clarity during the period of support.