Agenda of Shoalhaven Arts Board

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board

Meeting Date: Thursday, 21 October 2021

Location: Teams Meeting (Remotely)

Time: 1.03pm

The following members were present (Remotely):

Clr John Wells - Chairperson

Clr Patricia White

Ms Alison Chiam

Dr Peter Lavelle

Mr Frank Howarth

Dr Lynda Kelly

Mr Stephen Buzacott

Mr Rob Crow – joined 1.13pm

Also present (Remotely):

Jane Lewis – Director City Lifestyles

Bronwyn Coulston – Manager Arts & Culture

Karen Patterson – Manager Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

Sarah Taylor – Manager Shoalhaven Libraries

Ryan Jameson – Coordinator, Local Planning Team

Molly Porter – Strategic Planner, Local Planning Team

Lenka Kripac – OpenField Arts Festival

Amelia Ramsden – OpenField Arts Festival

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Jenny Thompson and Christine Dunstan.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Stephen Buzacott / Alison Chiam)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board held on Thursday 22 July 2021 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Presentations

AB21.33 Revitalising Nowra CBD Action Plan

HPERM Ref: D21/451574

A presentation of the Revitalising Nowra CBD Action Plan was provided by Ryan Jameson (Coordinator, Local Planning Team) and Molly Porter (Strategic Planner – Local Planning Team) in accordance with the Arts Board’s resolution at its meeting on 22 July 2021 (AB21.16). The presentation is attached to these Minutes.

Frank Howarth asked how the CBD revitalisation will link to the riverfront revitalisation project. Molly Porter clarified there are separate masterplans for the two projects, and agreed on the importance of the link. The riverfront area is residential and recreation zoned, as opposed to the CBD’s goods and services offering, but they are complementary.

Clr Wells explained the boundaries of the CBD area and advised that Studio GL had been retained to generate concepts for the riverfront area, which includes Graham Lodge and the former Visitor Centre. A State Government Taskforce Planning Control Group involving Transport for NSW and other agencies is working on this.

Ryan Jameson confirmed the focus in the CBD is on the commercial retail centre, a zoned B3 area, and does not extend to mixed use areas.

Frank Howarth raised the risk of creating a “dead zone” between the two areas, giving the example of Townsville and its lost connections.

RESOLVED (Stephen Buzacott / Frank Howarth)

That the Arts Board receive the presentation of the Revitalising Nowra CBD Action Plan for information.

CARRIED

AB21.25 Presentation - OpenField Arts Festival (Berry 2023)

HPERM Ref: D21/431530

Lenka Kripac and Amelia Ramsden presented the new OpenField Arts Festival, and a plan of action regarding public sculpture by an Indigenous artist being installed in the town of Berry as a permanent fixture, to be acquired as part of the Shoalhaven City art collection.

This new biennial, multidisciplinary contemporary arts festival for Berry will commence next year. Funding is being sourced through grants and private donors. The organisers are seeking more artists, including Indigenous artists, and have begun speaking with local traditional owners. Berry features much colonial culture but there are no Indigenous public artworks. The proposal is to commission a permanent Indigenous public artwork for the town. An Indigenous curator will be sought. The plan is to approach local and non-local Indigenous artists, then select the top three proposals that will be presented to Council next year along with suggested sites.

Alison Chiam advised the Arts Board have a number of projects in progress, one of them being the establishment of the Arts Foundation which will receive donations from the public and look for different projects in the community. It was suggested that this project could be added to the list for when the Foundation comes onstream.

Frank Howarth recommended approaching Destination Sydney Surrounds South for potential tourism events grants.

Clr Wells added the Arts Board’s own grants program and advised them to contact Bronwyn Coulston for information.

The organisers have contacted the Berry Forum and Chamber of Commerce, but appreciate further suggestions who in the community to contact. Stephen Buzacott is willing to be contacted on behalf of the Berry Garden Club. The Show Society was also suggested.

Amelia and Lenka were thanked for their excellent presentation.

Reports

AB21.26 Update on Actions - October 2021

HPERM Ref: D21/437751

Bronwyn Coulston (Manager Arts & Culture) gave status updates on the Actions in the table.

· AB20.3: Acquisitions and acceptance of donations – the delayed donation has arrived and the valuations and being undertaken.

· AB21.11: Deaccessioning – this is a long-standing work in progress.

· AB21.16: Revitalising Nowra Action Plan – this can now be finalised and removed.

· AB21.20: Strategic Plan for Regional Gallery 2020 – Clr Wells will propose recommendations for this action under General Business.

· AB21.21: Donations from Therese Sweeney and Stephen Westgarth – contact has been made with these donors, the works accepted and waiting to receive them.

· AB21.22: Grants Program – Council is starting to receive applications,

· AB21.20, action from Council – new gallery development – staff will hold a strategic planning session on 15 November after which a survey will be circulated to community and SAB members.

· AB21.24: Arts Foundation working party – there had been change of the wording of the resolution for procedural reasons for the Ordinary meeting which does not change its intent or purpose.

· Actions from other meetings included for information:

o MIN21.400: Sussex Inlet Viking Festival – Working group to investigate establishing a museum. First meeting will be next week.

o MIN21.596: RADO – CreateNSW have now appointed a consultant to undertake three months’ research and review, and to set up the basic requirements. Meetings with CreateNSW are ongoing, alongside other consultations, and staff will recommend they make contact with Arts Board members. Staff have communicated to Minister Harwin that the Board supports the RADO.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Update on Actions report for information.

RESOLVED (Frank Howarth / Peter Lavelle)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Update on Actions report for information.

CARRIED

AB21.27 Update - Arts Board Grants 2020/21 - Acquittals and variations

HPERM Ref: D21/424949

Bronwyn Coulston provided the updates on last year’s grants, some of which have been significantly impacted by COVID.

· Albatross Musical Theatre Company have not been able to do the courses intended as this stage as NIDA are not conducting courses face to face. AMTC are of the view that online courses do not meet their needs or outcomes in the grant document. They seek a variation to enable them to attend a face to face course at NIDA at some point next year, so to extend to the end of 2022.

· Alaska Turner was to have been going to the US next year, and is now hoping to undertake the project in January 2023.

· Jill Talbot intends to acquit by end of June 2022, but had hoped to complete by end of this year. Final exhibition will be in May 2022.

· Natalie McDonagh has had to postpone the presentation of the Yak Woman Oracle project at Huskisson Community Hall late next year. The requested variation is to extend to December 2022.

· Annaliese Szota had started some recording but lockdown prevented its continuance. She is reviewing how it will be launched, and renegotiating with Nowra Players. Variation to extend to the end of 2022.

· Alana Valentine, The Anti-Nuclear Family (COVID Response Grant). Karen Patterson, Manager Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre (SEC), reported that with assistance from Christine Dunstan she had worked with Alana’s agent and the commissioning agreement had been executed. The first draft is due on 7 March, 2022 and the second draft in June. The commissioning agreement confirms the SEC as the commissioner, holding the rights to undertake the creative development in July 2022. Clr Wells advised there will be a report on funding that creative development process to the Arts Board early in the new year as it involves funding for actors as part of that development. Karen noted this will be an additional $25k based on current budget.

Peter Lavelle suggested it would be logical to contract Christine Dunstan Productions to oversee some of the development. Clr Wells advised this has been considered, but care needs to be taken around potential conflict of interest. Bronwyn advised there is urgency in resolving to obtain funding to secure the services of a well respected director of national renown who has expressed interest. This must be locked in before the end of this year.

Recommendation

That:

1. The acquittals be accepted from

a. Anna Nangle

2. Variation requests be accepted from

a. Albatross Musical Theatre Company

b. Alaska Turner

c. Natalie McDonagh

d. Annaliese Szota

3. Updates are noted for the grants awarded to

a. Jill Talbot

b. Alana Valentine

RECOMMENDATION (Clr Wells / By consent)

That:

1. The acquittals be accepted from

a. Anna Nangle

2. Variation requests be accepted from

a. Albatross Musical Theatre Company

b. Alaska Turner

c. Natalie McDonagh

d. Annaliese Szota

3. Updates are noted for the grants awarded to

a. Jill Talbot

b. Alana Valentine

4. In relation to the grant referred to item 3b above, Council give consideration to the allocation of $25,000 to enable the creative development of a play called The Anti-Nuclear Family, to be funded by an adjustment to the Quarterly Budget Review process.

CARRIED

AB21.28 Shoalhaven City Art Collection - Strategic Planning - Formation of Working Party

HPERM Ref: D21/424955

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That members of the Current Art Acquisition and Collection subcommittee form a working party along with invited representatives to undertake development of a strategic plan for the Shoalhaven City Art Collection.

Membership shall be

a. Chair of the SAB

b. Manager – Arts and Culture or nominated representative

c. Shoalhaven Arts Board member - to be determined and added at the meeting

d. Shoalhaven Arts Board member - to be determined and added at the meeting

e. Invited Arts Professional

f. Invited Arts Professional Aboriginal

RESOLVED (Clr White / Stephen Buzacott)

Membership shall be determined at the next meeting of the Arts Board, but will comprise:

a. Chair of the SAB

b. Manager – Arts and Culture or nominated representative

c. Shoalhaven Arts Board member

d. Shoalhaven Arts Board member

e. Invited Arts Professional

f. Invited Arts Professional Aboriginal

CARRIED

AB21.29 Planning for Dingle Hughes Bequest Collection

HPERM Ref: D21/434298

Bronwyn Coulston reported on investigations into how to support Max Dingle in the management of the collection and to be in position to accept it in future. From early next year it is anticipated that a member of the Arts & Culture team will spend six months working with Max and with Art Gallery of NSW and other specialists in collection management to fully understand the collection. She will work on a recommendation to the second meeting next year of the Arts Board on the items to be acquired, and to achieve a strong organisational understanding of the archive associated with the collection.

$50,000 had been allocated to the Arts & Culture budget a year ago for research into purposes including storage. It is being proposed (forthcoming Council meeting) to repurpose this money for the engagement of a consultant to develop a business case including an analysis of a multi-arts facility, to include storage space for the Dingle Hughes Bequest among others.

Stephen Buzacott raised the possibility of combining the storage facility with a gallery, if it is large enough. Bronwyn advised the size is yet to be determined. Community museums and other groups who may need storage are being consulted. The facility will offer enhanced potential for service to community organisations in need of that space.

Frank Howarth advised that some degree of public access to a Collection Storage Facility is important

Alison Chiam asked for clarification on the proposed repurposing of the funds, given the Arts Board’s previous discussion had suggested putting the $50,000 towards evaluation of a design & scope for a gallery. Jane Lewis explained there has been discussion about the need for a new gallery – at present it has not been identified as a standalone project or as part of the 10 year long term financial plan. It is anticipated that the requirement for a new gallery or library would form part of broader strategic planning around the Nowra CBD. The funds had originally been intended for storage purposes.

Clr Wells and Clr White described approaches from performance groups who also need a space. Council is investigating; it would be a large space, with the possibility to incorporate the storage space.

Peter Lavelle proposed a pop-up gallery in the facility in space not used by the performance groups, for example as a spillover display space pending a more formal gallery down the track. Stephen agreed this is possible as long as the location is suitable.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report on Planning for Dingle Hughes Bequest Collection be received for information.

RESOLVED (Peter Lavelle / Clr White)

That the report on Planning for Dingle Hughes Bequest Collection be received for information.

CARRIED

AB21.30 Shoalhaven Libraries - Update

HPERM Ref: D21/413502

Sarah Taylor, Libraries, Manager, provided a summary as set out in the report.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Shoalhaven Libraries Update report for information.

RESOLVED (Stephen Buzacott / Clr Wells)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Shoalhaven Libraries Update report for information.

CARRIED

AB21.31 Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update

HPERM Ref: D21/435079

Karen Patterson, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Manager, summarised her report.

She advised that some dance schools are still navigating the Public Health Orders and the vaccinations of young performers, in relation to end of year concerts being able to proceed.

The last production before lockdown had been Albatross Musical Theatre Company’s Alice in Wonderland. The audience capacities were successfully reduced in accordance with public health orders.

Staff were required to handle around 12,000 to 13,000 tickets during the last three months due to postponements and cancellations. The retention rate of tickets was 80%, a strong result.

The 2022 season will be launched on 9 December.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Shoalhaven Arts Board receives the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre report for information.

RESOLVED (Clr Wells / Alison Chiam)

That Shoalhaven Arts Board receives the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre report for information.

CARRIED

AB21.32 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Update - 3rd Quarter 2021

HPERM Ref: D21/428780

Bronwyn Coulston summarised her report.

The 2020 Archibald Prize Regional Touring Exhibition had been installed during the COVID lockdown, and the Gallery conducted a series of online engagements. Bronwyn commended staff member Kendra Appleton who undertook the video production, and Bridget Macleod kept the social media active. The Art Gallery of NSW agreed to extend the tour, so it is still on show until 6 November.

193 community members signed up for the Regenerate art packs.

Grant funding:

· $5000 was received from the Berry Community Activity Centre to support student bus travel to the gallery.

· Forecourt improvements in progress – installing SAB funded project in the Art Boxes in the next few weeks.

· Streets as Shared Spaces project is anticipated to commence soon, after a COVID delay.

The Gallery has been nominated for four awards across three categories for the IMAGinE Awards – for Wonder + Dread and TERRA within; Art Detectives; and Warwick Keen for achievement by an Indigenous Curator.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Regional Gallery report for information.

RESOLVED (Alison Chiam / Stephen Buzacott)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Regional Gallery report for information.

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

AB21.34 New Regional Gallery

RECOMMENDATION (Clr Wells / Alison Chiam)

That Council:

1. Through the forthcoming review and preparation of its new Community Strategic Plan (CSP), articulate its vision for a new Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and include this in the new plan, with this being explored further in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) 2022/23.

2. In articulating its vision for a new Regional Gallery, consult with and seek input from the Shoalhaven Arts Board and include this as an Operational Plan Action in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) 2022/23.

CARRIED

Australia Day Awards

Alison Chiam advised that nominations for the Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards are now open. Arts Board members are encouraged to canvass networks for nominees for Arts Awards – organisational and practitioner.

https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Council/Events-Awards/Shoalhaven-Australia-Day-Awards-2022

CreateNSW funding from Minister Harwin’s office

Bronwyn Coulston advised that this relates to the Shoalhaven & Kiama Closed Round in lieu of a RADO. No further information has been provided; it has been awarded but there has apparently been no press release or communication.

Clr Wells expressed his thanks to the staff and members of the Arts Board.

Jane Lewis reiterated her thanks to Clr Wells for his chairmanship, and to the staff and members.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 2.47pm.

Clr John Wells

CHAIRPERSON

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 03 March 2022

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AB22.3 Notification of Council Resolution - Shoalhaven Arts Board Re-establishment

HPERM Ref: D22/78522

Department: Business Assurance & Risk

Approver: Kevin Voegt, Director - City Performance

Reason for Report

Advise of Council’s resolution in relation to the new members and re-establishment of the Shoalhaven Arts Board.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Notification of Council Resolution – Shoalhaven Arts Board Re-establishment report for information.

Options

1. As recommended.

Implications: The membership structure as resolved by Council is adopted for the period to 30 September 2022.

2. Propose a different membership arrangement.

Implications: Should the Shoalhaven Arts Board wish to make an alternative recommendation in relation to membership, this would need to be reported to Council for consideration/endorsement.

Background

Each year, (generally in September) Council reaffirms all its Committees for the next 12 months - Council has the option to: reaffirm its Committees; make any change to the membership, purpose, delegation, quorum, and the number of meetings required for those Committees; or disband Committees.

This report is provided to inform the Group members of the resolution of the Council. Should the Group wish to make any changes to the above, a recommendation to Council will be required to that effect.

Due to the postponement of the Local Government Elections, this meeting was held in January 2022. At the Ordinary meeting on 25 January 2022 Council resolved as follows:

CL22.32 Shoalhaven Arts Board

RESOLVED (Clr Gray / Clr Butler) MIN22.1

That Council continue the operation of Shoalhaven Arts Board for the period to September 2022 as outlined below.

Meetings per year – Four (4) per year

Commencement time – 1.00pm

Quorum – Majority of the members – at least half plus one (1) member

Terms of Reference: POL19/45 (2123E)

Amended: 20 September 2019

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.

Delegations:

· 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

Chairperson – Appointed by the Board

2022 Councillor/ Staff Membership

Councillor Gray (Ward 1)

Councillor Kotlash (Ward 2)

Councillor D’Ath (Ward 3)

Clr White – Alternate

Clr Ell – Alternate

Community / Organisational Representatives

Eight (8) Community representatives (includes one (1) designated Aboriginal Local Member position, nominated by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee)

One (1) representative of the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group, nominated by the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group

CARRIED

Policy Implications

There were no amendments to the Terms of Reference by this resolution.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 03 March 2022

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AB22.4 Shoalhaven Libraries - Update

HPERM Ref: D22/60550

Department: Library Services

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

To update the Shoalhaven Arts Board on activities and services at Shoalhaven Libraries.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Shoalhaven Libraries Update report for information.

Options

1. Receive the report for information.

Implications: The Shoalhaven Arts Board will be informed and updated on activities at Shoalhaven Libraries.

2. Request more information.

Implications: Unknown.

Background

The second quarter of 2021-2022 financial year (October, November, December) saw over 43,000 people come through the doors at Shoalhaven Libraries and borrow nearly 78,000 items. We welcomed over 340 new members and answered nearly 6,660 technology, reference, local heritage, and general queries. The Digital Library also loaned 10,328 eBooks, 12,581 eAudiobooks and 3,137 eMagazines.

COVID has continued to impact library services and from 14 August until 10 October 2021 we were closed to the public due to stay-at-home orders for all of New South Wales. While closed we continued to provide as many services as possible to our community. The Home Library Service continued, and the Doorstep Library Service was reintroduced to deliver books and library items to those who were unable to access the digital library. We also introduced a new Click, Call & Collect service. This allowed customers to select items from our catalogue, reserve the item from the app or website and then visit the library to collect.

Initially our branches opened with reduced opening hours to allow staff to follow the NSW Health Guidelines ensuring customer and staff safety, as well as allowing us to continue to service those customers who were still unable to visit the library. In line with the Public Health Order masks were mandatory for everyone 12 years and over, without proof of an exemption, mandatory QR Code Check-in was in place and proof of vaccination status was required to be presented to staff. There were also social distancing rules in place and increased cleaning requirements.

On Monday 29th November Shoalhaven Libraries was able to extend opening hours some more and from 15^th December we returned to normal operating hours for all library branches. It has been an extended period of change and uncertainty; however, staff have been agile and responsive throughout, and we are hopeful that we will be able to continue at normal operating hours moving forward.

Focus Weeks / Months:

Despite the shutdown and reduced hours during this period, we celebrated:

· Dyslexia Awareness Month,

· Get Online Week,

· Children’s Week,

· Scam Awareness Week and

· Computer Science Education Week.

We also continued to offer other online events and as part of Get Online Week we shared a presentation by an NBN Australia Community Ambassador who discussed how smart devices are changing the way we do things and provided some awareness of current scams to help people remain safe online. We also ran a competition that customers could enter by completing a quiz about online safety and provided some great technology prizes, which were funded by a Get Connected grant. And as part of Scams Awareness Week, which ran from 8-12 November, we shared a webinar from Legal Aid NSW about how to spot scams and what to do if you get scammed.

Children's Week is a national event that celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It is celebrated from 23 - 31 October 2021 and this year's theme was - Children have the right to choose their own friends and safely connect with others. We promoted the week and the huge range of resources for children; from picture books to short stories and non-fiction books that we hold.

Author Talks:

Whilst we were shut down and then operating at reduced hours with increased restrictions we have provided as many services to the community as possible. We have been continuing to offer online author talks which are supported by the NSW Public Libraries Association. The authors that held talks during this period were: Judy Nunn, who is one of Australia’s leading fiction writers discussing her new novel ‘Showtime’; Costa discussing his gardening and sustainability knowledge brought together in his new book 'Costa's World'; Michael Connelly talking about his new book 'The Dark Hours'; and finally, Fiona McIntosh discussing her new historical adventure 'The Spy's Wife'.

On Line Assistance:

Libraries continue to provide a lot of digital assistance, and this has been highlighted as an even more important service by the recent COVID epidemic. We offered regular free tech help sessions and also a class to help customers access and store proof of vaccination on their device.

Local Heritage:

The Local Heritage Collection is a unique part of our library service, and we love promoting the resources and services that we provide. Our weekly Facebook Flashback Friday posts highlight our local heritage and recent topics have been: the History of the Cape St George Lighthouse at Point Perpendicular; Henry Kendall, Yatte Yattah born Australian poet; the history of Bomaderry; Bowen Island; the South Coast Red Cross Soldiers’ Convalescent Home in Bomaderry; Sister Kitty Porter from Milton; Broughton Mill Creek in Berry and Fairy Glen.

May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'The Mudge family picnic at Bogey Hole, Collers Beach Ulladulla in I925. 'Bogie' or Bogey' is an Aboriginal word for 'swimming place' 'Hole' refers to nature's fish trap that the rock structures provided. (Memoirs of Mollymook Milton and Ulladulla) Flashback Friday Shoalhaven Libraries SanctuaryPotat Palnt Moble Uludulla'

We have recently commenced a partnership with the Shoalhaven Family History Society Inc. and their volunteers are available to assist with enquiries once a week from the Nowra Library Local Heritage Room. We are also pleased to announce Shoalhaven Libraries is now an Affiliate Library of FamilySearch, a free genealogical online resource. Their collection contains over 5.7 billion digital images, digitised church and government archives, books, and user-generated content, which is accessible through their website. The FamilySearch Wiki also offers a vast range of knowledge articles to assist when researching their family tree across the globe. Alongside the library subscriptions to Ancestry, Find My Past, and the British Newspaper Archive, there is so much for new and experienced family historians to explore at Shoalhaven Libraries.

Other Public Programs:

We also continued to run online Storytime sessions, which were posted to our website and social media for all to enjoy. In addition to these sessions all Shoalhaven Libraries members have free access to our digital resource Story Box Library, which has engaging online stories read aloud by favourite storytellers.

In December we were excited to welcome back events into our libraries with our Christmas Storytimes. We held fun and interactive sessions featuring stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts at our three main branches, and of course Santa paid a visit to say hello.

For Christmas and the summer holidays we asked our customers to design a bookmark with the theme Go Wild at the Library This Summer. The winning bookmarks will be printed as a collectible set and the creators will also receive an awesome book prize pack. We will pick 6 designs for our junior and youth category and 2 designs from our adult category.

May be an image of 7 people, tree and text

New Sanctuary Point Library:

The new Sanctuary Point Library is progressing well, and a Development Application (DA) has been submitted, which is a fantastic milestone achieved. While the DA is being assessed Council staff and architects are progressing other aspects of the project and Council has submitted a grant application under the Building Better Regions Fund - Round 6 for $8.5 million grant funding to assist with the construction of this important community asset.

The Public Art component of this project is also advancing, and Council has appointed an art consultancy firm to lead the project. An Expression of Interest for Indigenous public art curators to lead the project was undertaken, however unfortunately no suitable submissions were received, so Council contacted consultancy companies that had the skills to work on a project of this scale and the experience of successfully liaising with local and indigenous communities to submit applications. Council received three very competitive submissions, which were assessed, and SODA Arts was selected as the successful candidate. Project scoping and community consultation has started, and SODA Arts is working with a First Nations Cultural Consultant and key local Indigenous community members. It is very much Council's wish to engage experienced and skilled consultants who can work with local communities in order to provide opportunities to local artists and ensure connections are made. Council also sees this as an opportunity to upskill local artists so that they gain experience working on large scale project such as this and can then use these skills in future endeavours.

Shoalhaven Libraries Strategic Plan:

Staff are busy working on the new Shoalhaven Libraries Strategic Plan. The current plan was completed last year, and we are currently carrying out SWOT analysis and feedback sessions with staff to help inform the plan. Information resulting from these sessions will be used in conjunction with customer survey responses, professional public library research, benchmarking, statistics and industry trends to form the new plan. And finally, we are also concluding tender documentation for a new and improved mobile library.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 03 March 2022

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AB22.5 Subcommittee Membership, Working Groups, Portfolios and Panel of Peers

HPERM Ref: D22/62258

Department: Arts & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Shoalhaven Arts Board Terms of Reference ⇩

2. Shoalhaven City Art Collection - Acquisition and Management Policy ⇩

Reason for Report

To establish subcommittees, working groups and portfolios and appoint members of the Shoalhaven Arts Board to these as per the Shoalhaven Arts Board Terms of Reference.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the following subcommittees and working groups be established with the membership as detailed [names to be filled in at meeting]

1. Art Acquisition and Collection Subcommittee

a. Chair of the SAB

b. Manager – Arts and Culture or nominated representative

c. Shoalhaven Arts Board member [name to be filled in at meeting]

d. Shoalhaven Arts Board member [name to be filled in at meeting]

e. Invited Arts Professional

2. Arts Board Grants Working Group

a. Shoalhaven Arts Board member [name to be filled in at meeting]

b. Shoalhaven Arts Board member [name to be filled in at meeting]

c. Shoalhaven Arts Board member [name to be filled in at meeting]

d. Appropriate Council officer from the Cultural sector

3. Art Collection Strategic Planning Working Group

a. Chair of the SAB

b. Manager – Arts and Culture or nominated representative

c. Shoalhaven Arts Board member [name to be filled in at meeting]

d. Shoalhaven Arts Board member [name to be filled in at meeting]

e. Invited Arts Professional

f. Invited Arts Professional Aboriginal

Options

1. Adopt the Recommendation as printed

Implications: The Shoalhaven Arts Board will operate as per the Terms of Reference, providing strategic and policy advice to Council and achieving the aims of their strategic plan.

2. Amend the Recommendation

Implications: unknown at this time

3. Reject the Recommendation

Implications: The Shoalhaven Arts Board will not be able to operate within the Terms of Reference and will be limited in their ability to provide direction and advice to Shoalhaven City Council.

Background

In accordance with clause 3.7 of the Terms of Reference, the Shoalhaven Arts Board has the authority to establish sub committees and working groups as deemed appropriate to assist in fulfilling their role and purpose. The Terms of Reference also recommend members of the Board maintain and report on a specific portfolio (clause 1).

There are two current and active subcommittees / working groups, and one to be formed based on an adopted resolution of the Board in 2021. For the continuity of business, it is beneficial to appoint members to these and allow the work of the board, as outlined in the Terms of Reference to continue. These groups are:

1. Art Acquisition and Collection Subcommittee

This subcommittee is responsible for making recommendation on acquisitions and deaccessions as per the Shoalhaven City Art Collection – Acquisition and Collection Management Policy (POL18/23). Members should have a good knowledge of contemporary art and artists and understand the collecting themes and strengths of the current Shoalhaven City Art Collection.

The invited Arts Professional to this committee has been Deb Ely OAM for many years. Following her retirement as CEO of Bundanon Trust, it is important that the Arts Board seek a suitable Arts Professional to be part of this Subcommittee and provide independent expert advice on acquisitions. The Arts and Culture Manager has approached the new Curatorial team at Bundanon Trust and Boe-Lin Bastian has been recommended to fill the vacancy. Boe-Lin has considerable experience in the visual arts and working with Local Government.

2. Arts Board Grants Working Group

This working group is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on the structure of the grants program, and then, on the grants to be awarded following the applications being received. The budget allocated to the Grants Program and the administration of the program is managed operationally and is not within the remit of the Working Group.

3. Art Collection Strategic Planning Working Group

As per AB21.28, this Working Group will develop a strategic plan for the continued improvement and growth of the Shoalhaven City Art Collection in response to the Significance Assessment of the Shoalhaven City Art Collection.

In developing the collection strategic plan, the Group may make recommendations for changes to the Shoalhaven City Art Collection – Acquisitions and Collection Management Policy (POL18/23) which is due to be reviewed by September 2022.

Any changes recommended will be for the purpose of ensuring the Policy and the Strategic Plan work together in clear alignment to provide clarity in direction for the collection to allow for continued growth in its significance, value and reputation.

At its meeting on the 21st of October 2021, the Arts Board agreed that this Group should be comprised of members of the Acquisition Subcommittee and invited representatives who have a good knowledge of collections, either by being an artist represented in the collection, or having professional experience of collections in the cultural sector.

Other working groups can be formed by the Shoalhaven Arts Board at any time, if it is felt that strategic aims would be better achieved by having a small group of board members and expert peers meeting through a working party. Previous working parties have included

· Arts Foundation Working Party

This working party met regularly to progress the strategic aim for the formation of a Shoalhaven Arts Foundation. The working party was able to draft a proposed constitution and have dissolved while avenues to fund the legal advice needed are found.

· Cultural Strategy Working party

This working party started in late 2019 and early 2020. The opportunities to progress their aims were disrupted by COVID related public health measures, but the work they did was recently used by the Manager – Arts and Culture in putting together a grant application for funding to develop a Creative Economy Strategy for the Shoalhaven.

Future working parties may be established for guidance on a new regional gallery and furthering work on the establishment of the Arts Foundation (SAB Minute under delegation MIN21.610 - August 2021). Further, Council adopted MIN21.813 (November 2021) to include in the new Community Strategic plan a commitment from Council to articulate its vision for a new Shoalhaven Regional Gallery being explored further in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) for 2022/23, alongside consulting and seeking input from the Shoalhaven Arts Board.

The Shoalhaven Arts Board strategic plan is due for renewal in 2022, and working groups, subcommittees and member portfolios may be formed to workshop the new strategic plan and / deliver actions and outcomes identified within the strategic plan.

Community Engagement

The Shoalhaven Arts Board can call on a panel of peers to support their work and provide specific industry knowledge and experience. In forming subcommittees and working groups, it is recommended that the Arts Board utilise community members to increase the knowledge and skill sets of specific groups and consequently provide a greater opportunity for community representation and engagement.

A confidential list of community members suitable to be included on the Panel of Peers and called on to engage with the Arts Board on specific matters will be circulated at the meeting.

Policy Implications

The establishment and purpose of Subcommittees and working groups by the Shoalhaven Arts Board are managed within the Terms of Reference.

Financial Implications

All Subcommittees, working groups and portfolios operate within the budgets allocated for activities undertaken by the Shoalhaven Arts Board.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 03 March 2022

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AB22.6 Shoalhaven Arts Board 2021 / 2022 Grants Program - Awarding of Grants

HPERM Ref: D22/62262

Department: Arts & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

To inform the Shoalhaven Arts Board of the recommendations by the Arts Board Grants working party for awarding the 2021/22 Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That

1. The Shoalhaven Arts Board grants be allocated as follows:

a. Professional Development Grants

i. Brooke Boland – Advanced Creative Non-Fiction course - $420

ii. Joanna Thomas – Colour Pencils in Contemporary Botanical Art - $1,900

iii. Damien Lane and Johnny Leahy – Attendance at the Australian International Documentary Conference 2022 - $3,000

b. Sense of Place Grants

i. Connect Sanctuary Point – Outdoor Art Space - $2,500

ii. Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra – South Coast Sketches - $10,000

iii. Headspace Nowra – Vincentia High School Pride Mural - $10,000

iv. Nowra Public School – Connecting Community to School - $10,000

2. The remaining funding from the Grants Program ($1,180) and the remaining budget in the 2020 Schools Art Project ($3,100) are combined providing funding of $4,280.

3. Funding of $4,280 is allocated to Headspace Nowra to support the documentation of their Sense of Place project contingent on Headspace providing evidence to of their ability to fund any shortfall in the project budget.

Options

1. Accept the Recommendation as printed

Implications: The grant monies will be disbursed in line with the grant programs and the recommendations of the working group.

2. Amend the Recommendation

Implications: The monies may not be disbursed in a timely manner and may not be allocated to the projects that best fit the advertised grant program.

3. Reject the Recommendation

Implications: The monies may not be disbursed in a timely manner and may not be allocated within the current financial year.

Background

The Shoalhaven Arts Board grants closed on 10 December 2021, having been open for an eight-week period. They were advertised through social media, the South Coast Register, and e-newsletters.

There were two grant programs open for applications:

1. Professional Development – for amounts up to $3,000

2. Sense of place – for a project with a public outcome and amounts up to $10,000

A total of 13 applications were received across the two programs.

The Arts Grants working party, consisting of Dr Lynda Kelly, Jenny Thompson and Christine Dunstan, along with Council’s Arts & Culture Manager - Bronwyn Coulston, met on 1 February 2022 to review the applications and make recommendations for funding.

These recommendations and the reasoning are as follows:

Professional Development Grants

Applications in this stream were slightly lower than in previous years with six (6) applications received. The recommendations for funding are based on the applicant showing a clear opportunity for professional development through activities appropriate to their career stage and opportunities for growth.

1) Brooke Boland – Advanced Creative Non-Fiction Course – requested $420 – to be fully funded

This funding will go towards a six-week creative non-fiction masterclass that focuses on writing well-crafted true stories. This course will lead to the development of new creative non-fiction essays that focus on life in the Shoalhaven.

2) Joanna Thomas – Colour Pencils in Contemporary Botanical Art – requested $1,900 – to be fully funded

This funding will support Joanna to undertake professional development with the progressive and contemporary Botanical Artists’ Society of QLD, in the use of colour pencils, as the new widely accepted medium in Botanical Art.

This course allows experimentation with different brands and qualities, understanding of colour mixing and techniques unique to colour pencil. This course would also allow networking with members from another Botanical Art Society.

3) Damien Lane and Johnny Leahy - Attendance at the Australian International Documentary Conference 2022 – requested $3,000 – to be fully funded

Damien Lane and Jonnie Leahy, both of Cambewarra, are filmmakers attending the 2022 Australian International Documentary Conference. This will enhance their skillset, foster networks, stimulate potential projects, and promote forthcoming work including the documentary ‘An Artist Responds’, profiling acclaimed Shoalhaven-based artist Tamara Dean’s practice during Covid and the bushfires.

4) Sarah Round – Personal Development in digital marketing of Rainbow Parrot Design Studio – requested $3,000 – not recommended for funding

Funding was requested to support the artist to create momentum in the early stages of their recently opened art business. The working group felt the application lacked clear professional development outcomes and the project had not been well thought through.

5) Yu Yang – One man’s trash is another man’s treasure (Documentary Film) – requested $3,000 – not recommended for funding

The funding request was for the purposes of purchasing a new camera suitable for shooting a planned documentary. The working group felt the application lacked clear professional development outcomes and did not meet the aims of the grant.

6) Claire Chapman – Bingo! – requested $2,893.46 – not recommended for funding

The funding request was to support the continued development and showcasing of the show ‘Bingo!, which has been performed in various iterations since 2017. The working group, while providing positive feedback on the show and the success of the artist, as well as an understanding of the need to continually update and refresh one-woman shows, did not feel the application properly expressed how the proposed activity supported professional development for the artist.

A Sense of Place Grants

There were seven (7) applications in this stream, with the majority of applications showing a clear understanding of the purpose of the grant program and deep community engagement. Recommendations for funding are based on projects being well thought out, having real and meaningful community outcomes, and seeking to fill gaps in arts opportunities across the Shoalhaven.

1) Connect Sanctuary Point – Outdoor Art Space – requested $2,500 – to be fully funded

This project will see Connect Sanctuary Point work with local artist Tanya Williamson to create a series of artworks that inspire young children's creativity outdoors. Connect Sanctuary Point are a family support community centre located within the grounds of Sanctuary Point Public School. They support a wide range of community engagement including a very popular playgroup.

The children will watch Tanya Williamson create some panels of indigenous artwork, depicting the local fauna (such as kangaroos, cockatoos, galahs, echidnas, frogs, lizards and snakes) and flora, such as banksia, wattle, waratah. Teachers and parents will use this art to inform the teaching of creative and expressive arts as well as first nation’s history through the art of storytelling.

There will also be a traditional mosaic on the ground nearby, to give a diversity of view of texture, and space. There will be an outdoor art studio with a variety of materials to satisfy creative inspirations.

There will be music and dance as well as large muscle experiences performed adjacent to the art, daily, as part of an acknowledgment of the country we inhabit.

2) Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra – South Coast Sketches – requested $10,000 – to be fully funded

This project will support SYO to champion original local orchestral content that tells the stories of our community.

SYO will commission and record ten orchestral works that tell stories from the region based on known locals and destinations. Through commissioning ten works from local composer and SYO alumni Ryley Gillen, SYO will highlight local characters including NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer Velma Walker, wildlife carer Dusty Jones and Berry Museum architect William Wilkinson Wardell. Works will also bring light-heartedness to ﬁctitious stories involving Pig Island, infamous endangered bell frogs and pirates on the Shoalhaven River.

The completed works will be recorded on CD and performed live by the SYO.

The working group were impressed with the project, which has already received partial funding from Create NSW and commented that the SYO having previously received two professional development grants, are showing the growth and development possible with vision and support.

3) Headspace Nowra – Vincentia High School Pride Mural – requested $10,000 – to be fully funded

This project will create a collaborative artwork that celebrates our vibrant and inclusive community. Bringing together artists, school students and a youth mental health service -it will be a testament of what we can achieve when we work together. Artist: Bjarni Wark “I believe in connecting community through public art. Curating playful, colourful, quirky street art can positively engage young people, activate spaces and shift cultural narratives with place. I’m really excited to partner with headspace Nowra, Vincentia High and Queers Down South to create a vibrant and colourful artwork that brings people together and celebrates inclusivity!”

The working group were highly supportive of this project, acknowledging the current gap in public art that celebrates pride and supports LGBTIQ+ youth in the Shoalhaven. They encourage Headspace and Vincentia High School to find a way to document the process of this project and share the information widely with schools, other regional arts organisations and the wider community. As the project will be delivered within the grounds of Vincentia High School, it is important to find additional opportunities to make the mural accessible through documentation and digital platforms.

4) Nowra Public School – Connecting Community to School – requested $10,000 – to be fully funded

The project will support Nowra Public School to engage with professional artists and support school students exploring different art opportunities across a period of time.

The outcome of this engagement will be presented through a community event with students, artists and the wider community invited to celebrate the art created and see the benefits of arts engagement for students.

5) Natalie Harker – Kangaroo Valley – A sense of place – requested $10,000 – not recommended for funding

This project sought to collect stories of Kangaroo Valley which would be made public through digital channels. The working group felt the project needed to be better resolved prior to funding. They recommended that the applicant make contact with the existing groups in Kangaroo Valley such as the Historical Society and use existing knowledge and connections to better embed the project.

6) Playwell Inc – Inhabit – requested $10,000 – not recommended for funding

This project sought to bring together a range of creatives to submit ideas responding the everyday life in the Shoalhaven through the theme, Inhabit. The responses would be collated into three collaborative works with the works presented on a mini-site in the Saltbush digital platform.

The working group felt this project lacked focus and direction and was not clearly presented in how it moved from a large range of creative inputs to three works only.

7) Barron Hanson – Be Here Nowra Magazine – requested $10,000 – not recommended for funding

This project was the support the production and printing of a proposed new publication ‘Be Here Nowra’. The publication would be both print and digital and support local art and culture with a dash of mindfulness.

The working group felt this project did not show a strong awareness of the changes in media consumption and had not sought out appropriate partnerships in the region. They were also concerned about the longevity of the project once the requested funding was expended.

A secondary project aligned to the Headspace Nowra application was also submitted.

The Working Group recommend that the remaining budget is allocated to Headspace Nowra for the purposes of documenting the Pride Mural project. The funding would be contingent on Headspace providing a suitable budget to the Manager – Arts and Culture and showing their ability to fund any shortfall in the project budget.

Community Engagement

The Grants program was advertised through a range of social media and print channels with the Facebook posts on Council’s page boosted to targeted audiences in the Shoalhaven.

In reviewing the applications, the working group considered the community impact of the projects put forward and the positive engagement that would come from funded projects.

Financial Implications

Funding of the recommended projects requires $37,820 from the budget of $39,000 available, leaving a balance of $1,180.

There is a further $3,100 remaining in the 2020 Art Project budget that can be allocated to further activities if suitable. Providing $4,280 in total. This could be used to support a secondary project aligned to the Headspace Nowra application for the purposes of documenting the Pride Mural project.

Allocation of the funding would be contingent on Headspace providing evidence of a suitable budget to the Manager – Arts and Culture and showing their ability to fund any shortfall in the project budget.

As Headspace Nowra have already applied for the full allocation under the Sense of Place Grant ($10,000), any further funding would need to be a separate project, and not an extension of their current request.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 03 March 2022

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AB22.7 Public Art - Opportunities and Requirements

HPERM Ref: D22/62263

Department: Arts & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Public Art Policy ⇩

2. Developing Public Art: Themes and a Sense of Place. ⇩

Reason for Report

To inform the Arts Board of the opportunity available to significantly enhance approaches to public art across the Shoalhaven and seek support for a budget bid to achieve the project.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Council consider allocating funds of $100,000 in the 2022/23 budget process to contract an arts specialist to:

1. Undertake a full review of the current Public Art Policy and make recommendations for a new policy that supports innovative and best practice approach to public art in the Shoalhaven.

2. Develop suitable internal procedures and documentation that ensures that consistent approach and standards are applied to Public Art projects, supporting excellence in commissioning standard, safety and community engagement

3. Document all existing public art across the Shoalhaven, it’s current condition, conservation / maintenance needs and status for recording in the City Collection Management system

Options

1. Accept the Recommendation as printed

Implications: Understanding of public art in the Shoalhaven will be elevated and Council will be better positioned to maximise opportunities and associated benefits of a Public Art program that supports excellence.

2. Amend the Recommendation

Implications: Unknown at this time.

3. Reject the Recommendation

Implications: The delivery and management of Public Art in the Shoalhaven will continue in the present form.

Background

In the past 3-5 years there has been a significant increase in Public Art activity across the Shoalhaven, for both art generated by community groups and art generated by Council for a range of purposes including place making; social inclusion; cultural awareness; tourism; crime prevention and to celebrate local artists.

The benefits of public art are consistently noted in research around the world. Americans for the Arts noted in their Green Paper on Public Art that Public art humanizes the built environment and invigorates public spaces. It provides an intersection between past, present and future, between disciplines, and between ideas. Public art is freely accessible. (https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/PublicArtNetwork_GreenPaper.pdf)

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries in WA state that Public art can deliver social, aesthetic, economic, cultural and heritage benefits. (https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/culture-and-the-arts/public-art#Benefitsofpublicart )

The Houston Complete Communities project (started in 2017) is a city wide program to reduce the inequality between part of the city by addressing a series of ‘quality of life’ issues. Public Art is one of the central components of the project, with project coordinators noting that Public art is ‘an opportunity for the community to make a statement about its values and the cultural heritage of the neighbourhood’

(https://kinder.rice.edu/urbanedge/2020/05/15/civic-pride-slowing-traffic-public-art-public-good )

The recent increase in interest and activity in public art in the Shoalhaven shows the community is keen to see the City engage with more public art projects across the whole spectrum of opportunity, from standalone sculptures installed in public spaces, to integrated public art in capital projects, temporary activations of sites and site specific responses (both permanent and temporary / ephemeral).

There is a wealth of opportunity for capitalising on the civic, social and economic benefits of public art if there is an aspiration for Council to do so.

To achieve the necessary framework and structure to maximise the opportunities it will be necessary to:

a) Undertake a full review of the existing Public Art Policy, the ‘Sense of Place’ document and internal processes for delivering public art projects.

b) Conduct information and consultation sessions with stakeholders both internally and within the community to understand opportunities and what is needed from a policy and procedures to support deliver of public art projects.

c) Document all current public art projects across the city, noting their history, condition and status.

The Public Art project will provide Shoalhaven City Council with a strong foundation to build from, addressing the lack of cohesiveness currently experienced due to an out of date strategy and guidance document.

With this framework Council will be in a position to capitalise on opportunities such as promoting planned public art projects and seeking suitable donations through the cultural gifts program for major commissions and / or installations.

The identification of possible public art trails and public areas for sculptures may provide opportunities for Council to collaborate with organisations and benefactors such as Arts in the Valley, Willinga Park, Sculptures by the Sea and the Dingle Hughes Bequest collection to achieve strategic outcomes adopted as part of the framework.

This project will need to be outsourced through the engagement of suitably experienced arts professional / arts organisation with the specialised skill sets and knowledge of best practice in contemporary public art. A member of staff will be the project officer with oversight of this. While there may be grant opportunities to support and facilitate this activity, it is requested that Council initially provide the full amount required to achieve this project, ensuring it can go ahead and providing funding that can be used as co-funding in any grant submissions.

Community Engagement

The proposed approach will provide opportunity for community stakeholders to provide input into the formation of the Public Art Policy and the associated processes. It will also significantly improve Council’s ability to engage the community and meet community expectation for future public art activities, by providing a consistent approach, meeting best practise and ensuring clarity in understanding of roles and responsibilities.

Policy Implications

This project will see the current Public Art Policy reviewed and rewritten based on wide stakeholder consultation, ensuring the policy meets the needs of both internal and external stakeholders and supports Council’s work.

Financial Implications

There is no current budget allocated to this project. Funding will need to be assigned through the budget process.

The project is estimated at $100,000 to contract an arts professional with significant experience in developing public art policy and strategy, as well as undertaking a review of all existing public art within the Shoalhaven and documenting this in a way that can be easily transferred to the existing Art Collection Management System.

The Shoalhaven Arts Board support is sought to request Council consider the allocation of funding for this project as part of the 2022/23 budget process.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 03 March 2022

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AB22.8 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Update - November, December, January 2021/2022

HPERM Ref: D22/63964

Department: Arts & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

To inform the Shoalhaven Arts Board of the activities and events that have occurred at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery for the period of November, December, and January 2021/2022.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Regional Gallery report for information.

Options

1. Receive the report for information.

Implications: The Shoalhaven Arts Board will be informed of the activities and achievements of Shoalhaven Regional Gallery

2. Request more information.

Implications: Unknown

Background

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery has delivered a wide range of exhibition and activities in the period from November 2021 -January 2022.

Exhibitions

Our final week of the Archibald Prize 2020 Regional Tour finished up on 6 November 2021. The physical visitation count from the date of reopening (12 October) until the end of the exhibition period was 2976 visitors. We received excellent feedback from the public and an increase in donations during this period.

Visitor comments include:

‘Wonderful to be able to view top exhibition (The Archibald) Without crowds and free. Will definitely be coming back.’

‘Fantastic curation.’

‘Thankyou’

‘Great staff’

Running in unison with the Archibald Prize 202 Regional Tour, the North Gallery displayed the finalists entered in the Young Archie Competition. Over 30 portraits were displayed by young Shoalhaven artists. The prize winners were announced via social media and a small COVID safe prize giving afternoon tea was held in the Gallery Courtyard on Saturday November 6^th. Nowra ANZ Branch Manager Aleah Morris presented the prizes, with ANZ kindly supplying the prizes. Also in attendance was Art Gallery of NSW representative, Heather Tralaggan and Archibald Prize 2020 finalist Tianli Zu.

On 20 November 2021 we opened two new shows, focusing both on an oceanic theme. In the Main, Foyer and Access Gallery was the exhibition Sea Gods by Ashely Jones-Evans. This exhibition held more than 40 portraits of Australian surfing identities, shot between 1997 and 1999 for the book Sea Gods.

In the East Gallery the film The Reef was played on a loop. A collaboration between Richard Tognetti, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and a collection of remarkable artists. The film is an extraordinary merging of music and film, delving into the links between surfing, the ocean, landscape and music. Visitors had the opportunity to sit and enjoy the film for as little or as long as they pleased.

Visitor comments include:

‘Exquisite photos- fabulous. Tognetti video is excellent’

‘Love the two exhibitions together!’

‘Beautiful exhibition & gallery shop’

‘Again, stunning photography’

‘Wonderful clarity & consistency’

Public Programs

Due to the Public Health Order restrictions still in place post lockdown, Art After School classes were cancelled for Term 4. Artways ran, focusing on Printmaking for 4 weeks delivered by our casual educator, Nicole Ison. The class had 9 attendees.

During the Summer school holidays, we delivered 5 holiday art workshops for children aged 3-16 years old. Nearly all classes were at capacity for attendance. Again, all workshops were delivered in a COVID safe manner in accordance with PHO.

We also delivered a public art activation workshop at Stocklands Nowra, where people could book a time to sit and colour and decorate leaves for the upcoming Regenerate exhibition. Casual educator Penny Craig led the workshops over 5 days from 16^th January to 20^th January.

Grant Funded Projects

We continue to apply for and receive funding for a range of activities.

Create NSW have awarded funding for a freestanding modular wall system for the Gallery through their Creative Capital Program. The wall system will improve our capacity to bring large scale shows to the Shoalhaven and support increased engagement in the arts within the community.

The final component of the forecourt upgrade, funded through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program (Dept of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications), was delayed until the end of February. The final stage includes the installation of planter boxes and seats in the forecourt to create a welcoming space that encourages community members to engage with the gallery and enjoy green space in the CBD.

The Streets as Shared Spaces public art project (funded through Dept of Planning and Environment) has now had one component delivered with the installation of the Bomaderry to Nowra Art walk. A collection of 13 large and small photo decals by celebrated artist Tamara Dean lead people on a walk of discovery and exploration between Bomaderry and Nowra. The images are positioned in a variety of locations along the walk, some underfoot, some on walls, to encourage viewers to discover delights and consider the environment underfoot.

Part of the Forecourt and public artwork at Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre has been delivered with the installation of Greer Taylor’s, ‘phases’ artwork.

The Regional Cultural Fund Digitisation Project (funded by Create NSW through the Regional Cultural Fund Digitisation round) continues to be delivered with consultants pivoting to digital delivery where possible. Museums have begun to deliver articles for digitisation and inclusion in the ‘Collections and Stories’ project being delivered by Museums and Galleries NSW. Photography of the articles for digitisation will start in February.

Current Grant submissions awaiting determination include:

· ‘Plant your Feet’ – a major solo exhibition by Glenn Barkley – funding sought from Create NSW through their Local Govt Authority Project round – submitted Jan 2022

· ‘Jack’s Back’ – a framework for the Lake Tabourie Museum Collection – funding sought from Create NSW through their Local Govt Authority Project round – submitted Jan 2022

· ‘Create Stay Play – Developing a Creative Economy Strategy for the Shoalhaven’ – funding sought from the Building Better Regions Fund Community Investment Stream – submitted Feb 2022

· ‘A new welcome – enhancing the entrance at Lake Tabourie Museum’ – funding sought from the Culture, Heritage, Arts Regional Tourism fund. – submitted Feb 2022

· ‘Blurring Boundaries – exhibition research and development by Tianli Zu in partnership with Shoalhaven Regional Gallery’ – funding sought from the Australia Council Project round – submitted Feb 2022

Award Nominations

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery was a finalist in three categories for the IMAGinE awards run by Museums and Galleries NSW. We were delighted to receive a highly commended IMAGinE Award for our 2020 exhibition ‘the TERRA within!’

Current / Coming up

We have Peter Sharp’s exhibition Accidental Tourist in the Main Gallery until 26^th of March. Across February we exhibited Kanun Onsel’s Illusions Abroad in the Foyer Gallery, Louisa Chircop’s Nebuchadnezzar Tree in the Access Gallery and our public program exhibition, Regenerate in the East Gallery.

From 5^th of March until 26th March, the Foyer, Access and East Gallery will display the New Horizons exhibition which showcases 2021 HSC Visual Arts from across the Shoalhaven, New Horizons presents exciting, innovative and high-quality art in diverse mediums.

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May be art May be an image of 1 person

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 03 March 2022

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AB22.9 Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update

HPERM Ref: D22/70229

Department: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

To inform the Shoalhaven Arts Board of recent and future programming, events and community engagement activities at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Shoalhaven Arts Board receives the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre report for information.

Options

1. Receive the report for information

Implications: The Shoalhaven Arts Board members are kept updated and apprised of programming, events and community engagement activities at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

2. Request for more information

Implications: Unknown

Background

The Centre is currently closed for essential maintenance works, including the installation of a fire suppression system. Works began in January 2022, and the Centre is due to re-open in the second week of April 2022. Prior to the works the Centre has undergone a series of disruptions over the past two years largely imposed by COVID-19 pandemic public health orders.

2022 Seasons

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre launched its 2022 Morning Matinee and Love It Live seasons in December 2021.

Approximately 400 people attended the Love it Live Launch with ABC Illawarra Radio personality Nick Reinberger as MC. In addition to announcing the Season of 14 productions, including dance, children’s theatre, fine music, contemporary music, drama, and cabaret, there were also performances by Catherine Alcorn from the production of 30 Something. Two performers from Dance Makers’ Collective performed an excerpt from The Rivoli, and Nowra-based independent singer songwriter Paul Greene performed at the post-launch celebration.

The launches of both the Love it Live 2022 Season and the 2022 Morning Matinee Season were well received.

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Community Engagement

Community Engagement is embedded in the Entertainment Centre’s 2022 Season by way of workshops, post-show opportunities to meet performers, literary discussions, and opportunities for community members to perform with professional artists.

Dance Makers Collective’s production The Rivoli, being performed at Ulladulla Civic Centre and Kangaroo Valley Hall in late March, will feature the Shoalhaven’s Spencer Family Band, plus performers from local dance schools.

The work is a celebration of social life, before social media, paying homage to partner dancing. The company made several trips to the Shoalhaven in February to interview people about their dance hall days. Some of these interviews will be woven into the soundscape of the production.

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During the April school holidays, in connection with performances of The Alphabet of Awesome Science, the Entertainment Centre will offer workshops exploring science and language themes encompassed in the show.

In May, there will be a variety of community engagement opportunities related to shake + stir’s production of the gothic classic Jane Eyre. These will include a literary discussion with director Michael Futcher along with co-adaptor and performer Nelle Lee.

The company will be in residence at the Entertainment Centre as they remount the production, with the Shoalhaven performance being the first on shake+stir’s national tour. During this week there will also be an opportunity for members of the community to attend an open dress/technical rehearsal.

Connectivity Connections Celebration

The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre forecourt is being transformed following The City Lifestyles team’s success in winning an NSW Government Planning Industry & Environment Department Streets As Shared Spaces grant of almost $350,000.

Streets As Shared Spaces was designed to support councils to test and pilot new and innovative ideas for streets as safe, shared public spaces. The intention was to fund strategic pilots which would allow pedestrians to maintain physical distancing requirements safely, support jobs and boost business confidence in response to the COVID pandemic.

The City Lifestyles Creativity Connection is a project that brings community together to connect and celebrate resilience, visual and performing artists, and improve the CBD areas of Bomaderry and Nowra.

The installation of Shoalhaven artist Greer Taylor’s 4m high sculpture phases is part of the forecourt activation, which also includes bench seats, curved seating, large pots with advanced trees, and umbrellas with table settings to create an al fresco option for patrons.

A new portable stage and marquee, to support public performances and ceremonies, on the new look forecourt, have also been purchased.

The Streets As Shared Spaces activation will be tested and evaluated on Saturday, March 19, from 12pm-3pm with a free community event, including a Live and Local Shoalhaven - City of Gigs micro-festival – with some of the region’s up-and-coming musicians and singers taking the stage.

The community will be invited to enjoy the new-look forecourt, bring a picnic, enjoy the music, play outdoor games, and participate in free arts activities.

Grants update

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre has lodged a Building Better Regions Fund grant application seeking to leverage the pledged investment from the Shoalhaven Arts Board and Shoalhaven City Council to help fund the Creative Development of the Alana Valentine play The Anti-Nuclear Family.

The family saga, which uses an entertaining theatrical presentation to chronicle and celebrate the success of Shoalhaven based activists to stop the building of a nuclear power station on the end of the Booderee Peninsula in 1971, is based on interviews with still living activists from that time and soon after.

Ms Valentine’s play was funded by the Shoalhaven Arts Board’s one-off COVID Response Performing Arts Grant and was commissioned by the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

The Entertainment Centre was also successful in its application for $30,000 from the Create New South Wales Creative Capital – Minor Works and Equipment Round One application to purchase live streaming equipment to meet the increasing number of requests for this form of community engagement.

The grant will allow the purchase of three cameras and associated equipment to provide a live-streaming option. The system will be mobile allowing live streaming from all performance spaces and rooms at the venue.

Professional Affiliations and Professional Development

The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Manager Karen Patterson continues as Arts on Tour Deputy Chair; and continues as an executive member of the New South Wales and Performing Arts Centres Association.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 03 March 2022

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AB22.10 Shoalhaven City Art Collection - Acquisitions

HPERM Ref: D22/71349

Department: Arts & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Shoalhaven City Art Collection - Acquisition and Management Policy ⇩

2. Michelle Cawthorn - List of possible donations - City Art Collection - February 2022 ⇩

Reason for Report

To inform the Arts Board of the offers of donation to the City Art Collection received by Council, and the recommendations of the Acquisition Subcommittee

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That

1. The offer of donation through the Cultural Gifts program of the work Bleak Milestones by Glenn Barkley is accepted

2. That the offer of donation through the Cultural Gifts program of the work A Chorus Line: Neville by Michelle Cawthorn is accepted

3. That the offer of donation through the Cultural Gifts program of the works Road Hazard, Conjola and Arthur’s Rocks, Bundanon by Peter Sharp is accepted

4. That the offer of donation through the Cultural Gifts program of the work Three Sisters by Geoff La Gerche is declined

5. That the offer of donation of the untitled work by Fred Leist is accepted

6. That the offer of donation through the Cultural Gifts program of the work Apparition of the Mythmaker by Graham Blondel is accepted.

Options

1. Accept the Recommendation

Implications: The Shoalhaven City Art Collection will continue to grow based on the Policy

2. Amend the Recommendation

Implications: works may enter the Collection that fall outside of the Policy.

3. Reject the Recommendation

Implications: Potential for reputational damage to the City Art Collection as artists whose work fits the collecting policy are refused in their offers of donation without due cause.

Background

Shoalhaven City Council have been offered a number of works for the City Art Collection as detailed below. The Acquisition subcommittee consisting of Alison Chaim, Stephen Buzacott and independent expert Boe-Lin Bastian (Curator, Bundanon Trust) provided their recommendations on the gifts. The advice was mixed, and where there was a difference of opinion it is noted in the report.

1. Offer of work through the Cultural Gift program by Glenn Barkley

Barkley is an artist of significant standing in Australia, with a reputation both as an artist and curator. He grew up in the Shoalhaven and continues to have a strong connection to the region. He works in contemporary ceramic sculptures, with pieces that speak to the history of pottery and studio ceramics through an arts lens – playing with form and function, critiquing historical ideals and questioning the very nature of ceramics as functional objects.

Bleak Milestones was created in 2020 in response to the Black Summer Fires. Barkley produced a series of works that were exhibited in the Wonder + Dread exhibition at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, and has subsequently offered this work for the collection.

The Shoalhaven Arts Board have already acquired works by Tim Georgeson that respond to the fires, this work complements those pieces as another artistic response to the significant events of 2019/2020.

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

· Historical / cultural value

· Cost and/or value for money

· Advantageous opportunities

The Acquisition Subcommittee were all in agreement that this was a work that should be accepted into the collection.

Making Pots from Nature with Glenn Barkley Event Banner

Glenn Barkley, Bleak Milestones, 2020.

Earthenware, 52x34cm

2. Offer of work through the Cultural Gift program by Michelle Cawthorn

Michelle Cawthorn is a multidisciplinary artist who explores memory and personal experience with her distinctive mark making. Cawthorn has a number of prizes and has been a finalist in the Sulman Prize. She spent much of her childhood in Nowra and has maintained a strong connection to the Shoalhaven throughout her life.

In 2021 Cawthorn exhibited at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery. Songbird explored her connection to place through birdsong and the strong aural memories associated with birds from her homes linked to the Shoalhaven River and the Hastings River.

Works from the exhibition are being offered to the Shoalhaven City Art Collection through the Cultural Gifts program. The City Art collection already holds two works by Cawthorn collected following the Jamberoo Mountain Road exhibition in 2018.

Michelle has offered two works, one large and one small. There are several large works that a piece can be selected from. The full listing is attached to this report.

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

The subcommittee were split on this offer. There are already a couple of small works by Cawthorn in the collection, one member noted that the small work only would sit well alongside the other two pieces, one was undecided and the third noted that the donation should be accepted with the large work Gypsy alongside the smaller work A Chorus Line: Neville.

It is recommended that A Chorus Line: Neville be acquired for the collection.

A bird flying in the sky

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

A Chorus Line: Neville 2021

Collage and acrylic on Hahnemuhle paper

39x32cm

3. Offer of work through the Cultural Gift program by Peter Sharp

Peter Sharp is a Sydney based artist who explores the landscape of Australia through abstract works inspired by the small details and textures often missed in traditional landscape works. He has an extensive exhibition history, is a highly respected teacher through UNSW and has been a finalist in the Wynne and Sulman prizes.

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery are currently hosting an exhibition of works by Sharp as part of a touring show from Manly Art Gallery and Museum. Accidental Tourist explores the plein air works that Sharp creates when travelling throughout Australia, works that often inform the larger abstract works that are developed in his studio. Sharp is offering 2 or 3 works from the exhibition to the City Art Collection through the Cultural Gifts program. The Shoalhaven City Art Collection already has two works by Sharp which were acquired following the Jamberoo Mountain Road exhibition in 2018

Based on conversations with Sharp the following works are suitable for consideration for acquisition. The Shoalhaven Arts Board will need to decide which works from the below table are acquired (2 or 3).

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

The acquisition committee were split on this offer, it was noted that the work Road Hazard, Conjola is another strong response to the 2019/2020 fires, and that the works of the Shoalhaven region were closely aligned to the Collection. The number of landscapes already in the collection was noted, as was the fact that Sharp is better known for the abstract works (like those already in the collection) and that these works were not part of his core practice.

It is recommended that Road Hazard, Conjola and Arthur’s Rocks be acquired for the collection.

A picture containing text, plant

Description automatically generated

Road Hazard, Conjola 2020

Acrylic on board, 23 x 25 cm

Painted on the first visit Sharp took to Conjola following the Black Summer Fires. Sharp has holidayed at Conjola annually and speaks of the challenge of returning to the region shortly after the fires went through. He felt he had to stop the car and record some of what he was witnessing on that trip.

A picture containing text, indoor, screen, picture frame

Description automatically generated

Arthur’s Rocks, Bundanon, 2022

acrylic on board, 21 x 29 cm

This work was created specifically for the showing of Accidental Tourist at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery. Sharp spent a day at Bundanon, in the weeks before the show was hung, wanting to get some local content into the show and reflect on the impact of Boyd and his gift of Bundanon on the Australian arts scene.

4. Offer of work through the Cultural Gift Program by Dr Kingsbury – Three Sisters by Geoff La Gerche

La Gerche was born in Victoria and studied at the Caulfield Institute of Technology. He has exhibited extensively, has been a finalist in the Archibald Prize twice and is well known for his photo realism and large portrait works. His works are held in public and private collections including the Art Gallery of NSW, the Art Gallery of WA and regional galleries including Benalla Art Gallery and NERAM.

The work is being offered for donation through the Cultural Gifts program by the current owner Dr Peter Kingsbury of Victoria. Dr Kingsbury is looking for a suitable regional collection to house the work and Shoalhaven has been approached based on a recommendation by Brett Adlington, CEO Museums and Galleries NSW, as the work is an impressive landscape and sits well alongside similar works by Leonard Long and Arthur Boyd.

The work is titled ‘Three Sisters’ and has also been titled ‘Blue Mountains’ when sold at auction by Leonard Joel Auctions. Dr Kingsbury believes the landscape within the work is Pulpit Point as viewed from Govetts Leap.

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

· Cost and/or value for money

· Advantageous opportunities

This work was seen to have little relevance to the Shoalhaven collection and is not recommended for acquisition.

A picture containing text, nature, old, stone

Description automatically generated

Three Sisters (Blue Mountains), 1989

Oil on Canvas 243 x 182 cm

Unframed (on stretcher)

5. Offer of donation of work by Fred Leist – offer made by Geoff Vercoe

Geoff Vercoe has contacted the gallery with the offer of a watercolour work by Fred Leist.

Leist was an official war artist during the First World War, studying at the Julian Ashton Art School, learning plein air painting from Ashton. He worked for the Bulletin and The Sydney Mail as well at The Graphic Magazine in London. He exhibited with the Royal Academy of Arts and worked for the War Office prior to his appointment as official war artist of the AIF. His works are held in numerous collections including the Art Gallery of NSW, the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House and private collection.

The work on offer is undated and untitled (although that information may be behind the current frame). The work was in the collection of Geoff Vercoe’s grandmother – Leist’s sister-in-law - and has been passed down through the family.

The work is stylistically similar to Walking Home, 1901 held in the Castlemaine Art Museum collection. It is likely that this work was produced around the turn of the century, and the Vercoe family history notes it as being of Balmoral Beach.

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

· Historical and / or Cultural Value

· Cost and/or value for money

· Advantageous opportunities

The Acquisition subcommittee were split on this work, with two members unsure and one against. Commentary included Leist’s status as an official war artist and the collection theme of ‘War and Peace’ for the City Art Collection. While this work is prior to his employment as an official war artist, it expands the Collection’s representation of 19th/20th century artists, and does provide a link to Leist’s later work as a war artist.

This work is recommended for acquisition.

6. Offer of Donation of work by Graham Blondel

Graham Blondel grew up in Nowra after being born in England. After graduating high school, he applied to art school despite not undertaking any previous art studies. He was accepted and has had a long and rewarding career in the arts, including being Head Teacher at the National Art School. He has exhibited extensively both within Australia and internationally and has works held in public and private collections.

Blondel is exhibiting a retrospective at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in 2022 and has offered the work Apparition of the Mythmaker for donation to the collection. There are a number of works by Blondel already in the collection.

(https://collection.shoalhavenregionalgallery.com.au/persons/111/graham-blondel)

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

· Cost and/or value for money

· Advantageous opportunities

While the Acquisition Committee all noted the value of accepting this work, concerns were raised in regard to the size of it and the ability to manage storage, as well as the number of works by Blondel already in the collection. However most felt that it was recommended to acquire now while the offer has been made.

This work is recommended for acquisition.

A picture containing text

Description automatically generated

Apparition of the Mythmaker, 1987

Acrylic on canvas; 246 x 297cm

Community Engagement

The City Art Collection is made available to the community through the online collection catalogue, through exhibitions at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and through placement of suitable works in the Administration building, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre foyer and other locations as suitable.

Policy Implications

All offers of donation were reviewed against the Shoalhaven City Art Collection – Acquisition and Management policy.

Financial Implications

All works in this report are offered for donation, either direct donation or through the Cultural Gifts Program. Where a work is offered through the Cultural Gifts program, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery pay for one of the valuations required and ask the donor to pay for the second. Valuations range in price from $400 - $600 per work of art, or per artist. The impact to the Arts and Culture budget for these works would be between $1,600 - $2,400.

Any futures costs to conserve the works is unknown at this stage. With the majority of the works recently produced, conservation or restoration work is unlikely in the immediate future. Works on paper are more susceptible to agents of deterioration, the Fred Leist work has not been viewed in person, so the condition is unknown and possible conservation work is not able to be judged until the work is acquired and assessed by an experienced conservator. Conservation of the collection is managed through the Regional Gallery budget with budget bids and / or grant applications for significant conservation projects that exceed the annual allocation.

All works will be housed in the existing Art Store at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, so there are no additional costs for housing the works.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 03 March 2022

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AB22.11 Lake Tabourie Museum - Collection Care and Management

HPERM Ref: D22/71354

Department: Arts & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

To inform the Shoalhaven Arts Board of the conservation and collection management issues related to the Jack Nicholson collection at Lake Tabourie Museum and the measures being taken to address those.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Council

1. Receive the report for information.

2. Consider an operational budget bid of $40,000 as part of the 2022/23 budget process to ensure critical conservation work can be undertaken at Lake Tabourie Museum

Options

1. Adopt the Recommendation

Implications: The Shoalhaven Arts Board will be aware of the challenges facing the Jack Nicholson Collection and opportunities to secure funding to address this are identified and considered

2. Amend the Recommendation

Implications: Unknown at this stage

3. Reject the Recommendation

Implications: The Lake Tabourie Museum and Jack Nicholson collection will continue to be cared for by volunteers as best as possible, however items will continue to be lost to various agents of deterioration without ongoing funding to manage the Collection.

Background

The Lake Tabourie Museum (including the Jack Nicholson Collection) was gifted to Shoalhaven City Council in 1983 by the owner, Jack Nicholson. The collection represents a lifetime of interests by Jack, and his enthusiasm for sharing his passions and interests with all. The gift to Council included the Collection, the building Nicholson had built to house his Collection and the surrounding land. The gift required that the museum continue to be opened to the public, that the Collection be maintained as a ‘permanent exhibition in-situ’ and that the land was only to be used for community purposes.

The Lake Tabourie Museum has been under the care of different volunteer groups on behalf of Council since the enactment of the gift. The museum is currently under the care of the Lake Tabourie Museum Foundation who receive an annual donation from Council, and retain funds raised through entry fees in return for caring for the grounds, buildings and collection and opening the museum to the public regularly.

In 2018 Shoalhaven City Council partnered with Museums & Galleries NSW to support the work of a Museum Advisor in the Shoalhaven. The Museum Advisor works 20 days per year supporting five (5) volunteer run museums across the Shoalhaven.

The Museum Advisor identified a number of significant concerns at Lake Tabourie Museum, especially relating to the conservation and care of the Collection. These concerns, and discussions between the Manager – Arts and Culture and Council’s Insurance Officer resulted in a Collection Valuation and Significance Assessment being conducted in 2021. The Significance Assessment (attached) noted the work being done to address a significant carpet beetle infestation, and also highlighted a range of other concerns.

Based on the concerns raised in the Significance Assessment, and conversations with the Museum Advisor, Museum volunteers and the Collection Expert working through the Museum Digitisation project, Council staff have submitted a grant application to Create NSW for a major project to significantly improve the collection care and record keeping over the next 12-18 months and set the museum volunteers up for future success, working towards significantly improving museum practise and knowledge and rethinking the visitor experience at the Museum. This project includes

1. Immediate replacement of the bottles and solution all (150) wet specimens are preserved in. Removing all Formalin (formaldehyde) solution and replacing it with Ethanol solution, replacing the old-style jars with degrading rubber seals with new museum standard jars and assessing all specimens for signs of degradation due to sitting in low solution levels for an unknown period of time

2. Conservation for forty (40) small textiles directly related to the Mellshimer family and general store.

There are 78 of these textiles that need work, with the cost to undertake conservation and replace the backing material with museum standard textile backing quoted at $230 (excl GST) per item.

3. Commissioning of a preservation needs assessment by a registered conservator to identify the next most pressing conservation needs for the Collection and make recommendation on the long-term requirements of the Collection

4. Commissioning of a curatorial and marketing assessment of the museum to provide ideas for the direction and vision of the Collection – meeting the preservation needs of the Collection, the opportunities for visitor engagement and preserving the essence of Jack’s vision of sparking curiosity and wonder

5. The employment of a museum officer working part time for 12 months to:

a. Catalogue the Collection onto the e-hive collection management system

b. Continue working towards digitising the Collection using the digitisation studio established at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery

c. Research items held in the Collection from Indigenous communities in Qld and NSW and seek to open conversations with appropriate Elders, LALCs and knowledge holders about repatriation of objects or appropriate interpretation of items.

Alongside this major project, Council staff have also applied to the Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism Fund for a small grant ($3,000) to fund the purchase of a new showcase and new exhibition panels for the front entrance to better tell Jack’s story and introduce visitors to the reason for the Museum.

These projects seek to address immediate needs and provide a framework for Council and the Lake Tabourie Museum Foundation to work together to secure the future of the Collection and the museum, maximising the potential for cultural tourism and seeking to capitalise on the unique story of this museum.

Community Engagement

The Lake Tabourie Museum Foundation has 11 active volunteers and is highly regarded by the community of the area. The museum is a key tourist attraction for the southern Shoalhaven.

Financial Implications

The Lake Tabourie Museum Foundation currently receive $6,000 per year as a donation from Shoalhaven City Council. Council also supports the contracting of a Museum Advisor contributing $7,500 to the contract for 20 days work across 5 volunteer led museums.

Create NSW require all organisations to contribute at least 30% of the total project costs for all grant applications. The application to Create NSW is requesting $76,000 with a cash contribution from Council of $28,500. Hours donated by Museum volunteers are also counted as contributing to the project. Council’s cash contribution to this project is currently unfunded and is part of the budget bid for Collection Care. The total project value, inclusive of funding from Create NSW, in-kind support and Council’s contribution is $108,700.

The Arts and Culture Department currently has no annual recurrent allocation for collection care. Funding is allocated based on operational budget bids for significant conservation projects and / or the valuation of the City Art Collection at 5-8 year intervals.

The support of the Shoalhaven Arts Board is sought to request Council consider a budget bid of $40,000 in the 2022/23 budget to enable this project to proceed including an annual recurrent funding allocation of $10,000.

This funding will to support the delivery of this project should grant funding be received, provide additional funds to undertake the conservation of the remaining small textile collection from the Mellshimer family, and provide ongoing funding to ensure the conservation and care of both the art and museum collections owned by Council.

Risk Implications

The conservation and care of the Jack Nicholson Collection housed at Lake Tabourie Museum is now critical. Items are being lost due to the agents of deterioration. There are many in the Lake Tabourie community who remember Jack Nicholson and have a personal connection to him. The presentation of the museum, and the care of the Collection may impact future offers of donations to Council’s collections and Council’s reputation as a provider of Cultural services.

There is a further financial and reputational risk if grant funding is awarded, and Council’s contribution remains unfunded. If a budget allocation is not secured to meet our required contribution, the grant funding will need to be returned.