Minutes of the Shoalhaven
Arts Board
Meeting Date: Thursday, 18
February 2021
Location: Council
Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 1.00pm
The following members were present:
Clr John Wells - Chairperson
Clr Mark Kitchener – (remotely)
Clr Patricia White
Ms Alison Chiam
Dr Peter Lavelle – (remotely)
Ms Jenny Thompson
Mr Frank Howarth
Dr Lynda Kelly
Mr Stephen Buzacott
Ms Christine Dunstan
Others present:
Bronwyn Coulston – Manager, Arts & Culture
Karen Patterson – Manager, Shoalhaven Entertainment
Centre
Sarah Taylor – Libraries Manager (arrived 1.36pm)
An apology was received from Rob Crowe.
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Confirmation of the
Minutes
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RESOLVED (Christine Dunstan / Jenny Thompson)
That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board held on
Thursday 26 November 2020 be confirmed.
CARRIED
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Nil
Presentations
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AB21.1 Shoalhaven Regional
Gallery Online Collection
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HPERM Ref: D21/42216
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Bronwyn
Coulston demonstrated the online collection interface that will be made
public from March 2021.
She explained that work is ongoing
in securing copyright permissions from artists and estates, so many of the
works do not have photographs online. The Arts Board were asked to pass on
any contacts for artists in the collection whose images are not online, so
that permission may be sought.
Arts Board members commended
the project as an excellent initiative.
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Reports
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AB21.2 2020 / 2021 Arts
Board Grants program - Awarding of grants
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HPERM Ref: D21/41801
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Bronwyn
Coulston, Arts & Culture Manager, explained the background and the
recommendations of the Panel, as set out in the report. The three programs
– Professional Development Grants, A Sense of Place Grants, and the new
COVID Response Performing Arts Grants – had attracted 10 applications
in total.
$47,568 is
available, and the recommended disbursements account for $37,420. The report
provides options to use the unallocated funds. Finance staff have confirmed
the COVID Response unallocated funds may be used as suggested.
The Board
discussed the Schools Artist in Residence program. Alison Chiam asked whether
the Artists in Residency allocation that was included in the 2020 announcement
of local economy stimulus has been received. Jenny Thompson advised the
submission has been forwarded to the Minister for the Public Service and
Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, and a Create NSW
application is in train.
Bronwyn
Coulston confirmed having discussed the lack of a RADO (Regional Arts
Development Organisation) with Create NSW. Allocation has been made to
regions without RADOs, including to Shoalhaven/Kiama. However, the funds
cannot be disbursed through Local Government, but go straight to community
arts organisations. There is no organisation in Shoalhaven/Kiama that could
function as a RADO, and Create NSW are considering how best to manage funding.
Christine
Dunstan recommended the COVID Response Performing Arts Grant should be given
as a commission agreement, from the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre or from
Council on its behalf, commissioning the author for $15,900 to write a play. The
SEC should become the commissioner. The author would provide three drafts for
consideration by the SEC as commissioner. The SEC would then hold first rights
for the licence agreement to produce the play. The Australian Writers Guild
has a standard agreement.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That:
1. The Shoalhaven Arts Board grants be allocated
as follows:
a. Professional Development Grants
i. Anna
Nangle - $2,210
ii. Albatross
Musical Theatre Company - $2,710
iii. Alaska
Turner - $3,000
iv. Jill
Talbot - $3,000
v. Natalie
McDonagh - $2,150
b. Sense of Place Grants
i. Annaliese
Szota - $8,450
c. COVID Response Performing Arts Grants
i. Alana
Valentine - $15,900
2. That the $9,100 unallocated from the COVID
Response Performing Arts Grants is moved to the Arts Reserve. Subject to
endorsement of the Shoalhaven Arts Board the funds be released as appropriate
to support the development and delivery of a public ‘work in
progress’ The Anti-Nuclear Family performance or public reading.
3. That the
$10,000 unallocated from the grants program be split equally between
supporting the Shoalhaven Family Festival (Arty Farty Party) and the Schools
Artist in Residence Program.
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RECOMMENDATION (Frank Howarth / Christine Dunstan)
That:
1. The Shoalhaven Arts Board grants be allocated
as follows:
a. Professional Development Grants
i. Anna
Nangle - $2,210
ii. Albatross
Musical Theatre Company - $2,710
iii. Alaska
Turner - $3,000
iv. Jill
Talbot - $3,000
v. Natalie
McDonagh - $2,150
b. Sense of Place Grants
i. Annaliese
Szota - $8,450
c. COVID Response Performing Arts Grants
i. Alana
Valentine - $15,900
2. That the $9,100 unallocated from the COVID
Response Performing Arts Grants is moved to the Arts Reserve. Subject to
endorsement of the Shoalhaven Arts Board the funds be released as appropriate
to support the development and delivery of a public ‘work in progress’
The Anti-Nuclear Family performance or public reading.
3. That the
$10,000 unallocated from the grants program be split equally between
supporting the Shoalhaven Family Festival (Arty Farty Party) and the Schools
Artist in Residence Program.
CARRIED
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AB21.3 Shoalhaven
Libraries - Update
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HPERM Ref: D21/38581
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Note: This item was reintroduced later in the meeting
following the arrival of the Libraries Manager.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Shoalhaven Libraries Update report for
information.
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RESOLVED (Frank Howarth / Alison Chiam)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Shoalhaven Libraries Update report for
information.
CARRIED
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AB21.4 Shoalhaven
Entertainment Centre Update
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HPERM Ref: D21/41502
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Karen
Patterson, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Manager, advised of the status of
the upgrade works. These include addressing compliance matters, remodelling
the kitchen, improving accessibility, new foyer furniture, and audio and
lighting upgrades. The first of the red cladding had just arrived onsite. The
Visitor Information Centre has a popup presence in the Administration Building
foyer, and the Encore Café is also operating there with a limited
service. The project is on schedule.
The regular
season launch is not being undertaken, just soft releases. Two sectors of the
community are urging the resumption of performances: families, who are
desperate to see Bluey, and the morning matinee audience.
The shutdown
has been used as an opportunity to engage in community development. A census
of live music will facilitate capacity building and professional development
in that sector. Performers will be matched with non-traditional venues. At
end of a 12-month project a Live Music Action Plan will be drafted. This will
be brought to the Arts Board for recommendation to Council, leading to an ongoing
commitment. Paul Green will be curator.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That
Shoalhaven Arts Board receives the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre report for
information.
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RESOLVED (Frank Howarth / Stephen Buzacott)
That
Shoalhaven Arts Board receives the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre report for
information.
CARRIED
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Note: Sarah Taylor, Libraries
Manager, joined the meeting at 1.36pm.
Note: Item AB21.3 - Shoalhaven Libraries – Update was
reintroduced for discussion.
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AB21.3 Shoalhaven Libraries
- Update
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HPERM Ref: D21/38581
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Sarah Taylor,
Libraries Manager, advised the architects’ fourth design option for the
Sanctuary Point Library has been well received, and will be presented to a Councillor
Briefing next month. The design incorporates Indigenous arts and design
features.
Note: This item was resolved earlier in the meeting.
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AB21.5 Shoalhaven City Art
Collection - Acquisitions
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HPERM Ref: D21/41973
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Bronwyn
Coulston clarified that Tamara Dean is now represented by a new gallery, and
the offer comes through the new gallery with tamara’s support. It is a
significant body of work, and consequently requires significant investment,
and the Acquisitions Subcommittee recommended it be declined. It is a
considerable risk to take on this size of collection, which may limit the ability
to acquire a broader representation of the artist’s work in future.
The works by Anna Glynn are very
representative of the Promiscuous Provenance show. The acquisition
will require accessing the Arts Reserve, but a healthy balance will remain.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board:
1. Decline the offer of a combined purchase and
Cultural Gift Acquisition of works by Tamara Dean
2. Purchase
the works 'Black Swan / After Port Jackson Painters’ and
‘Colonial Hybrid Reimagined from Raper - Gum-plant, & kangooroo of
New-Holland 1789’ by Anna Glynn from the Promiscuous Provenance exhibition
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RESOLVED (Stephen Buzacott / Alison Chiam)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board:
1. Decline the offer of a combined purchase and
Cultural Gift Acquisition of works by Tamara Dean
2. Purchase
the works 'Black Swan / After Port Jackson Painters’ and
‘Colonial Hybrid Reimagined from Raper - Gum-plant, & kangooroo of
New-Holland 1789’ by Anna Glynn from the Promiscuous Provenance exhibition
CARRIED
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AB21.6 Shoalhaven Regional
Gallery - Update
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HPERM Ref: D21/41975
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Bronwyn Coulston reported the investment
in exhibitions has paid off in visitation and media attention.
·
Terra Within achieved significant coverage and strong
feedback from visitors.
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Wonder + Dread and Truth in Fire both attracted
strong media attention, including a substantial review in The Weekend Australian
for Wonder + Dread.
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Visitation is down slightly overall, but daily visitation is
up, over 100 a day; this may be attributed to wet summer.
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School holiday activities and artist workshops have been booked
out.
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Promiscuous Provenance is at the Jervis Bay Maritime
Museum until late March, before moving to Hawkesbury.
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New shows opened a week ago: New Horizons (the annual HSC
show) and an installation by Lizzy Buckmaster Dove.
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Two joint programs are being conducted with Sydney Living
Museums in association with the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize. There will
be an education launch alongside Meroogal in March to engage with the community
more and increase visitation across both sites.
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The Administrative Officer position is shortly to be filled.
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Tap and Pay: This runs on the Quest Payment System; it takes a
set donation amount per tap, which is currently set to $6. At present only
about 2% of visitors are making donations. There is an option to implement a
front of house staff position to improve customer experience.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Regional Gallery report for information.
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RESOLVED (Clr Wells / Christine Dunstan)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Regional Gallery report for information.
CARRIED
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General
Business
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AB21.7 Shoalhaven
Arts Foundation Seed Funding
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Alison Chiam
proposed that Council be asked for seed funding for the Shoalhaven Arts
Foundation to initiate work on its Constitution and formation of the legal
entity.
Clr Wells set
out the background to the Foundation. Clr White clarified there had been a
Councillor Briefing, but the application for funding was not included in the
budget.
Bronwyn Coulston
explained the funding is required to cover the costs of an administrator and
part time development manager, IT setup, CRM, website, marketing, banking and
accounting systems, and office space, as well as registration and legal costs.
Coffs Harbour has a similar project where the entity was established with just
the legal requirements in place, but no financial support to get it operational.
It remained without activity for several years until the council provided
funds for staffing etc, then donations began to accrue. Solely funding the
legal requirements will not meet expectations or allow the proper resourcing,
promotion and activation of the Foundation.
Frank Howarth
advised he had been involved in the Coffs Harbour project, and clarified they
had established one incorporated company but only activated two of its three
objectives – Arts and Culture, and Environment. Their intention was to
set up one entity to cover multiple activities. Frank recommended ensuring
any chosen legal vehicle is correct for the purpose.
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RECOMMENDATION (Clr Wells / Alison Chiam)
That Council
consider a funding allocation in the 2020/21 budget or a quarterly budget
review of $150,000 to facilitate the drafting of a Shoalhaven Foundation
Constitution that could support the Arts and other objects (such as Economic
Development opportunities and Environmental outcomes), its business
registration and name, securing charitable status, and obtaining an
Australian Business Number to facilitate the Foundation’s pursuit of
funding for the Arts and other objects in the City of Shoalhaven.
CARRIED
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Berry Museum
Stephen Buzacott
declared an interest in this topic, in that he has been asked to produce
drawings for the Museum. The Berry Museum is seeking funding for security; the
building has remained closed during COVID. They have asked for professional
assistance in grant application writing.
Bronwyn
Coulston advised Council’s Museums Advisor, Margot Jolly, can be asked to
assist. Grants funding bodies do not usually support operational matters such
as staffing. Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants are also project-based.
The
Australian Museums and Galleries Association has been running online training
in grant applications. There are also some private foundations who will fund
staff positions but these are subject specific.
Regional
Tourism and Bushfire Recovery Grant funding is available but there are
conditions to be met.
Lynda Kelly
noted that staff at a community bank in Southern Highlands are encouraged to apply
to work in community organisations – is there a similar community bank in
the Shoalhaven?
Placemaking
Frank Howarth
asked how cultural placemaking is being taken into account in the Nowra Riverfront
Advisory Taskforce and Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee.
Anthony Body,
of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, chairs the Riverfront Taskforce
and could be invited to present to the Board via Teams. Councillors are not
members.
With regard
to the recommendation to the Nowra CBD Committee to use vacant premises, Cllr
Wells advised this was not successful. Clr White explained that the Committee had
used its funds to invite Kylie Legge of Place Score to workshop activation and
to write the placemaking grant for Junction Court. A significant project on the
Nowra CBD is now in train, under Council’s City Futures Directorate. This
will go out for consultation.
Action: Kylie
Legge (Place Score), Robert Domm (Director, City Futures) and Gordon Clark
(Strategic Planning Manager) to be requested to present to the Arts Board on
CBD placemaking strategies.
Regional Arts Development
Organisation (RADO)
Alison Chaim
reintroduced the subject of a RADO for the Shoalhaven following an earlier
discussion. Bronwyn Coulston noted that she has been in discussion with
Create NSW on this matter, and they are keen to present to the Arts Board on
the opportunities and benefits of a RADO for the Shoalhaven / Kiama District
Action:
Create NSW to be requested to present to the Arts Board on the future of RADOs
and potential establishment of one for the Shoalhaven / Kiama District.
There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the
time being 2.58pm.
Clr John
Wells
CHAIRPERSON