Minutes of the Shoalhaven
Arts Board
Meeting Date: Thursday, 22 July
2021
Location: Council
Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 1.05pm
The following members were present:
Clr John Wells - Chairperson
Clr Patricia White
Alison Chiam
Dr Peter Lavelle
Frank Howarth
– (remotely)
Stephen Buzacott
Christine Dunstan
Others present:
Jane Lewis – Director, City Lifestyles
Sarah Taylor – Manager, Library Services
Karen Patterson – Manager, Shoalhaven Entertainment
Centre
Bronwyn Coulston – Manager, Arts & Culture
Apologies were received from Jenny Thompson and Lynda Kelly.
Nil
Reports
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AB21.16 Update
on Actions - July 2021
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HPERM Ref: D21/226321
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Bronwyn
Coulston (Manager, Arts & Culture) explained the status of outstanding
Uncompleted Actions arising from Arts Board minutes, and those Completed
since the beginning of 2020. She provided comments on several of the items:
Uncompleted
Actions
·
AB20.4 Shoalhaven City Council Art Collection – Storage
Needs: The $50k will still be used for the storage needs.
·
AB20.28 “Response to 2020” School Art Project: This
will be launched soon; currently finalising the digital catalogue.
·
AB21.11 Shoalhaven City Art Collection – Deaccessioning:
This is a major project which will take time to work through. Limited records
makes tracing some donors challenging.
Completed
Actions
·
AB20.14 Award Grants 2019/20: Noel Wellington’s poles
will be installed near the bridge, near the old Sailing Club.
·
AB20.17 Acquisitions and Donations: We have not yet received
the Leonard Long work due to communications issues with Vicki Cleaver.
·
AB20.27 Advocate Fundraising Software: Currently 2-5% visitors
use the tap-and-go donation app, and the aim is to reach 20%. A recent
break-in at the Gallery destroyed the donations container so a larger
donation station is to be installed. Bronwyn will advise the monthly cost of
the system, estimated at approximately $15/month.
·
AB20.22 Acquire Works: The Jaz Corr work has been borrowed by
Sydney Living Museums.
Frank Howarth
requested a status update on the Placemaking item raised under General
Business at the February 2021 meeting, that “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.” Clr Wells advised the Revitalising Nowra
Action Plan had been adopted by Council this week and the project will be presented
to the Arts Board. The Action Plan is fully funded for the next three years.
State Government has granted $930k for the rejuvenation of Junction Court. Clr
Wells expressed an aspiration that this include an arts-run space should a property
become available.
RADO: Clr
Wells advised that Council had been given a Briefing by Rebecca Dean of
CreateNSW the previous week. Shoalhaven is in fact the first Council they
have approached and now they will talk to Kiama and Shellharbour. This is a work
in progress. Jane Lewis (Director, City Lifestyles) advised there will be a report
to Council 3 August for endorsement. The Board requested this be added to the
Action List.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Update on Actions
report for information.
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RESOLVED (Christine Dunstan / Alison Chiam)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board:
1.
Receive the Update on Actions report for information.
2.
Include any Actions from the RADO report to Council on the list.
3.
Receive a presentation on the Revitalising Nowra Action Plan at its
next meeting.
CARRIED
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AB21.17 Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
Update
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HPERM Ref: D21/277935
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Karen Patterson,
Manager, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, spoke to the report.
·
There had been a tremendous response to both Welcome Back
Weekend events, Watch & Act and the Hot Potato Band.
·
The Appleton Ladies Potato Race attracted about 65 attendees
from Robertson.
·
Sydney Dance Company was attended by 367 people, of whom about two
thirds stayed back for the Q&A afterwards.
·
Live & Local Shoalhaven was launched this week. Three radio
interviews were recorded on Tuesday. A Working Party has been established
with Peter Lavelle’s assistance. Karen has discussed the microfestivals
with James Caldwell, Chair of the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy
Committee. The microfestivals are planned to run in November. A radio station
may become a sponsor.
·
A $39k festivals grant has been won for the Arty Farty Party.
This had been intended to run in September; however, given the current
uncertainties, it is to be ascertained whether it can be expended at another
time.
Karen
confirmed the Culture Counts surveys are sent by email to ticket holders after
the shows, aiming for a 10% return rate.
Christine
Dunstan suggested actively targeting the Southern Highlands for potential
audiences, particularly the matinees, as there is no theatre in the area. She
proposed marketing tourism/hospitality/arts weekends. Clr Wells noted the Nowra
CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee is looking into resourcing such an
event. The Junction Court project will have an outdoor venue built in.
Christine
noted that drama performances suffer acoustic problems in the Entertainment
Centre, which could be mitigated by always having the pit raised so distance
is removed. The benefits and drawbacks were discussed. Karen Patterson
advised that all performers are to be miked in future.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That
Shoalhaven Arts Board receives the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update
report for information.
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RESOLVED (Peter Lavelle / Christine Dunstan)
That
Shoalhaven Arts Board receives the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update
report for information.
CARRIED
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AB21.18 Shoalhaven Libraries - Update
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HPERM Ref: D21/260927
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Sarah Taylor (Libraries Manager)
summaries her report.
·
The libraries had been attracting many visitors and until
recently had been running a full program.
·
Technology sessions have been important.
·
Shoalhaven Libraries were a finalists in the LGNSW Excellence
Awards.
·
Winter Warmer Challenges across branches.
·
New strategic plan coming soon.
·
The new Sanctuary Point Library is progressing. Public art is
being incorporated in the building. It is intended to run an EOI to create
artworks – Sarah is working with Bronwyn Coulston on the Request for Quote.
Information will be circulated to the Arts Board when ready to distribute.
·
Children’s Festival
·
Museum Digitisation Project
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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 (Christine Dunstan / Peter Lavelle)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Shoalhaven Libraries Update report for
information.
CARRIED
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AB21.19 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery -
Update - 2nd Quarter 2021
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HPERM Ref: D21/277971
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Bronwyn Coulston reported the Gallery
had been busy until two weeks ago. She summarised the activities as given in
the report.
·
Exhibitions including:
o
Spaces In Between
o
Mental Health Open Art Competition
o
Anna Nangle show
o
Creative Moments
o
Oz Quilt Network – Art Quilt Prize
·
Public programs are continuing in COVID safe contexts.
·
Promiscuous Provenance has finished its tour.
·
Bomaderry-Nowra Art Walk – the decals will be installed
in September as a warmer ambient temperature is required for the adhesive.
·
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Forecourt Activation
·
Ulladulla Gateway Sculpture
·
Ulladulla Wall Mural: this has presented some challenges but a
site has been identified.
·
Museum Digitisation Project continues, covering five local
collections.
·
Current exhibitions
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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 (Alison Chiam / Stephen Buzacott)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Regional Gallery report for information.
CARRIED
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Note: Frank Howarth left the
meeting at 2.03pm but provided his voting on all items.
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AB21.20 Shoalhaven
Regional Gallery - Strategic Plan 2020 - Summary of Achievements
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HPERM Ref: D21/122528
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Clr Wells noted the incoming new
Council will review the strategic plan.
Jane Lewis
gave credit to the Gallery for how it has evolved since the Strategic Plan
was put in place, and commended the small staff team. It is acknowledged that
some of the aspirations in The Shiny Shiny World document are not all
achievable in the time and footprint available.
Clr Wells cited
the City’s collection growth and development, and the philanthropy on show
by local artists. He added his congratulations to Bronwyn Coulston and staff
team.
Bronwyn noted
the strength of the Strategic Plan indicates what is coming in future.
Artists wish to exhibit here, and the Shoalhaven is becoming known in the
arts. Projects that extend beyond the Gallery footprint, including digital and
online community, are very different from those envisaged in 2013. Online
engagement has become important under COVID.
A smaller
bridging Strategic Plan for 2021-25 is being considered, while City
activities and plans are being worked through. This will give an opportunity
to see where the Arts & Culture team and the Gallery are positioned. Bronwyn
expressed appreciation for the Council’s and Board’s support for
achievements over the past seven years.
It is hoped by
end of this year to present a draft report to SAB for endorsement.
It was confirmed
that there is also a strategic plan for the Entertainment Centre.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That:
1. The report on the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery
– Strategic Plan 2020 – Summary of Achievements be received for
information.
2. Arts Board members are consulted and given
opportunity to provide feedback as part of the planning and development of
the new 2021-2025 Gallery Strategic Plan
3. The
Shoalhaven Arts Board continue to champion the work of the Shoalhaven
Regional Gallery and the need for ongoing financial support.
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RECOMMENDATION
(Alison Chiam / Stephen Buzacott)
That:
1. The report on the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery
– Strategic Plan 2020 – Summary of Achievements be received for
information.
2. Arts Board members are consulted and given
opportunity to provide feedback as part of the planning and development of
the new 2021-2025 Gallery Strategic Plan
3. The
Shoalhaven Arts Board continue to champion the work of the Shoalhaven
Regional Gallery and the need for ongoing financial support.
4. Council include
in the Strategic Plan 2021-2025 the development of a plan for a new regional
gallery.
CARRIED
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AB21.21 Shoalhaven
City Art Collection - Acquisitions
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HPERM Ref: D21/288426
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Recommendation
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board:
1. Accept the offer of Donation of the works Duhk-ling
XII & Duhk-ling I from Therese Sweeney
2. Reject the offer of Donation of the work Live
a little (Ducklings Born) from Therese Sweeney
3. Accept the
offer of Donation through the Cultural Gifts program of Echo Overload No 4
by David Voight from Stephen Westgarth
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RESOLVED (Stephen Buzacott / Alison Chiam)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board:
1. Accept the offer of Donation of the works Duhk-ling
XII & Duhk-ling I from Therese Sweeney
2. Reject the offer of Donation of the work Live
a little (Ducklings Born) from Therese Sweeney
3. Accept the
offer of Donation through the Cultural Gifts program of Echo Overload No 4
by David Voight from Stephen Westgarth
CARRIED
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AB21.22 Shoalhaven
Arts Board Grants Program 2021/22
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HPERM Ref: D21/278314
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Clr Wells advised the 2021-22
budget makes provision for the Grants Program.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants Program in 2021/22 be run with two separate
streams for applications.
1. Applications under the ‘Sense of
Place’ stream will be able to apply for amounts up to $10,000 and must
have a public outcome as part of the project plan.
2. Applications under the ‘Professional
Development’ stream will be able to apply for amounts up to $3,000.
3. One ‘Sense of place’ grant must be
awarded with the funding; the remaining funding amount shall be allocated to
Professional Development grants / Sense of Place grants based on the ability
of the applications to meet the criteria.
4. The cost
for developing and rolling out a marketing and communications strategy about
the grant program will be taken from the Arts Grants budget.
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RESOLVED (Peter Lavelle / Stephen Buzacott)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants Program in 2021/22 be run with two separate
streams for applications.
1. Applications under the ‘Sense of
Place’ stream will be able to apply for amounts up to $10,000 and must
have a public outcome as part of the project plan.
2. Applications under the ‘Professional
Development’ stream will be able to apply for amounts up to $3,000.
3. One ‘Sense of place’ grant must be
awarded with the funding; the remaining funding amount shall be allocated to
Professional Development grants / Sense of Place grants based on the ability
of the applications to meet the criteria.
4. The cost
for developing and rolling out a marketing and communications strategy about
the grant program will be taken from the Arts Grants budget.
CARRIED
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AB21.23 Shoalhaven
Arts Board - report on achievements against Strategic Plan and Actions - mid
year 2021
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HPERM Ref: D21/281141
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Bronwyn
Coulston summarised the key points in the report. The current SAB strategic
plan ends at the end of this calendar year.
Clr Wells
noted in relation to Action point 2, “Identity and Destination”, Council
has given its given in-principle approval to the RADO subject to the other
councils’ agreement. The Arts Foundation has a draft constitution, but
did not have recognition in the recent DPOP; consideration will be given to
the funding at the next quarterly budget review.
Christine
Dunstan suggested the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre should be given more prominent
signage on its façade. There was a discussion of the constraints on
doing so. Jane Lewis outlined the significant investment in the facility over
the last 12 months, part of the funding being for upgrade works. Signage is
an item under consideration, to be discussed with the Working Group. It would
require a development application. Karen Patterson confirmed that a new sound
system is being installed, audio-visual upgrades are being installed, and the
lighting is to be done.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That
1. The Report be received for information
2. The
Shoalhaven Arts Board continue working to achieve the goals and outcomes of
the current strategic plan.
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RESOLVED (Alison Chiam / Christine Dunstan)
That
1. The Report be received for information
2. The
Shoalhaven Arts Board continue working to achieve the goals and outcomes of
the current strategic plan.
CARRIED
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AB21.24 Foundation
Proposal
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HPERM Ref: D21/235958
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Clr Wells suggested
the CEO be requested to give an update from the Nowra Riverfront Advisory
Taskforce to inform site selection for a new gallery.
Clr White
advised it is worth putting the gallery proposal on the agenda, but it is
necessary to look at funding opportunities, given that the State and Federal
governments are already funding the large facility at Bundanon with $39M.
Alison Chiam
clarified the subcommittee’s report is requesting $150k from Council
for $150k for legal establishment and initial administrative staffing. The
Foundation will receive donations that will help fund the gallery. Clr White
reiterated that the substantial investment in Bundanon will influence any
discussion in Council, and Council will need to know the details.
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Recommendation
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board:
1. Continue to urge Council to support funding
the legal work necessary to develop a robust and functioning constitution for
a Shoalhaven arts foundation.
2. Discuss a proposal that a new contemporary art
gallery be the first major project to be supported by an arts foundation,
once established.
3. If this
proposal is supported, develop a “prospectus” for a leading-edge
contemporary Art Gallery.
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RECOMMENDATION (Clr Wells / Alison Chiam)
That the
Shoalhaven Arts Board:
1. Continue to urge Council to support funding
the legal work necessary to develop a robust and functioning constitution for
a Shoalhaven arts foundation.
2. Discuss a proposal that a new contemporary art
gallery be the first major project to be supported by an arts foundation,
once established.
3. If this
proposal is supported, develop a “prospectus” for a leading-edge
contemporary Art Gallery.
4. Request that
Council be attentive to the scope and scale of projects and programs that are
able to be supported by the Foundation to achieve cultural benefits for the
community.
5. Request
that Council establish a working party to progress planning towards the
establishment of a new regional arts and cultural facility (art gallery), and
the role that the future Foundation will play in the articulation of that
facility.
CARRIED
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General
Business
Bronwyn Coulston gave an update
on the status of the State Government funding: there had been a limited funding
round from CreateNSW for Shoalhaven and Kiama. An announcement on that funding
is immanent.
Clr Wells said it had been an
honour and privilege to chair the Arts Board, and thanked the members. Jane
Lewis added her thanks to Clr Wells for chairing the Board for the past 5 years,
and to Clr White and other Councillors for their ongoing support of arts and
the staff.
There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the
time being 2.44pm.
Clr John
Wells
CHAIRPERSON