Agenda of Shoalhaven Arts Board - Tuesday, 19 September 2023

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Tuesday 19 September 2023

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Membership

Ms Christine Dunstan - Chairperson

Clr Tonia Gray

Clr John Kotlash

Clr Moo D’Ath

Clr Patricia White (Alternate)

Clr Paul Ell (Alternate)

Mr Stephen Buzacott

Mr Frank Howarth

Dr Lynda Kelly

Mr Drew Longbottom

Ms Bonnie Porter-Greene

Ms Kate Dezarnaulds

Mr Clive Freeman

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

Note: Any non-voting Councillor in attendance at any of the above Committees may act as an alternate voting member in circumstances where achievement of a quorum is required.

Purpose

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

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

· Visual Arts

· Heritage and Museum Sector

· Literature

· Performing Arts

c) Advocate and maintain specific arts related portfolios.

d) Advocate and promote Board recommendations.

Delegated Authority

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

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

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

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

· Establish a Shoalhaven Arts Foundation:

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

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

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

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

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

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 28 June 2023

Location: Jervis Bay Meeting Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 4.00pm

The following members were present:

Ms Christine Dunstan - Chairperson

Clr Tonia Gray (Remotely)

Clr John Kotlash (Remotely)

Clr Evan Christen - Left 5:18pm

Clr Patricia White (Alternate) – Left 5:18pm

Mr Frank Howarth

Dr Lynda Kelly (Remotely)

Mr Stephen Buzacott

Ms Bonnie Porter-Green (Remotely) – Joined 4:57pm

Ms Kate Dezarnaulds

Others present:

Ms Marla Guppy – Chair South Coast Arts – Left 4:32pm

Ms Louise Croker – Executive Director South Coast Arts - Left 4:32pm

Ms Sarah Taylor – Acting Director City Lifestyles

Ms Bronwyn Coulston - Manager Arts & Culture

Ms Karen Patterson - Manager Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Mr Drew Longbottom.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board held on Wednesday 08 March 2023 and the Special Shoalhaven Arts Board held on Wednesday 05 April 2023 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declaration of Interests

During General Business the following Declaration of Interests was made: Clr Gray - AB23.21 -Additional Item - Public Meeting - Collaborate with South Coast Arts – invite Lyndel Gray - significant non pecuniary interest declaration - Lyndel Gray is her sister – will remain in the room and take part in discussion and vote.

Presentations

AB23.11 South Coast RADO - Update

HPERM Ref: D23/136812

Ms Marla Guppy – Chair South Coast Arts and Ms Louise Croker – Executive Director South Coast Arts addressed the Board and gave an overview of the current key projects and strategic priorities of the South Coast Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO). The following was advised:

· They are in the process of employing a Fundraising Officer and Communications Officer.

· EOI’s have gone out for strategic planning consultants to help develop their first strategic plan.

· Having received funding from Create NSW, the following key projects are being undertaken:

§ Developing South Coast branding which encompasses the Weave Artist Directory.

§ Undertaking community arts projects within urban release area’s in each of the three LGA’s

§ Developing marketing and promotions training for artists, which will involve coaching and mentoring over a six month period.

Reports

AB23.12 Report - Shoalhaven Libraries - Update

HPERM Ref: D23/222249

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

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

RESOLVED (By consent)

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

CARRIED

AB23.13 Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update

HPERM Ref: D23/224166

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update report for information.

CARRIED

AB23.14 Terms of Reference Review 2023 - Shoalhaven Arts Board

HPERM Ref: D23/231952

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board members commit to attend a workshop to review and provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Terms of Reference.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board members:

1. Commit to attend a workshop to be scheduled for 9 August 2023, 4:00 – 6:00pm, to review and provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Terms of Reference.

2. Receive a draft copy of the proposed changes to the Terms of Reference prior to the workshop.

CARRIED

AB23.15 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Update - February, March and April 2023

HPERM Ref: D23/233411

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

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

RESOLVED (By consent)

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

CARRIED

AB23.16 Birkett Weatherhead Gift - Management of works by Artists not Jim Birkett

HPERM Ref: D23/235524

Recommendation

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Endorse the advice of the Art Acquisition and Collection Subcommittee and submit to Council for adoption.

2. Retain the works listed in Table A (Attachment 1) in accordance with the Deed of Gift.

3. Sell the works listed in Table B (Attachment 2) in accordance with the Deed of Gift.

4. Hold the works listed in Table C (Attachment 3) until the remainder of the gift is received and works can be better researched and / or reviewed against the whole.

5. Any funds raised from the sale of works in part 3 to be put into a dedicated Council Reserve fund and used explicitly for the purpose of the care, storage and exhibition of works retained in the Birkett Weatherhead Collection, as noted in part 2 as per the terms of the Birkett Weatherhead Gift.

6. Inform Roy Weatherhead of the outcome of any decisions made.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Endorse the advice of the Art Acquisition and Collection Subcommittee and submit to Council for adoption.

2. Retain the works listed in Table A (Attachment 1) in accordance with the Deed of Gift.

3. Sell the works listed in Table B (Attachment 2) in accordance with the Deed of Gift.

4. Hold the works listed in Table C (Attachment 3) until the remainder of the gift is received and works can be better researched and / or reviewed against the whole.

6. Inform Roy Weatherhead of the outcome of any decisions made.

CARRIED

AB23.17 Shoalhaven City Art Collection - Acquisition of Works

HPERM Ref: D23/239344

Recommendation

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Accept the offer of a donation through the Cultural Gifts Program for the work ‘Untitled’ by Rueben Ernest Brown. Donation by Lisa and Pip Havilah

2. Accept the offer of a donation for the work ‘Shellwork slippers’ by Esme Timbery. Donation by Lisa Havilah and Glenn Barkley

3. Decline the offer of a donation of the work ‘View of Coolangatta Mountain from Old Man Island’ by Averil Muller. Donation by Lynne Wiltshire

4. Allocate a maximum of $5000 from the 2023/24 Art Acquisition budget for the purchase of prints by Robert Dickerson from the Dickerson Gallery.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Accept the offer of a donation through the Cultural Gifts Program for the work ‘Untitled’ by Rueben Ernest Brown. Donation by Lisa and Pip Havilah

2. Accept the offer of a donation for the work ‘Shellwork slippers’ by Esme Timbery. Donation by Lisa Havilah and Glenn Barkley

3. Decline the offer of a donation of the work ‘View of Coolangatta Mountain from Old Man Island’ by Averil Muller. Donation by Lynne Wiltshire

4. Allocate a maximum of $3000 from the 2023/24 Art Acquisition budget for the purchase of prints by Robert Dickerson from the Dickerson Gallery.

For: Clr Gray, Clr Kotlash, Clr White, Frank Howarth, Lynda Kelly, Stephen Buzacott, Christine Dunstan and Bonnie Porter-Green

Against: Kate Dezarnaulds

CARRIED

AB23.18 Information Update - Shoalhaven Arts Foundation

HPERM Ref: D23/240009

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report be received for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the report be received for information.

CARRIED

AB23.19 Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants - Acquittals - 2020/21 and 2021/22 Grants

HPERM Ref: D23/240380

Recommendation

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Accept the Acquittals from

a. Albatross Musical Theatre Company

b. Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra

c. Alaska Turner

2. Request invoices are supplied for monies unspent to

a. Albatross Musical Theatre Company – $331.75

3. Request Shoalhaven City Council to allocate returned funds to the Arts Grants program for 2023/24 and ensure funds are given back to the arts community through the Grants program.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Accept the Acquittals from

a. Albatross Musical Theatre Company

b. Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra

c. Alaska Turner

2. Request invoices are supplied for monies unspent to

a. Albatross Musical Theatre Company – $331.75

3. Request Shoalhaven City Council to allocate returned funds to the Arts Grants program for 2023/24 and ensure funds are given back to the arts community through the Grants program.

4. Note that an outstanding acquittal is yet to come through from artist Joanna Thomas.

CARRIED

AB23.20 Update on Actions - June 2023	HPERM Ref: D23/240122
Ms Christine Dunstan noted that she has written multiple times to invite Ms Rachel Kent – CEO Bundanon Trust, to facilitate an opportunity for the Arts Board to engage with Bundanon.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the Shoalhaven Arts Board: 1. Receive the Update on Actions report for information. 2. Acknowledge the following actions as completed and be removed from the action table: a. AB22.37 – Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants Program 2022/23 – Sense of Place / Professional Development Streams b. AB22.40 – Management of the Dingle Hughes Bequest – Acquisitions and Archives c. AB23.4 – Birkett Weatherhead Gift (Jim Birkett) – Retain / Sell – Defer Decision re other artists works – Funds – Council Reserve
RESOLVED (By consent) That the Shoalhaven Arts Board: 1. Receive the Update on Actions report for information. 2. Acknowledge the following actions as completed and be removed from the action table: a. AB22.37 – Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants Program 2022/23 – Sense of Place / Professional Development Streams b. AB22.40 – Management of the Dingle Hughes Bequest – Acquisitions and Archives c. AB23.4 – Birkett Weatherhead Gift (Jim Birkett) – Retain / Sell – Defer Decision re other artists works – Funds – Council Reserve CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

AB23.21 Additional Item - Public Meeting - Collaborate with South Coast Arts - Invite Lyndel Gray

Clr Gray - significant non pecuniary interest declaration - Lyndel Gray is her sister - remained in the room for discussion and vote.

Under item AB23.20 the Board discussed the possibility of holding a public meeting with the arts community. The board determined to collaborate with South Coast Arts about organising a public meeting with the arts community and to invite Lyndel Gray – Director of Destination Sydney Surrounds South (DSSS) to the next meeting.

AB23.22 Additional Item - Signage - Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

Ms Christine Dunstan raised with the Arts Board the importance of the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre and the lack of conspicuous signage to promote the building. The Board proceeded to make the recommendation below.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board recommend Council provides funding for conspicuous signage for the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre which is visible from the Princes Highway.

CARRIED

AB23.23 Additional Item - Letter of Congratulations - Open Fields Festival

Ms Kate Dezarnaulds expressed what an exceptional job the volunteer organisers of the Open Fields Contemporary Arts Festival did in organising and managing the event and made the recommendation below.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That Council staff write a letter of congratulations to the volunteer organisers of the Open Fields Contemporary Arts Festival, noting what an exceptional job they did in organising and managing the event.

CARRIED

· Shoalhaven Eisteddfod

Ms Christine Dunstan noted that the Shoalhaven Eisteddfod has approached herself and Clr Kotlash regarding the smaller donation amount received by Council this year.

Council staff advised that Councils Community Donations program had recently undergone a review to ensure a transparent and equitable distribution of donations across a large number of community groups in the Shoalhaven.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5:46pm.

Ms Christine Dunstan

CHAIRPERSON

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 6 September 2023

Location: Jervis Bay Meeting Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 4.00pm

The following members were present:

Ms Christine Dunstan - Chairperson

Clr John Kotlash (Remotely)

Clr Moo D'Ath (Remotely)

Dr Lynda Kelly (Remotely)

Mr Stephen Buzacott

Ms Kate Dezarnaulds

Others present:

Ms Shannan Perry-Hall - General Manager DSSS

Ms Bronwyn Coulston - Manager - Arts & Culture

Ms Karen Patterson - Manager - Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Clr Gray, Clr White, Mr Frank Howarth and Ms Bonnie Porter-Green.

Note: At 4.30pm the members present were advised that a quorum had not been reached, the meeting will be adjourned to Tuesday 19 September 2023.

Confirmation of the Minutes

Note: This item will be dealt with at the reconvened meeting

Presentations

AB23.24 Presentation - Destination Sydney Surrounds South (DSSS) - Cultural Tourism	HPERM Ref: D23/345537
Ms Shannan Perry-Hall – General Manager DSSS, presented to the members present regarding the growth and future development of cultural tourism initiatives in the region. The information presented will be forwarded to all Arts Board members.

Reports

AB23.25 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Update - May, June, July 2023	HPERM Ref: D23/331133
Note: This item will be dealt with at the reconvened meeting.

AB23.26 Shoalhaven Libraries - Update	HPERM Ref: D23/336488
Note: This item will be dealt with at the reconvened meeting.

AB23.27 Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update	HPERM Ref: D23/338382
Note: This item will be dealt with at the reconvened meeting.

AB23.28 Information Update - Submission to the new NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy consultation	HPERM Ref: D23/338902
Note: This item will be dealt with at the reconvened meeting.

AB23.29 Shoalhaven Arts Board - Terms of Reference Review 2023	HPERM Ref: D23/325506
Note: This item will be dealt with at the reconvened meeting.

AB23.30 Shoalhaven City Art Collection - Acquisition of Works	HPERM Ref: D23/338831
Note: This item will be dealt with at the reconvened meeting.

AB23.31 Shoalhaven Arts Board Grants - Acquittals - 2021/22 Grants	HPERM Ref: D23/344552
Note: This item will be dealt with at the reconvened meeting.

AB23.32 Update on Actions - September 2023	HPERM Ref: D23/343128
Note: This item will be dealt with at the reconvened meeting.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Tuesday 19 September 2023

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AB23.33 Membership Expiry September 2023 - Call for Expression of Interest

HPERM Ref: D23/364718

Department: Business Assurance & Risk

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. MIN19.655 - Appointment - Frank Howarth / Lynda Kelly / Stephen Buzacott / Jennifer Thompson - Shoalhaven Arts Board ⇩

2. MIN19.961 - Appointment - Christine Dunstan - Shoalhaven Arts Board ⇩

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to advise the Shoalhaven Arts Board that in accordance with the adopted Terms of Reference (POL22/199) three (3) Community Member appointments will expire as of 30 September 2023 and one (1) Community Member appointment will expire as of 17 December, triggering a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI).

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive this report for information, noting that three (3) Community Member positions will become vacant as of 30 September 2023 and one (1) Community Member position will become vacant as of 17 December, triggering a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI).

Options

1. As recommended

Implications: The Arts Board are informed of the upcoming call for EOI to fill vacant positions.

2. The Arts Board adopt an alternate recommendation

Implications: Unknown

Background

The following three (3) members of the Board are on their second term, due to expire 30 September 2023:

· Frank Howarth

· Dr Lynda Kelly

· Stephen Buzacott

The following member of the Board is on their second term, due to expire 17 December 2023:

· Christine Dunstan

The adopted Terms of Reference (TOR) specify that appointments will be for a term of two (2) years, with a maximum appointment of four (4) years. As the members listed above were originally appointed in September 2019 (MIN19.655) and December 2019 (MIN19.961), they have reached the maximum term for appointment. To fill these vacant positions Council will conduct a call for EOI in accordance with the adopted TOR, which state:

· Appointment to the Board can be for a maximum four (4) years with a set commencement and finish date

· Vacancies will be advertised locally via media, Council communication channels and industry networks

· Applications will be actively sought from appropriately skilled industry representatives,

· Council will manage the application process,

· An interview panel will consist of a Council staff member, the Chairperson of the Board and one (1) suitably qualified independent representative to assess the applications and make recommendations for appointments to the Board and Council.

Though the members whose appointment is expiring cannot nominate for another term, they can re-apply for the position when the call for EOI goes out.

Community Engagement

As per the adopted TOR, these vacancies will be advertised locally via media, Council communication channels and industry networks.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Tuesday 19 September 2023

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AB23.25 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Update - May, June, July 2023

HPERM Ref: D23/331133

Department: Arts & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to inform the Shoalhaven Arts Board of the activities and events that have occurred at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery for the period of May, June and July 2023.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Update 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 host of exhibitions and engaging public programs, activities and workshops in May, June and July 2023.

Exhibitions

The National Portrait Gallery’s touring exhibition Pub Rock continued drawing crowds throughout May until late June. Visitors reminisced of their times crammed into sweaty pubs amongst fellow adoring music fans. Amongst the photographs, many visitors pointed out which gigs they were at, convinced that the blurry faces in the crowd were them! Visitation numbers were impressive – with Aussie rock enthusiasts coming from near and very far – to enjoy this snapshot of Australian cultural history.

Mariana del Castillo’s exhibition QUIET-UNQUIET inspired visitors with the artist’s unique practice and use of found object sculpture, textiles and stitching. In 2022 del Castillo undertook a Bundanon residency in which she explored the regeneration and complex trauma experience by rural communities after drought, floods, bushfires and COVID-19.

The biennial Shoalhaven Mental Health Fellowship Art Competition theme ‘Reflections – Your Place in the World’ inspired local and aspiring artists to contribute myriad works aiming to reduce prejudice, discrimination and stigma generally surrounding mental illness.

These three exhibitions ran until 24 June.


Aussie rock fan Joanne travelled all the way from Melbourne especially for Pub Rock.	Mariana del Castillo’s 'Remains' is made of a recycled galvanised bread tray, burnt driftwood collected from Lake Conjola, industrial felt and cotton thread, displayed in her exhibition QUIET-UNQUIET.

For Interconnected Penny Sadubin undertook a series of field trips to visit Threatened Ecological Communities with her works considering our human impact on the landscape around us.	Some of the beautiful, original pieces of artisan-crafted works displayed and available for purchase in Creative Moments.

July commenced with a full house for the openings of Creative Moments and Interconnected. There was an unexpected synergy of the contemporary works placed alongside the traditional crafts, with all exhibitors South Coast locals, exemplifying the range of talent in our community. Both exhibitions ran from 1 – 22 July.

Creative Moments showcased the works of the Shoalhaven Woodcraft Society, Nowra Spinners & Weavers and Shoalhaven Potters. This year’s theme of ‘Twists, Turns and Angles’ was wonderfully and creatively interpreted by each cohort. Each day, visitors took advantage of procuring unique, beautiful locally produced items from the take-away shop which were priced extremely reasonably. Contributors were enthusiastic to talk about their practices and techniques with visitors, also holding a full day of demonstrations on Saturday 8, braving the wind in order to show the technical aspects of their artistry.

Interconnected brought together South Coast artists Anne Richmond, Tim Rushby-Smith, Penny Sadubin and Leanne Waterhouse in a selection of accomplished works across painting, drawing, collage and sound. The exhibition presented each artists’ reflections on the human experience of natural ecologies found in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

Visitor Feedback

“Very enjoyable, uplifting and inspirational, many thanks!!”

“Fab, as usual!”

“Great pitstop – came from the Big Smoke – ROCK ON!”

“Everything is so lovely and clever”

Public Programs & Events

The cooler months have not slowed down our public programs and events.

‘The Wonder Room’ installation that formed part of the Plant Your Feet exhibition curated by Glenn Barkley at the Gallery last summer has been revived and installed at Art Gallery of New South Wales in Barkley’s newly curated exhibition brick vase clay cup jug. ‘The Wonder Room’ tiles were originally produced in 2022 with the assistance of artist-educators, facilitating many tile-making workshops in the Shoalhaven to capture stories of the community. With financial support from AGNSW, further workshops were held during May to contribute more to the project in its new iteration.

Gallery staff and the artists involved were fortunate to visit brick vase clay cup jug on 3 July – it was delightful to see these fabulous pieces reflecting the Shoalhaven in such an immense exhibition – on display until January 2024.

There was much excitement for the return of the Arty Farty Party Children's Festival, which took place on Saturday 1 July at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. To prepare for this eagerly anticipated event, participants of all ages were invited to the Gallery to make “Party Props” using recycled materials in June.

Watercolour artist Peter Wale continued another sold out series of the popular Watercolour Painting classes 4 – 25 May, with Nicole Ison taking on another Handbuilding With Clay series from 25 May – 15 June.

Art After School Term 2 – amongst the variety of learning and art making tasks, Nicole and Penny had students focussing on portraiture, inspired by Pub Rock, with some very creative responses. Places for Term 3 sold-out very quickly, even with the cessation of the Service NSW Creative Kids Vouchers on 30 June, which has highlighted what an important program Art After School is for families in the Shoalhaven.


A participant of the Mindful Layered Landscape workshop held on 17 June facilitated by artist Mariana del Castillo, inspired by works in QUIET-UNQUIET.	Winter School Holidays in July: enjoying ‘Creative Mashup’ – fabulous days of making art, basking in the sunshine, observing and drawing in the Gallery.

Demonstration Day – technique sharing by the exhibitors of Creative Moments.	Kids amongst the works of Interconnected, busily sketching and creating.

Grants Update

The Arts and Culture Department continue to apply for and receive funding for a range of activities.

· Australia Council for the Arts – ‘Digital Strategist-in-Residence' – Unsuccessful.

· MGNSW – ‘Audience Development Fund’ – Awaiting advice.

· Create NSW – ‘Multi-Year Funding Arts and Cultural Organisations’ EOI for 24/25 – awaiting determination.

· Create NSW – ‘Project funding for organisation’ – Application being developed.

· Australia Council – ‘Project funding for organisations’ – Application being developed.

· MGNSW – ‘Dobell Exhibition Grant’ – Application being developed.

Awards and Recognition

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery was a finalist in the NSW Local Government Week Awards, nominated for the ‘Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award’ for last summer’s spectacular exhibition Plant Your Feet curated by Glenn Barkley.

Cultural Activity

Local Shoalhaven museums and galleries have continued to make use of the digitisation studio at the Gallery with notable assistance from professional photographer Jules Boag. Kangaroo Valley Historical Society and Milton Ulladulla Historical Society members have captured more of the artefacts and artworks from their collections. The Digitisation Project has been vital for local museums to capture 2D and 3D works in their collections in order to preserve and collate the data for the community they serve and future generations.

Another recent project was the crucial re-jarring of the wet specimens of the Jack Nicholson collection at Tabourie Lake Museum. This work has now been completed with the assistance of Shoalhaven Regional Gallery management.

Throughout July, the Shoalhaven community was invited to contribute ideas and opinions regarding the development of a new regional gallery in the Shoalhaven. Council seeks to build on this feedback and gain further insights into the community's vision for the new gallery using the responses collected from Gallery Strategic Plan Survey.


Such a pleasure to see ‘The Wonder Room’ installed at the Art Gallery of New South Wales as part of brick vase clay cup jug curated by Glenn Barkley.	Drawing In The Gallery, an 8 week program of in-situ artmaking has been extended due to popular demand through August & September.

Current / Coming Up

29 July – 16 September hosts the work of six local artists across four diverse and exciting exhibitions. Drawing upon native Australian species and concepts of deep space, darkness and light, Robert Hollingworth takes into the sublime realms of science and nature in Realms of Possibility. Featuring works by Juz Kitson and Wade Marynowski.

Also interested in the natural world, Anne-France Fulgence is inspired by the work of flies in Diptera, exploring how these unloved creatures are a vital part of life. Carla Jackett presents abstracted sculptural ceramics and monoprints inspired by the birds of the Shoalhaven in Wings.

In Reciprocation, Simon Maberley expands on traditional motifs of the landscape and figurative sculpture in a series of works in glass and other materials. By combining elements of the vanitas genre he reflects his concern about a growing lack of understanding about the environment and culture that sustains us, and his desire for a renewed connection. Shoalhaven Art Society will open their annual Open Art Exhibition on 23 September. The opening will commence at 11:30. All are invited to attend.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Tuesday 19 September 2023

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AB23.26 Shoalhaven Libraries - Update

HPERM Ref: D23/336488

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

Statistics:

The fourth quarter of the 2022-2023 fiscal year (April, May, June) Shoalhaven Libraries had over 84,000 people visit and over 76,000 items were borrowed. During this time the library also welcomed 615 new members.

Library staff answered more than 5,500 requests for general, reference and local studies information and additionally answered over 4,773 requests for help with technology. Our digital library loaned almost 29,000 items including eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines.

Focus Weeks/Months:

During this quarter we celebrated:

· Law Week

· Youth Week 2023

· National Simultaneous Storytime

· National eSmart Week

· Refugee week

· LGBTQ Pride Month

The theme for Youth Week 2023 was Connect. Participate. Celebrate. To celebrate young people in the Shoalhaven online resources were provided on driving laws, rights at work, from Youth Law Australia.

Sessions were held across our libraries to celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime. This year the featured book was ‘The Speedy Sloth’ by Rebecca Young and illustrated by Heath McKenzie. Children enjoyed the reader’s theatre at Nowra Library.

Winter was celebrated at all our libraries with a range of programs for young and old. Our winter school holiday program included Winter Art, Kaleidoscopes and Whizz Bang Fizz. Programs were well attended with much fun had. A Winter Solstice Storytime was held at Sanctuary Point Library with stories and craft to celebrate the winter solstice with stories and craft for children. Our annual Winter Warmers competition was held across all our libraries with some amazing knitters and crocheters entering their items. 123 items were received for the competition, along with approximately 40 additional items donated without an entry. Following the competition, items entered were donated to local charities, including the Ulladulla Resource Centre and Milton Hospital Renal Ward, for distribution to those in need across the local area.

During June the world celebrated LGBTQ Pride Month, honouring the journeys of LGBTQ+ individuals and embracing a larger movement for love, acceptance, and equality for all. The NSW State Library have introduced a Pride Line, where pride stories can be shared, and here at Shoalhaven Libraries we celebrated with a Queer & Still Here Q & A Event that culminated in fantastic drag queen show.

Author Talks:

Our biggest event of the quarter was Bookfest, which was held at Nowra Library. This was a showcase of local authors and illustrators in a panel discussion allowing attendees to hear a little about each author and their book(s). The audience were given a chance to ask questions throughout and support the authors by buying their books, and Shoalhaven Libraries purchased copies of the books for the collection so you can ‘borrow local’.

In June, Jackie Bailey, winner of the Multicultural NSW Award and shortlisted for the UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing at the 2023 NSW Premier’s Literacy Award, showcased her book ‘The Eulogy: A Debut Australian Novel of Family, Loss and Love’ at Nowra Library. A book discussion session was also held discussing the Australian Autism Handbook. The handbook was originally written in 2008 and is back in 2023, designed to assist a brand-new generation of parents. Local author, Benison O’Reilly, and local speech pathologist, Ruth Hartman, discussed this fascinating book.

Our recently introduced Book Bar continues to be popular with our borrowers with new titles being regularly added, and copies flying off the shelves.

Online Assistance:

Our Wednesday morning Tech drop in sessions are continuing to be very popular. Varying assistance is sought from patrons and our libraries continue to play a vital role in assisting our digital citizens.

Digital Literacy is becoming more important as technology continues to rapidly progress. National eSmartWeek was celebrated with free online workshops, which were available from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

Utilising grant funding received from the Good Things Foundation, Be Connected classes are being held at our Sanctuary Point and Ulladulla Libraries. Classes are free and assist patrons navigating the online world, which can be tricky at first, but this series of classes helps teach the essential skills to get started online.

Our BorrowBox platform has been expanded to include eMagazines. BorrowBox is now our go-to destination for ALL our eMagazines, giving borrowers the best digital library experience possible.

Local Heritage:

Our current local heritage display, courtesy of the Shoalhaven Family History Society, features the Old Pyree School ... some poor boy was punished for ‘chewing wattle seeds’.

Our Facebook Flashback Friday posts featured events including Local History – In the News; 101 years ago today; When the frightful bush fires cleaned up Yalwal; Pigeon House Mountain and Meroo Public School. And our most popular Facebook post for May was Millards Cottage with 11,175 views.

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Other Public Programmes:

Ulladulla Library hosted guest presenter Mike Austin for storytime, reading his book, ‘The Adventures of Normy and Wiggles’. Over 50 people attended, with copies handed out for all the kids to follow along and find the hidden bone on each page on their adventure trip to the sea. Singing and craft followed the reading.

In conjunction with Salt Care a homelessness session was held at Nowra Library. Stories of homelessness were shared by people of the Shoalhaven experiencing homelessness in our local area. Salt Care provided information on the assistance they can provide, and a Q & A session was also held.

Ulladulla Library held a free workshop with guest presenters from Repower Shoalhaven sharing their advice on some simple ways to save money, make your home more efficient and ditch fossil fuels. They covered everything from electric heating and cooling systems to electric bikes, cars and home solar.

Nowra Library has introduced Friday morning adult craft sessions, where patrons can come along on the first Friday of the month for a fun adult craft session to enjoy a casual chat while creating some beautiful crafts.

Various community talks have been held recently on a wide variety of topics, such as chronic pain; drugs, alcohol and wellbeing. As part of Law Week, the Shoal Coast Community Legal Centre Solicitor spoke about SCAMS, and a Health Information Session was held called Vaping: Clearing the Air.

New Sanctuary Point Library Public Art:

The successful artists selected for the three public art opportunities at the new Sanctuary Point Library continue to work on their submissions with the architects and industrial design company. All the projects are progressing well and are on track to have their detailed designs completed to fit with the construction tender process.

Shoalhaven Libraries Strategic Plan:

The Shoalhaven Libraries Strategic Plan draft document is being updated, following feedback from senior management, and a Councillor Briefing to present the plan and gather feedback will be organised in the near future.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Tuesday 19 September 2023

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AB23.27 Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update

HPERM Ref: D23/338382

Department: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is 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 the Shoalhaven Arts Board receive the report on the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre update for information.

Options

1. Receiving the report for information

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

2. Request for more information

Implications: Unknown

Background

More than 21,000 ticketed patrons have attended events at the Centre since it re-opened in March 2023 following compliance works from December 2022 to February 2023.

Overall, the 2023 Season has been received well with strong results across Culture Counts social impact surveys.

Community engagement and active participation in workshops, activities, and post-show meet and greets have been strong.

Memberships are at a record high of 400.

Programming for the 2024 Season, Education and Morning Matinee seasons is almost complete, with programming for 2025 already under way.

Arty Party 2023

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The second annual Art Farty Party was a popular success with up to three generations of Shoalhaven families in attendance.

The busy programme, which operated from 10am to 3pm, on Saturday, July 1 2023, was presented via a partnership between Shoalhaven Libraries, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, and the Entertainment Centre.

In addition to multiple hands-on art and craft activities, there was stretch and dance workshops offered by Shoalhaven Swim Sport and Fitness, face painting, story time sessions, theatre performances of the ACO’s Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge and Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark.

An outdoor stage presented Live & Local musicians throughout the day.

The forecourt programme also included roving acts and lawn games.

Shoalhaven First Nations cultural group Gadhungal Marring’s smoking ceremony, corroboree and Ancient Memories stories from the ancestors were popular.

Sponsorships in support of the event increased this year with Nowra CBD Revitalisation Committee sponsoring Arena Theatre Company’s Hidden Creatures Gallery. All media sponsors from 2022 continued their support in 2023.

More than 200 children had the opportunity to work with Arena to design, animate and voice creatures which were accessible during the festival and subsequently placed in more than 20 locations for the two-week school holiday period following the Arty Farty Party.

Arty Farty Partygoers participate in Gadhungal Marring’s smoking ceremony.

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Roving acts were a popular part of the Arty Farty Party program.

Aboriginal Comedy Allstars

he line-up for the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars drew a strong crowd of First Nations people from Wollongong south to Moruya for their show at the Entertainment Centre on Saturday, July 22 2023.

Community Elder Aunty Ruth Simms performed a welcome.

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Aboriginal Comedy Allstars MC and comedian Kevin Kropinyeri

JUST

Andy Griffiths’ JUST series, mashed together in a theatrical rodeo, for one family performance, and two school-time shows on July 24 and July 25 2023 was popular with both audiences.The post show Q&A sessions, for the Red Lines Production, were well subscribed.

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The Beggars

More than 500 people attended The Beggars’ California Dreaming Morning Matinee concert on Wednesday, August 2 2023. The Americana soft rock and folk song list was a hit with the audience.

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Colleen McCullough’s TIM

Audience feedback to TIM, a stage adaptation of the Australian classic by Colleen McCullough, was overwhelmingly positive. Tim Garry’s sensitive and contemporary adaptation of the work ensured the central themes and storyline remained relevant and resonant for today’s drama audiences.

A post-show Meet & Greet for Members was well attended. Members enjoyed meeting prominent cast members including Andrew McFarlane, Valerie Bader, and Jeanette Cronin.

TIM was performed in the Auditorium on August 9 and 10 2023.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Tuesday 19 September 2023

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AB23.29 Shoalhaven Arts Board - Terms of Reference Review 2023

HPERM Ref: D23/325506

Department: Library Services

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Shoalhaven Arts Board - Current Terms of Reference (under separate cover) ⇨

2. Shoalhaven Arts Advisory Committee - Amended Track Changes - 9 August 2023 (under separate cover) ⇨

3. Shoalhaven Arts Advisory Committee- Amended Track Changes Accepted - 9 August 2023 (under separate cover) ⇨

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to provide the Shoalhaven Arts Board (SAB) with the Terms of Reference (ToR) review. A review workshop was held on Wednesday 9 August 2023. Eight members of the SAB attended the workshop to review the ToR proposed amendments for consideration and acceptance prior to submitting to Council for adoption.

Recommendation

That Shoalhaven Arts Board accept the proposed amendments to the SAB Terms of Reference and submit to Council for adoption.

Options

1. The recommendation is adopted as written.

Implications: The ToR will be updated and provide the SAB an agreed way forward as detailed in the report.

2. The recommendation is not adopted, and an alternative recommendation is provided.

Implications: The proposed ToR will not be updated and the SAB will be required to provide an alternative proposal and / or hold a further workshop to consider further amendments.

Background

Shoalhaven City Council has a significant number of Section 355 Advisory Committees that have been established to offer advice and expertise on several subjects. The SAB is one such committee.

Committees are overseen by various teams and directorates across Council. When reviewing the six advisory committees that are overseen by staff in the City Lifestyles directorate it was identified that there was an opportunity for greater consistency in the terms of reference documents for those committees.

In response, a new Terms of Reference Template for advisory committees has been developed and endorsed. The use of this template will ensure improved consistency across Council’s advisory committees in how they undertake their functions.

The template provides a format to clarify and assist in managing expectations around advisory committees and their roles. This will assist the members in understanding the roles and functions of the advisory committee and any delegation therein. It is anticipated that the new template will be implemented across other directorates within Council and the advisory committees and boards that sit within their area of operations.

Council staff have updated the SAB’s ToR to align with this new template.

At the 28 June 2023 SAB meeting this new template was presented, along with a request for a workshop to be held for a full review of the ToR. At this meeting the workshop date was agreed upon, and on 1 August 2023 SAB members were provided with the current and proposed ToR for their information and review prior to the meeting.

The SAB review workshop was held on Wednesday 9 August 2023. Eight members of the SAB attended the workshop to review the ToR and have suggested the below amendments for the group to review and endorse. Governance attended this workshop to provide guidance and advice to the group, and no comments from SAB members who were not in attendance were received prior or subsequent to the workshop.

Significant changes to the ToR

The following key aspects of the current ToR have been revised and for ease of reading, are summarised below:

· Update to the name to align with its role and also other Council advisory committee titles

· Update to the purpose statement

· Amendments to Role to be more inclusive

· Amendments to Delegations to include determination on the awarding of the annual Shoalhaven Arts & Cultural grants

· Membership changes around Chair and community membership appointments in particular amendments to Chair, Councillor Representatives and Terms of Office

The Following documents are attached to this report so members can compare and review:

· Attachment 1 Current Terms of Reference (POL22/199).

· Attachment 2 Tracked changes to the updated format of the ToR (D23/327907).

· Attachment 3 Updated format of ToR (tracked changes accepted for ease of reading) (D23/327922).

Minor amendments were also made to improve the flow of the document and correct grammar.

Should further amendments be considered to the ToR it is suggested that a further workshop would be an appropriate forum to enable discussion and consideration of any proposed changes and implications therein.

Community Engagement

Members of the SAB will be consulted at the first meeting after ToR workshop 2023 (6 September 2023) regarding the new changes. Governance have been consulted to ensure the edits are commensurate with policy and guidelines.

Policy Implications

Should the SAB members request changes to any of the proposed amendments, alternate amendments will need to be proposed and agreed to, prior to the ToR being updated. The suggested amendments will be reviewed by Governance and adjustments made if / where necessary. This may require the SAB ToR to be presented to a future advisory committee meeting for endorsement before being considered by Council for adoption.

The Arts Advisory Committee will function within the adopted Council policy framework, including the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and the aspirations and priorities of the community identified therein, and resourced and funded through the annual Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) Budget and Resourcing Strategy.

Risk Implications

There is a risk that recommendations are not accepted and cause a delay in the implementation of ToR policy.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Tuesday 19 September 2023

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AB23.30 Shoalhaven City Art Collection - Acquisition of Works

HPERM Ref: D23/338831

Department: Arts & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to inform the Arts Board of the deliberations and recommendations of the Arts Acquisition Sub-Committee for acquisition of works to be added to the Collection in line with Shoalhaven City Art Collection – Acquisition and Management Policy POL22/49.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board accept the offer from the Open Field Art Committee to donate the following works to the Shoalhaven City Art Collection:

1. ‘Two Truths’ by Jaz Corr

2. ‘We Don’t Cry We Don’t Miss’ by Kirli Saunders

Options

1. Accept the Recommendation as written.

Implications: The Shoalhaven City Art Collection will grow as per the Policy and the advice of the Art Acquisition Sub-Committee

2. Amend or change the Recommendation.

Implications: Acquisition of works may not be in line with Shoalhaven City Art Collection – Acquisition and Management Policy POL2/49

Background

Following the recent success of the inaugural Open Field Art festival, an offer has been made to donate two works that were part of the event. These works are both by First Nations artists with connection to the Shoalhaven.

The works are:

1) Jaz Corr, Two Truths, 2023

Tar and Paint on wooden board

Diptych – 2040x1640cm

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This work by South Coast artist Jaz Corr represents the Aboriginal history of the Boon-Ga-Ree brothers Broughton and Brogher. The work seeks to explore the intersections of history and the depiction of Broughton Creek across two panels represents the different directions taken by the brothers.

The work was commissioned by the OpenField Committee as part of the festival, and is strongly rooted in place and local history.

The Shoalhaven City Art Collection already holds a work by Jaz Corr – a textile piece that was commissioned for the exhibition the TERRA within. This work will continue to enhance the representation of first nations artists within the collection and ensure alternate approaches to understanding our history.

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

· Local Significance

· Historical / cultural value

· Cost and/or value for money

· Advantageous opportunities

2) Kirli Saunders, We Don’t Cry We Don’t Miss, 2023

Found objects, metal, text

92x188cm

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This work was originally displayed at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens and then at OpenField. It is a powerful work composed of a rusted single mattress frame and die cut mirrored lettering that tells of a phrase spoken to the artist’s mother in the children’s home she was placed in after being removed from her family. The work speaks of the forced removal of First Nations children from family and Country and confronts audiences with our collective history.

The acquisition of this work will continue to enhance the representation of first nations artists and stories within the Shoalhaven City Art Collection. Saunders grew up in Nowra and has kinship connections to the Wreck Bay community.

The work is designed to be displayed outside, but the artist has noted they are happy to work with the gallery to have the work displayed inside when required.

As a sculptural work, storage is a consideration. The Manager – Arts and Culture is confident this work can be stored in a custom-made box in the overflow store area as it does not require the same temperature and humidity considerations as works on paper.

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

· Local Significance

· Historical / cultural value

· Cost and/or value for money

· Advantageous opportunities

The Art Acquisition Subcommittee recommend acquisition of these two works.

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 work for acquisition were reviewed against the Shoalhaven City Art Collection – Acquisition and Management policy.

Financial Implications

The works are being offered as a direct donation with no costs associated with the immediate acquisition. The acquisition of the work by Kirli Saunders will require the purchase of a custom storage box. This will be funded from the Gallery’s collection maintenance budget.