Agenda of Shoalhaven Arts Board

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board

Meeting Date: Thursday, 26 November 2020

Location: Email Meeting

The following members participated:

Clr John Wells - Chairperson

Clr Mark Kitchener

Dr Peter Lavelle

Mr Robert Crow

Ms Jenny Thompson

Dr Lynda Kelly

Mr Stephen Buzacott

Ms Christine Dunstan

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Nil

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Arts Board held on Thursday 27 August 2020 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

AB20.21 Election of Chairperson

HPERM Ref: D20/517886

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Clr John Wells be appointed as Chairperson of the Shoalhaven Arts Boards for two (2) years from November 2020

RESOLVED (By consent)

That Clr John Wells be appointed as Chairperson of the Shoalhaven Arts Boards for two (2) years from November 2020

CARRIED

AB20.22 Shoalhaven City Art Collection - Acquisitions and End of Loan agreement

HPERM Ref: D20/467491

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Accept the offer of donation of the work by Peter Hewitt, commissioned by the Gibbon Foundation for the TERRA within exhibition.

2. Purchase the work Shield 2020 Bangalay Timber by Noel Wellington at a cost of $3,000

3. Purchase the work the TERRA within: A True Australian Flag by Jaz Corr at a cost of $6,000

4. Return the work The Bird Smuggler by Arthur Boyd to the Moyes family who have loaned the work to the City Art Collection since 2010

5. Convey the Shoalhaven Arts Board thanks and appreciation to the Moyes family for the loan of the artwork.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Accept the offer of donation of the work by Peter Hewitt, commissioned by the Gibbon Foundation for the TERRA within exhibition.

2. Purchase the work Shield 2020 Bangalay Timber by Noel Wellington at a cost of $3,000

3. Purchase the work the TERRA within: A True Australian Flag by Jaz Corr at a cost of $6,000

4. Return the work The Bird Smuggler by Arthur Boyd to the Moyes family who have loaned the work to the City Art Collection since 2010

5. Convey the Shoalhaven Arts Board thanks and appreciation to the Moyes family for the loan of the artwork.

CARRIED

AB20.23 Shoalhaven Libraries - Update

HPERM Ref: D20/473084

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

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

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

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

AB20.24 Council Policy Revisions - Shoalhaven Libraries Operations, Internet Usage & Children's Policy and the South Coast Cooperative Libraries Collection Development Policy

HPERM Ref: D20/473852

Recommendation

1. That Council adopt the revisions of the Shoalhaven Libraries:

a. Operations Policy – Shoalhaven Libraries;

b. Children’s Policy, and

c. South Coast Libraries Cooperative Collection Development Policy.

2. That Council agree for the draft Shoalhaven Libraries Internet Usage Policy to go on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and if no significant adverse comments are received this Policy be deemed adopted. If significant adverse comments are received these will be reviewed and a further report will be presented to Council.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

1. That Council adopt the revisions of the Shoalhaven Libraries:

a. Operations Policy – Shoalhaven Libraries;

b. Children’s Policy, and

c. South Coast Libraries Cooperative Collection Development Policy.

CARRIED

AB20.25 Shoalhaven Arts Board - Strategic Plan - Summary of Achievements and 2021 Actions

HPERM Ref: D20/474213

Recommendation

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board

1. Receive this report for information.

2. Set the Board’s actions for 2021 to be:

a. Achieve funding commitment to progress the establishment of the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation

b. Advocate to Council for continuation of grant funding at 2020/21 Levels ($60,000)

c. Continue to review and consider acquisitions for the City Art Collection to grow a nationally significant and recognised collection.

d. Undertake strategic planning for the growth of the City Art Collection, including a review of the existing Art Collection Policy

e. Achieve funding required for the development of a 10-year cultural strategy

f. Undertake advocacy and seek commitment for, including site identification of a new Regional Gallery.

3. The Shoalhaven Arts Board seek Council support for the following budget bids in the 2021/22 Financial Year:

a. Shoalhaven Arts Foundation establishment - $150,000

b. Increased Arts Grants program - $30,000

c. Cultural Strategy development - $100,000

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board

1. Receive this Shoalhaven Arts Board - Strategic Plan - Summary of Achievements and 2021 Actions report for information.

2. Set the Board’s actions for 2021 to be:

a. Achieve funding commitment to progress the establishment of the Shoalhaven Arts Foundation

b. Advocate to Council for continuation of grant funding at 2020/21 Levels ($60,000)

c. Continue to review and consider acquisitions for the City Art Collection to grow a nationally significant and recognised collection.

d. Undertake strategic planning for the growth of the City Art Collection, including a review of the existing Art Collection Policy

e. Achieve funding required for the development of a 10-year cultural strategy

f. Undertake advocacy and seek commitment for, including site identification of a new Regional Gallery.

3. The Shoalhaven Arts Board seek Council support for the following budget bids in the 2021/22 Financial Year:

a. Shoalhaven Arts Foundation establishment - $150,000

b. Increased Arts Grants program - $30,000

c. Cultural Strategy development - $100,000

CARRIED

AB20.26 Shoalhaven Museum Advisor Program - Achievements and Actions for 2021

HPERM Ref: D20/482986

Recommendation

That

1. The report be received for information

2. The Shoalhaven Arts Board seek Council support for a budget bid of $16,000 in financial year 2021/22 to support the continuation of the Museum Advisor program to volunteer run Museums in the Shoalhaven and to build on the work achieved to date;

3. Council as the lead agency for supporting volunteer run museum in the LGA continue to seek and apply for grant funding to support and deliver programs such as training for volunteers.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That

1. The Shoalhaven Museum Advisor Program - Achievements and Actions for 2021 report be received for information

3. Council as the lead agency for supporting volunteer run museum in the LGA continue to seek and apply for grant funding to support and deliver programs such as training for volunteers.

CARRIED

AB20.27 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Fundraising - Achievements and way forward

HPERM Ref: D20/483147

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That

1. The report be received for information

2. Shoalhaven Arts Board champion the need for a dedicated fundraising software to be purchased and installed at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery

RESOLVED (By consent)

That

1. The Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Fundraising - Achievements and way forward report be received for information

2. Shoalhaven Arts Board champion the need for a dedicated fundraising software to be purchased and installed at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery

CARRIED

AB20.28 Response to 2020 - School Art Project - Online Exhibition

HPERM Ref: D20/511363

Recommendation

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board

1. Seek Council support to write to schools in the area encouraging students to create an artistic response to the theme ‘Responses to 2020’. The work can be visual arts, performance, music or literary and individual or group responses.

2. Seek $6,000 in funding from Shoalhaven City Council to manage marketing and design elements required to communicate the aims of the project and create an online publication to exhibit and permanently record the responses.

3. The Council support to allocate $6,000 to support the ‘Responses to 2020’ school art project through savings identified through the Quarter 2 budget review process.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board

3. The Council support to allocate $6,000 to support the ‘Responses to 2020’ school art project through savings identified through the Quarter 2 budget review process.

CARRIED

AB20.29 Regional Arts NSW & NSW Budget - changes to funding and opportunities

HPERM Ref: D20/513249

Recommendation

That

1. The report be received for information.

2. The Shoalhaven Arts Board continue to advocate to Council and State MPs on the importance of the Arts in the region and the need for secure funding for the Shoalhaven as it is not covered by a Regional Arts Development Organisation.

3. Council support the Shoalhaven Arts Board in making written representations to the Hon. Don Harwin MLC, NSW Minister for the Arts, to maintain allocation of funding to Council’s where there is no Regional Arts Development Organisation.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That

1. The Regional Arts NSW & NSW Budget - changes to funding and opportunities report be received for information.

CARRIED

AB20.30 Shoalhaven Arts Board - Subcommittees and Working Parties - Summary of Achievements 2020 - actions for 2021

HPERM Ref: D20/513268

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Report be received for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Subcommittees and Working Parties - Summary of Achievements Report be received for information.

CARRIED

AB20.31 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Update

HPERM Ref: D20/513283

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

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

RESOLVED (By consent)

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

CARRIED

AB20.32 Artists in Residence (AIR) Pilot for Primary Schools in the Shoalhaven Region

HPERM Ref: D20/485569

Note: Lynda Kelly abstained from voting on this item.

Recommendation

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

1. Provide support via letters of support and information / knowledge networks, for a pilot project, managed by Bomaderry Community Inc (BCI), to assist four primary schools and two preschools in Ward 1 to employ an artist of their choice to be part of each school or preschool as an Artist in Residence.

2. Seek financial support from Council for seed funding of $20,000 to support BCI in seeking grant funding from state and federal sources to cover the cost of this pilot project and associated research.

3. Support BCI in meeting with local MPs to promote the value of the project and the potential for the pilot to be rolled out across the state in future years.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Arts Board:

3. Support BCI in meeting with local MPs to promote the value of the project and the potential for the pilot to be rolled out across the state in future years.

carried

Addendum Reports

AB20.33 Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre - Building Improvements and Upgrade

HPERM Ref: D20/517588

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Shoalhaven Arts Board receives the Shoalhaven Entertainment Building Improvements and Upgrade report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That Shoalhaven Arts Board receives the Shoalhaven Entertainment Building Improvements and Upgrade report for information.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded.

Clr John Wells

CHAIRPERSON

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 18 February 2021

Page 1

AB21.2 2020 / 2021 Arts Board Grants program - Awarding of grants

HPERM Ref: D21/41801

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 2020/21 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. 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.

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 party

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 it 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 18 December 2020, having been open for a six-week period. They were advertised through social media, the South Coast Register, and e-newsletters.

There were three 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

3) COVID Response for performing arts – up to $25,000

A total of 10 applications were received across the three programs.

The Arts Grants working party, consisting of Dr Lynda Kelly, Jenny Thompson, Christine Dunstan, and Clr John Wells, along with Council’s Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Manager - Karen Patterson, Library Services Manager - Sarah Taylor, and Arts & Culture Manager - Bronwyn Coulston, met on 2 February 2021 to review the applications and make recommendations for funding.

These recommendations and the reasoning are as follows:

Professional Development Grants

This was the largest category for applications with a high level of understanding of the program and good opportunities for development across a range of arts endeavours.

1) Anna Nangle – 1000 Colours for Lolita – requested $2,210 – to be fully funded

The grant will provide opportunity for Anna to extend her exhibition at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery through collaboration with the Sanctuary Points Men’s Shed and undertaking a mentorship in sound recording and production.

2) Albatross Musical Theatre Company – Professional Development Courses for 4 members – requested $2,710 – to be fully funded

The grant will support AMTC to send 4 members on short courses at NIDA. The courses undertaken will be to develop skills in Directing and Production which will support AMTC to further enhance its skill base and to develop volunteers in Musical Theatre. The grant will provide funds to cover the cost of the course and accommodation for the participants.

3) Dr Natalie McDonagh – Bringing Yak Woman Oracle to Life – requested $2,150 – to be fully funded

Yak Woman Oracle is the artistic alter ego of Natalie McDonagh who has previously only existed in an online state. The grant will provide Natalie with opportunity to learn new fabrication skills to bring Yak Woman Oracle to life in an installation / performance piece planned to be undertaken in 2021

4) Alaska Turner – 2022 Aussie All Stars – American Junior Theatre Festival Tour – requested $3,000 – to be fully funded

Alaska has been invited to represent Australia on a tour to America to perform at the International Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta. The grant would support the costs involved in taking up this opportunity.

5) Jill Talbot – Pressing on the Power of the Print – requested $3,000 – to be fully funded

Pressing on will further develop a project Jill established in July 2020 in the Callala / Currarong / Culburra area, teaching visual arts to a group of adults post COVID lockdown. The grant will support the continuation and extension of these classes with the purchase of a small printing press and the staging of an exhibition.

6) Bruce Coyte – Jocean Music debut album – requested $3,000 – not funded and declined

The applicant is not based in the Shoalhaven which is a requirement of the grant program. While they are intending to work with Shoalhaven based individuals and promote the Shoalhaven, with the current grant guidelines we cannot fund this application.

A Sense of Place Grants

There were two applications in this stream. The recommendation is to support one only:

1) Annaliese Szota – Hearthstone – requested $8,450 – to be fully funded

Annaliese is a highly experienced performer and artist, who lives and works in the Shoalhaven. The grant is to record and produce an album of songs inspired by the Shoalhaven. ‘Hearthstone’ will be a collection of songs featuring quirky melodies, soaring ballads, poetic lyrics and catchy loop pedal grooves. It will be recorded and produced by local artists and released as both a hardcopy CD and digital download.

2) Voices of Women Incorporated – Entanglement: Shoalhaven Voices of Women - requested $5,000 – not funded

The applicant is not based in the Shoalhaven which is a requirement of the grant. While they are intending to work with a range of Shoalhaven and Illawarra based organisations, and have letters of support to note those partnerships, the grant guidelines note that applicants must be resident in or operating from the Shoalhaven.

COVID Response Performing Arts Grants

There were two applications in this stream. The recommendation is to support one only:

1) Alana Valentine – The Anti-Nuclear Family – requested $24,900 – allocate $15,900 as writers’ fees with remainder held for future development of work.

The project will provide funding for Alana to undertake the necessary research and writing for a new play with the proposal for a nuclear reactor at Murray’s Beach at its heart. Alana is a highly respected and experienced playwright and the grant provides opportunity for the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre to become a commissioning partner in a significant new Australian work.

2) Max Dingle OAM & Natalie McDonagh PhD – What the body knows (but may have forgotten) – requested $10,000 – not funded and declined

The project will see the creation and delivery of a new, performance-based installation involving direct, public participation held at the Nowra School of Arts over a 7-day period.

The working party felt the applicants did not properly express how COVID had impacted on their practice, and that the proposed activity did not properly express how the audience goals would be achieved.

Funding required for these seven (7) recommended projects is $37,420, which is within the $47,568 available to be disbursed.

The options for the remaining funding are as follows:

1) Undertake another grant round

a. There is $10,000 remaining unexpended in the general grant funds and $9,100 in the COVID Response funding.

b. This is not recommended as the levels of funding are low and under the current grant programs the Board would only be able to support between 1 and 4 applications. This would likely be a lower than usual success rate for applicants; creating a sense of frustration within the community as the Arts Board would not be able to deliver to expectations.

2) Hold the unexpended COVID Response funding to support the next stage of development for the play ‘The Anti-nuclear family’

a. The application for support requested additional funding for developing the play as a public work in progress – an opportunity to attract further funding and secure the professional production of the work. The Grants Working Party considered this was a good outcome, but that the initial consultation and writing of the play needed to be undertaken, with further conversations had between the playwright and experienced producers to achieve a strong result at the work in progress performance and help the playwright secure additional partners and funds to ensure the play goes to full production. Holding the funds in the Arts Reserve will ensure funding is available to support this stage of development at the appropriate time.

3) Provide $5,000 to Bomaderry Community Inc as seed funding for the Schools Artist in Residence (AIR) program

a. As per MIN20.938 the Shoalhaven Arts Board is supportive of the proposed AIR program and will seek to work with Council to provide $20,000 in funding towards this activity. Allocating unexpended grant funding to the project shows the firm support of the Arts Board and provides opportunity for BCI to seek grant funding from a range of government and private organisations.

4) Provide $5,000 as seed funding to the Shoalhaven Family Festival (Arty Farty Party)

a. The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and Shoalhaven Libraries are undertaking planning and grant applications for a major arts festival in the 2021 October School holidays. This festival will be a pilot for an annual family arts festival in the Shoalhaven LGA, The Arty Farty Party (AFP) which will:

i. present world class artistic experiences for children and families, and

ii. generate best practice in community arts and cultural development

through a curated mix of accessible ticketed (free and paid) events in Shoalhaven City Council venues and outdoor sites.

b. In seeking funding from Create NSW and other bodies it is necessary to show co-contributions. As this activity is outside of the standard operational scope of the three cultural institutions, the allocation of $5,000 will enhance the application for funding and provide greater opportunity to bring world class art experiences to the Shoalhaven.

Community Engagement

A series of digital and print ads were run across social media and the South Coast Register to inform the community of the grants programs. Each of the cultural venues promoted the grants on their social media sites and through their e-newsletters.

The distribution of unexpended funds as recommended will provide opportunity for a wide range of community members to benefit from the activities supported by the Shoalhaven Arts Board.

Financial Implications

The 2020/21 operational budget allocated $31,668 for Shoalhaven Arts Board grants with a further $25,000 for the COVID Response Performing Grant. The disbursement of funds as recommended in this report is within the allocated amounts.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 18 February 2021

Page 1

AB21.3 Shoalhaven Libraries - Update

HPERM Ref: D21/38581

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 the 2020 financial year (October, November and December) saw 59,000 people come through our doors at Shoalhaven Libraries and borrow over 73,000 items. We also welcomed 495 new members and answered nearly 16,800 technology, reference, local heritage, and general queries. Due to COVID-19 restrictions these numbers are down compared to the same time last year; however, library usage has been increasing as restrictions have relaxed. In addition, digital access to our collections and services has increased over this period with customers taking advantage of the free electronic resources on offer. Loans of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines increased by over 32% during this period compared to the previous year.

In November we celebrated NAIDOC week with a special online Storytime featuring Mel and Nathel from Noah’s Inclusion Services, who read 'Gabaanu, gugu, ngumung ba, gubidjayanga: Heads, shoulders, knees and toes' written in Dhurga and English, and 'Big Rain Coming' by Katrina Germein and illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft. They also made rain makers in their craft presentation and each branch had a NAIDOC week display for adults and children, and a colouring-in page to take home featuring the NAIDOC week poster artwork.

In the same month we also joined Ruby from Sanctuary Point Library for a special online pyjama Storytime to celebrate Australian Reading Hour! Ruby read Dharma the Llama, a llama who LOVES to read.

Nowra Library was brightened up for two weeks with a beautiful display of artworks created by the Children from Shoalhaven Community Pre School. A major feature was the life-size sculpture of an emu and its eggs, which showcased how talented the younger members of the community are.

In December we celebrated International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) which aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. The theme for IDPwD 2020 was “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.

Shoalhaven Libraries has also been partnering with lots of local and state organisations to provide and enhance services. In partnership with the NSW Public Libraries Association Shoalhaven Libraries has been able to offer free virtual online author events. These have included:

· General Sir Peter Cosgrove in conversation with Richard Glover, discussing his life, and memoir,

· ‘You Shouldn’t Have Joined…’; Craig Reucassel in conversation with Melanie Mutch from Hornsby Shire Libraries talking about ‘In Fight for Planet A’, the book of the ABC series of the same name; and

· Mary Li in conversation with Therese Scott from Mosman Library to discuss her book ‘Mary’s Last Dance', the long-awaited sequel to her husband Li Cunxin's bestselling memoir, 'Mao's Last Dancer'.

We have also partnered with all 12 Holiday Haven Parks, which now each have a Little Library for their customers. This collaboration between Holiday Haven and Shoalhaven Libraries means the street libraries are stocked with pre-loved books in a range of genres suitable for children, teens, and adults.

We also ended the year on a high with all Shoalhaven Libraries’ main branches holding special Christmas Storytimes. Children and their families were invited along to listen to some Christmas stories, pick up a special Christmas edition ‘Library at Home’ pack with two Christmas stories and a craft, and meet Santa Claus. Due to COVID-19 restrictions these were the first physical events that had been held since early March and were well-attended and enjoyed.

2021 has begun with physical activities returning to Shoalhaven Libraries, and we have been busy running school holiday activities over January. Children have been coming into the libraries to make their own windmills and kaleidoscopes, and participate in coding clubs, or have picked up their take-home packs to enjoy their craft at home.

Currently we are running our annual bookmark design competition which is celebrating what people love about the Australian Summer, and for the first time there will be a separate adult competition so the whole family can join in the fun.

Work is also moving ahead with the planned new Sanctuary Point Library and community engagement workshops were held in December to allow stakeholders and community members to provide input into the design. Work is ongoing and It is anticipated that the detailed library design will be finalised by the end of the 2021 financial year.

And finally, the NSW Public health rules for public libraries have changed. There is no longer the requirement that returned items are quarantined, which means from 1 February we can move from Stage 4 to Stage 5 Opening. Our libraries will be able to open longer hours, with Nowra Library once again open until 7pm, and we will no longer require bookings or time limits for study spaces. Staff are looking forward to welcoming more of our customers back to the library and opening more fully.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 18 February 2021

Page 1

AB21.4 Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Update

HPERM Ref: D21/41502

Department: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Reason for Report

To inform Shoalhaven Arts Board of upgrade works and future programmes 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 will be updated on works and scheduled programmes at the Entertainment Centre.

2. Request more information

Implications: Unknown

Background

The majority of the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre’s performing arts and community engagement programmes for 2020 were cancelled, and/or postponed, as a result of COVID-19 Public Health Orders. The venue was closed for live performance programming and hires from March until December 2020. The Centre’s Encore Café continued to operate during this period. The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is currently undergoing improvement works and is scheduled to re-open in May 2021.

Improvement works

Shoalhaven City Council last year committed to upgrade the 12 year-old Centre, and address existing building compliance issues.

The planned upgrades include:

· A new-look Encore Café and Bar, with improved accessibility

· A new loading dock awning, providing all-weather access for performing arts companies and hirers

· Potential for the loading dock to be used in future as an outdoor stage

· Upgraded lighting and audio-visual equipment

· New foyer furniture

Works are expected to take place during normal construction hours.

The impact to neighbouring residents and businesses on Bridge Road and Graham Street is expected to be minimal.

Shoalhaven City Council engaged Shoalhaven-based architecture firm Edmiston Jones to project manage the upgrades. Other contractors will be appointed as the project progresses. The principal building contractor is Duratec Australia, which has a base in South Nowra.

During the works Nowra Visitor Information Service and the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre box office has been temporarily relocated to the foyer in Council’s Administration Building just metres from the Entertainment Centre.

The Encore Café is also successfully operating from the Administration Building foyer during the upgrade works. Al fresco seating and tables are offered on the covered forecourt. Feedback on the pop-up café operation has been positive, and forecast daily sales targets have been met.

Council’s Project Control Group, assembled to guide the Improvement works, has confirmed the upgrades are on schedule.

The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is keeping the wider community, its patrons, members, and hirers updated on the improvement works via an approved communications plan. Shoalhaven City Council’s website features a project page dedicated to the Improvements.

2021 Season and Relaunching the Improved Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre:

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre ordinarily reveals its annual Season via a launch each December. This wasn’t possible for the 2021 Season due to COVID restrictions and being closed for the improvement works.

The impacts of COVID-19 have taken a massive toll on the performing arts sector nationally and internationally. The Centre continues to work with performing arts companies to reschedule as many works as possible as per its 2020 Season commitments, plus maintain its contracted commitment to works scheduled for 2021 prior to the pandemic.

Works in the 2021 Season are being promoted on a show-by-show basis via the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre’s website and regular marketing channels.

Plans are underway for a venue re-launch soon after the venue is back in operation.

Community Engagement:

Darren Coggan’s Campfire, a Morning Matinee originally programmed for the 2020 Season, rescheduled for March 16, 2021, will be performed at Nowra School of Arts. The Matinee programme, which focuses on a seniors audience, will be performed twice on March 16. The Entertainment Centre is offering this show in an alternate location during the improvement works to ensure we maintain a relationship with this sector of our patrons and community.

The Centre’s box office administrator contacted existing ticket-holders and regular group bookers by telephone, wherever possible, to provide a personal service with an update on the change of location and information regarding the venue-specific COVID plan.

Professional affiliations and collaborations:

The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre manager continues as a member of the Arts on Tour Board; and as an executive member of the New South Wales & ACT Performing Arts Centres Association.

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre staff continue to actively participate in national and state performing arts networks, including Performing Arts Connections Australia, for the purposes of professional development and benchmarking.

These networks have provided excellent resources, support and capacity-building for the Centre’s technicians, front of house, marketing and box office staff, as the performing arts and events industry navigates the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 18 February 2021

Page 1

AB21.5 Shoalhaven City Art Collection - Acquisitions

HPERM Ref: D21/41973

Department: Arts & Culture

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Proposed Acquisition - Tamara Dean - Endangered Series (under separate cover)

Reason for Report

To advise the Shoalhaven Arts Board members of:

· The offers of donation of Artworks for consideration / inclusion to the Shoalhaven City Council Art Collection; and

· The recommendations the Arts Acquisition Sub-Committee on works to be acquired.

These have been considered in accordance with Policy (POL18/23) Shoalhaven City Council Art Collection – Acquisition and Management.

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

Options

1. Accept the recommendation as printed.

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

2. Reject the recommendation

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

Background

Combined Purchase and Cultural Gift of works by Tamara Dean.

An offer of a major acquisition of works by Tamara Dean from her ‘Endangered’ collection has been made by the gallery representing the artist. The offer consists of 16 works from the collection – representing the majority of works in this series, acquired through a combination of purchase and cultural gift. The proposed works are attached, with the approach being to purchase 5 large works for a total spend of $56,500, and the remainder (over $100,000 in value) would be donated through the Cultural Gifts Program.

This offer is an opportunity for Shoalhaven City Art Collection to hold one of the largest single collections of works by Tamara Dean, a Cambewarra based artist with an international reputation. It is a significant offer and shows the strong regard the artist has for the Gallery and collection.

The Arts Acquisition Sub-Committee has recommended to decline this offer for a number of reasons:

· The size of the collection will make it incredibly difficult to house and store. The works have a combined storage requirement of 24sqm or 22.3 lineal meters.

· The purchase price would require specific fundraising to supplement the arts reserve. The purchase would not be achievable without successful fundraising – which is a risk.

· The acquisition of such a large body of work from a single series limits the exhibition opportunities and the ability to understand the artist’s growth and development.

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

· Significance of artists

· Local Significance

· Cost and/or value for money

· Advantageous opportunities

Purchase of works by Anna Glynn from the Promiscuous Provenance exhibition

Anna Glynn is a Shoalhaven based artist with a fast-growing reputation. She has been a finalist in a number of landscape and art prizes, and has recently had works acquired by the Parliamentary Collection and the National Museum of Australia. The Shoalhaven City Art Collection holds a sculptural / public art piece by Glynn as part of their collection. This work is displayed in the courtyard of the Gallery.

The Promiscuous Provenance exhibition was commissioned by Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, and with support from the Visions of Australia grant program has toured to 8 venues across 5 states and territories. Following a visit by Shoalhaven Arts Board members to the exhibition at Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, it is proposed that two works from the Promiscuous Provenance exhibition are acquired for the collection.

The proposed works for acquisition are:

'Black Swan / After Port Jackson Painters'

Ink & pencil on Arches paper 65cm X 102cm 2016

$5,454 (ex GST)

‘Colonial Hybrid Reimagined from Raper - Gum-plant, & kangooroo of New-Holland 1789'

Ink, watercolour & pencil Arches paper 51cm X 66cm 2017

$3,273 (ex GST)

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

· Local Significance

· Significance of artist

Community Engagement

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

Policy Implications

As per the notes in the Background, all offers to acquire works have been assessed against the Shoalhaven City Art Collection – Acquisition and Management Policy (POL18/23) and the subclause 3.1.6.

Financial Implications

Shoalhaven City Council provides an annual allocation of funds for the purchase and acquisition of new works for the City Art Collection. An amount of $10,900 has been allocated for art purchase in 2020/21. $9,000 from this allocation has already been expended in the current financial year, meaning that the purchase of works by Anna Glynn will require funds from the Arts Reserve.

The Arts Reserve currently holds $62,000. The purchase of works totals $8,727 which will reduce the reserve by $7,727 ($1,000 from annual allocation), leaving $54,273 for purchases in the future.

Shoalhaven Arts Board – Thursday 18 February 2021

Page 1

AB21.6 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Update

HPERM Ref: D21/41975

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 November 2020 – January 2021.

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 on the activities and achievements of the Regional Gallery

2. Request more information.

Implications: Unknown

Background

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery has delivered a wide range of exhibition and activities in the period November 2020 – January 2021.

Exhibitions

November was the last full month of the exhibitions opened in October. These exhibitions were ‘the TERRA within’, ‘Meandering Through the Landscape’ and ‘The Collectors Daughter’. The exhibitions received significant praise and there was a good amount of media attention on ‘the TERRA within.

On the 12 December 2020 we opened two new exhibitions. At the Gallery we opened Wonder + Dread, a major exhibition across all spaces, and we also opened a pop-up gallery in Kinghorne Street in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Photography. These exhibitions included works borrowed from major state and regional collections, as well as a wide range of contemporary works commissioned or borrowed from living artists.

Wonder + Dread received widespread media attention with a long preview in Art Guide Australia, a mention in Sydney Morning Herald’s Spectrum and a detailed review in The Weekend Australian’s ‘Review’.

We received 6,350 visitors for the period, with a further 321 visitors to the pop-up gallery.

Public Programs

We have continued to deliver a range of programs for all ages including our After School Art Class, School Holiday workshops, Artways on Wednesday for adults and Artist Led workshops. We have had positive feedback from all public programs with the majority of programs booking out or being close to full. These have been delivered in a COVID Safe way and in accordance with the public health order measures.

We had several schools visit in the last month of the TERRA within which allowed us to continue to refine and improve our curriculum-based education offering.

Touring Exhibitions

Promiscuous Provenance the touring exhibition opened at Jervis Bay Maritime Museum on the 12 December 2020.

Coming up

In the next period we will be opening ‘New Horizons’, our annual HSC show, and a new work by Illawarra artist Lizzie Buckmaster-Dove.

Promiscuous Provenance will be showing at Jervis Bay Maritime Museum until March before moving to Hawkesbury Regional Gallery.

We will be running two joint programs with Sydney Living Museums as part of our support for the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize. These consist of a joint Artist Led Workshop with one of the finalists and a combined schools program which encourages secondary visual arts students to engage with artworks in the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize, New Horizons exhibition and a practical workshop. These programs are in addition to our regular public programs .