Advocacy Capacity Building Communication Support

Transcription

1 Advocacy Capacity Building Communication Support ANNUAL REPORT 2010 FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES THAT BUILD POSITIVE FUTURES FOR REGIONAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS NEW SOUTH WALES

2 PROFILE Regional Arts NSW is the peak body for regional arts activity in NSW. Based in Sydney, it provides a range of services and represents the state-wide network of independent Regional Arts Boards. Its primary objectives are:- To foster and enhance the capacity of arts and cultural organisations in the regions To play a leading arts advocacy role To deliver dynamic communications and marketing programs To deliver excellent arts management support and services To ensure effective corporate governance THE REGIONAL ARTS NSW NETWORK 01 Arts Northern Rivers 02 Arts Mid North Coast 03 Arts North West 04 Arts Upper Hunter 05 Southern Tablelands Arts 06 South East Arts Region 07 Orana Arts 08 Arts OutWest 09 Eastern Riverina Arts Program 10 Murray Arts 11 Outback Arts 12 South West Arts 13 West Darling Arts 14 Western Riverina Arts

3 DIRECTORS Meg Larkin MBA Chair Arts Consultant, Tamworth Regional Director New England North West Appointed 24 May 1997 Mave Richardson PSM Dep. Chair Councillor, Greater Taree City Council Regional Director North Coast Appointed 1 September 2005 Bernadette Haldane BA (production major) General Manager, HotHouse Theatre, Albury Ballarat Regional Director South West Appointed 11 April 2008 Lindy Hume Doctor of Letters UWA Festival Director and Chief Executive, Sydney Festival Regional Director South East Appointed 22 April Kym Fuller Treasurer Manager Community & Economic Development, Central Darling Shire Council Regional Director Far West Appointed 8 December 2007 Calum Henderson BA (ANU), LLB (ANU), Grad Dip (Legal Practice) NSW College of Law, LLM ( Melbourne) Partner, Competition & Anti Trust Group Norton Rose Co-opted Director Sydney Co-opted 17 April 2009 Lyn Cole Gallery Director/ Curator Cudgegong Gallery, Gulgong Regional Director Central West Appointed 11 April 2008 Resigned 22 April 2010 Annemarie Dalziel M App Sci (Social Ecology), BSc (hons) Theatre Producer, Campbelltown Arts Centre Co-opted Director Southern Tablelands Appointed 8 August 2008 Co-opted 2 July 2009 Resigned 22 April 2010 Janice Summerhayes BA (social science & welfare) Director Environment and Community Services Wagga Wagga City Council Co-opted Director Riverina Co-opted 17 April 2009 Peter White B App Sci (Cultural Heritage Management) UC Aboriginal Arts Consultant Co-opted Director Canberra Co-opted 9 September 2010 Board Meetings The Board met in Sydney on 4 March, 22 April, 8 July, 9 September and 25 November. The Annual General Meeting was held in Sydney on 22 April.

4 ADVISORY COUNCIL The Regional Arts NSW Advisory Council consists of the Chairs of the Regional Arts Boards or their representatives. It meets annually to review and endorse the Company s strategic plan, review the Company s key performance indicators, raise regional issues and priorities, act as the information conduit between the board of directors and the Regional Arts Boards; and at the meeting immediately prior to the annual general meeting, elect up to five people to recommend to the members to appoint as Regional Directors. The Advisory Council Meeting was held on 21 April in Sydney with the following members in attendance: Arts Mid North Coast Arts Northern Rivers Arts North West Arts OutWest Arts Upper Hunter Eastern Riverina Arts Program Murray Arts Orana Arts Outback Arts South East Arts Southern Tablelands Arts South West Arts West Darling Arts RANSW Director, Wagga Wagga RANSW Director, Albury Mave Richardson (RANSW Director) Ruth Tsitimbinis (for Susan Meehan) Meg Larkin (RANSW Director & Chair) Brandon Wilson Stuart St Hill Julie Briggs Fiona Schirmer Jen Shearing Amanda Colwell Katrin Hackney Jane Cush Lani Houston Kym Fuller (RANSW Director, apology) Janice Summerhayes Bernadette Haldane 2 In 2010 there were two vacancies for Regional Directors. Kym Fuller, West Darling Arts and Lindy Hume, South East Arts Region were elected by the members for appointment to the Board of Directors of Regional Arts NSW Ltd.

5 STRUCTURE RANSW Board of Directors 9 member board, meets 5 times per year. 5 regional & 4 co-opted, 2 year term, maximum 3 terms. RANSW Advisory Council 13 members, Chairs of Regional Arts Boards, meet 1 day per year prior to AGM Nominate 5 Directors from EOI submitted, professional development and workshops, set strategic direction 13 Regional Arts Boards Committees of management RANSW Executive 3 members, meet as required RANSW Staff 13 Regional Arts Boards RADOs and staff 3 STAFF Elizabeth Rogers Chief Executive Officer Annette Eassie Funding Manager Palmarita D Orazio Finance Manager Ben Sibson Funding Officer Elinor Heard Administration & Communications Officer Hannah Fitzroy Events Officer (3 month casual contract) PHOTO: JAMES GIDDEY

6 FROM THE CHAIR One of the great privileges of being the Chair of Regional Arts NSW is being able to be part of the highly committed team that leads the development and maturing of the organisation was a year of substantial, positive change and the embedding of a new structure aimed to streamline governance and position Regional Arts NSW for a strong future. On 21 April 2010 the first meeting of the RANSW Advisory Council was held. The Advisory Council comprises the Chairs of each of the (then) thirteen autonomous Regional Arts Boards across the state and meets annually to guide the strategic direction of Regional Arts NSW and to elect regional directors for the Board, which is now a nine member skills based board. In its first year of operation the Board met five times and dealt with the wide range of business that is outlined in the CEO s operational report in this document. Our advocacy continued to be focused on highlighting the value of arts and cultural development as quality of life issues in regional and rural NSW. We campaigned to continue gaining increases in funding from the NSW government for the Regional Arts Boards and for the Country Arts Support Program (CASP) and from the Australian government to restore the Regional Arts Fund to its former level of funding. The Board welcomed the formation of the new Western Riverina Arts Board, announced by the Minister for the Arts in October and due to commence operation in January To keep RANSW relevant and forward looking and in preparation for a new triennial funding agreement in 2012, RANSW commenced the development of a new Strategic Plan during Consultant Deborah Mills was engaged to undertake the project and to consult with Regional Arts Boards and RADOs to canvas regional issues and needs. A draft strategic plan has been prepared and this document will be discussed and finalised by the Advisory Council at its annual meeting in April 2011 prior to adoption and implementation from As part of the restructuring of Regional Arts NSW, the Board established a Public Fund to hold and invest money for the conduct of specific activities that support the development of regional arts across the state. As the inaugural fund raiser, Regional Arts NSW was fortunate to be selected by the Walsh Bay Precinct Committee to be the recipient of funds raised at a dinner and art auction held on the apron of Pier 2/3 on 27 October. This landmark event which attracted 200 participants and a number of excellent art works from regional artists raised $17,000 for the RANSW Public Fund. I record my heartfelt thanks to the Directors of Regional Arts NSW. Mave Richardson, Deputy Chair, continued to strongly support and advocate for regional interests while Treasurer Kym Fuller assisted greatly in financial matters. Directors Bernie Haldane, Lindy Hume, Janice Summerhayes and Calum Henderson provided valuable input and support. Part way through the year we were very pleased to co-opt Peter White to the Board and to make very good use of his extensive knowledge of Aboriginal arts in NSW. As a year of progress and consolidation, it was a pleasure to work with such a knowledgeable and forward looking Board. 4

7 5 In management terms, Regional Arts NSW is a small organisation, but one that achieves much and that achieves it in a very professional manner. I am sure that the members of the Regional Arts Boards would agree that the level of support from this small staff team in Sydney is unsurpassed. I thank all the staff for their ongoing commitment and their willingness to go the extra mile for their colleagues in the regions. To Elizabeth Rogers, CEO I extend my congratulations for a well run organisation and a fine year of achievement and progress. I look forward to seeing Regional Arts NSW survive and prosper in coming years. Meg Larkin Chair

8 ADVOCACY RANSW continues to advocate on behalf of the regional arts network to state and federal government MPs and agencies, local government and kindred organisations through attendance at meetings, submissions to government, circulation of its annual report, correspondence, attendance and presentations at conferences and sitting on assessment panels. During 2010, 81 meetings and functions were attended by the CEO and where possible the Chair. Organisation No. Arts NSW 18 NSW Minister for the Arts 8 NSW peak bodies 14 Industry & Investment NSW 3 Walsh Bay Precinct 5 Regional Arts Australia 12 Australia Council for the Arts 7 During regional travel 5 Regional meetings in Sydney 6 Other 6 The Hon Virginia Judge MP, Minister for the Arts and Peter Brooks, GM Griffith City Council at the announcement for the funding of the new Western Riverina Arts Board. Photo: Jane McGrath 6

9 Kangaroo Dreaming 54cm ceramic platter by Eddy Harris in collaboration with Sean Nicholson. Photo: James Giddey 7 RANSW made 5 submissions NSW Aboriginal Arts Strategy Annual submission to the NSW Arts Minister Australia Council for renewal of Community Partnership funding New Models New Money report The case for the Regional Arts Fund for presentation by RADOs to local candidates during the Federal election in August. RANSW attended or made presentations at 5 conferences The Art of Health and Wellbeing, Melbourne Regional Economic Development Conference, Broken Hill Regional Arts Australia Conference, Launceston NSW P & C Association, Granville Accessible Arts Conference, Sydney. RANSW sat on 4 Funding Assessment Panels ArtStart (TAFE NSW) Screen Audience Development (Arts NSW) Regional Conservatoriums (Arts NSW) Capital Funding (Arts NSW)

10 CAPACITY BUILDING Wire Basket by Pam Wettenhall. Photo James Giddey.

11 CAPACITY BUILDING Funding Programs RANSW continued to administer two grants programs for supporting the arts in regional NSW, the NSW Government s Country Arts Support Program (CASP) and the Australian Government s Regional Arts Fund (RAF). CASP 2010 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY MAIN ARTFORM CASP 2010 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY ARIA REMOTENESS STATUS Visual Arts 36% Inner Regional 57% 9 Theatre 9% Textiles 2% Screen Arts 1% Puppetry 1% Physical Theatre 3% Photography 2% Community Cultural Development 3% Craft 4% Dance 4% Literature 13% Cross Regional 1% Very Remote/ Isolated 3% Remote 7% Music 17% Multi-Arts 5% Outer Regional 32% 1. Country Arts Support Program & Prop Ups CASP is an annual small grants program that supports community cultural development in regional NSW. Applications close in mid- February and successful applications are notified in late March. The funding pool is divided evenly across the 14 regions, 13 RABs and one covering local government areas that do not contribute to a RAB. Applications are assessed by regional panels. In 2010, 155 projects totalling $242,422 were approved. The funds available for this program continue to fall well short of the demand and this year 238 applications were received requesting a total amount of $480,728.

12 CAPACITY BUILDING CASP 2010 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY ACTIVITY TYPE Art Exhibitions 1% Artists-in-residence 2% Community seminars/forums 6% Exhibition curators 1% Festivals/event activities 7% Oral History Project 1% Other local initiatives 4% Professional performances 8% Public art/design projects 9% CASP 2010 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY MAIN TARGET GROUP Elderly 3% Disability Groups 2% Children 15% General Community 47% Indigenous 4% Men 1% Women 5% Youth 19% Artists/Artsworkers 6% Workshops 61% The CASP also includes a limited amount for Prop Ups (quick response grants) which provides assistance for performing arts projects, such as a touring production, that become available at short notice and outside the annual funding round. Although some regions prefer to allocate their Prop Ups allocation to meet the high demand for CASP funds, 6 projects totalling $3,272 were funded in

13 CAPACITY BUILDING REGIONAL ARTS FUND 2011 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY MAIN TARGET GROUP Youth 25% Women 6% Indigenous 25% Disability Groups 13% General Community 31% REGIONAL ARTS FUND 2011 SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS BY ARTFORM Visual Arts 31% Theatre 6% Screen Arts 6% Physical Theatre 6% Circus 7% Craft 13% Literature 6% Multi-Arts 6% Music 13% Photography 6% Regional Arts Fund : Community Grants & Quick Response Grants In 2010 RAF entered into the third year of its four year funding agreement with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Office for the Arts (previously DEWHA). The Community Grants program is designed to support arts and cultural activities that are sustainable, have long term cultural, economic and social benefits, develop partnerships and cultural networks and provide skills development opportunities. Multi year projects can be funded under this program. During 2010, 25 RAF projects totalling $368,760 were delivered, including four multiple year projects commencing their first year and five continuing from previous years. The funding round for projects commencing in 2011 closed in August applications were received and 16 new projects funded totalling $233,169, including one 2 year project. The RAF also delivers the Quick Response Grants program for which $10,000 is allocated to each quarter of the year. The Quick Response Grants program supports professional development for artists or skills or arts development for community projects and, in 2010, 28 projects totalling $31,949 were funded.

14 CAPACITY BUILDING Funding Development: Targeted Communities This project is a RAF Strategic Initiative Project and aims to increase the number and quality of grants applications submitted by communities that currently do not access the RAF through building their capacity to be competitive. This project is managed by the Funding Manager and involves conducting Funding Workshops in specific communities across regional NSW targeted for assistance in consultation with the regional arts Network and on the basis of research into funding history. In 2010 workshops were conducted by the funding manager and funding officer in Singleton, Cootamundra, Walla Walla, Tocumwal, North West (Moree and Narrabri), Moss Vale and Taree. 125 participants from approximately 50 regional communities attended and included artists and artsworkers in many different artforms, local government representatives, cultural and community development workers, health workers, project managers, executive officers, administrators, festival directors, event managers, grants officers, curators, gallery directors, librarians, audience development workers, teachers, committee members, youth workers, gallery owners and business managers from a range of arts and non-arts organisations. Funding Manager, Annette Eassie willow weaving at Junction Photo: Nicci Parry-Jones 12

15 CAPACITY BUILDING Jane Kreis, RADO Arts North West and Jamie-Lea Hodges, RADO Out Back Arts at Junction Photo: Nicci Parry Jones 13 Professional Development: Conferences 1. Regional Arts Australia National Conference. Staff from Regional Arts NSW and 12 of the 13 regional arts boards attended the Junction 2010 conference in Launceston on August. Additional funding was sourced from Arts NSW and Regional Arts Australia for travel assistance to enable the attendance of 22 regional artists and volunteers from NSW. Overall there were 126 delegates from NSW from a total attendance of almost 700. Two volunteers from NSW were recognised for their outstanding contributions to their local communities. Leigh Scott from Cootamundra (ERAP) and Kent Mayo from Uralla (Arts NW) were presented with their Awards by the Patron of Regional Arts Australia, Mr Michael Bryce AM AE and CEO of the Australia Council, Kathy Keele. Highlights were the keynote speakers including, Francois Matarasso from the UK, an independent researcher and writer specialising in community cultural practice, Italian born Ernesto Sirolli, a noted authority in the field of social enterprise and sustainable economic development and Mike White, a UK authority on the role of the arts in health promotion and community health, plus Australians including Mark Pesce, Marcus Westbury and Jane Bennett as well as a huge program of workshops, breakout sessions and other conference activities. As with all RAA National Conferences, the Arts Festival surrounding the event was a wonderful showcase encompassing theatre, dance, opera, visual arts, writing, installation and more. These were mostly free and participatory events which invited and encouraged public interaction and involvement. Travel assistance recipient, Catherine Stewart from South West Arts, commented, the experience of attending the Tasmanian Regional Arts Conference has enriched my knowledge in many ways, particularly community Arts development ideas/projects, business opportunities, networking, social research and how vital a role the Arts plays in the fabric of our lives.

16 CAPACITY BUILDING Arts & Health Australia Conference keynote speakers, Mary Robson, artist, social educator and Associate for Arts in Health and Education and Mike White, Research and Development Fellow in Arts in Health from the Centre for Medical Humanities, University of Durham with Clive Parkinson, Director, Arts for Health, Manchester Metropolitan University Professional Development: Regional Staff 2. Arts & Health Conference Regional Arts NSW supported the second The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing International Arts and Health Conference held in Melbourne, November by promoting it through the website and e-bulletin. We sponsored the Arts and Health Australia Awards for Excellence 2010 for Arts and Health in Regional and Rural Australia which was awarded to Beyond Empathy. Australian and international leaders in both the arts and health fields presented an extensive program of plenary and breakout sessions including Dr Gary Christenson, Director, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minnesota, USA; David Crosbie, CEO, Mental Health Council of Australia; Sally Denman, Arts in Mental Health, Napa State Hospital, California, USA; Bruce Esplin, Commissioner, Office of Emergency Services, Victoria; Dr Anne Marie Freybourg, Director, DRK Hospitals Art Programme, Berlin, Germany; Dr Jill Gordon, Associate Professor at the Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, University of Sydney; Dr Hilton Koppe, Medical Educator, North Coast GP Training, Lennox Head, NSW; Corbett Lyon, Conrad Gargett Lyons Architects, Brisbane; Carrie McGee, Education and Public Access Programs, Museum of Modern Art, New York, USA; Professor Patrick McGorry AO, Professor of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne; Clive Parkinson, Director, Arts for Health, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK; and Mary Robson, Associate for Arts in Health and Education, University of Durham, UK. 14

17 CAPACITY BUILDING Scene from Bush Christening in Blackets Barn, Tocal Homestead funded by CASP Two optional skills development workshops were presented for regional staff adjoining the regular network meetings March RANSW Finance Manager, Palmarita D Orazio presented Financial Management for Non-Accountants for RADOs and regional administration staff. 11 people attended this session. 21 July half day training session presented by Accessible Arts. 7 people attended this session Funding Officer, Ben Sibson provided individual hands on training sessions in the use of the state-wide database for a number of regional staff. Some of these sessions took place in the Sydney office during the regular network meetings and others were undertaken in the regions during scheduled travel for funding workshops.

18 COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Travers Ross performing at Local MADE Concert funded by Regional Arts Fund Quicks grant April 2010.

19 COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING E-bulletin and website The monthly e-bulletin and the website are the main communication tools and content is continuously refined and updated monthly e-bulletins were transmitted during 2010 (Dec/Jan editions are combined) 3,651 subscribers now receive the e-bulletin. A Twitter account was established for announcements. Website content is updated on an ongoing basis. RADOs and Board members are able to access documents via a secure log-in. OVERALL VISITS December November September July May March The Grants Calendar is continuously updated and has proved a valuable tool for the RABs and other organisations. January Visits OVERALL PAGE VIEWS December November September July May March January Page Views

20 COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING RANSW WEBSITE STATISTICS 2010 Traffic and Activity Trends 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Busiest Months Visits July March February August Busiest Months Page Views May March April February Busiest Months Page Views Per Visit May April March September Busiest Months Time Spent Per Visit January May June April Busiest Months Bandwith GBs July September August May Traffic and Activity Summary 2010 Visits Page Views Page Views Per Visit Time Spent Per Visit Hits Downloads Bandwidth GBs Jan 24,443 43, :59 345, , Feb 31,031 52, :13 510, , Mar 31,211 63, :47 628, , Apr 26,259 54, :49 492, , May 28,861 66, :47 556, , June 27,375 46, :27 522, , July 31,725 49, :20 584, , Aug 30,632 49, :42 540, , Sep 26,662 49, :30 545, , Oct 27,651 43, :36 492, , Nov 27,412 47, :42 462, , Dec 25,075 43, :27 355, , Avg. 28, , :45 503, ,

21 COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING PAGE VIEWS PER VISIT December November September July May March January Page Views Per Visit (Mins) In 2010 the total number of visits to the website was 338,337, reflecting an increase of 30,725 visits from 2009, when the total number of visits was 307,612 (see 2009 Annual Report). 19 In 2010 the average number of visits per month was 28,194.75, reflecting an average increase of 2, visits per month from 2009, when the average number of visits per month was 25, (see 2009 Annual Report). The average number of pages viewed per visit was 1.8 in 2010, a decrease from 2009 when the average number of pages viewed per visit was Similarly, the average length of each visit was 4.45 minutes in 2010, a decrease from 2009 when the average length of each visit was 5.14 minutes (see 2009 Annual Report). We expect that the decrease in these figures reflects changes made to the website during 2010 to increase the site s navigability, allowing visitors to find the information they need more quickly with fewer page clicks. In 2010 the busiest months for overall website activity were May and July, followed by March and April and indicate interest in the funding programs.

22 COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES THAT BUILD POSITIVE FUTURES FOR REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES ACROSS NEW SOUTH WALES ADVOCACY CAPACITY BUILDING COMMUNICATION SUPPORT Palette on the Pier: Photo by Alexander Kesselaar alexkess.com Print A new RANSW promotional brochure outlining our programs was produced. An updated Grant Writing Guide for use in funding workshops was produced Annual Report was distributed to all stakeholders including all councils contributing to the regional arts board program. Media A number of media releases throughout the year relating to the grants programs were distriibuted. A 12 month contract with a media tracking service that enables us to support RABs with clippings was commenced. Events Palette on the Pier 27 October 2010 Palette on the Pier was created as an annual event to be held in the 4 th quarter of the year to promote and create business for the various traders based in Walsh Bay Precinct who are members of the Walsh Bay Precinct Partnership, to provide a financial benefit to the non-profit arts organisations located in the Precinct and to build relationships between the arts sector, business sector and local residents. The event was a degustation dinner with each course supplied by one of the participating restaurants and matching wines from the Canowindra region. Two bands provided entertainment and there was a silent auction of a diverse range of artworks representing each of the regional arts boards. The NSW Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Virginia Judge MP, was the guest of honour for the evening. The outcomes for RANSW were an increased profile in Sydney, especially with the other arts organisations located in Walsh Bay which has opened the door for future partnerships, an opportunity for regional artists to show their work to a Sydney audience and a successful fundraising event that raised $17,000 for the RANSW Public Fund. 20

23 COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Palette on the Pier: Photo by Alexander Kesselaar alexkess.com Angela Prior demonstrates lantern making at Walsh Bay Open Day. Photo RANSW 21 RANSW acknowledges the support from the RADOs, regional artists, our suppliers including Swell Design Group and Paragon Printing, the Walsh Bay arts organisations including the Sydney Theatre Co for ticketing, Brigid Kennedy, Chair of the Walsh Bay Precinct Association and Director Simmer on the Bay, Stephen Bradley, Chair of the Walsh Bay Arts Group, Luke Meads, Precinct Manager, participating restaurants and all those who volunteered time to make this a success. In particular, the contribution of Hannah Fitzroy our Event Co-ordinator, was critical to the success of the event. Walsh Bay Open Day 5 December 2010 This year the Sydney Theatre Company s biennial open day was expanded to include all the arts organisations located in Walsh Bay. A free day of behind the scenes tours, workshops, performances and forums was supplemented by a mini trade fair of peak bodies and services organisations in the precinct. All coordination of the event was done by the Sydney Theatre Company and RANSW was invited to have a presence. We participated in the trade fair on the apron between Pier 4 and Pier 3. Market stall booths gave us an opportunity to display our promotional material. We contracted Angela Prior, a lantern maker from the central west to demonstrate her art to passing visitors, facilitated a performance in Pier 2/3 by Beyond Empathy and the CEO participated in the Directors Forum chaired by Margaret Throsby in the Sydney Theatre. This event also contributed to raising our profile in Sydney due to the marketing and publicity generated for the event and through our participation on the day. We received many visitors to our booth and answered a number of queries about our programs.

24 SUPPORT & SERVICES RANSW FUNDING PROGRAM PHONE ENQUIRIES BY MONTH Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Enquiries All RANSW staff respond to a variety of phone enquiries requesting assistance and information for individuals and organisations about all our programs. During 2010 the Funding Office trialled the use of software to track phone enquiries regarding funding programs. A total of 765 enquiries regarding funding programs were recorded. A month by month breakdown showed peak activity in the months of February and August coinciding with the announcement of CASP and RAF. It is planned to extend the use of this program to more effectively track enquiries about other programs during Financial Services RANSW provides financial management support and group insurance policies for the regional Network. The support provided by the Finance Manager has contributed to building the capacity of RABs to manage their own finances. All RABs now manage their own vehicles choosing to lease or buy regionally and 2010 was the final year that we lodged FBT returns for 5 regional boards. Ongoing advice on various accounting and tax issues is provided to regional staff. All group insurance policies undergo annual review to obtain the best outcomes for the network of regional arts bodies and arts organisations. Group public liability insurance covers 65 regional arts organisations. In addition we manage group policies for association liability insurance for all regional arts boards, volunteers personal accident and sickness insurance for 82 regional arts entities, property insurance for 6 regions and motor vehicle insurance for 6 vehicles. These group policies provide substantial savings for the participating organisations. In 2010, following legal advice, the Trustees of the Arts Council of NSW Foundation decided to dissolve the Trust and transfer the funds to the Regional Arts NSW Public Fund which also has DGR status. All documentation regarding this matter including establishing new bank accounts, advice to the ATO and ROCO has now been completed. Finalising this matter which dated back to 2004 enabled RANSW to hold its first fundraising event, Palette on the Pier, in association with the Walsh Bay Precinct Partnership on 27 October,

25 SUPPORT & SERVICES Giinagay Welcome Wall, Dorrigo Rainforest Centre Funded by Regional Arts Fund grant Photo: Barbara Webster 23 State-wide Database Project The state-wide database project continued to expand during 2010, as more Regional Arts Boards slowly migrate to the usage of the system. As of February 2011, 9 of the 14 Regional Arts Boards have imported their data to the system and have full access. The usage of these regions is being monitored and ranges from minor and sporadic information retrieval to fully blown replacement of all contact management systems. It is predicted that 3 more of the Regional Arts Boards are likely to adopt the system in 2011, contributing to the overall integrity of the data available on a state-wide level. RANSW s ongoing investment in this system has enabled considerable streamlining of grants administration processes at regional and state levels. It provides accurate and accessible data for reporting and analysis, and enables tracking of the management of the grant through its entire cycle. As it is accessed via the web, all participating RABs can store and retrieve their data from any location and do not have to invest in expensive localised hardware or software. The integration of grants management and contact management systems results in a greater degree of accurate information from both areas, and the fact that information is shared throughout all participating RABs means that new information, error correction, and alterations to existing data occur more regularly, and the results are available instantaneously to all users within the network. Research 1. Training and Education Needs in the NSW Aboriginal Visual Arts Sector This research was commissioned by Arts NSW and most of the field work was undertaken in 2009 by Research Officer, Ruben Allas. The information was collated and added to by Annette Eassie who wrote the final report. The final report was delivered to Arts NSW in April 2010 and has now been published on the RANSW website.

26 SUPPORT & SERVICES The Outhouse Storycatcher and UTS research team at the Kilfera Field Day, Central Darling Shire 2. ARC Linkage Grant: Cultural Asset Mapping Cultural Asset Mapping for Planning and Development in Regional Australia (CAMRA) is a major 2.5 million dollar Australian Research Council and industry funded project running from 2008 to RANSW is a partner in this project which aims to provide planners, policy-makers and communities in regional Australia with the knowledge they need to make better-informed planning decisions for more effective development of their local arts and cultural industries. During 2010 the CAMRA Project continued the development of defining criteria for cultural assets in the project regions of the Central Darling, Uralla-Armidale and Wollongong and commenced the analysis of research data collected in Major achievements include: Analysis of participatory mapping research conducted in Wollongong. This analysis involved coding of all interview data (from 250+ participants) and geocoding accompanying maps. The Outhouse Storycatcher 2010 Tour cultural mapping research fieldwork by UTS was undertaken in the Central Darling Shire. Researchers visited the towns of Ivahnoe, Menindee, White Cliffs and Wilcannia with an interactive videobooth to engage residents in identifying local cultural assets. A series of mapping interviews with creative practitioners and community leaders were also undertaken. org.au/central-darling/outhouse-research Residents from Uralla Shire were invited to fill in a questionnaire about the local assets they value. The survey ran from July to October The responses are being analysed to better understand the unique local arts and cultural industries. A map of some of the important local cultural assets, identified by the community responses, has been created and presented on the website. Rural Arts Centres survey CAMRA researcher Lisa Andersen asked arts centres located in NSW towns and villages of less than 15,000 people to fill in a detailed questionnaire about their activities, income streams and planning. This research aims to make these important cultural venues more visible at regional, state and federal levels and (for the first time) describe the important role they play in regional development. A report on these findings, and on the issues affecting arts centres ongoing sustainability, will be published in partnership with Regional Arts NSW during

27 SUPPORT & SERVICES NSW RADOs at November 2010 Network Meeting. Photo RANSW 25 Culturemap Website Since the July 2009 launch of the Empty Spaces site, 289 bona fide members have registered for the online community (almost 5 people per week). Members receive a weekly linked digest of new site content and posts. During 2010 the CAMRA project partnered with Arts NSW and others to publish the Empty Spaces research and development website promoting pop-up, short-term reuse of empty shops and other spaces for creative enterprises in regional Australia. Google Analytics data for one month, November 2010, showed 1,893 visits to the site and 6,037 pageviews. 86% of visitors were from Australia. Network Meetings There were three, two day Network meetings for regional arts board staff members held on 15 and 16 March, 19 and 20 July and 15 and 16 November. All meetings were held in the Training Room at Accessible Arts. Agendas for the meetings include a broad range of strategic and operational issues of relevance to regional staff and presentations from Sydney based government and arts agencies and arts organisations. In addition the meetings provide a valuable mechanism for sharing of information and experiences in the field, foster peer support and strengthen relationships between Sydney and regional staff. RANSW hosted an informal pub dinner on 19 July for all regional staff to farewell former RADOs Jack Ritchie and Lois Randall and to welcome new RADOs Tony Duke (Arts Northern Rivers), Jane Kreis (Arts North West), acting RADO Ivan Skaines who was covering for Bridget Nicholson from Arts Upper Hunter who was on extended leave, as well as new support staff from regional boards.

28 SUPPORT & SERVICES RADO Recruitment The new appointments for 2010 were Tony Duke (Arts Northern Rivers), Jane Kreis (Arts North West) and following a staffing restructure by the Outback Arts RAB, Jamie Lea Hodges was confirmed in the RADO position. Scott Howie was appointed to Eastern Riverina Arts Program in December to take up his position in January 2011 replacing Mark Reedman who has taken up the Communications Officer part-time position at ERAP in order spend more time on his professional practice. The CEO worked with the Chairs and the boards, providing advice, developing recruitment schedules, ad copy, position descriptions, sample contracts as well as participating in the short listing process and sitting on the interview panels when required. National Travel RANSW staff travelled to attend RAA meetings in Canberra (March & June), Launceston (April) and attended the RAA National Conference in Launceston (August), the Australia Council s Arts Marketing Summit in Brisbane (June) and the Arts and Health Conference in Melbourne (November). 26 Amanda Colwell, Chair Out Back Arts, Elizabeth Rogers, CEO RANSW, Jamie-Lea Hodges, newly confirmed RADO Out Back Arts in Coonamble.

29 SUPPORT & SERVICES David Fahey, Chair of Morundah Bush Entertainment Committee Inc and Elizabeth Rogers, CEO, RANSW in main street of Morundah. Photo: Mark Reedman 27 Regional Travel Eleven of the 14 regions were visited by RANSW staff during The CEO continued to travel extensively to attend regional board meetings, meet with regional councils and arts organisations, to attend events to provide support for the regional staff and regional arts boards and to assist with RADO recruitment panels. The Funding Manager and Funding Officer delivered a series of funding workshops under the Targeted Communities project, attended events funded through the RAF and provided database training for regional staff. 30 regional cities and towns were visited during the year.

30 MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE Flowing Cactus, one of the many knitted items from The Knitted Garden project by the Natty Knitters of Griffith - funded by CASP 2010.

31 MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE Board Matters The new structure for Regional Arts NSW, adopted at an Extraordinary General Meeting in Sydney on 2 July 2009, completed its first full year of operation. The first meeting of the RANSW Advisory Council held on 22 April 2010 brought together all the Chairs of the Regional Arts Boards to exchange information, receive information updates to assist them in their roles as Chairs, review the RANSW strategic plan and participate in the first election of regional directors to the Board of RANSW. 29 The new smaller board met five times during the year giving directors greater capacity to effectively oversee the governance of the organisation. The outstanding matter of the company s allied entity the Arts Council of NSW Foundation governed by a Trust Deed was finally resolved this year with the dissolution of the Trust and the transfer of funds to the RANSW Public Fund. The Board took legal advice to resolve this matter that dated back to The resolution of this matter enabled RANSW to undertake its first fundraising activity, Palette on the Pier and to accept donations to the Public Fund. Funding Matters 1. Arts NSW Completed the second year of a three year negotiated funding agreement with Arts NSW for core operations, acquitted the grant on time, submitted a revised business plan and budget for Received a one-off increase of $50,000 for the 2011 CASP round. Received $15,000 in travel assistance grants to support regional artists attending the RAA National Conference in Launceston. 2. Regional Arts Fund DEWHA Following the Federal election in August 2010, this fund transferred from DEWHA to the Dept of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Office for the Arts with the Hon. Simon Crean appointed as the new Arts Minister (for activities under this fund, please refer to CAPACITY BUILDING, Funding Programs)., 3. Australia Council At the commencement of the third year of the three year agreement with the Australia Council under Community Partnerships as a key service organisation, we were advised that the funding would cease due to the closure of CCD NSW. After considerable negotiation the funding was reinstated for six months following which a new agreement was signed for a further 18 months funding to align with the triennial agreement with Arts NSW.

32 FINANCIAL REPORT Auditor s Independence Declaration under s307c of the Corporations Act 2001

33 Income Statement

34 Balance Sheet

35 Statement of Changes in Equity

36 Cash Flow Statement

37 Directors Declaration

38 Independent Audit Report

39 Independent Audit Report

40 REGIONAL ARTS NSW FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES THAT BUILD POSITIVE FUTURES FOR REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES ACROSS NEW SOUTH WALES ADVOCACY CAPACITY BUILDING COMMUNICATION SUPPORT Regional Arts NSW is a member of Regional Arts Australia Regional Arts NSW Tel Fax info@regionalartsnsw.com.au Address Pier 5, 15 Hickson Road Walsh Bay NSW