JULY – DECEMBER 2014 ANNUAL REPORT BELCONNEN ARTS CENTRE INCORPORATED
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Cover: Spring Winds Festival This page: Regional Weave exhibition
Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
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CONTENTS Chair’s Report
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Treasurer’s Report and Financial Statement
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Chief Executive Officer’s Report
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Governance Statement
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Staffing Report
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Creative Program
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Community Cultural Inclusion Program
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Exhibition Program
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Artists in Residence (AIR)
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Performance and Community Events
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Workshops and Classes
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Media and Marketing
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Venue Hire
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Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
Chair’s Report Although this is a uniquely short reporting period I commend to you BAC’s excellent community arts and cultural program delivered in the last half of 2014 attracting participants and practitioners from across the ACT community and beyond. BAC has sustained a sound financial positon and importantly, has a clear vision for its future. I was honoured to assume the Chair in October 2014, having joined the Board a month earlier. During these few months I have had great pleasure in becoming familiar with the operations of one of the ACT’s most awarded and rapidly growing community arts and cultural organisations. A key governance consideration has been the changeover of five Board directors. I particularly thank my predecessor, Evol McLeod, for leaving us with a vibrant organisation and a strong Board and staff group. Along with Evol, I thank Mr Rex Hollier (past Treasurer), Mr Graham Bauerle, Ms Gillian Harris-Mayes and Dr Asmi Wood for their fine governance and valued work. Their work, along with continuing directors Ms Tara Cheyne, Professor Paul Hetherington and Ms Trenna Langdon, has facilitated the induction of myself and new directors – Mr Philip Nizette, Mr David Newling, Ms Lora Shaw and Ms Jennie Seppings in our new roles. Belconnen Arts Centre now explicitly places community arts and cultural development at the heart of all it does. To this end we have four skillfully curated galleries, we provide a focus for community events and run a resourceful suite of programs, workshops and arts and cultural development opportunities for everyone in our community. Our challenge ahead is to extend our contribution to arts and cultural activity in the ACT and beyond and grow our potential revenue raising capacity. In addition to thanking fellow board members past and present, I also thank Daniel and his team, our casual staff, all our committed volunteers and BAC’s many supporters, sponsors and partners. Each contribution is important in building such a vital and enviable community resource. Finally, I thank artsACT, Minister Joy Burch and the ACT Government for the confidence they continue to show in our chosen direction.
Julia Mulligan Chair, Belconnen Arts Centre Incorporated
Spring Winds Festival
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Treasurer’s Report and Financial Statement July–December 2014 In the shortened operating period of July–December 2014, Belconnen Arts Centre Inc. achieved its third consecutive surplus, with a final result of $5,205 profit on a total income of $488,491 (1.1%). This outcome, in line with budget, has been achieved through a strong focus on obtaining grants for program activity, continuing growth in venue hiring revenue, and strong results in workshop enrolments and artwork sales commissions. Expansion in these areas has contributed directly to Belconnen Arts Centre’s capacity to support its flagship community programs that embrace our community arts and cultural development goals. We remain committed to the development of Stage 2 of the facility, which will create opportunities to generate significant revenues both from internal and external programs, and in the creation of activities that are of sufficient scale to attract donations, philanthropy and long-term partnerships. The asset position of the organisation remains strong at $539,773 at December 31 2014, compared to a liability of $436,871. Correcting for grants received in advance, Belconnen Arts Centre holds an asset to liability ratio of 2.02:1, in line with the key benchmark of artsACT. Current equity for the organisation passed $100,000 for the first time, ending the year at $102,902, exceeding the baseline of 10% of total income set by the ACT government. 2014 marked the end of Belconnen Arts Centre’s first five year grant, with a successful application for 2015-19 Key Arts Funding being achieved and ongoing support for the Community Cultural Inclusion Program currently in negotiation. Looking forward, expansion of Belconnen Arts Centre’s capacity to source income remains a primary focus, with increased efforts towards securing grants and funding from the public and private sectors. For the first time, BAC has sought significant multi-year funding at a federal level through the Australia Council’s six-year funding in the category of Community & Cultural Development, with the results of this application to be known later in 2015. Partnerships, for instance with the University of Canberra, Musica Viva and Young Music Society, offer an opportunity for BAC to leverage its substantial capacity in venue space in creating activities that are cherished by the public and which contribute to the financial health of the organisation. I commend this year’s results and look forward to BAC’s second five-year phase as it takes its place as a vital, expanding and sustainable asset for the Canberra community.
David Newling
Treasurer, Belconnen Arts Centre Incorporated
Artspace workshop
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Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
Chief Executive Officer’s Report The six month period covered in this report marks great progress. A new Key Arts Organisation five year funding term was confirmed with artsACT; the Arts Centre’s Stage 2 final project sketch plans were completed and a development approval secured for a universally supported “shovel ready” cultural infrastructure project; a completed five year strategic plan placing community arts and cultural development front and centre; preparation of an expression of interest to the community arts and cultural development panel of the Australia Council for six year organisation funding; recruitment of a new Creative Program Director; consolidation of the Community Cultural Inclusion Program; growth in our relationship with our members including Belconnen Community Council, Belconnen Community Services and the University of Canberra; a further operating surplus and achievement of key financial sustainability measures; and most importantly of all the sustained delivery of a great and expanding program of arts and cultural activities both on and off the Belconnen Arts Centre site. I cannot be more grateful for the imaginative and hardworking team we have here, and for a Board, both past and present, who understand, guide and support so fully what we do. But most importantly we would not be anything without all those members of our community who we work and share with, from some who simply call in to visit an exhibition, to those who sponsor us, supply necessary services or contribute financially as Friends or choose complete engagement through volunteering their time and imagination to deliver our activities. Thank you all.
Daniel Ballantyne Chief Executive Officer
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Griffyn Ensemble presents Science
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Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
Governance Statement Belconnen Arts Centre Incorporated (Belconnen Arts Centre Inc.) is a not–for–profit incorporated association established in May 2009 to manage and operate Belconnen Arts Centre on Emu Bank, Belconnen ACT.
Membership The general membership of the organisation over the July–-December 2014 year was 5 financial members, these being community organisations having an interest in the Belconnen region. Members at 31 December 2014 were: 1.
Belconnen Community Council
2.
Belconnen Community Services
3.
Phoenix Players
4.
Strathnairn Arts Association
5.
University of Canberra
The BAC Board plans for succession through its recruitment effort and sub–committee structure. The current Board has a focus on enhanced recruitment options including restoring the practice of ACT Government Ministerial appointments. The Board has a documented and detailed table of the range of skills it seeks in new members and this strategy has ensured key specialisations such as legal, human resources management, and cultural development are maintained. Formal conflict of interest policies are in place and any real or perceived interest must be declared at the commencement of any Board meeting. The Board has met each month following Executive and Finance meetings with attendance records, minutes and actions maintained for all meetings. The Belconnen Arts Centre constitution was amended at a Special General Meeting on 24 April 2015 to change the end of financial year date for the organisation from 30 June to 31 December. This brings Belconnen Arts Centre in line with other Key Arts Organisations and with the recurrent funding calendar of artsACT.
1 Million Stars to End Violence project
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“ I’ve been to the Arts Centre lots of times and loved it! I’ve danced there and attended kite flying and other events.” Visitor, via Facebook
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Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
Board of Management Board Membership as at 31 December 2014 Name
Position, representation and skills
Commenced
Review
Ms Julia Mulligan
Chair – appointed member, governance, arts management
September 2014
AGM April 2015
Mr Philip Nizette
Deputy Chair – appointed member, community arts, landscape architect
August 2014
AGM April 2015
Mr David Newling
Treasurer – appointed member, GAICD, CFO Geocon Pty Ltd
October 2014
AGM April 2015
Ms Tara Cheyne
Secretary – Delegate member representing Belconnen Community Council
May 2014
AGM April 2015
Dr Paul Hetherington
Delegate member representing University of Canberra, cultural policy & literature
April 2013
AGM April 2015
Ms Trenna Langdon
Delegate member representing Strathnairn Arts, government & policy development
February 2014
AGM April 2015
Ms Lora Shaw
Appointed member, law
September 2014
AGM April 2015
Board Members who served in the period 1 July – 31 December 2014 Name
Position, representation and skills
Commenced
Resigned
Ms Evol McLeod OAM
Chair – appointed member, community arts, theatre, arts management
May 2010
AGM Oct 2014
Mr Rex Hollier
Treasurer - appointed member, CPA
January 2012
AGM Oct 2014
Mr Graham Bauerle
Delegate member representing Phoenix Players, theatre
February 2010
AGM Oct 2014
Ms Gillian Harris-Mayes
Appointed member, human resources
April 2013
AGM Oct 2014
Dr Asmi Wood
Appointed member, law
July 2012
AGM Oct 2014
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Staffing Report Operational Structure as at December 2014
The staffing structure as at 31 December 2014:
Daniel Ballantyne Chief Executive Officer 1.0 FTE
Jack Lloyd Business & Operations Director 1.0 FTE
Vacant Creative Program Director 1.0 FTE
Phillip Piggin Community Cultural Inclusion Officer BAC 1.0 FTE
BAC CCIP Total Casual Pool Volunteer Pool
Ann McMahon Community Cultural Inclusion Officer CCIP 1.0 FTE
Robyn Frances Higgins Community Cultural Inclusion Officr CCIP 1.0 FTE
Pat Miller Finance Officer 0.8 FTE
Dianne Libke Front of House Officer 0.7FTE
Julia Boyd Event & Marketing Officer 1.0 FTE
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) 6.5 2 8.5 10 40
Ann McMahon at the Galamban Weave Workshop
Volunteers Over 40 registered Volunteers plus Board members provide an average of over 200 hours per month of invaluable assistance – the equivalent of one and a half extra full time staff. The Arts Centre relies heavily on this volunteer support and involvement to fulfil its vision and goals. Ongoing training ensuring that tasks are well matched to skills and interests wherever possible remains an essential commitment.
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Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
Creative Program Our Vision Belconnen Arts Centre (BAC) is the place where stories come together. We are courageous in the pursuit of art that connects and has a long–term social impact. We initiate contemporary projects that resound beyond our region. Placing people at the centre of our work, BAC is acclaimed as a leader in community arts and cultural development. The Centre is innovative and ambitious, delivering programs that resonate across the full breadth of social, cultural and political life. In creative partnership we work alongside communities, sharing a rich and diverse conversation, connecting to artists and art from across the globe, crossing physical and digital borders. We reflect on our contribution and adapt to needs.
Community Cultural Inclusion Program This year marked a significant refining of the strategic direction for the Community Cultural Inclusion Program’s work to place the means of creating art in the hands of the community. Ranging across art form and the diversity of the ACT’s communities, highlights of the program have included the NAIDOC suite of activities, exhibitions and events involving 39 Indigenous artists and cultural workers, and the I–Day and Mindscapes events showcasing the dedication and hard work of over 30 artists with disability and artists experiencing mental illness. These initiatives have been reviewed and, in this period, led to a successfully funded new program for 2015, IGNITE: Alternative Arts Academy. The strength of this well–researched initiative has been recognised through a substantial grant awarded this year by the ACT Government under the ACT Adult Community Education Grants Program. The year ahead sees the CCIP strongly advancing its commitment to supporting learning and development within the Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) sector through the delivery of an intensive workshop for artists in socially engaged and participatory practice, Belconnen Commons: Arts Lab through funding secured with artsACT’s Artist Residencies ACT Grant. This project builds from the emerging initiative presenting critically reflective conversations on CACD practice at ANU Art Forum with BighART and a collaborative event for You Are Here Festival in early 2015. Working beyond BAC as a hub for CACD practice we delivered a range of offsite initiatives with significant partnerships; working with the Disability Information and Support Hub to deliver their quarterly exhibitions, participating in the nationally and internationally supported One Million Stars to End Violence project through star weaving workshops delivered to 6 external partner organisations engaging 200 participants, and a participatory arts activity run by Artspace tutor and participants at the National Gallery of Australia during their BigDraw program. The CCIP continues to collaborate with its sister organisation in the south, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, with CCIOs working together to deliver the CCIP Launch, participatory arts activities at Playfest (Playgroups ACT), territory–wide delivery of Dance for People with Parkinson’s and establishing a community exhibition space at Namadgi National Park’s Visitors Centre. Mindscapes Performance
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Exhibitions Program The Exhibition Program was presented across all gallery spaces at BAC; the Main Gallery, Outdoor Gallery, Foyer and Arts Lounge and provided professional exhibition opportunities for local and regional artists. The program aims to deliver a wide variety of experiences for viewers by presenting community and CCIP supported shows as well as surveys, retrospectives and media specific exhibitions. To continue to grow audience participation, each exhibitor was asked to present a Public Program, such as an artist talk or associated Creative Workshop. Groups exhibitions included Strathnairn Arts Association, Radford College Student Art Show and the ACT Tenants Union exhibition. NICAN funding for I–Day and ACT Adult Community Education Grants Program support for Artspace (visual art workshops for people with disabilities) resulted in Shapes in Space, curated by Nicola Lambert. College Express continued with the sixth in the series, featuring works from Year 11 and 12 students. Artworks from Daramalan, Dickson, Gungahlin, Hawker, Radford, St Francis Xavier Colleges, Burgmann Anglican School, and UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra filling the Main, Foyer and Arts Lounge galleries. BAC partner Ray White Belconnen again gave their flagship award to a young artist along with their People’s Choice Award. Main Gallery exhibitions included significant retrospectives such as Reflections by Greg Daly, Head of Ceramics, ANU School of Art. The World Shibori Network presented textile exhibition Synergy curated by Joan James. Arts Lounge exhibitions included Prices Café, a social history exhibition presented by South East Arts, which was curated as part of the NAIDOC suite of programs. Foyer Gallery exhibition included Regional Weave, with works by over 40 established and emerging locally based Indigenous artists. A highlight of the Outdoor Gallery program was a large scale sculptural installation; Come out, come out, wherever you are... by local emerging artist Maria Kunz. Kunz was awarded the exhibition as part of the Emerging Artist Support Scheme at the ANU School of Art.
College Express 6
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Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
Artists in Residence
Workshops and Classes
Under the leadership of Michael Sollis, BAC now has three resident musical companies, The Griffyn Ensemble, Musica Viva ACT and Canberra’s renowned Young Music Society. These three resident companies now deliver most of BAC’s music program of concerts, workshops and events.
The dance program continues to be very active at BAC. Hirers included Audacity Dance, ACT Dance Independents supported by Ausdance ACT, Canberra Dance Company, Canberra School of Bollywood Dancing, Canberra Swing Katz, Dance Central, the Flamenco Centre, Hilal Dance, Sass & Tease Collective, Salsabor, Subsdance, Yoga practitioners and Dance for People with Parkinson’s, run by Parkinsons ACT. Room to Move, Inclusive Community Dance was delivered monthly by BAC.
This AIR program was initiated mid–2010 to provide opportunities for artists and groups to obtain support to realise projects or develop an enterprise. It has contributed an additional level of quality artistic activity to the Centre, across a wide range of arts genres, and contributes significantly to the development of the relationship between the Arts Centre and our community. The first residency for the period was with international dance artist Suraya Hilal, who focusses on contemporary Egyptian dance forms. This was the company’s third visit to BAC, and included an open lecture/workshop demonstration, and general and professional level workshops. BAC hosts resident AIR choir – Shades of Monday who contribute generously to events throughout the year.
Performances and Community Events The Arts Centre continues to host a wide range of performances and community events and BAC is developing a reputation as a quality destination for the presentation of a diverse range of presentations. Over the 6 months this included: Serving Country Creatively; StringSing with Shortis and Simpson and The Worldly Goods Choir and the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra; Griffyn Fairy Tales – the Three Futurists, with the Griffyn Ensemble; Dance Kaleidoscope with 9 local dance organisations; Move Speak Act, part of the Mindscapes Festival; our largest ever Christmas Celebration Market and finally the I–Day celebration. The major event for this period was Spring Winds Festival with 2,500 audience members attending, 11 performance groups, 18 family activities and 4 organisations providing refreshments, culminating in the Centre’s fifth Birthday Party. On–going programs included First Wednesday Art Video Club with Judi Power Thomson, Second Sunday Concerts with a variety of local music groups, and Second Sunday Artist Pop–ups with visual artists from the community.
A variety of craft/visual arts workshops were delivered; as one–off courses, workshop series, or as private hires by local and visiting artists. They included Artspace with Nicola Lambert, Art Soiree with Julie Bradley, Basketmaking with exhibiting artist Maria Kunz, NAIDOC Week Galamban Weave workshop, Cartooning with Andrew Hore, Upcycling Basketry with Jane Whitten and Third Tuesday Textiles with Ann McMahon. Children’s workshop programs continued strongly with Big Art Adventures led by Mary Kayser, Small Art Adventures by Julie Bradley, and First Friday and Saturday Fun for under fives by Marg Gordon. A variety of artists were invited to deliver a range of classes for the popular School Holiday Programs in Winter and Spring.
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Puppet making at the Spring School Holiday Program
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Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
Media and Marketing In line with long term marketing strategies, the July– December 2014 period saw an increased focus on accessibility, digital platforms, audience research and network growth. Increased awareness of accessibility standards resulted in continued improvement to promotional material with the aim of allowing everyone in the community to have access to programmed events. Email communications began to include building access information and large print exhibition brochures were made available. Designed material was improved; increasing font sizes and boldness. Special attention was made to the use of colour and images to ensure readability for all. Research was conducted to prepare to move email marketing to MailChimp, a mobile accessible mailing service. The long term strategy to engage with audiences online continued. This period saw engagement with online audiences by advertising programs mostly in digital formats, for example; on websites (Canberra Times online), electronic newsletters (BMA newsletter), blogs (Her Canberra) and social media. Social media was used to engage directly with audiences and in this period reached a growing audience of 2,500 people (and expanded to Instagram). For the first time in October 2014 audiences were surveyed on the ground at Spring Winds Festival about their experiences on the day. Sixty audience members gave insightful and diverse feedback about the event programming, marketing and their broader visitation habits. This exercise proved extremely useful both in shaping future marketing campaigns and large scale festival events. Major events such as Spring Winds Festival and the Exhibition Program saw the continued growth of BAC’s network of supporters. Community organisations, local business owners and Belconnen residents directly engaged with Belconnen Arts Centre marketing campaigns. Towards the end of this reporting period BAC contracted Optimo as its new venue hire management software. Optimo will allow for enhanced and accurate customer relationship management and the ability to market the facilities directly to specific client groups, to ensure continued facility usage growth. Further References available at Belconnen Arts Centre • Copies of July–December 2014 program brochure • Media Summary • Archive of media coverage, printed invitations and posters
Promotional material for Belconnen Arts Centre events
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“I love the sense of community these events bring to Belconnen” “It was such a lovely day! The dance performances were amazing” Spring Winds Festival visitors, via online Survey
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Belconnen Arts Centre from Emu Bank
Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
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Venue Hire This period continued to see busy venue hire usage across all Arts Centre spaces. The Griffyn Group commenced a long term occupancy of Creative Studio 1, 2 and 3. The group now operate Young Music Society offices and instrument hire, Musica Viva ACT and The Griffyn Ensemble offices from Belconnen Arts Centre. The diversity of our region continued to be reflected in the vibrant and busy use of the Centre as a function and gathering space. Cultural events and celebrations featured regularly in the booking calendar, with clients enjoying the central and neutral facilities that are on offer. In October, BAC successfully presented an Australian Citizenship ceremony with the ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs. This was a vibrant event welcoming many new visitors to the Centre. Creative Workshops were occupied by artists presenting classes and the Dance Studio continues to be fully subscribed in peak periods. Corporate clients continued regular use of the Meeting Room. While these trends are positive the announcement of a possible relocation of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection out of Belconnen may be a significant hurdle to overcome in coming years. Diversifying client use, particularly in the Meeting Room, will ensure the facilities’ continued activation.
IMB Community Fund Launch
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Belconnen Arts Centre Annual Report July–December 2014
Belconnen Arts Centre is an initiative of and is supported by the ACT Government
Belconnen Arts Centre 118 Emu Bank Belconnen ACT www.belconnenartscentre.com.au 02 6173 3300