Chair’s report

ANNE HENSHALL // CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Another year on and the arts industry has continued to be challenged by the effects of Covid-19. I am pleased to say that Arena Theatre Company has continued to inject an amazing amount of energy and positivity into the community despite another difficult year. Whilst we had no choice on the need to respond to the changing climate in our industry, we did have a choice about how to move forward and I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to my Arena Theatre Company Board colleagues for their time, expertise and positive commitment to ensure Arena continued to thrive in this ever-changing environment.

The Board farewelled Jon Anstey, Deputy Chair and our sincere thanks go to John for his significant contribution.

To our talented Arena team, thank you for your energy, professionalism and creativity ensuring continued engagement with young people by helping them discover their creativity and by telling their stories through projects such as Baai, Creative Classrooms, Heart VR and Hidden Creatures

Deserving of special recognition was Arena’s collaboration with the local South Sudanese community and Bendigo Community Health in the creation of Baai (Meaning Home in Dinka). This unique collaborative project, developed by Eliza Hull, Ajak Kwai, Awak Kongor and the young generation of the Bendigo South Sudanese community, produced a colourful, inspiring, and emotional film.

The development and introduction of Arena’s Equity Action Plan is another exciting step toward improving diversity within our organisation and ultimately supports a fair work culture that values the individual strengths of every employee.

Thanks must go to our Executive and Artistic Directors and Artistic Associate, Eliza Hull, for their thorough work in this area.

To accommodate increased staff levels Arena relocated to new accommodation providing improved facilities and comfort for staff together with storage on site. The relationship with Bendigo Venues & Events and its wonderful performance spaces of the Old Fire Station, Capital and Ulumburra theatres continues and strengthens each year.

A sincere thank you must go to the public and private organisations that support Arena to deliver local, regional, national and international experiences with, and for, young people. To Creative Victoria, the Federal Government’s RISE program, Australia Council, the Besen Foundation and Creative Partnerships Australia, we express our gratitude.

To our valued donors and local supporters, the entire Arena team thank you for your generosity and positive support, ensuring Arena continues to deliver quality and meaningful creative experiences for so many.

Lastly, I encourage everyone to keep their eyes open for an exciting and innovative project planned for development and presentation in 2022 that will see Arena Theatre Company venture into a whole new world through the creation of totally immersive experience.