Food For Thought & Art News
Check out what we’ve been tuning into this month. If you’d like to have a chat about anything below, you can book in a time HERE
Strong social connections & healthy relationships are foundational to building resilient communities, cross Australia. Various initiatives exemplify this by fostering community engagement & support. Here are a few notable projects:
1.Reflections/Habitations at Bundanon Art Museum
Filipino-born artist duo Isabel & Alfredo Aquilizan are creating a community-involved installation at Bundanon Art Museum on the NSW south coast. Their piece, Reflections/Habitations, features a toppled tree sculpture made from timber beams & cardboard sculptures created by visitors, encouraging participants to reflect on the concept of home & the effects of deforestation. This project emphasizes community participation & collective creativity. theguardian.com
2. ActNow Theatre
Based in Adelaide, ActNow Theatre is a community-based company that creates devised, interactive & issue-based theatre projects focused on social justice. Their projects involve participatory theatre techniques, empowering audiences to contribute to broader social movements. They focus on communities of LGBTIQ+, First Nations Australians & culturally + linguistically diverse communities, – fostering social connections through the arts. en.wikipedia.org
3. Namatjira Project
Conducted by arts & social change company Big hART in conjunction with the descendants of the late Indigenous artist Albert Namatjira, this project aims to strengthen intergenerational ties & preserve Namatjira’s legacy. It involves community cultural development, including painting & digital arts workshops in the Hermannsburg community, promoting social connections & cultural resilience. en.wikipedia.org
4. Community Arts Network (CAN) Projects
Supported by Lotterywest, CAN’s Story Street & Dream Plan Do projects aim to increase participation & engagement in community arts activities in the Cities of Wanneroo, Canning, & Stirling. These initiatives provide up-skilling opportunities for culturally + linguistically diverse communities, fostering social connections through creative expression communityimpacthub.wa.gov.au
All these projects highlight the importance of fostering social connections & healthy relationships to enhance community resilience. By participating in or supporting such initiatives, individuals can contribute to building stronger, more connected communities
🎨 Starting an Arts-Based Business? Here’s What You Need to Know!
💡Turning your creative passion into a business can be incredibly rewarding, but there are key things to consider to help you succeed:
🖌️ Authentic Identity – Does your branding reflect what you’re creating, selling or performing? A strong, authentic identity builds trust & attracts the right audience
🤝 Networking – While it can feel like time away from your craft, connecting with supporters, mentors & potential patrons is crucial for growth
💰 Pricing & Finances – Pricing your work fairly (based on expenses & market demand) – don’t undervalue your hard work!📲 Using Technology – Social media can help you test ideas, build an audience & generate buzz. Setting up a mailing list is a great way to invite people to your shows, exhibitions or sales initiatives
🚀 Keep Learning – Investing time in training or courses to develop new skills can take your business to the next level
Starting out can feel overwhelming, but with the right foundations, your creative business can flourish!
Bridging the gap between arts & business The Art-Life Balance: Navigating Creativity Without ‘Selling Out’
Why is it so challenging to maintain a balance between creative passion & financial pragmatism? For many creatives, their practice is more than just a job; it’s a passion or even akin to a spiritual calling
The primary driver for most creatives is the exploration of ideas & expressions, not the business aspects….which are often viewed with less enthusiasm. This discrepancy can lead to financial complications that have the potential to significantly impact a creative’s career
We’ve compiled several articles that delve into this age-old dilemma, offering insights & experiences from various creative practitioners.
https://www.muddycolors.com/2023/07/art-vs-business-a-love-hate-story/
https://artbusinessnews.com/2013/03/art-vs-commerce-the-artists-eternal-conflict/
We also offer a course that can assist creatives in developing a business plan that is designed by creatives who understand the challenges. Check out the ArtsAction program page for more information.
Arts Funding & Stipends
Check out these interesting & innovative examples of funding models from across the world – could be some great ideas here for Australian arts funding
France – Regional Fund for Emerging Talent France (FoRTE): Provides young artists (18-30) with grants of €2,500 per month for up to 10 months to support their professional development
https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/city-project/paris-regional-fund-for-emerging-talent/
European Union – Creative Europe: A funding program supporting cultural, creative & audiovisual sectors across Europe through dedicated strands for culture, media & cross-sectoral activities
https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe
Sweden – Konstnärsnämnden (The Swedish Arts Grants Committee): Offers long-term stipends & project grants to support Swedish artists in developing their practice & sharing their work
Canada – Artistic Creation Grants: Provides funding for Canadian artists, groups & organisations to support research, creation, production & public sharing of artistic works
https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/grants
Mexico – Fondo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes (FONCA): Offers grants & scholarships to Mexican artists for high-quality cultural & artistic projects through open calls & peer selection
https://www.gob.mx/cultura/acciones-y-programas/fondo-nacional-para-la-cultura-y-las-artes-fonca
Brazil – Rouanet Law: Encourages individuals & businesses to invest in cultural activities through tax incentives that support national creative projects
https://thebrazilbusiness.com/article/introduction-to-rouanet-law
