Eight Councils in regional Victoria are working together to support their creative communities, providing them free career support via the ArtsACTION program.
Available from August 2021 to April 2022, ArtsACTION delivers inspiration and professional development for artists and creatives to activate career pathways, broaden networks, and build market reach.
The program is facilitated by Pop Up Art, a division of not-for-profit Jumpleads NFP and offers a six-part email resource pack, Zoom workshops, and access to a growing supportive network. The workshops cover topics such as being market ready, working together effectively and digital communities.
Jumpleads Director and program facilitator Sharon Seyd, who has been working in the creative industries for over 35 years, says “This program recognises that creatives are often under-resourced and overlooked – despite their importance as a highly valuable, vital sector of our communities.”
“According to Creative Victoria, in 2019-20, the creative sector contributed $31.6 billion to the Victorian economy, 8.6 per cent of the total state workforce.”
“The partners in this initiative, recognise the need for artists to develop relevant career skills and the support required for them to foster viable practices” says Sharon
“Through our experience delivering the previous three programs and working with 1000’s of artists, we have found most creatives want greater opportunities for exposure. Many need information, methods, and frameworks to maximise their potential.”
ArtsACTION has been made available free of charge thanks to generous contributions from the Helen McPehrson Smith Trust and the shires of Central Goldfields, Ballarat, Geelong, Melton, Moorabool, Mildura, Surf Coast and Swan Hill.
These partners have jumped on board for multiple reasons including: contributing to the fulfilment of creative strategies within the confines of limited resources; offering practical assistance to their creative communities who have been hit hard from the impacts of Covid19; and recognising that by bolstering the creative sector, this will have flow on benefits for the whole community.
Bruce Myers, Director Community and Cultural Services Swan Hill Rural City Council said “Council adopted its first ever Creative Strategy in 2018, and several key aspects relate to both acknowledging and celebrating the creatives in our region.”
“We’re supporting this initiative whilst the opportunity exists, particularly as local Government is not often resourced to provide support for our local artists, beyond hosting exhibitions, supporting local events and the like.”
Emma Little, Manager Tourism, Events and Culture at Central Goldfields Shire Council said “Providing resources to help improve and activate existing arts and culture assets across our Shire presents significant opportunity to improve liveability for local residents.”
“It will also help to create products and experiences which align well with key tourist target markets.”
“The City of Melton is home to many hard working, talented creatives across a wide range of art forms”. Says City of Melton Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik
“By connecting artists across Victoria, this initiative will help build new strengths as they navigate an industry deeply affected by the pandemic. I look forward to seeing how this collaboration and learning will strengthen opportunities for local artists.”
Emerging or professional visual artists, performers, writers, musicians, arts workers, and people involved in community arts or creative industries, are invited to participate. It’s particularly relevant for creatives looking to grow their career, build their business, step up their organisation, or connect with other creatives across Victoria and beyond.
ArtsACTION is free to participate and will be delivered entirely online from 24 August 2021 to 5 April 2022.
For more information go to: https://popupart.com.au/artsaction
This program is now complete, to stay in the loop for further opportunities, subscribe to the Pop Up Art mailing list here
For media inquiries, images and interviews contact:
Karen Corr 0419 006 243 | [email protected]
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Email Resource Package
The six-part info-mailer series provides inspiration and practical information to get you thinking and take action arsound developing your creative career. Themes include: designing your public profile; clarifying your career goals; building your team; working collaboratively; finding your story; and developing digital connections.
Zoom Workshop Series
Six interactive online sessions delivered as a weekly series to for you to connect with and strengthen your networks, effectively prepare for new opportunities, and grow your market reach.
The workshop topics include:
Being Market Ready Preparing credentials – improving portfolios, devising messaging, creating clear action plans, becoming market ready and better equipped for new opportunities.
Working Together Effectively Exploring methods/practices for working in teams – effective collaboration, supporting operation of management groups and teams, and development of current/future opportunities
Digital Communities Identifying appropriate online platforms for effective navigation in building digital communities, set up of e-commerce tools, brand-building engagement methods, and refining strategies for building reach and growing success.
