Regional artists and creatives offer new economic solutions. They must not get left behind in the vigorous growth of the Victorian creative industries.
Developing creative communities that are resilient and sustainable is needed now more than ever.
Launching this week is ArtsACTION, a free upskilling and professional development program for Central Victorian artists and creatives, thanks to $20,000 funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
The program will provide online and face-to-face training as well as practical opportunities to activate career pathways, broaden networks and build market reach.
According to the Victorian Government, “the value of Victoria’s creative industries has increased by 23 per cent in the past four years with the sector now injecting $31 billion into the state’s economy. Jobs in the creative industries have grown by 15 per cent, to 260,000, in the same time”.
In response, Pop Up Art, a division of Jumpleads NFP, has been advocating for Central Victorian Artists for eight years. “We’re committed to strengthening the creative sector, because this enriches communities as a whole: making them more vibrant, connected and ultimately healthier” says Sharon Seyd who’s coordinating this initiative.
“We’re aiming to encourage artists and creatives to effectively tap into industry growth, as well as to inspire leadership and build resilience for regional creative communities” says Dr Karen Le Rossignol, Deakin University, who is contributing her expertise in digital innovation to the ArtsACTION program.
Supported by four Central Victorian Councils, this program will be delivered between September 2019 and April 2020, within the Shires of Bendigo, Mount Alexander, Macedon and Hepburn. All artists, creatives and arts workers within these Shires are invited to participate.
Bendigo resident, artist and academic Dr Susan McMinn is pleased to see this initiative take place. “As an independent gallery owner hosting regular exhibitions from artists across the region, I see the enormous talent that exists here. I also see how a program like ArtsACTION can support a growing need for artists to develop skills, methods and frameworks to maximise their potential.
ArtsACTION includes three opportunities to get involved:
- A FREE 6-part email course providing inspiration and practical information to get artists and creatives thinking and taking action around further developing their creative career.
- Three FREE half-day facilitated workshops for artists, creatives and arts workers to connect and strengthen their networks; encouraging them to be market ready; providing opportunities to broaden their reach; and gain new skills working collectively to expand their impact.
- FREE representation within Regional Arts Park: An innovative, interactive, digital platform for artists to display their work and receive online promotion.
More information and to register for these opportunities : www.popupart.com.au/artsaction
For interviews and questions: Karen Corr | 0419 006 243 | [email protected]
With thanks to Susan McMinn and Arnold Street Gallery for hosting this announcement. Special acknowledgement to the Womnjeka exhibition on show at the time of the announcement including to artists Ian Clark, Suze Radford, Paul Chapman, Georgina Risely, Peta Hudson, Tashara Roberts, Trina Dalton-Ooges, Anne Conway, Bek Saltmarsh and curator Janet Bromley.