How to Get Active!
Many actions and activities are taking place across the country in response to plans for the restructure of the Australia Council which includes the disbanding of the CCD and New Media Boards. As you scroll through this section to gain a sense of the breadth an depth of the impacts of this restructure, you may want to consider how you can get involved. ccd.net will endeavour to post any activity submitted by its members and the broader community into this section, so if there is something happening not listed here which could be included contact us or send your info to For information on the articles, media releases, documents and public statements go to the ARCHIVE SECTION.
The NATIONAL ARTS AND CULTURE ALLIANCE is a national coalition of individuals, organizations, agencies and community groups involved in what is currently known as 'community cultural development' 'the community arts', 'arts in a community context', community-based art', etc. NACA has been forming in an ad hoc way since the announcement of The Australia Council's 'Arts Catalyst' restructure in December 2004. However the Alliance is more than a reactive organisation and has plans to amongst other things create cultural and arts funding paradigms which may or may include the Australia Council: i.e, the field of practitioners and supporting bodies is to take charge of its own future. Since December 2004, hundreds of artworkers/artists have been meeting and/or communicating across the country, drawn together by rejuvenated collegiate solidarity. NACA therefore satisfies the most crucial criteria of an organization in that action has preceded formalization. Nonetheless it now urgent that the Alliance be formalised for reasons which include publicity, morale, coordination and overall efficiency. It is proposed that an Interim Executive draw up a full and proper Charter of NACA and that this Charter be ratified across the country by June 2005. The names of the Interim Executives are given at the end of this document. The list is not exclusive and individuals and organisations wishing to join the Executive and take part in the Executive's tasks are asked to nominate themselves as members of the Executive. Interim Charter The NATIONAL ARTS AND CULTURE ALLIANCE is to: uphold, promote and advocate the rights of all individuals and all communities to cultural self-expression as a basic and universal human right. uphold, promote and advocate the principles of community collaboration, consultation and participation in all stages of creation and production as key elements in ccd. promote, advocate and advance the values and practice of ccd in all communities, mediums and artforms. assist and nationally coordinate responses and initiatives to funding organisations assist and nationally coordinate monitoring of ccd funding and policy
assist and nationally coordinate a review and if necessary a re-planning of ccd by the field of ccd practitioners and supporting agencies
along the lines of 'where do we want ccd to be in 10 years?' and 'how do we get there?'. Interim Executive. The Interim Executive is to: draw up a Charter for the NATIONAL ARTS AND CULTURE ALLIANCE which must be nationally ratified by June 2004 organise and assist in the raising of funds and the holding of a national conference organise the election of a national executive upon national ratification of the Charter establish a communications centre for information collection and distribution on a national basis assist in publicity assist and coordinate negotiations with the Australia Council and other funding organisations extend the membership of the NATIONAL ARTS AND CULTURE ALLIANCE carry out those activities which in the opinion of the Executive advance the objectives of the NATIONAL ARTS AND CULTURE ALLIANCE. elect a Chair (or co-Chairs), Secretary and other office-bearers as the Executive sees fit. The members of the National Executive are at present (though further nominations are sought and will be decided by the interim Executive). Marty Cunningham, CCD Board Member, WA
Andy Farrant, Country Arts WA
Kate Fell, Youth Arts QLD
Maria Filippow, CCD Board Member, VIC
Gillian Harrison, Arts Grants Board, NT
Norm Horton, Feral Arts QLD
Pilar Kasat, CAN WA
Victoria Keighery, Regional Arts NSW
Malcolm McKinnon, Practitioner/Community Development, VIC
Evol McLeod, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, ACT
Lisa Philip-Harbutt, CAN SA
Graham Pitts, Practitioner/Community Development VIC
Scott Rankin, bigHart TAS
Sally Marsden, Vic.
Eve Stafford, Arts Nexus, QLD
Deidre Williams, Young People & the Arts, SA
Gareth Wreford, Arts Access, NSW
Christian Thompson, Practitioner VIC
Bernice Gerrand, Noosa (Inaugural Winner of the Bern Award.)
Johnno Hawkes, Community Music, Victoria.
Lucy Kenneth, Tasmania.
Richard Bladel, Tasmania.
Maria Filippow, Victoria.
Vahid Vaheed, NSW
Paula Abood
Paul Brown, NSW
Neil Price, Qeensland.
Laclan MacDonald, WA.
Carmelita Baltazar, WA.
Richard Letts.
Andrea Hull, VCA, Victoria.
Sue Beale, CDN, Victoria.
Trish Arden, CCDB member.
Former Directors of the Community Cultural Development Board, representing over three decades of national leadership in the area, wrote to express our concerns with the Australia Council's recent announcement that it will disband the Board and devolve its responsibilities. In the letter below they propose an alternative way forward that would ensure the Australia Council's continued national and international leadership in policy, advocacy and support for direct participation by the Australian community in the arts. Download the PDF below for the full letter.
  Nat-Letter to Ozco 05.doc 48 Kb Acrobat PDF
Below is a Proposal put by the National Group to the Australia Council
PROPOSAL FOR OZCO.doc 38 Kb Acrobat PDF
The National Network recently issued the following press release after a face to face meeting held in Sydney the week the announcement was made. PRESS RELEASE The Art of Human Rights! Friday 10th December 2004
International Human rights Day Human rights is about quality of life. A meeting of cultural development organizations and individuals in Sydney today confirmed: Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits. Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 27. Community cultural development has for many years been a vehicle to ensure that this right has been enacted in Australia. It has been instrumental in having the Australian stories told and heard. The recent restructuring announced by Australia Council places this great contribution to Australia's arts and cultural landscape at risk. The dismantling of the Community Cultural Development Board and its replacement with an ill defined new structure makes one wonder if the arts are once again to be the domain of the elite? National Network of CCD For more information contact National Network Members
Bronwyn Jewell QCAN
Frank Pannuci CCDNSW
Lisa Philip Harbutt CAN SA
Pilar Kasat QCAN
www.ccd.net - the national community cultural development website Former Directors of the Community Cultural Development Board, representing over three decades of national leadership in the area, wrote to express our concerns with the Australia Council's recent announcement that it will disband the Board and devolve its responsibilities. In the letter below they propose an alternative way forward that would ensure the Australia Council's continued national and international leadership in policy, advocacy and support for direct participation by the Australian community in the arts. Download the PDF below for the full letter.
Nat-Letter to Ozco 05.doc 48 Kb Acrobat PDF
Gareth Wreford from Arts Access Australia (formerly DADAA National) has compiled a summary of CCD grants from 1996 - 2004, COMPILED BY ELECTORATE, from publically available information. Below is the National listing in both PDF and excel formats. It should be pointed out there maybe some grants and initiatives that maybe inaccuarate. This document is a draft only so we advise all users to check it against what they know. What it allows us to do, for example, is to let local MPs know how much CCD funding has come into their electorate in the last 8 years, which may well now be at risk (and the more of us who let them know the better). Local governments will also be interested to see how many organisations and individuals have been funded federally, who will now turn to local funding instead. It may also be worth noting that CCD funding often has not gone to arts organisations but community based organisations. Websites on how to find contacts for senators and members of the house of reps: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/
or http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/index.htm
Nat_CCDB_Summary_04.pdf 53 Kb Acrobat PDF
 National CCDB Summary 96 - 04. 149 Kb
If you have any news on activity happening with in the ACT please forward to admin@ccd.net
FORUM COMMUNITY & CULTURE - COLLABORATION OR CONSUMPTION
This forum has been organised to discuss the Australia Council's recent announcement for a major restructure, including the abolition of both the Community Cultural Development Board and the New Media Arts Board. 'Why the continued existence of the CCDB is important...
Whatever its faults (and most of these are due to a string of inappropriate Ministerial appointments), the CCDB remains a significant symbol of the achievements made by communities and the artsworkers who have supported them. It may be that the [Australia Council] aren't aware of these achievements or, worse still, are all too aware and wish to see them buried. It's too early to tell, but we need to find out.' - John Hawkes (Community Music Victoria Newsletter, December 2004) ISSUES - abolition of the CCD Board and New Media Arts Board
- complete lack of consultation with arts and community sectors
- organising our response and action towards this restructure
SPEAKERS
Paula Abood, Con Gouriotis, Tiffany Lee-Shoy, Frank Panucci, Australia Council (tbc) WHERE
Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown WHEN
Tuesday 21 December, 10.30am - 1.00pm CONTACT
No RSVP necessary, just turn up. Info: CCDNSW on 9821 2210 or ORGANISERS
CCDNSW, WSROC, ICE, Casula Powerhouse & Liverpool Museum
RANSW open letter to Australia Council Regional Arts NSW is concerned about the possible impact of the proposed changes on the regional and rural arts sector, in particular: - the possible loss of national (and Federal Government) recognition of and support for the importance of CCD work, which is a vital part of the arts development landscape in regional NSW;
- the disappearance of the only existing national forum for CCD practice;
- the loss or dispersal of CCD expertise within the Australia Council and
- the potential for a downfall in the number of grants for CCD work in NSW.
Regional Arts NSW has presented its concerns to the Australia Council in an open letter to Jennifer Bott click here to link to the letter.
If you have any news on activity happening with in the NT please forward to admin@ccd.net
Prees Release - QCAN - March 2005
Public response to the Australia Council Restructure continues. On Thursday 17 March the Queensland Community Arts Network held a public meeting to inform interested members of the arts industry about developments in the on-going negotiations with members of the Australia Council Restructure Task Force. Since 7 December 2004 there has been constant and widespread dissatisfaction with the proposed changes to the infrastructure of the Australia Council. The lack of consultation with the public and stakeholders from the arts industry has been the most contentious issue. The overwhelming response from a broad spectrum of commentators, including high profile organisations and individuals from across all art forms, and the general public, has kept the Task Force in constant contact with the dissenting views on their proposed model. On Friday 11 March representatives from all over Australia met with members of the Australia Council to discuss developments in the restructure model. To hear what was discussed, and to further contribute to the ongoing strategies in response to the Task Force's future plans for the Australia Council, please contact Queensland Community Arts Network The restructure does not only impact on those working in New Media and Community Cultural Development, all art form practise will be affected. Learn how these changes effect your future relationship with the Australia Council and how you can contribute to further developments. For further information and to RSVP please contact
Queensland Community Arts Network
mail@qldcan.org.au
07 3254 4922
OZCO RESTRUCTURE Info From QCAN As many would know there has been some disturbing news from the Australia Council. On Dec 8 2004 OzCo announced the demise of both the Community Cultural Development Board and the New Media Board. QCAN immediately joined with other Community Arts Networks across Australia to denounce the decision and to question the Review Task Force's lack of consultation with the sector. Since those early days there has been constant and consistent responses from all around Australia calling for further consultation. Other common themes of concern have been the preservation of the profile and expertise of ccd within the Australia Council and the protection of the peer assessment system of review. On 28 Jan at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre, 30 artsworkers and representatives from small and large community/arts organisations met to discuss the proposed restructure. At that meeting the following motion was put forward concerning the proposed changes in the Australia Council with respect to the Community Cultural Development:
That this meeting joins calls from across the country for a moratorium on the restructure of the Australia Council pending further and thorough consultation with the community cultural development sector nationwide. The meeting identified a broad range of concerns. Paramount amongst those are: - The proposed restructure is unworkable in the given timeframe.
- No consultation has been held with key arts and non-arts partners.
- There is no coherent rationale or policy framework to sustain the proposed restructure.
Another achievement of the meeting was the election of a working party that will be preparing further vital communications with the Australia Council, informing and consulting with effected organisations and individuals across Queensland and producing commentary for the media. This group is being hosted by us in the Stores Building, Brisbane Powerhouse, and messages and comments can be left for the OzCo Restructure Working Party on (07) 3254 4922 or through email to: 'mailto:louise@qldcan.org.au'
The working party consists of:
Julie Chenery - QCAN Chairperson / Helicon Dance Co-Director
Norm Horton - Feral Arts
Kate Fell - Youth Arts Queensland
John Jeffrey - Brisbane City Council
Celia White - Vulcana Women's Circus
Pat Zuber - Redland Shire Council
Sally Clifford Catalyst Youth Arts Services
Ross Barber Access Arts We encourage all QCAN members to protest the currently framed Australia Council restructure and to call for a moratorium and thorough consultation with stakeholders in the field. We need to act before the 21st of February in order to impact on the only national CCD consultation meeting planned by the Australia Council. For more information visit the QCAN website Australia Council Restructure.
Update from South Austrlia
On February 15th 2005 approximately 50 people from South Australia's arts and cultural sectors met in the Big Space to discuss the proposed restructure of the Australia Council. This is the second community meeting on this topic and there were 40 apologies from those interested to contribute but unable to attend. Below is the document formulated by this group.
At a meeting of representatives from the South Australia arts and cultural sectors it was resolved that we welcome a period of consultation to work with the Australia Council to achieve positive outcomes from the re-structure. The meeting stressed that the Council's exclusive process of review, restructure and implementation give cause for immediate and continuing concern amongst all Australians engaged in the practice, development and appreciation of artistic endeavour. The process by which this concern is addressed and resolved will provide the basis for future relationships between Australia Council for the Arts and its core stakeholders. Those working within community cultural development and new media arts in South Australia request:
1) An appropriate timeline is produced which allows for response and input into proposed models. 2) The Australia Council convenes and maintains a reference group as the ongoing mechanism for this process. 3) That Council maintains appropriate levels of CCD and New Media Arts staff and Board representation for the advertised project rounds for the remainder of 2005. 4) A commitment from Council to a review 18 months after implantation of the new operational model, on the effectiveness of the changes which covers operations, impact on the field and quality of outcomes delivered. 5) That Council seeks input from the sectors into any further the terms of this review. This meeting was attended by individuals and organisations who work in the areas of § Community cultural development
§ Community Arts
§ New Media Arts
§ Technology
§ Youth Arts
§ Disability Arts
§ Local government
§ Cultural Diversity
§ Regional Arts
§ Indigenous Arts
§ Cultural theory
§ Visual Arts and Crafts
§ Literature
§ Theatre
- Also see:
- Media Articles 2004
Media Articles 2004
SA Community Action Group Contact Georgie Davill or CANSA on (08) 8231 0900 for further information about the action groups scheduled activity. Adelaide Action/demonstration re Axing of CCDB
Published in Member News section of ccd.net 20 December by 'Ollie'. On Friday 17th December a group of Adelaide artists and artsworkers assembled at the Gouger Street Post Office/Mail Exchange and attempted to 'POST' several artists, wrapped in bubble wrap, back to the Australia Council. The group had come up with the idea at an activist meeting which was called for the previous Monday (13th Dec). The concept was developed around the idea of subverting the current popular cultural activity of 'wrapping' Christmas presents. We knew we had to get in early to protest, and that meant before Christmas, and felt that it would be good to use this type of connection. We also came up with the idea of 'bubble wrap' - art and artists being fragile, needing protection and being precious. We came up with slogans such as, 'Community Culture alive and kicking', 'Return to Sender', 'Postage Due', 'Your Investment Returned' and 'Your Investment Return', etc. The 'parcels' were wrapped in bubble wrap and secured with fragile tape and addressed to David Gonski, Chair and Jennifer Bott, CEO OzCo.
 Experienced CCD practitioner being posted back to Australia Council. |
Media releases were sent out to all media and we did pretty well really considering we were competing with a shark hunt. We were covered by all Media (TV, Print and Radio). We got a slot on Channel 7 news (the Shark Attack, Osma Bin Laden and then US!!), a small piece in the Advertiser (Pg. 40!) and a letter to the Editor on Saturday 18th Dec); the Messenger press (local City edition) article and photo due out this week, ABC News (streamed to Radio National) on Friday, and Radio Adelaide. It was a great action and gave us all a sense of 'community spirit ' as well as the ability to laugh, have fun and be silly in such a serious time. It was very hot for the special parcels' that we were sending - 38° no less out of the bubble wrap - hate to think of the temp inside the wrap. Some images from the action are below and we will also be submitting further images for publication on the section 'OzCo restructure' onto ccd.net The plan is that this is all part of a 'rolling' action around Australia. Hopefully other States will come up with other creative ideas for some visible action as well. We don't mind you using this concept at all. There are also lots of conversations around ideas for other types of protest happening as you read this
keep an eye and an ear out in your State as people (your/our/their/everyone's community!) are coming out in force to make sure this type of non-consultative restructuring is not taken lying down
. The idea of 'BUBBLE WRAP' is one that could link and unify the actions if other's think it worth pursuing. Stay tuned for more...
 Members of the SA Action Group protesting. |
- Also see:
- Latest news fom Ozco
The CCD Coalition of Tasmania is formed The 17th of February saw the birth of the new CCD coalition of Tasmania, this group was formed at a statewide meeting held to discuss the recent restructure of the Australia Council. Despite being called at very short notice the meeting was attended by 26 artists, arts workers and community leaders. Over 40 apologies were received with numerous messages of support. Every body who attended the meeting in the small rural town of Ross 150 kilometers north of Hobart had to drive at least 100km to get there some traveling up to three hours. The meeting convened by Lucy Kenneth - Tasmanian Regional Arts was addressed by Chris Tassel - Chair of the CCDB, Neil Cameron Fellowship recipient CCDB and Richard Bladel - Kickstart Arts. Those gathered represented a state-wide perspective on CCD stakeholders and worked together to develop the following response to the Australia Council, referred to as the Ross Declaration. From this meeting the CCD Coalition of Tasmania has been formed to provide a forum for future consultation, direction and dialogue in this area. The Coalition will meet again in Ross, Tasmania on the 23 of March 2005 and also hopes to meet in Hobart on the 6 of April 2005. If you wish to endorse The Ross Declaration and add your name to a list that will accompany the Declaration as it is distributed please contact the CCD Coalition of Tasmania. Please also find below Neil Cameron's Paper 'Developing Culture' that formed the basis of his discussion with the meeting. Contact the CCD Coalition of Tasmania care of : Lucy Kenneth - Tasmanian Regional Arts - T: 03 6426 2344 lucy@tasregionalarts.org.au Richard Bladel - Kickstart Arts T: 03 6234 9185 inspire@netspace.net.au THE ROSS DECLARATION 17 February 2005, Ross Tasmania This meeting attended by community members from all parts of the State of Tasmania expressed it's commitment to defend the practice and principles of Community Cultural Development in local communities and called on the Federal Government to continue to honour its responsibility and commitment to provide appropriate resources. This meeting requests broader Tasmanian representation at the Future Planning Task Force Communities Partnerships Workshop and any future meetings in Sydney and expresses its confidence in the abilities of the following people: Lucy Kenneth, Jennie Gorringe, Richard Bladel, and Catherine Fernon.
This meeting requests that the Australia Councils Future Planning Task Force amend it's timeline of key dates to ensure that all affected communities are given the right to respond appropriately to the outcomes of the community partnerships workshop.
This meeting strongly argues that, as a minimum, existing CCD funding of $5.6 million dollars per year be quarantined for CCD projects on ongoing basis. That a budget allocation be made for all the current funding categories as per the 2005 Australia Council handbook. That all these categories continue to be assessed and administered by those with extensive CCD expertise, knowledge and sector representation.
This meeting requests the opportunity for representation of the Tasmanian CCD sector at the broadest level in ongoing consultation regarding the Future Planing Task Force recommendations. We look forward to the opportunity to assist in devising the most appropriate structures and processes for the ongoing support of CCD by the Australia Council.
This meeting endorses statements outlined at Moonah Statement of 2 February 2005.
Moonah Statement - 2 February, Moonah Arts Centre, Hobart As Tasmanian community cultural development practitioners and community members, we join calls from across the country for a moratorium on the restructure of the Australia Council. We deplore the axing of the Community Cultural Development and New Media Boards. We are concerned that there has been no consultation. Any future consultation must not be tokenistic but wide-ranging and reciprocal. The arts community believes that the outcomes of the present restructure will be disastrous for communities, the cultural life of Australia and the reputation both nationally and internationally of the Australia Council. With specific regard to community cultural development policy, this meeting also calls for a full and proper review of policy, practice and infrastructure which will: 1. Ensure adequate support and funding of regional community cultural development projects. 2. Ensure that there is recognition of a definite distinction between arts in the community and community cultural development. 3. Ensure that adequate support, funding and expertise remain for multidisciplinary art form projects. 4. Be transparent, comprehensive and representative; 5. Be based on the acceptance of the principle that the knowledge and expertise available in the field should be instrumental and integral in the planning of any restructure; 6. Preserve and honour genuine peer-group assessment; 7. Identify best practice models for community cultural development which are the most effective, responsive, democratic and appropriate for the 21st century; 8. Identify the most appropriate leadership role and delivery mechanisms for community cultural development by the Australia Council. 9. Identify the most appropriate structures and processes for the delivery of this national leadership. Furthermore the meeting calls for the terms of reference of the Task Force review which has led to the present proposed restructure, and the report or presentation of the Task Force to the Australia Council to be posted on the Council's website as an aid to public discussion.
Paper about closure of CCDD.DO 59 Kb Acrobat PDF
Paper about closure of CCDD.DO 59 Kb
CALLING ALL COMMUNITY BASED ARTISTS, ARTSWORKERS and SUPPORTERS of Community Cultural Development in Tasmania. Your communities need you to stand up and be heard at a Community Cultural Development state wide meeting. The meeting is being held to discuss the recent decision by the Australia Council to abolish the Community Cultural Development Board. There have been similar meetings held across Australia, please come and support your CCD sector and be part of the national campaign of action. WHEN: February 17th WHERE: Ross Town Hall (Supper Rm) WHAT TIME: 11am-3.30pm (with lunch)
For more information contact Tasmanian Regional Arts
Lucy Kenneth
Executive Director
lucy@tasregionalarts.asn.au
PO Box 172
Latrobe 7307
tel: 64262344
fax: 64262889 If you have any news on activity happening with in the Tasmania please forward to admin@ccd.net
- Also see:
- Media/Articles 2004
Media 2005...
PUBLIC MEETING AND PARTY! Artists, activists, arts workers and community members, CAAOz (see below) and the Cultural Development Network of Victoria invites you to Federation Hall, Victorian College of the Arts
Friday 18 March 2005 for a
Report on the Australia Council Restructure Process and to
Celebrate the life and vigour of Victorian community-based arts and cultural activity Public Meeting 5-7pm
Party 7.30-10.30pm ($5 donation to cover costs). For more information on this meeting download the PDF or word document below.
Flyer Public Meeting and Party 24 Kb Acrobat PDF
Flyer Public Meeting and Party 24 Kb
Community Arts Advocacy Australia (CAAoz) is an independent group newly born in Melbourne in response to the Australia Council's proposed dissolution of the Community Cultural Development Board (CCDB). The Cultural Development Network's website (www.culturaldevelopment.net) has created a space for CAAoz to communicate with all those concerned about the Australia Council's plans. Go to www.culturaldevelopment.net
- Also see:
- Media 2005...
Media Articles 2004
Press Releases
Motion carried at meeting re. Australia Council restructure, Friday 28th. January. Motion was passed unanimously by 126 artworkers and representatives of organisations. That this meeting joins calls from across the country for a moratorium on the restructure of the Australia Council. We deplore the axing of the Community Cultural Development and New Media Boards. There has been nil consultation. Any future consultation must not be tokenistic but wide-ranging and reciprocal. The arts community believes that the outcomes of the present restructure will be disastrous for communities, the cultural life of Australia and the reputation both nationally and internationally of the Australia Council. With specific regard to community cultural development policy, this meeting also calls for a full and proper review of policy, practice and infrastructure which will:
Be transparent, comprehensive and representative;
Be based on the acceptance of the principle that the knowledge and expertise available in the field should be instrumental and integral in the planning of any restructure;
Preserve and honour genuine peer-group assessment;
Identify best practice models for community cultural development which are the most effective, responsive, democratic and appropriate for the 21st century;
Identify the most appropriate leadership role and delivery mechanisms for community cultural development by the Australia Council.
Identify the most appropriate structures and processes for the delivery of this national leadership. Furthermore the meeting calls for the terms of reference of the Task Force review which has led to the present proposed restructure, and the report or presentation of the Task Force to the Australia Council to be posted on the Council's website as an aid to public discussion. For a copy of the speech made bt Graham Pitts at the meeting download the PDF below.
Speech_at_January_28_meeting.d 30 Kb Acrobat PDF
PUBLIC MEETING
ARTS & COMMUNITY To discuss the future of community cultural development under the Australia Council's proposed
restructure Friday 28 January
11am to 1PM @
Melbourne Town Hall Jennifer Bott, CEO of the Australia Council together
with senior staff and Councillors will discuss
implications of the Australia Council's dissolution of
its Community Cultural Development Board with
artists, communities and community cultural
development advocates. Make sure your voice is heard BE THERE.
Further information from Judy Spokes, Cultural Development Network 9658 8850 or judspo@melbourne.vic.gov.au
> COMMUNITY GATHERING AT VCA Sue Clarke and Graham Pitts convened a gathering of all CCD (all community artists, all artists in a community context, or whatever we might variously wish to call ourselves) at the VCA's Federation Hall in Grant Street in South Melbourne between on Tues 12 December. The meeting was about future changes within the Australia Council in relation to the CCDB, and the future of what is currently known as 'community cultural development practice'. The agenda was to focus on - What are the facts about the changes?
- What is a united, effective, strategic response?
- How should this response be implemented?
For more information email Graham Pitts at gpit7884@bigpond.net.au
The Community Arts Network Western Australia convened a meeting on the 20th January 2005 regarding the recent restructuring with the Australia Council. The following is a letter sent to Rod Kemp in response to the proposed restructure. Senator the Hon. Rod Kemp
Minister for Arts & Sports
12 Pascoe Vale Road
MOONEE PONDS VIC 3039 25th January 2005 Dear Senator Kemp RE: AUSTRALIA COUNCIL RESTRUCTURING ANNOUNCED 8TH DECEMBER 2004 The Community Arts Network Western Australia convened a meeting on the 20th January 2005 regarding the recent restructuring with the Australia Council. The following people were in attendance:
Greg Wallace (WA Museum);
Sally Kingdon - Barbosa (Capoeira);
Jill Brown (Propelarts);
Marcus Canning (ArtRage);
Gemma Pepper;
Sarah Wilkinson;
Roz Libscombe (Country Arts WA);
Leon Ewing (Little Ripper);
Helen Le Gresley;
Grant Alderson (Sustainable Development Facilitation);
Jenine Mackay;
Angela Zeck (CAN WA);
Pilar Kasat (CAN WA);
Alex Roper (Rip It Up);
Carmelita Baltazar;
Marty Cunningham
and Julia Anwar (CAN WA - notetaker). Apologies were taken from:
Jeanette Grant;
Lesley King;
Sarah Ryan (Kalamunda Shire);
Lockie MacDonald;
Caroline O'Neil;
June Moorhouse;
Jude van der Merwe (ArtSource);
David Doyle (DADAA);
Michelle Hovane;
and Di Mc Atee.
Observer: Alison McArdle (ArtsWA). The participants of the meeting wish to convey the following comments to you in your capacity as the Federal Minister for the Arts so that you can encourage the Australia Council to reconsider the decisions and adopt the resolutions provided. Key concerns: What is the reasoning behind the dissolution of the CCDB to start with? What was the rationale behind the decision? Is there really a need for structural change? Most importantly, it seems that an organisation who has as its core aim to 'increase community engagement
and promote individual participation' (Australia Council Handbook, 2004) should be engaging in a participatory consultative process with the CCD community Australia wide before undertaking such an important reorganisation; With the dissolution of the CCDB there is the valid concern that the Australia Council will not be able to ensure 'that Australians have opportunities to access and participate in the arts' as per their charter (Mills & Brown, 2004, Arts & Wellbeing, Australia Council). For example, emerging groups and their practice in CCD will have no definitive place to turn for initial support, guidance and/or advocacy in how to develop creative processes in their local community and without this support are unlikely to successfully develop vital CCD initiatives. This seems at odds with Ms Botts statement made in the official media release that the reorganisation would 'ensure that all Australian are engaged with and enriched by the arts'. How is this possible when the Councils' CCD activities will be spread thinly across the organisation rather then consolidated within one informed and proficient structure? We are also concerned over the loss of the peer assessment process for CCD projects. There is a process and a way of doing things that is specific to CCD and not possible in an art form specific environment. Will the assessment panel have the definitive expertise to be able to assess the proposals? As one of the Councils priorities for the 2001 2005 period was to 'support the distinctiveness of Australia's artists and its arts' it seems counter productive to then form a division that encourages 'integration' over uniqueness. This is echoed and further compounded by the loss of the New Media board, in particular the loss of knowledge and expertise of the members of the board in assessing application from this area which would be lost. What is the future for organisations currently in receipt of triennial funding through the CCDB? We are concerned about the potential flow-on effects of the decision to dissolve the CCDB to the general community, particularly in WA where many small groups and organisations rely on the information, advocacy and support of triennially funded organizations such as CAN WA and others. There was concern expressed over the timing of the announcement of the decision which took place over the Christmas and New Year break when many staff of various government and community organisations were on leave. Thus the timing seemed to 'encourage' a longer period of time needed to develop and coordinate a collective response in relation to the Councils decision. Resolutions:
The group requested for CAN WA to convey that they support the following resolutions: We call for a moratorium whereby the CCDB is reinstated and no changes to the CCDB are made for the next 12 months. An independent review should be undertaken with relevant parties Australia wide in order to develop a viable CCD structure within the Australia Council that best promotes CCD policy and practice in Australia. The operations of this structure should then be regularly reviewed at both a state and federal level as part of ongoing good governance and practice. We request that Mr. Gonski Chairperson and Ms Jennifer Bott, CEO, of the Australia Council visit Western Australia and explain the rationale for the restructuring within the Australia Council. Yours sincerely Pilar Kasat
Managing Director
on behalf of those in attendance at the meeting CC:
Minister Sheila McHale, Minister for Culture & the Arts
Mr David Gonski, Chairperson, Australia Council
Ms Carol Whish Wilson, A/Director, Arts WA
An Online forum has been established to facilitate discussion about the Restructure of the Australia Council which will result in the disbanding of the CCDB and NEW MEDIA BOARDS Let's Talk!Through All Talk we have provided the space for community cultural development practitioners and people interested in the practice to discuss, talk and network about our work and increase the collective understanding. There is no substitute for talking, discussing and networking with each other face-to-face, but given the descision to resrtucture Australia COuncil and the impacts of dispanding boards such as the CCDB and NEW MEDIA we need an online space to talk about the ramifications of these actions. Feel free to join in and contribute.
| If you are interested in setting up and moderating a forum please contact ccd.net Administrator on admin@ccd.net or telephone 08 8231 0900. |
Meeting on Ozco New Media Cut AIC(V) have helped organise a small meeting Friday 11th to get views and build networks to tackle New Media concerns from a Victorian perspective. There's a lot of action coming from the CCD sector, but we've heard very little coordinated activity from New Media in Victoria and are keen to tap in and get things kicked off. David Cranswick from dlux media in Sydney and Julianne Pierce from ANAT will be in Melbourne this Friday, which presents a good opportunity to get some interstate networking on the issue. Fabienne Nicholas from Experimenta and Richard Watts from Express Media will be coming. Please feel free to pass onto anybody who is interested in this campaign. New Media Strategy Meeting
10am-11am, Friday Victorian Writers Centre
First Floor, Nicholas Building,
37 Swanston Street (Cnr Flinders Lane)
Melbourne City. Anyone considering attending or expressing an interest in outcomes contact;
Kevin Brennan
Executive Officer
Arts Industry Council (Victoria)
Email: kevbre@netspace.net.au
Ph: (03) 9421 2798
For press release, media release, links to published articles see the links below.
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Response from New Media
