Year in Review
2003 opened with enthusiasm with our members providing community spirit and fellowship
through cultural development and arts related activities. Perhaps you may have visited the
"Arts and Culture" page of dorrigo.com - if not try to. It states that "the
arts and cultural community of Dorrigo is vibrant and innovative, reflecting the diversity
of individuals whether working in isolation or collaboratively" - I feel proud to be
part of this organisation – and our management team has been strong and enthusiastic.
We have a good working structure with our sub committees – Visual Arts Group, the
Plateau Fibre Group and the Woodcrafters.
We engage with Arts Mid North Coast and Regional Arts NSW.
Once again we were threatened with that haunting issue – Public Liability Insurance.
Regional Arts NSW provides public liability and personal accident insurance cover as one
of the benefits of affiliation for arts councils.
At the beginning of the year there were huge doubts that a suitable policy to cover all
NSW Arts Councils would continue. Your executive expended much energy in trying to find
our own cover but either premiums were too high or suitable cover was not available. We
cover our various sub committee groups and their activities and various exhibitions that
take place within our community. With the Creative Mountain Arts Exhibition being held at
Easter, suitable insurance fell into place just in time - albeit at a high annual cost to
this Arts Council.
Public Liability Insurance is a major community issue – we must have it to operate.
The higher premium has to be paid if our organisation is to continue. During the year our
cover from previous years was tested and your committee has had a taste of the need for
strong and suitable public liability insurance. The Community Care Underwriting Agency
(CCUA) is providing this insurance and seeks willingness from many art groups to look at
how their activities are managed to ensure that they are not only fun to participate in
– but are also very safe. Very shortly, CCUA will be embarking on a campaign to
promote the use of risk management tools, which have been developed with the non-profit
sector in mind. It would appear that now a long term relationship with CCUA is in place
for public liability insurance for various arts groups.
Planning has been on the Agenda during this year – developing a Cultural Plan for
the Arts Council and artists of the Plateau has taken time - but I am pleased to say a
"First Draft" will be available in early 2004. It is difficult for volunteers to
allocate enough time to bring this plan to fruition – but we try. The purpose of a
Cultural Plan for the Dorrigo Arts Council is to secure long-term support for the cultural
growth for the diverse and dynamic community of the Dorrigo Plateau.
The year has seen great progress with the "Creative Industries" program
developed as part of the Bellingen Shire Economic Development Plan. Dorrigo artists have
been included in activities created under this banner – The Bellingen Agri-Cultural
Show and the excellent booklet – "Handmade in the Bellingen Shire" which
was launched in Dorrigo in December. Our own Cultural Plan will continue to develop and
ensure that artists of the Dorrigo Plateau are recognised in the Bellingen Shire
"Creative Industries Development Strategy" and hopefully the Bellingen Shire
Cultural Plan. I say hopefully as this plan is taking time to be developed - BUT now that
the NSW Ministry for the Arts and the NSW Department of Local Government have produced a
Cultural Planning Handbook which aims to explain the importance of local cultural
planning, it is hoped further progress will be made by the Shire. The guidelines put
culture – in its widest sense- at the heart of what matters to communities. SO - we,
in Dorrigo are on the right track.
Membership
Membership for the year has increased slightly, but attendance at meetings remains with
just a core group of people in attendance. To provide interest for our diverse community
we would welcome more input from our members and we always welcome new members and new
ideas. There is a need to identify projects that will engage the interest and energy of
the community.
Highlights of Activities
¤ The "Creative Mountain Arts Exhibition"
– held at Easter. Congratulations to Sarah Liptrot who did a great job in her first
year at the helm. Although the number of exhibitions was not as great as in the past, the
quality of each exhibit was excellent and attracted very favourable comments from the many
visitors. This exhibition is a good example of how many people in the community can work
together to provide a first class exhibition. As Louise Rawson Harris said in her Opening
Speech – "the Dorrigo community can be proud of the high standard of the works
exhibited." Well done everyone.
¤ Black and White Photography Workshop held in
February and conducted by Ros Coy and Marg Prior. Presentation of this workshop was
assisted with a Quick Turn Around Grant – and was well attended. A popular program.
¤ "Touchwood" joined the Dorrigo Choir for an
afternoon of luscious harmony at the Old Gazette Theatre in April. It was wonderful and
great fun – thanks to Bridget Sommers who assisted in bringing Touchwood to our town.
¤ Formation of a "Dorrigo Writers Group" was
approved as a welcome innovation – this group seems to be functioning on a regular
basis.
A requirement for membership of this group is that participants are members of the Dorrigo
Arts Council.
¤ "Consonance" – a chamber music ensemble from
the Sydney Conservatorium of Music provided a most exhilarating evening held at the Old
Gazette Theatre in July. This Ensemble Studies Unit has been coming to Dorrigo for many
years – but in the past they have played during the daytime at the Primary School.
The evening performance held during 2003 was most successful with a satisfactory
attendance and a lively program. There were a number of school children at the performance
and comments included "aren’t we lucky to have such a talented group to play in
Dorrigo"
¤ "Creative Volunteering" – Workshops were
available to members within the region. These workshops are set up by Regional Arts NSW
and designed for members of community-based volunteer-run organisations in regional
Australia. While only one of our members took advantage of this opportunity during 2003,
I understand that plans are underway to deliver the program to a range of locations in
2004 – Bellingen is on this list so that may make it easier to attend.
It is always encouraging to interact with other people doing the same work.
¤ Variety Concert – The Arts Council supported a
fundraising concert to assist local girl Brigit Verey in her tour of New Zealand with the
Tamworth Clarinet Choir. The Tamworth Clarinet Choir became the first Australian clarinet
choir to perform internationally - and the first clarinet choir from anywhere in the world
to perform in New Zealand. I understand that not only did they receive standing ovations,
but their bright red, monogrammed jackets attracted considerable attention wherever they
went. Well done Brigit.
It must be noted that the Dorrigo Variety Concert itself was a great success – the
program was very varied – the venue was great – the compare was lively and made
it flow– thanks Gwynneth Denner - which ‘just shows to go’ – a
Community Concert is still very much on the agenda.
¤ Folk and Bluegrass Festival – held in October.
A great success in its second year and we must thank Jack Sommers for his vision, energy
and achievement of a great program. The Showground was a most appealing venue –
despite the cold snap the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Thanks to everyone – all
those volunteers - who helped make this Festival a great success – Financially –
costs were just recovered and it is hoped that with the support of the Dorrigo Community
it will be a great winner for Dorrigo in the future – both financially and on The
Festivals calendar.
As a result of this Festival, Jack was awarded with the Young Citizen of Year at the
Australia Day Ceremony for Bellingen Shire. Congratulations from us all Jack.
We look forward to the 2004 Festival – and I am sure there will be a lot of support
for this again.
¤ The 2003 Dorrigo Woodcrafters Exhibition was held over the four days
of the October long weekend in the CWA rooms. Visitors came from all over Australia and
the display was pronounced a resounding success. It is pleasing to note that the
Woodcrafters make a donation to the Multi Purpose Centre – this year a painting by
local artist Ruth Feeney. Good to have you on board Woodcrafters.
¤ GF and Dorrigo Agricultural Show. For the second year the Dorrigo Arts
Council in conjunction with the Dorrigo Dramatic Club presented a display at the Show in
November. The theme of the display was to show the diverse nature of our organisation. The
stand was manned for the duration of the Show and included a static display of photographs
and memorabilia. This is a time consuming project but important for the promotion of the
Arts Council.
The Visual Art Group is to be congratulated for the tireless work put in by its members to
make the Art Show such an important segment of the Show Program. Works exhibited by local
artists were of high quality and the "Opening Night" is truly a special event of
joy and pride in the community calendar.
The Art Show is complemented by the Photographic Exhibition – again a worthwhile
project that demonstrates initiative. Continued presentation of this Exhibition is to be
encouraged.
¤ Youth - The Arts Council is aware of the need to
assist the youth of our community – but I feel we have a long way to go. Our Cultural
Plan identifies that we must establish links with schools to incorporate youth issues and
events in our calendar.
"Outreach" with the schools must be high on the agenda for 2004.
I am recommending that during 2004 we should liaise with both the Primary and High Schools
to ascertain the need for an encouragement prize to suitable pupils
The Future
I have heard during the year that the Dorrigo Arts Council has changed –
maybe so - but it is a dynamic world that we live in and there is a need to move on.
Today’s environment requires that we are more accountable – the need to look at
how we manage our activities to ensure that they are not only fun to participate in but
are also very safe - the need for training is required even to be a volunteer would you
believe?? We need to involve younger people – they want workshops, encouragement
– many want music and various other activities. These are all available to this
community – but it cannot happen unless the workload is shared and there is active
participation by all members. The amount of time and effort that is put in by members is
incredible – we aim to keep alive old and new skills and introduce all ages to some
fantastic events – and pastimes. This must be sustained.
It is understood that people are busy trying to make ends meet – but still let's work
together – arrange interesting programs and share the workload.
The Dorrigo Arts Council is strong – people are interested –
we are now in our 22nd year – lets have FUN .
Appreciation
As I said last year, Dorrigo can be thankful for its strong band of
volunteers – not only in the arts scene but they are there - everywhere. It is the
same this year -
I know some are a little weary and some a little older – but we are still valuable
members of the community and I thank you all.
It is difficult to acknowledge everyone who has helped during this year – there are
so many. There have been many activities – some with a high profile – some
behind the scenes – but all requiring time and energy. Thank you to everyone who has
participated.
The continued support of Richard Holloway. CEO of Arts Mid North Coast is greatly
appreciated and it is comforting to know that we have on-going support from Regional Arts
NSW when needed. We are also grateful to the Bellingen Shire Council for its assistance
and on-going support, particularly to the Blue Grass Festival.
My special thanks to all the Committee members who keep the Arts Council running – in
particular Secretary Al and Treasurer Caroline – and to Bob Denner who has given
great assistance and support in our planning meetings.
It is with regret that I must announce that Al Hartley will not be able to stand as
Secretary in the coming year through ill health. Al has been such a tower of strength and
enthusiasm and his contribution and support will be sadly missed. Although I understand he
will still be attending meetings – we will not be reading his chatty minutes. Thank
you Al and we all wish you well on your road to improved health.
I too, will not be standing again as President – Sarah Liptrot has been in the wings
waiting for a call – and the time is now.
I have enjoyed my time as President – it has been a challenge at times – but
most of the time fun and rewarding. I find that it is time to have some little
more time to myself – but be assured I will be there if I can assist in any way.
Membership is the backbone of the Arts Council – but we must remember to share the
load for it to continue.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement during my term of office and I wish that
2004 is a most successful year for all.
Judy Mortlock
President, January 2004
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