Josh Schultz, CAP’s Development Manager, spoke at the conference. His presentation can be found at the link below.
docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aAlYEL7dk5mIP7j7ztKmNWR-yIYVCCFz/edit#slide=id.p2
Were you happy with the event?
I was very happy with the event as it delivered exactly what I wanted it to. To raise the profile of community arts, to engage with similar organisations and artists across the globe, to start a conversation on the necessity of community arts within communities from all over the world and particularly how that will go forward locally.
Were you happy with the community engagement?
Extremely happy with the community engagement we had for the event. Was a long uphill road to encourage a diverse range of community group members as this was a first off community arts conference in the area, but we managed to get the numbers we hoped for and the feedback from those that attended has been astronomical
Was there anything in particular which stayed with you after the event had ended?
Yes, absolutely, having spoken to participants and witnessed all the presentations and activities on the day, I would have to say that it was wonderful to see people so engrossed in the speakers presentations and the thoughts of the discussion panel, but more so in their creative feedback at the end of the event. We used T-shirt cut outs for the delegates to create images with text stating the three stand out moments / info during the day and that worked really well.
Where to now?
I am looking to set up an online forum whereby all those in attendance (and those who couldn’t make it, or were unaware of the event) can keep connected and share and assist in upcoming community art project. The aim is to connect all the community groups, organisations and individuals who want to be part of community arts activities in the region. It will also be a great platform for sharing thoughts, issues, plans, etc on what was touched on during the event. I’m looking to keep the momentum going, building on what was presented at the forum.
Key Thoughts Regarding the Forum
The forum provided a platform for diverse voices within the community arts sector. It was encouraging to see such a broad range of participants, including community groups, artists, and arts administrators from various backgrounds such as men’s sheds, community theatre, visual arts, dance, speech & drama, among others. The willingness of attendees to engage in discussions on topics ranging from innovative community engagement approaches to resource and financial challenges was great.
Witnessing the dedication of fellow community artists and practitioners, who are committed to using art as a tool for social change and empowerment, was inspiring. However, the large number of participants may have impacted the depth of discussions, and the day’s structure seemed more speaker-led than participant-driven, leaving room for improvement in fostering deeper engagement and in satisfying participants’ need to talk and share the issues affected them.
Usefulness of Attending as a Community Artist:
Attending the forum as a community artist was beneficial. It offered a platform to interact with fellow practitioners, enabling the exchange of ideas and experiences. The opportunity for networking and collaboration helped to strengthen the sense of solidarity within the community arts sector. Connecting with like-minded individuals reinforced my belief in the transformative power of art. However, it’s worth noting that as a professional artist, I felt a sense of frustration that my time and expertise were not compensated, as attendance incurred personal expenses. This aspect highlighted a broader issue within the field that warrants consideration.
Particular Takeaways After the Conference:
One particular aspect that resonated with me after the conference was the significance of collaboration and inclusivity in community arts projects. The discussions underscored the necessity of actively engaging community members in the creative process, ensuring their voices are not only heard but also authentically reflected in the artwork. It’s crucial for forums like this to lead by example, providing ample space for voices to be heard rather than simply spoken to.
Undoubtedly, the frustration stemming from cutbacks in the arts and community sector lingers. It’s disheartening to witness the lack of value placed on professional community artists’ time by entities like the ABC Council, who fall short in compensating them for their contributions. This discrepancy underscores the need for greater recognition and support for artists within these sectors. For this reason, while I think that forums like this are useful and >enjoyable, I would not participate again as a professional artist unless my time and expenses were compensated.
