Reflecting on being a Chief Facilitator for Artlands 2023 in Canberra
Working with Regional Arts Australia alongside eighty extraordinary creatives from across rural and regional Australia (and a generous and thoughtful team of co-facilitators) has been a real joy and pleasure.
Across the morning, we unpacked three thought-provoking questions, set to guide the conversations and challenges as the Artlands delegates envision regional creatives influencing every industry, fuelling vibrant and sustainable communities, and connecting all of regional Australia to the creative vibrancy of place.
1. How might we empower regional creatives to have a transformative impact on every industry, driving meaningful change in regional economies over the next 20 years?
2. How might we harness the power of creativity to fuel vibrant, healthy, resilient, and sustainable regional communities, fostering a thriving ecosystem of cultural and economic well-being by 2043?
3. How might we cultivate a shared sense of creativity and foster deep connections to the creative vibrancy of local communities, enabling all regions to perceive themselves as creative and interconnected by 2043?
It was a joy also to facilitate an opening panel with Kim Houghton, Chief Economist, Regional Australia Institute; Dr Paula Abood, writer, educator, community cultural artist and producer; Robbie Sefton AM, Founder and Managing Director, Seftons; and Kath Sullivan, National Rural Reporter, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Also, it felt so good to know this conversation and gathering of regional and rural artists was taking place at our National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, with such a fitting backdrop to connect creative spirits from across the country.
My sincere thanks to the team for supporting me as well, as it's been such a complex personal time with family and health, and the team has been so generous in adjusting and responding accordingly. My heart was full of energy and hope being in Canberra. Thank you, Ros Abercrombie for your trust, care, and support. And to the generous Kath Melbourne and Desna Whaanga-Schollum for your inspired leadership and care. I wish I could have been on the ground for so much more.
I'm looking forward to seeing the resonance of this gathering make sound and shape, as there are so many wonderful artists and creatives gathered in the conversation, and frankly, the future of rural and regional Australia will depend on creativity and vitality.
