This article examines what the arts sector needs from arts managers to build capacity in order to... more This article examines what the arts sector needs from arts managers to build capacity in order to respond to the changing external environment. The authors investigate employment practices that help organizations to be strategic and sustainable and to deliver public value. Through a survey of Australian arts organizations and peak bodies, they identify the workforce challenges facing the sector and the arts management skills prioritized by employers. They compare these findings with the skills and capabilities identified in the literature. Their analysis reveals that employers look for a disappointingly narrow set of skills to meet immediate demands and reach short-term solutions. Rather than building resilience, the sector is manifesting resistance to change and inertia in the face of uncertainty. The authors argue that workforce employment strategies need to allow for the valuing of more creative, diverse, and entrepreneurial skills and for the arts/cultural workforce to be understood by employers as a critical constituent of its dynamic capabilities.
A strategic framework for arts and cultural development for the Maribyrnong City Council, prepare... more A strategic framework for arts and cultural development for the Maribyrnong City Council, prepared by consultant researchers at Deakin University. The framework acknowledges that Maribyrnong is a municipality on the cusp of great demographic and economic change, and that arts and culture are both the driver and potential victim of this change. Arts and culture must be an urgent priority for Council. This framework forms the basis for future planning of arts and cultural development in the City of Maribyrnong, and sits under the strategic directions identified in the Maribyrnong City Council Plan. This framework is based on new research into the environment in which arts and culture occurs in Maribyrnong and the strategic role Council plays in supporting this sector.
2016-2017 the Deakin research team were commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM), on behalf of... more 2016-2017 the Deakin research team were commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM), on behalf of a consortium of 14 major Victorian cultural organisations, to evaluate the impact of a new festival - the inaugural Asia Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts (Asia TOPA) which was a major strategic initiative led by ACM. The program was an ambitious one requiring the development of new programming, collaboration and stakeholder engagement. The resulting report interrogates the benefits to all participants, while identifying the extent to which Asia TOPA contributed to the development of the cultural sector.
This report was commissioned to investigate the level of arts participation in Moonee Valley, and... more This report was commissioned to investigate the level of arts participation in Moonee Valley, and the barriers local residents face in experiencing and accessing the arts. The need for this research is motivated by a desire to ensure the success of Council’s investment in the arts and culture, and to maximise the benefits of participating in the arts for all residents.
This study examined work done by museums and communities to jointly produce exhibitions and publi... more This study examined work done by museums and communities to jointly produce exhibitions and public programs. Collaborating with communities is a way for museums to develop authentic and distinctive offerings for visitors. However coproducing with communities is not the manner in which museums have traditionally worked. This research therefore enabled broader insights into collaboration and organisational change.
The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of ... more The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of government. Increasingly, however, local government has become a source of distinctive cultural policy making and a provider of significant funding for arts and cultural activities. The paper notes the relative absence of analyses of the role of local government in policy literature. It argues that with the recent proliferation of dedicated local cultural policies and plans, the attention of scholars is warranted. Through an analysis of the cultural plans of five local councils around Australia, the paper argues that the distinctive feature of cultural policy at the local level is a function of local government's proximity to its constituents, flexibility in decision-making and the discretionary nature of its expenditure.
Responding to gentrification has become a key planning issue for many urban municipalities. Local... more Responding to gentrification has become a key planning issue for many urban municipalities. Local governments need to balance the often-competing agendas of urban regeneration, social inclusion and arts access and participation. This paper argues that arts and cultural units within local government bear the impact of such tensions. More importantly, however, local government policies and their implementation represent a third position in the polarised discussion on the cultural impact of gentrification. The example discussed here is the rapidly gentrifying City of Maribyrnong in Melbourne's western suburbs: a municipality where any potential realisation of the economic benefits of gentrification is balanced against the needs of a significant population of resident professional artists, and the social inclusion needs of socio-economically disadvantaged residents. Maribyrnong's arts and cultural unit, like those within many municipalities in the developed world, has had to develop cultural policies and plans as tools for negotiating complex relationships and diverse needs of community members by considering the economic, social and cultural benefits of the arts for all residents.
The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of ... more The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of government. Increasingly, however, local government has become a source of distinctive cultural policy making and a provider of significant funding for arts and cultural activities. The paper notes the relative absence of analyses of the role of local government in policy literature. It argues that with the recent proliferation of dedicated local cultural policies and plans, the attention of scholars is warranted. Through an analysis of the cultural plans of five local councils around Australia, the paper argues that the distinctive feature of cultural policy at the local level is a function of local government's proximity to its constituents, flexibility in decision-making and the discretionary nature of its expenditure.
Poetics, Special issue: 'Art at the crossroads', Apr 2014
A common characteristic of neo-liberal modes of government is an emphasis on quantifiable outcome... more A common characteristic of neo-liberal modes of government is an emphasis on quantifiable outcomes for the delivery of public services. This is increasingly evident in assessments of local government performance. Meanwhile, new modes of arts participation mean that community involvement in the arts can no longer be measured simply by box office data. The measurement of local government achievement of cultural goals has become more complex at the same time as it has become more common. This article brings together two bodies of literature: critical literature on the trend towards measuring public service performance and literature on community participation in the arts. It identifies a nascent shift towards a standardised system of measurement of community participation in the arts. Using a case study of Australian local government cultural strategies, it examines how the definition of community participation in the arts varies and the extent of a council’s commitment to measuring participation. The article finds that the definition of participation varies greatly with the characteristics of the municipality. It is argued that a common understanding of the meaning of participation and a standardised system of measurement would risk jeopardising a council’s capacity to respond to its highly context-specific needs.
The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of ... more The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of government. Increasingly, however, local government has become a source of distinctive cultural policy making and a provider of significant funding for arts and cultural activities.
The paper notes the relative absence of analyses of the role of local government in policy literature. It argues that with the recent proliferation of dedicated local cultural policies and plans, the attention of scholars is warranted. Through an analysis of the cultural plans of five local councils around Australia, the paper argues that the distinctive feature of cultural policy at the local level is a function of local government’s proximity to its constituents, flexibility in decision-making and the discretionary nature of its expenditure.
Responding to gentrification has become a key planning issue for many urban municipalities. Local... more Responding to gentrification has become a key planning issue for many urban municipalities. Local governments need to balance the often-competing agendas of urban regeneration, social inclusion and arts access and participation. This paper argues that arts and cultural units within local government bear the impact of such tensions. More importantly, however, local government policies and their implementation represent a third position in the polarised discussion on the cultural impact of gentrification. The example discussed here is the rapidly gentrifying City of Maribyrnong in Melbourne’s western suburbs: a municipality where any potential realisation of the economic benefits of gentrification is balanced against the needs of a significant population of resident professional artists, and the social inclusion needs of socio-economically disadvantaged residents. Maribyrnong’s arts and cultural unit, like those within many municipalities in the developed world, has had to develop cultural policies and plans as tools for negotiating complex relationships and diverse needs of community members by considering the economic, social and cultural benefits of the arts for all residents.
7.1 Receptive (audience) arts participation 7.2 Creative (hands-on) arts participation 7.3 Resear... more 7.1 Receptive (audience) arts participation 7.2 Creative (hands-on) arts participation 7.3 Research for policy and planning 7.4 Framework for the design of future research 8 Conclusion 49 9 Summary of options and suggestions 50 Appendix 1: Descriptions of Mosaic groups and summary of key Mosaic findings 53 References 55 i Executive summary The City of Moonee Valley makes a substantial contribution to the arts and cultural life of its local communities. Through its high quality arts facilities (the Clocktower Centre and Incinerator Gallery) Council presents professional and community based arts opportunities across the visual and performing arts. The range of community festivals and events delivered and supported by Council are important opportunities for local gathering and celebration. Supporting and enabling these venues and programs requires extensive planning, operations, marketing, coordination, consultation and administration. The quality work conducted by Council's Arts and Cultural Unit across these functions ensures the success and vitality of Moonee Valley's arts and cultural profile. This report has been commissioned to investigate the level of arts participation in Moonee Valley, and the barriers local residents face in experiencing and accessing the arts. The need for this research is motivated by a desire to ensure the success of Council's investment in the arts and culture, and to maximise the benefits of participating in the arts for all residents. Council is to be commended for undertaking this research. While art and culture provide a range of intrinsic and instrumental benefits, for some groups access to the arts remains difficult for a range of reasons that are complex, deeply embedded and the result of multiple factors. This research also comes at a time when the understanding and discussion of arts participation is rapidly evolving. Arts participation is now seen to be much more than being an audience member. Arts participation is a spectrum of engagement that involves both creative participation (maker of art) and receptive participation (audience member). The definitions of audience and artists are also being challenged. Opportunities for audiences to be involved in the staging and development of art enable the broadening, deepening and diversifying of arts audiences and the experience of art. This report takes these categories as its headings, considering: current strengths and highlights of Council's work in these areas; data from the arts participation surveys and Mosaic reports; trends and best practice identified in relevant literature and case studies; and options/ suggestions for work Council may undertake to increase local participation in the arts. The options/ suggestions made in this report are summarised as follows: Facilities Council's excellent suite of arts facilities are primarily presentation venues-spaces that present arts and cultural product, such as performances and exhibitions, to audiences. Development venues such as studio space, rehearsal rooms and workshops are also needed to ensure local residents have opportunities for 'hands-on' or creative participation in the arts, and to ensure that presentation venues can be programmed with relevant and distinctive arts product. Non-traditional arts spaces, such as community venues and the public realm, encourage greater access to the arts. Creative use of these spaces would provide opportunities for Council to increase arts participation. Programming Programming is a key driver and inhibitor of receptive (audience member) arts participation. However existing sources of touring programs (particularly for performing arts) are limited and result in homogenous offerings across Melbourne and Victoria. Commissioning and brokering work undertaken by Council is an opportunity to diversify local arts programming, as is a targeted use of Council's community grants program. Audience development Arts participation and audience development work should seek to broaden, deepen and diversify arts audiences. Links to education programs (both school-based and lifelong learning), community development initiatives, and stronger links between arts programs and community festivals, provide opportunities for this work. iii Given the emphasis of this work in this report, it is suggested that Council establish an education/ audience development/ community arts position to lead these initiatives. Promotions and relationship marketing A key method through which residents are made aware of arts opportunities in Moonee Valley is word-of-mouth. This form of promotion is demonstrated in Council's innovative work in the use of social media, which should be continued and grown. Word-of-mouth and personal links to arts and culture are also supported by ambassador programs, which provide personal introductions to the arts and break down a number of personal and perceptual barriers to the arts. Establishment of an ambassador program would also provide Council with a panel of advocates and advisors for its arts and cultural work. Valuing and advocating for arts participation Greater evidence of, and discussion about, the value of arts participation is needed to engender greater support for the arts within communities, organisations and government. With new and emerging proof of the diverse instrumental and intrinsic value of arts participation, Council should develop clear messages about its work in arts and culture and the benefits this delivers to communities and residents. The development of Council's next cultural plan/ art strategy, with an emphasis on relevant and accessible arts programming, will identify and demonstrate the value and benefits of arts participation.
This article examines what the arts sector needs from arts managers to build capacity in order to... more This article examines what the arts sector needs from arts managers to build capacity in order to respond to the changing external environment. The authors investigate employment practices that help organizations to be strategic and sustainable and to deliver public value. Through a survey of Australian arts organizations and peak bodies, they identify the workforce challenges facing the sector and the arts management skills prioritized by employers. They compare these findings with the skills and capabilities identified in the literature. Their analysis reveals that employers look for a disappointingly narrow set of skills to meet immediate demands and reach short-term solutions. Rather than building resilience, the sector is manifesting resistance to change and inertia in the face of uncertainty. The authors argue that workforce employment strategies need to allow for the valuing of more creative, diverse, and entrepreneurial skills and for the arts/cultural workforce to be understood by employers as a critical constituent of its dynamic capabilities.
A strategic framework for arts and cultural development for the Maribyrnong City Council, prepare... more A strategic framework for arts and cultural development for the Maribyrnong City Council, prepared by consultant researchers at Deakin University. The framework acknowledges that Maribyrnong is a municipality on the cusp of great demographic and economic change, and that arts and culture are both the driver and potential victim of this change. Arts and culture must be an urgent priority for Council. This framework forms the basis for future planning of arts and cultural development in the City of Maribyrnong, and sits under the strategic directions identified in the Maribyrnong City Council Plan. This framework is based on new research into the environment in which arts and culture occurs in Maribyrnong and the strategic role Council plays in supporting this sector.
2016-2017 the Deakin research team were commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM), on behalf of... more 2016-2017 the Deakin research team were commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM), on behalf of a consortium of 14 major Victorian cultural organisations, to evaluate the impact of a new festival - the inaugural Asia Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts (Asia TOPA) which was a major strategic initiative led by ACM. The program was an ambitious one requiring the development of new programming, collaboration and stakeholder engagement. The resulting report interrogates the benefits to all participants, while identifying the extent to which Asia TOPA contributed to the development of the cultural sector.
This report was commissioned to investigate the level of arts participation in Moonee Valley, and... more This report was commissioned to investigate the level of arts participation in Moonee Valley, and the barriers local residents face in experiencing and accessing the arts. The need for this research is motivated by a desire to ensure the success of Council’s investment in the arts and culture, and to maximise the benefits of participating in the arts for all residents.
This study examined work done by museums and communities to jointly produce exhibitions and publi... more This study examined work done by museums and communities to jointly produce exhibitions and public programs. Collaborating with communities is a way for museums to develop authentic and distinctive offerings for visitors. However coproducing with communities is not the manner in which museums have traditionally worked. This research therefore enabled broader insights into collaboration and organisational change.
The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of ... more The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of government. Increasingly, however, local government has become a source of distinctive cultural policy making and a provider of significant funding for arts and cultural activities. The paper notes the relative absence of analyses of the role of local government in policy literature. It argues that with the recent proliferation of dedicated local cultural policies and plans, the attention of scholars is warranted. Through an analysis of the cultural plans of five local councils around Australia, the paper argues that the distinctive feature of cultural policy at the local level is a function of local government's proximity to its constituents, flexibility in decision-making and the discretionary nature of its expenditure.
Responding to gentrification has become a key planning issue for many urban municipalities. Local... more Responding to gentrification has become a key planning issue for many urban municipalities. Local governments need to balance the often-competing agendas of urban regeneration, social inclusion and arts access and participation. This paper argues that arts and cultural units within local government bear the impact of such tensions. More importantly, however, local government policies and their implementation represent a third position in the polarised discussion on the cultural impact of gentrification. The example discussed here is the rapidly gentrifying City of Maribyrnong in Melbourne's western suburbs: a municipality where any potential realisation of the economic benefits of gentrification is balanced against the needs of a significant population of resident professional artists, and the social inclusion needs of socio-economically disadvantaged residents. Maribyrnong's arts and cultural unit, like those within many municipalities in the developed world, has had to develop cultural policies and plans as tools for negotiating complex relationships and diverse needs of community members by considering the economic, social and cultural benefits of the arts for all residents.
The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of ... more The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of government. Increasingly, however, local government has become a source of distinctive cultural policy making and a provider of significant funding for arts and cultural activities. The paper notes the relative absence of analyses of the role of local government in policy literature. It argues that with the recent proliferation of dedicated local cultural policies and plans, the attention of scholars is warranted. Through an analysis of the cultural plans of five local councils around Australia, the paper argues that the distinctive feature of cultural policy at the local level is a function of local government's proximity to its constituents, flexibility in decision-making and the discretionary nature of its expenditure.
Poetics, Special issue: 'Art at the crossroads', Apr 2014
A common characteristic of neo-liberal modes of government is an emphasis on quantifiable outcome... more A common characteristic of neo-liberal modes of government is an emphasis on quantifiable outcomes for the delivery of public services. This is increasingly evident in assessments of local government performance. Meanwhile, new modes of arts participation mean that community involvement in the arts can no longer be measured simply by box office data. The measurement of local government achievement of cultural goals has become more complex at the same time as it has become more common. This article brings together two bodies of literature: critical literature on the trend towards measuring public service performance and literature on community participation in the arts. It identifies a nascent shift towards a standardised system of measurement of community participation in the arts. Using a case study of Australian local government cultural strategies, it examines how the definition of community participation in the arts varies and the extent of a council’s commitment to measuring participation. The article finds that the definition of participation varies greatly with the characteristics of the municipality. It is argued that a common understanding of the meaning of participation and a standardised system of measurement would risk jeopardising a council’s capacity to respond to its highly context-specific needs.
The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of ... more The arts and cultural sector has historically relied on funding from state and federal levels of government. Increasingly, however, local government has become a source of distinctive cultural policy making and a provider of significant funding for arts and cultural activities.
The paper notes the relative absence of analyses of the role of local government in policy literature. It argues that with the recent proliferation of dedicated local cultural policies and plans, the attention of scholars is warranted. Through an analysis of the cultural plans of five local councils around Australia, the paper argues that the distinctive feature of cultural policy at the local level is a function of local government’s proximity to its constituents, flexibility in decision-making and the discretionary nature of its expenditure.
Responding to gentrification has become a key planning issue for many urban municipalities. Local... more Responding to gentrification has become a key planning issue for many urban municipalities. Local governments need to balance the often-competing agendas of urban regeneration, social inclusion and arts access and participation. This paper argues that arts and cultural units within local government bear the impact of such tensions. More importantly, however, local government policies and their implementation represent a third position in the polarised discussion on the cultural impact of gentrification. The example discussed here is the rapidly gentrifying City of Maribyrnong in Melbourne’s western suburbs: a municipality where any potential realisation of the economic benefits of gentrification is balanced against the needs of a significant population of resident professional artists, and the social inclusion needs of socio-economically disadvantaged residents. Maribyrnong’s arts and cultural unit, like those within many municipalities in the developed world, has had to develop cultural policies and plans as tools for negotiating complex relationships and diverse needs of community members by considering the economic, social and cultural benefits of the arts for all residents.
7.1 Receptive (audience) arts participation 7.2 Creative (hands-on) arts participation 7.3 Resear... more 7.1 Receptive (audience) arts participation 7.2 Creative (hands-on) arts participation 7.3 Research for policy and planning 7.4 Framework for the design of future research 8 Conclusion 49 9 Summary of options and suggestions 50 Appendix 1: Descriptions of Mosaic groups and summary of key Mosaic findings 53 References 55 i Executive summary The City of Moonee Valley makes a substantial contribution to the arts and cultural life of its local communities. Through its high quality arts facilities (the Clocktower Centre and Incinerator Gallery) Council presents professional and community based arts opportunities across the visual and performing arts. The range of community festivals and events delivered and supported by Council are important opportunities for local gathering and celebration. Supporting and enabling these venues and programs requires extensive planning, operations, marketing, coordination, consultation and administration. The quality work conducted by Council's Arts and Cultural Unit across these functions ensures the success and vitality of Moonee Valley's arts and cultural profile. This report has been commissioned to investigate the level of arts participation in Moonee Valley, and the barriers local residents face in experiencing and accessing the arts. The need for this research is motivated by a desire to ensure the success of Council's investment in the arts and culture, and to maximise the benefits of participating in the arts for all residents. Council is to be commended for undertaking this research. While art and culture provide a range of intrinsic and instrumental benefits, for some groups access to the arts remains difficult for a range of reasons that are complex, deeply embedded and the result of multiple factors. This research also comes at a time when the understanding and discussion of arts participation is rapidly evolving. Arts participation is now seen to be much more than being an audience member. Arts participation is a spectrum of engagement that involves both creative participation (maker of art) and receptive participation (audience member). The definitions of audience and artists are also being challenged. Opportunities for audiences to be involved in the staging and development of art enable the broadening, deepening and diversifying of arts audiences and the experience of art. This report takes these categories as its headings, considering: current strengths and highlights of Council's work in these areas; data from the arts participation surveys and Mosaic reports; trends and best practice identified in relevant literature and case studies; and options/ suggestions for work Council may undertake to increase local participation in the arts. The options/ suggestions made in this report are summarised as follows: Facilities Council's excellent suite of arts facilities are primarily presentation venues-spaces that present arts and cultural product, such as performances and exhibitions, to audiences. Development venues such as studio space, rehearsal rooms and workshops are also needed to ensure local residents have opportunities for 'hands-on' or creative participation in the arts, and to ensure that presentation venues can be programmed with relevant and distinctive arts product. Non-traditional arts spaces, such as community venues and the public realm, encourage greater access to the arts. Creative use of these spaces would provide opportunities for Council to increase arts participation. Programming Programming is a key driver and inhibitor of receptive (audience member) arts participation. However existing sources of touring programs (particularly for performing arts) are limited and result in homogenous offerings across Melbourne and Victoria. Commissioning and brokering work undertaken by Council is an opportunity to diversify local arts programming, as is a targeted use of Council's community grants program. Audience development Arts participation and audience development work should seek to broaden, deepen and diversify arts audiences. Links to education programs (both school-based and lifelong learning), community development initiatives, and stronger links between arts programs and community festivals, provide opportunities for this work. iii Given the emphasis of this work in this report, it is suggested that Council establish an education/ audience development/ community arts position to lead these initiatives. Promotions and relationship marketing A key method through which residents are made aware of arts opportunities in Moonee Valley is word-of-mouth. This form of promotion is demonstrated in Council's innovative work in the use of social media, which should be continued and grown. Word-of-mouth and personal links to arts and culture are also supported by ambassador programs, which provide personal introductions to the arts and break down a number of personal and perceptual barriers to the arts. Establishment of an ambassador program would also provide Council with a panel of advocates and advisors for its arts and cultural work. Valuing and advocating for arts participation Greater evidence of, and discussion about, the value of arts participation is needed to engender greater support for the arts within communities, organisations and government. With new and emerging proof of the diverse instrumental and intrinsic value of arts participation, Council should develop clear messages about its work in arts and culture and the benefits this delivers to communities and residents. The development of Council's next cultural plan/ art strategy, with an emphasis on relevant and accessible arts programming, will identify and demonstrate the value and benefits of arts participation.
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Papers by Anne Kershaw
The paper notes the relative absence of analyses of the role of local government in policy literature. It argues that with the recent proliferation of dedicated local cultural policies and plans, the attention of scholars is warranted. Through an analysis of the cultural plans of five local councils around Australia, the paper argues that the distinctive feature of cultural policy at the local level is a function of local government’s proximity to its constituents, flexibility in decision-making and the discretionary nature of its expenditure.
More importantly, however, local government policies and their implementation represent a third position in the polarised discussion on the cultural impact of gentrification. The example discussed here is the rapidly gentrifying City of Maribyrnong in Melbourne’s western suburbs: a municipality where any potential realisation of the economic benefits of gentrification is balanced against the needs of a significant population of resident professional artists, and the social inclusion needs of socio-economically disadvantaged residents. Maribyrnong’s arts and cultural unit, like those within many municipalities in the developed world, has had to develop cultural policies and plans as tools for negotiating complex relationships and diverse needs of
community members by considering the economic, social and cultural benefits of the arts for all residents.
The paper notes the relative absence of analyses of the role of local government in policy literature. It argues that with the recent proliferation of dedicated local cultural policies and plans, the attention of scholars is warranted. Through an analysis of the cultural plans of five local councils around Australia, the paper argues that the distinctive feature of cultural policy at the local level is a function of local government’s proximity to its constituents, flexibility in decision-making and the discretionary nature of its expenditure.
More importantly, however, local government policies and their implementation represent a third position in the polarised discussion on the cultural impact of gentrification. The example discussed here is the rapidly gentrifying City of Maribyrnong in Melbourne’s western suburbs: a municipality where any potential realisation of the economic benefits of gentrification is balanced against the needs of a significant population of resident professional artists, and the social inclusion needs of socio-economically disadvantaged residents. Maribyrnong’s arts and cultural unit, like those within many municipalities in the developed world, has had to develop cultural policies and plans as tools for negotiating complex relationships and diverse needs of
community members by considering the economic, social and cultural benefits of the arts for all residents.