The benefits of being involved with BRANCHING OUT has been to see the dreams we had for TRA K-be physically put into practice. We all have many talents but detailed administration is not one of them. Under the BRANCHING OUT programme we had help in putting these desires into a practical format that gave us 2 very successful grant applications and therefore the money to achieve our dreams.
Maybe it’s true that artists think with the left hand side of the brain and accountants with the right. Whatever it is, we are very grateful for the help and guidance of the BRANCHING OUT programme in achieving the comfort in our surroundings to be able to provide all year round workshops and social activities for the local and rural community.
Quote from TRA-K member
‘We have seen renewed enthusiasm, optimism and participation from both individuals and groups involved in the project.’
The Branching Out process has really helped us lift our horizons as to just what is possible for a group like ours to achieve. It has also given us real practical help in applying for funding so that we can upgrade the gallery and transform into a space that can have multiple uses rather than simply being an art gallery with an occasional artist creating a piece of work using the space. We are now running regular workshops and hope to be able to stage performances and use the more flexible space we will eventually have for other creative purposes.
The Branching Out personnel have also acted as mentors for us when we have run into an issue or problem that we have needed more expert help with than our committee members can provide themselves. Knowing that this backup is available should we need it has given us the confidence to take on new projects that otherwise might have seemed too difficult to tackle.
The Branching Out personnel have also acted as mentors for us when we have run into an issue or problem that we have needed more expert help with than our committee members can provide themselves. Knowing that this backup is available should we need it has given us the confidence to take on new projects that otherwise might have seemed too difficult to tackle.
Feedback from TRA-K committee member 2011
The Branching Out Program (BOP) team has been working with the pilot groups to deliver tangible and valuable outcomes for their organisations. It has also given TRA the opportunity to explore the social enterprise options for the organisation. A challenging, interesting and extremely rewarding program the results to date have been illuminating, with the BOP team identifying gaps and alternative approaches to working with artists and arts organisations.
For example: A short term investment of skills and resources in TRA-K, a volunteer group based in Sheffield that manages the Working Art Space, has seen a return of more than $30 000 and increased membership. An Open Day launched a new brochure and blog and attracted almost 100 visitors. Two grant applications (FRRR & TCF) were successful and will see significant improvements to the gallery and workshop space. But the benefits have been greater than just financial. We have seen renewed enthusiasm, optimism and participation from both individuals and groups involved in the project.
‘You have opened up a whole lot of possibilities to us. When you are in a regional community sometimes you are not really aware,’ comments from a TRA-K volunteer.
Interweave Arts has also reported positive outcomes. It has now been registered on the Australian Cultural Fund providing an opportunity for individuals and groups to make tax deductible donations to the organisation. Exploring second life products, we have worked with Interweave to release a limited edition set of cards and have partnered with the Tasmanian Polytechnic in Launceston to have enterprise student produce Interweave badges for sale. Funds raised will be directed back into the Studio Workshop that works with young artists and artists with a disability. We are seeking outlets across the state for these and future products and the organisation is about to launch its new brochure, a new 3 year business plan and showcase some of the artworks from the Workshop Studio program. Work with this team has been incredibly rewarding and there is a sense of optimism within the organisation.
‘It’s good to focus the group. A lot of programs give advice but we have no time to address. We are getting some things up and running which we have talked about for years but not had the capacity to undertake.’ (Interweave committee comments)
Due to its success in attracting both in-kind and financial support BOP was in surplus at 31December 2010 when the project was due to finish.
Contributions to the budget have come through:
- In-kind support through Business Enterprise Centres who have facilitated workshops with the pilot group
- $4 000 from Social Inclusion Unit to fund Dr Ernesto Sirolli to speak at the Regional Arts Australia National Conference
- Funding support in excess of $4 000 from the Tasmanian Polytechnic under its Return to Industry program to employ a Community Business Facilitator
- In kind support from Murdoch University student who produced promotion material for one of the pilots
- In kind support from the University of Tasmania Institute for Regional Development with Dr Robyn Eversole developing an action learning evaluation tool as part of the project
The response from the non profit, business, arts and government sectors has been fantastic. We have been approached by a range of passionate individuals who are wanting to set up a social enterprise, convert a business into a social enterprise or build on what they are doing. The cross sectoral approach we have taken and broad partnerships we have developed has helped to ensure that the arts and cultural sector is a key player in the development of social enterprise in Tasmania.
