There is little doubt that branching out has identified the need for greater hands on support for artists and arts organisations. The result of a little bit of expertise aimed in the right direction has enabled our two pilot groups to achieve some of their goals. But how do we support this work, how do we fund it and how do we do it?
In late 2009 I was drawn to Ripples on the Zambezi, a book written by Ernesto Sirolli that illustrates the damage that individuals can do when not invited by communities.
In partnership with Tasmanian Council of Social Services, we brought Ernesto to Tasmania in August last year to speak at the Regional Arts Australia Conference. Anyone who has heard him knows what a passionate, straight shooting speaker he is. His model of working with entrepreneurs resonates with me as I continue to hear stories of disillusionment, frustration and despair from artists, writers, performances and creative thinkers who are trying to do it all.