RESHAPING ARTS in the UK

A wealth of information is available via the Arts Council England around how arts organisations are reshaping with a focus on:

• money
• social purpose
• reshaping organisations

'2011/12 is a year of change for the arts sector. Many organisations are taking a fresh look at ways of developing their income streams. They are thinking about their assets and capabilities in order to strengthen their offer and enable the organisation to become more efficient, flexible and responsive'.  (Pg 1)
'A shift from seeing money as a grant based subsidy, to money as an investment that attracts more resources, strengthens sustainable practice and could afford greater freedom. Our conventional business model is quite static in the arts. We tend towards aiming to break even or have a small surplus or deficit...Being more enterprising and innovative, viewing money as investment and reshaping arts venues and organisations along new models used by community based, third sector organisations is challenging but potentially liberating. It's a big change in how we approach funding. But it can be done!' (Pg 7)
From Reshaping: New Horizons: seeking new opportunities and growth commissioned by Arts Council England.

Wrapping Up

A big thank you to all who have been involved in Branching Out. It has been a fantastic opportunity to explore the potential of social enterprise in the arts. While the project is wrapping up in a couple of weeks, the story will continue with exciting things afoot in Tas Regional Arts.
We are finalising a paper about the project with outcomes and recommendations that will be available.
So please stay in touch if you have a great idea and thanks again to the artists, organisations, especially TRA-K & Interweave & communities who have inspired and been inspired.
For more information about Social Enterprise check out the Social Traders or Social Ventures Australia websites.
There are some great things happening in this space including a review of the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Loan Fund and an upcoming workshop with key stakeholders to explore what is needed within the state. This fits within the Social Inclusion Unit of the Tasmanian Government.
And remember to download a copy of the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study to see the key recommendations for the sector.
I will continue to work with Tasmanian Regional Arts, but in an entrepreneurial role supporting TRA branches, affiliates and regional artists. So please stay in touch and watch this space. xKylie

Sirolli Workshop in Hobart

Social Enterprise Workshop with Dr Ernesto Sirolli

Monday 21^st November

Kick-start your social enterprise dreams in a 2-hour workshop with international local development expert Dr Ernesto Sirolli – an engaging and provocative speaker, trainer and business coach. At very short notice, Dr Sirolli has agreed to run this workshop for people with a dream to establish or expand a social enterprise to benefit their local community or cause.

When: Monday 21st November 2011, 9:30 – 11:30am (arrive 9:15)

Where: Australian Italian Club, 77 Federal St, North Hobart

Cost:      $25 per person

Please RSVP to Tim Tabart email: tim@tascoss.org.au

To register or for more information, download a flyer.  (if link doesn’t work, cut and paste this address into your web browser: http://tascoss.org.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=SpPrYSravbk%3d&tabid=87 )

Definitely On TRAK

Just back from a quick trip up north to meet with the TRA team at the Latrobe office. Always a beautiful drive up North, the rolling green hills and chocolate brown paddocks never disappoint.
Very exciting to see the On Trak Gallery that TRA-K, one of our pilot groups, has now established in the Information Centre building near the Mural Park. In speaking with the President, Bronwyn Rossiter, it was the Mayor who approached the group to take on this space, which was for almost 2 years empty.

Capitalising on the success of the Working Art Space, with its new lighting, heating and facilities, this commercial gallery provides an opportunity for artists, jewelers and makers in Sheffield and beyond to exhibit and sell work. This now complements the role of the Working Art Space, which provides exhibition, workshop, meeting and studio space. The effort that TRA-K has put into improving the situation for creative makers is huge and is sure to have a massive impact on interest to both spaces.

Interweave Update

Branching Out has continued to work with Interweave Arts on a range of strategies for building capacity and identifying enterprise opportunities. Look out for the new website COMING SOON! Proudly supported by the Branching Out team.

Funding Social Enterprise-an example...

Parramatta City Council’s Social Enterprise Grants program has been running for five years and now allocates $80 000 per annum. The current round closes on 2^nd December 2011 and is for funding that will commence in July 2012.
The program has recently been re-structured and two funding streams are now available through the category:

§  The ‘business planning’ stream provides funding of up to $2 500 to assist early stage social enterprises to develop the business plan for their model.

§  The ‘growing social enterprise in Parramatta’ stream provides two grants of $25 000 ($50 000 total pool) to assist successful social enterprises locate in the Parramatta LGA (from elsewhere), or for local social enterprises to take a significant growth step (ie. if already based in Parramatta).

The ‘growing social enterprise in Parramatta’ stream is part of a larger Social Enterprise Attraction Strategy, which is working towards establishing Parramatta as a location of choice for social enterprises. 

Campbell Town Forum

Check out photographs taken on the day at the successful forum