Notice of Meeting

Arts and Creative Industries Advisory Committee Meeting

An Arts and Creative Industries Advisory Committee Meeting of Byron Shire Council will be held as follows:

 

Venue

Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby

Date

Thursday, 15 September 2022

Time

2.00pm

 

 

Esmeralda Davis

Director Corporate and Community Services

I2022/1207

                                                                                                                             Distributed 07/09/22

 

 

 

 


CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

What is a “Conflict of Interests” - A conflict of interests can be of two types:

Pecuniary - an interest that a person has in a matter because of a reasonable likelihood or expectation of appreciable financial gain or loss to the person or another person with whom the person is associated.

Non-pecuniary – a private or personal interest that a Council official has that does not amount to a pecuniary interest as defined in the Code of Conduct for Councillors (eg. A friendship, membership of an association, society or trade union or involvement or interest in an activity and may include an interest of a financial nature).

Remoteness – a person does not have a pecuniary interest in a matter if the interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence any decision the person might make in relation to a matter or if the interest is of a kind specified in the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

Who has a Pecuniary Interest? - a person has a pecuniary interest in a matter if the pecuniary interest is the interest of the person, or another person with whom the person is associated (see below).

Relatives, Partners - a person is taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter if:

·                The person’s spouse or de facto partner or a relative of the person has a pecuniary interest in the matter, or

·                The person, or a nominee, partners or employer of the person, is a member of a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter.

N.B. “Relative”, in relation to a person means any of the following:

(a)  the parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal descends or adopted child of the person or of the person’s spouse;

(b)  the spouse or de facto partners of the person or of a person referred to in paragraph (a)

No Interest in the Matter - however, a person is not taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter:

·                If the person is unaware of the relevant pecuniary interest of the spouse, de facto partner, relative or company or other body, or

·                Just because the person is a member of, or is employed by, the Council.

·                Just because the person is a member of, or a delegate of the Council to, a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter provided that the person has no beneficial interest in any shares of the company or body.

Disclosure and participation in meetings

·                A Councillor or a member of a Council Committee who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the Council is concerned and who is present at a meeting of the Council or Committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable.

·                The Councillor or member must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting of the Council or Committee:

(a)     at any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed by the Council or Committee, or

(b)     at any time during which the Council or Committee is voting on any question in relation to  the matter.

No Knowledge - a person does not breach this Clause if the person did not know and could not reasonably be expected to have known that the matter under consideration at the meeting was a matter in which he or she had a pecuniary interest.

Non-pecuniary Interests - Must be disclosed in meetings.

There are a broad range of options available for managing conflicts & the option chosen will depend on an assessment of the circumstances of the matter, the nature of the interest and the significance of the issue being dealt with.  Non-pecuniary conflicts of interests must be dealt with in at least one of the following ways:

·                It may be appropriate that no action be taken where the potential for conflict is minimal.  However, Councillors should consider providing an explanation of why they consider a conflict does not exist.

·                Limit involvement if practical (eg. Participate in discussion but not in decision making or vice-versa).  Care needs to be taken when exercising this option.

·                Remove the source of the conflict (eg. Relinquishing or divesting the personal interest that creates the conflict)

·                Have no involvement by absenting yourself from and not taking part in any debate or voting on the issue as of the provisions in the Code of Conduct (particularly if you have a significant non-pecuniary interest)

RECORDING OF VOTING ON PLANNING MATTERS

Clause 375A of the Local Government Act 1993 – Recording of voting on planning matters

(1)  In this section, planning decision means a decision made in the exercise of a function of a council under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979:

(a)  including a decision relating to a development application, an environmental planning instrument, a development control plan or a development contribution plan under that Act, but

(b)  not including the making of an order under that Act.

(2)  The general manager is required to keep a register containing, for each planning decision made at a meeting of the council or a council committee, the names of the councillors who supported the decision and the names of any councillors who opposed (or are taken to have opposed) the decision.

(3)  For the purpose of maintaining the register, a division is required to be called whenever a motion for a planning decision is put at a meeting of the council or a council committee.

(4)  Each decision recorded in the register is to be described in the register or identified in a manner that enables the description to be obtained from another publicly available document, and is to include the information required by the regulations.

(5)  This section extends to a meeting that is closed to the public.

OATH AND AFFIRMATION FOR COUNCILLORS

Councillors are reminded of the oath of office or affirmation of office made at or before their first meeting of the council in accordance with Clause 233A of the Local Government Act 1993. This includes undertaking the duties of the office of councillor in the best interests of the people of Byron Shire and the Byron Shire Council and faithfully and impartially carrying out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested under the Act or any other Act to the best of one’s ability and judgment.


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

BUSINESS OF MEETING

 

1.    Apologies

2.    Declarations of Interest – Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary

 

3.    Staff Reports

Corporate and Community Services

3.1       Reconnecting Regional Communities Funding......................................................... 6

3.2       Climate Conversations: New Collaborative Community Art Project Opportunity for Artists............................................................................................................................. 10

3.3       Consideration of Indigenous Cultural Protocols in Arts and Cultural Activity..... 14

3.4       Hoop Pine Plantings acknowledging Elders............................................................ 18

3.5       Update on the Northern Rivers Arts and Creative Industries Recovery Forum. 24

3.6       Byron Shire Arts and Creative Industries Summit.................................................. 27     

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Corporate and Community Services                                    3.1

Staff Reports - Corporate and Community Services

 

Report No. 3.1       Reconnecting Regional Communities Funding

Directorate:                         Corporate and Community Services

Report Author:                   Donna Johnston, Grants Coordinator

Melitta Firth, Arts & Culture Officer

File No:                                 I2022/1113

Summary:

This report relates to the arts and cultural features of the Reconnecting Regional Communities Funding.

  

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee notes the events supported through Reconnecting Regional Communities Funding.

 

 


 

Report

On 23 June 2022, Council endorsed the following events under the Reconnecting Regional Communities Funding program:

a)      Sidestep ($59,010)

b)      Restore Fest and associated community events ($75,000)

c)      Queer Family Recovery Series ($41,289)

c)      Reconnecting Mullumbimby ($35,500)

d)      Bruns Drive-in Cinema ($73,100)

e)      After Disaster - Stories, Reflections, Songs ($40,000)

Under the NSW State Government funding program, Council was allocated $362,050 to “promote the social and economic recovery of regional communities, by renewing social connections and providing a revenue boost to local businesses, following the extended COVID-19 restrictions across regional NSW and impacts of border closures.”

A full copy of the guidelines can be read at Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program | NSW Government

In recognition of the extensive creative community within Byron Shire, an Expression of Interest was open for three weeks to seek event ideas to submit to the NSW Government.

75 applications were received and assessed by a panel consisting of two internal staff members and one external member. The panel was required to assess the EOI using the following four criteria:

1.   Will the event reconnect community?

2.   Will the event stimulate the local economy?

3.   Event viability (timing, approval requirements, budget)

4.   Organisation’s capacity to deliver the event on time and within scope

The Panel recommended, and Council has endorsed, the following events:

1.      Sidestep ($59,010)

A new interactive multi-arts festival for kids and families. Presented in beautifully decorated temporary structures, bespoke venues, on the grass and under the trees, the festival will transform a public park into a magical participatory playground over two days. Location to be determined.

2.      Restore Fest and associated community events ($75,000)

Reconnecting communities with the joy of bush regeneration.
A series of community workshops leading to a large community festival and tree planting. Propagation. Restoration. Celebration. A series of 8 community workshops in the towns and villages across the Shire will culminate in a large community tree-planting at a one-day festival in one of the Shire’s iconic locations. The partners proposing this event are in liaison with Mullumbimby Community Gardens to host the festival.

 

3.      Queer Family Recovery Series ($41,289)

The Queer Family Recovery Series is a 6-month program of workshops and events, designed to provide support to a range of workers across the arts sector who were badly affected by the pandemic, as well as considering the benefit to the tourism sector in Byron by attracting the pink dollar, and addressing a lack of LGBTQIA+ focused events in the Shire.

4.      Reconnecting Mullumbimby ($35,500)

Events focussed on rebuilding, celebrating, and sharing across the layers and tribes within the community.
• Creating a place to tell your story without witness or being in the public eye, a remedy to the social media the permeates our world.
• A dinner to break bread together
• A physical expression of place through Art

5.      Bruns Drive-in Cinema ($73,100)

Five consecutive Saturday nights of outdoor film events. Four of the films programmed will be broken down as follows, and themed to river and ocean stories:
• A Disney-style classic family film with broad appeal,
• An environmental oceans-based documentary
• A “high camp” beach blanket style romp/comedy
• A film selected by the audience from a list of five classic Ocean stories ranging from “20,000 Leagues Beneath the Sea” to “The Poseidon Adventure”
• A film suited to live accompaniment.

6.      After Disaster - Stories, Reflections, Songs ($40,000)
Two local schools. 200 children. Four local songwriters and music makers. One film. One free of charge community concert to be held at the local hall at the heart of the flood disaster recovery.

Council is currently awaiting approval of the aforementioned grants from the NSW Government.


 

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

CSP Objective

L2

CSP Strategy

L3

DP Action

L4

OP Activity

2: Inclusive Community
We have an inclusive and active community where diversity is embraced and everyone is valued

2.1: Foster opportunities to express, celebrate and participate in arts and cultural activity

2.1.3: Events and festivals - Support and enable arts & cultural activity, festivals, projects, and events

2.1.3.6

Deliver event and festivals annual sponsorship program

Financial Considerations

Grant Value $352,050.

The funding program provides for support of a temporary Council Event Liaison Officer for up to three days per week until 30 March 2023.

Consultation and Engagement

A three-week Expression of Interest opportunity was promoted via media release, two advertisements in Echo and advertising campaign on social media.

Over 70 phone calls were received from applicants enquiring about the program.

Internal staff meetings conducted and EOI opportunity process presented to Councillor Strategic Planning workshop on 5 May 2022.  

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Corporate and Community Services                                    3.2

Report No. 3.2       Climate Conversations: New Collaborative Community Art Project Opportunity for Artists

Directorate:                         Corporate and Community Services

Report Author:                   Julia Adams, Sustainability Team Leader

Melitta Firth, Arts & Culture Officer

File No:                                 I2022/1117

Summary:

Introduction to a new collaborative arts project, Climate Conversations, to replace the Sustainability Awards.

Climate Conversations will invite Northern Rivers artists to collaborate with community and explore ways we can adapt, reorganise, and evolve in the face of climate change through the arts.

  

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Arts and Creative Industries Advisory Committee notes the report.

 

 


 

                               

Report

Background:

Under the current 2021/22 OP action 3.2.2.6 – Deliver biennial Byron Shire Council Sustainability Awards – the sustainability team has proposed a more innovative arts-based approach to engaging the community in conversations and ideas related to sustainability, resilience, climate change adaption and mitigation. It will be a collaboration with the Social and Cultural Planning team to deliver a new program called “Climate Conversations”.

Council intends to pilot a new biennial collaborative art project, called Climate Conversations, encouraging artists to explore, with the community, how we can adapt, reorganize, and evolve as a community in the face of climate change.

This proposal is also supportive of bringing community together in person and generating active engagement with sustainability issues.

Project Outline:

Council staff are selecting a broad theme for exhibition, for example ‘water’, ‘circular economy’, ‘flooding’ or ‘adaptation’, from Council’s existing sustainability strategies.

Council will release a call for expressions of interest (EOI) in late 2022, open to Northern Rivers artists to develop work exhibition on “x” theme to be installed in the Lone Goat Gallery space in 2023. Selection will be based on the artist’s ability to engage the community in climate conversations through the exhibition and associated programs.

Applications will be assessed by a panel of three judges (one council staff member, two arts community experts). The successful artist will receive an artist’s fee to develop the work, and a one-month Council supported exhibition at the Gallery (gallery fees paid by Council).

At least two public programs will be delivered as part the month-long exhibition and these may include, among other things; art workshops, artist talks, school field trips, outdoor activations and outreach, community clean ups or depending on the nature of the artists project.

The goal of the project is to create long term behaviour change in relation to the theme, while supporting and championing the local arts community.

Timeline:

The EOI will be released in October 2022 and will be on exhibition for approximately two months, with the successful applicant being announced before Christmas.

The selected artist will have 6-12 months to develop the work (depending on Lone Goat Gallery exhibition space availability). It is envisaged that the exhibition will coincide with a prominent environmental day or another relevant event within the calendar.

Exemplar projects include:

·    Climarte | Arts for A Safe Climate – the world’s first climate emergency gallery opened in Melbourne, Vic, with City of Melbourne as a major partner.

·    The Sydney Biennale 2022 – this year’s theme is “Rivus” and focuses on giving a voice to water in its various forms. The internationally-renowned event also acknowledges that “sustainability should be an action, not a theme” and encourages the use of non-polluting materials, reduction of waste and advocates for locality and collaboration to reduce its impact on the environment.

·    Hazelwood mine coal dust art exhibition opens as power station prepares to close - ABC News - Victorian artist Harmut Veit using coal dust and rubbish from the Latrobe Valley (location of Hazelwood power station) to create art

Budget:

The project will be funded solely from the Sustainability Programs budget. The budget includes:

Artist’s fee - $5000

Lone Goat Gallery hire - $1000

Workshops plus materials (additional to artist fee) - $2000

Media and Communications - $4000

Opening night event - $2000

Total - $14,000

Communications:

The sustainability team has partnered with Lone Goat Gallery and its channels to develop and deliver a detailed communications plan, in order to maximise community engagement.

Strategic Considerations

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

CSP Objective

CSP Strategy

DP Action

Code

OP Activity

3: Nurtured Environment
We nurture and enhance the natural environment

3.2: Deliver initiatives and education programs to encourage protection of our environment

3.2.2: Environmental education and awareness - Coordinate and support environmental education to the community

3.2.2.4

Deliver Sustainability Awards Recognition Program.

3: Nurtured Environment
We nurture and enhance the natural environment

3.2: Deliver initiatives and education programs to encourage protection of our environment

3.2.2: Environmental education and awareness - Coordinate and support environmental education to the community

3.2.2.2

Provide coastal and biodiversity information and encourage and support community activities and groups.

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

Applicable Council Strategies and Plans:

·    Net Zero Emissions Strategy for Council Operations 2025

·    Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025

·    Climate Change Adaptation Plan

Financial Considerations

The required budget for Climate Conversations will be drawn from the Sustainability Programs and Lone Goat Gallery accounts.

Consultation and Engagement

The following internal council staff are collaborating to implement Climate Conversations:

·    Sustainability team,

·    Arts and Culture team,

·    Executive team

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Corporate and Community Services                                    3.3

Report No. 3.3       Consideration of Indigenous Cultural Protocols in Arts and Cultural Activity

Directorate:                         Corporate and Community Services

Report Author:                   Robert Appo, Project Officer (Aboriginal), CCS - Social & Cultural Planning

Melitta Firth, Arts & Culture Officer

File No:                                 I2022/1083

Summary:

This report provides information to the Committee about Indigenous Cultural Protocol, Native Title considerations and an opportunity to discuss with Council Indigenous Officer.

  

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the committee notes the Indigenous Cultural Protocols discussed and the role of the Arts and Creative Industries Committee.

 

 

 


 

                               

Report

This Committee will on occasion review Development Control Plan initiated public art proposals and other arts projects engaging with Indigenous stories and places. It is important the Committee is aware of relevant Indigenous Cultural Protocols, and Council’s expectations for Public art or other projects involving Indigenous content, artists or on native title lands.

If artwork is proposed for the public domain, that includes Indigenous Art or Indigenous Cultural Content or infringes on Native Title Rights, Council requires written evidence of appropriate consultation with the relevant traditional owner representative group. Public art proposals that fail to demonstrate appropriate engagement should be noted as such and rejected.

In line with United Nations principles:

To respect ICIP (Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property) rights, it may be necessary to get permission to use Indigenous stories, designs and themes even though legally, they are in the public domain. Internationally, the United Nations Principles and guidelines for the protection of Indigenous peoples’ heritage recommends: Artists, writers and performers should refrain from incorporating elements derived from Indigenous heritage into their works without the informed consent of the Indigenous owners. (Australia Council Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts)

Protocols are appropriate ways of engagement with Indigenous cultural material and interaction with Indigenous peoples and communities. They encourage ethical conduct and promote interaction based on good faith, mutual respect and cultural values. Some examples of these protocols are listed below:

·    Spreading the responsibility to follow appropriate protocols – i.e., beyond Aboriginal People

·    Native Title lands and rights the committee should be aware of – including intangible heritage values (sightlines, cultural sites, oral stories, songlines).

·    Voice to Parliament – brief update.

·    Consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders.

·    Appropriate cultural references within art/artworks.

·    Use of Aboriginal language.

·    Project development.

·    OZCO cultural protocols document.

Recent Resolutions

Notice of Motion No. 4.4: Notice of Motion to LGNSW Special Conference - First Nations Voice to Council File No: I2022/4

Res 22-004

 

Strategic Considerations

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

CSP Objective

CSP Strategy

DP Action

Code

OP Activity

2: Inclusive Community
We have an inclusive and active community where diversity is embraced and everyone is valued

2.3: Respect and value Aboriginal cultures, knowledge, and history

2.3.1: Aboriginal community and First Nations People - Develop strong and productive relationships that empower the Aboriginal community

2.3.1.1

Continue working with Traditional owners on land management matters

2: Inclusive Community
We have an inclusive and active community where diversity is embraced and everyone is valued

2.3: Respect and value Aboriginal cultures, knowledge, and history

2.3.1: Aboriginal community and First Nations People - Develop strong and productive relationships that empower the Aboriginal community

2.3.1.2

Undertake consultation with Local Aboriginal stakeholders to develop a consultative group.

2: Inclusive Community
We have an inclusive and active community where diversity is embraced and everyone is valued

2.3: Respect and value Aboriginal cultures, knowledge, and history

2.3.1: Aboriginal community and First Nations People - Develop strong and productive relationships that empower the Aboriginal community

2.3.1.3

Coordinate the Arakwal Memorandum of Understanding Advisory Committee

2: Inclusive Community
We have an inclusive and active community where diversity is embraced and everyone is valued

2.3: Respect and value Aboriginal cultures, knowledge, and history

2.3.2: Aboriginal cultural expression - Support First Nations cultural expression

2.3.2.1

Work with Council units to consider First Nations cultural expression into work programs and projects.

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Corporate and Community Services                                    3.4

Report No. 3.4       Hoop Pine Plantings acknowledging Elders

Directorate:                         Corporate and Community Services

Report Author:                   Melitta Firth, Arts & Culture Officer

Andrew Erskine, Open Space Technical Services Officer

Emily Fajerman, Community & Cultural Development Coordinator

File No:                                 I2022/954

Summary:

Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk (BNSW) is proposing to plant native Hoop Pine trees, install interpretative signage and organise an event acknowledging Aboriginal Custodianship and Traditional Owners at Brunswick Heads. BNSW have requested Council support to progress and finance some aspects of the project. The Arakwal Corporation have provided in-principal support; their ongoing involvement will be key to the success of this project.

 

  

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee notes the proposed project and provides any feedback.

 

Attachments:

 

1        Arakwal - Hoop Pine Plantings - Letter of Support- Brunswick 2022, E2022/82928  

2        Email from Arakwal Corporation Fwd_ Planting and Signage in Brunswick Heads, E2022/83105  

 


 

                               

Report

Background

Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk (BNSW) is a not-for-profit organisation with a diverse range of members including, artists, designers, educators, environmentalists, event managers, business owners and curators. Through interactive installations and workshops BNSW aims to design an engaging sculptural walk along the foreshores of Brunswick Heads, culminating in a triennial event.

In 2021, BNSW, in partnership with Brunswick Heads Progress Association (auspicing organisation) received a Community Initiatives grant of $5,000 from Council to initiate a Cultural Walk in Brunswick Heads. This area is Council managed Crown Land where Native Title continues.

As a result of the Cultural Walk project, BNSW identified the need to highlight the stories of local Aboriginal people. In consultation with Council, Arakwal Corporation and Delta Kay, BNSW is preparing to plant 4 semi-advanced Hoop Pines by the Brunswick River to honour the Arakwal Elders. These trees are native and provide habitat for Ospreys.

The Arakwal Corporation has provided a preliminary letter of support and email (attached) and would like to be involved in details of the project including planting location and signage.

BNSW has proposed that the project proceed in two stages: Stage 1: planting of trees. Stage 2: interpretive signage. BNSW will be requesting financial support from Council during Stage 2.

Stage 1: Planting of hoop pines

Council has formally approved the planting of these trees through the Manager of Open Spaces and has identified possible locations in consultation with BNSW. The proposed locations have no impact or constraints on the underground service network and will not inhibit views for residents. These locations will need to be agreed to in collaboration with the Arakwal Corporation.

Council’s Open Space Technical Services Officer has also prepared a Native Title Worksheet to be reviewed by a Council Native Title Manager. Pending this approval and formal support and collaboration with Arakwal Corporation, Council and BNSW are hoping to plant the trees in early November. This proposed planting event will include a Welcome to Country, activities such as a bird walk and a workshop by Byron Bird Buddies and will be documented by film maker Susie Foster.

Proposed site

Council is awaiting advice from the Native Title Manager regarding any additional requirements for approval. Figures 1 and 2 outline the proposed locations of the Hoop Pine trees at South Beach Park, Brunswick Heads.

Figure 1: Proposed Hoop Pine Locations at South Beach Park, Brunswick Heads

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 2: Proposed Hoop Pine locations and interpretative signage location at South Beach Park, Brunswick Heads

Map

Description automatically generated

Stage 2: Interpretive signage

As a part of this project, BNSW is proposing to install interpretative signage.

In describing the importance of the project, BNSW states that, “Brunswick Heads does not have any acknowledgement of the Indigenous peoples of this land. We feel this needs to change and is extremely important allowing the community and visitors to be able to pay their respects and understand the land in which we stand. It is a symbolic gesture which would honour and celebrate our Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging.”

BNSW would like to work with Arakwal Corporation and Council to explore interpretive signage options and will be requesting Council funding.

This element of the project will need to be costed accordingly, reviewed by a Native Title Land Manager and presented to Council for consideration. Any signage will need to be developed in collaboration with Arakwal Corporation.

Key considerations

·    Aboriginal cultural property: Aboriginal leadership is critical to ensure that Aboriginal Cultural heritage, acknowledgement, and restoration projects are delivered appropriately, in accordance with Aboriginal cultural property. While BNSW is in agreement that the Arakwal Corporation will be involved in the project, the exact nature and extent of involvement is not known, and the process for any dispute resolution has not been articulated.

·    Native Title considerations: advice from Council’s Native Title Manager is forthcoming. Currently, liability created by this project on Native Title Land is not well understood.

·    Budget: The BNSW has partnered with Council and there is sufficient budget to progress Stage 1: the installation of trees. BNSW has advised that they will be seeking financial support from Council for Stage 2. This includes funds for the design and fabrication of signage. The required budget for Stage 2 is not yet known.

Strategic Considerations

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

CSP Objective

CSP Strategy

DP Action

Code

OP Activity

2: Inclusive Community
We have an inclusive and active community where diversity is embraced and everyone is valued

2.1: Foster opportunities to express, celebrate and participate in arts and cultural activity

2.1.4: Artistic and creative industries - Build, support, and advocate for the artistic and creative industries of the Shire to inspire a thriving and sustainable arts community

2.1.4.3

Provide information and advice to internal and external stakeholders to support arts and cultural development and creative recovery

2: Inclusive Community
We have an inclusive and active community where diversity is embraced and everyone is valued

2.3: Respect and value Aboriginal cultures, knowledge, and history

2.3.1: Aboriginal community and First Nations People - Develop strong and productive relationships that empower the Aboriginal community

2.3.1.1

Continue working with Traditional owners on land management matters

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

Native Title

Financial Considerations

Signage Costs and engagement of Arakwal for signage design have not been determined, and a budget has not been identified.

Potential liability risk associated with installing signage on Native Title Land.

Consultation and Engagement

Consultation has occurred with Delta Kay, Arakwal Corporation, Rob Appo, Native Title Land Manager and Arts and Culture Officer.

Further consultation with Arakwal Corporation is required and approval by the Arakwal Board on exact locations of trees.

Consultation with all Landcare Groups is recommended.

Further Discussion required with Open Spaces Team regarding budget and maintenance.

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Corporate and Community Services                                    3.5

Report No. 3.5       Update on the Northern Rivers Arts and Creative Industries Recovery Forum

Directorate:                         Corporate and Community Services

Report Author:                   Melitta Firth, Arts & Culture Officer

Emily Fajerman, Community & Cultural Development Coordinator

File No:                                 I2022/946

Summary:

The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on the Arts and Creative Industries Recovery Forum held by Arts Northern Rivers in July 2022 and provide an interim report.

  

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee notes the information provided on the Arts Northern Rivers Arts and Creative Industries Recovery Forum held in July 2022 and the interim report.

 

Attachments:

 

1        Arts Northern Rivers Creative-Industires-Recovery-Forum-Book-of-Proceedings 2022, E2022/78856  

 


 

                               

Report

Arts Northern Rivers (Arts NR) held an Arts and Creative Industries Recovery Forum in the Northern Rivers on 28 and 29 July 2022. The Forum was a crucial component of the Arts Northern Rivers 2022 floods recovery strategy for the region’s creative sector.

Over 200 sector members were in attendance representing a range of art forms, practitioners and LGA’s. Pattern Makers (data and evaluation partner) were engaged to deliver a subsequent report with key insights and findings into the impacts to the sector and key pathways forward.

The Forum was supported by the Australian Government, The Australia Council and the National Recovery and Resilience Agency, the NSW Government Business Connect and Creative Plus Business.

Over two days, 250 attendees contributed to 46 sessions. An interim report has been prepared by Arts NR, titled ‘Book of Proceedings’ (E2022/78856) which documents some of the key discussion points held at the Forum.

Arts Northern Rivers continues to work with Pattern Makers to produce a more in-depth snapshot of the creative industry recovery needs. This report is expected to be ready in mid-September.

Arts Northern Rivers is considering having a follow up ‘Convergence’ in early next year to take a further temperature check on the sector in recovery. Some early priority areas have emerged and are listed below.

While the final report is yet to be completed the consultant’s initial analysis of the themes that emerged in the Book of Proceedings indicates that there are a set of five priority areas for creative industries recovery. Pattern Makers have identified:

·      REPAIR: Support artists to rebuild their practice: Helping artists access studio spaces, publicising opportunities for artists to access funding, and looking at ways to share resources.

 

·      PREPARE: Strengthen sector resilience and disaster-proof artists’ work: e.g. creating safe storage methods for art works and materials, developing sustainability and risk-management strategies for artists

 

·      HEAL: Create art works and events to support community recovery and healing - e.g. How can we find land security/tile for Public Art? How can we create spaces within the region to run collaborative community arts and healing activities?

 

·      INFLUENCE: Advocate for creativity and the role of artists in recovery e.g. How to ensure our creative sector & community voice is strong on the Recovery Reconstruction Commission (RRC) and on the local Councils? How to involve creatives in the redesign of the physical environment? 

 

·      THRIVE: Create a more equitable, vibrant, and newly flourishing arts sector, e.g. How to have an Accessibility Coordinator - Officer @ ANR - or Access Arts Officer? How to create mentoring groups and support for new artists.

Pattern Makers have also identified key risks and opportunities for supporting the recovery process:

·      Isolation - Ensuring ongoing connection and relationships

·      Misalignment and duplication - Communicating news and coordinating activity

·      Fatigue and loss of motivation – Advice, coaching and business planning support

·      Lack of resources - Capacity for grants assistance and support to secure investment

·      Pressure to rush - Encouragement to think big picture and long-term.

For discussion:

Jane Fuller, Executive Director of Arts Northern Rivers will provide an update to the Committee at the 15 September meeting on the outcomes of the Arts and Creative Industries Recovery Forum and proposed next steps.

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Corporate and Community Services                                    3.6

Report No. 3.6       Byron Shire Arts and Creative Industries Summit

Directorate:                         Corporate and Community Services

Report Author:                   Melitta Firth, Arts & Culture Officer

Emily Fajerman, Community & Cultural Development Coordinator

File No:                                 I2022/1184

Summary:


This report provides an update on the Arts and Creative Industries Summit.

  

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee notes the report and provides any feedback on proposed focus areas for the event.

 

 

 


 

Report

In February 2022 Council resolved to hold an Arts and Creative Industries Summit. The Terms of Reference outlined in the NOM by Councillor Ndiaye for the forum were:

1.That Council convenes an Arts and Creative Industries Summit to offer an opportunity for local Arts professionals to share their experiences and ideas about how we can reinvigorate the local creative arts and industry after such a challenging few years having to contend with Covid related instability. Council can also share the current opportunities and challenges being experienced in the sector from Council’s perspective.

2.The summit to include presentations from Council, and the invitation extended to encompass a wide range of local input, including for example:

Community arts organisations, arts industry, Create NSW, Arts Northern Rivers, a local community organisation or institution, a representative from NSW Department of Planning and an arts policy specialist.

Northern Rivers representative from Music NSW, Northern Rivers Screenworks, local festival representatives (e.g., Blues Fest, Mullum Music Festival, Byron Writers Festival, Byron Film Festival, Splendour, Falls, Surf, Byron Music, Bangalow Film, Bangalow Music Festival), The Mud Trail etc and possibly venues such as Byron Community and Cultural Centre and Brunswick Picture Houe.

3.The summit to be open to invited stakeholders including state and federal political representatives.

4.The summit to include consideration of the following:

(a) current council policies, strategies and resolutions to promote the arts;

(b) current council policies, strategies and resolutions that inhibit the creative industries;

(c)  proposals that could be trialled and implemented to support Arts and Culture in the Byron Shire.

5.That the summit be structured in a way that supports the development of an Arts and Cultural Strategic Plan for the Shire.

In August 2022, staff made an alternative recommendation based on advice and feedback from industry stakeholders. At the Council Ordinary Meeting on August 25 Councillors again voted to support the delivery of a Summit, based on the recommendation from the Arts and Creative Industries Advisory Committee. It was suggested to hold the Summit in October 2022.

With the Summit confirmed as a priority deliverable, Council staff have commenced planning the event with key stakeholders and confirming an agenda that focuses on shared outcomes for Council and the Arts and Creative Industry sector. This event will precede and inform the content of the Arts and Culture Action Plan.

Key issues for consideration and discussion

1. Industry needs

Ensuring that the event meets the specific needs and opportunities of each area of the creative industries may be challenging in a collective forum format.

2. Value

Arts and creative industries workers are not often salaried and will therefore be attending the Council event on their own time. Therefore, the event must be seen to have value to these stakeholders.

For the event to be engaging and meaningful to participants and Council, it is recommended that community consultation is the focus, including break out groups, rather than speaker-led sessions as the primary format.

However, the arts and creative industries may be experiencing consultation fatigue as there have been informal discussions between Council and stakeholders occurring for some time.

3. Draft Arts and Culture Action Plan 

A working draft version of the Arts and Culture Action Plan is underway. However, with this event identified as the immediate priority, the development of the draft document has slowed considerably. The draft document may not be available to share with external stakeholders at the event, however key themes may be able to be shared to inform discussion.

4. Local focus

Because Arts Northern Rivers recently convened a region-wide Recovery Forum, our stakeholders are likely expecting a locally focussed event. Byron Shire has world class arts and cultural producers and artists, educators and support organisations who are best placed to inform Council’s approach.

5. Event title

Given the modest event budget, the naming of the event should be considered in accordance with its scale.

The broad focus areas for the day could include:

Session 1: Byron Shire Council Arts and Culture Action Plan – overview and facilitated discussion, including key questions:

·    What do we want the arts and creative industries to look like in 2030?

·    How do we get there? What is Council’s role in this?

 

Session 2: Festivals and Events Strategy

Session 3: Panel Discussion

Session 4: Industry specific break out groups to confirm top four priorities for each industry


 

Strategic Considerations

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

CSP Objective

CSP Strategy

DP Action

Code

OP Activity

2: Inclusive Community
We have an inclusive and active community where diversity is embraced, and everyone is valued

2.1: Foster opportunities to express, celebrate and participate in arts and cultural activity

2.1.4: Artistic and creative industries - Build, support, and advocate for the artistic and creative industries of the Shire to inspire a thriving and sustainable arts community

2.1.4.2

Develop Arts and Culture Strategy

Recent Resolutions

·        22-010 Arts and Culture Summit

·        22-288 Festivals and Events Strategy

Financial Considerations

Council has requested an allocation of $10,000 for the Summit

Consultation and Engagement

The event will be an opportunity for feedback on the Arts and Culture Strategy and the Festivals and Events Strategy.