Arts Project Australia is thrilled to have recently hosted the Supported Studios Network Forum 2017. Over two days supported studios from around the country came together at Arts Project, engaging in talks and discussion on how to better support artists.
Day 1 of the the forum was filled with illuminating dialogue surrounding the transition to NDIS – something which has effected all supported studios in Australia. It was a pleasure to open the forum with an address from David Moody from National Disability Services, who talked through both the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to NDIS. In particular David discussed how the prime focus was now on “outcomes not output”. We also heard from Fiona Still from National Disability Services, who spent the day at Arts Project, talking through the changes within NDIS funding. It was also a pleasure to hear about the practices and achievements of supported studios around Australia during the pecha kucha session! A big thank you to Art Gusto, Nulsen, DADAA, The Art Factory, Accessible Arts, Tutti Arts, Art from the Margins and Studio A for their presentations on their studios and artists.
While day 1 focused on the funding and studio side of the equation, day 2 held more of a gallery focus. A big thank you to artist Georgina Cue who started the day by discussing her practice, navigating commercial galleries and her collaboration with Arts Project artist Paul Hodges for Next Wave 2016. After this we engaged in a gallery-centred panel discussion, which talked through ethics, representation and sales and included Nicola Stein from This Is No Fantasy + Dianne Tanzer Gallery, artist Rob McHaffie, Chris from DADAA and our Sim Luttin. Not to mention the input from panel moderator Kris Tito. From here we disbanded into smaller groups for a speed-dating session in which attendees were able to gain specific knowledge in various gallery, studio, fundraising, communications and administration processes.
We’d like to thank everyone who came to the conference and offered their insights, and of course thank you to everyone who helped make the forum possible.
