October 2005 Newsletter

University of Auckland

Following previous work in relation to the University's dance and arts management programs, Positive Solutions has been assisting the National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries with a review of linkages between the School of Architecture and Department of Planning, and interdisciplinary links between these and related disciplines. The study includes benchmarking interdisciplinary work in teaching and research at a number of universities internationally.

The Meteor Theatre: Hamilton

Positive Solutions has been engaged by a consortium comprising two universities, the local government and several other organisations to undertake a review of a proposed theatre and creative industries business incubator development. The Meteor Theatre, a 'black box' studio near the city centre, sits within a heritage building which could be developed as an enhanced theatre/arts centre and as a business incubator. Positive Solutions is reviewing the existing concept to inform future planning for the building.

Works by Derek Erskine 2004: Jarmbi Gallery, Burrinja

North East of Melbourne, Burrinja (the Dandenong Ranges Community Cultural Centre) plans to embark upon a major expansion, with the addition of dedicated performance facilities. Positive Solutions has been working with Hayball Leonard Stent Architects to define the configuration for the new facilities and prepare a coherent business plan and operating model for the augmented cultural centre.

Positive Solutions has been engaged by HASSELL Melbourne to devise a Public Art Plan for Nicholson Street Mall, Footscray and to source an artist to work as part of their Design Team. Artist Karen Casey has been appointed as the artist for the Design Team.

The purpose of the Public Art Plan is to provide a framework for future Public Art projects within Nicholson Street Mall, Footscray. Initially, the Plan will directly feed information on Public Art priorities and infrastructure requirements to the Design Team. It will also demonstrate how Maribyrnong City Council may determine the most appropriate investment in public art and future management requirements for Art in Nicholson Street Mall.

Festival of Voices Closing Ceremony July 2005 - Salamanca Arts Centre

Salamanca is a key cultural and tourism facility on Hobart's waterfront. Operating for more than 30 years, the Centre now finds itself in the midst of a steadily developing waterfront area, with new retail, catering, offices and accommodation development. Positive Solutions was engaged by Arts Tasmania to review the corporate structure and governance arrangements for the Arts Centre to ensure that it has a robust legal and operating framework for the future. Our report was delivered in September.

Gavin Webber, Artistic Director: Dance North, Townsville

Positive Solutions has been engaged by the Australia Council to assist Dance North in Townsville with development of their strategic plan, at a time of significant change for the company following appointment of a new General Manager and Artistic Director.

We have been assisting South West NRM in Queensland with development of their strategic plan. The organisation is responsible for encouraging sustainable land management practices in South West Queensland. Positive Solutions has previously provided Governance training for South West NRM, and several of the other NRM organisations in the State.

In August 2005, our Melbourne consultant, Renai Grace, was invited to present a paper at 'Claiming Ground', an international Public Art Conference held in Hobart, Tasmania.

The paper consisted of a series of case studies of permanent and temporary Public Art projects that have used innovative processes to challenge the perception of the value of art. It highlighted how users (architects, developers and government) embrace the value of Art within the commissioning process to engage with the general public and deliver their social, economic and design objectives.

The paper also questioned the lack of aesthetic debate surrounding contemporary Public Art practice. Download a copy of Art for whose sake?