Project Description
NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2022
Positive Solutions had a great 2021 – working with local governments in Geelong, Ballarat, Albury, Central Coast, Sutherland, Fraser Coast and Ipswich, as well as with Muscular Dystrophy Queensland, Museum of Brisbane, Suncoast Community Legal Service, Trade and Investment Queensland, Soils for Life, St Kentigern College (Auckland), the Ian Potter Cultural Trust – and concluding a major project with Heritage Council NSW.
At the start of 2022 we are continuing with projects across Australia and New Zealand and commencing several new projects. This work sees us continue to champion arts and culture, not for profit business and best practice in governance and organisational sustainability. We look forward to sharing this work with you as it unfolds across the year.
2021 Project Review
Review of Conservation Management Planning in NSW
Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) are a crucial element in protection and stewardship of Australia’s heritage assets – buildings, culturally significant environments and other elements. Positive Solutions with support from The Maytrix Group was engaged by Heritage NSW, to review the practice of development and application of CMPs – a study which included substantial industry consultation, and both interstate and overseas benchmarking. Most of our 30+ recommendations were adopted by the Heritage Council. Subsequently we were engaged to assist with development of advisory materials, working with Duncan Marshall and Heritage NSW; and with organising and delivering a series of webinars which reached over 250 heritage consultants and stakeholders.
Saint Kentigern College
Feasibility studies are essential for examining the viability of a proposal, before embarking on major facility commitments. They can test the practicability of a range of project aspects such as facility needs, management options, potential locations, design options, cost and the project’s social, economic and environmental sustainability. In 2021, Positive Solutions was delighted to take Saint Kentigern College through this process, to examine the feasibility of a new Performing Arts Centre (PAC). With the project still ongoing, we have focused on the delivery of a Need and Demand Assessment, and a Preliminary Functional Design Brief. These integral documents will feed into later design and business planning processes prior to construction. We also invited theatre design specialists, Setting Line to collaborate on the project, placing the school in a position to proceed more quickly to the procurement of the design team in the next phase.
Development of an Arts and Cultural Strategy for Greater Geelong
In 2017 Geelong was designated Australia’s first UNESCO City of Design. This designation is about using creativity and innovation to build more sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities. Building on this process, Positive Solutions was contracted in 2020 to assist the City of Greater Geelong with their Arts and Cultural strategy. This was an exciting project, as the intention was to have a more interactive and engaged consultation than typical, and called for close relationship with Council Officers, executive staff, elected leaders, First Nations people, creative practitioners and other constituents. We helped direct and harness COGG resources and ensure that the resulting Strategy was genuinely a Council-wide and fully embraced document, linked to their recently adopted Clever and Creative Vision. The project resulted in the development of a clear vision and strategic framework that reflected Council’s principles of equity and access.
Strategic planning with Muscular Dystrophy Queensland
Muscular Dystrophy Queensland (MDQ) is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to empowering people living with muscular dystrophy and similar neuromuscular conditions to make the most of opportunities and fulfil their potential to live the lives they choose. In early 2021, MDQ articulated a need to develop a strategic plan and direction for the organisation over the next four years, including consideration of current issues and future opportunities. They articulated that they would benefit from the preparation and facilitation of a strategic planning workshop, in addition to the development of the plan with well-considered performance measures. Their Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 targets two client focused core areas and two enablers which together tell the story of who MDQ are, what they are committed to achieving in the coming four years, and the organisation they need to be in the long-term.
Major renewal of Sutherland Entertainment Centre
Like other arts and cultural buildings development from the 1970s onwards, Sutherland Entertainment Centre has been in need of a significant upgrade. After considering a range of options Sutherland Council determined to retain a part of the original infrastructure – but invest over $40m in a major redevelopment and modernisation. The new building is well underway and will have a dramatic impact on the city centre environment, including through the adjacent Peace Park. Positive Solutions is assisting with the operating set-up for Sutherland Performing Arts Centre – including corporate structure, financial modelling, establishment of systems and recruitment of key staff.
Review of Trade and Investment Queensland’s Go Global Export Program
Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) is the Queensland Government’s dedicated global business agency, helping Queensland exporters take their products to world markets and promoting Queensland as the perfect place for investment.
Positive Solutions was engaged by TIQ to assist with a review of their Go Global Export Program (GGE Program) and to guide the organisation in taking the program forward. The GGE Program provides Queensland’s export-ready small and medium-sized businesses with financial support to enter a new international market. This export support initiative has run for two years, with a further round of grants to small businesses in late 2021, early 2022. Prior to this round, Positive Solutions reviewed the impact of the program. The review was informed by a survey to previous applicants, targeted interviews with the Director and Project Consultant, and a review of documentation. Positive Solutions was able to propose refinements for consideration by TIQ, building on the program’s success to date.
Governance Review for the Murray Art Museum Albury
Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a contemporary art museum, delivering a diverse program of exhibitions that feature local and regional artists, major self-curated exhibitions with works from all over the world, as well as national touring shows from major galleries.
Positive Solutions has been assisting AlburyCity and MAMA with their corporate transition of MAMA to an arms-length mode of operation. Positive Solutions provided recommendations for a model and implementation plan for this corporate transition, with the AlburyCity accepting Positive Solutions recommendation for a Company Limited by Guarantee.
We then proposed a method and costings for guiding this implementation and were also engaged to assist with the process of establishing a board for the new legal entity, and guiding the development of necessary initial policies.
Transition Planning for the Art Gallery of Ballarat new corporate structure
The Art Gallery of Ballarat, the oldest regional gallery in Australia, and one of the largest, is respected State-wide and nationally, and is a source of pride for the people of Ballarat.
Positive Solutions assisted the City of Ballarat and Art Gallery Ballarat with their transition to a new corporate structure as recommended in our 2019 report, and subsequent Transition Plan. We provided advice on the most effective future governance arrangements for the Gallery and its associated entities – the Foundation and the Association, particularly in relation to fundraising and philanthropic efforts. We worked in close liaison with Harwood Andrews lawyers, who were separately engaged by Council to provide legal support through the transition process. The Gallery is now pursuing the preferred option.
Governance and Board Reviews
During 2021, Positive Solutions supported numerous organisations on board governance, board review and training – including:
- Soils For Life – Assisted with governance development, after the board articulated a need to build an understanding of governance to ensure its processes function effectively
- Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons – Developed and implemented a customised Self Evaluation Survey in consultation with the Society, along with a review of key governance documentation.
- SunCoast Legal – assisted Suncoast Community Legal Service (SCLS) with management committee and governance development.
- Museum of Brisbane – Positive Solutions undertook a review of the Governance Charter which we had previously prepared (2018) for the board of the Museum. This revision was provided in context of several new members having joined the board, and a wish to ensure the Charter remains current and active
- Continuing our long relationship with Queensland Health, we are assisting the Ipswich and West Moreton Clubhouse (Jacaranda) with governance and organisational development
Project Highlight
The Ian Potter Cultural Trust Investment in Australian Artists
The Ian Potter Cultural Trust (IPCT) – and The Ian Potter Foundation – have made a lasting contribution to the Australian arts ecology, with sustained support over decades. The Cultural Trust was established in 1993 by the Foundation to encourage and support the diversity and excellence of emerging and early career Australian artists. In 2021, assisted by Positive Solutions, the Trust commenced an evaluation of the Trust’s investment in Australian artists – with the project reviewing the impact of the Trust and considering future approaches and strategy.
The project is structured into two stages – an evaluation of the IPCT’s grant-making, and the development of future strategy. During stage one, to inform the evaluation, Positive Solutions interviewed over 30 stakeholders, and 270 artists participated in a survey.
Positive Solutions has now commenced work on the second stage which will look at identifying possible future initiatives that continue to support the Trust’s vision of a Vibrant Australia.
Good Governance – The Key to Resilience
Board members in the not-for-profit sector want to do the best they can for their organisation. They want to make a difference.
Is your board fulfilling its potential – contributing to the effectiveness of the organisation, and growing as a team? Positive Solutions is a leading specialist in governance and board development for not-for-profit boards – with experience in the sector for over 30 years in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong.
Our services are designed to equip and inform board members, CEOs and executive teams to lead and govern their organisations with confidence.
Our services include:
- Board assessments and development plans
- Comprehensive governance reviews, documents and policy drafting
- Facilitated board reflection
- Board induction and training programs
- Strategy facilitation
Read our Board Services Brochure
Reinventing the Gallery – An Interview with Monash Gallery of Art
Monash Gallery of Art opened in 1990. Housing the only collection solely dedicated to Australian photography the Harry Seidler-designed building, and adjacent Library, showed its limitations over time. In 2017 alternative building schemes were prepared, starting the journey through concept design and preparation of a detailed Business Case. The Gallery was renamed as the Museum of Australian Photography, or MAPh, emphasising the national significance of the collection and role of the Gallery.
Collaborating for Culture
During the last five years Positive Solutions and The Maytrix Group have collaborated on multiple cultural development initiatives, pooling our resources and expertise. From the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) in Monash to the redevelopment of Whitehorse Performing Arts Centre, from cultural and creative industries planning in Perth, Bendigo, Ipswich to the Business Case for Rockhampton Art Gallery and a review of Conservation Management Plan practices in New South Wales – the two firms have supported significant cultural developments, whilst continuing to deliver in their specialist fields of hospitality and non-profit governance.
Positive Solutions Team
Positive Solutions believe a vibrant cultural life is essential in creating healthy, cohesive and economically viable communities. Our experienced team undertakes in-depth stakeholder consultation, implements well-planned research, and harnesses its extensive industry contacts and knowledge to help us deliver projects that have shaped cultural life across Australia.
Positive Solutions works with a broad range of consultants – bringing together theatre design specialists, financial advisors and specialist consultants, such as:
Shadi Habash, Partner, Paxinos Habash Arts Tax, is a tax accountant and consultant specialising in the arts industry. Shadi supports Positive Solutions with critical financial modelling advice, and has worked with us on our client work with Sutherland Shire Council, and the City of Whitehorse.
Craig Gamble, Director Setting Lines, is a theatre design consultant, project and technical manager with over thirty seven years national and international experience working in, designing and building theatres, museums, galleries and other cultural and creative spaces. In 2021, Craig supported us on the Sutherland Entertainment Centre redevelopment.
Stéphanie Gaffric, Rising Arts Consulting provides research support to Positive Solutions, offering fifteen years’ experience in the arts industry, in Australia and internationally – Stephanie continues to support our work with the Ian Potter Cultural Trust, the Sutherland Shire Council and supported our work with Trade and Investment Queensland in 2021.
Other News – Women of the World Festival
Cathy Hunt Co-Director of Positive Solutions continues her role as Executive Producer of the WOW (Women of the World Festivals) in Australia in 2022 with a program of events in regional Queensland and a Brisbane conversation series. WOW festivals continue to grow across the globe changing the conversation around gender justice but always with a sense of celebration of achievement and change. The first event will be WOW Longreach 4-6th March curated with women of the Central West, with topics including leadership, community building and relationship to land as well as cabaret, music and fashion with a unique performance of First Nation art and design from Red Ridge the Label.
Follow www.wowaustralia.com.au for all details.
