Valedictory President’s Report, Susan Brindle

On behalf of the Board it gives me pleasure to present the Annual Report and financial statements for the year 2023.

Looking back over the last 7 years I recognise it as a period of real change for STA.  And it is evident in many areas. 

The last Create NSW Review of Regional Arts Development Organisations resulted in STA moving to a 4-year funding cycle, different reporting, increased funding, all lowered our stress through funding certainty and increased status to the government.  NSW Government recognition of the now 15 RADOs as a network has brought remarkable change leading to collaboration, sharing resources and building partnerships, adding to the strength and cohesion of the entire group. 

The NSW Government through Create NSW has utilised the RADO Network to run the popular, annual CASP grants and to roll out arts funding grants in times of disaster..  The Network has responded with professionalism and speed resulting in grant money reaching recipients more quickly than ever before.

In addition, the Network, with significant Create NSW funding, delivered a state-wide, innovative 2-year long arts program, Regional Futures, culminating in a conference and extraordinary exhibition at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre in 2023.  STA was immensely proud of its 2 participating artists, sculptor Tracey Luff and First Nations artist Jodie Munday.

I applaud both Federal and NSW Governments for their Cultural Plans and increasing understanding that the arts make a difference to people impacted by disaster, disproportionately occurring in regional NSW.  The immensely successful STA Paint The Town project, funded largely by the Australian Government Black Summer Bush Fires Grants program. Is one example of beautiful local murals resulting from sensitive community engagement informing talented artists in their decisions about their work in this program. 

Far reaching results are already evident in the trail of murals throughout what will be the 7 STA LGAs, painted by some of Australia’s leading mural artists and providing opportunities for local artists and local First Nations artists to further their practice alongside muralists of national and international acclaim.  When completed this extraordinary achievement will be leveraged into a series of tourist trails through the Creative South website and beyond.  Artist Joe Quilter and Executive Director Rose Marin have designed this ambitious and challenging project and are bringing it to each LGA in turn with huge success.

With strategic focus on the development of First Nations art, culture, preservation of language, and on the practitioners and artists, STA is learning, and with increasing access to elders, developing greater understanding and seeking opportunities for First Nations arts and culture to shine in our region.

STA is proud to have all 7 regional Councils contributing financially each year and participating twice a year in the STA Regional Advisory Panel.  This forum allows for the sharing of information, building connections and developing an understanding of their unique and shared issues.  I am delighted to see that each of our contributing Councils increasingly recognise the contribution of arts and culture to the wellbeing of their communities and the liveability of their urban centres.

The STA team of Erin Olafson, Daniela Diaz and Kate Mackay, under Rose Marin’s leadership continue to be nimble and innovative.  The Mobile Office initiative has proven to be the most significant change; an unexpected benefit of closing the Goulburn office during the pandemic.  There is an arts industry saying that ‘if we build/make/present it the people will come’.  STA Mobile Offices, held monthly in each LGA, have full appointment schedules and have resulted in STA developing a real sense of each place and what makes it unique.  As a result, programs, grant applications and projects have happened in each area and STA operates within the wider creative industries in all it’s regions.  STA took its office to it’s region and the people certainly continue coming.

I express my deep and sincere thanks to the current and past Board members for their time, sharing their knowledge, their passion and energy.  They are volunteers who give freely of their time and skills.

It has been an amazing and educative experience to lead STA for the last 7 years.  I have experienced the very best of the visual arts, outstanding performances, rich heritage and personal learning about First Nations country and people.  My personal objective was to attend as many events, galleries, exhibitions and performances and to visit heritage centres and museums across 7 LGAs in an effort to inform myself about the region STA serves.  It has been enriching and often, humbling, to see, hear and immerse in the work of talented and skilled practitioners.  Arts and culture in the STA region are strong, vibrant and powerful.

Susan Brindle

President 2017-2024