Artistic debate

Peter Wood, Executive Director, Arts Northern Rivers

In Ron Curran’s letter he raised concerns about the state of public art in the Byron Shire and also directed two questions regarding the role and efficacy of Arts Northern Rivers as a ‘consulting body’. As these questions were raised in a public forum, I would like to respond similarly.

Regarding my role with the Byron Shire Council’s Public Art Panel:

• I currently sit on the Byron Shire Council’s Public Art Panel as a representative of Arts Northern Rivers.
• I am one person on a panel of eight, which is comprised of community representatives and Byron Shire Councillors.
• My role is to attend meetings and to contribute constructively to the agenda items and information presented to the panel regarding public art in the Byron Shire.
• Sometimes my opinions are agreed with, sometimes not, but at all times they are respectfully considered. As are those of all the panel members, who contribute their time, talent and expertise in a voluntary capacity and with the aim of supporting arts and cultural development in the Shire.

Regarding Ron’s question of Arts Northern Rivers’ ‘effectiveness as a consulting body’, there are numerous examples I could cite, but to keep things brief and to the point I offer the following:

• I consult regularly with all tiers of Government to advocate for regional arts development and support for the Northern Rivers. Over the last six months, we have conducted extensive consultation with artists and creative businesses impacted by first the bushfire crisis and now the COVID-19 pandemic. The data we compiled from these surveys was conveyed to State and Federal Governments, which was used to help inform strategic support for our sector. The recent announcement of a $10million dollar boost to the Regional Arts Fund is an example of how our role as a ‘consulting body’ contributes to positive outcomes for regional arts and cultural development.
• After consulting with stakeholder groups and individual artists, we recently rolled out a micro-grants program. Made possible through our fundraising efforts, we were able to provide over $15,000 in small grants to support our Northern Rivers creative community who have been severely impacted by the pandemic.
• Through our consultations with the Federal Government we have been able to secure additional funding ($65,000) for our Aboriginal arts program – enabling us to roll out a significant market opportunity for Aboriginal artists in the Kyogle, Lismore, Byron and Ballina local Government areas.
• Additionally, just last week we were advised that we have been successful in securing funding to support emerging and early career musicians through a showcase and professional development opportunity once the current COVID-19 restrictions ease. This project is another example of our effectiveness in consulting with the sector and responding strategically to immediate needs.

These are just a few examples of the work we deliver across the region and I would be more than happy to have a longer conversation with Ron to outline the full suite of services and programs we offer. In the meantime, if anyone is keen to learn more please take some time to visit our website that outlines our current and past projects – www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au.

Returning to the Byron Public Art Panel – I would point out that the tenure of community representative roles on the panel match the cycle of local Government elections. Following Council elections, expressions of interest are called to fill these roles on the panel.

Ron, given the passion you feel about the state of public art in the Shire and your deep concern for the arts and cultural sector, I respectfully suggest you consider submitting an EOI to join the panel as a community representative when this opportunity arises. I have no doubt you will find it more satisfying than yelling from the sidelines via the letters page to The Echo.