With the right investment and skills, digital spaces promise larger reach, wider audiences and the kind of collaboration art organisations are always striving for. But how can digital technology best realise its potential for social impact and community engagement? Is having a great website and strong social media presence enough to leverage the potential benefits of digital technology? In this seminar, we explore the potential of digital collaboration and partnerships for creative activity between cultural […]

Public Art is not what is used to be. As our public spaces and how we use them changes dramatically, so too does the way we engage with art in public space. In this seminar, hear from key people redefining public art from Sydney, Barangaroo and Western Sydney. Join Sophie Forbat from Kaldor Public Art projects in conversation with Barbara Flynn, Curatorial Advisor, Barangaroo and City of Sydney,  Sarah Carrington from Futurecity, John O’Callaghan from […]

With government support for the arts under pressure, many arts boards are being asked to make significant cash contributions to the funding of their organisations, as well as providing their traditional governance role. At the same time, there is a growing debate in the arts, about having board members who are well-connected and can give, versus experienced arts professionals who can contribute more directly to ensuring the artistic program will deliver an organisation’s strategy. There […]

Australia’s Arts industries are experiencing the largest changes since the establishment of Arts funding.  While South Australia anticipates an $8.4million cut in State funding over the coming four years Victoria has pledged to increase funding by $115million over the same period. In August 2014 the City of Sydney launched a ‘Cultural Policy and Action Plan’ accompanied by a pledge of $34 million annually to support the ‘arts, culture and creative activity’ in Sydney while on […]

It can be difficult to make ends meet as a festival, organisation or artist, but we have some of the most exciting, innovative, successful festivals and events in the world, so how do they make it work? What should you do when, against all odds, your organisation starts to kick some goals? For this co-presented Vivid Ideas SAMAG discussion, we’re bringing together some of the country’s best festival directors, producers and curators who have seen […]

SAMAG’s next seminar will focus on audience research. It will be a forward-looking discussion about commissioning, managing and applying audience research in arts and culture management. Our panel brings experience from the arts, media and beyond. We’ll discuss what the latest data says about how audiences are changing, and what it means for arts marketing, programming and fundraising. We will also hear from experts outside the arts about innovative approaches to research and analytics, and […]

In the midst of her first tour to Australia and following on from her experiences as artist-in-residence at the Perth International Arts Festival, Glasgow-based multi-disciplinary performer and choreographer Claire Cunningham will be joining SAMAG to discuss her work and what it’s like to tour Australia as a visiting artist. Originally a classically trained singer, Claire began to work in dance in 2005 after working with US choreographer Jess Curtis, who nurtured her curiosity in movement, […]

As the arts sector re-imagines its future, the question of pathways for young people to engage with the arts has become critical. Our first SAMAG seminar of 2016 brings together some of the key proponents of youth engagement to explore the current challenges and opportunities in the work of developing the next generation (and the next) of artists and audiences. Join Chair Lex Hirst,Co-Director, National Young Writers’ Festival, as she leads a conversation withBelinda Sculley, […]

Michael Lynch, CBE, AM is one of Australia’s most recognised and experienced arts administrators and cultural figures. His distinguished career has comprised overseeing some of Australia’s most prominent arts companies including Sydney Theatre Company, the Australia Council for the Arts as well as director of the Sydney Opera House. From 2002 to 2009 he was chief executive of the South Bank Centre in London and has also served as Director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation […]

The NSW Government launched its new Arts and Cultural Policy Framework: Create in NSW in February this year with a bold vision for our arts and culture, built on the ambitions of excellence, access and strength. The panel will talk about what these ambitions mean for artists, arts workers and audiences across NSW. Join Arts NSW Executive Director Mary Darwell, Wagga Wagga Regional Arts Development officer Scott Howie and performance artist David Capra for a […]