ARAA Connect
(Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance (NSW) – Funded by Regional Arts Fund)
The aim of ARAA Connect is to increase employment and economic opportunities for Aboriginal artists in Regional and Remote NSW by building the capacity and creativity of Aboriginal communities through a series of professional and creative workshops delivered by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people with a focus on building sustainable economic, social, emotional and cultural development outcomes.
As a response to the consultation, conversations and networks we have already established with Aboriginal communities in Regional and Remote NSW we will continue to build programs that meet the communities creative aspirations and objectives that encourage knowledge growth, participation and development of arts and culture within the communities. As part of the informed consultation will collaborate with Aboriginal organisations in the areas we work to increase skills of both artists and arts workers assist communities to create long term sustainability and viability to enable connection to and preservation of culture through vibrant traditional and contemporary arts practice.
Stage 2 – Delivery of Creative and Professional Development Outcomes
Community have told us that not only would they benefit from learning new and innovative creative skills that allow them to translate the stories and history of our culture into contemporary arts practices but they also need the skills to allow them to foster self determination through creative practices delivering economic outcomes.
To achieve this we will facilitate professional development and creative workshops in 5 Aboriginal communities in regional and remote NSW that are based on the needs of each community.
Our communities are diverse, and so are their needs. It is vital that we are responsive to serving the community through delivery of professional development workshops that address the needs of each community locally.
Professional development workshops can include regional arts funding, grant writing, project management, partnership opportunities, arts business development, promotion and marketing.
These professional development opportunities will contribute towards achieving financial, social and emotional independence while also building economic outcomes through small business development and increased sustainable career pathways through arts and cultural activity.
We will facilitate creative workshops inspired by traditional and contemporary practices from our region using contemporary methods. These workshops will be facilitated by Aboriginal artists and are responsive to the needs of each of the communities we work in. As part of the workshops we will incorporate a “Train the Creative Trainer” rationale that ensures that the participants are all equipped with the skills they need to pass the knowledge on to further members of their community ensuring we leave a long and lasting legacy.
Stage 3 – Creative Outcomes
As a result of the workshops each community will supported through mentoring and technical assistance to build a community wide body of works that will be displayed in a group exhibition in their respective towns, this process will build the capacity of the local community as they gain skills in exhibition practices, curating and marketing works.
We have also developed a partnership for this project with the Powerhouse Museum who will host a whole of project group exhibition allowing regional and remote artists the opportunity to exhibit in a major institution. We will use multimedia and innovative technology to ensure all participants are represented in the metropolitan institution.
Furthermore the project will be documented through film and photography that will be used to create a series of small videos highlighting the strong and vibrant Aboriginal arts sector in Regional and Remote NSW.
