RAV - Regional Arts Victoria - The peak body for regional arts activity in Victoria

Issue 35 - Regional Arts Victoria, April 2012 e-newsletter

Introduction

As April draws to a close, it’s hard to believe that we’re rapidly approaching the halfway point for 2012, and the team at RAV have been as busy as ever.

In our last edition we announced the launch of our highly successful Creative Leadership Program which was held in February and received fantastic feedback from all participants. The program welcomed 12 of Victoria’s best and brightest young arts leaders to Melbourne and provided them with a comprehensive overview of the arts industry. Participants undertook a 9-day immersion in arts management, which assisted them in recognising opportunities, planning their future direction and bringing their newly honed skills back to their communities.

Working with the highest calibre arts organisations in Melbourne, including The Arts Centre, MTC, Express Media, Malthouse Theatre and many more, the Creative Leadership Program gave participants an edge in forming their career plans and aspirations and to learn all about the arts industry. We look forward to updating you on the progress of the students involved, and to potentially running a similar next year.

We remind you to come along to the Regional Living Victoria Expo on 27-29 April 2012 to see all that is great about living in regional Victoria. Arts Victoria, in collaboration with Regional Arts Victoria and Multicultural Arts Victoria, is proud to present a dynamic and exciting arts and cultural program for the Regional Victoria Living Expo. The event will be one not to miss.

We also remind you to register for the Showcase Victoria State Touring Forum, 2012 by clicking here.  This year 56 production companies will be represented at Showcase either in the formal pitch and excerpt program or during the EXPO session held on the evening of day one. Venue managers, primarily based within Victoria, will attend to make programming selections from the works on offer by these companies. All up the event is a major networking and professional development opportunity for all involved, regardless of touring aspirations and outcomes.

The RAV team has seen a number of changes this year, with a few new faces joining the team. Please join us in welcoming: 

• Hannah Dingli, Touring Marketing Officer, Performing Arts Touring
• Rosie Dwyer, Touring Coordinator, Performing Arts Touring
• Sarah Bell, Program Officer, Education and Families
• Pia Richardson, Marketing and Publicity Manager

Lindy Allen who has been Director since 2004 has announced that she will be stepping down from her role on 4 May 2012.  Lindy has played a pivotal part in positioning Regional Arts Victoria as a vital force in building an active and sustainable cultural landscape across the state.

Lindy has accepted a role as National Program Producer for the Centenary of Canberra, and will be working predominantly on the development and delivery of a major national project, One River. This project will involve communities in the Murray Darling basin and will have a presentation outcome in Canberra in late 2013. Please join us in thanking Lindy for her achievements over the last eight years, and wishing her all the best for the future. The RAV Board will shortly announce the appointment of a new Director. 

All RAV members should now have received their formal invitation to the upcoming AGM on 19 May 2012. In conjunction with the AGM The Premier of Victoria, the Hon Ted Baillieu will officially launch a suite of films made by Open Channel last year about RAV’s project ‘Home is Where the Hall is. In order to assist with catering, we request that those of you who wish to attend the AGM register your attendance with RAV Reception on 03 9644 1800.

We have a feast of great news stories and opportunities in this edition, so happy reading.