RAV’s Connecting Places program is specifically tailored for organisations, largely volunteer run, that support creative practice within their community. The program also expands to include individual artists and arts workers. In 2024 Connecting Places delivered capacity building workshops and training alongside a guided mentorship program. These programs were designed in response to a demonstrated need or request from community organisations, to improve professional skills, connect with peers and make steps, small or large, towards achieving their goals. Connecting Places works with an advisory panel of community presenters to consult and select a touring program of shows suitable to for the community presenter network.
Touring shows
The 2024 Connecting Places touring program consisted of four shows:
- Casting Off by A Good Catch Circus,
- Damon Smith’s Piano Palooza
- Letters to My Heroes by Stephen Hall
- You’re an Instrument by Travelling Airsticks Laboratory
The program culminated in 35 performances in 33 locations across Victoria engaging with 2094 audience members. In addition, 9 workshops and 17 community engagement activities were delivered to 109 people.
“There was unexpected sunshine so the performers could set up on the old tennis courts and did not have to squeeze into the low ceiling hall. This created a very special live performance experience for all involved, with rolling hills and wandering cows as a backdrop.” Mary Sullivan, Community Presenter, Mirboo Hall, South Gippsland Shire Council
RAV in Residence events
As part of the 2024 Connecting Places program, RAV delivered two skill development and networking events in two different communities across regional Victoria – Tallarook and Charlton. These two areas were selected because:
- they were significantly impacted by the ongoing effects of the COVID pandemic and experienced volunteer burnout and diminished numbers of committee members and organisers
- the local communities needed greater access to entertainment, activity and connection
- the areas both have an active Community Presenter community who benefitted from the development and networking opportunities
RAV In Residence: Tallarook was presented in partnership with local community presenter Tallarook Arts Society and Mitchell Shire Council. As part of this program, we delivered an online grant writing workshop, which was extended online to a further 50 people statewide, and a full day of one-on-one meetings with local artists and creatives plus a networking social event.
RAV In Residence: Charlton was presented in partnership with venue The Rex Charlton and Charlton Neighbourhood House. For this event we delivered a day of professional development sessions, with expert guest speakers on the topics of attracting and retaining volunteers, managing burnout and wellbeing and working with First Nations artists, a day of one-on-one meetings with RAV staff plus a social networking event.
These programs help to ensure that Community Presenters have the resources and resilience to continue to provide creative opportunities, events and live performances in their local communities. This in turn ensures that community members have access to the benefits of attending local artist and creative events, including the much-valued opportunities for social connection, shared experiences and high-quality entertainment in a local setting.
In follow up surveys, 90% of respondents rated their experience at the events ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ and 100% of respondents ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that they had gained new information and knowledge.
Mentorship program
Our Connecting Places Mentor program matches Community Presenters with a skilled mentor who will work with them for 12-months to help expand the committee’s knowledge and skills. Four mentorships were granted in 2024:
- Eildon Events were mentored by Arts Mansfield to establish themselves as a new Community Presenter.
- Toora Artist Network were mentored by Panjiti Lawrence to develop a volunteer management plan.
- The Ballarat Performing Arts Community were mentored by Lung Ong to continue developing a strategic plan for future growth.
- Mirboo North Arts and Mirboo Music were mentored by Peter McCarthy to develop systems of operation, to successfully expand current networks and activities.
“I spent more time on this program than expected in a GOOD way. I was challenged to think on new ideas, problem solve issues I hadn’t even thought about, and of course the brilliant visit to Yea to meet Allan taught us more than we could have envisioned from the initial framework.” –Quil McQuilty, mentee, Corack Hall (mentored by Allan Thatcher, Yea Arts)
Image: Casting Off by a Good Catch Circus perform at Strzelecki Hall as part of the 2024 Connecting Places Touring program.
Posted: 18 April 2025