In March 2024, RAV partnered with Fletcher Jones Family Foundation to facilitate RAV in Residence: Build Up, Reach Out, a professional development and networking program for creatives and volunteer-run organisations in southwest Victoria. The aim was to address gaps in knowledge and experience and to foster connections so that the region’s dynamic arts presence could be extended, sustained and supported.
The program connected 67 creatives through a three-pronged approach—one on one support from industry experts, practical skills development and a networking event with panel discussion.
Nine arts organisations and venues were visited across three local government areas to provide tailored support from RAV’s Regional Manager, Director Partnerships and Programming and our Touring team, alongside Danny Delahunty, Head of Programs at Melbourne Fringe.
A practical marketing workshop facilitated by John Paul Fischbach, CEO and Chief Alchemist at Auspicious Arts Incubator gave creatives from six local government areas practical tools to assist their branding, marketing, advertising and communication strategies.
The networking session incorporated insightful panel discussions with visiting and local industry experts alongside informal opportunities for regional creatives to share their learnings and key takeaways, connect with each other and seed collaboration.
Responses from a survey at the completion of the event found that:
- 100% of participants gained new knowledge
- 92% of participants developed skills
- 83% of participants expanded their networks
Participants described the impact as “monumental”, with one respondent calling it “one of the most inspiring workshop and network opportunities I have experienced.”
Support from the Fletcher Jones Family Foundations supported all aspects of the program, from travel costs for panel participants to printed workbooks, venue hire and local services for the public events.
The program also reinvested funding into 11 local goods/service providers and creatives!
Fletcher Jones Family Foundations have provided funding for a 2025 follow-up networking event and initiated discussions around future partnerships.
Photograph by Andrew Brown Photography
Posted 30 April 2025