Mary & Michelle recently attended the Arts on Top Regional Art Forum, held in the Bunya Mountains, held over 3 days in May.

Over three days we developed skills and a deeper understanding of the arts industry through a diverse program with an emphasis on personal and professional development and empowerment.

We met other artists and arts professionals, learned, and engaged with experts and speakers through current topics, and participated in a mix of keynote presentations, and small focused sessions to expand our knowledge on current best practise and take away practical actionable information to apply our own organisation.

Thursday

This day focussed on funding programs and partners continue to implement measures to support the arts sector in many small and regional Queensland centres. Beyond economic and financial support, the forum focus was advocacy of long-term sustainability of the arts. The day mapped out practical measures to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, through panel and workshop sessions focusing on mentorship, technology, and access.

Friday

This day investigated the effects of natural disasters, to a global pandemic where arts played a critical role in responding to change. Workshop and panels discussed innovative practises to build and create new markets, evaluate change, and explore ways to facilitate effective intercommunication between government, peak bodies, arts organisations, and individual artists

Saturday

This day was knowledge sharing within the arts industry to build approach, forge valuable connections, and drive excellence and innovation. This community focused day explored peer led examples of best practise across multiple platforms, structures, and cultural landscapes. Short sessions of models of engagement from established residency programs, to emerging festivals, partnerships, and initiatives.

This was a great 3-day experience and team building. It was important to be with our peers in the industry and forge important relationships.