Working with an artist or arts organisation can really expand thinking, help to produce ideas that would otherwise never have been thought of- not just one-off stand-alone objects or projects; a series of events, trail of art pieces, leading to an image for a town or community.

As part of the community planning process in Golden Plains Shire, we presented an evening focussing on seizing opportunities. At this meeting of the combined community coordinators, we looked at the importance of preserving environmental assets, and the potential of public art and working with artists to enhance liveability.

http://www.ben.org.au

A relevant, local example of this, and tying into our philosophy of the importance of being “grant-ready” is the Small Towns Transformations creative funding through Regional Art Victoria.

http://www.rav.net.au

The towns that were successful in this funding were those that already had an idea and had community backing, practitioners (artists etc) involved in the project, budgets sketched out and plans: stages of action, cost of stages, requirements for things such as a project manager, location for the intervention, a social as well as a physical space for the project.

The fund had expected the applications to be for big, tourist draws: objects external to the life of the town. In fact, what they heard was a need for connections- applications included bridges, open spaces, revitalisation of existing spaces, pathways, hubs…

Comment from unsuccessful entrants was that having been through the process of planning and drawing up the project to a certain stage through the application process, they could actually take the project on. They felt able to get their project moving without the funding money in the first instance, and be ready for the next opportunity that came along. Starting from a stronger position in the next instance when an opportunity comes along, they have greater chance of success in the future.