Arts Speakeasy is a new initiative of the Harold Mitchell Foundation designed to bring artists and arts workers together with experts in particular fields of the arts. Facilitated by Ian Roberts, sessions are free and focus on subject areas of particular relevance to contemporary arts practitioners and administrators. An impressive list of special guests, including Sue Nattrass, Penny Hutchinson, Mary Delahunty and Jenny Bott, will join Roberts to field questions, engaging with the industry to solve problems and identify opportunities.The first session on Thursday 20 September will determine several of the future topics and speakers identified by participants as the key issues. Future topic areas will then be decided as the group continues to meet, with Roberts having curated a distinctive list of professionals to support the program, matching key speakers to topics.
Roberts is one of the best connected arts administrators in Victoria, and has so far confirmed the support of Penny Hutchinson (Director of Arts Victoria); Jane Hayley (Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Business Arts Foundation); Sue Nattrass; former Minister for the Arts, Mary Delahunty; writer and curator Graham Pitts; international photographer Michael Coyne; Jenny Bott (ex-CEO of the Australia Council); Richard Evans (CEO of The Australian Ballet); Ian McRae (Chair of the Theatre Board of the Australia Council); independent theatre producer and dramaturge Nancy Black; Lesley Alway (Director of Heide); and Mike Zafiropolous (SBS General Manager).
Fortnightly sessions starting from Thursday 20 September will be held at Gasworks Arts Park in the relaxed setting of the licensed Gasbar and Terrace (off the main Gasworks Theatre). Sessions start at 4.30pm and will run for two hours, comprised of both formal and informal opportunities for discussion, debate and conversation.
Roberts, former General Manager of Melbourne International Arts Festival and Geelong Performing Arts Centre, was the author of the major study into small to medium theatre companies for the Australia Council in 2005. He currently is the Executive Officer for the Harold Mitchell Foundation. With his long term colleague, artistic director Jonathan Mills, Ian restaged the Alfred Deakin Innovation Lecture Series in Melbourne in May 2005. He was formerly Chair of Playing Australia, the Confederation Australian International Arts Festivals, the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association and the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres, as well as being an exhibiting photographer.
Sessions are free and are open to all levels of arts workers and artists. Dates for 2007 are:
20 September; 4 and 18 October; 1, 15 and 29 November; and 13 December, with more dates planned for 2008. Participants are asked to RSVP in advance on 9699 3253.
ARTS SPEAKEASY
When: 20 Sep; 4 & 18 Oct; 1, 15 & 29 Nov; 13 Dec 2007
Time: 4.30pm to 6.30pm
Venue: Gasbar & Terrace, Gasworks Arts Park, Corner Graham and Pickles Streets, Albert Park
Melways Ref: 2J H7
t: 03 8606 4200
Cost: Free entry, but participants should register in advance on 9699 3253.