As she prepares to hand over the keys to the office, Arts Northern Rivers Acting CEO/RADO Julie Clark reflects on the highlights of 2011 and gives a taste of what's ahead for the region's peak arts development organisation.

It's no secret that Arts Northern Rivers has had a challenging year in 2011, with a significant dose of the unexpected.

In between presenting our annual program of exhibitions, workshops and forums, we have recruited and trained a new staff team, and found a new office space, whilst also juggling multiple deadlines for funding submissions and acquittals.

We've also completed an initial review of our programs and services, in preparation for the development of a new three-year strategic plan, and have been progressing a new look for the organisation, which we'll be launching early in the new year.

As busy as it has been, these past seven months have been an inspirational time, involving much innovation, positivity and teamwork.

I have felt extremely supported in my role as Acting CEO, by our Board of Directors, in particular Chairperson Susan Meehan, by our exceptional team of staff, and by the numerous partners Arts Northern Rivers has developed in the community.

And so, it's with a sense of achievement that I acknowledge some of Arts Northern Rivers' key successes in 2011, and announce some of the programs and projects we have put in place for the year ahead.

My 2011 highlights!

The Creative Industries Brokers Project, a nine-month initiative which ran from June 2010 to March 2011, putting us in contact with over 700 local fashion designers, musicians and screen industry personnel, with more than 400 taking part in a program of networking and professional development events;

The Northern Rivers Music Showcase, which brought music industry representatives from around the country to meet the six local music acts, who had participated in our 12-week Music Brokerage program, and see them perform to a packed house at the Byron Theatre;

The presentation of a series of Biztro one to one consultations for creative businesses, presented in conjunction with the Creative Industries Innovation Centre;

The ArtStart Northern Rivers Young Creatives Mentoring Project, which brought together 12 young creatives aged 16 to 24 from across the region, with specially selected mentors, resulting in some amazing achievements;

The Sydney opening of Fabric of our Culture by Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir, an exhibition showcasing the work of Northern Rivers Indigenous women textile artists;

The SPLENDID Think Tank, a two-day event bringing together contemporary art practitioners with key festival representatives from across Australia, to explore the risks and rewards of embracing new art, ideas and experience in a festival context.

The launch of The Hive Creative Industries Network and Portal, connecting Northern Rivers practitioners with one another, and presenting the region as a creative hub in the wide world;

The announcement of funding for a new North Coast Accessible Arts Officer, to be based at our office in Alstonville for three years commencing October 2011;

The Jugul, Indigenous Artist Books Project, in which five Indigenous artists were mentored in the creation of works in this specialised field.

The launch of the Travelling Art Project, and my subsequent sightings of the new Lismore bus on the road, featuring totem art from the Bundjalung nation, designed by Goori Design students at Lismore TAFE, in consultation with Bundjalung Elders.

And here's a taste of what's in store for 2012

Professional Development
In June and July we'll be presenting a series of professional development workshops targeting artists, arts workers and arts organisation representatives, exploring the potential of social media as part of a marketing strategy. In addition to workshops, we'll be offering a limited number of one to one clinics, for those who are looking for specific assistance/advice.

And in October we'll be running a series of Grant Writing workshops for representatives of arts and community organisations, in the lead up to the call out for applications for the annual County Art Support Program (CASP), in November.

Industry forums
In February, we'll be hosting our annual Festivals and Events Network Forum for cultural event organisers and Council event staff. If you're a new arts/cultural event or festival that has recently started up, let us know so that we can add you to the invitation list.

In November we'll present our annual networking and information sharing day for Council cultural staff, where we discuss new developments and best practice across the region.

Communications
In 2012 we'll be expanding our communications program to include social media in the mix. We'll also be continuing with our monthly enews and weekly Arts Wrap on ABC North Coast, as well as keeping our website up to date as a dynamic resource.

CASP
Each year Arts Northern Rivers administrates the local Country Arts Support Program (CASP) application process and convenes a panel to assess the applications and make recommendations. This all takes place in February and March, with successful applicants advised by April.

Creative Industries
We are currently awaiting the outcome of an application to Arts NSW for a significant Creative Industries Development initiative, intended to start in 2012. In the meantime we have recently received confirmation of a $10,000 grant towards a Creative Industries Professional Development Program targeting practitioners in the fields of Design, Fashion, Music and Screen, which we'll be launching in April. Watch this space

And we'll continue to develop The Hive Creative Industries Network and Portal.

Indigenous Arts
Our Indigenous Arts Development Project includes information and advice for artists, outreach to remote communities and regular workshops, as well as an annual exhibition and other special initiatives.

Activities already confirmed for 2012 include:
- The first of our professional development workshops for Indigenous artists, on the topic of Licensing Your Artwork, taking place in Lismore on Wednesday February 15;
- An exhibition of new works by leading Bundjalung male artists, reflecting on the return to country of three historically significant Bundjalung clubs. Return to Country is being developed in partnership with Grafton Regional Gallery, and will open on Sorry Day, May 26;
- More Travelling Art, with a community bus and taxi to be developed and revealed

Art & Disability
We are excited to host Accessible Arts NSW' new Accessible Arts Officer North Coast for a period of three years, through to September 2014, and to join in their Connecting Communities Project. This initiative will be launched on Saturday February 11 at Northern Rivers Community Gallery, and will inform much of our future work in this area.

Everyone at Arts Northern Rivers is looking forward to a fresh beginning in 2012, and to welcoming Peter Wood to his new position.

As for me, I am taking an extended summer break, spending six weeks exploring the wilds of Southern Africa. See you all in February!

Best wishes,

Julie Clark
Acting CEO/Regional Arts Development Officer, currently in the final countdown