BRANCHING OUT

RESHAPING ARTS in the UK

2011-12-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

A wealth of information is available via the Arts Council England around how arts organisations are reshaping with a focus on:

money
social purpose
reshaping organisations

'2011/12 is a year of change for the arts sector. Many organisations are taking a fresh look at ways of developing their income streams. They are thinking about their assets and capabilities in order to strengthen their offer and enable the organisation to become more efficient, flexible and responsive'. (Pg 1)
'A shift from seeing money as a grant based subsidy, to money as an investment that attracts more resources, strengthens sustainable practice and could afford greater freedom. Our conventional business model is quite static in the arts. We tend towards aiming to break even or have a small surplus or deficit...Being more enterprising and innovative, viewing money as investment and reshaping arts venues and organisations along new models used by community based, third sector organisations is challenging but potentially liberating. It's a big change in how we approach funding. But it can be done!' (Pg 7)
From Reshaping: New Horizons: seeking new opportunities and growth commissioned by Arts Council England.

Wrapping Up

2011-11-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to all who have been involved in Branching Out. It has been a fantastic opportunity to explore the potential of social enterprise in the arts. While the project is wrapping up in a couple of weeks, the story will continue with exciting things afoot in Tas Regional Arts.
We are finalising a paper about the project with outcomes and recommendations that will be available.
So please stay in touch if you have a great idea and thanks again to the artists, organisations, especially TRA-K & Interweave & communities who have inspired and been inspired.
For more information about Social Enterprise check out the Social Traders or Social Ventures Australia websites.
There are some great things happening in this space including a review of the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Loan Fund and an upcoming workshop with key stakeholders to explore what is needed within the state. This fits within the Social Inclusion Unit of the Tasmanian Government.
And remember to download a copy of the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study to see the key recommendations for the sector.
I will continue to work with Tasmanian Regional Arts, but in an entrepreneurial role supporting TRA branches, affiliates and regional artists. So please stay in touch and watch this space. xKylie

Sirolli Workshop in Hobart

2011-11-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Social Enterprise Workshop with Dr Ernesto Sirolli

Monday 21^st November

Kick-start your social enterprise dreams in a 2-hour workshop with international local development expert Dr Ernesto Sirolli – an engaging and provocative speaker, trainer and business coach. At very short notice, Dr Sirolli has agreed to run this workshop for people with a dream to establish or expand a social enterprise to benefit their local community or cause.

When: Monday 21st November 2011, 9:30 – 11:30am (arrive 9:15)

Where: Australian Italian Club, 77 Federal St, North Hobart

Cost: $25 per person

Please RSVP to Tim Tabart email: tim@tascoss.org.au

To register or for more information, download a flyer. (if link doesn’t work, cut and paste this address into your web browser: http://tascoss.org.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=SpPrYSravbk%3d&tabid=87 )

Dr Sirolli has an international reputation for his person-centred model for local development. For the past 25 years the Sirolli Institute’s Enterprise Facilitation^® model has used the passion of local people and resources of local networks to foster bottom-up business ideas and create sustainable enterprises. He has worked extensively with poor communities and disadvantaged and indigenous groups around the world.

Come to gain inspiration and insight into how to convert your passion into a viable enterprise. Hear a business expert who speaks the language of community and knows what is possible when passion, the right support and a committed community combine.

The workshop is supported by Tasmanian Regional Arts, Oak Tasmania, University of Tasmania Institute for Regional Development and TasCOSS.

Definitely On TRAK

2011-11-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

Just back from a quick trip up north to meet with the TRA team at the Latrobe office. Always a beautiful drive up North, the rolling green hills and chocolate brown paddocks never disappoint.
Very exciting to see the On Trak Gallery that TRA-K, one of our pilot groups, has now established in the Information Centre building near the Mural Park. In speaking with the President, Bronwyn Rossiter, it was the Mayor who approached the group to take on this space, which was for almost 2 years empty.

Capitalising on the success of the Working Art Space, with its new lighting, heating and facilities, this commercial gallery provides an opportunity for artists, jewelers and makers in Sheffield and beyond to exhibit and sell work. This now complements the role of the Working Art Space, which provides exhibition, workshop, meeting and studio space. The effort that TRA-K has put into improving the situation for creative makers is huge and is sure to have a massive impact on interest to both spaces.

Interweave Update

2011-10-30T15:20:00.001-07:00

Branching Out has continued to work with Interweave Arts on a range of strategies for building capacity and identifying enterprise opportunities. Look out for the new website COMING SOON! Proudly supported by the Branching Out team.

Funding Social Enterprise-an example...

2011-10-30T14:27:00.001-07:00

Parramatta City Council’s Social Enterprise Grants program has been running for five years and now allocates $80 000 per annum. The current round closes on 2^nd December 2011 and is for funding that will commence in July 2012.
The program has recently been re-structured and two funding streams are now available through the category:

§ The ‘business planning’ stream provides funding of up to $2 500 to assist early stage social enterprises to develop the business plan for their model.

§ The ‘growing social enterprise in Parramatta’ stream provides two grants of $25 000 ($50 000 total pool) to assist successful social enterprises locate in the Parramatta LGA (from elsewhere), or for local social enterprises to take a significant growth step (ie. if already based in Parramatta).

The ‘growing social enterprise in Parramatta’ stream is part of a larger Social Enterprise Attraction Strategy, which is working towards establishing Parramatta as a location of choice for social enterprises.

Campbell Town Forum

2011-10-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Check out photographs taken on the day at the successful forum

Does this sound like you?

2011-08-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

You have the skills to create art that people will want to buy but need an injection of funds and mentoring to get the business side of it all off the ground?

Tasmania’s own community lending service, NILS Network of Tasmania provides no interest loans of up to $3000 to very small businesses to help them get started or give them a boost.

The loans are repaid through Centrepay and have no fees. No credit check is needed.
You simply need to:
· Be over 18
· Have a current Health Care or Pension Card
· Have stable accommodation
· Visit a Business Enterprise Centre to get help preparing a business plan

The loan can be used to pay for anything from advertising or computer software to training, equipment and beyond.
NILS is not a bank. It is a not for profit organisation supported by Aurora Energy, Federal Group and the State Government. It works using circular credit so that when you repay your loan it returns to a pool of funds that are then lent to another Tasmanian micro-business. To date, 100 per cent of micro-business loans have been paid back in full by borrowers.

The program is based on the Nobel Prize winning Grameen Bank concept and it has helped hundreds of Tasmanian men and women get started or keep going in micro-businesses around the State.

Is NILS the answer for you? Visit your local BEC to find out more or call them on 1800 440 026

MARKETING THE ARTS

2011-08-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

MARKETING is such a crucial ingredient to successful enterprise development. This is a valuable tool for anyone within the arts interested in how marketing can help. Craft Victoriahttp://craft-victoria.blogspot.com/2011/06/craft-victoria-ceo-joe-pascoe-on-arts.html is an excellent example of a non profit organisation that has developed a multi-layered mechanism for showcasing art and craft. The store is a must see next time you are in Melbourne.

2011-08-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Life is never dull when you are working in the arts. With announcements of funding cuts from everyone from the State Government to ABC Television, there is a rumbling going on amongst arts organisations and artists.

I am hearing conversations about sharing resources, looking for new funding avenues and other ventures that can build income. While it's a challenging time, it's also an exciting opportunity for us all to lift our heads and start talking to each other. Rather than scrambling for the same bits of money, perhaps there are other answers.

For me, there is a lovely relationship between all my roles at the moment. My work as a private consultant led me to TRA and the role of managing Branching Out, the social enterprise project. This then led to working with the Institute for Regional Development as Research Associate on the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study. TRA's CEO is on the advisory group for this project and continues to show a strong commitment to social enterprise in Tasmania.

This is particularly evident through the partnership with Tasmanian Council of Social Services (TasCOSS) where we sought funds to bring Dr Ernesto Sirolli to Tasmania. His approach was supporting what we were finding through our connection to the state. Since then we held the first Trinity of Management training in the state with involvement from a broad range of organisations and we hope to fund at least 2 social enterprise facilitators for Tasmania to work across sectors, including the arts. It's an interesting model that focuses on enabling the environment around social enterprises and making things happen. So, watch this space as we work with a range of partners and stakeholders to build on the momentum of Branching Out and the work of others in the social enterprise sector.

Branching Out on Social Traders

2011-08-06T00:44:00.001-07:00

http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/2010/03/branching-out-social-enterprise-and-arts

Learning from the Non Profit Sector

2011-07-28T22:13:00.001-07:00

The npEnterprise Forum is the global,moderated, free listserv of almost 7500 subscribers who discuss practical ways social enterprises (SEs) can advance their social or environmental missions through entrepreneurial strategies. Regardless of your affiliation -- nonprofit, forprofit, hybrid, government, or individual entrepreneur -- if you're interested in social enterprise, you're welcome here. According to the Social Enterprise Alliance, a social enterprise is any organization (or activity within an organization) that "harnesses the power of the marketplace to solve critical social or environmental problems."

The benefits of sharing

2011-07-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from research into the benefits of shared spaces by community, arts and others...
TROY, Mich. – When the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Michigan Association of United Ways and the Food Bank Council of Michigan move into new quarters in the state capital this fall (2011), they will be part of a growing trend: nonprofits co-locating under one roof. The nonprofits’ headquarters in Lansing, Mich., will be among more than 250 such centers in the United States and Canada.

Co-location centers come in all shapes and sizes. Some provide support such as bookkeeping, information technology and print and mail services in addition to office space. Brotsky cites a few examples:

Arts Court in Ontario is a historic landmark building owned by the local municipality. A hub for Ottawa artists and audiences, Arts Court is home to a consortium of 26 arts and cultural organizations that save thousands of dollars a month in rent by sharing office and rehearsal space.
The Alliance Center in Denver is home to 27 nonprofits. Half of those tenants work in the environmental field. The center and its tenants have helped pass more than 100 pieces of sustainability-related state legislation in just two years.
Children & Family Services Center in Charlotte, N.C., is a nonprofit center with 11 organizations co-located to better serve the children and families. In addition to coordinating services, the center has expanded into shared back-office services including information technology, human resources and finance staff.

Social Entrepreneurs

2011-07-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

Interesting article in the New York Times about Social Entrepreneurs. People interested in this field now have the opportunity to learn on the job via the School for Social Entrepreneurs in Sydney and now Melbourne. It's a coupe for those of us who have worked across sectors, and hopefully there will be some future options to access these and other courses for those of us living in Tasmania.

SOCIAL TRADERS

2011-07-07T04:54:00.000-07:00

Set up around 3 years ago, Social Traders is a non profit organisation whose mission it is to support the emerging and established social enterprise sector. While some of its programs are focused on Victoria, such as The Crunch, many have relevance Nationally. Today I met with its Director, David Brookes to find out more about what they are doing and the potential opportunities in linking to the work in Tasmania.
Funded by the Victoria Government and a private donor, this fantastic team are working hands on with social enterprises, research organisations such as the Queensland University of Technology and others who are working in the field.
The resources they are developing include the Social Enterprise Builder; a step by step tool to developing a social enterpise and the Social Enterprise Finder; a listing of social enterprises across the country.
Leading the way in many respects, Social Traders is a useful and practical resource for those toying with the idea of social enterprise and those who want to build their ventures.

Social Enterprise in Melbourne

2011-07-06T03:37:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of days in Melbourne to explore some of what is happening around creative social enterprises. There has been much publicity about Social Studios and Grace McQuilten has a track record for some really exciting social enterprise operations. So I am hoping to catch up with Grace.

Today I caught up with Joe Pascoe, Director of Craft Victoria, a non profit arts member based arts organisation. I had checked out what they were doing through their website, but there is nothing like seeing the real thing. They have a beautiful shop that sells art and craft products produced by members of the organisation. There is an adjoining gallery and behind the secret door, more gems with an extensive library and offices for the staff. The focus of this organisation is on curatorial, community and commerce and between the accessible website and classy shopfront at 31 Flinders Lane, they are combining these beautifully. There is a membership of more than 8000 and a distribution list of more than 7000, which means these guys have fantastic community support for the work they undertake. Really enjoyed catching up with Joe and will certainly be heading back to the shop to do some shopping.

DO YOU HAVE A GREAT IDEA?

2011-06-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Expressions of interest forms are now available for those wanting to work with the Branching Out team.

Throughout the project we have been approached by wildlife sanctuaries, tourism businesses, artists, galleries, artist cooperatives and other creative people who are wanting to develop a social enterprise to support their work. While our time with the two pilots; Interweave Arts and TRA-K Sheffield, winds down in the coming months we are keen to find others who want to develop, market and get their product, service or event out there.
So email kylie@tasregionalarts.org.au so we can send you a form (1 page with 2 questions-simple)

Enterprise Development

2011-06-26T23:07:00.000-07:00

There is little doubt that branching out has identified the need for greater hands on support for artists and arts organisations. The result of a little bit of expertise aimed in the right direction has enabled our two pilot groups to achieve some of their goals. But how do we support this work, how do we fund it and how do we do it?
In late 2009 I was drawn to Ripples on the Zambezi, a book written by Ernesto Sirolli that illustrates the damage that individuals can do when not invited by communities.
In partnership with Tasmanian Council of Social Services, we brought Ernesto to Tasmania in August last year to speak at the Regional Arts Australia Conference. Anyone who has heard him knows what a passionate, straight shooting speaker he is. His model of working with entrepreneurs resonates with me as I continue to hear stories of disillusionment, frustration and despair from artists, writers, performances and creative thinkers who are trying to do it all.

Within Branching out we could see this assumption was unreasonable, we made up a position of Community Business Facilitator, employed Warren Butler and together worked with the pilot groups to move ideas forward.
Sirolli's model supports a similar approach, but I think has greater capacity to be sustainable. He has 25 years studying those entrepreneurial individuals who we see on the front covers of magazines. He assumed like the rest of us that these powerful individuals were solely responsible for the success of their business. But this was incorrect.
The Trinity of Management training that I was lucky enough to be part of, along with 13 others, provided us with the principles and approach to work differently with those wishing to start an enterprise or project. Invigorating and validating, this workshop certainly backs up the findings of Branching Out and we hope is just the beginning of work with the Sirolli Institute and Enterprise Facilitation in Tasmania.

Ripples on the Tasmanica

2011-06-20T03:31:00.000-07:00

What a massive week it was and I am still recovering. I was lucky enough to be one of 15 participants in the Trinity of Management workshop run by Ernesto Sirolli. Gathering in a room with key people from Lifeline, Migrant Resource Centre, entrepreneurs and others we listened to the principles of this approach which has been honed over the past 25 years.
What a huge reservoir of knowledge this team has, having worked all over the world from Africa to Cornwall, UK. The Trinity of Management training reinforced the approach of focusing on individual strengths and gathering the skills around you that are lacking.
'Do what you love to do and find others to do the things you hate'. It's such a simple approach, but goes against the individualist approach that current business models take.
Three days of debating, discussing and sharing stories was fantastic and is only the beginning.
The training fits perfecting with Branching Out, which has identified gaps in the industry and the need for new approaches. With financial support from Rio Tinto, the Myer Foundation and the Department of Economic Development this was an invaluable training opportunity.
Ernesto will be back in September and we will continue to work with TasCOSS and other stakeholders to progress the opportunities. Watch this Space!!!

Event/Project Management Workshop

2011-06-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

This Project Management Workshop offers an invaluable toolkit for you to build a framework for systematic planning, monitoring and reviewing to help you get and keep control of your work, improve efficiency and effectiveness and reduce stress.

Highly regarded presenter, Jill Gael, returns with another session of her practical and realistic Managing Projects Workshop, in partnership with the Australia Business Arts Foundation. Make sure to bring all your realistic event frustrations and specific problems because that’s what Jill wants to work on with you.

The Program will cover:

· Key elements from planning and scoping through to completion as well as what these and other things mean.

· Best ways to work to meet timelines and be within budget.

· How to keep project workers, volunteers and other stakeholders well informed and on track for success.

· Ways to manage and minimise Identified risks.

· How to be creative when something unplanned arises.

· Wrapping up well.

· Evaluating projects.

If you are on the committee or board of management, a paid or volunteer member of an event/arts organisation, then this is a terrific opportunity for you to pack your skills toolbox with a shed-full of tricks and techniques to enable your event to stand out in a crowded calendar.

Events Tasmania, as part of its Event Development Program, provides this workshop free for Tasmanian event/arts organisers. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided.

Launceston

Friday 1 July 2011

9.30am – 4.30pm

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery @Inveresk

2 Invermay Road, Inveresk

Parking is available in the main car park for $4 all day.

Hobart

Monday 4 July 2011

9.30am – 4.30pm

Royal Society Room,

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

19 Davey Street entrance (on water dock side of building)

For more details go to http://www.eventstasmania.com/event_development_program/day_workshops/Managing_Projects_Workshop

The future of charity

2011-05-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

Dan Pallotta is an enigmatic speaker and entrepreneur from the US who has been committed for many years to finding better ways to support not for profits. I was lucky enough to hear him speak in San Francisco last year and he really challenged the current situation for many community based organisations.
His book Charitable describes the inequity between profit making and charitable organisations and he suggests that there needs to be a complete shift in our thinking about giving and management.
So check out his website and the new venture he has began which combines ethics, non profits and marketing.

2011-05-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

Branching Out has been working with two pilot organisations (Interweave Arts and TRA-K, a volunteer branch of Tasmanian Regional Arts based in Sheffield) to explore social enterprise and its’ potential to build sustainability, strength and new opportunities for the organisations.

Early in the project we identified the need for new approaches that could meet the needs of individuals and groups, as existing programs focused almost entirely on individual and organisational skill development. Our consultation indicated that this approach was not sustainable or realistic for many, especially given the amount of work that was already being undertaken. This situation was impacting on the capacity of the organisations to maintain current operations and expand programs and services.

Rather than operating as consultants or mentors, we developed and then implemented a facilitating and coaching service whereby people with the relevant skills became part of the groups and projects; injecting the right skills at the right time. The response from the pilots was immediate and we soon saw a ripple effect as they achieved many of their identified goals. These groups had already been contributing enormously to the cultural, social and economic life of their communities; they just needed a little assistance to go to the next stage.

The approach we have taken has elements similar to the Sirolli model whereby Enterprise Facilitators work with individuals and communities to develop enterprise. We have found there is a need for the type of work we have been doing and increased skills within Tasmania and a willingness to look at new models to respond to these needs. That's why we are partnering with TasCOSS to present the Sirolli training. It's not the only solution but it is a valuable addition to learning within the sector. If you are interested in undertaking the training please email tim@tascoss.org.au

Future of social enterprise and the arts

2011-05-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

We are being approached weekly by arts organisations interested in social enterprise and developing ideas that can benefit them. Today is the launch of the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study, which has seen the arts being very well represented.www.socialenterprisetasmania.blogspot.com It's exciting to see what is possible when you combine ideas, creative and productive minds together.

TRA-K Celebration

2011-04-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Dr Ernesto Sirolli Training Opportunity

2011-04-19T01:47:00.000-07:00

PASSION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INVIGORATING LOCAL ECONOMIES
3 Day Trinity of Management® Training
by Dr Ernesto Sirolli of the Sirolli Institute
Presented by Tasmanian Council of Social Service Inc and Tasmanian Regional Arts Inc.
June 15-17, 2011 (inclusive)
Venue to be confirmed (location-Launceston)
Numbers are limited, so please book your place ASAP

Who should participate? People who have a passion for helping their region and clients grow and prosper, whose work brings them into contact with people with ideas, opportunities and passions, and would like additional tools to help those people move their ideas forward.
These include: Local government officers; Chamber of Commerce and local development organisation personnel; Community Relations/Sustainable Development Personnel in the corporate sector; rural advisors; community and social support organisations; arts organisations; migrant settlement services, etc.
For more information please contact Kylie on 0439 262 344 or email kylie@tasregionalarts.org.au

Telling stories

2011-04-07T16:20:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday 5 April, the Australian Stories of Social Enterprise publication was launched – a result of a collaboration between The Centre for Social Impact and Parramatta City Council. It is the first of its kind in Australia.

The stories explored in the book cover a diverse range of social enterprises, from recycling mattresses, to street coffee carts, cafes and restaurants, renewable energy, printing, digital technology and many more.

Thirty-five face-to-face interviews with thirty-three organisations were conducted between 2009 and February 2010. The stories presented provide a snapshot of the interviewees’ perspectives on their own and their organisations’ experiences.

The book is attached below.

Please contact csi@unsw.edu.au for more information

On the Road

2011-03-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning and the Getz is packed for the trip up North. First stop Launceston's Interweave Arts to workshop the latest business plan and talk marketing opportunities. It's always invigorating and rewarding working with Kim Schneiders and James Newton of Interweave Arts and with our Community Business Facilitator, Warren Butler. It's a varied and dynamic team. We take a slightly different approach to the norm, using language that fits with the organisation while still accommodating the world of business. The focus is on long term vision with short term achievable and much needed outcomes. Interweave has already got most of it together, but becoming part of their team through the project has allowed them to access different skills and resources.
A few hours later and we finalise the plan which will provide the organisation with valuable information for future funding applications while being a useful working document for the team. It is fascinating to see just how much Interweave has contributed to the Northern Tasmanian community.

Public Art produced by Interweave at Inveresk

Kim, Kylie, James and Warren at The Studio at Inveresk

A quick catch up with Yo-Anne Eastley from Tasmanian Polytechnic to talk about their students making Interweave badges as part of their enterprise program. Many of their students have already been involved in the Interweave studio program, so it's building on an existing relationship. The badges have been a sell out, so more are being produced, and the Interweave art cards have been extremely popular.
A quick coffee and it's on the road again to help out with the Material Girl exhibition which opens in Burnie.
Catch up up with the team at the TRA Latrobe head office including Theresa Beck-Swindale, the coordinator of Material Girl. With more than 50 entries, the Burnie Arts Council gallery is looking fantastic. Details of the winners are on the Tasmanian Regional Arts website. But here is a little teaser from the opening night.

Material Girl Photos

It was a fantastic evening, as you can see. The next day I dropped into the Working Art Space in Sheffield. It's the other pilot group we are working with. The newly installed heat pumps looked great and the team were excitedly talking of the new lighting and the potential of having movable gallery petitions.
I just happened to be there as a life drawing workshop was about to begin, so guess who became the model-clothes on of course. It is amazing what is included in my job description. It was great to chat with the participants and see the expertise of the tutor Kerry Martin.

Setting up for the workshop

It was another successful road trip and a reminder of the incredible passion and interest in artists by regional communities. Thanks for having me guys and I look forward to the next trip.

SUPPORT INTERWEAVE ARTS

2011-03-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

Intertweave Arts is now listed on the Australian Cultural Fund. So get on line, read about the Access Arts Link program and support their valuable work today.

Support for Social Entrepreneurs

2011-03-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota Cup
There are a number of funding opportunities in the US and countries to support social entrepreneurs. We know there are many individuals who are driven to set up social enterprises. Let's hope we can convince government and other funding organisations to invest in this sector.
School for Social Entrepreneurs The School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) Australia provides learning programs to enhance the effectiveness of Australia’s social entrepreneurs and their social ventures. Social entrepreneurs are everyday people with ideas or businesses that deliver a social or community benefit.
SSE runs a 9-month program that gives social entrepreneurs the personal and business support they need to grow their venture to be more effective. At the moment the only option for us Taswegians is for us to travel weekly to Melbourne, but let's hope there are other options in the not too distant future.
The SSE approach to social enterprise is one that focuses on social entrepreneurs creating community-engaged, community-shaped organisations. We have found that it is a combination of personal support and development, project knowledge and leadership skills which leads to the creation of robust, responsive, effective and sustainable solutions to unmet needs.
It is also our experience that action learning is the most effective approach for individuals leading social change. (SSE website)

HARD WORK PAYING OFF

2011-02-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

We are continuing to work with the two pilots involved in the Branching Out project. TRA-K's Working Art Space is in the process of having new heating installed along with a lighting system that will enhance the artwork. It's been a partnership between the hard working volunteers, our Community Business Facilitator, Warren Butler and the Kentish Council. The challenges that have been traversed along the way confirm the need for additional skills and support to ensure that the volunteer group doesn't get swamped and exhausted.

Interweave Arts is working on its 2011 program, while we are working with them on a new business plan, brochures and the production and distribution of cards and badges. We are talking with Tasmanian Polytechnic in Launceston about some of their students involved in the Work Education program. Teachers are wanting to undertake more enterprise as part of the course that involves young people with physical and intellectual disabilities. We have done a bit of a test run and the response has been very positive. We have two major retail outlets wanting to stock cards and badges in 2011.

Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study

2010-12-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

Are you a social enterprise?

If your organisation or business's mission is to benefit the community and you sell a product or service to achieve this, then we want to hear from you. Whether or not you call yourself a ‘social enterprise’, we invite you to get involved. Equally, if your organisation considers itself a social enterprise – even if it does not exactly fit the description, we would invite you to participate.

The Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study is the first-ever study of ‘social enterprise’ in the state and is a partnership between the Tasmanian Government and the University of Tasmania.

It is a stock take of activity that will provide information to guide the development of the social enterprise sector in Tasmania and nationally. The results of the study will be publicly available by mid 2011.

Look out for the link COMING SOON to this blogsite and make contact for more information.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to everyone who has been involved in Branching Out in 2010.
I wish all a Safe and Happy Christmas and look forward to an exciting 2011.
Cheers - Kylie

2010-12-12T16:55:00.001-08:00

PROJECT PICS

2010-11-17T02:16:00.001-08:00

Investing in Tasmanian Artists

2010-11-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

You can now support one of Tasmania's most successful arts organisations by donating to Interweave Arts. It is now listed on the Australian Cultural Fund which means you can invest in the fantastic programs offered through Interweave Arts and claim it through your tax.
Donations to Interweave Arts will be allocated to the Workshop Studio program that operates throughout the year working with young artists and artists with a disability.
www.abaf.org.au/donate

Interweave Artworks-a sample of works

2010-10-26T18:36:00.001-07:00

http://s1126.photobucket.com/albums/l607/KylieEastley/INTERWEAVE%20ART/

TRAK Open Day

2010-09-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

What an inspiring day yesterday with almost 100 visitors attended ARTS ON TRAK at the Working Art Space in Sheffield, North West Tasmania.
Local artists demonstrated a range of techniques including encaustic, silk, water painting, digital photography, drawing and more.
It was a fantastic way to launch the art groups brochure, blog and celebrate the past 12 months working with us in the Branching Out project.
This committee and community work incredibly hard and we have felt privileged to be included in their team, bringing support and specialist skills.
So thanks to everyone involved. I will post some pics in the next few days.

The imperative to create time for artists to work

2010-09-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

Australians are showing an unprecedented love of the arts, but our artists remain amongst the lowest paid in our society – especially in regional Australia.
Please read the rest of the speech from Kathy Keele, CEO of Australia Council for the Arts
We are talking to more and more artists and community arts groups in regional areas who are struggling and looking for a new approach.
The Ernesto Sirolli mandate of 'only do what you love to do' is playing out as a possible solution, or at least part of the solution. Match this with skilled people and resources that actually respond to the needs of the sector, then who knows what is possible.

Investing in your art

2010-09-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

What an amazing opportunity to not only participate in the workshop run by Dr Ernesto Sirolli and colleague Yvonne Fizer, but to spend time discussing our project and some of the possibilities. They have shown great generosity over the past few months and have been incredibly supportive of what we are trying to do.
Along with the discussion amongst delegates at the Junction 2010 Conference and Festival, it confirms our findings; that we need to look at some new approaches to encouraging innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in the art world.
We are seeking people, communities and organisations willing to explore possibilities and invest.

Dr Sirolli in Town

2010-08-24T02:07:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard, we are lucky enough to have Dr Ernesto Sirolli in Tasmania for the week. He is speaking at a number of engagements including the Dorothy Pearce Lecture and conducting a day long workshop on Wednesday 25th in Hobart. He then travels to Launceston where he will be a key note speaker at the Junction 2010 Conference, as well as conducting 2 workshops targetted at the artists and the arts workers.
It's a fantastic opportunity to have someone speaking about enterprise who has such a diverse and interesting background. Sirolli associates Yvonne Fizer and Martha Sirolli have also committed time to talk with us about the opportunities for social enterprise and the arts.
This has been made possible through a partnership between Tasmanian Council of Social Services and Tasmanian Regional Arts' Branching Out project, and has received sponsorship through the Tasmanian Government's Social Inclusions Unit.

JUNCTION 2010

2010-08-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

We will be presenting some of our findings and experiences from the Branching Out project at the Regional Arts Australia National Conference. This 2 year project, funded by the Westpac Foundation, has been a fantastic opportunity to explore the possibilities within regional communities to incorporate social enterprise into the arts. Our session is on Saturday 28th at 4.10pm.

Enterprising TRA

2010-08-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Last week the TRA team got together to brainstorm some of the exciting possibilities on how to build on the fantastic support it provides throughout the regional arts community. This was a dynamic workshop that identified some real opportunities for TRA to be entrepreneurial. We will be sharing this with you all soon.

But in the meantime look out for the beautiful cards and buttons on sale at JUNCTION2010. Interweave Arts in conjunction with Branching Out have selected just a few of the magnificent artworks produced through it's Workshop Studio Program to be displayed on Tasmanian made cards and badges. This program has been a valued component of Interweave with artists and volunteers working with people with disabilities and young people, to produce high quality artworks.

Funds raised through the sale of these products will go into the cost of maintaining the Workshop Studio Program for 2011.

Meanwhile, TRAK (Kentish branch) is holding an open day at it's Working Art Space in Sheffield on Sunday 26th September. Take the time to visit one of the most lush and beautiful parts of Tasmania. Meet the artists, experience the artworks and celebrate with this energetic and dynamic group.

Social Enterprise around the globe

2010-07-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

Having just returned from a family holiday to Borneo, I could share stories of the luxury hotels or the hours of duty free shopping, but that's not really us.

Instead my thoughts run to the palm oil plantations, orang-utan rehabilitation centres and the homestay which was part of the MESCOT program - a social enterprise in a small village in Sabah. Mescot stands for Model Ecologically Sustainable Community Based Conservation & Tourism and provides volunteer opportunities for visitors from around the world to spend time with a local family and work on the rehabilitation programs in the area. There is much more to it than that, so please check out the site.

So I found myself living in Mengaris Village that, with the support of an Australian social entreprepreneur, had little choice but to find a new way of surviving. Once it had been a prosperous village, with locals employed to ferry the cars across the Kinabatangan River. But a major bypass bridge and highway built directly over the community stopped this and resulted in a range of social and economical issues.

In looking for possible solutions; along with the many concerns and challenges, came the discussion around the assets, skills and knowledge within the community. They lived on the Kinabatangan River-the 2nd longest river in Malaysia, their neighbours were Orang-utans, proboscus monkeys, hornbills and crocodiles, their neighbourhood was the infamous Borneo jungle and their culture was fascinating.

Years later the villagers are involved in the ongoing management and operation of a number of community programs including eco camp in the jungle, tree planting, nursery program, homestay and volunteer progams.

For me it represented the best in social enterprise. The need was clear and desperate, the people were keen for change and the outcomes are fantastic. Now we just have to find ways to go back and volunteer.

TRAK on the web...

2010-05-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

We have been working with one of the pilot groups, TRAK Sheffield to look at their marketing and promotion. As a quick fix to respond to this we have set up a blog at http://www.traksheffield.blogspot.com/
It is aimed at providing current information about workshops, events and activities, as well as contact and membership details.
Along with this they are about to launch their new brochure to promote the amazing actitivites that they undertake.
So check out their blog and leave a comment.

A CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

2010-05-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

A changing of the guards, or perhaps a little respite, seems to be on the minds of social enterprise stalwarts as they herald in the young social entrepreneurs through the development of networks, enterprises and skills building activities.

Many are represented at the Conference including SAGE, a global movement that engages high school students in developing social enterprises. It’s mission?

To help create the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders whose innovations and social enterprises address our world’s major unmet needs.

Two young leaders making their own mark were recognised last night through the first Social Enterprise Alliance Innovation and Leadership Awards for young people, announced at the Young Professionals Party held at the popular nightclub Temple. Itself a social enterprise.

Suzanne Smith has been consulting in the area of SE for many years, has helped many ventures and is being recognised for her work in supporting the sector.

Jodi Rosenbaum founded a SE in Boston with a book store/cafe/gathering place that provides employment programs and a new chance for young people. Where others saw a lost cause, Jodi saw an opportunity.

In talking with the incoming Chair of the local San Francisco chapter for SEA, Antonio Aguilera, there is a clear focus on engaging, inspiring and recognising young people in this growing global industry.

This sentiment was mimicked by Jerr Boschee , interim President and CEO of the Social Enterprise Alliance.

‘There is an energized group of young people excited about Social Enterprise. They are ready to go out there and change the world.'

It’s an optimistic and reassuring thought, given concern about so called youth apathy and lack of volunteering and involvement from young people in communities. I look forward to hearing more from these young entrepreneurs and the relationships that develop between them and the more seasoned practitioners.

Wrapping Up...

2010-05-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

It’s been an intense, but rewarding two days at the 2010 World Social Enterprise Conference and Summit. Practitioners from across the globe have shared their stories and provided valuable insight into the world of establishing, maintaining and building business ventures that traverse a range of social issues.
The thirst for more is clear. More knowledge, more support, more understanding and more enterprising and innovative approaches to dealing with the world’s problems.

Key note speakers Chip Heath and Dan Pallotta inspired, ignited debate and provided insight into the broader philosophical discussion of how we see change and charities. While neither Chip nor Dan show signs of letting up, a changing of the guards, or perhaps a little respite, seemed to be on the minds of social enterprise stalwarts as they heralded in the young social entrepreneurs through the development of networks, enterprises and skills building activities.

SAGE, a global movement that engages high school students in developing social enterprises, was one of a number of enterprises represented. Its mission is to help create the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders whose innovations and social enterprises address our world’s major unmet needs.

Two such leaders were recognised in the first Social Enterprise Alliance Innovation and Leadership Awards for young people, announced at the Young Professionals Party held at the popular nightclub Temple. Itself a social enterprise. This was one of a number of social events arranged as relief for delegates.

Suzanne Smith has been consulting in the area of SE for many years, has helped many ventures and is being recognised for her work in supporting the sector. Jodi Rosenbaum founded a SE in Boston with a book store/cafe/gathering place that provides employment programs and a new chance for young people. Where others saw a lost cause, Jodi saw an opportunity.

Incoming Chair of the local San Francisco chapter for SEA, Antonio Aguilera, has a clear focus on engaging, inspiring and recognising young people in this growing global industry. This sentiment was mimicked by Jerr Boschee , interim President and CEO of the Social Enterprise Alliance.

But many committed organisations in San Francisco have been changing lives for decades, working with the community to identify the needs and changing to meet those needs. In between plenaries, workshops and networking, delegates toured the city, seeing the best of the best in SE.

There is an energized group of young people excited about Social Enterprise. They are ready to go out there and change the world.

Golden Gate Community Inc, established in 1981, originally provided emergency and crisis care to the homeless, but later changed to establishing programs in skills development, job training and supportive relationships. It also changed its focus to young people and its name to New Door Ventures (NDV).

Ashbury Images is one of 2 businesses that NDV has developed, the other being Pedal Revolution . Ashbury Images employs young people, training them in a range of life skills that help them take the next step towards education or a career path. Conference delegates met with Richard Lawless, the General Manager of Ashbury Images, who talked about the balance between developing a business that is competitive in the market place while maintaining the vision of the organisation and supporting the client group.

While the aim is to be financially sustainable, any shortfall is covered by the parent company NDV, with funds raised through other ventures and philanthropic support for the organisation. Ashbury is like any other business. It competes against other companies, it needs to price competitively, provide a high standard of product and while there may be some advantage in promoting itself as a social enterprise, the bottom line is that the customer is after a good deal; especially when they are also not for profits.

Ashbury Images’ story reflects some of the key strategies that successful social enterprises adopt:

'borrow from Peter to pay Paul’ – get help from another program/ventures when times are tough
‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’ – diversify, to ensure that you have a range of revenue raising options and assets to fall back on
Get the right people for the right job – being real about what people are employed to do. Needing a business manager to manage a business & a social worker to support individual young people. They are part of the same team, but some of their objectives will differ and
Be flexible, innovative and willing to change with your market demands.

These strategies were repeated throughout the conference along with the call for greater information sharing and marketing of social enterprise. Whilst countries may differ on approaches and scenarios, they also agree on the need for improved government involvement and commitment to Social Enterprise through policy development.

What would it take for government to take on social enterprise? That’s the question Jim Schorr posed to the panel of Anne Jamieson, Toronto Enterprise Fund, Kathleen Martinez, Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy and Peter Holbrook, CEO of the Social Enterprise Coalition, UK at a plenary session.

A glimpse into the international situation, gave delegates three experiences; Canada, United States and the United Kingdom. Anne painted Canada as a community that dabbling in Social Enterprise, with little comprehensive governmental support. While there are a small number of social enterprises, the industry appears fragmented with no formal framework to support emerging enterprises or advocate for existing ventures.
Building from the ground up individual provinces have developed projects, some policies and adopted effective models. But the sense is that this is just the first step and more needs to be done.

There are pockets of strong support within different sectors of the government, but a need to encourage more comprehensive understanding and support for the sector.

‘Very fragmented but lots of interest in the idea. We need to build on that and offer policies that government can say yes to,’ Anne Jamieson.

The UK situation appears much more optimistic. Peter Holbrook described it like being on a high speed train.

‘There has been a huge take up of the principles. Much has happened in the last 7 years to drive the concepts of SE into the policies of government. All parties agree on SE and agree that it has the capacity to tackle some of those issues that government has struggled to deal with.

So what next? Around the world Social Enterprises have and will continue to be built and developed. This conference provided a platform to share some of these incredible stories. After all that’s what this is about; people, communities and stories. That is what inspires us, moves up and mobilises us to find innovative and responsible solutions.

The challenge is in finding better ways to support social entrepreneurs and ideas to ensure the continuation of sustainable and profitable programs that will address the big social issues. Is Social Enterprise the next big movement? This conference showed that we are well on the way to changing how we think about the relationship between the non profit sector, business and government.

South Africa’s Johannesburg takes the baton for hosting the 2011 Social Enterprise World Forum. No doubt this country will provide its own unique stories and complex social challenges, along with a vibrancy that was demonstrated at today’s conclusion with African drumming and dancing. In a similar story, US Social Enterprise has been built from the ground up, with little support or commitment from the government to date. Kathleen Martinez believes that while we are further along than we were a year ago there needs to be greater information sharing and learning to inform government. Whilst President Obama initiated the Office of Social innovation and Civic Participation a year ago, positioned low on the Government website, the sense from the local practitioners represented at the Conference was that there needed to be greater involvement in discussions around policy making to support the sector.

Social Enterprise Stories

2010-04-28T16:11:00.001-07:00

I am settled into my digs in San Francisco and learning a great deal from delegates of the Social Enterprise World Forum.
Read some of my blogs by going to SAN FRANCISCO STORIES

San Francisco - here we come!

2010-04-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

I will be winging my way to California in 13 days to become the official blogger for the Social Enterprise World Summit in San Francisco. This forum attracts social and financial entrepreneurs from around the world who are working with some of the most disadvantaged communities.

Stay in touch during this time by going to the blog at www.sea-alliance.blogspot.com or check in on our Branching Out blog.

This is a fantastic opportunity to ask the experts about how the arts and creative industries can become more enterprising and see first hand some of the innovative approaches in the many arts initiatives in the city.
Check out San Francisco stories

2010-04-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

'An idea is like a play. It needs a good producer and a good promoter even if it is a masterpiece. Otherwise the play may never open; or it may open but, for lack of an audience, close after a week. Similarly, an idea will not move from the fringes to the mainstream simply because it is good; it must be skilfully marketed before it will actually shift people’s perceptions and behaviour', from How to Change the World by David Bornstein.

If you want to learn more about Social Enterprise and see it in action this is a good read. Bornstein combines his personal experiences of these amazing enterprises with reflection about how social enterprise principles can work.

Excerpt from Sirolli website-interview online

2010-02-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

Before he explains his methodology, Sirolli insists I understand the idea at its core: A successful business requires three essential components—product, marketing and financial management—and no single human being is capable of delivering all three with equal passion and competence.

"The death of the entrepreneur is solitude," he says. "If you're alone in business, you'll die." This isn't some casual observation, but the core of his faith, what he has come to call "the trinity of management."

On the face of it, this idea doesn't strike one as particularly radical, but it goes against what Sirolli considers a pernicious but enduring myth: To start a successful business, you must be able to handle all three aspects yourself. Not one to shy away from absolutes, Sirolli lets me have it:

"Henry Ford, Walt Disney, Bill Gates: None of the greatest companies in America was started by one person! I've done the research. Not even one! It's always two, three, four people."
www.sirolli.com

December Update...

2009-12-03T15:31:00.001-08:00

Working closely with Business and Employment, Australian Business Arts Foundation and other business, arts and community organisations, we are exploring the best models that could work for the regionally based groups to enter the world of Social Enterprise.

When starting any new venture there is an element of calculated risk and a moment of jumping in with either investment money or resources. We are now at that point.

We are continuing to work alongside a dedicated group of people in Sheffield on a Community Gallery Social Enterprise, currently teasing out the financial viability and pulling together an updated business plan.
The work with Interweave in Launceston has been really dynamic with the group identifying a range of opportunities, but determining one avenue that could support and profile the art produced by artists in the Launceston area.
Branching Out is a challenging and exciting project with two key components: 1 the strategic Management-including research, networking and establishing partnerships and 2 the Operational and implementation of the pilot projects. Including identifying key skill requirements, community needs and working with the groups to move the projects forward.

Pitching Your Project

2009-11-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

One of the most interesting and inspiring programs held at the recent Social Enterprise World Forum in Melbourne was the pitching of ideas to a panel with representatives from business, community and government.
In front of an audience participants had only 6 minutes to tout their wares and give clear and real indications of how the proposed projects could be financially, socially and environmentally viable.
The aim of the pitch was to attract start up funds for a range of fantastic programs. Business plans and research had been done in preparation for the pitch and the really exciting part was that some of the projects were successful and received start up funds.
Our research and learnings to date suggest that creative industries need an injection of resources and money at the set up stage, just like any business venture.
Perhaps pitching could be one approach-What do you think?

Disability Arts Online - at the forefront of the disability arts evolution - disability arts online

2009-10-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

Disability Arts Online - at the forefront of the disability arts evolution - disability arts online

A place for the arts in rural revitalisation and the social wellbeing of Australian rural communities - Rural Society Journal

2009-10-18T18:04:00.001-07:00

A place for the arts in rural revitalisation and the social wellbeing of Australian rural communities - Rural Society Journal

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SOCIAL ENTERPRISE WORLD FORUM

2009-10-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from the Social Enterprise World Forum in Melbourne where, along with 2 other TRA staff members, heard from practitioners working on global social enterprise projects.
Some of them small and others immense, these projects all had similarities around the passion and drive behind the idea, the development of key partnerships, financial strength and risk.

It was a little reassuring to know that there is general confusion about the language of social enterprise and the exact model. While the model is still unclear the aim of these initiatives is obvious. These groups, businesses and organisations are wanting to develop meaningful ventures that assist community, deliver a tangible service/product, address an identified need and sustain themselves financially. The industry itself is growing with a huge commitment from government, business, community organisations and individual philanthropists.

Philanthropists are investing in social enterprise ventures, business people are converting successful businesses to social enterprise ventures and community projects are incorporating income generating components.

It's an interesting time. The challenge is to identify how best we can incorporate social enterprise principles into arts and cultural activities.

ENTERPRISING INTERWEAVE

2009-09-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

Interweave has gained a great reputation for working on a range of arts projects with people with disabilities and young people from the Launceston community.
We are working with a core working group to identify the potential for a Social Enterprise venture from within the many projects they are involved in.
The next step is to determine the feasibility of the project and identify the needs and resources to make it happen.

SHEFFIELD ON TRAK

2009-09-30T04:17:00.000-07:00

We are working with an enthusiastic group of people from the Kentish community on an idea for a Social Enterprise project in Sheffield. Two workshops have been held identifying key success factors and potential projects. This has led to an idea for a Community Gallery that aims to exhibit and sell 'beautiful things'; homemade products, jams, art, handicrafts and other items made by Tasmanian producers.
The next step is to look at the feasibility for this project, identifying the funds, resources and skills needed to undertake such a project.