In case you didn’t know, there are 14 regional arts development organisations in NSW. Each region varies in size and the number of council areas designated within a region. For Southern Tablelands Arts it is seven councils.

In the last two weeks we have delivered professional development programs in the region. Artist portfolio development was a partnership project with Goulburn Regional Art Gallery. The program was designed to provide information and opportunities for visual artists to get up to date on photo documentation and the importance of professional presentation to secure exhibitions and work. The program was booked out.

The Regional Creatives Roadshow was delivered in Yass and Crookwell. Nearly 30 artists and creatives from Yass, Upper Lachlan and Hilltops communities met Monica Davidson of Creative+Business at Tootsie’s in Yass for a three-hour workshop on a range of business development considerations including tax, finances, marketing, law and business planning for the creative industry sector.

Monica also delivered a 45 minute presentation in Crookwell on the economic value and impact of the creative industry sector to the Australian economy, which was food for thought about the wealth of creative industry sector activity happening right under our noses across the region that is not necessarily recognised or valued.

Finally, it was thrilling to see family and friends of WW1 railway worker veterans attend the launch of the first of three commemorative sculptures at Moss Vale Railway station. We were honoured with the presence on the Hon Angus Taylor and Hon Pru Goward amongst the guests who both assisted with the unveiling. We will be launching a commemorative sculpture in Goulburn in late June.