Sustainability is a powerful word in today's world of dwindling resources. Arts funding bodies worldwide are increasingly questioning the needs of the organisations they support and the level of dependency. How much more self-sufficient would they become? This essay considers what it could mean for artists and arts organisations, from the strength of their practice through to the structures of their business and the partners they need to seek to achieve their vision. They examine models within Australia and overseas and explore the potential of key stakeholders, governments, non-government agencies and the private sector in strengthening the arts to achieve their goal. And they explore what a sustainable arts organization might look like.
Cathy Hunt & Phyllida Shaw have extensive experience in the arts and creative industries in Australia and the UK. Cathy Hunt is a cultural strategist and founding director of Positive Solutions, a Brisbane-based consulting, training and research firm specialising in the cultural and non-profit sectors. Phyllida Shaw is a UK-based researcher, writer and facilitator with a particular interest in the policy and practice of the public sector and charitable funders. She is a board member of Arts Research Ltd, publisher of Arts Research Digest.
Cathy Hunt & Phyllida Shaw have extensive experience in the arts and creative industries in Australia and the UK. Cathy Hunt is a cultural strategist and founding director of Positive Solutions, a Brisbane-based consulting, training and research firm specialising in the cultural and non-profit sectors. Phyllida Shaw is a UK-based researcher, writer and facilitator with a particular interest in the policy and practice of the public sector and charitable funders. She is a board member of Arts Research Ltd, publisher of Arts Research Digest.