Stage 3 - Overview
Deliverables in this stage are still under evolution.
There is strong rationale for a state-wide initiative across art-forms that provides a tangible experience for organisations and individuals to work together towards a shared vision.
The model used in ‘The Alternative Archive’ exhibition series during the original Creative Grid project has been suggested as a strong commencement point. For Mycelium, it is envisaged that the sector could engage in a single conversation topic that can be explored in any creative modality and shared with regional communities across any venue and presentation format.
Proposed Activities
- Partnerships consolidated between regional groups to collectively deliver activities
- Mentorship program to increase skills and confidence - 20 paid mentorships (30 curators & 10 producers - all mentors/mentees regionally based)
- Creative developments by individuals/groups across multiple artforms.
- Community engagement processes encouraged & additionally funded
- 20 regional photographers selected, documentation of activities commence
- Fortnightly email updates to network
- Monthly zoom meetings to discuss topics of vision, progress, concern etc • Regular social media updates on project progress
- Festival title confirmed, Funding sought and secured
- Liaison between network members facilitated by Project Coordinator
- Ongoing communication with DLGSC, RAWA, CircuitWest and John Curtin Gallery (JCG) re development of business case for ongoing regional arts festival model based on learnings from Mycelium
- Festival promotion
Pilot model for a Regional Arts Triennial (Festival)
Mycelium provides a pragmatic approach to the development of a regular and ongoing regional arts festival.
It pilots a co-designed regionally driven festival model that allows the sector to experiment, adapt and integrate successful elements into future iterations.
Mycelium is an initial (and achievable) step in an evolving pathway over the next decade to grow a festival in scale and scope.
It draws upon the strengths of the ambitious and successful ‘Connect to The Creative Grid’ project managed by Southern Forest Arts in 2017-19 utilising proven processes of co- design, mentorship and collaboration but expanded to include multi-artforms, access to new venues, audiences and communities.
By working in conjunction with metro-based peak organisations that service the regions (including Regional Arts WA, GalleriesWest and Art on the Move) Mycelium offers the opportunity to road-test ideas alongside other investigative tools as part of the process to build a business case to present to the State Treasury for designated future festival funding. If secured, this funding would provide a regular funding to commission new high quality artworks, presented to new audiences that enrich regional communities with regionally generated arts and culture experiences.
Increasing the arts economy in the regions
During Stage 3 and 4 Mycelium will provides paid employment for the following regionally based artists and artsworkers:
- 20 mentors & 20 mentees (30 curators and 10 producers) 20 photographers
- 1 Lead Curator
- 1 Lead Producer
- 1 Project Coordinator
- An estimated 180 exhibitors An estimated 25 performers
Mycelium's series of 20 mentorships provides professional development that's personalised and relevant to the community in which the exhibition/performance is presented, benefitting not just the mentees but the mentees’ community.
Where possible (and appropriate) Mycelium’s mentors will have previously been mentees in the Connect to The Creative Grid project. In this way the festival model will build upon previous iterations, each reinforcing the skill gained as a mentee that becomes the confidence when imparted as a mentor.
Regular monthly zoom sessions will allow project participants to share insights, resources and expertise to empower others.
Increased visibility is a core concern for the majority of regional artists and organisations. By connecting creative practitioners from across the state in a shared pursuit, Mycelium automatically enhances the profile of artists and artsworkers beyond their immediate region. By showcasing regionally generated artworks through metro venues to metro audiences participants can access diverse and engaged audiences they perhaps wouldn't have opportunity to access.
For info about other stages
