Conferences are always an interesting experience, drawing people together to meet, discuss, debate, celebrate, and plan around a field or theme. Creating Spaces was particularly exciting (much like the Australian Theatre Forum I attended in 2011) as many of the brightest creative minds were all gathered in one place, ready to face the changing times with action and innovation. Big thanks to go to Renew Newcastle and Renew Australia for their hard work to bring it all together. Some pics here.
It was great to have a real cross-section of arts, business, and government represented and in dialogue. While we might not always speak each others language, coming together is the first step. And I must say a lot easier to comprehend than my last conference in Paris where I sat through an entire session in French as I felt too rude to leave!
The 8 strong Ballarat contingent were in a unique position where leaders of the arts community and local council reps including City of Ballarat CEO Anthony Schink were able to connect directly to share the experience and ideas, opening paths to future action and collaboration.
The timing of Creating Spaces was also significant with Arts Minister Simon Crean himself coming to speak to us on the final day, coinciding with the release of the long-awaited National Cultural Policy. As Schink tweeted from Creen’s speech on Thursday- “It is creativity that is at the core of our nation.” Yep.
There is a lot of important big picture stuff going on here (& it might take me a bit longer to work through my bursting notebook from the week), but an overwhelming message of the conference was also to start small. This is what I would like to share with you here via Gap Filler, the inspiring urban renewal guys working in post-quake Christchurch NZ.
Gap Filler founders Rhys Reynolds and Coralie Winn gave this advice that certainly rang true for me. Rhys reminded us not to underestimate the power of small, simple gestures, that can carry a lot of weight and work towards challenging the irrationality of today’s world. Coralie’s closing advice was to take a ride or walk around your city. Explore, take it in, and see what comes to you.
