June Seminar

SELLING THE ARTS IN A RECESSION

6pm-8pm, Monday 29 June 2009
Australia Council: 372 Elizabeth Street, SURRY HILLS

What happens to the arts world when the economy takes a turn for the worst? How do we adapt in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable environment? 

Sponsors are pulling in their belts and subscriptions are falling, but arts companies are resilient creatures and there are many creative ways to deal with a tough economic climate. Our panel will discuss the challenges that arise, and ways in which arts companies have turned these threats into opportunities by changing their focus and adapting to best ensure their survival and growth as organisations.

It doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. This seminar will provide some practical tips to not only making it through these daunting times, but coming out ahead once they are over. 

SPEAKERS

Jessica Block has been the Deputy General Manager at the Australian Chamber Orchestra since 2003, a role which doubles as Development Manager. The ACO performs 7 national tours and 2 international tours annually, and receives less than 15% of its income from government funding, the remaining of which must be raised through box office, corporate partners and private donors. Prior to this she held positions with the Nine Network as one of its Corporate Counsel, at The Bell Shakespeare Company as Business Development Manager, and as Business Development Manager for Sydney Festival. Jessica holds a degree in Arts/Law from the University of Sydney and was Director of Research for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales (now the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia) and practised as a solicitor with Mallesons Stephen Jaques for five years until 1996, when she was made a Senior Associate.

Craig Brush has been with the Art Gallery Society of NSW for nearly 20 years, fifteen of which he has been in the role of Events Manager. He is currently Acting Executive Director. During his time as Events Manager the programme has grown to more than 430 events a year and includes lectures, film screenings, exhibition viewings, and visits to private and corporate art collections amongst many others. Craig was instrumental in the development of the Society’s Resonate concert series which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and has become an important part of Sydney’s classical music scene. A forthcoming lecture series, starting in August entitled Darwin’s Great Idea: How Evolution Rewrote Our World will explore the influence of Darwin’s theories not only on science, but also on literature, architecture, painting and sculpture.

Mark Sarfaty, CEO Sydney Film Festival - Mark's passion for film was ignited early and he studied film at Sydney University and the University of Technology, Sydney and  attended his first Sydney Film Festival in 1983. Mark Sarfaty is Executive Director and Vice President of the Independent Cinemas Association of Australia. He was most recently Head of Dendy Cinemas for seven years, is member of the cinemas peak body, the Australian  Cinema Exhibitors Coalition and a regular consultant to business and  government on film. In addition, Mark has an extensive feature film production record and he has also been the Australian film critic for Rolling Stone magazine. At the SFF he oversees the entire organisation, including all business development and operational activities.

RSVP:
Please register by 25 June to:
Janelle Prescott info@samag.org or (02) 8250 5722 (msg only)
FREE ENTRY for 2009 SAMAG Members / $10 for non-members / $5 for students.
Please pay at the door - cash or cheque only. 

MEMBERSHIP
2009 memberships are now available.  For further details please visit our membership page.  To become a member simply download the membership form, fill it in and bring it – along with payment – to the seminar. We will issue you with a membership card and receipt on the spot. Please note SAMAG is unable to process credit card or EFTPOS payments; cash or cheque only please.