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Business Arts Forum launched at GalleryOver 100 guests attended the launch of the Latrobe Valley Business Arts Forum at the newly refurbished Latrobe Regional Gallery on Tuesday evening. By Latrobe City - 14th May 2003 - Back to News The Forum was aimed at helping businesses and arts groups or individuals to form strategic relationships for mutual benefit. Latrobe City is the first regional group in Australia to invest in the series of business seminars and arts workshops presented by the Australian Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) which specialises in facilitating beneficial partnerships between business and the arts.
Councillor Sheridan Bond, representing the Mayor, formally opened the evening and Winsome McCaughey, Executive Director of AbaF and Mr Helmut Pekarek, Chairman, Advisory Board and Former Managing Director, Siemens Ltd attended the event as guest speakers.
Latrobe City’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hancock, said that art and culture made a significant contribution towards the economic and social wellbeing of the community. He encouraged guests to participate in the program and cited examples of local groups already working together.
"Business and arts working together is not new. In Latrobe City there are a number of organisations who are already reaping the benefits of forging such links," Mr Hancock said.
"The Governer Gipps Motel in Traralgon has discovered a niche market of musical enthusiasts on the Mornington Peninsula and operates a bus trip and an overnight stay to watch the Latrobe Theatre Company’s annual musical production.
"The Traralgon and District Arts Society has built a relationship with Neilsens restaurant in Traralgon, whereby the Society organises exhibitions of local artists’ works to be displayed in the gallery. The exhibitions change regularly and the artists gain good exposure whilst the restaurant enjoys the ambience provided by quality works," Mr Hancock explained.
Ms McCaughey applauded Latrobe City Council for recognising the significant difference arts and culture makes to the community’s economic and social wellbeing.
Mr Pekarek presented examples of award winning relationships that exist between business and the arts nationally including the link forged between Siemens and RMIT University School of Art and Culture.
"I would encourage local businesses both small and large to pursue links with appropriate groups through the Business Arts Forum. Mutual benefits are there to be gained," Mr Pekarek said.
Reflecting the focus on business and arts, entertainment played a big part in the evening. A professional entertainer treated the guests to a surprise performance, bursting in at the end of the formalities.
Wrapping up formal proceedings, Cr Bond acknowledged the talent of two local musicians, Tilly Junker on flute and Kylie Bawden on piano, and invited guests to stay on and look around the Gallery. Guests were treated to the first viewing of Ubiquitous Beauty, a selection of exciting pieces from the gallery’s permanent collection.
The Business Arts Forum Launch heralds the beginning of a series of structured workshops and seminars that will culminate in May next year with a showcase of successful business arts links in Latrobe City. The program has also been credited nationally as an event in the Latrobe Innovation Festival, which is part of the Australian Innovation Festival.
The first of the Business Seminars and Arts Workshops are scheduled to commence on 2 July. For further information contact Lynette Raven, Arts Innovation Facilitator, Latrobe City, telephone 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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