AUGUST 2015 NEWS

Green light for new Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Concept

The NSW Government has approved a $139 million concept plan for the rejuvenation of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Positive Solutions developed programming and governance frameworks for the long-term development of the Precinct. Read more here.

Underground music venue and parking could transform Kingston Foreshore arts precinct

Three design options have been pitched for the development of Canberra’s Kingston Foreshore arts precinct, including a proposed basement music venue and underground parking. Positive Solutions worked with a multidisciplinary project team to provide governance advice and financial modelling for the precinct. Read more here.

The State of Play: Koda Capital’s 2015 Non-profit Sector Review

Koda Capital’s Head of Philanthropy & Social Capital, David Knowles, answers 10 questions on the state of Australia’s non-profit sector. David is a Director of Positive Solutions’ sister company, BoardConnect. Read more here.

We’ve been busy over the last few months – here’s some of what we’ve been up to!

PROJECTS COMPLETED

Kingston Arts Precinct, Canberra

We assisted Colin Stewart Architects in the masterplanning process for Kingston Arts Precinct. Positive Solutions also advised artsACT on future governance arrangements for the Precinct. The feasibility study for the Kingston Arts Precinct has just been released: click here to view.

Australia Council for the Arts Leverage Strategy

In its Strategic Plan published in 2014, the Australia Council identified the need for the Agency to build on previous successful partnerships with the private sector to deliver some of Council’s strategic priorities in the future. Positive Solutions Director Cathy Hunt worked with the Executive Management team to identify the appropriate approach and opportunities for the Council over the next three years.

Tai Po Art Development Centre

With ICF International (Hong Kong), Positive Solutions was commissioned to provide advice on the mode of operation and financial viability of establishing an Art Development Centre in Tai Po in Hong Kong’s New Territories. Advice was required on governance, and operational and financial models.

WOW Brisbane

Positive Solutions Director Cathy Hunt was one of the Executive Producers of the first Brisbane Women of the World (WOW) Festival held in June 2015. With support from Positive Solutions staff, the event was a three-day festival supporting women, action and change. WOW celebrates women’s achievements and takes a frank look at the lives of women and girls and the obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum Review and Future Plan

Positive Solutions, as a subconsultant to Neil Anderson, undertook a review of the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum to determine future options in relation to its vision, governance and operations. The review was guided by consultation with key stakeholders and the final report included recommendations for implementation over a three-year period.

Dictionary of Sydney Business Model Review

Positive Solutions was engaged to provide research, planning and organisational development services to determine an appropriate business model for the Dictionary of Sydney’s long term sustainability. The project included financial/ resource analysis, risk profiling and benchmarking. Based on a permanent historical digital repository, the Dictionary of Sydney aims to gather resources on every aspect of human habitation in the greater Sydney area from the first arrival of people to the present. Visit the Dictionary of Sydney website.

Management and Governance Models for City Recital Hall

Positive Solutions was engaged by the City of Sydney to provide advice on future management and governance models for City Recital Hall. The aim was to ‘ensure sound management and governance of the venue and its operations, enhance its reputation as Sydney’s premier fine music venue and contribute to the City’s cultural, social and economic objectives’.

PROJECTS UNDERWAY

Queensland Health

Positive Solutions is currently working with BoardConnect, McCullough Robertson Lawyers and other specialist consultants to deliver a project for Queensland’s Department of Health. The team’s role has been to assist in the preparation of transition plans for over 20 Non-Government Organisations following recent health sector reforms. We are providing advice and support to these organisations throughout 2015.

Music Works – support for contemporary music in Victoria

Positive Solutions was engaged to assist Creative Victoria with the design and implementation of Music Works, a significant package of support for development of the contemporary music industry in Victoria. Extensive industry consultation informed advice to Government to ensure that Music Works achieves the best possible impact for the music sector in relation to income generation, employment and a vibrant, sustainable industry. A discussion document prepared as part of the consulting process can be viewed here.

Northern Territory Arts and Cultural Policy

Positive Solutions is assisting in the development of an Arts and Cultural Policy for the Northern Territory Government. This policy deals with arts and cultural development across all fields, with a strong focus on Indigenous art and culture.

Arts NSW Service Organisation Evaluation and Service Delivery

Following on from the preparation of the Arts and Cultural Development Program Funding Guidelines, Positive Solutions provided proposals regarding the current ecology of the NSW arts and cultural sector, in regards to its needs for service organisations and the assessment process undertaken by Arts NSW for program funding for 2016 and beyond. This included research, benchmarking, interviews, facilitated discussions, and the development of draft assessment and monitoring material.

State Library Victoria Business Model for Touring Exhibitions

Positive Solutions has been engaged by the State Library Victoria to support the planning of new exhibition spaces as part of the Library’s $83 million building redevelopment project.

Planning and facilitation sessions

David Fishel and Cathy Hunt have recently provided planning session facilitation for a number of organisations, including Ausdance Queensland and Women’s Health Queensland Wide, and governance training for the Queensland Information Centres Association.