With a view for greater independence and flexibility, Araluen Art Centre’s signature exhibition will be handed over to the First Nations-led organisation, Desart.
Desert Mob 2019 Exhibition. Photo James Henry/Desart.
A recent report called for by Desart CEO Philip Watkins and prepared by Creative Economy posed the question: Should Desert Mob as an event be owned by a single entity? And if so, should that entity be Desart (the membership-based peak organisation for Central Australian Aboriginal Arts and Crafts Centres), or a new independent entity?
The management of any arts organisation can be complex. But that can be particularly so when stakeholders expand to include First Nations communities, government funding partners and tourism interests.
Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's Senior Contributor, after 12 years in the role as National Visual Arts Editor. She has worked for extended periods in America and Southeast Asia, as gallerist, arts administrator and regional contributing editor for a number of magazines, including Hong Kong based Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. She is an Art Tour leader for the AGNSW Members, and lectures regularly on the state of the arts. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW.
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