Multi-million-dollar leisure, recreation and arts venue management group, RANS, was advertised for sale last weekend, subsequent to the company being placed into voluntary administration. So, what's the impact for the arts? Does this mean that the model of a private company operating publicly-owned arts centres is flawed? Dramatic Online investigates.
28 Jun 2002
Karen Meehan
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Writing and Publishing
The announcement came quietly. A meeting regarding a rescue package was called. Then the blow: a large advertisement in the Age last weekend. RANS Management Group P/L, a multi-million-dollar commercial leisure, recreation and arts venue operator, is under administration and up for sale.
Admittedly, of its huge business interests – estimated to be valued at around $30 million – arts and entertainment centre management is only a small slice of RANS’ work. The company’s focus is on swimming pools and recreation centres, as well as exhibition facilities, including Melbourne’s historic Royal Exhibition Building.
Karen Meehan is Editor for artshub.com.au, screenhub.com.au and artshub.co.uk, and previously wrote freelance for a number of publications, including Dance Australia, the Age and Monash University's News and Magazine.
Karen also has extensive experience in arts and events administration, including stints with Melbourne Workers Theatre, Wellington Shire Council (Vic), Momentary Fusion aerial dance ensemble (UK) and the Chartered Society of Designers (UK).
She holds a Master of Arts in Communications and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Art History and Archaeology.
