Current News

The Speakeasy project is currently on hiatus after its successful run in the second half of 2007. Future direction for the sessions is being discussed, with a new focus coming into view early to mid-2008. If you'd like any information on anything relating to the project, please call us on 03 8606 4200.

2007 topics

Thursday 4 October: Introduction

Thursday 18 October: Challenges and approaches for developing artists and artistic works

Thursday 1 November: Risky Business & Risky Art Making

Thursday 15 November: Future Trends in Arts Marketing

(John Alderton from Mitchell & Partners has generously made his presentation available for Arts Speakeasy participants. If you would like to receive it, please email frontdesk@gasworks.org.au)

Thursday 29 November: End of Year Wrap: Communications & Resource sharing into the future.

About Arts Speakeasy

Arts Speakeasy is a new initiative which is designed to bring artists and arts workers together with experts in a particular field of the arts. Facilitated by Ian Roberts, sessions are free and will focus on a subject area of particular relevance to contemporary arts practitioners and administrators.

The first session on Thursday 4 October helped determine several of the future topics and speakers identified by participants as the key issues.  Future topic areas will then be decided as the group continues to meet, with Roberts having curated a distinctive list of professionals to support the program, matching key speakers to topics.

Roberts is one of the best connected arts administrators in Victoria, and has so far confirmed the support of Penny Hutchinson (Director of Arts Victoria); Jane Hayley (Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Business Arts Foundation); Sue Nattrass; former Minister for the Arts, Mary Delahunty; writer and curator Graham Pitts; international photographer Michael Coyne; Jenny Bott (ex-CEO of the Australia Council); Richard Evans (CEO of The Australian Ballet); Ian McRae (Chair of the Theatre Board of the Australia Council); independent theatre producer and dramaturge Nancy Black; Lesley Alway (Director of Heide); and Mike Zafiropolous (SBS General Manager).

Fortnightly sessions are held at Gasworks in the relaxed setting of the licensed Gasbar and Terrace (off the main Gasworks Theatre). Sessions start at 4.30pm and will run for an hour, with an opportunity for people to stay longer and discuss matters that come up during the session as well as other relevant issues.

Arts Speakeasy is a new initiative of the Harold Mitchell Foundation, in partnership with Gasworks Arts Park.