Tony Grybowski. Image: australiacouncil.gov.au
Tony Grybowski, CEO, Australia Council
Arts funding: a new model for the times
Melbourne-educated Tony Grybowski joined the Arts Council in 2007, after starting his career at the Arts Centre, then moving onto Arts Victoria, Music Viva, Sydney Symphony and the Australian Youth Orchestra. He was Executive Director of the Arts Organisations Division and Acting Executive Director of arts funding, before taking the helm in 2013 as AusCo’s CEO. With degrees in music and education, Grybowski plays the piano and tuba. He is keen to spearhead changes at Australia Council to and put artists at the core of the organisation. In August this year, he unveiled the Australia Council’s five-year Strategic Plan and a new grants model he described as ‘artist-centric’.
Anna Draffin, Deputy CEO, Philanthropy Australia
Make philanthropy work for you
Over the past 12 years, private donations to the arts in Australia have increased by $28 million, proving that the growth in philanthropy is vital to the development of the arts in Australia. But how exactly can an artist, designer or performer take advantage of this? With experience in strategic development, communications and marketing in Australia and on an international level, Anna Draffin will discuss how those in the arts can make the most of charitable giving. As well as establishing the Victorian office for the Australia Council for the Arts philanthropy initiative, Anna was also Deputy Director at Heide Museum of Modern Art for eight years and remains an influential figure in the marketing, fundraising, membership and capital development of the Australian arts.
Tony Stephens, Director, Artbank
The future is NOW. Opportunities Abound
Having been an active part of Australia’s contemporary art community for more than 10 years, Stephens will discuss the opportunities in Australia’s arts scene and the keys to his success. Working as a curator, administrator and writer, he began his arts career at smaller not-for-profit organisations before moving up to become the CEO of Artworkers Alliance. Having worked on an international scale by providing advice on collection management, business development and audience engagement, Stephens now runs one of Australia’s premier art collections.
Jane Scott, CEO and Artistic Director, Craft
Future trends: can I really have an arts career?
Is it impossible to have a career in the arts? Jane Scott will delve into the reasons why so many artists and performers choose more viable career paths and how ‘successful art careers are rare.’ Going full circle from her position at the Crafts Council of Victoria, Scott has come a long way since studying Ceramics at RMIT. She believes that while talent is essential to an arts career, so is personality type, self-promotion, networking and most importantly, outside trends. ‘The visual arts are governed by a few who decide what’s in fashion and which artists we should champion. If this is not something you embrace then it’s going to be a slog.’
Steph Walker, Executive Director, Performance Space
From the artist’s mouth – a real-life success story
Steph Walker was once a performer, designer and writer but has now branched out to become an arts producer, leader, manager, marketer and consultant. She has created a career from her passion, having built a reputation as a leader for the arts in her previous role as the Manager and Assistant Director of the Christchurch Arts Festival (2012-2012), and is currently on the board of PACT Centre for Emerging Artists. ‘There is nothing more fantastic than to see someone happen across an artwork or a performance to make their day a little more extraordinary … I want to make those moments happen for everyone!’ she said.
ArtsHub Conference 2014
31 October, Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre
