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Advice arts organisations can bank on
When a community festival needed advice on risk management, it turned to the largest local employer, Toyota, for support. The company provided the services of its risk management expert, Ron Evans, who helped the Bayside Festival in Melbourne's suburb of Altona to develop a risk management plan.
Now Ron's efforts have been rewarded with a prestigious award from the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF).He was announced as the winner of the inaugural KPMG advice Bank Award at the third annual AbaF Awards held in Sydney on
7 August 2003.
advice Bank-an initiative of AbaF-is a free advisory service for arts organisations. With the support of leading business advisory firm KPMG, as advice Bank's National Principal Partner, AbaF has extended the pilot from Victoria where it was successfully trialled. There are currently some 60 advice Bank placements confirmed nationally.
advice Bank matches volunteers with specific business skills, such as marketing or business management, with arts organisations needing assistance. They work together on short-term, specific projects.
'advice Bank increases the capacity of the arts organisation to manage itself,' says advice Bank manager, Elizabeth Gomm of AbaF. 'Working in a creative environment also provides a stimulating opportunity for advisers to develop their skills.'
'Very importantly, both the business advisers and arts managers often comment on how important it is to build a positive relationship between them in order to maximise the success of the project-and what fun it is for both of them in the process.
'For business, it's a cost-effective volunteering program that develops and motivates employees.'
Mr Evans commented: 'Giving a little time to help community groups not only helped them, but also gave me pride in the skills and knowledge that I have gained with the company I work for.'
Dianne Daley, President of the Bayside Festival, said: 'The advice and follow-up from Ron Evans was invaluable. He gave us the tools to assess our activities for risk and hazard, and opened our eyes to risk and hazard management. We will apply this knowledge in all our future festivals.'
The judges of the AbaF Awards-chaired by businessman and Chairman of AbaF, James Strong-said: 'The advice Bank applications were quite outstanding. We were especially impressed with the diversity of support that was given, ranging from business advice to technological support, risk management and occupational health and safety.'
AbaF is supported by the Australian Government. Its mission is to increase private sector support for the arts, by working with both business and the cultural sector, with the aim of bringing benefits to business, arts organisations and the Australian community.
To find out more about how AbaF can help your organisation work towards developing a successful business arts partnership, phone AbaF on 03 9616 0300, see the website at www.abaf.org.au or email information@abaf.org.au.