Case Study: Arts Connecting Communities

AbaF manages the Arts Connecting Communities program. An example of the program in action is that undertaken with City of Cairns, Queensland, Bendigo Bank and Cairns Regional Gallery for their Resident Artist Program.

Cairns City Council participated in AbaF’s Arts Connecting Communities (ACC) program in 2004. This program builds connections between local artists and arts organisations, local businesses and local government. It is supported by National Principal Partner, Toyota Community Spirit.

Cairns Regional Gallery is the only visual arts museum in far north Queensland. Since its opening over 450,000 people have visited the gallery, and 30 exhibitions per year have been hosted.

After participating in the AbaF ACC program in 2004, Cairns Regional Gallery approached Bendigo Bank for assistance with a project that would enable curators and artists to be flown to the Gallery to arrange and participate in exhibitions, floor talks and workshops. After negotiations, Bendigo Bank entered into a partnership with Cairns Regional Gallery in 2006.

This Resident Artist Program introduces Cairns artists and the Cairns public to artists from elsewhere, building understanding and appreciation of the different influences and techniques used to create their art. For the Bendigo Bank, this partnership helps it to align itself with a reputable cultural brand, builds its local exposure and creates networking opportunities for staff and clients with members of the Cairns arts community.

For further information about AbaF's Arts Connecting Communities Program visit www.abaf.org.au

Image: Ben Trupperbaumer artist talk at the launch of Little Dwellings 2008 | Image courtesy of Cairns Regional Gallery