I was not surprised when I read your article in last week’s edition of the Argus with regards to the “Concerns grow for eisteddfod future” and the withdrawal of vital funding from the Regional Arts Development Funding. However, I am extremely CONFUSED with their decision making. Personally, I have given up applying for assistance as an “individual artist on my way”. I was told that the funding was for community events. Events where the community would benefit rather than an individual.
Now I would like a PLEASE EXPLAIN from the RADF Committee, which I might add is also supposed to re-elect a new Committee every two years. Some of the Committee members have been making decisions regarding our funding since I think, before I came to live in Goondiwindi anyway. YES, I have received funding from the RADF before and I thank them gratefully for that, but it is something I dare not do again. After reports back directly from behind the closed doors of the Council room where the meetings are held, that I had “received funding before but had put nothing back in to the community”, “what has she done for the community anyway”, and that “RADF was not there to support individual artists in their pursuit for better education”. Gee, it would be sad if they made a ‘buck or two’ out of their training.
“Look, if I play a round of golf, I have to pay for my golf clubs and fees”. After other gossip regarding my applications was leaked from under the door, I wouldn’t dare lay my person on their table to be picked away at ever again.
May I also ask why some of our funding in previous years had to be sent back to the government body as our Committee was not able to hand it out?? I believe the ratepayers of this town DESERVE an explanation. Is it a matter of surname? Supposed status within the community? Or if you belong to the ‘boys club’? Who or what is actually eligible to receive this money? If you receive some funding are you then wiped from the list because you have learnt all in one workshop of ten days? Very intelligent lot, us artistic people, even an apprentice serves at least four years with his master and even gets paid for the privilege. RADF covers all arts within our community and many active communities have their funding increased each year, because they are deemed to be so active.
A group of concerned people, of which I will admit to being a part of, took the initiative some years ago now to invite a Government representative to Goondiwindi to provide explanation and information to Arts Groups and RADF Committee members with regards to what can and cannot and who could and could not fall under the umbrella of this funding and how it could benefit our community. We believed at the time that this information would help all involved, so this very thing did not happen. I dare to be wrong but I think one or none of the Committee member bothered attending the general meeting and the meeting specifically organised for the RADF Committee members and Council representatives at the time, most of which still are members today, did not bother to turn up at all, to their own special sesssion!
Those who were informed at the general meeting left with excitement with the prospect that our community was large enough to receive increased funding. We just had to be more active. (This of course depended on our Council and Shire support).
So with f-e-a-r of backlash could I p-l-e-a-s-e beg for some explanation, not for myself only, but for the community in general. How can we be active and use this funding?
Sorry, I WILL NOT accept that I have not been left scarred by the RADF personal backlash, if you d-a-r-e apply for funding because - I HAVE. Yes, their pitiful comments do hurt, but, I cannot help but continue to involve myself in the Arts and arts education.
I do feel sorry for the Committee, its dominant decision makers, the others that are left with little say that can only follow like sheep, their inability to think creatively with regards to “THE ARTS” in our precious town and surrounds, their lack of passion and their decisions and discussion made behind closed doors. May they polish their trophies, protect their community treasure chest as if it were their own, get swallowed up in the false sense of power that comes with the position of making decisions as to which person or sector of the ‘lowly’ are forced to beg for money to provide culture in our township and slash away at artistic events, hearts and minds all in the NAME OF ??????
Please explain – is it for individuals, groups, first timers, fast learners, friends or associates of the committee, gift of the gab talkers or who or whom? Perhaps an installation in the main street giving us some explanation (anything would be clearer than what we have now), or a list of the committee members and how long they have served at this glossy table making these decisions with regards to our community funding. Sorry, but were these members voted to their positions in a democratic manner by the community or have outsiders been warned away so no democracy can take place?
Just a hint for future treasure seekers, time your application right and one of the main players could be on an overseas excursion and your grant m-a-y sneak past the higher beings without too much of your body and soul being tossed from one side of the table to the other before a final decision is penned.
Those who are experienced or passionate about the arts would understand some or most of this, but it is something all members of our community should be aware of.
Jane Greenland – everlasting supporter of all forms of Art! I wonder will others
dare to speak out on their experiences?
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