Applied Arts and Regional Communities (AARC)

Savannah Way Sculptures
Applied Arts and Regional Communities (AARC) is a group that delivers arts-based research and services that grow creative, healthy and resilient regional communities,  

Applied Arts and Regional Communities is a group that delivers arts-based research and services that grow creative, healthy and resilient regional communities. The AARC team collaborates across sectors and all levels of government to build local creative capacity and demonstrate and deploy the value of art and creativity in developing, revitalising and connecting regional communities.   

Our goal is to deliver research and practical solutions that support economic growth, cultural vitality, and wellbeing outcomes across rural, regional and remote Australia. To achieve this, AARC takes a holistic approach to the creative arts in communities. We work across artistic disciplines and with a broad range of partners to implement and evaluate programs that develop local skills and connect the arts meaningfully with health, tourism, education, local government and community development. Through collaborative projects and processes AARC contributes to strengthening and sustaining regional arts sectors for community-wide benefit.

Cluster Leaders

Current Projects

Primary Arts Online

An examination of primary student, teacher and parent experiences of arts learning online during COVID-19 lockdown.

Poop-It Kit

Poop-It Kit™: A resource designed for children to promote healthy bowel behaviour.

No Dramas

No Dramas: Participatory action research using applied theatre in regional Queensland to enable youth-led communication on health and justice priorities.

Binalmalmal – Listening and Learning

Binalmalmal – Listening and Learning – Skills for Theatre is a First Nations–led micro-credential program designed to provide training in core areas of theatre practice.

Past Projects

Description

The Whitsunday Regional Council is developing an Arts, Cultural and Heritage Plan and community feedback, visions and ideas have been gathered (through a series of informal community forums, industry forums and brainstorming sessions) to inform the region’s 2023 –2028 Arts and Cultural and Heritage Plan. CQUniversity was awarded a contract to undertake community consultation and professional development to inform the development of the Plan, which is due for release in 2023. Using an arts-led engagement methodology across four phases, the team has developed a five year plan responding to community needs, priorities, and opportunities.  

Impact

The team consulted with over 250 artists, creatives, practitioners, and local groups and business as well as delivering industry relevant professional development opportunities alongside the community consultation process. The plan will inform local policy and community activity within the Whitsunday region until 2028, and contributes to CQUniversity’s remit as a Regional Arts Services Network provider.

Partners

Whitsunday Regional Council (funding body) 

Project Leads: Wanda Bennett and Dr Liz Ellison 

Project Team: Kaylene Butler, Karen Newman, Lara Russell, Morph Consulting (Stu Watters and Ant McKenna), Patty Preece .

Description

The Creative Business Champions program delivered online mentoring for artists, artsworkers, and arts organisations across Queensland between June and November 2022. The CBC+ program was supported by the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN), an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. It included three elements: an online creative and cultural business mentoring program, a bespoke First Nations online platform to support arts business growth (with Tagai Management Consultants), and the development and delivery of a suite of seven online arts business micro-credentials.  

Impact

The program employed 15 Creative Business Champions to provide six months of mentoring across 41 local government areas within Queensland.  and nearly 17% of the program participants identified as First Nations. Mentees in the program identified improved focus and clarity for their arts business and/or career.  

Partners

Arts Queensland (funding body), Tagai Management Consultants, CQU’s Centre for Professional Development 

Project Lead: Dr Liz Ellison 

Project Research Team: Patty Preece, Bobby Harreveld, Vicki Saunders, Linda Lorenza, John Rolfe, Alex Russell as well as Ant McKenna, Alex McCallum, Deborah Power, Ali Hickling, and Luz Stanton.