The results of a major regional scan of the Coast's arts activity were published recently in a 32-page report from consultant Sydney Johnsen of Grant Thornton Management.
The scan marks phase one of a future arts strategy and was accomplished through 25 interviews with arts groups, one focus group session, three community forums and 228 completed surveys. The report, which is essentially a snapshot of the existing arts scene, found that over 100 festivals and events take place each year on the Coast. The Festival of the Written Arts is the largest. Two of the most popular areas are the visual arts, e.g., attendance at galleries and craft shows, and the performing arts, especially music events.
One of the report's most significant findings is the reliance of arts organizations on volunteers. The report noted that "the interviewed groups relied on approximately 1,100 volunteers, who were estimated to have supplied an astonishing 75,000 hours over the past year.""The number of volunteer hours blows me away," says the Cultural Scan's steering committee member Carol Doyle. Doyle noted how little money artists make from their profession. The gross income level of those employed in arts and culture was low, with 34 out of 79 respondents (those who offered personal financial data on the survey) earning less than $5,000.
The report identifies another concern from arts groups regarding access to facilities to hold shows, workshops, meetings, etc. Not only do problems exist with physical access for the handicapped (the Seaside Centre was mentioned frequently) but also problems with using various venues, particularly schools, on weekends and holidays. Johnsen said a few voices were concerned that the Coast's population is growing and the largest venues will soon be at capacity. Most seemed satisfied with what they have.The only hard data that was available, said Johnsen, was the analysis of 18 of the 22 not-for-profit organizations that allowed the consultant to examine their financial statements. Through these and through some individual responses, the report determined that, in the past year, 119 full- and part-time jobs had been identified within these organizations.
"The scan's budget did not allow a full level economic impact study," said Johnsen. "This is only the first phase of a good planning process."
The Sunshine Coast Regional Cultural Scan was funded through two main donors, Arts Now and Western Economic Diversification, along with other financial support from the community.
A copy of the report is available on PDF at www.coastculture.com. An on-line inventory of arts groups and facilities has also been compiled. To submit corrections or additions to the list, email [email protected].
