2009 - Southern Edge Arts

2009 represented another successful year for Southern Edge Arts on all fronts.

The creativity of members and arts workers continues to astound and inspire. 2009 saw a range of exciting innovative performances. SEA has continued to expand and grow; membership has increased, more workshops have been conducted and the role of the company has broadened. SEA is in a strong financial position and the company benefits from effective administration; thanks to the skills and dedication of staff, supported by an active and knowledgeable Board. Staff and board members have attended professional development training, workshops and conferences in addition to formal studies. SEA’s reputation as a leading regional youth theatre continues to grow. We have a positive relationship with agencies and funding bodies as well as strong partnerships within the Arts sector generally and with Headspace, the Great Southern Factor and South Coast NRM. Board members and the AD hosted a visit by the Minister for Planning, Culture and the Arts visit in June. We also overhauled our IT by buying new computers.

New Board members Jade Bonny, Lynda Moylan, and youth representative Ellie Glen were elected/co-opted. They joined Melissa Vernon (Vice Chairperson), Phillip Mortimer, (Treasurer), Nic Spanbroek (Secretary) and Sue Martin. The updated Constitution was adopted at the AGM in 2009 and the new logo was endorsed and launched. Signage and stationery incorporates the new logo and it is depicted on merchandise; especially the SEA T-shirts worn proudly by members. Throughout the year we have reviewed and updated various key Policies, the Business Plan, our Mission Statement and Goals. The Governance File has been produced.

Members, parents, audiences and sponsors continue to sing the praises of SEA. Productions and performances during 2009 included Café Shakespeare (which toured to Kendenup and Denmark), participation in the Sprung writers festival, Astronomic, the Ninja Lobsters at Festival of the Sea, performances at Spencer Park Primary School, North Road Shopping Centre, Albany Show and Christmas Pageant, as well as performances by the SEA Actor’s Ensemble. Congratulations.

Workshops were conducted by Diafrix, Buzz Dance, Chrissie Parrott, Nel Simpson and NIDA. CircaSEA members travelled to Rockingham to train with Circus Joseph Aston and Scott Craig and Renee Pilkington from Fliptease. In addition to working with SEA’s tutors members had the opportunity to train with guests and arts workers including Mary Rachel Brown, Poppy Van Oorde-Grainger and Ryan Humphreys. Thanks to you all for you efforts and contributions in nurturing the imagination.

2009 saw the commencement of the Wanginining Koorts (Talking Hearts). This is SEA’s Indigenous Performing Arts Project. Funding has been received from the Regional Arts Fund, GSDC, Lotterywest and BHP Billiton/Nickel West. It is a two year project aimed at preserving and promoting Noongar cultural heritage through story telling music and dance. Gillian Woods was appointed in April to develop and co-ordinate the workshop program. Working closely with the community, Elders and agencies through out the region the project has resulted in numerous workshops, the production of a short film, performances at Mt Lockyer, the SEA showcase and the Christmas pageant and participation in NAIDOC week. The first stages of the project have set the foundation for further workshops, performances and festivals in Denmark, Mt Barker, Katanning, Kojonup and Gnowangerup. Wanginining Koorts has also been the catalyst for Kinjarling Yallors.

SEA’s Expression of Interest in the Challenge Grant was successful and a full application was subsequently lodged. This initiative, supported by GSDC, provides an opportunity SEA to secure long term funding, raise the profile of the company (especially in relation to gifts) and double its fundraising dollars. Matching funds (up to $10,000) are available, so be prepared to be involved in the fundraising campaign when the way and means office bearer comes asking.

Our organisation has much to be proud of as we celebrate our silver anniversary in 2010. Join the fun.

Delma Baesjou
Chairperson