Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre: 2006 Annual Report

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
The 2006 Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre Annual Report records a year of exhibition and
promotion activity which represents its role in the cultural environment of Canberra and the
region, and demonstrates its achievements through its programs and activities.
Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre was a recipient of the Visual Art and Craft Strategy, a joint
initiative of the federal and state and territory governments to address the urgent shortfalls in
funding to Australia’s creatively rich visual art and craft cultural sector. Craft ACT: Craft and
Design Centre received an increase of up to approximately 25% funding, this increase has had
significant impact upon Craft ACT’s capacity to deliver a dynamic and responsive program of
exhibitions and activities for audiences and artists alike. The organisation has been able to
expand public programs, introduce artist’s talks, run forums and engage directly with the
community.
The financial position of Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre has improved over the last three
year period and the activities that represents excellent return for the investment by local and
federal government agencies. The organisation continues to devote attention and limited funds
to its infrastructure systems to improve services to its members, artists, and audiences thereby
contributing to Canberra and its local culture. Craft ACT’s proactive management supports its
strong public presence; enables it to make headway in the ever evolving technological
environment which directly benefits artists, audiences and Craft ACT members; it has boosted
its capacity to create and take part in a wider variety of community cultural activities.
Developing the web site is an important step forward and striving for excellence in exhibitions,
publications, advertising and promotion are crucial. Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre is
experiencing a period of vitality and recognition for its initiatives and participation in the local
cultural life of Canberra.
The Craft ACT Management Committee and staff are committed to working with its business
plan, addressing and reviewing this plan to competently meet new opportunities and reflect on
its initiatives and strategies.
Staff
The staff at Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre have worked as a professional and committed
team. Craft ACT nurtured a new intern, Ann Crowther, as part of its commitment to develop
and contribute to the sector.
Barbara McConchie is currently the Executive Director of Craft ACT, a position she has held for
over three years. As Executive Director Barbara has implemented new programs for Craft ACT
with the significant assistance of the Visual Art and Craft Strategy funding including: extending
memberships; created more opportunities for hosting exhibitions in alternative locations around
Canberra; has directed unique programs for audience development; has promoted local artists
through new exhibitions and international opportunities; new media strategies and is in the
process of developing a website that will offer extensive promotion and marketing potential for
Craft ACT’s Accredited Professional Members; she has completed an extensive review and
redevelopment of the Accredited Professional Membership program ensuring a relevant and
purposeful program for these members. Barbara has worked strategically with the Craft ACT
Management Committee to develop three year Business Plans for Craft ACT. She regularly
liaises with the organisations funding partners, develops and continues existing relationships
with local, interstate and international arts organisations.
Jason Hugonnet has been with Craft ACT from late 2003 and continues in the role of Curator
of Exhibitions. Jason manages over 35 exhibitions per year across five sites and deals with
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