What is the collective noun for a group of artists or artsworkers?
A posse, a palette, a bevy, a flourish?
This past week hundreds of creative types met in Bendigo to consider the future of arts in Australia and in the regions.
So much wisdom shared;
from the traditional owners the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans
“When our country is sick, we are sick; when country is not treated as your family…..we insured that our practices made the land healthy….. responsibilities to country for the benefit of all’
regarding arts and health-
“being able to unpack your story takes your cortisol levels down”
listening to music helps to make new pathways in the brain and listening to music is being prescribed for people with alzheimers.
In the UK, there is a minister for Loneliness and social isolation is as dangerous to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
There is a need for the arts that helps us to connect with something larger then ourselves.
Engaging in the arts improves your life, it is a prescription for mental wellbeing.
Art in a regional context;
There is a need to nurture and support creative talent, Regional Arts Victoria want to make regional Victoria a place where creatives will want to stay.
There is a need to develop creative economies with younger people and families….
Its about building a culture of respect for the arts and what it can bring to local communities cities- CEO of Gannawarra Shire Council
Look forward to the time that arts projects are an expected part of recovery after a disaster
Thriving not surviving.
Arts to create a sense of belonging.
Inspiration that leads to aspiration.
So many great ideas shared, so many wonderful projects, passion, humility and inspiration.
I think for me the highlight was a panel of young people from across Victoria. Their stories of how the arts had already changed and in some cases saved their lives was refreshing and left me with a huge sense of hope and purpose.
If we don’t make our places welcoming and creative places for our young people then our towns will die. If we don’t offer a future for them that includes creative opportunities, they will move away and all our nurturing of them during their childhood,: their cultural knowledge and connection to place, will be directed elsewhere.
With my head full to overflowing with inspiration I return with renewed zeal for this creative life still wondering what the collective noun will be for this creative posse, colony, herd, group or flock….
Stay Creative: its good for your health!