The local arts industry, still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, finally has something to cheer about.
Hunter-based organisation TiNA delivered a massive $178,000 windfall to the sector, over the past 12 months, by providing direct funding, paid opportunities and professional development to artists.
Chair Kate Baartz said the not-for-profit had “just done its books for 2021”, with a very pleasing result.
“The whole board was happily surprised by the amount of money and assistance provided to artists,” she explained.
“They need our support more than ever as we emerge from two years of uncertainty and cancellations.
“At the end of the day, $178,000 is a big number for TiNA.
“I’m so proud that we have been able to put money in the pockets of artists, provide opportunities to showcase work and develop skills in the business side of art.”
One initiative, the Arts Development Small Grant, targeted Port Stephens and Cessnock LGAs.
Nineteen projects were subsidised, with six in the former ($31,973) and 13 in the latter ($62,887).
“We’ve funded everything from lost wages and virtual performances to a woven bearded dragon and, even, a piano,” Ms Baartz said.
“The message here is really simple, the more support we get as an organisation through government grants and private donations, the more we can support emerging and experimental artists to take off – and take a risk.
“We are a registered charity, which means donations over $2 are tax deductible.
“Our flagship event, This is Not Art Festival, showcases emerging and experimental art and our programs throughout the year are an extension of this.
“We have done a lot of work over the past 18 months making sure the services we provide are what our artistic community needs.
“Part of this review has also meant streamlining our operations.
“So, from now on, you’ll see us using TiNA rather than Octapod.
“This is Not Art and TiNA are more recognised in the community, so it makes sense for us to use this as our primary brand.”
TiNA also recently appointed a largely unchanged board for the next 12 months and is working on the 25th edition of This is Not Art Festival, which is scheduled for October.
Executive manager Lauren Van Katwyk admitted there was so much to build on from what was achieved in the past year.
“We ran grant programs, staged professional development workshops and hosted This is Not Art Festival,” she said.
“All of these are about supporting artists and art in the Hunter.
“Along the way, we’ve really developed strong partnerships with local councils and the government arts sector.
“This has allowed us to work closely with Hunter producers by auspicing their projects and providing mentoring to help build a strong arts ecosystem.
“It is clear, when we have money in the bank, we are able to do great things for emerging and experimental artists.
“Our goal is to have 80% of our revenue going directly to programs and artists with the remaining 20% used for operations.”
TiNA program highlights
- Income lost small grants: The grant provided a half day or full day pay (based on the NAVA code of practice) and hoped to soften the impact of income lost as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. Twenty recipients in the community shared in just over $8,500 in funds
- Arts Development Small Grant: Targeted at Port Stephens and Cessnock, 19 projects were funded, 13 in Cessnock ($62,887 in funds) and six in Port Stephens ($31,973 in funds)
- This is Not Art Festival: TiNA was presented in 2021 as two micro festivals, one in February and the other in October
- Capacity Building and Professional Development: Continuous Music Professional Music training, Get the Grant Workshop, Story Casters X Octapod, Creative Business and Creative Connections Workshops
- Port Stephens Shared Studio Spaces Feasibility Project (ongoing in 2022)
- Auspice Projects: For The Record, Klapping, Massive Band
- Targeted Auspice Partnership: Queer and Now
