castlemaine state festivalannual report

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castlemaine state festivalannual report

contentschair’s report julie millowickdirector’s report martin patenfinancial statements

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chair’s report

julie millowick

On behalf of the Castlemaine State Festival(CSF) Board it is my pleasure to presentthe Chair’s report for 2015.

In my role as Chair I follow in the hugefootsteps of Gary McClure. I would like totake this opportunity to thank Gary for hisoutstanding service and significantcontribution over the past 10 years, asChair of the Castlemaine State Festival.

In 2015 we celebrated the 40 year historyof the Festival. A crucial part of thatcelebration was to acknowledge ourgratitude for the vision and support of theSegan family.

In 1975 Berek Segan,dared to dream. AndBerek’s dream wasrealised with theinaugural CastlemaineState Festival.Inspired by theEuropean tradition ofsmall-town classical

music festivals, the Castlemaine StateFestival was a ground breaking and uniqueevent that pioneered a significant culturalshift across the country. Quite anachievement that is succinctly articulatedby Berek’s son Marshall Segan “Dad’s visionhas impacted on thousands of people notonly in Castlemaine, but artistic andcultural communities across Australia.”

During CSF15 we acknowledged ourgratitude, respect and affection for theSegan family, by presenting in their honour,a gala performance of the ImpossibleOrchestra under the baton of Conductor

celebrating 40 years and 20 festivals…

Brett Kelly. How fitting it was thatBrett Kelly was the maestro of thisperformance, because he is also amuch admired former Director ofthe CSF. In true CSF tradition theevent was made possible by thegenerosity of so many people,both friend’s Berek’s and theFestival. One of the driving forcesbehind the Impossible Orchestraperformance, and indeed a drivingforce behind many otherCastlemaine State Festival events over the decades has been Mr MarcBesen AC. In the early Festivals, Marc and Eva Besen worked hand in handwith Berek Segan to ensure thevery strong foundation upon whichour much valued Festival was built.Mr Marc Besen spoke prior to theperformance of the ImpossibleOrchestra and his inspirationalspeech was warmly received.

Over the 10 days celebrating the20th Festival, we reflected on oursuccessful 40 year history, andacknowledged the crucialcontribution made by thecountless passionately committed people who have ensured the CSF evolved into regionalVictoria’s premier arts and cultural event.

I take this opportunity to thankeach and every one of you foryour ongoing support of theCastlemaine State Festival and inparticular the 2015 event. Thesupport of CSF Members, Patronsand Donors, The Friends of theFestival and volunteers cannot beunderestimated.

The 2015 festival opened with The Big Bang and attracted an audience inexcess of 2,500 people. Cuban band Elsontero were a huge hit.Top photo: Shane Carey Bottom photo: Carl Dziunka

Top: The Impossible Orchestra. Middle and Bottom: Festival Founder, Berek Segan and his son Marshall, present the2015 Dominique Segan Emerging Artist Mentorship Award to Declan Kennedy. Four young musicians shared theaward and cash prize of $4,000, donated by the Segan family in memory of their late daughter and sister Dominique.Photos: Julie Millowick Our cover photo by Janet Barker comes from RKM at the old Castlemaine Woollen Mill.Contents Page: Julie Millowick. Annual Report Design: Michael Wolfe

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The 2015 Festival has beenheralded as one of the mostsuccessful in our history. MartinPaten and his team presented anambitious program of over 20newly commissioned works and asignificant number of free outdoorevents. Over 10,400 tickets weresold and an estimated audience of25,000 attended the free publicevents. Extensive publicity andword of mouth recommendationattracted audiences from within and outside the region.Those travelling to the Festival stayed an average threenights with 85% planning to returnto Castlemaine within the next 12months. This clearly indicates theconsiderable economic impact theFestival contributes to our Shire’slocal economy.

In 2015 for the first time, wemeasured audience motivationsfor attendance at, andexpectations of the Festival and towhat extent those expectationswere met. Satisfaction rates wereexcellent across all areas with 98%of respondents stating they would attend theCastlemaine State Festival again. The Festival ended thetwo-year cycle with a break-even revenue of just over $1.3million. The Treasurer’s Report willoffer specific detail, but I want toacknowledge that this impressivesituation resulted from strongrelationships with the Patrons andDonors, Friends of theCastlemaine State Festival, MountAlexander Shire and 55partnerships across Federal andState government, philanthropictrusts and foundations,educational institutions, corporatesponsors and community groupsas well as 190 individual patrons

Jack Charles and John Romeril collaborated onGoing Through, which premiered at CSF15 at theOld Castlemaine Gaol. Photo: John Carey

Free outdoor performances attracted large andenthusiastic crowds. Photos: Christine Sayer andCassandra O’Keefe

Under the baton of former CSF Director Brett Kelly, the ImpossibleOrchestra featured outstanding young violinist Ji Won Kim.Photo: Julie Millowick

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and donors. In addition to cashcontributions, twenty businessand other organisations providedessential in-kind support of goodsand services to the Festival valuedat over $360,000.00.

Martin Paten’s program was clearlyvalidated by box office sales inDecember 2014 and January 2015being double that for same periodof the 2013 Festival. 2015 Festivalbox office sales totaled 10,424 tickets sold, equating to 81% ofcapacity. The festival included 132 ticketed performances (a 27%increase over 2013), of which 65 sold out and many others werenear capacity. The overall capacityacross the Festival reached 91%,which is a fabulous result.

Generous thanks must go to thePatrons and Donors and TheFriends of the Festival, these twoprograms along deliver the singlelargest financial commitment tothe Festival outside of itsorganisational government fundingpartners. The work Val Victor-Gordon undertakes with thePatrons and Donors program is significant and greatly appreciated,and is the life blood of the event. I pass on my own personal thanksto Val for valuable mentoring as I made the transition from DeputyChair to Chair of the organisation.

The Friends of the Festival, underthe leadership of MichaelBottomley continue to work veryhard to support to the Festival. Ithank each and every one of you.The Friends hosted the successfullaunch of the former FestivalDirector, Phee Broadway’s bookThe Castlemaine State Festival -As It Happened. This is a greatread, and the Festival Boardcongratulates Phee Broadway onher many achievements.

The Gift and Loomusica formed part ofan extensive and interactive programfor young people at CSF15. Photos:Christine Sayer and Julie Millowick.

The Cambodian Space Project mashed up 60s surf rock with period filmand go go dancers in a wild and spectacular show.Photos: Christine Sayer and Carl Dziunka

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chair’s report

staffing

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Our Director, Martin Paten, whose artistic visionmade CSF15 such a success, worked with a strong andvery capable team of professionals:• Festival Director: Martin Paten• General Manager: Helen Baker• Development Manager: Elissa O’Connor• Production Manager: Jim Austin• Marketing and Community Programs Coordinator: Angelica Clunes• Patrons and Donors Manager: Val Victor-Gordon• Hospitality Coordinator: Lindy Ralph• Box Office Coordinator: Julia Mant• Finance Coordinator: Kerry Bourke• Volunteers Coordinator: Lorrainne Callister Lyndal McClure• Administration Support: Lil Balmer Jill Bryan Lorrainne Callister Robyn Fleury Mary Harris Kerry Parker Maxine Tester

• Opening Event Artistic Producer: Jude Anderson• Visual Arts Program Coordinator Curator: Deborah Ratliff• Public Spaces Designer: Ulrike von Radichevich• Education Program Coordinator: Linda Browne• Story Program Coordinator: Lisa D’Onofrio• Print Design and Management: Meg Norris Design• Festival Identity: Design By Committee• Web Design and Management: Greengraphics• Publicist: Pia Johnson• Proof reader: Eve Merton

I would also like to acknowledge the support of CSF Board Treasurer Lucy Roffey, who worked with BookkeeperKerry Bourke and General Manager Helen Baker, to maintain a rigorous and well-documented financial framework.

At the end of June it was with regret we accepted the resignation of Elissa O’Connor as Development Manager.We thank Elissa for her valued contribution to the CSF, and wish her every success in her new position atCastlemaine Secondary College. Fiona Kelly recently joined the team as the Development and Marketing Managerand brings a significant set of skills and experience from her previous work with some of Melbourne’s largest artsand sports events.

Angelica Clunes left CSF to take up a role with Mount Alexander Shire. We thank Angelica for her dedication tothe Festival, and her vibrant and cheerful presence.

chair’s report

volunteers

Significant support of the Festival team is offered by the work of generous volunteers, over 250 innumber. The volunteers are crucial to the success of the Festival. We see them everywhere -undertaking roles as diverse as front of house, arranging billets, stacking chairs, assisting productionto name but a few of their contributions. Co-ordination of the Volunteer Program was undertakenwith great skill by Lorrainne Callister and Lyndal McClure. This is a huge task, and I personally thankLorraine and Lyndal for their wonderful and much dedicated work.

castlemaine state festival 2017

Looking forward to CSF17 I am pleased to confirm Martin Paten will continue as Director for his fifthand final Castlemaine State Festival March 2017. Martin is well under way with programming the 2017Festival, and we have recently recruited for key artistic and production positions. Advertising iscurrent for Central Victorian artists to submit expressions of interest for involvement in the 2017Festival. Submissions can be made through until January 2016.

goods shed

A key aspect from our past Organisational Review was for the Festival to find a permanent home. Tothat end, over two years ago, we commenced negotiations with Vic Track regarding use of theCastlemaine Goods Shed. These negotiations are continuing. The Castlemaine Goods Shed has beenidentified as a venue and project directly influencing and supporting the key Plans and Strategies forMount Alexander Shire. These Strategies and Plans detail community and business desires andactivities to positively impact the social, cultural and economic health and growth of the region andits communities.

Patrick Pound’s exhibition Museum of Holes was a whimsical and poeticcontemplation on all things ‘holey’. Photo: Julie Millowick.

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chair’s report

board membership

At our last AGM we welcomed Lindsay Moore and Janice Burgess to the Board. Lindsay brings extensivemarketing experience to his role as a Board member, and Janice a background in performance. I extend warm thanks to my colleagues on the Board, particularly my Deputy Chair Mandy Grinblatand Treasurer Lucy Roffey. The Board continues to work as a team to offer support to the FestivalDirector, and to ensure responsible governance of the organisation. Louise Clarke, Sue Sweetland and Lucy Roffey have all retired this year and I would like to thank themfor their valuable assistance to Board operations. Sue was also a member of the Marketing and Development Sub Committee, as well as the Boardliaison to The Friends of the Castlemaine State Festival Committee. I thank Sue for undertaking theseadditional duties with such commitment and dedication. Lucy brought valuable insight and vision to her role as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance SubCommittee. These are demanding positions and Lucy’s experience and considerable skills will be greatlymissed. I congratulate Lucy on her appointment to the Board of Coliban Water. Louise became a mother for the first time earlier this year and we offer our congratulations and wishher well. We will continue to see Louise and her young family around Castlemaine, no doubt enjoyingCSF events.

in closing...

Integral to all of the above, is a person around who we all seem to revolve. A person who ensures it allhappens, when it is supposed to happen, and whose skills of coordinating the many facets of the Festivalare quite incredible – our General Manager, Helen Baker. Helen, you are a much valued member of theCSF team. I reiterate the words of the previous Chair, Gary McClure, in thanking Mount Alexander Shire fortheir continued support of the Festival, across financial, in kind, and access to their venues. We valuethis relationship and we look forward to the growth and development of this partnership over thecoming years. A very heartfelt thank you to YOU, the members, attendees and supporters of the Festival. TheCastlemaine State Festival is a unique event that enriches the lives of many people. Regardless of ageor background, we reach out to not only our community but far beyond. Our presentation of diverseartistic performances and events is only possible with YOUR support. Saying thank you seemsinadequate, but it is said from the heart. Finally, I wish to formally acknowledge and sincerely thank Mary Harris for her very long termcommitment to and volunteer work for the CSF.

Julie MillowickChairCastlemaine State Festival Ltd.

Rain provided for full audience particpation.Photo: Shane Carey.

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director’s report

martin paten

The following report is an overview of themany responses received from debriefswith key staff, contractor and artists,surveys with attendees and patrons as wellas my own observations and reflections.

artistic

Overall the feedback we have received hasbeen very positive with views including: • The program offered ‘something for everyone’ • There was a great sense of surprise and adventure in both experiences and programming • A nicely balanced program of locally created, Australia wide and international works that were of equal appeal • The Public program was very accessible and quite simply great fun, plenty to do for free, showcasing our community, venues and assets at their best. • Opening night was social, uplifting and putting our young people centre stage • Performances like Impossible Orchestra and In Plan were ‘world-class’.

something for everyone...in ten days

• The primary schools program was highly professional in its coordination and range of quality offerings to create experiences students would not otherwise have. • The mentorships with the Cuban musicians was incredibly inspiring and educational and sure to have lasting benefits • The visual arts was also full of highly unique perspectives and experiences, adventurous and very interactive; complemented by Open Studios, the Castlemaine Art Gallery collaboration and the journey into the former Woollen Mill. • The high level of attendances at many events indicated the performances on offer ‘were’ appealing and in many cases I experienced rapturous applause and a positive ‘buzz’ on the street. Feedback also indicated audience’s appreciation for seeing something made especially for the 40th anniversary and the creation of a festival program of works that was unique to Castlemaine.

human resourcesThe Festival program once again reliedheavily on volunteers for billeting,transport, front-of-house, hospitality,production, invigilation, marketing, andoffice administration.

We were able to secure a largepercentage of the support requiredbut it was a very difficult task achievingthis. Lorrainne Callister and LyndalMcClure undertook a remarkable job helping manage this vitaloperational task.

The artistic team, Jude Anderson(Opening), Deborah Ratliff (Visual Arts),Lisa D’Onofrio (Storytelling), LindaBrowne (Education) and Angelica Clunes(Victory Park and Botanical Gardens),were all highly professional andcollaborative colleagues.

This was the first year the Festival had both a General Manager and Development Manager tosupport the Festival Director and both these roles became invaluable to the next level of professionaldelivery of the event.

Helen Baker as General Manager oversaw all the office administration, office volunteers and cashmanagement across the ten day event, with long hours each day and night consequently seeing verylittle of the event itself – all done with a positive outlook and without complaint.

The Gift was part of the CSF15 Primary Schoolsprogram held at the Castlemaine Art Galleryunder the watchful eye of Ginger Riley: The Bossof Colour.Photo: Christine SayerTom Thum and Jamie MacDowell tookbeatboxing and banter underground at Carmen’sTunnel in Maldon.Photo: Julie MillowickMaru Tarang is Australian roots music infusedwith classical Indian rhythms.Photo: Carl Dziunka

CSF15 opened with a Big Bang of a Big Bang. A free andoutdoor event, it featured over 200 performers celebrating40 years of festival fabulousness. Photo: Pen Tayler

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Elissa O’Connor and Val Victor-Gordon in their various roles had the vital tasks of not only raisingambitious levels of funding leading up to the festival, but the important tasks of managing all thestakeholder relationships across the Festival. Val once again coordinated a series of patrons andstakeholder functions across the Festival to show our deep appreciation of their continued supportand value to the event.

It is worth mentioning that the Education Program, both Primary and Secondary levels, is now a majorfeature of the program. This year we very fortunate to have Linda Browne come into the PrimarySchools Coordinator role largely in a voluntary capacity and Deborah Ratliff supporting theCastlemaine Secondary College Visual Art mentorship.

productionThe success of any artisticprogram rides on the professionalcapacity of the festival to supportthe artists to present their art tothe highest level. I want tocommend Jim Austin on hiscommitment to the festival’stechnical requirements andhelping to realise a particularlycomplex event, which has manymoving parts.

The Festival has received very positive feedback to the sound and lighting delivered by keycontractors - Optical Audio and Greg McGeachin Lighting. Stage and Venue Managers, and crew alsoconducted themselves very professionally – important to the image of the Festival.

Jim managed the preparation and approval of all OHS, Risk Management Plans, Event ManagementPlans and respective Council permits for traffic management, cleaning and waste management, liquorand food handling, and planning permits for Place of Public Assembly.

Opening night also featuredQueen Cannibali and the SkullIsland Orchestra.Photo: Carl Dziunka

More from The Gift atCastlemaine Art Gallery.Photo: Christine Sayer

CSF presented the world premiereof Kekkai: beyond fixedboundaries, a SouthKorean/Australian co production.Photo: Pia Johnson

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developmentThe 2015 Festival clearly benefited from having dedicated staff resources looking after ourstakeholders. Having raised significant investment from patrons, donors and sponsors, great effortswere made to ensure their expectations were met. A snapshot Report was prepared at the end of the Festival and some statistics that you might findinteresting include: 25,836 unique visits to the Festival’s website were logged between 1 January & 31 March 201520,000 people attended the Festival’s free public events20,000 printed programs were distributed across Victoria10,500 tickets were sold through the Festival box office1,500 primary and secondary school students participated in the Education program$536 was spent on average by couples visiting Castlemaine for the Festival staying three nights500 artists participated in the Festival including 190 from regional Victoria and 36 from 8 countriesacross the globe260 volunteers helped to deliver the Festival240 individuals continue to regularly donate money to the Festival105 unique feature articles appeared in national, state, regional and local print and online media 90 artist open studios, exhibitions, tours and workshops were associated with the Festival$700K was also received through a total of 55 partnerships with federal, state and local government,philanthropic trusts and foundations, educational institutions, corporate sponsors and communitygroups as well as 190 individual Patrons and donors Nearly 70% of shows cost $30 or less enabling a broad audience from across the state to attend the2015 Castlemaine State Festival. Most events sold out or were well attended resulting in 91% program capacity.

closingcommentsMy thanks to the Friends of theFestival and members for yourongoing support.

Importantly I would like to thank theBoard for their continued trust in meover the last year and helping me todo the best possible job and deliver afestival that we could all be proud of.

fast facts

Even Festival Directors get in on the act.Martin Paten during Pasaje, a journey throughCuban cultural history told through story,dance and song. Photo: Julie Millowick

25,836

20,000

20,000

10,500

4,300

3,600

1,500

$536

500

260

240

105

90

unique visits to the festival’s website were logged between 1 January & 31 March 2015

full printed programs were distributed across Victoria

people attended the festival’s free public events

tickets were sold through the festival box office

people received regular festival updates through eNews

people follow the festival on social media

primary and secondary school students participated in 2015 education program

was spent on average by couples visiting Mount Alexander Shire for the festival staying three nights

artists participated in the festival with 190 from regional Victoria and 36 from eight countries across the globe

volunteers helped deliver the festival

individuals continue to regularly donate money to the festival

unique feature articles appeared in national, state, regional and local print and online media

artist open studios, exhibitions, tours and workshops were assiciated with the festival

Gurrong: New Treasures in an Old Land designed anddirected by locals Jane Thompson and James Rigby broughttogether stories and songs from 250 years of immigration,over 80 voices, Archie Roach and Shane Howard and apacked town hall. Photo: Julie Millowick.

Martin PatenFestival Director4 October 2015