Before I jump in though, I just have to acknowledge the true soul stirring beauty of the creative arts. How it can surprise, delight and enliven the soul.

Arriving at the pre-mix party at Caloundra Regional Gallery for The Sunshine Coast Art Prize award, I was given the most in-depth and colourful welcome to the area with an acknowledgement to Country that was Storytelling in its true form. It painted a picture of the landscape, the people and the purpose of place.  Beside me, I felt an incredible energy emanating from a figure in the crowd. Drawn to look over I saw the person move away towards the back of the room. While the official speeches wound down, more and more people turned to face away from the podium and to this little tucked away area where a microphone had been propped. What happened next can’t really be described so I’ll link you to a video of Gennady Papizh and you can do your best to pretend you were in the room to witness this. Other worldy. Something I will never forget.

Ok, back to reality now. The thing that took me all the way up to the Sunshine Coast in the first place was:

• >> What are the key ingredients that contribute to successful creative cities and communities?
• >> How can the arts influence and shape urban development projects? How do we think about holistic place-making when thinking about the infrastructure of cities?
• >> Is the growth of a creative city largely organic or can we engineer it through tools such as policy and investment?
• >> How do we balance top down with community empowerment and grass roots cultural activity?
• >> How do we move beyond the cookie-cutter approach where cities simply seek to replicate the ‘Silicon Valley model’ towards building a more complex creative ecology with arts and culture embedded at their core?

There never is a neat little answer that works across the board, but there are a lot of case studies for what is working and where we can go from here. Below I will share Part 1 of my notes, some ideas presented and quotes from the speakers.

The Death of the Artist

Peter Tullin and Simon Cronshaw, Co-Founders of CultureLabel.com & REMIX Summits took us on a journey to explore local and international trends shaping the cultural and creative industries and challenged that it was impossible to be an artist without also being a business person to some degree. Don’t we know the hustle?! That “art” (in the broadest sense) is a product of collaborations, of insights, of relationships, of fundraising, of promotion… the list goes on.

Engineering Creative Communities

The Silicon Valley Model isn’t replicable everywhere, nor should it be. We need to be thinking about what are the next creative cities, in 5 or 10 years? Trends are seeing startups follow the artists, back to places like New York, London and Berlin. It’s not enough to build a hub, proclaim yourself as an innovation capital and wait for the innovators to come. Creative communities are built from the ground up. They are unique and attractive because of the talent that exists within them and the momentum they build. They become spectacular where there are creative collisions. No, this is not a new idea, but it is an important one.

Creator Spaces, such as Governer’s Island (https://govisland.com/) start as interesting creative places that always have something going on. This particular island is starting to attract tech and innovation growth, so it will be interesting to see it evolve over the coming years.

I can’t help but think of the arts as a honeypot that attracts the bees – motivated workers who want a taste of the sweet scene being shared by others. It’s a safe bet that the dynamism will motivate, perhaps even propel them. It’s the hope that some of that magical energy, awe and wonder will rub off on them and make their pursuit just that little bit shinier by way of context.

“Innovation opportunities happen at the intersection of different disciplines” – Alan Noble, Chief Engineer / MD Google Australia.

Back in the day of the first coffee houses people would come together without boundaries around their professions and simply interact with one another. Think philosophers with artists, doctors with poets, scientists with playwrights.

An example of this hybrid melting pot of great minds is Second Home in London. Their cultural program is imbedded into the framework of this unique coworking space, which understands that “exposure to new ideas, provocations and thinkers makes you more creative in your professional life”. Read more of their story here: https://secondhome.io/

It is important for entrepreneurs, especially those working in tech, to consider the human element of their product or service. How will someone interact with this new idea? Creative collisions can force cross-disciplinary thinking and help round out some of those solutions. Creative ideas can enhance tech brands especially – filling the void of engaging, high quality content that matches the calibre of the product.

An amazing example of this cross-pollination was the case study of a tech accelerator being run out of the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, with the outcomes to

• >> innovate and remain relevant in an increasingly digital world
• >> keep delighting audiences – in person and online – and enable them to go deep into museum collections, beyond the physical display
• >> achieve efficiencies and improve our business performance.
• Named ‘Mahuki’, the program helps entrepreneurs understand the potential of the cultural sector both in New Zealand but also the potential globally.

Using public spaces, specifically in the cultural sector, is a key trend we will see take off. Another example is Start Space, at The State Library Victoria, which will enable early stage entrepreneurs a place to explore ideas and will feature an e-town hall to rival that of Apple HQ: http://www.innovationaus.com/2017/06/Vic-Librarys-new-startup-space

That’s just the introduction.

Stay tuned for my notes from the featured speakers in Part 2 of the blog.

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If you are wanting to get your business “out there”, step up your marketing and reach new audiences then forget the traditional and start thinking meaningful. Your next client isn’t looking for a purchase, they’re looking for a connection.

Event Partnerships are one of the easiest ways to reach a diverse range of audiences, provide you with cost effective media exposure and leverage your association with the nationally recognised brands that are already on board.

How about some more perks?

// You don’t need to be a major sponsor to reap major benefits

// Spark some human interest in what your business does and why it has become an event ambassador

// Tons of new, interesting and non-direct-sales related content for your social media channels

// It’s one thing to list your values on your website, but another all together to live them and breathe them. A picture speaks a thousand words right? Well, an activation tells a novel more.

// Up to 80% of your brand exposure can happen before the event even takes place

// Money can buy exclusivity

// Reach a huge new variety of networks and channels of communication

// We can put you on the map. Literally.

// We are a reputable third party liaison to communicate about your brand to your target demographic (and will say the nicest things!)

// Set aside the sell and instead create a conversation with your customers based on the common interest of the event and see the start of a blossoming relationship! Hot day? Offer them a (branded) bottle of water and send them on their way.

// You can set the budget. And you don’t even need to pay in cash if you have the goods we need!

// You’re a VIP now

And a little bonus for reading this far:

>> Ever wanted to be featured on an app? You can be. Right now. For free. (You’re welcome)

Curious to find out more? Talk to me! http://www.talktobec.com.au/#contact

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It’s been almost a decade since the revitalisation of Hunter Street Mall was sparked by Renew Newcastle and the transformation of the area is now undeniable. The impact has allowed creative and cultural institutions such as Renew alumni The Roost to establish themselves and provide a space for artists like Shehzar to create and share their stories with the community.

The inspiration behind the project came when the 19-year-old began researching more about his new hometown and co-working space.

“When I joined the The Roost, a community of independent creative, I set about to understand how it originated. Just like various other businesses in Hunter St Mall, The Roost only came to existence after a major revitalization movement took place in the area,” said Mr Abro.

Roost members in front of Hunter St Mall Newcastle mural

Born and raised in Karachi, a city that accommodates 27 million people and produces a larger amount of artistic talent than most other cities in the world, Shehzar was impressed by the prevalence of Newcastle’s street art scene. This thriving backdrop presented the perfect opportunity for the young artist to showcase his skills and perspective on a public scale.

“Marcus Westbury, an ordinary man with an extraordinary idea founded Renew Newcastle; an organization that solved the problem of an empty Central Business District. The mural utilizes his likeness in front of a photograph of historic Hunter St Mall from the University of Newcastle’s Ralph Snowball Collection. These elements are placed in conjunction with psychedelic patterns to symbolize a vivid era of revival.

“It was important to me that locals and visitors like myself could acknowledge the enormous difference that people like Marcus make to their cities. His influence has shaped my interaction with Newcastle, so this mural aims to not only pay respect to that, but to also raise awareness and encourage revolutionary ideas,” said Mr Abro.

Artist Shehzar Abro with Roost President Mark Tisdell

Manager of The Roost, Bec Dujin, said their association had backed the mural through financial and in-kind support, as the project was a powerful and permanent message that spoke volumes about the importance of culture and creativity in shaping communities.

“It serves as a reminder that creative ideas come to life when individuals stand up and take ownership of them, often with risk to themselves, usually in a do-it-yourself and self-funded approach and most always with a whole host of challenges, which I’m sure would’ve been the case in Marcus’ instance.

“The unfortunate thing is that it’s not often until after these ideas are implemented that their value is appreciated and understood – even if that value is intangible. What we need next is a culture shift to support experimentation and ideas in their earlier stages, with more of a focus on process than a fixed outcome, so that true creative innovation can occur,” said Miss Dujin.

Crowd gathers to see mural unveiling

The mural will be putting Newcastle on a global stage, thanks to Shehzar’s 65,000+ social media following. He intends to continue spreading stories, history and ideas across more wall spaces and sites throughout Australia and beyond.

For more information about the artist visit www.shehzarsart.com and follow his Instagram blog @shehzarsart. To find out about The Roost head over to www.theroostcreative.com.au

Pakistani artist Shehzar Abro photo by Mitch Lee

PHOTOS BY MITCH LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Read the article published in The Newcastle Herald Here: http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4775151/shehzar-abro-mural-brings-mall-a-fresh-face/ 

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Yesterday I attended the ‘Start with Why’ Leadership Forum featuring Simon Sinek and was lucky enough to have a few moments one-on-one with him to thank him for the guidance and positive affirmations his talks provided. I was especially grateful for his emphasis on empathy and compassion when it came to matters of business. I shared that I doubted my “feminine” instincts and interactions at times, which was heightened by recent feedback from a leader I looked up to that my management skills were “too soft” and I needed “hardening up”.

In awe of the momentous occasion of actually connecting with one of my business idols, in the flesh, one on one, I may have missed a few crucial moments of the conversation due to a #fangirl lapse of excitement, but I tuned back in to reality to hear him say “…but you don’t have to be an arsehole. It’s fine to have high standards, but don’t be an arsehole about it.” Spoken in real terms and followed up with some raw advice. “Just be yourself. It’s not about being soft; it’s about being human. Just be you.”

Returning to the seminar I was pleased that the topic of gender was revisited. Were there enough women in leadership roles? Sinek seemed to think so. He offered that perhaps, it wasn’t that we needed more women in leadership, rather more leaders that act like females. And us ladies just happen to have an advantage because hey – we’re naturally better at it. Were women perceived as “soft” in comparison to their male counterparts? Most probably, according to some of Sinek’s anecdotes, as perceptions of gender roles do elicit different responses from the same messages. In fact, he confirmed that there was “no question” about the double standards of leadership between men and women.

Thankfully, we live in a day and age where we can just lead in all our womanly glory. We’re not required to act more like men. We’re not required to react or interact the same way a man might. We can embrace who we are and how we respond… we just can’t control how others respond.

A question from the audience posed the scenario that being a new mother meant you might not be able to “give” as much or “be” as much to your work. Simon disagreed. He argued that as a mother (or as a parent in general) women inherently understood one of the most important characteristics of being a leader: they need to put the lives of others ahead of their own interests. They had to sacrifice themselves for the thankless and unseen, with often no reward beyond unpredictable hits of serotonin when our children or team achieve or accomplish something because of the support and guidance we have provided them. Sinek went so far to suggest that the parenting book “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk” would be just as useful for leaders as it would for parents.

Another anecdote that Simon shared during the discussion was the advice a senior female figure in his early career told to him. She explained that mothers just have to get used to the idea that they’re always going to disappoint someone – it might be their company, their kids or themselves – but they had to let themselves know it was OKAY for this to happen and get comfortable with it, given it would be inevitable. This is something that I know a lot of women struggle with and that I too one day will face. But the message is that we need to be nicer to ourselves and offer the same empathy and understanding to ourselves that we would grant to others.

Great leaders practice empathy daily.

There are a few things, that as women, we are just better at. We trust our instincts. We nurture those around us. We care about feelings and consider our perception. We understand and practice daily the sacrifice of our time and energy for others ahead of our own tasks.

If we consider traditionally perceived masculine traits of decisiveness, action-taking and assertiveness alongside with feminine associated traits of empathy, compassion and intuitiveness it’s a no-brainer that good leadership is actually a balance of the two. Human leadership. Not soft, not hard, but human. Trusting our guts instead of the figures and handling the tough decisions and making sacrifices and genuinely caring for people.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge” – Simon Sinek.

The post Let’s start with why… #girlbosses rock appeared first on Talk To Bec.

There will be three stages with live headline acts performing throughout the day, including former  X Factor contestant Roshani, who James Blunt praised as a “deep, dark, soulful songwriter with a voice to match”. Also featuring on the line up is reggae artist King B Fine, who will present a powerfully uplifting live performance influenced by his West African origins.

Indigenous and Non-Indigenous dancers from The Hunter School of the Performing Arts will perform with their troupe ‘Millabah’ and Southern Fire Entertainment will conjure the flavours of Rio with sequined Samba dancing.

Oakfield Ranch will be bringing camels adorned in Moroccan themed accessories and cooking demonstrations will fill the streets with the aromas of global cuisines thanks to the Good Guys Kotara.

NewFM have come on board as the media partner for 2017 and will broadcast live from Beaumont St for the duration of the event. Festival attendees are invited to visit their stage to collect a boarding pass entry ticket giving them the chance to win a holiday to Hamilton Island. Major event sponsors Greater Bank will also be running an Instagram treasure hunt with a $250 prize.

Event Cinemas will create a touch of Hollywood at Carnivale complete with popcorn, movie tickets and special guests on the red carpet.

Multiple activation zones will be hosted by local businesses and plenty of food options will be available from Beaumont Street’s legendary restaurants and cafes. Food trucks, market stalls and kids entertainment will complete the offerings.

Read the Herald Article here: http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4451326/beaumont-street-carnivale-expected-to-draw-20000/

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When’s the last time you organised a date with your mate? The Movember Foundation promotes men’s health on a global scale all year round, though come November, or “Movember” as it’s affectionately dubbed, you’ll start to see more moustaches sprouting as the fundraising goes into full swing. The charity addresses some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Sadly, suicide is the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 15-44 years and on average, six men each day take their own life. Movember encourages the public to join in the movement by growing a Moustache (“Mo”), taking a challenge to get active and move more, or host an event. Cue The Impossible, who are dedicating their monthly market to all things manly on Sunday 13 November.

Adam Garone, Co-Founder of the Movember Foundation, said too many men are dying too young and before their time.

“The Movember Foundation is investing in projects that are having a real impact on the lives of men in Australia and around the world. By engaging with men where they are, and understanding what works best, we’re helping make change happen sooner, before it’s too late,” said Adam.

Movember Ambassadors, David and Andrew

The event next Sunday will start with a 3pm fundraising ride from Butlers Customs & Cafe Racers on Parry St in Newcastle West and circle back to The Edwards by 4pm in time for the market. Event organisers are encouraging you to make a date with your father, partner, brother or friend for some quality time together over a bite, beer and beard trim… not to mention some fella-friendly retail therapy.

Stallholders will include everything from wine to coffee, burger chutney to a dark and moody tea from Billy Goat Brew. Entertainment will be provided by the ultimate bloke-band, dave. The four-piece has been forging a reputation for an intense live show, with their brand of high voltage rock’n’roll as hard hitting as it is infectious. After winning the University of Newcastle’s band comp in 2014, the band has landed support slots with the likes of You Am I, Dune Rats and Bootleg Rascal and will be taking a short stop off their East-Coast tour with PALS for the night.

The venue will be collecting a gold coin donation on entry, with pre-sales and tax-deductible donations available through the official event listing on the Movember website. All money raised will be going to the Foundation in support of their game-changing programs in prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention around the world.

The Impossible’s “Movember” Market is on Sunday 13 November with the charity ride starting at 3pm and markets kicking off at 4pm on Parry St, Newcastle West. Support now at https://au.movember.com/events/view/id/z4qx

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The Hunter Region’s brightest minds will be pitching their big ideas or scalable businesses at an event on Thursday October 20 at Dantia Smart Hub (DaSH), a co-working facility designed to accelerate innovation and economic development in the Lake Macquarie region, with the winners sharing in over $10,000 worth of prizes. Click here to RSVP!

Spearheaded by #newystartups, a collective whose mission is to connect, enable and inspire Newcastle and the Hunter Region’s startup ecosystem, in partnership with Slingshot Accelerator, DaSH, the University of Newcastle (UoN) and IBM Softlayer, the event will provide a platform from which the next generation of globally minded tech ventures can launch.

Entrepreneurs will pitch their idea or existing startup to a panel of experts including Slingshot Founder Trent Bagnall, UoN Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation Professor Kevin Hall, and #newystartups collaborator and technology expert Brian Hill from Laughing Mind Consultancy.

“Shining a spotlight on the region’s best startup ideas at pitch events is a tangible way of building the startup community in the Hunter. These entrepreneurs are the future employers, business leaders and economic drivers of not just the Hunter, but Australia, and supporting them at this early stage is critical,” said Adam Van Dyck, Chief Operating Officer at Slingshot Accelerator.

The winner will take home $5,000 cash, with additional prizes for second and third place. All finalists will be awarded valuable cloud computing credits from IBM Softlayer and a $1,000 membership voucher to hone their ideas at DaSH.

 “UoN is excited to be the major sponsor of Hunter Pitchfest 2016. Partnering with newystartups for this event is a strategic and valuable opportunity for UoN to contribute to the innovation ecosystem in our region. Pitchfests are a great way for emerging businesses to hone their key messages and refine their value propositions. UoN is proud to be supporting this activity and provide a forum for entrepreneurial talent and ideas to be promoted via our Integrated Innovation Network (I2N),” said Professor Hall. 

Organisers are accepting applications from startups that are in concept stage right through to funded and growing businesses, and encouraging attendance by potential investors, innovation enthusiasts and the wider startup community.

Hunter Pitchfest is on Thursday 20 October from 6:30pm until 9pm at Level 1, 63 Ridley Street, Charlestown. Tickets are $8 + booking fee and include drinks and canapés. To book or submit your pitch application, please visit http://hunterpitchfest2016.eventbrite.com.

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Featuring a Bohemian theme, the line up of stalls will showcase exotic treasures from turquoise rings, hand poured candles, leather bags, floaty summer dresses, healing crystals and spring blooms.

Shoppers will be treated to Vanishing Shapes’ unique style of folk music, which takes influence from Klezmer, Celtic and Andean musical traditions meshed with artistic and progressive rock practices. Coupled with The Edwards’ coastal market menu specials, you could be mistaken thinking you’ve landed in a far-away tropical oasis while exploring the venue’s newly launched garden bar.

Newcastle Band Vanishing Shapes playing at The Edwards on Sunday 9 Oct

An ‘alternative’ kind of florist will be right at home at this market. Introducing the Flower Farm Collective, a community supported agriculture business. Find out how you can have 13 weeks of seasonal blossoms over summer before taking home a gorgeous bunch to brighten your Sunday night.

Fresh blooms at the Impossible Market on Sunday 9 October

Let your favourite homewares shop come to you at this delightful pop-up! A love of timber and natural fibres combined with a passion for travel and an intrigue for interiors and design inspires the collection from Monsoon Living. With their exclusive range covering Rajasthani palace doors to antique Turkish copper bowls, camphor chests, leather floor rugs, pure linen bedding, exquisite products from Maison Balzac and the finest quality pashmina from Kashmir, your unique find will be treasured for many years to come.

Need to update your wardrobe for this season? You’ll almost feel the wind in your hair and taste of salty air with Divine Wishes’ summer rompers, gypsy dresses, woven homewares and seashell accessories. Discover local fashion designers Marlow’s luxe new spring collection; floaty and free spirited Kee Clothing will have you packing your bag for Byron Bay, Da Vintage Code will have you dressed to recreate the summer of ‘69 and Dye Heart will bring a unique splash of colour to your life.

Fashion by Marlow at The Impossible Markets

Accessorise with Boheim Babe and their laid-back collection of turquoise, gemstones and sandals, and have fun with poms poms, tassels, leather and beads at When The North Wind Blows. Adorn your hands with traditional Henna by Pavo and then enhance your positive energies through the power of crystals with The Liminal, who will share their magical range of treasures sourced from around the globe.

Got the Christmas list started? Start stocking up with crowd-pleasers including Soy by Hand’s gorgeous hand-poured candles; the soothing yet invigorating range from Infuse Herbal Teas; handmade bath and body products and ceramics from Hell Wench; succulent gardens thanks to Creations by Rushi; and very non-suburban prints and tea-towels from Burbia!

Dip your toes into holiday dreaming this Sunday 9 October from 4pm to 9pm at The Edwards Bar, 148 Parry St, Newcastle West.

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The elusive “thing” that we’re all working towards, that success or that goal, shouldn’t be our moment to stop and enjoy, because by the time we get there, it might just be too late. We need to find reward in every moment and meaning in every action.

Fill every day of your life with art, culture, connection and inspiration. This is what I do. And this is what keeps me going.

The post Our lives aren’t a journey, they’re a song appeared first on Talk To Bec.

A tutorial on stamping herb names on spoons inspired “House of Bec” – a collection of vintage silver plated cutlery brought to life by stamping inspiring, funny and sentimental messages on them. Her range then extended to silver floristry, using casts of real succulents to capture nature’s fleeting designs into wearable pieces of jewellery.

Rebecca’s latest pursuit, “The Impossible Market”, has blossomed out of her experiences selling her wares at various markets in the region over the last two years. She identified an opportunity to host more intimately curated shopping events at a time that would be convenient for consumers with young families.

Coupled with the popular indoor location of The Edwards Bar in Newcastle West, the business has been able to provide a platform that is supportive of independent makers and creators and that contributes to their growth.

Her success has lead to international orders, events filled to capacity and a feature in Marie Claire Australia, but it is her vision of encouraging conscious shopping and proving that is possible to make a living doing what you love that is truly inspiring.

♦

I recently sat down with Bec and asked her to share some of the practicalities behind how she made her impossible possible!

What does a ‘normal’ week look like for you as a small creative business in terms of orders, production, despatch, concepting new work, self-promotion and the list goes on…?

Do you contract helpers? How do you keep up with demand in busy times?

How vital social media and online communities have been for you; what role they have played in growing your business?

What is the ratio of e-commerce vs market sales? Why is the mix of both important to you?

How did The Impossible come up to fit in this mix?

How you are juggling the two projects – how do they complement each other and does such a thing exist as free time? Or is this your hobby and your work rolled into one, a passion project as well as a rewarding and viable career?

At times like these I go to my partner or my parents for a good old pep talk and they help me prioritise what I need to do but mostly they remind me that what is most important is Dylan, being happy and enjoying the process.

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