Cootamundra Creative Arts and Cultural Centre (CCACC) Committee
A S355 Committee of the Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council.
Responsible for the direction of programming and activities at TACC.
The AGM of the S355 Cootamundra Creative Arts and Cultural Centre (CCACC) Committee was held on Thursday 18th July 2024 at TACC.
The committee for 2024/25 are;
Chairperson: Natalie Cowled
Vice Chairperson: Julie Cowell
Treasurer: Rosie Fowler-Sullivan
Secretary: Eric Steinke
Visual Arts Coordinator: Vacant
Performing Arts Coordinator: Isabel Scott
General Members: Denise Bradley, Hannah Northey, MacKenzie Bird, Rachael Magrath, Lyn Cameron
Council Representative: TBC
A big congratulations and thank you to all of you for stepping up into these important roles.
AGM Report from TACC Chairperson for 2023/24, Amanda-lee Boatswain
Dear Members, Volunteers, and Stakeholders,
It is with great pleasure that I present the end-of-year report as Chair of the Arts Centre Cootamundra for the year 2023-2024. Throughout the last 12 months, we have continued our mission to foster and promote the arts in our community, and I am delighted to share the significant achievements and developments that have taken place. I would like to extend my gratitude to our dedicated staff, volunteers, committee members, and supporters who have made all this possible. In particular, the behind-the-scenes team of Julie, Natalie, Shane, Eric, Peter, Mel, Denise, Rosie, Louise and Isabel. I would also like to take a moment to thank Leigh Bowden for being our council representative for 7 years. Her passion and dedication to the arts is exceptional and we as a committee are so grateful for her advice and guidance over the years.
Achievements of 2024
The Arts Centre Cootamundra has been vibrant and bustling with a wide array of programs and events throughout the year. Our commitment to providing diverse and engaging opportunities for artistic expression has been met with resounding success. Here are some highlights:
20th Anniversary Celebrations
This year marked a significant milestone for TACC as we celebrated our 20th anniversary. It was a momentous occasion, celebrated with a month-long series of events. The highlight of these celebrations was the community performance of " Snugglepot and Cuddlepie" which brought together various community members and showcased the talent and creativity within our region. This event not only celebrated our history but also strengthened community bonds and highlighted the centre's role in fostering the arts in Cootamundra.
During the month-long celebration, we offered a range of activities, workshops, and performances that highlighted the diverse talents and interests of our members. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, and the event helped to strengthen our bonds with the local community. Some highlights being the open day on 11th May and the cocktail night and the social dancing night. These events were a resounding success, drawing in record numbers of visitors and showcasing the vibrant spirit of our community.
Membership Growth
We are pleased to report substantial growth in our membership numbers over the past year. The increase in memberships is a testament to the value that our community places on the Arts Centre as a hub for cultural and artistic activities. New members have brought fresh energy and ideas, enriched our programs and expanding our reach. We are committed to continuing this trend by offering engaging and relevant programming that meets the needs and interests of our diverse membership base.
Technological Advancements
In our ongoing efforts to enhance the experience of visitors and artists alike, we installed a new state-of-the-art sound system in our exhibition space. This upgrade has significantly improved the quality of our audio-visual presentations, allowing for a more immersive and impactful experience. The new sound system has been particularly beneficial for our exhibitions, live performances, and film screenings, receiving praise from both audiences and performers. Here is to more upgrades in our future.
Facility Improvements
We have made significant improvements to our facilities this year. In addition to the new sound system, we have installed new rails in the theatre. These rails have greatly improved safety and accessibility for both performers and crew members, enhancing the overall functionality of our theatre space. This upgrade is part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all who use our facilities.
Financial Overview
Our financial health remains steady, but we face some challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the centre's sustainability and growth. Here are the key points:
Funding and Grants: Recent Grants: We successfully secured funding grants in the past to renovate and improve facilities as well as host performances.
Pending Applications: We are in the process of applying for further grants to support infrastructure upgrades and new program initiatives and are seeking keen individuals who wish to aid in the grant writing process.
Revenue from Events: Movies and Performances: While our movie screenings are popular, they have been operating at a breakeven level for some time now. We are exploring ways to increase attendance and reduce costs to make this program more sustainable.
Workshops and Classes: These continue to be a reliable source of income, particularly popular sessions like the upcoming Viking jewellery workshops.
Expenses: Maintenance and Upgrades: Significant expenses have been incurred for theatre maintenance, safety upgrades, and comprehensive cleaning services. In the future this will continue to increase with much needed compliance and maintenance upgrades needed in the foreseeable future.
Operational Costs: Routine operational expenses, including utilities, staff payments, and equipment purchases, are being managed efficiently.
Programming and Community Engagement
Throughout the 2023-2024 season, we have continued to offer a wide range of programs and events, including exhibitions, workshops, performances, and community projects. Our commitment to supporting local artists and providing opportunities for artistic expression remains steadfast. One such success story is our Fibre fest with its 3rd and biggest year to date. We had visitors from Sydney and Canberra with the largest number of stores and exhibitions.
We have also expanded our outreach initiatives, partnering with schools and community organizations such as our new partnership with Eastern Riverina Arts to bring the arts to a broader audience.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We will continue to build on our successes, exploring new ways to engage with our community and support the arts. Our plans for the upcoming season include expanding our art and performance programs, hosting more collaborative events, hosting regular exhibitions and further enhancing our facilities to modernise areas in the centre.
In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, members, and supporters. Your passion and commitment are the driving force behind our success. Together, we will continue to make The Arts Centre Cootamundra a vibrant and inspiring place for all.
Sincerely,
Amanda-lee Boatswain
Chair, The Arts Centre Cootamundra
For any feedback, suggestions, comments or questions email info@theartscentrecootamundra.org.au