New arts collaboration to help promote ‘en pointe’ governance
A new program designed to help support the arts community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been launched by Governance Institute of Australia.
The Australian Ballet will be the inaugural collaborator in the Arts Support Program.
As part of the program that will run quarterly during the pandemic, a national not-for-profit arts organisation will receive access to two online Governance Institute of Australia Certificates.
Governance Institute CEO Megan Motto said the program has been carefully designed to support the performing arts sector in a practical and tailored way.
‘Many creative solutions have been devised by the performing arts sector as it adapts to the restrictions in place to manage COVID-19, but there is no doubt that overall the industry has been very heavily impacted by the pandemic,’ Ms Motto said.
‘Governance Institute is eager to help support the industry throughout the pandemic and we are confident that this new program will provide some assistance.’
The Australian Ballet said they were pleased to be part of the program, particularly at a time when upskilling and education — and wellbeing — are such important considerations.
‘The Australian Ballet is honoured to be Governance Institute of Australia’s inaugural collaborator of this new Arts Support Program. To have a tailored support program in the governance and risk management area is incredibly valuable to The Australian Ballet as a not-for-profit arts company,’ Emma Pinwill, Director of Marketing and Sales at The Australian Ballet said.
‘This generous support program will give two employees, from the administration and artistic side of the company, an opportunity to acquire a certificate from Governance Institute of Australia, which not only helps with professional development during a time when upskilling, learning and mental wellbeing is paramount, but also helps with supporting the company’s future as we embark on a time of recovery and make our gradual return to the stage.’ Ms Pinwill said.
Ms Motto said the focus of the collaboration is on promoting essential governance skills, upskilling employees and helping organisations be best placed for the future.
‘The aim is that the certificates can be undertaken by those in the organisation who are responsible for governance, risk or minutes and could benefit from this training.
‘These are important skills for any organisation, particularly during such unpredictable and unusual times.
‘We are delighted to hear that for The Australia Ballet, both a dancer and a staff member will be embarking on one of our Certificates.’
Ms Motto said an added benefit is that performing artists undertaking the courses may find the new skills useful in supporting them in future different career pathways.