Backbone update – October 2021
It’s been a tough couple of years for independent arts in Australia, and we at Backbone have not been exempt. We’d like to update you on what’s been happening with us of late.
Earlier this year, some anonymous allegations were made against Backbone that raised major concerns.
Our board, staff and stakeholders have taken those concerns very seriously. We are a small organisation, but we are constantly striving to find ways to improve, to ensure young people, artists, creatives and the wider community can feel safe, happy and connected working with us. Backbone has a proud history of working with different artists and young people from right across our city and state. Backbone acknowledges the need to decolonise our culture. We will keep working hard to better consult with and work with First Nations artists in our community.
We have engaged Fiona Maxwell to conduct a strategic review. Fiona comes most recently from being the CEO of Brisbane Powerhouse, but ran the Next Wave Festival in Melbourne, so knows the challenges of small to medium sector growth and ambition on lean resources.
Fiona’s remit is to look at both internal practices and external relationships, provide advice to the Backbone board on future direction, and ensure we are well equipped to get there. Part of this involves reviewing our systems and processes in HR, WHS, governance and financial management, the areas that underpin all good organisations. Fiona is working with the board on this review, and we look forward to announcing further details on her review in coming months
As part of our efforts to improve our workplace capacity, we have appointed two new directors to the board – Ben Eltham and Craig Ball – who bring new skills, networks and experience around the table. Board recruitment will continue at a sensible pace, so we look forward to announcing further directors in the future.
We are working with Brisbane City Council on a home for Backbone. We don’t have anything to announce at this stage, but are aware of the concerns about the Bowlo’s future from our local community, along with those of the creatives and venue-hirers who regularly bring audiences here.
Our hard work and value in the sector has recently been recognised by Arts Queensland with the announcement of ongoing 4-year funding. The funding announcement recognises Backbone's important contribution to the scene in our city and state. We welcome Arts Queensland's investment in the future of culture in Queensland. We are very excited about the role we can play in nurturing young people in the creative industries. This support also ensures we can focus on resourcing our future well for the curious, untamed, and experimental creative leaders of tomorrow.
We are open to hearing from the sector, the community and young artists – please send your feedback to the Backbone Board via board@backbone.org.au
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 19 OCTOBER 2021