ADQ23 Launch
How do we design a program for an industry including independent contemporary dancers, dance studios, ballet companies, First Nations Cultural dance groups, Latin dance clubs and much much more? We listen, and listen more, and listen again.
When I first started this job, my first program proposal to the board was a bit of a mess. I’d never proposed a year-long program previously and I didn’t really understand how to present KPIs and deliverables in a program proposal. We’d also spent a year responding to COVID restrictions and had very little concept of what the future looked like. Luckily for me, our Management Committee was made up of extraordinary people with decades of experience developing such programs and the dedication to work hard, quickly.
So how did we decide what to do for 2023? First, we looked at our members. Who are they? Who do they represent? Where are they? Next, we asked them what they need and what they want through consultations*. We listened, reflected, listened some more and then developed a series of programs to meet their needs. The make-up of our membership has changed dramatically since 2020 – this means our programs have changed.
Each program has a rationale – for example, identification of a significant skill gap. They aim to serve the largest number of members in the most comprehensive way and/or support Ausdance QLD in achieving its strategic priorities. Every program addresses one or more of our strategic priorities outlined in our strategic plan 2022-2025.
Each program considers context – what’s happening in the economy, in regions, in First Nations Communities – and is prioritised. We can’t do everything, everywhere all at once – but we can do a few important things very well.
Ausdance QLD’s ongoing services for our sector are made possible through registration fees for programs, paid memberships (individuals and organisations), funding partnerships with government, private sector and philanthropists, and public donations.
Learn more about Ausdance QLD 2023 here.
*Recently, in response to feedback we amended this consultation process to include ongoing and spontaneous requests for input from members as well as live and online consultation sessions in July each year.
About the author
Julie Englefield
Executive Director, Ausdance QLD
Julie has worked across the disciplines of music, theatre, visual and performing arts in general management, fundraising, sales and marketing for over 25 years.
Her experience in both the commercial (Steinway & Sons) and non-profit (arts and health sectors) provide her with unique insight into what is required for successful and sustainable partnerships. Julie has a solid background in non-profit governance, having also been part of the Singapore Government’s workgroup to develop a national Code of Governance for non-profits. In particular, Julie’s belief in and understanding of the Arts has enabled her to walk the fine line of building commercially robust organisations whilst retaining absolute
integrity of artistic purpose.