PRESIDENT S REPORT - Rosslyn Kemp

Transcription

1 Annual General Meeting of Friends of Orange Regional Gallery, September 18, 2017 in the West Room, Orange Regional Gallery. PRESIDENT S REPORT - Rosslyn Kemp The financial year has been a very busy and successful one for FORG. While it was sad to farewell Director Lisa Loader after her dynamic two years, we have enjoyed working with Brad Hammond since his appointment a year ago. The major events for FORG this year were: Priority One 2016 unveiling The unveiling of our Priority one Project for 2016, - Sendon Blackwood s wonderful granite sculpture: aesthetically pleasing, it begs you to touch it! Summary Presidents Report AGM docx Page 1 of 6

2 Sixteen Allellulias In December we hosted a magnificently different concert, Sixteen Allellulias with Nick Tsavos and Adam All who attended in Gallery 2 were astounded by the sounds that can be wrought from a cello and a guitar. Priority One 2017 Neil Cuthbert Purchase In February we announced that Priority One for this year would be the purchase of 12 works by Neil Cuthbert. So far, we are progressing very well, and with more events in the new year, and further personal donations we will make our target by mid Alan Sisley Oration The third Alan Sisley Memorial Oration was delivered by John Bell, who generously agreed to speak on both art and storytelling in Australia. In both his content and his presentation, left the audience in no doubt that his honorific of National Living Treasure is entirely deserved. Summary Presidents Report AGM docx Page 2 of 6

3 FOOD train catering Our catering group was invited to provide lunch for the FOOD train group in April, demonstrating yet again that FORG does great food. Special thanks to Jenny Hubbard, Events Caterer, who has worked so tirelessly Screening of the Whiteley Film In June we screened the film WHITELY at the Odeon 5 theatre. It was a real pleasure to have Brett Whitley s sister Franny Hopkirk at this screening to add some of her reminiscences of Brett. We continue to develop relationships with other Arts groups in Orange. As President, I confer with Orange Regional Arts Foundation (ORAF) about fundraising and membership ideas, and FORG joined ORAF in a cocktail party at Racine. We continue our relationship with the Orange Regional Conservatorium of Music, who are very generous to us with the use of their building for our last two Oration events. As well, we are working towards more tangible links with artist groups in Orange. Summary Presidents Report AGM docx Page 3 of 6

4 We have established a good relationship with newly formed Friends of Orange Museum and we are planning a combined Christmas Party for our members on December 11. Our plans for the future In February 2017 we announced that Priority One for this year would be the purchase of 12 works by Neil Cuthbert. So far, we are progressing very well, and with more events in the new year, and further personal donations we will make our target by mid We are currently organising the Alan Sisley Oration for March 2018 Planning is well in hand for the inaugural Sculpture in an Orange Garden which we hope will excite all of Orange and the region. We aim to increase our membership especially among the younger demographic. We have several films and talks associated with exhibitions in the pipeline. We look forward to you, our membership, participating in these events, learning something new in a very social way and at the same time supporting your very significant Orange Regional Gallery. Your Committee remember they are all volunteers who believe in the value of art! Many thanks to our hardworking Committee for 2016/17, without whom nothing would have been achieved this last year. President: Rosslyn Kemp; Treasurer-Rowan Jaffray; vice- President Maria Edwards; Sue Bentley- Public Officer; Ellen Fisher; Margaret Hertel; Roslyn Hodges; Jenny Hubbard; Lynne Lampe; Elizabeth Murphy; Vicki Turner; Richard Walker 2017/18 Committee We have farewelled Jenny Hubbard sadly, but with great thanks. All other members have been re-elected, and we are delighted to welcome new members Don Harvey, Hugh Rasmussen and Caro Sisley. Summary Presidents Report AGM docx Page 4 of 6

5 Treasurer s Report. Rowan Jaffray s report showed that we have a healthy bank balance, and are likely to reach our Priority One target earlier than expected- with a little more help from our members. The full report is available at Constitutional Change We made some minor changes to our constitution, because of Department of Fair Trading requirements, but also because we hope to gain tax-deductable status for FORG. See full details at The year has been successful only because of the hard work of the Committee. A special thanks to our retiring member Jenny Hubbard for her outstanding work. The Events Caterer, Margaret Hertel with her network of helping Friends has continued our reputation for excellent catering at Gallery events and our RSA accredited committee members make sure we are legal and sensible when serving wine. Our social media is kept buzzing by Sue Bentley and Maria Edwards Treasurer Rowan Jaffray and Membership and database whizz Sue Bentley have both worked above and beyond expectations to ensure that we comply with all Association requirements. Thank you for your often thankless but essential work. Maria Edwards and Richard Walker worked with me in planning the Alan Sisley Annual Oration, while Ellen Fisher, Lynne Lampe, Elizabeth Murphy, Ros Hodges and Vicki Turner and are always on hand to assist at our events. Summary Presidents Report AGM docx Page 5 of 6

6 FORG has three aims: to assist the Gallery by fundraising to purchase artworks for the Gallery; to provide occasions for art lovers to meet in a convivial atmosphere; and to provide interesting events for people who want to investigate different aspects of the visual and multimedia arts. I think in this last year we have achieved our aims, and we will certainly continue to look for new ideas and strategies in the future. To our fellow Friends we hope you can join us in achieving our aims. Summary Presidents Report AGM docx Page 6 of 6