2017-03-07 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     7 MARCH 2017


Option 3 – Complete but modest Floating Land event in 2017

Under this proposal Floating Land 2017 would return to its foundation principles with a focus on
the Noosa river and its environment. It would comprise four main elements:
•    an outdoor sculptural exhibition in Noosaville;
•    a major Regional Gallery exhibition;
•    public programs; and
•    a community managed component at Boreen Point.

This option will retain Floating Land as a significant arts event in Noosa calendar in line with
community expectations, maintain the positive brand and is achievable with a relative modest
budget.

There will be challenges in staging the event particularly regarding the lead time availability and it
is unlikely that external funding will be able to be obtained. Staff are confident however, that an
event at least equal to the success of Floating Land 2015 can be delivered.

Staff believe this option is reasonably achievable and therefore it is recommended.

4.    Proposed Floating Land 2017

In developing a proposed program for Floating Land 2017 staff have undertaken a review of past
Floating Land events considering their strengths, successes, challenges and response to the
core purposes and values. They have considered input from a wide range of stakeholders from
the past two iterations of Floating Land, including visitors, partnership organisations, artists,
businesses, volunteers and staff.

The aim of this review was to determine a model for 2017 which would meet community
expectations, maintain the reputation of this signature event and be achievable within a
reasonable budget and the timeframe available.

Based on this review it is therefore proposed to hold Floating Land in September and October
2017 with a theme of “Lost & Found”.

Floating Land 2017 will incorporate the following components:
a)    Outdoor sculptural exhibition: Council will commission outdoor sculptural installations to be
      located primarily along the Noosa river foreshore. This location has been selected as it
      logistically easier to manage than other locations and will attract a large audience without
      the need to provide additional infrastructure or services such as transport, food outlets or
      hygiene facilities.
b)    Noosa Regional Gallery exhibition: Council will curate exhibitions in all three gallery spaces
      which reflect the theme “Lost & Found”.
c)    A community managed component at Boreen Point: A contribution of $15,000 will be
      provided to an incorporated association to independently manage and deliver a Floating
      Land component at Boreen Point. This will provide a key avenue for artists and community
      to work together to produce this unique element.
d)    Professional development: Workshops and master classes will be offered to increase the
      knowledge and skills of local artists.
e)    Public program: A modest public program will be offered including theming the September
      Gallery and Library school holiday programs in line with Floating Land.
f)    Ancillary events through partners: Key local organisations such as the Butter Factory will
      host companion events to link with the main Floating Land program.
g)    Digital trail: In keeping with the innovative history of Floating Land, a digital trail will be
      developed to guide visitors along the sculptural exhibition, enhancing the overall
      experience.

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