2018 ANNUAL REPORT Australian Dance Council – Ausdance Inc. Image - Ahmad Odeh The Australian Dance Council—Ausdance Inc. (Ausdance National) is Australia's peak body for dance: educating, inspiring and supporting the dance community in reaching its potential as a dynamic force within local, national and international communities. As part of a network of Ausdance organisations working across Australia, we design and deliver accessible and sustainable services and integrated programs to support Australian dance professionals. Published by Ausdance National ABN: 95 977 271 106 Website: ausdance.org.au Annual reports: ausdance.org.au/about-us © Australian Dance Council—Ausdance Inc. Ausdance National 2018 ISSN 1328-6579. Report year ends 31 December 2018. Prepared by Kathy Baykitch, Executive Director Ausdance National p.2 Ausdance National Annual Report 2018 CONTENTS About Us Mission 4 Vision 4 Goals 4 President's report 5 Advocacy & policy 4 Engagement with key federal politicians and government funding agencies 7 Submissions 7 Consultation with professional dance artists & sector organisations 8 Advocacy through Joint Alliances 8 Advocacy through National Advocates for Arts Education 8 Advocacy for Tertiary Dance Council Australia members 8 Active membership of World Dance Alliance 8 Projects & partnerships Australian Dance Awards nominations & sponsorship program 10 National Dance Forum 10 AON Australia partnership 11 Choreographic fellowships 11 Sector support Online information services & publications 12 Funding applications for sector-supported priorities 12 Network roles & responsibilities, policies & procedures 12 Governance & finance Governance structure 14 Programs and services review 14 Fundraising campaign 14 Our members Founding Life Members 15 Honorary Life Members 15 Company members 15 Tertiary Dance Council of Australia members 15 Staff and volunteers Staff 16 Ausdance National volunteers 16 Our partners, sponsors and supporters Donors 17 Funding 17 Dance insurance 17 Advocacy 17 Keith Bain Choreographic Travel Fellowship 17 Australian Dance Awards 2018 17 National Council Meetings 18 Audited Financial Statements 19 p.3 Ausdance National Annual Report 2018 ABOUT US The Australian Dance Council – Ausdance (Ausdance National) is the peak professional organisation for dance in Australia. We have a unique place in the Ausdance network, as a leader in dance advocacy, and in bringing new resources and funding to the profession through partnerships and collaborations. We have a well-recognised brand and strong respect internationally, and across other areas of the Australian arts environment. We continue to be a leading force for change in areas of industry development, dance education and political advocacy. Mission Our mission is to educate, inspire and support the dance community in reaching its potential as a dynamic force within local, national and international communities. Vision To provide accessible platforms for information and dialogue, to contribute to the growth and profile of the sector, and to be its leading advocate. We will work to be a sustainable organisation, prepared for future challenges. Goals By 2020 Ausdance National will be: • re-affirmed as the leading national advocate for dance in Australia. • the leader of a respected, integrated and sustainable Ausdance network supporting and promoting dance practice in Australia. • financially sustainable and empowered in a new funding environment. We delivered our 2018 program within the framework of our organisation’s goals across four core areas: • Advocacy & policy • Projects & partnerships • Sector support • Governance & finance p.4 Ausdance National Annual Report 2018 PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2018 was an important year for Ausdance National. The year commenced with the welcome announcement of funding from the Australia Council for the Arts to provide operational support. This centred on enabling the next stage of the organisation's transition, including the recruitment of an Executive Director, to effectively lead and support Ausdance National in achieving it's goals. Some of the key activities and achievements for Ausdance National in 2018 include: Advocacy • Ausdance National undertook a range of advocacy activities including submissions and the provision of letters of support, with many of the submissions undertaken alongside a range of arts organisations and advocacy bodies. • Ausdance National worked with AMPAG to explore shared priorities across a range of peak bodies and organisations within the performing arts sector, with a focus on progressing a number of significant and important issues including the sector's response to providing safe workplaces free from harassment. • Ausdance National continued as a member of the Australian Alliance for Wellness in Entertainment (AAWE) and supported a research project to find out about the mental health needs of our industry. • Julie Dyson, Ausdance National’s representative for a range of peak arts bodies, has continued to lead important advocacy activities for NAAE and World Dance Alliance and alongside Sue Fox and Jeff Meiners wonderful contributions as specific Ausdance National (Dance) NAAE representatives. Australian Dance Awards • The 2018 Australian Dance Awards, produced and presented by Ausdance National within an exceptionally short time frame, were a wonderful success. A hearty congratulations once again to all the 2018 award winners—it was fantastic to see the sector come together to recognise and celebrate so many important people and organisations that make up our vibrant Australian dance industry. Supporters, Sponsors & Colleagues • On behalf of Ausdance National, I would like to warmly acknowledge and thank the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts for their financial support and partnership. This has been critical in enabling a refocused Ausdance National to function effectively, alongside their support for projects and important advocacy work. • To Aon Australia, who continues as a long-term partner in delivering sector specific insurance products to our members. • Thank you to sponsors Harlequin Floors, Media Entertainment Arts Alliance (MEAA), Aon Australia, Foxtel Arts, Dance Australia Magazine, QUT Creative Industries and Designfront for their sponsorship and significant contributions in supporting the 2018 Australian Dance Awards. • A huge thank you to Kris Stewart and the Brisbane Powerhouse for supporting the presentation of the 2018 Australian Dance Awards in their fabulous venue. • Thank you to the incredible Sandi Woo and Tiffany Lane for producing the 21st Australian Dance Awards in a very short time frame and without the support of a presenting partner. p.5 Ausdance National Annual Report 2018 • A personal thank you to the broader Ausdance Network including State office executive directors, staff, and board members. Their patience and collegiality in supporting Ausdance National during its ongoing transition process was greatly appreciated. • To long-term Ausdance National staff member Rachel Jennings who finished with the organisation in 2018 after 15 years, we are exceptionally appreciative of the support, knowledge and the clear legacy that you have left. Thank you. • Thank you also to our amazing volunteers Julie Dyson and Sandra Macarthur-Onslow for their ongoing hard work and commitment. • To all of our members and generous supporters who provided everything from donations, letters of support and words of encouragement that reinforced why Ausdance National was such an important organisation for the dance sector. • To previous Executive Director Kerry Comerford—thank you for your hard work in supporting the organisation during your time with us and in particular, ensuring the success of the 2018 Australian Dance Awards. • To current Executive Director Kathy Baykitch—thank you for your dedication, commitment and passion that you so clearly hold for Ausdance and the dance sector in general, and for stepping in to ensure that Ausdance National could continue to work towards its vision. • Finally, my heartfelt thanks to all my fellow Ausdance National Council board members (old and new in 2018) for their generosity of time, passion, commitment, persistence, expertise and collegiality in helping to guide and actively lead Ausdance National through the ongoing transition and unexpected responsibilities of 2018. All of which is done on top of their day jobs and other commitments! 2018 was another busy year for Ausdance National including being agile and adaptable to changing and challenging circumstances! We are grateful for the opportunity and responsibility of continuing to represent and support our stakeholders, in order to continue a long-term commitment to the wonderful dance sector here in Australia. Professor Gene Moyle ARAD MAPS MCSEP GAICD SFHEA President Ausdance National Council – Ausdance Inc. p.6 Ausdance National Annual Report 2018 ADVOCACY & POLICY In 2018 we continued to prioritise providing well-researched, timely and relevant advocacy and policy development through representation and communications on identified and emerging issues which met member needs. Engagement with key federal politicians and government funding agencies • To build an understanding of Australian dance at all political levels, we worked to maintain our position as a voice for dance through our active membership of NAAE, and other networks in the broader arts sector. • Our new Executive Director continued the development of advocacy partnerships to support