ABOUT US

GCNSW Framework

Space for creators of all skill levels and experience, to be able to display their art, teach and learn from fellow artists.

Extending our individual skills by combining our skill sets. Many different crafts having one vision: Support each other, contributing to the project, enabling each other’s talents and facilitating.

Support local artists by sharing skills, embracing inclusiveness, and collaborating on ideas. Someone to critique your work, encourage and inspire.

Promote the creative arts in our community. Be able to offer affordable lessons and teaching spaces. Pass on skills to the next generation.

Therapeutic benefits of the arts. Improve communication, concentration and help reduce feelings of isolation. Improve self-esteem, confidence and self-awareness.

sculptures to jewellery and pottery, all created with passion and skill.

Our Mission, Vision & Values

Mission:

To form a collective of creatives that will come together as one team to be supported, encouraged, valued, and respected within their craft. To engage and lead our community in the area of the arts, and beyond to the outside world.

Vision:

A purpose-built venue, 'Art Precinct' (Gallery/ Functions and Events/ Cafe) that will cater for the needs of all the creative arts and serve our community. To become a desired destination for tourism through sales, festivals, workshops and teaching programs, where artists and artisans can have the opportunities to share their work, skills, and knowledge to others, including the next generation. Create job opportunities within our town.

Values:

To be creative, innovative, enthusiastic, form connections and mentor others. Embrace diversity, culture, inclusiveness, therapeutic benefits, whilst establishing honest and integrous relationships.

Objects

The objects of the co-operative are:

“Advancing Culture and Advancing social or public welfare”

Gloucester Creatives NSW Co-operative Limited is established to be a charity whose purpose is to advance the culture of the community people by:

providing instruction and participation in art and craft in the form of workshops to teach skills in this area to all of our local and wider community.
providing for the observance of local & cultural community customs, festivals and ceremonies.

Gloucester Creatives NSW Co-operative Limited is established to be a charity whose purpose is to advance social or public welfare by:

arranging opportunities for people with a physical or mental disability to interact with other people and have the same life experiences as people who do not have a physical or mental disability.

“Aged Care”

Gloucester Creatives NSW Co-operative Limited providing social and cultural activities for the purposes of helping the needs of the Elderly within our local environment care due to social isolation in our regional area.

“Care for, support and protect children & young Individuals”

Gloucester Creatives NSW Co-operative Limited will provide services for disadvantaged youth, providing instruction and participation in art and craft in the form of workshops to teach skill.
Key areas that are being provided for are creative skills plus provide educational opportunities to teach and share the knowledge of arts & crafts to a younger generation.

Stages

Stage 1

Community engagement. Community markets to raise awareness. Engage a variety of creators. Signage and branding.

1. Creative scope: Painters, Quilters, Soap Makers, Musicians, Writers, Sculptors, Ceramics, Photographers, Mixed Media, fibre artists. and other creative practices that members may engage with.

2. Artists/artisans: establish membership, commissions and artists agreement form for markets.

Progress so far:

Initial markets held. Live demonstrations – hands on Gel printing, Macrame making.
Logo/branding complete.
Facebook and Instagram pages established.
Tote bags to sell hand printed with our logo design.
Artist market agreement which includes: No responsibilities for lost or damaged items, square fee deducted then 20% commission taken from sale with remainder being payable to artist within 7 days. All works must be clearly labelled with artists details and price and dropped off and picked up on the day at the specified time. All works are to be created by the artist/artisan.

Stage 2

Determine the structure of the organisation. Establish the co-operative. Establish the rules, Create documentation and procedures. Look for a venue. Research Grants and Funding

Progress so far:

Gloucester Creatives NSW Co-operative Limited entity established.
Board appointed, rules created and approved, entity registered with Dept Fair Trading. ABN applied for and approved.
Bank account opened. Signatories set up.
Shop and membership payment systems researched and established. Tyro and Stripe.
Insurance researched and established.
Membership documentation created.
Membership application procedures established. Still being refined.
Letterhead created
Website created.
Aprons for shop designed and two made up initially.
Staff labels designed.
Go Fund Me established
Ideas brainstormed. Ongoing.
Collecting donations to fit the venue. Furniture, fixtures and materials to use for construction.
Venue located – 142-144 Church St, Gloucester. Lease negotiated and signed.
Plans for venue brainstormed. Ongoing.
Information Days planned and scheduled. 27th Feb & 2nd Mar 2024.
Opening scheduled 30th Mar 2024. Grand Opening scheduled 20th Apr 2024.

Stage 3

Establish the venue. Information Days. Working Bees. Grand Opening.

Progress so far:

Hold Information Days
Invite members to the Co-operative, both Creators and Supporters.
Spruce up the venue (ongoing). Paint floor, install picture rails and skirting boards, line walls around the retail counter, install sink/wet area, spruce up garden, fix up grounds outside, fix and cover drain outside, clean windows and counter area.
Install furnishings and fixtures. Source work tables and chairs.
Further aprons and staff labels to be made.
Apply for Grant Funding (ongoing).
Work on Fund Raising events (ongoing).
Readvertise Go Fund Me.
Look for support from local politicians and council member and council.
Ask for general donations from the community.
Advertising supporting businesses/entities on social media.
Design and get signage printed and installed for outside building (ongoing).
Review Creators work for display.
Set up the retail space ready for the Opening.
Advertising – newspapers, local radio, social media, community boards.
Apply to accept Creative Kids vouchers.
Opening and Grand Opening. Launch with live music, demonstrations, engage our community.

Stage 4

Open and run the co-operative/venue. Arrange events

Purpose built venue to cater for all needs. Become a destination that is sought out by locals and visitors alike. Attract tourism to Gloucester. Gallery/retail space, functions, events and workshops. Kids Club for after school and holiday activities. Workshops for people living with disabilities. Assist our community with the therapeutic benefits of creative arts. Café with sculptures, plein air artists, live music, drama. Be able to employ staff to run it.

Progress so far:

We are up and running!

Come visit us at

142-144 Church Street,

Gloucester New South Wales 2422, Australia