Executive Director’s Report, Rose Marin

STA continued to thrive in 2024, with large project delivery and increased participation in programs and projects. Across the year we worked productively with our seven contributing Councils and communities. Reflecting back 2024 was a busy complex and amazing year for STA with a myriad of successfully delivered activities, a few of which stand out for special mention.
Connect@Gunning Station celebrated its first year of operation in November 2024 and across the year STA presented a rich program of exhibitions, workshops and events. Connect is now established as a destination across the region and for visitors from further afield. Through Connect STA provide professional opportunities for creatives and cultural organisations from across the entire region. The impressive facts, across 2024 STA presented 9 exhibitions, 8 workshops and one large open day community event at Connect@Gunning Station. These programs supported 70+ Artists and 10 Community Cultural Organisations. This impressive achievement was possible with the support of the NSW Government through the Stronger Country Communities Fund, and because of the work of Kate Mackay the STA Admin Officer and Connect Coordinator who plays a crucial in the ongoing Connect success story.
Another significant program delivered in 2024 was the Mob in Focus Showcase a professional commission for 20 Aboriginal creatives from across the region culminating in an online showcase. Mob in Focus asked the artists to reflect on recent events impacting Aboriginal communities and provided a space for local Aboriginal creatives to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. An acknowledgement to Cecilia McKenize who was the STA Aboriginal Arts Officer who worked so thoughtfully and deeply with the Aboriginal community to achieve Mob in Focus.
The PAINT THE TOWN street art festivals wrapped up in 2024 with the last mural being completed in September. Over three years the STA PAINT THE TOWN project created over 50 murals across the STA Region with an investment of over 500k. This impressive achievement has established STA as the go to organisation for murals in our area. The team are currently working on the PAINT THE TOWN Street Art Tour, an online destination that will grow to include all murals in the STA Region and operate as a cultural tourism hub. Think Silo Arts Trail only for supper hot street art. Shout out to Erin Olafson who was the program lead for PTT.
The year wasn’t without its challenges, in September sweeping reforms to the Create NSW Cultural Fund changed many of the NSW state government funding foundations that STA and our sister Regional Arts Network members relied on. An intensive team effort has seen us successfully achieving ongoing multiyear funding. The process took a toll on our organisation, and we will focus on the positive outcome and future ahead. The regions need a strong Regional Arts Network now more than ever.

There was so much to be proud of in 2024, but I must mention something very special that I feel very proud to have been able to experience and share. A very significant First Nations program that was possible because of the amazing Aunty Enid Clarke, Wiradjuri Elder and Senior Knowledge Holder living on Wiradjuri Country in Young. Aunty Enid was the first STA Elder in residence for 2024. In September 2024 Aunty hosted the entire STA team and the council Delegates that form the STA Regional Advisory Panel for a day of cultural training. We walked on Country, heard traditional wisdom and shared bush tucker. Its was without a doubt the most amazing day of learning from Elders.

For a small team STA achieved impressive results, only possible with the support of our dedicated Board, a team of volunteers that steer the good ship STA through a complex and multi layered environment. A huge thanks to Lousie Wakefield for her first year at the helm as President.