Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
Australian arts, culture and creative organisations will come together with emerging talent from across the country today as part of the National Innovation Games series.
Participants will develop digital solutions and embed technology that may deliver more sustainable organisations, practices and communities.
Funded by the Australian Government, the Games are delivered by Paddl Co – a startup developing new ways to better prepare organisations, employees, practitioners and talent for the future of work – through the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA).
This special edition of the Games, to be held over two days 19 – 20 August, is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts and is the first to utilise the new virtual model, created by Paddl, on a national scale.
It comes at a critical time for the sector, when necessary restrictions stemming from the pandemic have resulted in the closure of venues and the cancellation or postponement of events and programs, significantly affecting Australia’s arts and cultural landscape.
Many artists and arts organisations have pivoted to digital content to continue to attract audiences, including streaming live performances, creating virtual galleries and delivering online classes and tutorials.
Meanwhile, Australians are finding new ways to engage with arts and creativity online with the current environment providing new opportunities for Australians to undertake creative activities.
The National Innovation Games will significantly expand on these ideas through a series of facilitated design sprints. Innovation teams will collaborate to develop practical solutions to address the challenge topic set by the Australia Council for the Arts: How might you creatively embed technology to deliver more sustainable organisations, practices and communities?
Participating arts, culture and creative organisations will develop tangible solutions to build more sustainable organisations, practices and communities through the use of technology.
Australia Council CEO, Adrian Collette AM said creative thinking was needed to ensure the future sustainability of the arts, cultural and creative sector.
“The National Innovation Games will bring together some of Australia’s brightest minds. People working in the arts and cultural sector often push the boundaries of technology and create new ways of working and communicating that translate to other industries. We are delighted to work with Paddl to facilitate this opportunity for artists and organisations to connect and explore creative solutions at this time of significant disruption and change.”
Paddl Co. Chief Executive Officer, Dominique Fisher highlighted the value that can be created by bringing together people with diverse skill sets to address a common goal.
“Our cultural and creative sectors are facing significant forces of change and evolution compounded by the impact of the pandemic. It is no longer possible to rely on traditional business models, modes of operation or engagement,” Ms Fisher said.
“The Australia Council for the Arts is committed to ensuring there is support for the arts and cultural sector to adjust and thrive in new contexts, enabling the broadest possible arts and cultural opportunities that are relevant to our communities.
“So, we are thrilled to be able to bring the National Innovation Games to the sector with the support of the Australian Government and the Australia Council for the Arts.
“The Games will provide further assistance to the arts and cultural sector to help them adapt to industry changes, realise the potential of diversity, and actively cultivate creativity and innovation.
“By applying digital solutions, the sector will be able to augment new ways of engaging with their audiences, potentially diversify their revenue streams, develop new tech and innovation skills, and leverage a broader network for collaboration afforded by remote connection.
“Creativity is a vital asset of our future workforce. The emerging talent joining with the Australia Council and the arts, culture and creative organisations, practitioners and communities today are hungry for both the opportunity to assist the sector, in addition to the opportunity to gain valuable experience to better position them for future employment.
“Faced with the prospect of a ‘COVID-19 resume gap’, the Games are giving emerging talent the opportunity to continue to hone their skills and networks, and demonstrate their personal resilience to future employers.
“Paddl believes that experience unlocks opportunity, and that belief, combined with our commitment to prepare talent for the future of work, led us to develop the Games methodology.”
COSBOA Chief Executive Officer, Peter Strong highlighted COSBOA’s commitment to building the resilience and sustainability of Australia’s arts, culture and creative sectors. “Small businesses associated with arts and culture are being affected by the challenges presented by digital disruption and also by the global pandemic. These challenges require us all to think outside the box, as well as take advantage of every opportunity, if we are to survive and thrive,” Mr Strong said. “
The great benefits coming from the arts and from the creative people found in that sector provide a base for achieving the priorities of people, government, industry and society as a whole. This includes our wellbeing, education, community support, global affairs, tourism, defence and innovation.
“We know that many Australians support investment in arts and creativity – they know this is investment that drives innovation.
“The National Innovation Games provides an opportunity to join diverse and talented innovation teams dedicated to creating new ideas and solutions to help build resilience, engage with audiences, and deliver more sustainable organisations, practices and communities.
“COSBOA is delighted to partner with Paddl, with the backing of the Australian Government and the Australia Council for the Arts, to support the sector – ensuring the sustainability of the sector is vital to the future of our nation.
“We are excited to see the results from the day as well as the positive flow-on effects to the wider community. Well done Paddl for this unique innovation model.”
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/Public Release.
