The Childers Group

Established in November 2011, the Childers Group has now had its first birthday and to celebrate the Group’s released a summary of its advocacy actions to-date.  We formed last year to be a positive and well-considered voice for the arts in the ACT region. We believe that we’ve been able to do that, together with […]

The Hon. Barry O’Farrell, MP Premier NSW Government GPO Box 5341 SYDNEY NSW 2001 Dear the Hon. Barry O’Farrell, CUTS TO FINE-ARTS COURSES OFFERED BY NSW TAFE On the behalf of the Childers Group, an independent arts think-tank for the ACT region, I write to express considerable concern at reports that the NSW Government will […]

On Wednesday 19 September 2012 at the Canberra Museum and Gallery Theatrette, the Childers Group held its second forum, organised for the lead-up to the ACT Legislative Assembly election (on 20 October).  The speakers were: Joy Burch, ACT Minister for the Arts; Vicki Dunne, ACT Opposition Spokesperson for the Arts; and Caroline Le Couteur, Greens […]

MARKET CANBERRA AS ‘THE CREATIVE CAPITAL’ There is a process underway to review the brand of Canberra.  A branding exercise needs to offer an insight, hopefully with a unique selling proposition.  With regard to Canberra we suggest the city should be positioned as ‘The Creative Capital’.  Why can we make such a bold claim and […]

In terms of the Kingston Arts Precinct, what is most important is that all those committed to the arts and cultural life of our region – especially the ACT Government – have a grand vision, a strategic overview, a long-term plan for what’s needed to develop this area as a lively precinct for arts activity […]

On Wednesday 18 April 2012 at The Street Theatre in Canberra, the Childers Group held its first forum, ‘The Arts in the ACT Region: Burning Issues and Radical Ideas’.  The invited special guests were: Robyn Archer, Creative Director of the Centenary of Canberra; Vicki Dunne, ACT Opposite Spokesperson for the Arts; Yolande Norris, You Are […]

Throughout much of the past twelve months, across the suburbs of the National Capital and beyond, there has been a conversation.  It began in a lounge-room and was progressed in cafes and bars and restaurants and foyers, even spreading out to a pub in Goulburn.  At the core of this conversation was a question: does […]

In November 2011 concerned ACT region arts leaders formed a new voice for the arts. The CHILDERS GROUP advocacy is based on the principles of objectivity, independence, valuing the arts, and a pride in Australia’s national capital city and the region that surrounds it. The CHILDERS GROUP strongly advocates for Canberra to be the formal […]