Company Profile

Now in its 40th year, Flying Arts has a long and colourful history of supporting and developing artists and communities throughout Queensland. Artist and pilot Mervyn Moriarty founded the service in 1971 as a cultural counterpart to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Since that time Flying Arts has made a considerable difference to the lives of people living in distant and isolated communities through its program of professionally led arts experiences and cultural services.

In acknowledging the success of the past, Flying Arts has positioned itself for an even more successful future. The not-for-profit Association aspires to be the best arts and cultural resource available for Queensland regional and remote artists and communities.

• Our mission is to offer access to the widest possible range of professional arts and cultural services to help to alleviate the impacts of regional isolation and to inspire imagination, creative expression and community development

• We value creativity as an essential element in a fulfilling life, a successful business and a flourishing community

Program

The annual program of activities is based on five key service areas:

Experiences – hands on, professionally led arts activities including workshops, residencies, retreats and professional development courses

Expertise – professional project management and coordination services for arts and community projects and special events and festivals

Resources – web based access to useful industry, training and education contacts, information and knowledge

Connections – cultural connections within and between artists and communities including web based networking, forums, on-line galleries, artist travel diaries and member services

Partnerships – beneficial partnerships and alliances with sector associates and the wider business community

Market Reach

Flying Arts connects with artists and communities across geographic, demographic and socio/cultural boundaries. The annual program reaches a diverse audience including government and community leaders, galleries, artists, teachers, students, young people, adults, seniors, indigenous communities and cultural and special interest groups. Currently it serves around 5000 participants annually through its various programs and on-line activities in addition to coordinated a network of over 50 regional representatives and several hundred members.

Value to the Community

The value of the annual program to Queensland artists and communities is measured by the personal and professional experiences of the vast number of people it has touched over its 40-year history. Our ongoing contribution to personal, professional and community development includes:

• Opportunities for arts practice and skills development

• Creative expression of ideas and stories that celebrate people and place

• Social/cultural engagement and interaction within and between communities

• Sharing and exchange of ideas, skills and experiences

• Employment, training and professional development

Flying Arts is approaching the next phase of its evolution with renewed focus and vigour, keen to broaden its role as a catalyst for creativity, innovation and quality of life for regional and remote Queenslanders. We are keen to forge mutually beneficial, value-based partnerships with business organisations that share similar ideals, values and market interests.

Stephen Clark

Executive Officer