Executive summary

Platform Youth Arts is undergoing a period of immense growth, having undertaken a far-reaching evaluation of its organisational structure, model and goals. This Strategic Plan is a response to extensive feedback and consultation with the youth of Geelong, our partners, board, staff, funders and the general public.

The organisation experienced significant staff and board restructuring throughout 2016 – 2018. Through strong board leadership and the engagement of a new Executive Producer in November 2018, the organisation is now operating at high-yield with a focused and ambitious artistic vision, increased programming and audience engagement. Our bold direction brings even greater impact with our program and the calibre of new associates and partnerships we’re excited to engage.

The Platform Strategic Plan for the next three years is based on six key goals:

• Position ourselves as a leading youth arts organisation that delivers exceptional multi-arts programs responding to young people’s needs

• Provide access and entry points for under-reprented and minority youth

• Maintain and foster productive partnerships that strengthen our organisation

• Grow and diversify our domestic and international audiences

• Be an environmentally, financially sustainable and accountable organisation

• Nurture and build capacity of staff, artists and participants

Founded in 1996, Platform Youth Arts is Geelong’s only multi-art form organisation dedicated to supporting emerging artists and young people as they explore contemporary artistic practice. Our focus is, and always will be, on the artists. We give them a platform from which they can grow professionally and continue to contribute to our region’s arts and culture. We amplify all voices; respond to the needs of our community; and strive to engage groups and individuals that might not otherwise have access to creative opportunities.

As part of ongoing artistic vibrancy and our engagement with the community, Platform partners with key social enterprises, arts organisations, not-for-profits, government agencies, and resident companies; offering internal programming processes together with a pitching process for independent artists as well as opportunities for direct hire. These engagement initiatives help identify ideas and artists who need support while maintaining standards and connection between the artistic community and the general public.

In 2019, Platform is establishing an organisational and creative framework that will support the achievement of these goals by 2021, and position the organisation as a strong contender for national funding programs and international partnerships.

Purpose

• Working across multiple creative platforms, we champion a new generation of thinkers, makers, risk-takers and agitators. 

• We lead this through our program of events, exhibitions and performances, while providing a support framework including mentorship, collaboration, residency programs and workshops.

• Through our broad creative program of established and emerging art forms, we give young people opportunities to develop their own works and practice, and to be part of an inclusive, diverse creative community.

Values

① Leadership

Platform promotes leadership through capable, connected and visionary arts workers. We recognise and nurture the talent and abilities of young people in the Geelong region, mentoring the next generation of arts leaders.

② Creative Risk & Experimentation

We provide a dynamic space for people to take artistic risks and challenge conventions. We support the development of bold and experimental work that delivers exceptional audience experiences.

③ Inclusivity & Diversity

Platform is a space of respect, tolerance and inclusion. We provide an inclusive environment for people to feel supported and safe, both as individuals and through their creative output. We aim to amplify the voices of everyone in our community, and strive to engage groups and individuals that might otherwise not have access to broad creative opportunities.

④ Community

We seek to always expand our community and strengthen our cultural city by connecting people and organisations, providing opportunities and looking for new collaborations. We establish and nourish a strong collective of creative voices that inform our programs.

⑤ Advocacy

We empower young people at Platform to participate in our programs and develop their own practice and work. We champion these people out in the wider community, and give them a platform from which they can grow professionally and continue to contribute to our region’s arts and culture.

⑥ Professionalism & Accountability

Platform implement good governance to ensure our ongoing viability. Recognition of core ethical responsibilities, including loyalty, transparency, diligence, punctuality and impartiality.

Themes

• Development of a creatively critical and ambitious artistic program, holding young people at the heart of the organisation;

• A clear artistic and program framework that allows for creativity, cultural relevance, adaptation and growth;

• The Platform building is a significant asset and provides a range of opportunities both in activity and revenue potential. This must be balanced with ensuring the primary purpose is maintained;

• Actively seek creative and strategic partnerships in Geelong, Victoria and beyond that will provide opportunities for financial, artistic and industry growth for Platform. Partnerships with like-minded organisations and institutions are to be encouraged;

• The organisation needs to remain financially sustainable, made possible by a diverse income base.

Goals/Objectives

We will:

1. Position ourselves as a leading youth arts organisation that delivers exceptional multi-arts programs that meet young people’s needs

2. Provide access and entry points for under-reprented and minority youth

3. Maintain and foster mutually productive partnerships that strengthen our organisation

4. Grow a diverse domestic audience and international network

5. Be an environmentally and financially sustainable organisation

6. Build capacity of staff, artists and participants

Artistic Program

Placing emphasis on collaborative and accessible methodology, the Platform program actively seeks to engage and amplify youth-led and devised initiatives. We exemplify inclusive, diverse and dynamic programming that is relevant and active, spurred by conversation and contemporary discourse.

Our Arts and Performance program sits across three pillars:

Through our Arts and Performance program, we will develop and deliver the following:

MARKETING STRATEGIES

Platform recognises the need to stay current in our marketing and communications strategies, utilising social media and digital platforms as our main method of engagement. 

Platform understands the importance of strong relationships with participants, artists, members and stakeholders. We are committed to fostering and strengthening relationships through open and transparent communication and social opportunities.

We have identified four key strategic objectives over the coming triennium.

• Review, Strengthen + Reposition the Platform brand

• Position Platform as a contemporary creative organisation across all media platforms

• Develop new partnerships and stakeholder relationships

• Actively seek, foster and support relationships with partners, stakeholders and collaborators

• Recruit new and potential members and supporters

• Grow our membership base and maintain our position as a vibrant and strong company for young people and emerging artists

• Strong engagement with youth and school communities

• Develop partnerships with schools, community organisations and youth groups

Financial Overview

The undertaking of an organisational review (2017 / 2018) along with the loss of Platform multi-year, core-funding from the Australia Council for the Arts (2015) has resulted in a decline in reserves, which has been recognised as an area of concern that needs to be addressed. 

Platform sustainability throughout this time is attributed to sound financial management and the valued continued support from both state and local government. 

We moved from a deficit in 2017 to a surplus in 2018 and will work hard to maintain this improved financial performance. 

Priorities for 2019 - 2021 will see us build our base of funding, through philanthropic, private, state and local funding, and make a bolder move into income diversification by means of grants, productive partnerships and increasing venue hire income, which will be integral to Platform’s strategic financial vision. 

Risk Mitigation  

 Reputation

• Recruit and train team with unified, contemporary vision

• Establish strong publicity and communication plan

• Conduct debriefs and critical analysis after each production 

• Artistic assessment by creative team to ensure quality of guest productions

Staffing

• New board members appointed on a biannual cycle to promote on-going turnover

• Increasing FTE to provide employee security and incentive

• Greater support, resources and autonomy for staff to develop and lead programs

• On-going professional development available for staff and board

Program

• Develop artistically rigorous core program

• Partner with national festivals, events and programs

• Implement Marketing Plan

• Develop and implement new audience development strategies targeted at immediate increases in attendance

Finance

• Diversify and increase our funding revenue through government, local, philanthropic and corporate giving

• Report in accordance with tripartite agreement

• Yearly donor and membership drives, fundraising programs

• Partnerships and co-present opportunities with local/national organisations to split costs of creative works and developments

Risk Capacity

Due to our financial deficit recorded in 2017, our organisation has had to reduce its capacity for risk. 

Through the development of this strategic plan, and projected future funding streams, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of our organisation, which will enable us to increase our capacity for risk across output, youth engagement, stakeholder and geographical reach. This will allow Platform the creative and strategic freedom to be bold and courageous within safe parameters.

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