The Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance (SCCA) is a not-for-profit, arts advocacy organisation, governed by a member-elected volunteer Board. We connect the dots between creative thinkers, businesses, places, supporters, target markets, audiences and key stakeholders through advocacy, learning, networking and partnerships. We promote the value of creative enterprise and artistic expression as drivers of innovation, business, culture and regional identity.
Building on the legacy of the Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance, a new entity was formed in 2018, the Creative Arts Alliance, which broadens the scope, reach and ambition of our work into the future.
Mission
We support creative enterprise and artistic expression as catalysts for innovation, culture and regional identity.
Objectives
- Facilitate and contribute to the development of the arts and creative industries as a peak body for the creative sector on the Sunshine Coast;
- Support individuals and organisations engaged in self-managed arts and creative industry initiatives;
- Act as a creative sector advocate to local, state and federal government agencies;
- Connect artists and arts organisations to audiences, governments, sponsors and the wider community;
- Promote the advantages of the Sunshine Coast region (locally, nationally and internationally) as a prime location for creative practice and enterprise;
- Contribute to building a sustainable community through supporting professionalism in arts practice and maximising its contribution to social, ecological and economic development.
History
In 2008, the Noosa Creative Alliance program was initiated through a partnership between business and government and aimed to engage the Noosa community in a catalyst leadership program to promote the creative class and economic development of the Noosa region.
The value of this program was recognised as an important initiative for the wider Sunshine Coast and an incorporated not-for-profit association was formed to continue as the Sunshine Coast Creative Creative Alliance.
Since then our activities have extended to embrace creatives and knowledge peoples across the Sunshine Coast region.
Activities
The Refinery. The SCCA is one of the founding partners of this ten-week creative incubator designed to transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
Juice & Jam. Four times a year – inspiring speakers, performances and networking over a midweek breakfast.
Pecha Kucha Nights. Ideas, projects, stories in 20 slides – showcasing and networking – connecting creatives with each other and organisations.
Urban Activation. The SCCA co-produce urban activation and cultural events with partners such as Noosa Creative Precinct (Junction Alley), C-Square and BalconyTV, Paisley Park Project (Lamkin Lane Live), Tidal Magazine, SCEC (World Environment Day) TurnUp! Music Industry Conference;
Funding. Fundraising support and auspicing services for creatives, particularly in relation to grant applications and insurance requirements;
Policy development. Support for creative industries through the Creative Cabinet;
Representation. We represent the arts and creative industries on the Sunshine Coast Arts Advisory Board, SC Business Council Think Tank, SCC’s Urban Design Advisory Panel, the SC Mayor’s Business Leaders Roundtable, the Commonwealth Games Opportunities Forum and more.
Liz Burcham
PresidentLiz has had a wide-reaching career in the arts and creative industries leading creative businesses and projects, and producing creative works. She is an experienced Board member, advisor, peer assessor and mentor to other organisations and practitioners, currently consulting to local and state government, private industry and arts organisations. Liz is better known for her role as CEO of Metro Arts, where over her 11-year tenure she developed the Brisbane-based multi-arts organisation into a nationally respected organisation.
Megan Williams
Vice-PresidentMegan is Manager of USC Art Gallery, responsible for the development and delivery of the Art Gallery's program and the acquisition, care and development of the USC Art Collection.
Megan joined USC in September 2016 after 10 years at QUT working in a range of curatorial and programming roles across QUT Art Museum, the William Robinson Gallery, the Creative Industries Precinct and The Cube.
Kym Tabulo
SecretaryKym has taught art part-time in Sunshine Coast schools for 10 years, as well as writing for international publications and being an active artist with local, national and international exhibitions.
Catherine Hutton
TreasurerHonorary Lifetime Member
Director of C & L Mortgage Solutions
Jessica Abraham
Marketing & Communications PortfolioTidal Magazine, Tasi Travels, Creative Producer, Youth Advocate
Ruth Lyons
Membership PortfolioRuth has been involved in the arts her entire life, and has a diverse background in customer service, people and project management and now runs her own social media management and consulting business.
in non-voting roles:
Bettina Walter
Executive OfficerDesigner & Activist
Chony Bowden
Projects & EventsChony's career as an educator spans over 20 years in different regions of Australia, including Indigenous regions of Australia and Internationally. Currently she runs her own business that specialises in facilitating a range of Visual Arts Workshop for all ages and abilities across a variety of locations on the Sunshine Coast.
Amanda Bennetts
Digital ProgrammingAmanda is an interdisciplinary artist, who if not studying and creating art, is delving into various arts projects like organising and co-curating the 40 Under 40 exhibition.