Macedon Ranges Shire Council has appointed a new coordinator of arts and culture.
Simon Clarke has over 25 years’ experience in the arts, chiefly focused on community engagement, emerging artists and youth audiences.
He has also worked as an actor, dancer, puppeteer and dramatist, and has produced, directed and performed in countless independent theatre shows.
Since 2007 Simon has worked as a senior manager in leading companies, most recently as coordinator of festival and events at Darebin City Council and before then as CEO of Westside Circus.
With so many setbacks in the arts sector due to the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns during the past two years, Simon steps into the role with council facing many challenges but is determined to revive and extend the previously popular program of arts and events enjoyed by residents and visitors.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed the vital role that art plays in everyday life and how important people’s first experiences with the arts are in forming and shaping their futures,” he says.
“That’s why I’m committed to delivering quality artistic experiences that are accessible to young people and communities.”
Arts and culture has flourished in the Macedon Ranges, and is only set to grow further.
Simon says there are three ‘pillars’ of arts activity that he is looking forward to concentrating on with the community and the arts and culture team.
“The first pillar is ‘community’. My background has focused on making art accessible and quite often that means taking artistic experiences to where the people are. So, I hope to see more activity happening across the region,” he says.
“Secondly there are the beautiful cultural hubs all over the shire, including the cultural precinct framed by the Kyneton Town Hall, Mechanics Institute and gorgeous Bluestone Theatre, but opportunities also exist to establish cultural hubs around community halls, creative industry and artists in other towns.”
“The final pillar has to do with collections. There are some wonderful collections in council’s keeping at the Kyneton Museum and adorning various council walls. I would like to see these collections travelling as minor exhibitions, within our shire, and I would like to see them more reflective of our diverse population.”
Another newcomer to the arts and culture team is Adrian Shand, a Glenlyon resident, who is the new venue technical supervisor.
Adrian has worked as a casual technician for Macedon Ranges Shire Council for several years, which means he comes with extensive knowledge of the council’s numerous venues.
If people would like to meet Simon and Adrian in person there is an opportunity to do so on Monday February 7 at the AGM of The Friends of the Bluestone Theatre. The meeting, chaired by Eric Dearricott, starts at 7.30pm at the Bluestone Theatre, 28 Hutton Street, Kyneton, and features Simon as guest speaker. To register your interest in attending, call Frances Kelly on 0431 170 290.
(To adhere to COVID-safe requirements the meeting will be limited to 30 people, face masks are mandatory and people will be required to register via the QR code or by hand and demonstrate proof of being fully vaccinated.)
