Arts Connect Inc.

Arts Connect Inc. is a membership driven organisation that is based in the Hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. Our members are drawn from many areas and have a diverse range of skills and experience across many art forms.

In 2007 this present organisation evolved from the ashes of 'Montville Community Arts' and although there are no boundaries to membership there is still a strong bond with the Montville community.

Careful consultation with Sunshine Coast Council and Montville businesses has after a two year trial period secured support for permanent art markets on the Montville Village Green. Funding from the Council Grant Scheme was received July 2010 to further support the economic development of this project 'Artists on the Green'.

The organisation has developed during those years now attracting a membership of over 140. We have received sponsorship of a website enabling increased capacity from as yet a small volunteer group.

We have established close working relationships with other arts organisations, with members of COMA and ART4PLACE, both Maleny based, also being Arts Connect Inc. members. Membership of Hinterland Tourism and Montville Chamber of Commerce ensures valuable contact with tourism and retail businesses.

Through seeking other activities of benefit to membership we established 'Sculpture on the Edge' as an initial collaboration with Maleny Garden Club within their Open Gardens Festival 2010. This has since extended to other collaborations and we hope to develop further.

Our 'Open Studio Trail' was initiated to complement the Festival of the Walks 2010 with 19 artists participating. This will be further developed with more members recently joining in and we hope to now develop mutually beneficial partnerships for 2011.

Present Committee

President

Pam Maegdefrau is a well established ceramic artist with experience in teaching (BCAE, Flying Arts, Southbank TAFE, and administration (former President of both Craft Qld and Fusions). Her former passions were science and travel.

Vice-President

Janna Pameijer

Secretary

Vacant

Treasurer

Kaye Stephens

Promotions

Joanne Burnett moved to Montville 12 years ago and is a local business owner. She has traveled extensively overseas, has a background in art, retail, merchandising and markets all of which contribute to her role as promotions manager.

Excursions

Lurline Whitwell Brown has has long been keenly interested in all forms of visual and performing arts. She is an enthusiastic and able facilitator for our program of Art, Music, Film, Dance and Drama.