In her previous appointment as Director of Campbelltown Arts
Centre she changed the philosophy of how the arts are presented to the
community. Instead of receiving touring exhibitions, she worked in partnership
with the communities of South West Sydney, developing programs that responded to
issues and interests. This same vision also characterises her plans for CarriageWorks.
Ms Havilah aims to develop her arts programs in response to the
history and the unique location of CarriageWorks. She said: “CarriageWorks has
such a rich cultural history … this building, built in 1890 has a strong history
of innovation and making trains, three state premiers emerged from working at
CarriageWorks, home of the union movement, innovative on a whole range of
levels.”
One challenge that Ms Havilah faces is that CarriageWorks is still
a relatively new space of only six years and that many people still do not know
what goes on at this old railway warehouse. She will market each project differently and aims to broaden
audience appeal.
“CarriageWorks is still finding its identity. I always like to
think the first thing you are making, if there is commitment to excellence in
your program, will define your brand for the future.”
Ms Havilah has focused on creating a contemporary arts program
that emerges from the community including an Aboriginal arts project, mentoring
programs enabling local artists to work with international artists and
developing new theatre spaces. Plans have already been made to develop two of
the rehearsal spaces into smaller theatres in response to community artists
wanting a diversity of spaces.
A main goal is to develop an Aboriginal arts project and to work in
partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations in Redfern.
Mindful of the changing nature and demographics of Redfern, Ms
Havilah has noted changes in the area’s makeup. She is interested in what effect that change has on the community.
The demographic is changing as more public housing is turned into private
residences, with different communities moving into the area. She has also
noticed visible changes on Redfern Street, such as the developing café society
with an original two or three cafes expanding to “15 cafes in a 16-week
period”.
“Change is fantastic for Redfern”, she says, “but it also is
important for Redfern to remain who it is, not to lose its identity with gentrification.”
Photo:
Esther Turnbull – Lisa Havilah
Source: September 2011
South Sydney Herald http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/