Re: The Spoken Word in Bush Poetry
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 3:46 pm
That is good and interesting thinking Maureen!.. and a favourite topic of mine. My sincere thanks for adding it in!!!! Great!
OK....I will try and be concise (very difficult...) OK... Part 1
The Australian Cultural Centre is a major Project with a potential land/building component of notionally $50 million to $100 million depending. It has never been done before (lucky for us) and yet should have been.
1. Partner.
We need a solid, dedicated, patriotic, participating Partner of financial means who shares our Vision and enormous love of Australia. A Corporate Commercial Entertainment entity with the skills we do not have is also a possibility being explored. Patriotism is the driving force for us. An arms-length Sponsor or pure philanthropist with a big chequebook would not suit. The thought of leaving something truly important and wonderful to the nation (as Walt Disney did with Disneyland) that would endure long past your death... and our field is wide open. To be remembered not as a another passing fabulously wealthy but soon-to-be-forgotten person but a person of Vision who loves the country that also gave them so much. And to establish a real National Identity for people to cling to... useful as a shrine in troubled national times. (There are already three Chinese Cultural Centres in Australia.. big surprise.)
We envisage that Partner would then delegate his own Representative to actually work in the team and Project Manage. An "earn-in" trial arrangement to start. That Manager would be given the summary order to "go and get the job done".
We cannot accept monetary donations, big or small no matter how well meaning. (gifted items are different). A big or any cheque places you under a huge obligation, such that you end up "working for" a Donor... accounting to them and having more sleepless nights. Effectively they have "bought in" and sit on your shoulder. You then have an additional and crushing responsibility to spend "their" money wisely as best you can and to account for it with no help. You effectively work FOR someone who can start calling the shots. Disaster. It cannot work. We need a real motivated Partner instead... of wisdom and experience.
Philanthropy groups insist on you being a formal Not For Profit structure. Sounds fine, BUT if you read the fine print of that innocent-sounding NFP deal as I have, you find that you effectively cede control and eventual ownership of all your materials to the Government. You answer to government... effectively. They control you.. for what benefit? It is a foot in the door for government. Very cunning.
Not for us! and if that is a barrier to some folk, then they are the "some" that would never work well with us in any case..
2. Government Involvement.
These are very, very "bad" people... at all levels. Even their so-called establishments. And I can demonstrate that many times over.
I have already detailed how the War Memorial wanted to charge me $200 for two scans of Bush Poet related images of WW1 soldiers. Disgraceful. I explained what I was nobly doing at the time. They would never try that lark on if the old Diggers were still around to sort them out. Miserable little money-grubbing people. Money, money using the kind donation of family military treasures. Interestingly the War Memorial is losing popular support.
I could literally give pages of examples from my own government interactions and observations on this project without even touching on their fundamental incompetence. You would read each example and say "Oh that is dreadful... and we pay our taxes to support these types."
Grants involve going cap-in-hand to beg for small amounts of money and being practical, the moment you accept a dollar from government you are obligated forever. A potential Partner may say "Has anyone else other than yourselves tipped money into the Project?". The moment you say that Government has an implied financial finger in the pie they would walk away, and I wouldn't blame them.
All government departments and establishments today are Agenda-driven and thoroughly politicised. They know no better than the political leveraging of noble things and it is wrong.
OK. Here is the National Museum of Australia talking. They figure it is not only their role to present things but... they claim to.. "Preserve and interpret Australia's social history, exploring the key issues, people and events that have shaped the nation." Interpret no less!!! as if we were dummies and could not think for ourselves. "We will tell you the conclusions you must come to..." they imply. Yes, Comrade!
Tell me that mission statement is not totally LOADED with agendas. A Museum should be a neutral presenter and not an "interpreter" of anything. Forget "key issues"... that is pure propaganda. It has no place in a Museum and I would kick their backsides if I was managing them.
A few days ago on the National Gallery FB page they said.. "we stand with the people of Ukraine...." ..." Maybe so, but it is NOT their role as a National Gallery to involve themselves in such matters as international conflicts or politics and to take sides... right or wrong. It is just none of their business and way outside their Arts portfolio. If I was in charge I would say "You blokes are doing a dreadful job (and they really are) so stick to doing what you are paid to do, and do it properly instead...stay out of politics, taking sides with warring parties ... and fanning up divisive, feminist-driven, gender-based angst". Shockers. I would kick their backsides so hard!
I wrote candidly to an organisation recently with influence over considerable social funds from wealthier people.
I said : "I might explain that the exhibits in the Australian Cultural Centre will be presented in a manner that does not leverage agendas, slant, politicise or "interpret social history". As a firm policy, we do not propagandise what we do, typically by deliberately placing things in a biased or context-based situation; and nor do we promote Causes or so-called issues. We believe that we have a social responsibility to be neutral to the point where even implied opinions are rigorously excluded. Such a strict and vigilant policy of neutral presentation might explain why, by way of having this refreshing and very proper approach, it necessarily excludes any government involvement."
Thus I was heading-off any anticipated reply that said.. "you should talk to the Minister for...." It does not win me too many friends I guess.
3. Heritage Village.
We are about Australian Culture in all its aspects...as we see them. What we have includes precious items that demand high-specification space... temp, humidity and UV light controlled environments, all centrally located on typically The Sunshine Coast where people can access it readily. Not centralising control in Canberra. We "take it to the people".. not the reverse. We will need a large, expandable, dedicated facility with a retail shop and eatery to bring in additional income to keep things running. People expect it... and I have designed at considerable cost to me a starting-point facility with the help of a local architect. We do things, not just talk about them!
Much "cultural" material that we have necessarily overlaps history of course but lately we have been trying more to connect with the Present... and to have more objects if we can.
We are unique, entertaining and educational. We cater for schools on excursion as well as overseas tourists with limited time in Australia. Importantly we differentiate ourselves from Museums, Historical Villages, Galleries.
The concept is unique and wonderful... and full of potential offshoots for future development. They are a bit secret so I will not detail them here.
FRAMEWORK
Stepping back you see two people dedicating their lives and funds to presenting, all under one roof, a snapshot of things culturally Australian.. positive things. Including sport.
Two people who have the raw guts and temerity to say WE (and not "government" who have already had their chance) are going to offer up what we think are the great cultural aspects of Australia. Displays may be on occasions naive, but that beats having it stink of political agendas.. and "social interpretations" so beloved of the trumped-up National Museum.
Australian Culture. Nothing is too incidental to us and we happily tackle Beer and Two-Up just as well as the great men of literature such as Paterson, Lawson and Dennis etc. A stunning exhibition to lay them in the aisles.
Governments inexorably demand absolute Control. Two people who are well on the path to doing something like defining what Australian Culture is about is a big challenge to that Control. It could even be embarrassing. So for us it is proving to be bit of a "war in the shadows".. we expect no support, and get none.
It is little wonder that letters sent to two Federal Ministers informing them politely of what we are doing for Australia have been ignored in the first instance. No acknowledging our hard-copy information-letters sent Express Post and requesting a brief acknowledgement. Nothing.
Our love is for Australia, while theirs is for themselves and their power, self-interest and employment.
I often think of Pauline Hanson the struggling politician who stood as a challenge to the System. Initially ignored, then patronised, then mocked and then jailed ...as she progressively gained popular support. We are at the first "Ignored" stage.. and moving fast through the ranks!! I hope we don't get to the last one!!
https://www.facebook.com/The-Australian ... 6537908401
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLu692gvF3Q
Gary
OK....I will try and be concise (very difficult...) OK... Part 1
The Australian Cultural Centre is a major Project with a potential land/building component of notionally $50 million to $100 million depending. It has never been done before (lucky for us) and yet should have been.
1. Partner.
We need a solid, dedicated, patriotic, participating Partner of financial means who shares our Vision and enormous love of Australia. A Corporate Commercial Entertainment entity with the skills we do not have is also a possibility being explored. Patriotism is the driving force for us. An arms-length Sponsor or pure philanthropist with a big chequebook would not suit. The thought of leaving something truly important and wonderful to the nation (as Walt Disney did with Disneyland) that would endure long past your death... and our field is wide open. To be remembered not as a another passing fabulously wealthy but soon-to-be-forgotten person but a person of Vision who loves the country that also gave them so much. And to establish a real National Identity for people to cling to... useful as a shrine in troubled national times. (There are already three Chinese Cultural Centres in Australia.. big surprise.)
We envisage that Partner would then delegate his own Representative to actually work in the team and Project Manage. An "earn-in" trial arrangement to start. That Manager would be given the summary order to "go and get the job done".
We cannot accept monetary donations, big or small no matter how well meaning. (gifted items are different). A big or any cheque places you under a huge obligation, such that you end up "working for" a Donor... accounting to them and having more sleepless nights. Effectively they have "bought in" and sit on your shoulder. You then have an additional and crushing responsibility to spend "their" money wisely as best you can and to account for it with no help. You effectively work FOR someone who can start calling the shots. Disaster. It cannot work. We need a real motivated Partner instead... of wisdom and experience.
Philanthropy groups insist on you being a formal Not For Profit structure. Sounds fine, BUT if you read the fine print of that innocent-sounding NFP deal as I have, you find that you effectively cede control and eventual ownership of all your materials to the Government. You answer to government... effectively. They control you.. for what benefit? It is a foot in the door for government. Very cunning.
Not for us! and if that is a barrier to some folk, then they are the "some" that would never work well with us in any case..
2. Government Involvement.
These are very, very "bad" people... at all levels. Even their so-called establishments. And I can demonstrate that many times over.
I have already detailed how the War Memorial wanted to charge me $200 for two scans of Bush Poet related images of WW1 soldiers. Disgraceful. I explained what I was nobly doing at the time. They would never try that lark on if the old Diggers were still around to sort them out. Miserable little money-grubbing people. Money, money using the kind donation of family military treasures. Interestingly the War Memorial is losing popular support.
I could literally give pages of examples from my own government interactions and observations on this project without even touching on their fundamental incompetence. You would read each example and say "Oh that is dreadful... and we pay our taxes to support these types."
Grants involve going cap-in-hand to beg for small amounts of money and being practical, the moment you accept a dollar from government you are obligated forever. A potential Partner may say "Has anyone else other than yourselves tipped money into the Project?". The moment you say that Government has an implied financial finger in the pie they would walk away, and I wouldn't blame them.
All government departments and establishments today are Agenda-driven and thoroughly politicised. They know no better than the political leveraging of noble things and it is wrong.
OK. Here is the National Museum of Australia talking. They figure it is not only their role to present things but... they claim to.. "Preserve and interpret Australia's social history, exploring the key issues, people and events that have shaped the nation." Interpret no less!!! as if we were dummies and could not think for ourselves. "We will tell you the conclusions you must come to..." they imply. Yes, Comrade!
Tell me that mission statement is not totally LOADED with agendas. A Museum should be a neutral presenter and not an "interpreter" of anything. Forget "key issues"... that is pure propaganda. It has no place in a Museum and I would kick their backsides if I was managing them.
A few days ago on the National Gallery FB page they said.. "we stand with the people of Ukraine...." ..." Maybe so, but it is NOT their role as a National Gallery to involve themselves in such matters as international conflicts or politics and to take sides... right or wrong. It is just none of their business and way outside their Arts portfolio. If I was in charge I would say "You blokes are doing a dreadful job (and they really are) so stick to doing what you are paid to do, and do it properly instead...stay out of politics, taking sides with warring parties ... and fanning up divisive, feminist-driven, gender-based angst". Shockers. I would kick their backsides so hard!
I wrote candidly to an organisation recently with influence over considerable social funds from wealthier people.
I said : "I might explain that the exhibits in the Australian Cultural Centre will be presented in a manner that does not leverage agendas, slant, politicise or "interpret social history". As a firm policy, we do not propagandise what we do, typically by deliberately placing things in a biased or context-based situation; and nor do we promote Causes or so-called issues. We believe that we have a social responsibility to be neutral to the point where even implied opinions are rigorously excluded. Such a strict and vigilant policy of neutral presentation might explain why, by way of having this refreshing and very proper approach, it necessarily excludes any government involvement."
Thus I was heading-off any anticipated reply that said.. "you should talk to the Minister for...." It does not win me too many friends I guess.
3. Heritage Village.
We are about Australian Culture in all its aspects...as we see them. What we have includes precious items that demand high-specification space... temp, humidity and UV light controlled environments, all centrally located on typically The Sunshine Coast where people can access it readily. Not centralising control in Canberra. We "take it to the people".. not the reverse. We will need a large, expandable, dedicated facility with a retail shop and eatery to bring in additional income to keep things running. People expect it... and I have designed at considerable cost to me a starting-point facility with the help of a local architect. We do things, not just talk about them!
Much "cultural" material that we have necessarily overlaps history of course but lately we have been trying more to connect with the Present... and to have more objects if we can.
We are unique, entertaining and educational. We cater for schools on excursion as well as overseas tourists with limited time in Australia. Importantly we differentiate ourselves from Museums, Historical Villages, Galleries.
The concept is unique and wonderful... and full of potential offshoots for future development. They are a bit secret so I will not detail them here.
FRAMEWORK
Stepping back you see two people dedicating their lives and funds to presenting, all under one roof, a snapshot of things culturally Australian.. positive things. Including sport.
Two people who have the raw guts and temerity to say WE (and not "government" who have already had their chance) are going to offer up what we think are the great cultural aspects of Australia. Displays may be on occasions naive, but that beats having it stink of political agendas.. and "social interpretations" so beloved of the trumped-up National Museum.
Australian Culture. Nothing is too incidental to us and we happily tackle Beer and Two-Up just as well as the great men of literature such as Paterson, Lawson and Dennis etc. A stunning exhibition to lay them in the aisles.
Governments inexorably demand absolute Control. Two people who are well on the path to doing something like defining what Australian Culture is about is a big challenge to that Control. It could even be embarrassing. So for us it is proving to be bit of a "war in the shadows".. we expect no support, and get none.
It is little wonder that letters sent to two Federal Ministers informing them politely of what we are doing for Australia have been ignored in the first instance. No acknowledging our hard-copy information-letters sent Express Post and requesting a brief acknowledgement. Nothing.
Our love is for Australia, while theirs is for themselves and their power, self-interest and employment.
I often think of Pauline Hanson the struggling politician who stood as a challenge to the System. Initially ignored, then patronised, then mocked and then jailed ...as she progressively gained popular support. We are at the first "Ignored" stage.. and moving fast through the ranks!! I hope we don't get to the last one!!
https://www.facebook.com/The-Australian ... 6537908401
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLu692gvF3Q
Gary