A Note from the Chair
Tim Stackpool
As we conclude another challenging year for the arts, but a somewhat satisfying year for the Inner West Creative Network, I'm pleased to report on our continued evolution and achievements. Building on the foundation established in our early operational years, we've seen remarkable progress in our mission to support and connect our creative community.
Our membership base continues to show impressive growth, now reaching more than 500 members representing nearly a 30% increase from last year. (any organisation or retailer would find such a figure remarkable). While this growth is encouraging, I still maintain our ambitious target of 1,000-2,000 members is achievable, which would not only strengthen our collective voice but help ensure our long-term financial sustainability.
This year's programming focused on practical support for our creative community, with professional development workshops delivered at no cost to members. These sessions, covering topics from mental health to taxation, saw some sessions sold-out, but others with numbers that could be improved. And our regular 'Meet Ups’ continued to prove popular, providing invaluable networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and community building among local artists and creators, as well as sharing various projects that many Inner West creatives are pursuing.
We remain deeply grateful for the ongoing support of Inner West Council, particularly Mayor Darcy Byrne's commitment to the network by way of funding made available via a Mayoral Minute. The Council's strategic funding has enabled us to maintain our commitment to free programming, ensuring accessibility for all members. Special acknowledgement goes to outgoing committee member Lucas Blacker for approaching council’s General Manager Peter Gainsford, resulting in the most recent cache of funding.
Several changes to our committee structure take effect at this AGM. I want to acknowledge the contributions of departing committee members: Lucas Blacker as I mentioned, who also introduced us to that most wonderful venue Hopster Brewery Co-op, whom are now firm friends of the network, along with other hosting venues such as The Gasoline Pony, Young Henry’s, Where’s Nick wine bar (also sponsors) and the Marrickville Hotel. Nicholas Wilson took on the role of Public Officer following the resignation of Vasile Tiano earlier this year. Nick took on the duties virtually sight-unseen, approached and coached into submission by the Deputy Chair Kat Farrugia. Nick has undertaken the role with utter professionalism, the required formality, and quickly understood the legal obligations of the Association, and even up to today after moving on from the committee to undertake a role overseas. He has continued to do so admirably.
Earlier as I said, Vasile Tiano resigned from the committee, understandably due to his professional duties outside of the network requiring significant attention. Vasile could easily be described as the architect of the Network’s governance, working with Billy Cotsis, then at Inner West Council, to ensure we established a robust set of guidelines that will not only ensure the effective representation of artists and creatives within the municipality, but will also ensure we meet the regulatory requirements of the state government. Building the governance of a new association from the ground-up is a massive, massive task, and Vasile’s efforts in that regard cannot be understated. He leaves an enduring legacy. (I also understand that some similar aspirant groups across the state are using our constitution as a guide).
Now, we know the make-up of the committee for 2025 due to the only five nominees filling the five vacancies, and so we remain fortunate to retain Kat Farrugia, who over the past year has been deputy chair. Kat has a remarkable enthusiasm for the arts, and the inner west, and her earnest enthusiasm has never faltered. The expertise of our Treasurer, Evan Lowenstein continuing his well-respected family legacy of servicing artists in his accounting practice, while also volunteering his skills to our humble operation is appreciated.
Secretary, Tamara Winikoff OAM who has again remained a guiding force while also proving to hose me down when my frustrations overcame my more rational self.
Dr Lian Loke PhD, academic and performer who balances both with poise and elegance. Lian was instrumental in gathering our website designers Renee Lim and Taylor Lee Suanno , who with their technical knowledge not only created a more palatable and efficient web presence, but also researched and cross-examined committee members about what the network represents, and how that should be reflected in the website and branding. Thanks to them all.
The resignation of Shan Richards for personal obligations, opened a vacancy on the committee, and given Taylor’s demonstrable interest in the network during the redevelopment of the website, and her obvious online skills, she became an obvious choice to fill the vacancy left by Shan.
Shan herself has a lovely talent for listening and responding with practical action. She’s a fine artist too, and she left big shoes to fill upon her departure.
Marna Eringa, elected last year, undertook a significant study into the economic viability of the network. After much research, her presentation to the committee made it clear on where our incoming earning potential lies, without compromising the ethical and inclusive considerations of who can subsequently afford to be a member. This was a thin line to walk. given the bottom line raised the cost of paid membership beyond what had been originally considered. Marna’s analysis has helped recognised the costs of operating the network effectively
And Michelle St Anne, an elected committee member, this year in the role of administrator, which, while it is a cliché, may be akin to herding cats. Michelle curated various workshops for members, arranged Meetups, forged partnerships and communicated with members, landed sponsors, and wrangled a rather awkward newsletter platform. As a staunch supporter of the arts in the Inner West, her determination is fearsome.
And I welcome our new committee members, known to us through their attendance at workshops and meetups, Sue Liu and Sara Buchner, it’s great to have you along.   
While we celebrate our achievements, and recognise the effort made by our volunteer committee members, significant opportunities and challenges remain. The Inner West continues to be Sydney's creative heartland, yet many artists and creators in our community remain unconnected to our network. Our priority for the coming year is to:
·        Expand our reach into underrepresented creative disciplines
·        Strengthen our advocacy role in local cultural policy
·        Develop sustainable funding streams to support network initiatives
·        Increase our overall visibility and relevance within the community
The vibrancy of the Inner West's cultural landscape is no accident - it's the result of countless artists and creatives who make this area their home and workspace. Their collective energy and innovation continue to define our municipality's unique character and appeal.
As chair these past 4 years, I remain committed to ensuring our network grows and develops to serve as a vital resource and connection point for this remarkable creative community. Our success depends entirely on the engagement and support of our members, whose work transforms the Inner West into Sydney's most dynamic and culturally rich precinct.
Tim Stackpool, Chair, Inner West Creative Network 
2020-2024