Timaru District Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy
During our work with the Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru, the alignment of the project to existing strategies, policies and plans was examined as part of the environmental scan. While many of its strategies, policies and plans impacted arts, culture and heritage to some degree, Timaru District Council did not have a strategy solely for this area of community development. At the time, the Council was about to engage in or was considering some major capital projects in the sector (the Aigantighe Art Gallery redevelopment, the heritage Theatre Royal building upgrade and the relocation of the South Canterbury Museum to a “Heritage Hub”) which an overarching framework for development of arts, culture and heritage could provide guidance and priorities for.
We worked with focus groups of representatives of the arts, culture and heritage sector to identify the key strengths, gaps and opportunities for Timaru District, to develop a vision for arts, culture and heritage and a way forward or action plan to achieve that vision.
Since 2011 I have worked with Jenni and Christine on a number of highly successful fundraising initiatives in support of the Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project. With their help and expertise, we have raised more than $28.8m from central government and Lottery sources. The Giblin Group are a pleasure to work with and have provided great advice on many occasions concerning communications and public engagement. I can certainly recommend their services.
Giblin Group supported Blue Oyster with developing a robust Funding Strategy that took into account the specific needs of our organisation and activity. Jenni and Jess offered substantial advice and support in, not only establishing this strategy but giving us helpful tools for implementation and always prioritised sustainability throughout. Their enthusiasm for our space and activity was truly felt and appreciated – our relationship with them will be nourished and valued well into the future.
“As our thinking evolved, Giblin Group showed a steady commitment to deepen their understanding of our needs. We always looked forward to our coaching sessions which were stimulating and inspiring. Jess and Jenni became valued colleagues that supported and provoked thinking with rigour and generosity. They’re now not only valuable advocates for BATS but part of our whānau.”
“Jenni did a fantastic job in helping us to secure critical partnerships and funding support for our internationally significant Len Lye Centre project – what’s more we really enjoyed working with her.”
“Giblin Group’s knowledge of government practices and procedures on a national and local level is invaluable, and I often find that they are well connected with staff and officials on all levels of Government. Giblin Group scopes their assignments well, provides accurate cost estimates for their services, delivers within the agreed timeframes and always deliver excellent quality work – no project manager can really ask for more!”
“The work that the Giblin Group completed, in collaboration with our staff, was instrumental in the success the project has had in securing significant funding to this key City initiative. In particular we have found the experience of the Giblin Group to been invaluable in seeking funding from a variety of sources in an increasingly challenging environment.”