CONFERENCE SUMMARY AND OPENING REMARKS
Queensland University of Technology - June/July 1, 2001
The Brisbane Conference accomplished several goals: it brought forty arts administration educators together from all over the world, with particularly good representation from Asia; it allowed these colleagues to spend time in working meetings discussing the pressing issues of outcomes and standards for the field and of international chapters for the AAAE; it facilitated sessions where small groups shared best practices in internships and practical experience, technology and the curriculum, relationships with the cultural community and teaching problem-solving and creative thinking. The international representation at the conference made these colleagial sessions very rich.
In addition, a panel; of Australian arts management alumni including David MacAlister, dancer turned new manager of the Australian Ballet, spoke of their training and post-education experiences. A stellar panel of Australian arts managers included the managers of the Sydney Opera House, Michael Lynch, and of the Queensland Theatre Company as well as a tax expert discussing the new GST as it affects Australian arts and culture. David Fischer spoke about philanthropy in Australia and our host, Scott Trow, manager of the Powerhouse where the conference was held, spoke passionately about presenting cutting edge art.
Members interested in international chapters will spend the next year honing their own networks and articulating future membership needs. The results of the Outcomes and Standards discussion will be presented to the Board of Directors who plan to form a committee to spend the next year reviewing appropriate models in other fields, examining recourses and making recommendations to the membership.