This review is unsolicited and it draws upon and brings together the concerns of many of Launceston's ratepayers, the Launceston Concerned Citizens Network and a cross section of the institutions Community of Ownership and Interest – researchers, scholars, collectors, educators, donors, sponsors et al.
Somewhat extraordinarily Launcestonian ratepayers, via their rates, carry the lion's share of the QVMAG's recurrent budget. For some their contribution, via their rates, the sum payable could be up to 10% of their rate demand.
The institution's annual report's to the State Government are typically scant – LINK. Interestingly, the State Govt's grants and loans program in 'the arts' generally roughly approximates Launceston's ratepayers' contribution to the institution's recurrent budget – the distortions are there to be seen.
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic the QVMAG's metrics demonstrated relatively poor outcomes relative to expenditure. At one point it was costing between $40 and $50 for every patron that crossed its threshold.
Post COVID-19 the institution has failed to meet the challenges albeit that 'the crisis' put in place the time and opportunities to reimagine its programming towards reaching wider audiences locally, statewide and nationally.
Concerningly, the institution shows all the signs of 'withering on the vine' with no evidence of any inclination on the part of management to face the challenges ahead inn a 21st Century context.
Likewise, the institution's 'governance – CoL Council' is failing to put in place 21st Century policies supported by strategic planning that meets the challenges of the times.
Arguably, the QVMAG's management structure is not strategically purposeful. Likewise, its governance is arguably not fit for purpose. The consequences of this can be nothing less than an inappropriate use of valuable resources.
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