History
HISTORY
In 1968, a group of enthusiastic Central West residents decided to run a drama school in Longreach. This was to form the basis for what is now Arts West. The school went ahead in July 1969 as the Central West Arts Council School of Creative Arts, and involved music and drama. Funding for the school was applied for by the Longreach branch of Arts Council, as a constituted body was required to make the application. In 1970 the school was expanded to 4 disciplines, including Painting, Pottery, and Jewellery.
The Central Western school was the first of its kind outside a major centre, and one of the oldest existing schools of its kind in Australia. During the 1970's, the School was held in a different regional town each year, and run by a committe in that town, though still ostensibly under the auspices of Arts Council. Many of those involved in its running and in organising other workshops came to the conclusion that an 'umberella' organisation was need to facilitate funding applications and co-ordinate workshops throughout the region. In 1977 this Association was formed as the Central Western Cultural Activities Association.
The name was soon changed to the Central Western Queensland Cultural Activities Association and as such was run on a voluntary basis for fourteen years. By 1991 the membership decided that it was time to move forward: this move included a name change to Arts West and the employment of an Executive Officer to take care of day to day affairs and to source and apply for funding and sponsorships. An elected, voluntary Management Committee of five meets regularly to plan activities and administer the Organisation.
1998 saw the opening of a dedicated retail outlet, Artesian Arts, which retails member's quality fine art and craft. Arts West also travels a Regional Showcase, this showcases member's work and provides an excellent promotional platform for the organisation. Arts West has also established its own Website and associated Artist Gallery and continues to run the annual School of Creative Arts, as well as travelling and regional workshops through the year. The office had a staff of two and publishes a Programme of Events each year as well as numerous bulletins and newsletters.
Since 2009 there have been many changes to Arts West Inc due to a cessation of funding, including changing our name to Vast Arts. We are currently in the process of working through these issues and prioritizing projects dependent on our financial position.