Springboard Opera

Friday Arts! 🎭 The arts? It's all about performing and the spotlight, right? That's what most people see. But there's so much more that goes on behind the scenes. And it's that unseen part that makes everything work. Every piece is essential. An artistic triumph that ends up being a financial train wreck? Not helpful at all. At Springboard Opera, we're about building something sustainable. Behind every *inevitable* Springboard artistic triumph, there's a whole lot more happening. So, behind the Springboard public face… I recently joined into a Creative Australia webinar about alternative ways to fund the arts. The topic? Impact Debt Finance—an alternative to relying on grants, donations, and box office sales. Impact finance isn't widely used in the Oz arts scene yet, but it's gaining traction in the UK and elsewhere. In non-arts sectors, it's already a thing. Creative Australia thinks it's time to get into the game. So, as the arts adventurers we are, always up for innovation and leadership, we're diving into this new space. Finance & funding ... not really how we normally think about Opera, but then, Who said Opera is just for artists and performers? If the result is more Opera for more people, then we have done our job! Follow our journey or, better yet, join us as we leap into a brave new world. Interested in the Springboard journey? Visit https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg. We're always ready for a chat. #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #PerformingArts #YourNetworkForLife

🎧 Listening to the radio (…yes, it’s old-school, but sometimes, ya just gotta do it…) and I heard them announce the next piece as… Elgar’s Cocaine Overture. My curiosity was, shall we say… pricked. Sadly (or maybe not so sadly), I misheard. It was the Cockaigne Overture—a musical portrait of Edwardian London. Elgar himself described it as "cheerful and Londony, 'stout and steaky'...honest, healthy, humorous and strong, but not vulgar." And apparently, wildly successful. So… cheerful… honest… healthy… humorous… strong… not vulgar. Things our world needs more of in 2024, and beyond. Things that Joe & Jane Average relate to. And things that the arts can, and should, embody. The message here isn’t just to listen to more Elgar—though you absolutely can if that’s your thing. The real message is about making the arts relatable for the ordinary Australian. Too many Australians can't relate to the arts and, as a result, don't participate—making the arts inaccessible to them. For the arts – or anything, really - to be sustainable, they need to add value to society, to make a contribution. Like helping people navigate the stress and stuff of life. But the arts can't do that if people can't relate, and won't access them. A bit of reinvention is needed! Reinvention that can be done, has been done, and is being done by some Arts Adventurers right now. One of them is Springboard Opera, in little old Brisvegas—the Arts Supernova of Australia. One of our things – there are others - is to Transform the Opera Idea Into something that is … Cheerful… Honest… Healthy… Humorous… Strong… and Never Ever Vulgar. Jump on over to https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg if you want to join in with the Transformation… Springboard Opera – Supporting Emerging Artists, Transforming the Opera Idea, and always ready to talk about it. #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #Performingarts #YourNetworkForLife

This 24th November marks a huge milestone – the 60th birthday of the incredible Prof. Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO FAHA. Deborah’s impact on the world of opera and First Nations music is truly remarkable. Her journey has been nothing short of inspiring, filled with groundbreaking achievements that have left a lasting legacy on the global stage. From composing "Pecan Summer" – the first opera by an Indigenous Australian – to her new role at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, her contributions have paved the way for many to follow. Bringing Australian First Nations stories and languages to the global stage, she has opened doors for young First Nations musicians, making opera more inclusive and reflective of our diverse society. Her work has set a new standard for what opera can and should be. Deborah's dedication and passion for inclusivity in the arts have not only enriched the operatic landscape but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams in the field of music. Her efforts have fostered a stronger appreciation for diversity and creativity, highlighting the importance of cultural representation in the arts. As we celebrate Deborah's 60th birthday, we acknowledge her incredible influence and the path she has forged for future generations. Cheers to you, Deborah! Your legacy lights the way for us all and your dedication inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and create a welcoming, inclusive opera community. Here's to many more years of groundbreaking work and inspiring achievements! Jump on over to our website (https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg). This is Springboard Opera – Supporting Emerging Artists, Transforming the Opera Idea, and always ready to talk about it. #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #Performingarts #YourNetworkForLife

Last Sunday, BrisVegas was treated to the second Springboard Opera Barefoot opera. Changing everything (Opera) into the C21 way… It was fabulous fun – kind of audience participation opera - and if you do not have a lot of opera experience, come along to the next one in Toowoomba (check out our website…) But that is not what today is about. Springboard Opera … changing everything into the C21 way… Opera in 2024 has a bit of an image problem … a bit fancy-pants and high-brow, expensive & inaccessible. So, we at Springboard have set out to change that. Barefoot Opera is … well… really affordable, has drinks, and is in the community. And lots of fun! We do this to challenge people who do not “do” opera… in the Springboard world, opera is not even asking you to get out of your comfort zone. Opera for Everyone … Opera in unexpected ways in unexpected places. Innovation is a big deal for Springboard. In everything. And in our connected world, we think that everything is connected. Like the way that the organisation runs, is financed, what its culture is. So not just the arts end of the show. Because you can’t transform just part of the Opera Idea – it is all or nothing. This is Springboard Opera… different, innovative and exciting, and that is why it is called Springboard … We are leaping into a new world – in everything that we do. If you are interested in the Springboard Thing, jump on over to https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg, ‘cos we are always ready to for a chat. #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #Performingarts #YourNetworkForLife Leslie Martin Luisa Tarnawski Gheorja Haidley Sue Park

Friday Arts… Down here at Springboard Opera, we are into innovation and doing things differently. We like to think that opera is for everyone, not just The Elite. And we reckon that the way that most people think of opera is up for a bit of disruption. This is just one part of the Springboard Thing that … Supporting Emerging Artists & Transforming the Opera Idea. We can do two things at the same time … what clever people 😉! To see Springboard disruption in action, come on down to our next event, Barefoot Opera, on Sunday … Barefoot Opera — Springboard Opera. It is fun, music, drinks and lots of noise. And if you spend most of your week thinking intelligent corporate / professional thoughts, and you think that this isn't your scene, you are missing the point. Springboard Opera is for you as well. Because our disruption is not just about artistic stuff. Transforming the Opera Idea connlt be done in silos. It is all or nothing. At Springboard Opera we are creating a new model of running an arts business. Taking the best of the old and blending it with the best of 2024 thinking. Taking the best of the artistic space together with the best of the business space. To create something that is sustainable and showcases the social contribution of the arts. There is not enough room here to tell the whole story. Suffice to say that the public events that you can see are only part of the story. And the bit that you cannot see is as much fun as the bit that you can – it just depends on your skillset. If your skillset is perhaps not singing on stage, there are plenty of other interesting strategy conversations that we are having … for which singing is optional… Find us at Springboard Opera, and let’s talk! #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #Performingarts #YourNetworkForLife

Saw this the other day on the news feed… https://lnkd.in/g_MW7ifD So once you have read the story and are all set to go, the question is WHERE do you go to experience the wonders of opera? Well, if you are in Brisbane, check out https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg. Check out the events page – specifically Barefoot Opera… ‘Cos, if you are new to Opera – or have never thought about it – this is a fun way to find out some new stuff, and even to have a go. This is Audience-Participation opera – not the embarrassing kind, the fun kind. Tix are cheap, and the bar is open … both of which make it even more fun. But enough advertising, the more interesting discussion is about Springboard Opera and what we are about. In a nutshell, Springboard is about challenging the paradigm. Big words for a Friday but stay with me… We are out to transform what your idea of opera is. Not fuddy duddy, but …cool, and contemporary. There are lots of people trying this – read the ABC story. So, what is the Springboard Opera PoD? (… Point of Difference…remember that – there are questions later…) We are challenging the public face of opera – the bit that you see – to make it more accessible and more acceptable to be seen there… But we are also changing the bit that you do not see – the way that it is run, financed, marketed and operated. Changing everything into the C21 way… That is what makes Springboard Opera different, and that is what is so exciting, and that is why it is called Springboard … Leaping into a new world – in everything that we do! If you are interested in the Springboard PoD, jump on over to https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg, ‘cos we are always ready to for a chat. Singing optional… #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #Performingarts #YourNetworkForLife

Friday Arts … Springboard Opera had its first night out a-month-and-a-bit ago. The first Springboard Opera Thing! And this is what it looked like on the night… https://lnkd.in/gWzHSiA4 The first ever Springboard Opera Gala in fabulous Brisbane. And in the spirit of doing it differently, it was opera, but not opera. Some, but not all, of the Springboard Opera young (and talented) human beans were introduced to Brisbane in a fabulous star-studded night of music, theatre and general cool-ness. If you missed out, you’ll have to wait for the next Springboard Thing. And because no man is an island – thanks for the words, John Donne – we are not so much creating an arts organisation as a 21st century Arts Ecosystem that thrives on innovation. Ecosystems imply lots of interconnectedness. Between all the parts. Side-to-Side and Front-to-Back. So the innovation needs to flow Side-to-Side and Front-to-Back. And to make this work, all those parts matter equally. One of the things that was said at the Gala was “Singing optional”. That is because we need skills and INNOVATION everywhere. And with that – a bit of fractured Dr Suess, this time – Oh, the places We’ll go! If you are up for a bit of Amaze-balls stuff… Come down and see us at https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg – it is going to be WILD! Singing Optional. #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #Performingarts #YourNetworkForLife

Friday Arts … the world is still not improving, so let’s keep talking about other things that are more fun! Springboard Opera had its first night out last weekend. And what a night it was. The first ever Springboard Opera Gala in fabulous Brisbane. And in the spirit of doing it differently, it was opera, but not opera. Some, but not all, of the Springboard Opera young (and talented) human beans were introduced to Brisbane in a fabulous star-studded night of music, theatre and general cool-ness. If you missed out, you’ll have to wait for the next Springboard Thing. And because no man is an island – thanks for the words, John Donne – we are not so much creating an arts organisation as a 21st century Arts Ecosystem that thrives on innovation. Ecosystems imply lots of interconnectedness. Between all the parts. Side-to-Side and Front-to-Back. So the innovation needs to flow Side-to-Side and Front-to-Back. And to make this work, all those parts matter equally. One of the things that was said at the Gala was “Singing optional”. That is because we need skills and INNOVATION everywhere. And with that – a bit of fractured Dr Suess, this time – Oh, the places We’ll go! If you are up for a bit of Amazeballs stuff… Come down and see us at https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg – it is going to be WILD! Singing Optional. #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #Performingarts #YourNetworkForLife Leslie Martin Luisa Tarnawski Gheorja Haidley

There is so much noise out there is SM land that it is really hard to focus. I look for the things that are new, have fresh ideas or are focussed on creating a better way. And so much of it is not that. All the stuff that the world has gone thru’ in the last few years … well, it has just created a whole new way of thinking. We were all on this path before the world was blessed with the Covid Storm. Technology has changed our world forever, everyone and everything is connected, we are empowered and enabled to be heard and seen like never before. But with that has come something else. A recognition that life is not just about work. Work is undoubtedly an integral part of life, but not the only part. In 2024, there are lots of other things that feed into “well rounded life”. Community is important. Mindfulness, Wellness and mental health are important. The Arts in general are places that you can find these things. Springboard Opera specifically is where you can find these things. Because as well as being about supporting emerging artists in Brisvegas, it is about community (… see above…) It is about being part of the Brisbane community and making a worthwhile contribution to everyone in our city. Like we say… singing optional! If you are living in 2024, and need something more, jump over to https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg and join the conversation. It is going to be good for you and good for us! #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #YourNetworkForLife Luisa Tarnawski Leslie Martin Gheorja Haidley

Friday Arts … the news is still depressing, so let’s keep talking about other things… The Springboard Thing! The visible face of the Springboard Thing is what you see us doing. ...Barefoot Opera in 2023; And if you are part of The Brisbane Club community, the two events so far and a recent event at Tattersalls in the city also. If you missed these events, the BIG ONE that is still coming is the first EVER Springboard Opera Gala on 29 June. Check it out here - https://lnkd.in/gWvq4UiA – you really need to be there! But there is another part of The Springboard Thing – one that is not so visible. So here we go! The not-so-secret-Quokka (we are, after all, Australian) part of The Springboard Thing. The culture … Which is what the Springboard Opera Adventurers are working hrd on at the moment. As we all know, the fish rots from the head first. But in the true spirit of C21, this represents an opportunity as well as a threat. The board is imposing the same requirements of innovation, challenging the paradigm as pushing the envelope on itself. One of the questions that is exercising our collective board-mind is whether, when looking for new directors, we can find a different way. So, CAN you job-share a directorship, for busy professionals, who have other things to do as well as Transforming the Opera Idea in their spare time? This is Springboard Opera. And this is re-inventing the Opera Idea from the inside out. So come down and see us at https://lnkd.in/gXgNVTGg – it is going to be WILD! #Future #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Directors #Technology #Performingarts #YourNetworkForLife Luisa Tarnawski Leslie Martin Gheorja Haidley