Thank you to all the attendees of the brainstorming session held at the end of March. The evening generated many ideas to help GACCI thrive over the next 25 years. As GACCI is attempting to expand the cultural offerings for Gloucester a decision has been made to place all performance activities under the banner of Gloucester Productions.

After the group brainstormed, the ideas were categorised into three groups: activities that GACCI could implement in the coming year, those that would require a couple of years to coordinate, and blue-sky ideas that would need a team of people and funding to get started. Continuing support for concerts such as Music in the Regions, along with performances such as Collister and Fix, and Nic Russoniello, as well as being open to other traveling musicians, was highlighted as an essential aspect of GACCI’s mission.

Building a network of volunteers to assist with practical aspects of performances—such as sound and lighting, venue setup, bar staff, publicity, and set building—was deemed imperative for GACCI to expand its range of activities.

Another critical issue is continuing to attract more individuals interested in participating in GACCI productions. More people will enable a greater variety and quantity of performances to be offered. In addition to enhancing performance capacity, there is also a need to find new

performance venues. Suggestions for possible venues for smaller productions would be greatly appreciated.

Engaging younger members of the community was identified as a priority. As a first step, this term students in Years 3-5 have the opportunity to attend an afternoon drama workshop, with plans to develop a performance with them next term high on the agenda.

The immediate activities planned are as follows:

- Continue with adult drama workshops

- Host an improvisation night in late July

- Organise movie nights—GACCI was bequeathed a large projection screen, so there is a plan to hold one movie night in August, and if successful, to run them monthly. Suggestions for movies please.

- Plan an end-of-year Gala Performance to invite performers and musicians from the Gloucester community. Local groups such as the Recorder Group, the Ukulele Group, the high school band, and the primary school Windstars will be invited to perform. Performers will be asked to prepare a short scene, a monologue, a stand-up routine, or a musical number.

- Collaborate with the Gloucester Rugby Union Club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. A performance in March or April 2026 is being considered which features both rugby players and GACCI performers.

Future ideas include:

- A Gloucester Festival—suggestions needed for the type and style. To create this festival, collaboration with the Gloucester community will be sought.

- A Pub Choir

- A Shakespeare production

- A performance or film featuring community stories

- An outdoor venue for dancing, performances, and street art

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with GACCI.

Please get in touch if you are keen to support GACCI’s performance ventures

Contact any of the GACCI committee members:

Charlie Lethbridge (Arts Administrator & Treasurer): ArtsAdministrator@gloucester-arts.com.au

Graeme Healy (President): president@gloucester-arts.com.au

Jenny Lindsay (Secretary): secretary@gloucester-arts.com.au

Wendy Buswell: production@gloucester-arts.com.au

James Hook: jameshooke42@gmail.com