A professional development and networking program is taking place this week to help support and develop the leadership and business capabilities of non-profit arts organisations in the Northern Territory.

Map 2016: Essentials for Arts Business will be held at Brown’s Mart Arts today and tomorrow and is an initiative of the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Arts and Museums.

Director of Arts NT Angela Hill said Map 2016 was a key arts and cultural event within the wider Open Territory international and domestic business program offered by the Northern Territory Government from March to May this year.

“This program is an invite only, two-day professional development and networking program for NT arts leaders and board representatives from non-profit arts organisations funded through the Northern Territory Arts Grants Program,” she said.

“We expect Map 2016 to bring together more than 50 leading arts delegates from non-profit arts organisations right across the Territory and is an important forum to support our arts leaders and provide an opportunity for them to share their skills and expertise.

“The Territory arts leaders will work alongside local and national arts and non-profit business experts to develop best business practices and leadership skills required to drive their organisations into the future.

“Our arts leaders and volunteer board members make significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the Territory.

“Investing in the development of our non-profit arts organisations has positive flow on effects for independent Territory artists and the wider community as a whole.”

Map 2016 builds upon previous biennial art sector development opportunities delivered by the Department of Arts and Museums, Arts NT, such as the 2014 Trading Ideas: International arts forum presented by Corrugated Iron Youth Arts in association with Yum Cha Arts.  

Arts NT supports the development of a vibrant and creative arts sector and opportunities for the community to participate in arts, creativity and cultural expression.