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Stellar Strategy

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Stellar Access

Foster Inclusive and Accessible Participation

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We operate transparently, ethically and sustainably, ensuring strong governance and responsible community stewardship.


Objective
To provide safe, welcoming environments where people of all abilities, ages, cultures, genders and socio-economic backgrounds can engage with dance.


KPIs

  • Minimum 70% of annual program places allocated to priority and under-represented communities.

  • Annual access audit completed and recommendations implemented.

  • Audience and participant satisfaction scores average 85%+ on accessibility and inclusion indicators.

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Intended Outcomes

  • More Canberrans feel represented, welcomed and confident participating in dance.

  • Reduced barriers to cultural participation across the ACT.

  • Auslan, captioning and Audio Description across all major programs

  • Paying, programming and presenting people living with disability as a priority

Timeline

  • Year 1: Audit and core inclusion improvements.

  •  Year 2–3: Expand program adaptations and targeted outreach.

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Responsibilities

  • Artistic Director: Program design and creative access.

  •  Access Advisor and team: Audits, participant support.

  •  Board: Oversight of inclusion policy and compliance.

 

Focus programs

  • Chamaeleon Collective

  •  Gemini

  •  A Stellar Lineup

Stellar Connection

Embed First Nations Leadership and Cultural Integrity


We honour the wisdom, culture and ongoing custodianship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and work through reciprocal, community-led processes.


Objective
To build reciprocal relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Elders, Traditional Custodians and artists to co-design culturally grounded programs.


KPIs

  • At least 2 First Nations-led programs or collaborations delivered annually.

  • 100% of First Nations content developed through appropriate consultation and cultural protocols.

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Intended Outcomes

  • Strengthened community relationships and culturally safe creative spaces.

  • Improved visibility, representation and leadership of First Nations voices in ACT arts.

  • Support the development of Project Dust as an Emerging Arts Organisation.

Timeline

  • Year 1: Deepen First Nations advisory relationships.

  • Year 2–3: Co-develop ongoing program streams.

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Responsibilities

  • Executive Director: Partnership engagement.

  • First Nations Cultural Advisor: Guidance and co-design.

  • Board: Cultural safety governance.

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Focus programs

  • Project Dust

  • Pleiades

  • A Stellar Lineup

Stellar Artists

Contribute to a Vibrant and Sustainable ACT Arts Sector


Objective
To advocate for and support a thriving local creative ecosystem that reflects Canberra as Australia’s cultural capital.


KPIs

  • Active participation in at least four ACT arts sector events, networks or advocacy initiatives annually.

  • Employment or engagement of a minimum of 20 ACT-based artists and practitioners per year.

  • Annual reporting on local sector needs and collaborative opportunities.

 

Intended Outcomes

  • Increased sector collaboration and professional opportunities for ACT artists.

  • Stronger recognition of Canberra as a centre of cultural innovation and excellence.

  • Creating a culture of collaboration, inclusion, generosity and co- authorship, thoughtfully chaperoned by the Artistic Director.

  • Building capacity and providing pathways for artists through professional development opportunities, including partnerships, commissions, mentorships and residencies

  • Participation in four sector events, networks or advocacy initiatives annually.

  • Engage at least 20 ACT artists or practitioners per year.

  • Annual governance review completed.

Outcomes

  • Stronger collaboration and professional pathways for ACT creatives.

  • A resilient, well-governed organisation contributing to Canberra’s cultural identity.

 

Timeline

  • Year 1: Governance strengthening and sector engagement.

  • Year 2–3: Consolidate leadership role and workforce development.

 

Responsibilities

  • Artistic Director: Sector leadership and organisational sustainability..

  • Board: Governance, advocacy and strategy oversight.

  • Business Manager and Bookkeeper: Compliance and reporting.

 

Focus programs

  • Chamaeleon Collective

  • BOLD Moves

  • Collaborations with Australian Dance Party and Quantum Leap Australia

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Stellar Community

Strengthen Community Connection and Wellbeing


We build genuine relationships that strengthen wellbeing, belonging and shared ownership of artistic experiences.


Objective
To partner with local communities to create work that responds to
Canberra’s needs, enhances wellbeing and encourages belonging.


KPIs

  • Deliver a minimum of three community-engaged projects annually.

  • Establish and maintain partnerships with at least five ACT community organisations.

  • Participant wellbeing self-reported improvement rate of 70%+.

 

Intended Outcomes

  • Increased social connection and resilience through creative activity.

  • Stronger community identity and support networks across the ACT.

  • Advocating for a thriving local arts community that truly reflects Canberra as Australia’s capital of culture.

Timeline

  • Year 1: Partnership mapping and pilot projects.

  • Year 2–3: Expansion of community-led creative initiatives.

 

Responsibilities

  • Artistic Director: Outreach and partnership delivery.

  • Program Team: Co-design processes and evaluation.

  • Board: Support local relationships and advocacy.

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Focus programs

  • BOLD Moves

  • ORION

  • A Stellar Lineup

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Stellar Innovation

Innovate Artistic Practice and Access Pathways


We embrace experimentation, new delivery models, cross-disciplinary collaboration and non-traditional performance practices.


Objective 
To explore non-traditional performance models and creative delivery methods — including science-inspired work and interactive formats — to reach broader audiences. 


KPIs

  • Pilot at least one innovative or cross-disciplinary project per year.

  • 15% annual growth in new audiences or first-time participants.

  • Documented evaluations of new models informing future program design.

 

Intended Outcomes

  • Expanded audience reach and new pathways to engage with dance.

  • Reduced structural barriers to participation across diverse communities.

  • Continuing to explore unique delivery methods and non-traditional performance practices, such as science inspired work and audience participation, with a view to reaching broader audiences and dismantling barriers to access

  • Broader access to dance for diverse audiences.

  • A creative ecology open to experimentation and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Timeline

  • Year 1: Research and develop innovation frameworks.

  • Year 2–3: Implement and refine new models.

 

Responsibilities

  • Artistic Director: Creative experimentation and partnerships.

  • Production Team: Delivery of innovative formats.

  • Board: Risk management and strategic support.

 

Focus programs

  • Steam Stars/Sirius

  • Virtual View 

  • ORION

Our Vision for 2027 -2030

Stellar is a small, high-impact ACT arts organisation delivering contemporary dance, film and technology outcomes that contribute to Canberra’s creative vibrancy, cultural inclusion and sector development.


Following a period of rapid growth, the organisation is recognised for its strong artistic leadership, capacity to engage diverse communities, and commitment to collaborative and accessible practice.


This strategic plan aligns with Arts ACT priorities by:

  • embedding and elevating First Nations knowledge and cultural leadership

  • supporting a dynamic, diverse and inclusive arts ecology

  • building sector capability through artist development and partnerships

  • expanding access to arts experiences through inclusive, on-demand and community-engaged programs

  • strengthening organisational sustainability through innovation and diversified revenue

 

The breadth of our programs is reflective of Canberra’s diversity. Our small scale enables agility and innovation, while requiring targeted investment in revenue growth and artist support. Moving into 2027-30 our aim is to consolidate our programs, broaden community connections and ensure greater accessibility through a more streamlined funding model.


Five strategic pillars frame our investment: Access, Connection,
Artists, Community, and Innovation—each designed to deliver public value, strengthen the ACT arts sector, and ensure the organisation’s long-term sustainability.

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 © 2024 by Liz Lea. Proudly created with Wix.com

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