Ali Strachan, Arts Advocate | Writing service

Ali Strachan, Arts Advocate

Phone: +61 415 272 150

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25.01.2022 Racial prejudice and bias has been carried down, generation upon generation. Since the first settlers arrived and noted the Indigenous people with nothing more than distaste, dismissing huge feats of engineering, agriculture and land management as less than nothing - in order to lay claim to this land. Australia's colonisation was a travesty, and it makes me so sad to think how much we could have learned from our First Nations culture - and so many of us don't know just how i...ncredible this culture really is. Naidoc Week is about celebration, awareness and recognition. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists. "Australia has the world’s oldest oral stories. The First Peoples engraved the world’s first maps, made the earliest paintings of ceremony and invented unique technologies. We built and engineered structures - structures on Earth - predating well-known sites such as the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge. "Always Was, Always Will Be. Our First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years." I'm so sorry. https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2020-theme

25.01.2022 Depressingly familiar story that further perpetuates the idea that a job in the arts isn't a "real" job. Before COVID the industry only contributed $111bn to the economy. https://www.artshub.com.au//budget-2020-21-what-it-means-f

24.01.2022 Sydney Creatives this is a great opportunity. https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/city-art-laneways-callout-to

23.01.2022 Raise your hands solo business owners I know you're wearing all the hats. Creative director.... HR. Accounts. Marketing. Business strategist. And I know how hard it is to keep those lovely locks of yours covered and looking good while juggling all those berets. Okay, this analogy has gone south fast. Ahem. Anyway. What I mean is that it I get it. As a solo operator, we feel the pressure to cut costs and get things done - even when, let's face it, bookkeeping or marketing might not be our strong suit. So what happens? We do a half as good a job, than if we outsourced that small part of our business and got a pro to do it. This year I've taken on all.the.work to stay ahead of the game during covid. But it means the business development things I had planned, got pushed to the wayside. It means my plans to work on my website got shelved. My socials. Well, I just plain stopped posting. So I decided that wasn't good enough, and I've hired a team of fabulous writers and amazing biz process humans to help me get back on track. Now, my cool crew are helping me while I create more value for you. And honestly? I don't know what has taken me so long to get here. Struggling to write your bio, statement, website or proposal? Maybe it's time you outsourced that to a pro art marketer... #justsayin Image description: Blue text on white background saying "we can't do it all" The words "it all" are underlined. See more

22.01.2022 On 9 December, ArtsHub will examine the state of the arts in Australia in our Visions 2020 conference, exploring the sector in all its richness and vitality as well as the challenges it faces, both now and in years to come. Visions 2020 will bring our sector together to celebrate the voices of First Nations artists, People of Colour and people living with disability, as well as the ideas and passions of artists and arts workers from across the country. It will be an event... by the arts sector, for the arts sector. The conference will span multiple artforms and feature artists and art workers from around the country, discussing such topics as: how have our festivals changed with COVID? What are the most creative ideas for survival? What will the arts look like in the future? Because the event will be online, it will be accessible across the country as well as captioned so everyone can join us at Visions 2020. https://www.artshub.com.au//get-ready-for-artshubs-visions

22.01.2022 One of my wonderful clients Ronelle Reid applied for a Regional Arts Fund grant for an artistic residency at Currumbin Sanctuary. As part of this, I wrote a press release and Ronelle sent it out to her contacts - and look! Voila! This residency is the perfect fit for a wildlife artist, I've just been so impressed by how she's grabbed every opportunity this year and run with it. ... Tally so far... 2020 - 0 Ronelle Reid - 5 Whoop!

21.01.2022 Fun fact about me! I’m totally addicted to chilli Like, let’s-sprinkle-chilli-on-EVERYTHING-except-cereal-and-ice cream kind of addicted. That biting ZING just keeps me coming back.... What’s your chilli? What can’t you leave on the table? Weird and wonderful combos totally encouraged I wanna hear ‘em

20.01.2022 Over the past few weeks of introspection - I've been listening to my inner voice, but also to *you*. I've been struggling with the 'usual' way of doing things. I thought that in order to meet my income goals I had to manage multiple clients, multiple deadlines and multiple projects at once. ... It never felt right. Or good. Or often, anything more than just a bit chaotic! Until, with a little help from @KateToon and Belinda from @copywritematters I realised that my best work is actually done when I allocated focused time to collaborate with my clients. Plus, the results speak for themselves. It works best for you too! Like when @rosewilsonsinging and I spent the week going through her branding together to uncover who she was, what she valued, how she worked best and how this translated into the way she connected with her singing humans. Or when @chloewiggart and I sat down together to explored how her practice should show up on the page in her artist statement - and nailed it. Writing copy for creative people is different from many other industries. It's about listening and diving deep to learn about, and acknowledge the person behind the brand and understand how that translates across into the work you do. And that takes time. Time that is best uninterrupted, by other deadlines. So, from now on, you'll be able to rent my brain for a solid block of focused time so I can learn about you, and we can collaborate together and achieve incredible things for your creative business.

20.01.2022 #SupportArtists

17.01.2022 Want some tips on grant writing? Head along to this session (with moi!) on Saturday from 1-3pm. We'll be covering: How to find the right grant for you... Planning and project prep Grant writing tips How to sell your project and its impact Understanding common terms Ins and outs of grant budgets Got another question? Let me know? Register here > https://loganlibraries.org//introduction-to-grant-writing/

17.01.2022 On the days when you’re feeling stuck, it can be helpful to go back to basics, reevaluate and plan. Start strong by defining, or refining, your brand. You’re a creative artist, *why* should you give two hoots about your brand? Because your brand is a way to define how other people understand and relate to you and your work.... It’s a summary of: Who you are as an artist What you value and the recurring themes you explore What you stand for and the impact you want to make How you create what you do The vibe and personality of your business (AKA you!) The way you communicate that with others (through your art, but also the language on your website, emails, socials and more). These elements of your arts practice will form the foundations of everything you do. Once you’re clear on them, you’ll gain confidence in sharing your work, and clarity on your purpose and goals. You’ll also find the values and themes you hold dear will be meaningful to the buyers and collectors who’ll love what you do. It’ll mean something to them because they’ll *get* you. How do you do all these things? Through the powerful stories you tell. Worthwhile, right? Take some time this week to reflect on this list and write some things down.

15.01.2022 How do you find your "ideal" customer? Lotsa marketing folks will tell you that you need to know your audience in order for your peeps to *hear* them. The ol' 'speak to everyone, appeal to no one' chestnut.... While this is true to a point, it's not the only thing that engages people in your work. There are a few things at play here. So, here's some quick tips on how to make sure your messages are hitting the mark with the *right* people: Dig deeper than demographics: Yup, it's important to know your client's age, gender, location - but you don't create artwork to appeal to these things. People form connections with work that resonates with a part of who they are. Think about what they value, what they desire, what keeps them up at night, and what beliefs they harbour about themselves and the world around them. How do you and your work speak to these core parts of who they are? Define your branding: Understand who you are, and also who you *aren't* Good branding looks inwards first, before outwards. You need to understand your vision, your values, and how this translates into the work you do and how you share it. The pointy end of all this is that we all just want to *belong*. When you can share who you are, and what your art is about in a genuine way - people who feel the same way will be attracted to you. Like meets like: Think outside your immediate circle and think about things that are related, but outside your art. What hobbies or interests do you share with your peeps? How can you meet them on this turf? Does your work have a grounding in scientific research? Maybe there's a research-residency with a lab that'd fit you. Try to identify something *outside* the arts. Do you struggle with attracting the right people to your arts practice or organisation? Image description: Light blue tile with single line drawing of a woman looking demure.

13.01.2022 Support a small creative business

13.01.2022 If you’re ready to put yourself and your work out there, you need advice and support that’s empowering, generous and practical. Well, that’s little ol’ me! I live and breathe the creative arts, and I sincerely want to help you grow in your creative practice. So that you can continue making the world a more compassionate, creative place.... If you’re after an advocate for this leg of your creative journey, maybe I’m your gal? Image description: Ali standing on the lawn beneath a paperbark tree in a green tartan pinafor, scarf and black leggings. She is smiling and looking into the distance.

13.01.2022 Connecting and collaborating is something I’m privileged to do on a daily basis. Sometimes I feel like the luckiest person in the world. I get to work with some of the fascinating, creative humans. ... I get to listen, learn, and be inspired by your artwork - but more than that - your story. And I get the honour of helping you share that with the world. I get to learn what your dreams are, then help you shape a solid plan to help you achieve them. And I get to connect you with other creatives. It makes me so bloody happy to see those introductions culminate in beautiful new projects. It fills me with such satisfaction. I’m one lucky Ali-cat. So I just wanna say, thanks folks. For sharing yourselves with me. It’s such a privilege to know you, and help you continue on your creative path. Image description: Ali is sitting on a container that is decorated with street art of lizards, birds and vines. She's smiling into the distance, while holding her black hat on her head.

10.01.2022 Me. Give me a paintbrush, and it's a tentative okay. Give me music, and I can usually fumble my way through on the piano.... Give me words, and it's a *hell yes!* Give me numbers, and this is exactly how I feel. Do you feel the same? Or do you relish a number problem (like my girls do)? #daddysgirls

09.01.2022 Ooh my beautiful client and friend is officially famous now.

07.01.2022 Guys? Look around you. Not one of you is the same as the person nearest to you right now (a random neighbour alone in the next building totally counts as near you, if you're alone). And this difference, folks, needs to be celebrated!... You, I and your random neighbour are entirely, fabulously, individual. Your art is your own. My reaction to your neighbour’s art is my own. Your culture, race, disability, gender all help to make you shine in that particular way that you do (I see you). That light you shine into the world? It’s uniquely yours, and it enriches the fabric of our community. Thank you for showing up, sharing your work, and putting it out there. #beyourself #beyounotthem

07.01.2022 One of the biggest takeaways so far in 2020? The structures that hold our society together, also work to actively disadvantage so many people because of their race and disability. And you know what? I’m tired of excuses. ... I’ve spent the last few months learning how to advocate for change, and sometimes it needs to be done from within the system. #progressoverperfection I’m taking action in my business and professional life. In my family. And in my social circle by encouraging conscious consideration of the impact our choices make. I’m actively supporting CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) artists in the work I do and now, as a new RADF (Regional Arts Development Fund) Committee Member, I can advocate and support more CALD artists in our region. Diversity matters. But more than that, acknowledgement and action matters. And while I’m still learning how to do it well, I believe it begins with every single one of us, don't you? How can you put your hand up? No need to become a committee member or join a board! Is there something you can do that will make a difference? Let's talk ideas Image description: Corkboard with pins connected by blue cotton in a geometric pattern, to signify the structures that hold our society together. See more

06.01.2022 I learn so much from my creative circle. It's something I love about working in the arts. The nudge to see things differently, and peel back the curtains on our own biases. I recently helped Chloe with her artist statement and uncovered this fascinating woman with such a drive to show others how to love life. ... And as I've watched Chloe reveal the creative results of her determination - I get *such* as buzz. I feel like I get an exclusive view into what it means to be an artist. You can too! Learn more about Chloe and her art practice over on my blog > https://alistrachan.com/feature-artist-chloe-wigg-how-art-s

06.01.2022 Howdy-ho there folks. Remember me? It's been a while yeah? This year has been all sorts of up and down and for the past few weeks/months I've been in a huge FUNK. As a business owner, as a marketer, as a creative who wears all the hats - we're put under a huge amount of pressure to put ourselves out there constantly.... And if I'm honest, it's a constant battle for me. When the black dog raises his head, and anxiety and self doubt creep in - I go into preservation mode. I'd lost my creative energy and putting myself out there during those weeks just wasn't an option. So I just wanted to acknowledge everyone who has struggled this year. I SEE YOU. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do everything and show up everywhere - and sometimes we just have to take care of number one for a while. AND THAT'S OKAY. I also just wanted to send a high five to these peeps for being in my corner. @antmckenna and the crew at @BEMACpresents @alyssabebbington @muddy_tiger and the team at @loganartgallery @chelsifoskett Beautiful clients and friends @ronellereidart @chloewiggart @inheart_counselling @belindabekkers @rosewilsonsinging @katetoon @copywritematters @wordsthatfit @nerissabentley_writer @the_wrinkly_writer @calchickwendu and many more I haven't named. The good news is now - with some rad new projects booked, some help in my biz, and some of my creative energy zinging through me - I'm BACK BABY! Who's in your corner? Can you give them a shoutout and say thanks? See more

04.01.2022 I have some utterly fabulous clients! Meet @RonelleReidArt! Did her piece ‘Shhhh’ stop you in your tracks? Showing us all 2020 isn’t a total wipe-out, Ronelle took the leap to becoming a full-time artist this year. And mate, leap she did! ... After 20 years of balancing work and art, Ronelle was made redundant. It was the push she needed to work on her art full-time. She knew it was time to commit to her practice and use the business skills she learned at work to make it a success. Now, Ronelle’s art combines her experience in animal welfare, her love of animals and her interest in science and environmental conservation. Using ink, oils and watercolours, she creates detailed, visual narratives that explore the relationships between animals and their habitats, to inspire people to learn more about our vulnerable animals and do more to protect them. I love learning about animals and I’m very interested in environmental issues. My work started out as a cool observance of the animal world through the lens of the museum. Taxonomic reference, dioramas and drawings of dry specimens, Ronelle told me. Her current style is reflective of this museum experience, and inspired by naturalist painters like John James Audubon. She also brings her own quirkiness to her compositions. Her colourful and quirky pieces take naturalist style one step further, pairing species that don’t coexist or share habitats. She invites viewers to ask why the rules of land, air and sea no longer apply, and wonder why fish happily swim through the antlers of a bongo antelope and butterflies flutter around a moray eel. Read more on my blog: https://alistrachan.com/logan-artist-ronelle-reid/ Working with Ronelle was an absolute joy, knowing that together we’ve touched other people’s lives and shared joy, connection, empathy, perspective, AND we’ve learnt one heck of alot about each other. As an advocate, I’m totally invested in your success. Are you ready to take your next step? Holler! See more

04.01.2022 Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself - anon If you’ve ever wondered what building a personal brand is all about, this is it. Don’t know what this means for you? ... In a Branding Strategy Session, I’ll help you figure out the ins and outs of your personal brand. Then, I'll show you exactly how to express it in your IG captions, website copy, emails and more. Your branding is important to get on top of, because it shapes how you communicate with buyers, collectors, galleries - everyone! I’m like your personal advocate. Just think of me like the bridge between your art and the right audiences. After all, your art makes the world a more creative, colourful, and compassionate place and that’s a world I want to live in! I want to use all my skills and know-how to help you reach more people, and make a bigger impact. Let’s work together to make that happen. Ready to get clear about your strategy? Image description: Orange tile with blue writing that says "work until you no longer have to introduce yourself"

03.01.2022 Know what I’m tired of? Lack of measurable, actionable ACTUAL support for the arts by the big guys. It’s often left to grassroots initiatives or private organisations. Well, let’s talk about these rad folks who ARE supporting the arts! What do you see happening in your networks?... How do you or your mates beat that drum and support our community? Let’s start a conversation about where we can go, who we can support, how we can be active in our community. Share, tag, shout-out, go for your life! I've added some of mine below. Let’s get talking Shout out to some of my faves, @BrisbaneMulticulturalArts Centre (BEMAC) who work with @RegionalArtsServicesNetwork - RASN and local councils. They create specific programs and initiatives that support the CALD creative community, and raise awareness of the diverse cultures in our region (there's 217 ethnicities in Logan alone). @BansheesBar and Art Space in Ipswich. Nina and the crew do an amazing job of supporting local artists and musicians @YeahSweetPR The amazing @AlyssaBebbington is another Logan Creative facilitator doing great things for our region. She’s an ace Music PR pro, but also just the loveliest person! Super knowledgeable. @nate_g_hamon and Maria of @Mayan.Fox_ are active campaigners and community members keeping the conversation alive in their support at a grassroots level - check out their new podcast @TonicPopPodcast And there's plenty more I've missed, I'm sure. Tag someone you know who supports the arts x

03.01.2022 "Ali is a glorious and talented SEO copywriter, human and all round helpful person. "She worked with me to develop my brand story, style guide, tone of voice, website layout and more and provided me with such excellent value for money as well as being enjoyable and fun to work with. "I started clueless, and ended my two and half weeks with Ali full of clues and clear direction. I have a consistent and genuine brand story, I understand my audience and have a clear all-encomp...assing strategy moving forward. "If you are a creative soul who knows your creative things but doesn’t know your marketing things, Ali is your human!" Thank you @RoseWilsonSinging! Rose has the most glorious, creative brain and way of approaching life - full of joyous energy and curiosity. It was such a pleasure to work with her to uncover her brand, voice and help her develop a strategy that works for *her*. If you've longed to learn how to sing (but never thought it possible) please go check out her supportive and unscary course at www.unscarysinging.com. Image description: Green tile with an excerpt of the testimonial that reads: "I started clueless, and ended my 2.5 weeks with Ali full of clues and clear direction. I have a consistence and genuine brand story, I understand my audience and have a clear, all-encompassing strategy moving forward." Rose Wilson, Unscary Singing Course.

02.01.2022 #Languagewarning #excused We need the arts. When will it be valued?