"NEA began four years ago as an idea; to support the arts in Benalla and surrounding areas. This idea was to take the form of a pop-up shop which opened its doors in the three weeks prior to Christmas 2014, to provide an opportunity for local artists to sell their work in that pre-Christmas period.  In the four years since then, NEA continues to exist and even flourish. It has by now established its credentials and has become part of the art landscape of the North East.

In those four years there have been many changes, amongst the most significant being, a move to new premises, and an increase in member numbers. Since most of the original management committee have stepped down or moved on, this has meant that many of the people whose “idea” got NEA off the ground in the first place are no longer involved in carrying it forward.

For the current management team, this in itself has presented challenges, around finding the best way forward as well as dealing with the various opportunities and the often-accompanying difficulties in taking advantage of them. During the past year we have had a number of members of the executive step down for a variety of reasons, all of them valid.  A factor which has become evident is the reality of “burnout” as people find themselves snowed under by the workload of keeping what has become a rather large though friendly beast, running on an even keel.  

Into the future if NEA is to survive it will require more involvement by more of its members in order to spread the load. A strong executive will be necessary, as will a paid manager.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed, in whatever way, to the running of NEA in the past year.  people who have supported us by their encouragement and appreciation of what we do, have helped make art and creativity an important part of the richness and variety that is life in the North east.

Thanking individuals in a situation like this would inevitably lead to omissions. However, one person I would like to thank personally is Meralyn Vincent. Meralyn took on the role of treasurer during the year in spite of failing health, acquitting it with diligence, competence and a wicked sense of humour. She finally handed in the books only a couple of weeks ago when she no longer had the strength to continue. Meralyn is currently in hospital. Thank you for your contribution Meralyn your beautiful smile and your courage.

Seamus Foley,
Outgoing President 

A message to all the wonderful Artisans, Volunteers & Friends of NEA

If you are currently exhibiting, volunteering, or have exhibited, or been involved in some way with North East Artisans, we are informing you of our upcoming AGM.

It will be held on Tuesday 13th September, 2016 at the NEA building, 122 Bridge St, Benalla. Join us from 5.30 for a pre-meeting barbecue (bring your own meat and a plate of fingerfood) or 6:30pm for pre meeting nibbles, with the AGM starting promptly at 7pm and finishing at 8:30pm. There will be brief reports about what’s been happening at NEA over the last 18 months, our finances and our future.

All positions on the Management Committee will be declared open and nominations accepted on the night, and the week prior to the AGM. Please seriously consider how you can be involved. Remember that the Management Committee are just a bunch of dedicated volunteers who really want to see NEA succeed and be around for the long term, so we would really LOVE for a lot more people to be involved.

The Management Committee consists of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, as well as a representative from all the different NEA teams.  If you’re not so keen on being on the Management Committee, but would still like to be involved, please consider joining one or more of the NEA Teams. There’s always room for more people.
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If you are unable to make it and are a member or becoming one, a Proxy form is available.

​**IMPORTANT** If you would like to vote at the AGM, you need to be a registered member. Currently NEA memberships cost nothing but the time it takes to fill out the membership form, which gives you the right to vote at the AGM. These need to be returned to NEA in person or to northeastartisans@gmail.com no later than Monday, 29th August, 2016.

Looking forward to seeing you at the AGM on September 13th.


Carla Gardner,
NE. Artisans Inc. Secretary

NE. Artisans Inc A0090960Y
122 Bridge St Benalla, Victoria 3672
www.northeastartisans.org   
www.facebook.com/NE.Artisans