Taking on the role of DVA chair during "Arts in the Time of Corona", much like "Love in the Time of Cholera" has been an epic story with many twists and turns. Members of the committee and the larger arts community have had to adapt to changes in our organisation in response to the pandemic, which has seen us distancing, closing the physical gallery space, re-opening and moving exhibitions online.

Having been part of the Darwin and wider NT community now for over 25 years, I see the role of the whole arts community as essential to how we view ourselves. Advocating for the arts is entwined in the personal, community and economic structure of every well-developed society and the NT is no exception. In amongst the aforementioned twists and turns experienced so far in my tenure as Chair, have emerged the following highlights;

• Since re-opening in May, the support we [DVA] have received from the public has been fabulous and for that I thank you. Openings have been well attended and we had a hugely successful screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Deckchair Cinemas recently. All donations received from the night will be matched by Plus1 funding from Creative Partnerships Australia, making the event not only a great social undertaking for the organisation but also a great financial one. 

• The recent addition of the online exhibition space has resulted in sales continuing long after exhibitions have closed, providing an excellent opportunity for our exhibiting artists to not only broaden awareness of their work, but also the potential of sales.

• Our new(ish) staff Shauna and Lynda are finding rhythm and routine now that the gallery is back up and running on the ground floor of Harbour View Plaza. They can be contacted via 0477 886 070, 8981 9351 or by visiting the gallery space Thursday & Friday from 10am-5pm.

As an Artist Run Initiative, our purpose is to support artists in all phases of their careers. I look forward to talking with any artist who would like to make contact and those who want the opportunity to exhibit work or provide workshops.