A major partnership between BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Western Australian craft and design association FORM expected to be worth several million dollars is in the final stages of negotiation.
A major partnership between BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Western Australian craft and design association FORM expected to be worth several million dollars is in the final stages of negotiation.
The partnership will deliver a series of creative programs into the Pilbara region, in an attempt by BHP and similar resource companies to respond to challenges of doing business in remote parts of WA by engaging with the communities in which they operate.
A cultural centre will be constructed as part of the partnership in Newman, where FORM will implement and deliver a three-year program of creative development within the town.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore vice president external affairs Stedman Ellis said the alliance was a direct way for BHP Billion Iron Ore to continue to invest in the Pilbara.
“We believe this is a highly innovative and far reaching partnership that will set new levels for our community and deliver benefits far into the future,” Mr Ellis said.
“The Newman creative development program will act as a creative catalyst, enhancing the town as a dynamic, innovative and regionally relevant creative community.
“The introduction of a creative program will broaden the activities currently available to residents of Newman, with the expectation that economic outcomes will eventuate from the skill enhancement and small business development undertaken over the three-year period.”
FORM executive director Lynda Dorrington said FORM had existing partnerships with Alcoa, Rio Tinto and Wesfarmers – three companies with a global presence and committed to making communities.
“In a state where we export resources, it is a good message to be able to create things from those same resources,” Ms Dorrington said.
From the very first discussions, there was a very high level of engagement across of BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s business units, and a very sophisticated level of understanding of the potential of the partnership with FORM.
“Such an application of creative thought practice is integral to, and so exemplar of, their business practice,” she said.
“The mix between the resource company and the refined end product becomes such a fascinating one, once the application of design is involved. To this end, FORM will work hard throughout the partnership with BHP to showcase the potential of the resource.
“BHP Billiton Iron Ore has demonstrated true freedom of thought within this partnership with FORM.
“It is an innovative company committed to building sustainable communities of the future.”
Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) executive director Kathy Keele said the partnership between BHP Billiton and FORM was a fine example of a strategic relationship that will bring long-term benefits to the Pilbara community and the broader cultural community.
“AbaF in Western Australia has been working closely with both organisations and I look forward to the continued growth of strong ties between the corporate and cultural sector throughout Australia,” Ms Keele said.
AbaF this week launched the “Silver Book”, the first Australian guide for cultural organisations on how to develop relationships with donors.
“Cultural organisations have not yet taken full advantage of the opportunity that increased interest in giving represents – the Silver Book will help them to build relationships and raise more income from donations,” Ms Keele said.
