Mildura Rural City Council has started on a new strategy that will set the future direction for arts and culture in our region for the next five years and beyond.
Mildura Rural City Council's Arts and Culture Strategy 2026-2031 will serve as a key strategic document to:
- Define the strategic direction for arts and culture in the region
- Establish best practices for arts and culture
- Clarify Council's role in arts and culture, including decision-making frameworks, priority areas, and resource allocation.
- Provide actionable guidance for identifying, attracting and supporting arts and culture that deliver economic and social value to the municipality.
Mildura's Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Healy said development of the strategy is being led by former Creative Australia Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski, a highly regarded arts and cultural leader.
Cr Healy encouraged the community to take an active role in shaping the strategy.
"One of the keys to the future success of this strategy is ensuring it reflects what's important to our community, and that certainly includes our municipality's outlying areas," she said.
"While we're fortunate to have a thriving arts precinct in the Mildura city area, our outlying towns, including Ouyen and Murrayville, each have their own unique and rich arts and cultural identity, which also need to be reflected in this strategy.
"I encourage everyone in our community to get involved and provide their input."
Together, the consultants will work closely with Council, the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, artists, cultural organisations, community stakeholders and residents to develop a strategy that is ambitious, practical and locally grounded.
Community consultation will form a critical part in development of the strategy, kicking off with an online survey which will be released soon. It will be followed by consultation sessions and forums across the region in the week of 22 June.
"Everyone will have an opportunity to contribute," Cr Healy said.
"Details will be released shortly with opportunities for residents, artists, organisations and community groups to contribute ideas and priorities for the future of arts and culture across the municipality."
The final strategy is expected to be completed later this year.
About the consultant
