At its Council Meeting on 21 April 2020, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council adopted the Arts and Culture Plan 2020 - 2024.
The Plan sets a vision and guide for Council's involvement and investment in arts and cultural activities within the community and is developed in response to over 1,000 community members' feedback.
The Plan focuses on valuing our creative industries and cultural economy, access to broader arts and cultural experiences for our whole community and celebrating and enabling arts and culture on the Peninsula.
Community feedback highlighted:
- needs for family-focused arts and culture experiences
- greater funding and training support for creatives
- increased access to practice, performance and storage spaces
- creative precincts across the Peninsula.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said "Through arts and culture people are brought closer together, regardless of background, income, age or ability – especially during this current pandemic.
"A strong and resilient community is one in which creativity is actively encouraged and we come together by using it to tell our stories and share what matters most. Underpinning all of the actions and goals in this Plan, is a fundamental principle: great art and culture should be for everyone," concluded Cr Hearn.
Councillor David Gill, Chair of the Arts and Culture Advisory Panel thanked the 1000 plus people involved in the consultation for the Plan, the Arts and Culture Advisory Panel and the community at large for such a magnificent contribution.
"Arts and Culture is integral to our lives. Our Plan for the Mornington Peninsula is aimed at inclusion, creating opportunity, providing great experiences and enabling innovation in the local arts community. This means backing the ideas of groups and individuals, providing infrastructure and resources and most of all ensuring a wide range of activities for all to enjoy."
