A framework and vision that will strengthen and grow Greater Geelong's arts and culture scene will be further shaped by the community, during a feedback period starting at the end of this month.
Council's draftArts and Cultural Strategy aims to create a more sustainable and thriving region through investing in arts and culture, rebuilding the industry after the pandemic and supporting creative communities.
Creative industries have grown significantly within Geelong over the past five years, with more than 5,000 sole traders operating and design making up the largest sector.
More than 670 arts and cultural places and assets have been identified in the region and the City cares for more than 12,000 heritage objects, artefacts and artworks, worth an estimated $28 million.
The draft strategy focuses the City's attention on priorities for the sector, the community's aspirations and leadership, and will be supported by a four-year implementation and action plan.
More than 1,000 community members and stakeholders were involved in developing the draft strategy between May and August 2020 through targeted engagement activities.
Key priorities and themes that came out of the consultation include:
- Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creative and cultural activity;
- Inclusive culture;
- Council leadership in addressing the community's arts and cultural aspirations; and
- Affordable and accessible venues, studios and rehearsal spaces.
Below are some of the draft strategy's commitments, which will have corresponding performance measures, strategies and actions:
- Engage the whole community in the cultural life of Greater Geelong;
- Make arts and culture an integral part of Geelong's identity; and
- Build rewarding partnerships with other organisations and within the Council to optimise the region's cultural life.
Council will receive a report detailing community feedback and an implementation and action plan.
The draft Arts and Cultural Strategy will be available for feedback from Friday 26 March at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said the Arts and Culture Strategy will be key to realising the community's 'clever and creative' vision.
This is an exciting opportunity to amplify more voices and harness the strengths of our creative industries as we rebuild our economy from COVID-19.
The draft strategy will build on the arts, culture and heritage recovery initiatives, worth an estimated $665,000, announced by the Council last year.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan, Chair, Creative Communities and Culture portfolio said the final strategy will play a vital role in the Geelong region's social and economic recovery.
We have a fantastic arts and culture scene, but there are so many more stories that can be shared, including those from Indigenous and LGBTIQA+ community members.
We need your input for this 10-year strategy, so please make sure to visit the Have Your Say page from Friday 26 March.
