Baw Baw Shire is home to a dynamic and diverse arts landscape, with a proud history of supporting creativity. To enhance this, Council is seeking feedback on a new Draft Civic Art Collection Policy, as well as a refreshed Draft Public Art Policy.
These policies aim to acknowledge the important role that art plays in enriching public spaces and civic settings, transforming locations throughout the Shire into higher quality spaces that the community can take pride in.
These policies also help to protect the valuable assets of Council's Art Collections.
Council currently has more than 220 public artworks, including sculpture, mural, and mosaic, across the Shire, and an extensive Civic Art Collection of 122 works. Featuring contributions from local, national, and international artists, these collections celebrate Baw Baw's rich heritage, cultural diversity, and deep pride in place.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson said that these policies were essential to ensuring that the Shire's art collections remained high quality, were well looked after and reflective of the region's history and culture.
"Art makes an important contribution to liveability, and we are extremely fortunate in Baw Baw to have so many pieces of beautiful artwork and some extremely talented artists to work with," Cr Wilson said.
"Just recently, the Neerim Artsfest was held, which is a great example of how art can bring the community together and create a sense of belonging.
"I am also grateful for the vision of our predecessors in developing the West Gippsland Arts Centre, a hub of cultural activity and a gathering place where our community can engage with many forms of artistic expression.
"These policies are vital to ensuring that Council can continue to support creativity in our local community and continue to responsibly manage our art collections."
Both policies are now open for community consultation on Baw Baw Connect until 13 May 2026.
Cr Wison also thanked members from Council's Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, and members of the wider Baw Baw Shire arts community, who worked alongside Council last year to help prepare these draft policies.
Visit Baw Baw Connect today to have your say, your way : www.bawbawconnect.com.au/public-art-and-civic-art-policies
