Council adopts Arts and Culture Strategy
May 25, 2018
Colac Otway’s cultural vibrancy is set for a boost with Council adopting the Creative Colac Otway – Arts and Culture Strategy 2018-2022 at its May meeting.
The strategy provides a framework to guide the planning and provision for arts and cultural services and facilities in the shire for the next four years and aims to:
Guide the future provision of arts and culture in the shire.
Assist in planning, development and resourcing of cultural facilities.
Support key organisations and groups in providing arts and cultural activities.
Increase community participation in arts and culture activities.
Provide direction on council support for cultural activities and events.
Better position Council to advocate for and access funding for local arts and cultural activities.
The development of the strategy included extensive community and industry involvement. Mayor Joe McCracken said Council received a number of detailed and considered submissions from community groups and individuals as part of the strategy’s development, reflecting the level of enthusiasm for increased support for arts and culture in the shire.
The consultation phase included providing access to the draft strategy online and in hard copy, hosting round table community sessions throughout the shire, information stalls at community events, consultation with COPACC and Council staff, submissions from community groups/members as well as phone conversations with individuals and representative stakeholders.
Cr Joe McCracken said this document incorporated the key themes and opportunities that emerged from the extensive community consultation and research. Community consultation included approximately 60 people taking part in community workshops with Colac Otway Shire staff.
“We also received a number of detailed and considered written submissions showcasing the level of enthusiasm and support for providing increased arts and culture service provision from Council.”
He said the strategy defined Council’s role in supporting arts and culture to include offering direct provision of arts and culture programs and facilities; using local government expertise, information and resources to facilitate and support arts organisations and individual artists; and supporting and funding artists to build arts and culture activities and events.
“This document will help Council to deliver on our community’s goals relating to the provision of arts, heritage and cultural services.
“Our commitment to implementation of the strategy is further evident by our decision to ensure the priorities identified by the strategy are linked to Council’s long term financial plan.
“We know that arts and culture play an important role in helping build local identity and strengthen social networks.
“Council is keen to foster artistic and cultural activities and provide opportunities for cultural learning and creative expression through this new strategy.”
The adopted Creative Colac Otway – Arts and Culture Strategy 2018-2022 is on the Colac Otway Shire website and available in hard copy by contacting Council’s customer service centre on 5232 9400.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400