GANNAWARRA Shire Council has adopted an “activation” strategy to promote arts opportunities within the municipality.
Council’s Creative Arts and Activation Strategy reflects its commitment to regional growth and economic development as well as highlighting the important role that creative arts and activity plays in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and attracting new business, residents and visitors to the shire.
Shire strategic development director, Chris White said that the specific reference to ‘activation’ in the strategy reflects the acknowledged local opportunities to increase arts and culture activity to the wider social and economic benefit of the shire and wider region.
The strategy aligns with the current Council Plan, Gannawarra 2025 and other council policies and strategies, he said.
Mr White said that the goal of the strategy is to:
• Positively define and differentiate Gannawarra Shire;
• Contribute to the economic development of the region;
• Contribute to community health and well-being through engagement in arts activities.
The strategic framework consists of four key types of activities:
• Community: Maintain a strong and vibrant arts and culture sector within the community;
• Facilities: Create and maintain a range of venues that attract users within and external to the shire;
• Marketing: Increase awareness of Gannawarra Shire’s arts and cultural places and programs across the region, State and nationally;
• Major Projects: Position Gannawarra Shire as an innovative and culturally rich location to invest, live and visit.
Mr White said that it is considered that the identified strategies and actions will deliver widespread social and economic benefits throughout the shire. The implementation of projects such as ‘Gannawarra Exposed’, ‘The Murray Explored’ and ‘Maker Place’ will attract visitors to the region, have the potential to foster new partnerships, support local business and positively influence perceptions of the area.
“The strategy integrates place, people and programs at a local, regional and national level as a platform for investment from within and outside the shire that will help to achieve key strategic objectives of council,” he said.
“Successful implementation of the strategy will require an appropriate level of capital and operational resource, and it is recommended that a service review be undertaken to ensure that council and its partners are able to deliver a sustainable arts and culture program.”
The draft strategy was developed through consultation with key agencies, partners, including Regional Arts Victoria, council staff and community members and was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and one submission was received during that time.
“Although the strategy does not explicitly commit council to any expenditure which is not already budgeted, it does open up the opportunity for new project development and new funding opportunities,” Mr White said.
Council adopted the strategy, which will be reviewed in 2020.
It was described as a pragmatic and exciting document, recognising the reality of a challenging financial backdrop and proposing an approach which will ensure that future arts programs are deliverable and manageable.
