Arts centre key focus of draft strategy

Raising the profile and expanding use of the West Gippsland Arts Centre are amongst key initiatives of Baw Baw Shire’s draft creative communities strategy.

Creating public art spaces, supporting the next generation to explore their creativity, and nurturing meaningful relationships with Indigenous and LGBTQI+ communities were other initiatives planned.

The six-year strategy, spanning 2023 to 2029, aims to guide the strategic direction for council’s investment in arts and culture.

Endorsed unanimously by councillors, the draft strategy is now out for public feedback.

The strategy’s six key focus areas are: inclusive and diverse; West Gippsland Arts Centre programming; functions and events; our community space; every child, every year; and, beyond the walls.

As well as ensuring Indigenous artists and LGBTQI+ community members gain recognition, the inclusive and diverse focus area aims to remove cost and physical access barriers to the arts.

It is hoped this will increase, broaden and diversify arts participation and audiences, and support the community to “listen, respect and learn”.

Under the arts centre programming banner, the strategy lists gauging the regional audiences’ appetite for shows and events as well as increasing awareness of the venue on a national level as vital to the art centre’s ongoing sustainability.

The arts centre again is key to two further focus areas functions and events as well as community space.

Council aims to raise the venue’s profile “as a leading venue for business events in Gippsland” to attract commercial events and functions.

It also wants to leverage the assets of the arts centre to deliver visitor information services, develop an outdoor space program to utilise the forecourt, and expand creative activities and exhibits.

The every child, every year focus area reflects on arts allowing young people to explore ideas and feelings, challenges, collaboration, creative thinking, problem solving and confidence.

It lists welcoming all school-aged children a professional theatre experience each year and providing spaces and opportunities for youth who dream of movies, painting, social change or stage as its offerings.

Advocating for a dedicated gallery space and establishing a public art strategy are key initiatives.

An annual action plan and partnerships with local organisations, community groups and other levels of government were proposed as part of the strategy.

Cr Jazmin Tauru said it provided key focus areas for council to direct its attention over the next six years.

“We live in a beautiful, diverse area, and we need to continue to do the work to keep it rich with art and culture,” Cr Tauru said.

Cr Peter Kostos said the arts was an important part of any community, using recent murals unveiled on toilet blocks and laneways as prime examples.

“Creativity is the heart of our communities,” Cr Kostos quoted, adding it provided laughter, memories, connection, joy, magic and “colour in our lives”.

“Coming out of COVID more recently, it was very, very obvious at the need for art in general,” he said.

Cr Annemarie McCabe said this “very well thought out” strategy would focus on ensuring Baw Baw was a thriving, vibrant and creative community bringing joy to many.

“The passion and commitment of our community to arts and culture is one of the greatest assets of our region.”

A short online survey is available or make a submission before consultation closes on Monday, June 12 at 5pm.