Council adopts arts plan
Campaspe Shire Council has passed its new strategy to support the arts and cultural endeavours over the next 10 years.
Creative Campaspe was passed by council at its meeting on Wednesday, July 21, and Mayor Chrissy Weller said it was designed to ensure creative communities in the shire were celebrated and supported.
“Creative Campaspe represents our strong commitment to continuing to resource and nurture artistic and cultural activities in the shire because we recognise the significant role they play in the lives of our residents,” Cr Weller said.
“Just like sport and leisure, arts and culture have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents, vibrancy of our towns and economic prosperity of our shire.”
The Creative Communities strategy was shaped by feedback from arts and cultural groups in the shire and comments from the community across 2020.
The document suggested using place-based planning processes, such as those in Rochester and now in Kyabram, across all towns in the shire by 2026 to help identify and facilitate community programs.
Providing advice and support to community art groups to develop events, tourism, marketing, and promotion and helping identify funding opportunities would also be implemented by council’s community development team.
Art swaps between art communities and bodies outside the shire were also floated, and working with local Indigenous organisations and groups.
Cr Weller said arts and culture were an integral part of Campaspe life.
“From community events and festivals to exhibitions and workshops, our residents’ lives are enriched through the myriad of opportunities available to learn, to be creative and to be entertained,” she said.
“Through the delivery of Creative Communities, we aim to support an environment where arts and cultural endeavours can flourish and continue to evolve for the benefit of all.”
The strategy is available on council’s website.