Arts and Cultural Strategy 2018-22

Creative Kingston is the City of Kingston's new Arts and Cultural Strategy that looks to provide the ideal environment for our creative industries to contribute to the positive growth, economy and liveability of the City.

It represents Council's commitment over the next four years to provide increased opportunities and access to cultural experiences, to enable artists and creative thinkers to play a more active role in developing our society and to strengthen the City’s creative assets. It envisages artists, industries and Council will work closely together, listening to creative alternatives and sharing resources to better meet community needs.

This Strategy links to every major theme of the Council Plan 2017-21 with the aim of increasing capacity for more people to engage and participate in arts activity and cultural production.

Community input was captured through a variety of communication efforts, online activities and engagement options to encourage broad participation and generate quality input. Prior to this, a literature review identifying key themes, trends and benchmarking offerings with other nearby local governments was completed, and key findings from this were explored throughout the consultation approach.

A deliberation workshop to examine and explore the outcomes of the community consultation was attended by Kingston’s Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee and Council Staff to formulate the strategic directions, objectives, timeframes, resources and measurable outcomes based on the consultation findings.

Four key themes were identified:

Theme 1: Increasing participation and access

The community identified an opportunity to increase participation and access by facilitating collaborative partnerships that support arts and culture in Kingston, providing funding opportunities to support local artists and emerging creatives and by building on existing arts and cultural assets, events and activities.

Theme 2: Strengthening our creative sector

The community identified an opportunity to strengthen arts and culture across Kingston through digital and emerging technologies, via affordable arts and cultural experiences, and by providing a range of programs that appeal to specific segments of the community.

Theme 3: Showcasing our places, diversity and proud heritage

The community identified a need to ensure new public art programs are meaningful, have local significance and involvement, celebrate Kingston’s multiculturalism and diversity, and consider a variety of public art forms.

Theme 4: Delivering social and economic impact

The community identified the many benefits of arts and culture to health and well-being and to the local economy. We seek to further develop these positive community outcomes by building upon existing strengths within the community, forging new connections and partnerships, and offering professional development opportunities.

Have your say

We're now seeking your feedback on the Draft Strategy. Have your say by completing the feedback form below, or alternatively:

• email info@kingston.vic.gov.au
• write to Kingston Arts & Cultural Strategy Consultation, PO Box 1000, Mentone VIC 3194
• call 1300 653 356.

Consultation ends Friday 13 July 2018.