Cultural Places initiative provides a new approach to integrating arts in the Alexandrina Council Region
The Australia Council today announced a new partnership with Arts South Australia, Country Arts SA and the Alexandrina Council to develop a pilot Cultural Places initiative which aims to strengthen regional Australian communities through arts and cultural projects.
The Alexandrina Council has been selected along with the community of Rockhampton in Queensland to take part in the pilot study. Through the Cultural Places initiative the Alexandrina Council will share in a $1.2 million Australia Council investment into arts and cultural projects between 2011-2013. These funds will be augmented by investments (both cash and in kind) to the combined value of approximately $800,000 per annum from state and local government partners.
The Cultural Places initiative is a regional arts development opportunity which demonstrates the unlimited potential of arts investment in diversifying local economies, increasing social cohesion and improving quality of life within regional communities.
“The key to this project is the integration of artistic and cultural programs into the local council’s three year planning cycle and thus improve community well being through strengthened community cultural vibrancy,” says Kathy Keele, Australia Council CEO. “It means that the arts and culture are not simply tacked onto a local community – they become part of the core business of local government.”
“Cultural Places will assist communities to tell their stories, explore local issues and celebrate the lives of individual community members,” says Kathy.
Federal Minister for the Arts, Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean welcomed the initiative.
“The Cultural Places initiative involves all levels of government – federal, state and local – working together to deliver cultural programs to regional areas,” Mr Crean said.
“This program will increase opportunities for local community members to take part in arts and cultural activities such as festivals and exhibitions.
“This is a ground-breaking approach to nurturing arts and cultural development in regional communities.”
Country Arts SA’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Steve Saffell said “The Cultural Places initiative offers an unprecedented opportunity to witness how an investment in culture can transform a region and its local community”.
Alexandrina Council Mayor Kym McHugh is proud that Alexandrina has been selected for this pilot. “Through this initiative the Alexandrina Council will be able to provide continued support to our local artists. This new collaborative approach will be a benefit to our entire community.”
The SA and Queensland pilots will be used as a research site and will be independently evaluated to inform decisions about the potential for and value of broader applications of the Cultural Places initiative.
For all media enquiries please contact Simone La Posta at Country Arts SA on 08 8444 0417 or email simone.laposta@countryarts.org.au
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