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Community feedback wanted for Wellington Shire 2024-2029 Arts and Culture Strategy by 31 August 2023

Wellington Shire seeks community input on 'Our Culture, Our Place' Arts and Culture Strategy through surveys and discussion groups until August 31, 2023. Participate online or at local venues.

By news@gippsland - 28th July 2023 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council is inviting the community to have their say on the future of arts and culture in Wellington, part of its 2024-2029 Arts and Culture Strategy. The new strategy called 'Our Culture, Our Place' intends to provide artists, audiences, and the community with a shared vision for sustainable arts and culture in Wellington Shire.

Mural painting at Maffra Secondary College

Enriching cultural connections

The strategy will encourage participation, celebration, and creative expression throughout the municipality, with a focus on developing a strong local economy and cultural tourism opportunities. It will enrich connections through events and experiences, celebrate diversity and strengthen how locals and visitors connect with cultural and community spaces.

Community input is being sought to better understand and highlight gaps and opportunities for improvement to meet community needs and aspirations for arts, culture, and heritage in Wellington.

Wellington Shire Council supports arts and culture through its cultural facilities, the Gippsland Art Gallery, The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, and six Wellington Library branches. Each ensures that the community has access to a wide variety of cultural experiences, from live performances, library author talks, and gallery exhibitions. Through the Have Your Say process, council officers are keen to hear from the community about festivals and events, public art, local history, and support for local and emerging artists and creatives.

Thriving arts community vision

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye said that Wellington is a leader of arts and culture in Gippsland and Victoria, with an exciting arts and cultural scene. "Council's premier cultural facilities including the Port of Sale Precinct and popular Gippsland Art Gallery make Wellington Shire and The Middle of Everywhere an attractive place to live, work, invest and thrive."

"The strategy will help us strengthen this following and ensure that arts and culture provides maximum benefit to Wellington. This strategy will outline a long-term vision for arts and culture in Wellington, and develop priorities that directly align with the council plan, and the communities' needs for a rich and vibrant culture."

"Nearly all of us engage in the arts in some way and I encourage the community to take advantage of this opportunity to have their say to shape the creative future of Wellington" Cr Bye said.

Community shapes cultural future

The community is invited to participate by sharing their thoughts and experiences of arts and culture in the Shire. An online survey is now open and will run until 31 August 2023. Please visit the Your Wellington Your Say website. Physical surveys can be completed by visiting a Wellington library branch.

Council will be hosting facilitated discussion groups throughout the municipality, where locals are welcome to provide their ideas on the future of arts and culture in their communities.

Discussions and feedback

Discussion group sessions will be held at:

Port Albert Hall

• Tuesday 1 August
• 10am - 12noon and 6pm - 8pm

Stratford Mechanics Hall

• Wednesday 2 August
• 10am - 12noon and 6pm - 8pm

Port of Sale (Wellington Centre)

• Thursday 3 August
• 10am - 12.30pm and 6 - 8.30pm

Briagolong Art Gallery

• Friday 4 August
• 10am - 12noon and 6pm - 8pm

Maffra Memorial Hall

• Monday 7 August
• 10am - 12noon and 6pm - 8pm

Yarram Regent Theatre

• Monday 14 August
• 10am - 12noon and 6pm - 8pm

Heyfield Memorial Hall

• Wednesday 16 August
• 10am - 12noon and 6pm - 8pm

Rosedale Neighbourhood House

• Thursday 17 August
• 10am - 12noon and 6pm - 8pm

Feedback from the survey and drop-in sessions will be used in the development of the five-year Arts and Culture Strategy 'Our Culture, Our Place'. For more information, please contact Principal Consultant, Bruce Smith at bruce@polisplanning.com.au or 0407 414 994.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com