Bellingen Shire Council - Arts & Cultural Plan Last updated April 2012 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Stakeholders....................................................................................................... 2 2. Objectives ........................................................................................................... 3 3. Action Strategies ................................................................................................ 3

3.1 Performing Arts ......................................................................................... 3 3.2 Visual Arts & Creative Industries............................................................... 4 3.3 Literature ................................................................................................... 4 3.4 Cultural Diversity ....................................................................................... 4 3.5 Infrastructure & Networks ......................................................................... 4 3.6 Marketing & Promotion ............................................................................. 5 3.7 Resources ................................................................................................. 5 3.8 Evaluation ................................................................................................. 5

Bellingen Shire Council - Arts & Cultural Plan Last updated April 2012 2

1. Stakeholders

Bellingen Shire Council Arts Mid North Coast Bellingen Arts & Cultural Committee Bellingen Community Arts Council Bellingen Music Association Arts Council of the Dorrigo Visual, Performing Arts & literature groups Exhibition & Festival Organisers Relevant indigenous groups Shire libraries

Promotion & Distribution of the Plan Copies of the Plan as revised in 2012 are available for viewing at Council’s Administration Centre, in libraries at Dorrigo, Urunga and Bellingen and on Council's website at www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au. Members of the community may purchase copies of the Plan at Council's Administration Centre.

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2. Objectives 2.1 The Plan has been developed to assist Council, relevant Government Agencies, the

Arts Councils and various other community arts and cultural groups in the Shire to:

• Provide a range of artistic and cultural services, programs and activities in the Shire.

• Provide appropriate facilities in the Shire for such services, programs and

activities. • Support and develop the artistic and cultural talent in the Shire.

2.2 The objectives of the Plan include:

• Assisting with the direction and development of artistic and cultural activities in the Shire.

• Providing Action Plans to assist Council to implement a desirable level and

range of artistic and cultural services, programs and activities. • Providing guidance and advice to Council on artistic and cultural matters in the

Shire. • Promoting the development of art and cultural activities within the Shire as a

significant element of Council's strategic planning and budgetary processes. • Helping to identify artistic and cultural resources within the Shire. • Assisting local economic growth through arts and cultural facilities and

programs. • Facilitating the communication and collaboration between various artistic &

cultural groups. • Enhancing the local cultural experience for visitors. • Providing support for the cultural needs of Bellingen Shire residents.

3. Action Strategies 3.1 Performing Arts

includes theatre, dance, mime, music, poetry slams and street theatre.

• Support funding requests from local & touring performance artists and events organizers if appropriate.

• Assist local performers and performance organizations where appropriate. • Encourage and provide assistance for the development of performing arts youth

projects.

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• Provide letters of support and financial contributions where possible. • Support arts & cultural workshops in areas of identified interest in liaison with

relevant groups and non-government organisations (NGOs). • Create a media contact list available for all event organizers.

3.2 Visual Arts & Creative Industries includes painting, drawing, cartooning, electronic and video art, environmental art and temporary installations, cinema, sculpture and photography. Also includes: furniture makers; jewellers; metal smiths; glaziers, leatherworkers; textile artists; spinners, weavers; wood workers and potters.

• Support the development of local visual art & cultural activities. • Support the use of exhibition and workshop spaces and identify available public

areas for art display, art workshops and performance art. • Support and promote the development of public art as per Council’s Public Art

Plan. • Support indigenous arts, arts festivals and cultural exhibitions. • Support the development of local craft groups, craft festivals, exhibitions, outlets

and markets.

3.3 Literature includes literature, writing, reading and poetry.

• Support local writers & readers. • Support the ongoing development of literary festivals. • Support the role of libraries.

3.4 Cultural Diversity Involves the recognition of Australia’s indigenous peoples, minority groups and people of different cultural backgrounds.

• Promote the understanding of cultural diversity in the Bellingen Shire. • Support the development and display of indigenous and minority art and cultural

works in the local Community. • Promote acknowledgment and respect for indigenous art & culture.

3.5 Infrastructure & Networks

• Support Management Committees to improve and maintain Community Halls and facilities for performance, visual, literary and creative arts.

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• Support the development of suitable facilities for the expansion of community based cultural education and awareness of workplace requirements.

• Encourage the involvement of youth, senior & disadvantaged citizens. • Support the pursuit of infrastructure funding for the development of a dedicated

arts, crafts & cultural centre. 3.6 Marketing & Promotion

marketing and promotion of local cultural events, groups and artists and raising their profile.

• Liaise with relevant groups, artists, festival organizers, Chambers of Commerce,

Government bodies and tourism officers to ensure promotion of cultural events. • Assist with promotion of events, cultural groups, and artists via the Council's

website. • Develop relations and cooperative arrangements with local media including TV,

radio, press, websites etc.

3.7 Resources include social capital, partnerships, sponsorship, government grants, community fundraising, arts councils and volunteers.

• Responsibly use the funding allocated by Council for cultural expression and

development space.

• Direct community groups &events organizers to the services of the Council’s grants officer.

• Assist in the process of applying for grants for Arts & Cultural Projects.

3.8 Evaluation

The following indicators are used to assess the ongoing achievements of the Plan.

• The results of the ongoing Arts & Cultural Committee advice provided to Council e.g. number and type of recommendations accepted by Council.

• Achievements of the Arts & Cultural Committee under the Plan. • Effectiveness of the use of the arts and cultural budget. • Evaluation of the relevance of the Plan annually taking into consideration

funding cycles. • The type, amount and frequency of information and assistance sought by

Council and the community from the Arts & Cultural Committee. • The relevance of the Arts & Cultural Plan in reflecting community priorities and

needs.