General News
13 January, 2023
Tablelands commits to culture
SUPPORTING First Nations People in the arts and cultural sector is one of the strategic goals outlined in Tablelands Regional Council’s new Cultural Plan.
The plan, which covers the next four years, lists six priorities – maximising the impact of Regional Arts Development Funds; prioritising networking and communication; supporting First Nations Peoples’ arts activities; capacity building; celebrating our heritage; and providing facilities and spaces for the sector.
Now endorsed by council, the plan was developed after com-munity consultation undertaken earlier this year which involved face-to-face meetings and an on-line survey.
The survey revealed that 90 per cent of respondents said arts and culture had been an important factor in their decision to live in the region, and 90 per cent said arts and culture were extremely important to them.
Some of the ideas gathered during the consultation provide an insight into what locals would like to see developed in the arts and cultural space.
“Each town has a different character that can be brought to the forefront through creative placemaking and public art, showcasing indigenous heritage and employing local talent,” one stated.
“The proximity of these distinct towns and villages creates opportunities to celebrate their diversity through storytelling, collaborative projects and trails.”
“Create more opportunities for youth to explore their creativity and support their development,” another person said.
“Fit-for-purpose, multi-func-tional and activated facilities and spaces at affordable rates are important,” another wrote.
Among the 75 actions listed under the six goals is to support the development of a performance space in Battery Park at Herberton, a proposal to expand the Tableland Regional Gallery to create a space for workshops and activities, promote film locations, commission local indigenous artwork for use on council resources and assets, and support community workshops and training initiatives that introduce new cultural experiences in a range of art forms.
