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2005
2005
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 INTRODUCTION 3
> ARTS AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
> THE ROLE OF COUNCILS IN SUPPORTING ARTS AND CULTURAL
DEVELOPMENT
> KEY STATEMENT
02 CULTURAL ARTS STRATEGIES 4
02.1 Develop Rosny Historic Centre site and Collection 4 02.2 Continue and expand existing programs and community events and 6
create new programs which celebrate local pride and identity 02.3 Improve information and promotion of cultural arts activities city wide 9 02.4 Improve cultural aesthetics of Clarence 10 02.5 Provide suitable venues for visual and performing arts 11
03 POLICY 12
> DEFINING ARTS AND CULTURE 12 Scope Culture The Arts
> IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL ARTS IN CLARENCE 13 Meeting Community Needs Creating a Sense of Place and Identity Creating Economic Activity
> STRATEGIC CONTEXT 15 Key Strategic Plans Related Policy
> PROCESS 16 Community Consultation Consultative Methods Key Findings Public Consultation
> PRINCIPLES 17
> IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEW 18
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 3
INTRODUCTION
> ARTS AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
The purpose of this cultural arts plan is to provide strategic direction for Clarence City Council in the area of arts and associated cultural activities.
It will provide Council with a framework for cultural arts development and allow for the development of strategies to value add to existing programs and develop new ones. This policy will shape the ways in which the development of cultural arts activities, facilities and services will contribute to strengthening community spirit, identity and a sense of place.
> THE ROLE OF COUNCILS IN SUPPORTING ARTS AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Increasingly, arts based cultural development is considered to play a vital role in building a sense of community. Many local governments are choosing to expand their scope to include not only provision of essential services, but to play a key role through cultural development in building cohesive and strong communities.
The decisions taken by councils to increase participation in cultural activity, maintain local heritage, and provide support to community groups are directly related to the creation of ‘place’ in a locality – expressing its identity, making it a destination for visitors and tourists and building its unique profile.
A vibrant and active cultural community is a key element of a city’s identity. The arts encourage residents to participate in the life of the community, and provide an important means for communities to explore, develop and promote their diverse identities and sense of place. Therefore artistic and cultural development is directly related to the Vision Statement for the City of Clarence: That Clarence be the best city in which to live, enjoy recreation and to develop or expand business.
> KEY STATEMENT
Council will show a commitment to cultural arts activities in Clarence so as to enhance the quality of life opportunities available to all individuals within the community and to develop a vibrant and culturally sensitive community. Council will encourage the pursuit of excellence in all cultural arts and heritage activities.
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Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 4
CULTURAL ARTS STRATEGIES
Strategy 1
ACTIONS
2005
2006
2007
DEVELOP ROSNY HISTORIC CENTRE SITE AND COLLECTION
Events and Activities
> Extend opening hours of the RHC site and Gallery and promote the site as a venue for arts based activities and events on the Eastern Shore
> Develop a strong identity for the site (name/logo) to increase the profile of the RHC and Gallery as a centre for Arts and Culture based events and activities on the Eastern Shore
> Develop more events at the RHC that are sympathetic with the site and value add to exhibitions with workshop programs
> Build school holiday arts program
> Identify opportunities for the development of visual and performing arts events in collaboration with organisations such as Tasmanian Regional Arts, schools, TMAG and other local groups
> Develop the yearly exhibition program of the Schoolhouse Gallery through expressions of interest and increase promotion to encourage greater use of the facility through the production of a high quality Gallery Program
> Continue to build and maintain the Clarence Collection through bi-annual acquisitive exhibition and development of an Art Prize in collaboration with Jazz Festival
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Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 5
Strategy 1
ACTIONS
2005
2006
2007
> Investigate opportunities for increased display and promotion of the Clarence Collection
Historical Collection
Facilities
> Accession and de-accession polices to be finalised and implemented
> Improved collection management of the Rosny collection
> Provide staff training in museum and sector management to facilitate improved collection management
> Improve interpretation of the various aspects of the site and collection including the cottage and the endemic garden, to increase public access and understanding
> Explore new opportunities for interpretation of the site i.e. new media/interactive displays
> Develop and market interpretive programs directly to schools
> Increase marketing of the RHC site and collection e.g. through Tourism Tasmania
> Investigate possible potential for the development of the Barn as an exhibition space, venue for workshops or performances
Develop Rosny Historic Centre Site and Collection
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 6
Strategy 2
ACTIONS
2005
2006
2007
CONTINUE AND EXPAND EXISTING PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS AND CREATE NEW PROGRAMS WHICH CELEBRATE LOCAL PRIDE AND IDENTITY
> Work with culturally diverse communities to facilitate access to community grants, resources and funding opportunities for arts and cultural activities
> Work with local communities to facilitate the development of a wide variety of arts and cultural activities in locations throughout the city
> Continue to support, develop and promote key city events such as the Jazz Festival, Seafarer’s Festival, Knopwood Festival and Heritage Festivals and explore opportunities for the development of cultural activities in conjunction with these city events
> Work in collaboration with other organizations to support State based events and festivals such as the Mountain Festival, 10 Days on the Island, Living Artists Week
> Identify unique aspects of the city and community and work with communities to assist in developing new events e.g. Wine and Choral events such as the Clarence Eisteddfod
> Continue to develop a program of events to utilise Council’s investment in infrastructure such as the Bellerive Boardwalk
> Develop an artist in residence program in collaboration with the Jazz Festival
> Continue to provide assistance to Bellerive Community Arts Centre
> Establish a special committee of Council to
provide leadership by promoting, facilitating and demonstrating an active commitment to cultural and artistic development in the city
Continue and expand existing programs
and community events and create new programs
which celebrate local pride and identity
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 7
Strategy 2
ACTIONS
2005
2006
2007
> Develop working relationships / partnerships with state wide peak bodies such as CAST, Tasmanian Regional Arts, Tasmanian Writer’s Centre; government departments, and other councils
> Develop a coordinated and curatorial approach to the development of public art in Clarence
> Provide interpretive signs for all public art projects to assist with community participation, engagement and understanding
> Develop a strategy for the ongoing maintenance and protection of existing and future works of public art in Clarence
> Develop a curatorial approach to the development and maintenance of the Clarence Collection
> Develop relationship with and provide support for the multicultural community, disability groups and services, youth groups and services, services and seniors groups in relation to Cultural Arts based activities
> Develop relationship with the indigenous community and recognise Aboriginal heritage and culture within Clarence
> Develop relationship with Educational Organisations – TAFE Tasmania Clarence Campus, Adult Education on the Eastern Shore and the University of Tasmania
> Continue to develop relationship with neighbourhood houses, schools and community organisations
> Acknowledge and develop relationship with local History Societies and interest groups
Continue and expand existing programs
and community
events and create new programs
which celebrate local pride and identity
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 8
Strategy 2
ACTIONS
2005
2006
2007
> Support, work with and promote local History Groups where appropriate – particularly in relation to history and heritage events and festivals e.g. Knopwood Festival, History Day
> Preserve and promote the cultural heritage and history of the Clarence area
> Continue to develop thematic walks within the Clarence area with themes relating to history, heritage and culture
> Work with business to encourage commercial support for cultural activities within the city
Continue and expand existing programs
and community events and create new programs
which celebrate local pride and identity
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 9
Strategy 3
ACTIONS
2005
2006
2007
IMPROVE INFORMATION AND PROMOTION OF CULTURAL ARTS ACTIVITIES CITY WIDE
> Develop city eNews to include Rosny Library, community, and council events, arts programs, exhibitions etc. - monthly publication
> ArtsNews published quarterly – increase distribution
> Website – improve contents of arts pages with links to Rosny Historic Centre – make it relevant, accessible and usable
> Publication of brochure/booklet listing visual and performing arts venues and meeting places available for use or hire, arts organisations, individuals and services – printed and electronic versions
> Improve media promotion of arts program
> Maintain current positive relationships with community and industry
> Tap into existing promotional opportunities such as industry journals, arts organisations, tourism publications
Improve information and promotion
of cultural arts activities city wide
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 10
Strategy 4
ACTIONS
2005
2006
2007
IMPROVE CULTURAL AESTHETICS OF CLARENCE
> Develop a public art program – pursue current opportunities and identify possible future sites
> Work under the guidelines of the Clarence Planning schemes to ensure a cultural arts contribution to major developments
> Allocate funds for public art within major council infrastructure projects
> Allow for community input and consultation as part of the public art program
> Investigate opportunities for the involvement of artists, designers and the community in the development of public places and facilities in Clarence
> Integrate cultural development into local and city wide planning deliberations
Improve cultural aesthetics of Clarence
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 11
Strategy 5
ACTIONS
2005
2006
2007
PROVIDE SUITABLE VENUES
FOR VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
> Acknowledge lack of medium to large scale venue for the visual and performing arts in Clarence. In recognition of this take the opportunity whenever it arises to facilitate development of such a venue
> Promote and optimise the use of existing facilities and venues within Clarence
Provide suitable venues for
visual and performing arts
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 12
POLICY
> DEFINING ‘ARTS’ AND ‘CULTURE’
Scope
For the purpose of this policy document it is important to set out the scope of the Cultural Arts Plan. The term ‘culture’ in particular can encompass many activities that fall outside of the practical scope of this Plan.
Although the term is often used to imply broader spheres of activity including sporting activities; wine; food; heritage; recreation; visual arts and crafts; literature and music; the focus of this policy is on Arts activity in recognition of an existing Community Arts Program.
In terms of the areas which fall outside of this Plan it may be necessary to develop specific plans in relation to those.
Culture
There are many definitions of culture. However the common feature is a recognition of the integral relationship of culture to human society – it is evolutionary, it is diverse, it is an essential part of who we are, and a way of defining who we are. It is about how the environment impacts on us, and how we react to our environment as individuals and as a community.
The Arts
The arts provide a means through which to learn, explore and express:
> Values > Aspirations > Notions of identity > Sense of place > Quality of life
It includes many forms of expression, for example:
> Arts and crafts (visual arts, public art, photography, sculpture etc) > Performing arts (theatre, dance, music) > New media (internet, video, electronic music) > Popular culture, films, fashion etc
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Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 13
‘ Art distils sensation and embodies it with enhanced meaning in a memorable form…’ - Jacques Barzun, Cultural Historian
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 14
> THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL ARTS IN CLARENCE
Meeting Community Needs
The importance of developing cultural arts activity in Clarence was identified in the 2050 plan. Feedback from the community showed that the arts played an important role in the lives of many residents in Clarence, particularly as a way of meeting other people, socialising and support. Participation in artistic activity such as workshops, festivals, community projects and classes helps build networks and a sense of community.
In the Community Consultations conducted in May 2004 two thirds of the residents questioned said they had been to a performance, festival, an exhibition or a display in the last 12 months, 40% have visited a cultural attraction, 28% have been to an organised class and 14% are members of an arts focussed organisation.
In the Cultural Mapping Project conducted in 1996, 76% of respondents cited improving access to the arts / culture, theatre, film, music and libraries as a way to improve the quality of life of the city.
Creating the right physical and social environment to encourage artistic activity increases participation by diverse members of the community, and subsequently increases involvement in the life of the city. The current arts activity citywide demonstrates the significant and important role the arts play in the community.
Creating a Sense of Place and Identity
Developing artistic activity is critical in determining and expressing a sense of identity for Clarence. It helps to identify the unique ‘essence’ of Clarence, encompassing and highlighting the natural, built and social environments. It is also a way of recognising and promoting the strength in the diverse nature of Clarence communities. For example, the seaside communities, the Coal River Valley region, Eastlands and the larger suburbs are all quite different, yet this diversity itself is one of Clarence’s strengths. Establishing the arts and cultural identity of Clarence is important:
> Within the community, as a way of developing community pride and a sense of belonging to the area. > As a marketing lever, using the artistic and cultural identity of Clarence as a mechanism for promotion.
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 15
Creating Economic Activity
A vibrant and visible artistic community can stimulate economic activity by attracting new business to the area and creating jobs. The recognised cultural identity of the city can be exploited as a marketing angle to attract tourists and residents to the region. Council’s Economic Development Plan 2005 - 2007 recognises the value of the expanding tourism and visitor activities based on the heritage and natural resources of the city and that the Kangaroo Bay area – a site for major city events such as the Jazz Festival and the Seafarers Festival - is becoming a major waterfront location with economic opportunities relating to tourism, recreational and commercial developments.
“Those communities that are richest in their artistic tradition are also those that are the most progressive in their economic performance and most resilient and secure in their economic structures.“ - J.Galbraith, Economist
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 16
> STRATEGIC CONTEXT
Key Strategic Plans
As culture is integral to developing and promoting the City’s ‘identity’, the Cultural Arts Policy is strongly related to Council’s vision and mission statements.
The policy also relates to Clarence 2050 and Clarence’s Strategic Plan June 2004.
Related Policy
The Cultural Arts Policy operates in the context of the following policy statements by Council:
> Social Policy > Community Consultations > Festivals and Public Events > Clarence City Council Concert Band > Financial Assistance to Community Groups > Youth Activities and Support > Bellerive Village Cambridge Road Streetscape Plan > Economic Policy > Development Approval Conditions > City Marketing Plan > Economic Development Plan
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 17
> PROCESS
Community Consultation
In seeking to develop a cultural arts policy council needed to identify the key needs, aspirations and expectations of the community in relation to arts and cultural activity and to determine where current offerings meet or fail to meet the expectations of the community. Council engaged research consultants to conduct in conjunction with council staff, a range of community consultations.
Consultative Methods
Community consultation was undertaken on three levels to assist in developing a draft plan:
> Telephone survey of 400 Clarence residents > Mail out questionnaire to 100 organizations > Conducting of 4 focus groups
There was a final round of public consultation on the draft plan.
Key Findings
> Clarence residents currently have a high level of involvement in the arts and many organisations have been developed to meet their needs.
> The reputation for excellence in some areas of the arts extends well beyond the City of Clarence.
> It is recognised that Council is a major supporter of the Arts in Clarence and it is expected that it will continue to provide support within the community’s capacity to pay.
> It is believed that Clarence is inadequately provided for with both indoor and outdoor venues for the visual and performing arts and that residents are required to go outside the City to perform. For some, the lack of venues diminishes their civic pride in the City of Clarence.
> Potential outdoor venues and tourism attractions make Clarence an attractive place for the arts to flourish. The opportunities in developing the arts will support the image of “Clarence… a brighter place”.
> It was recognised that there is a need for a medium to large scale multi-purpose indoor visual and performing arts venue in Clarence.
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 18
> PRINCIPLES
The policy is based on the following principles.
1. Council believes that all individuals should have the right to participate in arts and cultural activities whether as performers, participants or audience and will seek to promote an appreciation of local arts and cultural activities within the City boundaries, elsewhere in the State and beyond.
2. Council recognises that the needs and aspirations of individuals and groups within the community will require particular support and encouragement due to differing circumstances and resources, if they and the wider Clarence community are to benefit.
3. Council recognises that some parts of the City are already a focus for both local artistic activity and for visitors to Clarence and believes that the development of activities in these areas is likely to bring benefits to those locations and to the wider Clarence community, as well as the broader benefits that come to the City through related developments in tourism, business and economic activity.
4. It recognises that the distinctive nature of parts of Clarence provides the residents of those areas with particular opportunities and that there are natural physical features of Clarence that can be taken advantage of when planning events and activities. e.g The Coal River Valley Wineries, open air activities in locations such as The Boardwalk which is identified by its riverside location.
5. Council has a responsibility to support the community to meet its needs and aspirations by supporting individuals, organisations, and their activities and providing facilities within the limits of community resources and through pursuing partnerships with other agencies and organizations.
6. Council recognises that civic pride and a sense of identity should be encouraged and that participation in or experiences in the arts amongst residents within the local community is one way in which civic pride is developed.
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 19
> IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEW
The Cultural Arts Policy is a statement of principles to guide strategic actions for the development of a broad range of arts and cultural activities in Clarence and not an end in itself.
Activities and projects in support of the plan’s strategies will be implemented and funded through Council’s Annual Operating Plan and capital works program.
Monitoring progress towards goals and outcomes is a crucial indicator of the effectiveness of the policy. Achievement of the strategies will be reported on quarterly to Council and measurement of the degree of success will be against set performance indicators.
The plan will be regularly reviewed and updated and a progress report presented to Council annually.
Clarence City Council Cultural Arts Plan 2005 • 20
Acknowledgments
Clarence City Council would like to thank all those who participated in the development of this plan through the community consultation process:
Those individuals and organizations that took part in the telephone survey or responded to the written questionnaire. Those who attended the focus groups. And those who provided feedback in the final round of public consultation.
Cover Image: David Hamilton, Rack, 1988. Fabrication by John Parish Art Foundry, Launceston. Rack was provided by the State Government as part of the Art for Public Buildings Scheme and is situated in the grounds of the Rosny Library, Bligh St, Rosny.
