Charters Towers Sets The New Normal For Investment in Arts & Culture

It’s been a little time in the baking but happily Charters Towers Regional Council has now formally adopted a new Arts and Cultural Investment Policy and Plan. The documents outline the vision, direction and priorities for investment arts and cultural development over the next five years. This sits comfortably alongside the other responsibilities of Council as the 4th pillar of community sustainability. It can only be a good thing for the future well-being and prosperity of the community. At the same time Council also adopted a new Public Art Investment Policy. Charters Towers Region is certainly setting the bar for the new normal. Congratulations.

A Creative, Cultural Future for Charters Towers

This week it was back to Charters Towers, one of my favourite regional Queensland centres. Over the next few months I will be working on the new Arts and Cultural Development Policy and Management Plan for the region. This a great opportunity or work with the Council and the community on crafting a plan that will make a measurable contribution to health and well being, quality of place and the cultural tourism experience. There can be a bundle of public benefits arising from this initiative. This place has so much going for it.  So good to be back working in regional Queensland.

A New Era For Cultural Development in the Gladstone Region

The Gladstone Region is poised for a new era of Arts and Cultural development with the delivery of the new policy and plan. After many months of consultation, research and review the Plan, when finally adopted, will chart the strategic direction for development in the region over the next five years. The Region has a rich cultural heritage, an active arts and cultural program and more than its share of artist, artisans and arts workers. With well directed investment, arts and culture will sit comfortably alongside social, economic and environmental domains as the forth pillar of sustainability.

New Drivers for Outback Cultural Development

The new ubeat Paroo Shire Arts and Cultural Policy and Plan are now finalised, designed and delivered. This region is a very special part of Outback Queensland with a rich cultural heritage and an abundance of creative enthusiasm. Hopefully the new policy and plan will help provide the platform and pathways to a very liveable and visitable future. Thank you to all contributors. It was a joy to live like a local for a little while. Go well.

Gladstone Region Votes on Arts & Culture

Back in the Gladstone Region last week finishing off the research and consultation process for the new arts & cultural policy and plan. Another round of stimulating conversations with the cultural champions of the region. Got the results of the community survey in too – 100% of respondents from across the region reckon that a vital arts and cultural life is important  – amongst other good things. Not a bad foundation to work from. Got all the info I need now; just have to write it all up in some kind of meaningful way and get the ball rolling on the next exciting chapter of arts and cultural development in the region. Per capita there’s already a great deal going on. It’s onwards and upwards from here.

Image: Pep’s Gifts & Souvenirs, Goondoon St Gladstone. Artist Unacknowledged
Photograph: Stephen Clark