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12.8

Final Draft Arts And Culture Strategy

12.8

Final Draft Arts and Culture Strategy

Directorate

Community Wellbeing

Director

Lynley Dumble

Manager

Rose Bruhn

Attachment(s)

1. Final Draft Arts and Culture Strategy 2024 - 2028

[

12.8.1

- 20 pages]

2. Draft Arts and Culture Strategy Your Say Data [

12.8.2

-

2 pages]

3. Draft Arts and Culture Strategy Community Consultation

Report [

12.8.3

- 3 pages]

Purpose

For Council to consider the final draft of the Arts and Culture Strategy 2024-2028, at

Attachment 1

.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

a. Having considered submissions received on the draft Arts and Culture

Strategy, adopts the final draft Arts and Culture Strategy, at Attachment

1 to this report.

b. Writes to submitters thanking them for their submissions on the draft

Arts and Culture Strategy and advising them of Council’s decision.

Background

Brimbank City Council’s first Cultural Strategy and the related Public Art Policy and Plan

began in 2018 and concluded in 2022 and 2023 respectively. These documents

underpinned significant opportunities for our community to participate in cultural and

creative activities that helped build social cohesion, the local economy and pride in

Brimbank. They also supported the establishment of the Bowery Theatre program and

Creative Brimbank brand.

The next iteration of these strategic documents – this draft Arts and Culture Strategy

2024-2028 – builds on previous achievements and responds to new challenges, gaps and

opportunities. It brings art and culture together, to span a range of activities from visual

arts, projections, digital art, sculpture, writing, dance, theatre and music to creative

industries such as fashion and other forms of design.

The draft strategy was developed following research into the strategic context for the

work, demographic research and via consultation. This draft strategy was then open for

community consultation following Council’s endorsement at the March Ordinary Council

Meeting. The feedback received from this consultation has helped refine this revised

draft of the Arts and Culture Strategy.

Matters for Consideration

Analysis

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Initial planning and development of this revision of the Arts and Culture Strategy

included reviewing Brimbank’s previous strategy (2018-2022), along with strategies

from comparable councils, the Victorian Government’s Creative State Strategy 2025 and

Australian Government’s 2023 cultural policy Revive. This investigation revealed

Brimbank’s earlier strategy was very much in line with others in terms of approach,

structure and themes. The one exception was the lack of a principle specifically relating

to First Nations engagement.

In addition to this strategy review, demographic data was explored, and consultation

undertaken with community, arts sector representatives and Council departments.

Following this, other factors were identified and have been considered in the

development of the draft Strategy. These include the ongoing impact of COVID-19

particularly in relation to the Arts Sector, Brimbank’s position of relative disadvantage

according to SEIFA indicators, sustainability, access, and infrastructure.

Noted opportunities have included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, the

desire to celebrate Brimbank’s uniqueness, focus on diversity and equity, co-design with

community, developing mentoring and career pathways and exploring inter-generational

activities. Based on this research the draft strategy pillars and objectives were:

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connections

•

Respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories

•

Support self-determination of cultural expression

•

Support the growth of knowledge about Aboriginal cultural and heritage

items in Brimbank

2. Participation

•

Support and promote opportunities for everyone who lives and/or works in

Brimbank to participate in arts and culture

•

Celebrate the diversity of Brimbank

•

Create pathways that provide equitable access to a range of arts and

culture opportunities within Brimbank

3. Partnerships, Collaboration and Contributions

•

Facilitate and empower key partnerships and collaborations

•

Advocate for the inclusion of arts, artworks, artists and creative thinking

across Council

•

Support the development of emerging cultural leaders in Brimbank

•

Explore mechanisms for private and philanthropic contributions to art and

culture in Brimbank.

4. Creative Industries

•

Encourage and share information about creative practitioners, industries

and activities in Brimbank

•

Connect artists and creative businesses to strengthen partnerships,

viability and growth

•

Develop learning initiatives that support career development

5. Places and Spaces

•

Provide and share information about locations where the community can

engage with arts and cultural activities and experiences

•

Provide spaces where artists can create and share their creativity and

culture

•

Investigate new sites and platforms for festivals, events and public art

Council then endorsed the draft to be released for community consultation.

This consultation results are detailed in

Attachment 2 and 3.

There were 23 responses

from community members and 95.6% of people either agreed (69.6%) or strongly

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agreed (26%) with the proposed strategy pillars and objectives. Most feedback relating

to the pillars was already addressed in the broader strategy and within the strategic

objectives. One exception was a recommendation to reference government as a possible

joint funder. This was added into the Partnerships, Collaboration and Contributions pillar.

Community consultation also provided many suggestions around programming. These

options will be considered as annual implementation plans are developed to action the

strategy.

Implementation

If the final draft of the Arts and Culture Strategy is adopted, then an Annual

Implementation Plan will be developed to deliver on the strategy objectives. A new

annual implementation plan will be developed for each year of the life of the Strategy.

These implementation plans will be developed in the latter part of each financial year for

delivery from July 1 onwards. Therefore, delivery of the year 1 implementation plan for

the strategy would begin on 1 July 2024.

Plans are informed with community feedback gathered during the program evaluation

and community consultation processes. Progress on these implementation plans and in

turn the strategy objectives will be reported via Council Plan quarterly reports and

Annual Report Cards.

Community Engagement

At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 March 2024, Council endorsed the Draft Arts and

Culture Strategy 2024-2028 for community consultation. The consultation commenced

on 20 March 2024 and closed on 16 April 2024.The method of engagement was through

Council’s

portal. The consultation was broadly promoted via direct contact with

key stakeholders, a media release, information on Council’s website, the Creative

Brimbank E-Newsletter, through Arts and Culture networks, and on the Creative

Brimbank social media channels and website.

Resource And Risk Implications

Resource for this matter will be considered as part of the Annual Budgeting processes.

There are no environmental, financial, regulatory or safety implications.

Legislation/Council Plan/Policy Context

This report supports the Council Plan 2021-2025 strategic directions and objectives of:

1. People and Community - A welcoming, safe and supported community - An

inclusive place for all

• Pride and Participation - Community and cultural connections built through social and

artistic expression.

2. Places and Spaces – Liveable and connected neighbourhoods that support

healthy and sustainable futures – a green place for all

• Liveable and connected – inviting and liveable spaces and facilities

3. Opportunity and prosperity – A future-focused, transforming city where all

have opportunities to learn and earn – a prosperous place for all

• Growing and transforming – optimise community opportunities through infrastructure,

innovation and investment

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Council officers contributing to the preparation and approval of this report, have no

conflicts of interests to declare.

DRAFT

March 2024

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Attachment 12.8.1

Acknowledgment

1.0Introduction

1.1Overview

1.2Vision

1.3Purpose

1.4Approach and Process

1.5Brimbank’s role

2.0Demographic and Strategic Context

2.1Location and Cultural Precincts

2.2Population Snapshot

2.3Socio-Economic Profile

2.4Growth Projections

2.5The Arts and Cultural Landscape of Brimbank

2.5.1 Brimbank’s Creative Industries

2.5.2 Current Arts and Culture Services in Brimbank

2.6Strategic Context

2.6.1 National

2.6.2 State

2.6.3 Local

3.0Strategic Framework

3.1Priorities of the Strategy

3.1.1 Bowery Theatre and Performing Arts

3.1.2 Public and Visual Art

3.1.3 Community Cultural Development

3.1.4 Community Festivals & Events

3.2Pillars & Objectives

4.0Implementation and Evaluation

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Attachment 12.8.1

Brimbank City Council acknowledges that the land the municipality now occupies has a

human history that began with Aboriginal Traditional Custodians, the Kulin Nation.

Brimbank City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land

on which we operate — the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people – and pay our respects to

Elders past, present and emerging.

‘

- Together We are Brimbank

1

Brimbank City Council is committed to supporting a culturally enriched life for the

community as a vital aspect of achieving our vision for the City. Cultural and creative

activities allow us to celebrate, reflect, innovate, learn, challenge and explore who we

are and how we live. These endeavours are also instrumental in fostering social

cohesion, boosting the local economy, and instilling a sense of pride in our community.

Brimbank stands out as one of the most diverse and culturally rich communities in

Australia, and we passionately embrace this distinction. Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander people have been the traditional owners and custodians of land on which the

municipality of Brimbank is located for more than 60,000 years. These are the traditional

lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin nation. Across the

municipality there are significant places where Aboriginal people have lived and left

traces of their culture both in physical forms and through intangible traditions and

practices.

Through successive rounds of migration, Brimbank has developed a rich tapestry of

cultures that shapes its art and cultural expression. Across our diverse communities we

have unique ways for celebrating cultural identity. These practices contribute to an

individual and collective sense of identity and citizenship.

The Brimbank Arts and Culture Strategy distinguishes arts from culture, recognising art

as a tangible expression that can reflect and shape culture.

The Strategy outlines how Council will support cultural development and is the outcome

of extensive discussion, feedback, and research about arts and culture in Brimbank and

more broadly across Melbourne and Australia.

Our vision is for a vibrant, inclusive and thriving arts and culture ecosystem that

enriches the lives of community members and contributes to the identity and wellbeing

of Brimbank.

1

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/plans-policies-and-strategies/plans/council-plan

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Attachment 12.8.1

Through the pursuit of this vision, our Arts and Culture actions aim to cultivate a rich

and diverse cultural landscape that fosters creativity, inspires imagination and brings

people together, making our community an even more vibrant and fulfilling place to live,

work and visit.

This aim of the strategy is to grow and support opportunities for the community over the

next four years through:



Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connections



Participation and collaboration



Leadership and partnership



Creative Industries



Places and Spaces

The strategy considers trends and broader social influences impacting the cultural

landscape of the Brimbank region. Research and analysis highlight objectives, priorities

and opportunities to achieve positive outcomes for local artists, the creative industries

and the Brimbank community.

The strategy is informed by independent research and analysis, as well as consultation

with community, arts sector representatives and Brimbank City Council teams.

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Attachment 12.8.1

Local governments play an important role in supporting social cohesion and growth

within their municipalities. To successfully deliver this strategy, Brimbank will be a leader

and champion of arts and culture. We see ourselves as:

: Providing places and opportunities for artistic, cultural and creative

activity and enterprise to occur and to prosper. Producing and commissioning arts and

cultural programs.

: Conserving, enhancing and developing our cultural and heritage assets and

infrastructure.

: Creating networks, creative clusters and brokering partnerships. Building

a strong and creative community through arts education, research, policy and sector

development.

Sharing, supporting and working with others to promote

community participation in arts and culture and achieving great outcomes.

Designing and hosting diverse cultural programs that bring the

community together, celebrating different arts forms and cultures, and reflecting our

community's creativity and diversity.

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Attachment 12.8.1

Brimbank is a municipality located centrally to the west of Melbourne. It is between 11

and 23 kilometres north and west of the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) and

is positioned between the CBD and fast-growing residential areas in the west (Melton

and Wyndham municipalities). Brimbank forms part of the western metropolitan region,

along with the municipalities of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and

Wyndham.

The municipality of Brimbank includes 25 suburbs across five local districts. These five

districts provide a focus for Arts and Cultural activity as it is delivered into the Sydenham

Cultural Precinct, Keilor Cultural Precinct, St Albans Cultural Precinct, Deer Park Cultural

Precinct and the Sunshine Cultural Precinct.

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Attachment 12.8.1

Brimbank is a diverse and vibrant community with a population exceeding 193,000

residents. The municipality has recorded consistent moderate population growth over the

past decade but experienced a decline in 2020 - 2022 due to COVID-19 impacts on

migration.

The diversity of the community includes people from at least 130 different nationalities –

48.2% of people in Brimbank were born overseas compared with 35.7% in Greater

Melbourne. More than 57% of residents speak a language other than English at home.

The most commonly spoken language other than English is Vietnamese and people with

Vietnamese ancestry make up almost 17% of the population.

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Attachment 12.8.1

Brimbank’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander community dramatically increased

from 282 residents in 2016 to 847 in 2021.

The Creative Australia report,

, notes that

“First Nations people are more likely to

attend the arts in person, engage with arts

online or create art than non-First Nations

people”. This provides Brimbank with an

opportunity for meaningful targeted

engagement.

Another notable trend is the increase in

people with a disability in Brimbank. In 2018

ABS statistics noted 17.7% of all Australians

had a disability. In Brimbank, the 2021

Census disability data reported 14,975

people, or 7.7 percent of the population,

needed help in their day-to-day lives due to

disability. This was 2.2 per cent higher than

Greater Melbourne. Given these increases

and the role that arts and culture can play in

wellbeing there is a significant opportunity

for engagement.

Other population and demographic considerations:

•

The median age of residents is 35 years, with a high proportion of households

with children

•

There is higher than average unemployment and lower than average educational

qualification when compared to Greater Melbourne

The Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) is an index that measures the level of

socio-economic advantage and disadvantage in a particular area. It takes into account

indicators such as income, education attainment, employment participation and job

qualifications and skills. A higher score on the SEIFA index indicates a lower level of

disadvantage or a higher level of advantage. The national average index score is set at

1,000 with a score below 1,000 indicating a higher level of disadvantage compared to

the national average.

When considering Brimbank, the Australian Bureau of Statistics from 2021 indicate that:



Brimbank is ranked as the 3

rd

most disadvantaged Local Government Area out of

80 in Victoria and the 2

nd

most disadvantaged in metropolitan Melbourne.



The northern suburbs of Brimbank, such as Keilor District (1052) and Taylors

Lakes (1042), show relatively higher levels of advantage.



From 2016, there has been a small narrowing of the disadvantage gap in areas

like Sunshine, Ardeer, Albion, and Sydenham. However, in other areas such as St

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Attachment 12.8.1

Albans, Cairnlea, Deer Park and Kings Park, the disadvantage gap has

significantly widened by comparison.

By 2041, Brimbank’s population is expected to reach about 231,332, indicating a growth

of 34,620 residents, equivalent to an average annual increase of 1,731 residents since

2021. Most of this population growth is projected to take place in the southern region of

the municipality, encompassing areas such as Sunshine, Sunshine West, Sunshine North,

Albion and Ardeer.

Key observations for the age profile growth:



Significant growth is anticipated in the senior and elderly cohorts, specifically

those aged over 75 years.

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Attachment 12.8.1



There is expected to be a strong increase in the tertiary and independence-aged

cohort (20-24 years), young workforce (25 to 34 years) and parents and home

builders cohort (35-44 years).



Substantially lower growth is projected for pre-retiree and retiree cohorts (55-69

years).

Source: Population and household forecast, 2021-2041, prepared by.id (informed

decisions), July 2023.

In Brimbank, we are fortunate to have a broad range of artistic and cultural offerings.

Our community enjoys vibrant music, visual art, theatre and performances influenced by

and expressing cultures from around the world as well as our unique Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander culture. These creative offerings are not only produced by Council

but also more broadly by the community and creative industries sector.

The Creative Brimbank Market Research Report 2022 noted that many people in

Brimbank and surrounding areas were not choosing between going to a headline event in

the CBD over a local show or exhibition. Rather, cultural activities in Brimbank are

85 AND OVER

80 TO 84

75 TO 79

70 TO 74

65 TO 69

60 TO 64

55 TO 59

50 TO 54

45 TO 49

40 TO 44

35 TO 39

30 TO 34

25 TO 29

20 TO 24

15 TO 19

10 TO 14

5 TO 9

0 TO 4

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Attachment 12.8.1

considered as different kinds of localised and convenient offerings. A noteworthy

consideration of the report was that pricing affordability and value may be a determining

factor in decision making relating to event attendance.

The report also stated that 93% of respondents attended arts and cultural events and, of

these, the most common kinds of events they attended were theatre, festivals, visual

arts, film and music. Many of these can be found on

the calendar of events in Brimbank.

Council values local artists, cultures, resources, knowledge, processes and skills.

Brimbank is home to skilled and organised artists and community leaders who are well

connected to local networks and resources and can play key roles in community and

cultural development. We hold the community in positive regard, and its strengths

become the foundation of our work together. Brimbank supports a thriving creative

ecology comprising creative practitioners, collectives and micro-to-small creative

organisations/businesses. They contribute to the liveability of the municipality in many

ways. As well as the substantial social benefits they bring, they contribute to the local

economy and provide employment in the area. A selection of creative industries that are

working in the municipality include:



The Fundere Foundry and Studio, specialising in art bronze casting and sculpture

fabrication, serving as a creative hub for artists, art producers and arts business

including Sculpture Co and the Sunshine Print Artspace



Western Edge Youth Arts



L2R (Dance)



100 Story Building



Cinespace (Film)



Hyphenated Projects



Paul Borg Art School



Arts Access Victoria



Boilover Inclusive Ensemble



Women’s Circus



Wit Incorporated



Snuff Puppets



The Crate Theatre, located at Catholic Regional College Sydenham, which offers a

professionally managed studio/ black box space available for hire



Dance schools that offer classes facilitated by professional dance teachers



Performing arts schools



Festival partners that support Council to present work including Midsumma,

Melbourne Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival



A range of private entities with facilities suitable for a variety of various creative

activities.

Brimbank City Council has a proud history of actively supporting arts and culture

activities with and for our community.

A selection of these activities includes:



Targeted programming such as youth-led events and activities, as well as

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programming delivered in consultation with

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Attachment 12.8.1

the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee

(BATSICC)



Commissions and art collections: public art, mural commissions and managing

the Indoor Art Collection



Studios program: 13 studio art spaces across 4 locations



Exhibition and projection spaces for the community to share and enjoy art

including at The Bowery Gallery, Brimbank Gallery, Sunshine Art Space Gallery

and the Sunshine and Brimbank Projection Galleries



Bowery Theatre: a diverse bi-annual season of theatre, music, dance and

children’s programming, including self-produced work that reflects the Brimbank

community and performances by local artists



Bowery Theatre Residency Program: supporting the development of diverse

Australian voices and championing these artists and their practices



Art and Culture courses held at neighbourhood houses and community centres to

empower residents with artistic skills and knowledge



Financial and skills training and support for community-based festivals and

events, helping them to succeed and our community to come together to share

their cultures.

These initiatives reflect the Council's efforts to nurture arts and culture within Brimbank

and empower community members to engage in and benefit from artistic endeavours

and cultural exchange.

Local governments across Australia and globally acknowledge the significance and value

of arts and culture in maintaining a connected and healthy society as well as supporting

individual well-being. As a result, many municipalities have developed strategies and

policies over the past decade to guide their investment in creative activities. An efficient

and well-designed strategy serves as an indispensable tool in ensuring the sustainable

provision of services to the local community. The Brimbank Arts and Culture Strategy

2024-2028 aligns with and supports various local, state, and national plans, thereby

reinforcing its importance and enhancing its impact.

The Australian Federal Parliament released its National Cultural Policy in 2023, entitled

. The Policy aims to empower artists and arts organisations to thrive and grow –

unlocking new opportunities, reaching new audiences and telling stories in compelling

new ways. The development of the Brimbank Arts and Culture Strategy considered the 5

pillars of the National Policy, which are:

1. First Nations first

2. A place for every story

3. Centrality of the artist

4. Strong cultural infrastructure

5. Engaging the audience.

The State Government’s strategy relating to the creative industries is

which presents a vision to grow jobs and skills and secure Victoria’s reputation as

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Attachment 12.8.1

a leading cultural destination and creative leader. The

document is

built around 5 strategic priorities which are:

1. More and better job opportunities and pathways

2. Innovative creative products and experiences

3. Industry stability and growth

4. Equitable access to the creative industries

5. New audience and markets.

These priorities were all taken into consideration in the development of the Brimbank

Arts and Culture Strategy.

The

plan, which includes the Community Vision 2040, Council

Plan 2021 – 2025 and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, has identified a

series of Strategic Directions that focus and guide Council activities towards its Vision for

Brimbank. The four Strategic Directions are:

1.

: A welcoming, safe and supported community – an

inclusive place for all

2.

: Liveable and connected neighbourhoods that support healthy

and sustainable futures – a green place for all

3.

: A future-focused city where all have opportunities to

learn and earn – a prosperous place for all

4.

: A high-performing organisation that enacts the

vision and decisions of Council through the delivery of quality and innovative services

– a fairer place for all.

While the Arts and Culture Strategy aligns with aspects of all four directions, the

Strategic Direction which Arts and Culture activity primarily contribute to is

Within this Strategic Direction are two Strategic Objectives: Wellbeing and

Belonging and Pride and Participation. The latter of these objectives includes a focus on

strategies to:



Enable social, cultural and artistic expression



Continue our commitment to respecting and recognising Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander peoples and culture



Deliver a range of initiatives that celebrate diversity and intercultural sharing



Encourage vibrant community events and activities.

The Arts and Culture Strategy delivers against these objectives of the

and supports Council’s Vision for the municipality.

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Attachment 12.8.1

The Brimbank Arts and Culture Strategy embraces a multifaceted approach aimed at

enabling cultural and artistic expression while fostering inclusivity and celebrating

cultural diversity. This includes a broad community-wide response and a more targeted

approach to support the development of diverse Australian voices. Importantly, this

ensures a considered approach to engagement and creates opportunities for

marginalised voices to be heard and for their cultural contributions to be acknowledged.

This includes ensuring opportunities that are inclusive of or focus on our local Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander community, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)

communities, rainbow communities, seniors and young people and people with a

disability.

The delivery of this work is supported through collaboration and partnership with

external organisations, most Council departments and a structure of enablers within the

Arts and Culture Unit. These enablers include a Community and Cultural Development

team, Theatre and Performing Arts team, Festivals and Events Team, Visual and Public

Art team and Venue Operations team.

The Community Cultural Development (CCD) team facilitates arts and cultural activities,

adopting a community development approach that places the Brimbank community first.

It works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and values their

knowledge and guidance. The team focuses on engaging communities in cultural

activities and artistic endeavours to address social issues, foster community engagement

and promote social change. This approach typically involves collaboration between

artists, cultural practitioners, community members and other stakeholders to co-create

and co-produce cultural experiences. The emphasis is on empowering communities to

express their identities, share their stories and address local concerns through artistic

and cultural activities. The Community Cultural Development team aims to empower the

Brimbank community by leveraging the richness of culture and the arts for social benefit.

Through diverse activities, workshops, and events, it strives to strengthen social

connections and cohesion within Brimbank.

The Bowery Theatre is a vibrant space in Melbourne’s west for artists, audiences and

communities to explore and experience bold ideas, diverse perspectives and

performances with a rich cultural lens. The Bowery respectfully acknowledges the place

where we live, work and play, Wurundjeri and Bunurong country, and commits to

sharing the stories and creatives practices of First Nations Australians on its stage. The

theatre is a producer, presenter and venue for hire. It hosts theatre, dance, music,

literature and experimental performances across multiple forms that entertain, educate,

and inspire audiences. Embracing a participatory practice, the Theatre and Performing

Arts team supports local artists and champions diverse Australian voices by working

purposefully and collaboratively through residencies, arts partnerships and artist

development programs.

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Attachment 12.8.1

The Visual Art program at Brimbank City Council serves as a vibrant cornerstone for

community enrichment and development. Through exhibitions, public art, murals,

studios, workshops, professional development opportunities and accessible artist-run

initiatives, the program fosters a sense of belonging, civic pride and cultural identity

within the community. By strategically placing art in public spaces and community

facilities, the program visually enhances these areas and sparks dialogue and reflection

among residents and visitors. The emphasis on supporting local artists and those

connected to the region celebrates local creatives and provides a platform for artists to

showcase their work, nurturing a thriving artistic ecosystem that contributes to the

area's cultural fabric. The program actively engages diverse demographics and art forms,

promoting inclusivity, thus serving as a catalyst for social cohesion and creative

empowerment within Brimbank.

Brimbank City Council’s support for community-led festivals and events is guided by the

. Council works with local

communities to bring forth celebrations that reflect the diversity and richness of cultures

in the municipality through a multi-faceted array of initiatives and assistance, including

funding support via the Community Grants Program, capacity building and skills

development as well as offering access to facilities, venues, promotion and staff.

Through this support, Council amplifies the voices of its residents, ensuring these events

connect, enliven and resonate with our diverse community.

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Attachment 12.8.1

We acknowledge that arts and culture in Brimbank are based on a foundation of

human creativity in Australia that is more than 65,000 years old. Brimbank City

Council is located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples.

As custodians of the oldest living culture on the planet, Traditional Owners share a

profound and enduring connection with the land, its waterways and people. This

cultural heritage is expressed through a vibrant and resilient artistic legacy and

modern cultural identity. Brimbank supports and celebrates the sharing of the art

and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We acknowledge that

self-determination is integral, as it empowers people to tell their own stories.

In relation to this pillar Council will:

Arts and culture provide a platform for social connection and understanding that

engages all members of our community and can transcend barriers to participation.

To foster inclusivity, we will actively build relationships based on trust and

cooperation, community engagement and accessibility. As one of the most

culturally diverse municipalities in Victoria, Brimbank will support its communities

to contribute to and participate in the arts to promote and celebrate their diversity

and resilience.

In relation to this pillar Council will:

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Attachment 12.8.1

Partnerships play a vital role in extending and deepening creative program delivery

and impact within Council and across the arts sector. Council plays a pivotal role in

empowering leaders, partners and collaborators, while supporting the development

of diverse Australian voices and championing artists and their creative practice. We

will develop initiatives to support cultural leaders in Brimbank that provide

platforms for creation, presentation and celebration while building industry

networks. We will advocate for the importance of arts, culture and creativity for the

whole community.

In relation to this pillar Council will:

Arts and culture in Brimbank are as vibrant and sustainable as the communities,

organisations and artists that contribute to them. Council listens to the needs of

the creative sector and community. It provides support, employment and funding

to build capacity and promote local creative industries and foster growth,

innovation and connections for local artists and arts organisations. Artists are

provided with opportunities to learn through collaboration, making and presenting.

Learning and education initiatives will support skills development and a more

inclusive, thriving cultural ecosystem.

In relation to this pillar Council will:

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Attachment 12.8.1

Access to arts and cultural spaces and places is essential for ensuring sustainable,

vibrant and thriving communities. They bring people together to immerse

themselves in arts, culture and creativity. Outdoor creative interactions that

encompass public art, festivals and events enhance the local cultural landscape

and infuse art into everyday life. Ultimately, safe, accessible places and spaces

are essential for cultural exchange, promoting a sense of belonging, connection to

community, and celebrating difference as well as our shared identity.

In relation to this pillar Council will:

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Attachment 12.8.1

To progress work against each of the pillars and their objectives, a plan will be

developed for every year of the strategy’s duration. The plan will be based on evaluation

of previous activities along with ongoing engagement with the creative sector and

practitioners, Council departments and a broad range of other stakeholders.

A range of quantitative and qualitative measures will be used to evaluate the success of

each activity, including the diversity of individuals and communities they reach and the

impact they have on those involved as well as the Brimbank community overall.

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Attachment 12.8.1

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Attachment 12.8.1

Attachment 2 - Draft Arts and Culture Strategy 2024-2028

Your Say Brimbank Contribution Summary

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Attachment 12.8.2

One additional respondent emailed Council directly and as a result they are not reflected in the Your

Say data. They did not answer any of the questions posed by the survey, however we have included

their comments in the Draft Arts and Culture Strategy Community Consultation Report. For this

reason, the report shows 23 respondents as opposed to the Your Say data that lists 22.

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Attachment 12.8.2

ATTACHMENT 3 - Community Consultation Report

Arts and Culture Strategy 2024-2028

Consultation Overview

At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 March 2024, Council endorsed the Draft Arts and Culture Strategy 2024-2028 for community consultation. The consultation began on 20 March 2024

and closed on 16 April 2024. The draft strategy and opportunity to provide feedback was promoted through:

• A Have Your Say page on Council’s website

• Direct contact with key stakeholders and a media release

• The Creative Brimbank E-Newsletter, Arts and Culture networks, Creative Brimbank social media and website.

Written Feedback Summary

Council received 23 written submissions from community members during the consultation period. Of them, most supported the draft strategy’s direction and delivery.

Provider

Overview of Strategy feedback

Officer Response

Respondent 1

No feedback on the pillar or objectives of the strategy. Explore

possibilities for community bands/ensembles to play at big festivals.

Consider the balance for individual artist opportunities and group

opportunities.

Suggestions will be considered when developing annual implementation plans for the

strategy

Respondent 2

Consider more projection festivals at the silo on Sunshine Road.

Suggestions will be considered when developing annual implementation plans for the

strategy

Respondent 3

No arts, no culture. It has nothing to do with Council. It’s not your job.

Feedback noted but did not inform or impact the final strategy

Respondent 4

No additional comments.

Respondent 5

Programs should be for all, not the minority.

Inclusivity is a core consideration underpinning the strategy. Programming will be a

combination of broad and targeted program responses to encourage general

engagement as well as creating opportunities to overcome systemic barriers to

inclusion.

Respondent 6

Add page numbers to the strategy.

Seeking some detail around mechanisms for private and philanthropic

support and the mechanisms for evaluation.

Final strategy will include page numbers. Currently there is no more detail as the

strategy seeks to explore mechanisms for private and philanthropic support over the

next four years.

Respondent 7

No additional comments.

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Attachment 12.8.3

Respondent 8

Make the Brimbank website easier to find Arts and Culture course and

projects.

As functionality of the Brimbank website is outside of the scope of the strategy, this

feedback did not inform or impact the final strategy. This feedback will be shared

with those working on the Brimbank website.

Respondent 9

Recommends programming that is inclusive of all ages and backgrounds.

Inclusivity is a core consideration underpinning the Strategy. Programming will be a

combination of broad and targeted responses. The strategy identifies community

sectors for targeted responses including youth, seniors and CALD communities.

Recommendation will be considered when developing annual implementation plans

for the strategy.

Respondent 10

Get more bands and festivals money to run programs like teaching

technology to the older community. Opportunities for musicians to play

gigs.

Teaching technology to older community sits with other Council strategies. We will

pass this feedback on to those work areas. Programming suggestions will be

considered when developing annual implementation plans for the strategy.

Respondent 11

No additional comments.

Respondent 12

Seek joint funding from the State Government and other stakeholders for

the promotion of programs. Develop artist-in-residence opportunities

focused on the history and culture of people in Brimbank.

Reference to government as a potential joint funder has been added to Partnerships,

Collaboration and Contributions pillar.

Council has several artist residency programs. The recommendation to theme one

around history and culture will be considered in the development of the annual

implementation plans for the strategy.

Respondent 13

Ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, including through online

initiatives. Ensure all venues are COVID safe. Programming

recommendations include developing a local film festival, film nights and

opportunities for digital arts.

Accessibility and inclusivity are core consideration underpinning the strategy, which

identifies people with a disability as a community sector for targeted programming

responses. The specifics of programming responses will be developed through annual

implementation plans for the strategy. The respondent’s feedback will be taken into

consideration as part of the development of those plans. Ensuring all Council venues

are COVID safe is outside of the scope of this Strategy.

Respondent 14

No feedback on the pillar or objectives of the strategy. Programming

recommendations include developing an arts venue in the Sunshine area,

considering a program for artists to apply for underutilised, empty spaces

as pop-ups or studios and arts courses after hours.

The recommendation to develop an arts venue in Sunshine will be explored under the

annual implementation plans in line with the Places and Spaces pillar of the strategy.

The programming suggestions will be considered when developing annual

implementation plans for the strategy.

Respondent 15

Recommends flying the Aboriginal flag and engaging the Aboriginal

community in organising festivals and activities in parks.

Programming recommendations include showing displays of Aboriginal

culture at local shopping centres and possibly building a museum with

artefacts and paintings.

Flying the Aboriginal flag already sits under other Council strategies and policies.

Engagement of Aboriginal community in the development of activities and programs

is high priority of this strategy and is captured in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Connections pillar. Programming suggestions will be considered when

developing annual implementation plans for the strategy.

Respondent 16

No feedback on the pillar or objectives of the strategy. Program

recommendations including more opportunities for children’s

involvement.

Programming suggestions will be considered when developing annual

implementation plans for the strategy. As opportunities for children’s involvement is

broad, we will pass this on to other units such as Libraries and Neighbourhood

Houses.

Respondent 17

No feedback on the pillar or objectives of the strategy. Program

recommendations including artistic-based free workshops, like writing

groups, painting classes etcetera. More promotion of arts activities.

Programming suggestions will be considered when developing annual

implementation plans for the strategy. The promotion of arts activities is captured in

the promotion pillar of the strategy.

Respondent 18

Pillar - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pillar should make a

reference to collaboration with other cultures.

The pillar recommendation made by the respondent regarding collaboration of

Aboriginal communities with other cultural groups is addressed in the Partnerships,

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Attachment 12.8.3

Various programming recommendations regarding the Indian community.

Programming - public/street art that is soothing, participatory arts in parks,

an artists’ market, intergenerational workshops, Public Art walking tours,

open air art festivals, artist mentor programs, artist-in-schools programs,

culturally specific events, multicultural community centre and food

festivals.

Collaboration and Contributions Pillar of the strategy. The programming suggestions

including those specific to the Indian community will be considered when developing

annual implementation plans for the strategy.

Respondent 19

No additional comments.

Respondent 20

Recommend participation to include active participation, not just passive

like being an audience member. Program recommendations include

participatory music groups in every precinct - by locals for locals, led by

different cultural groups and age ranges.

The strategy’s Participation pillar intentionally talks about participation broadly to be

inclusive of the various forms of participation. Therefore, this recommendation is

captured in the strategy. The programming recommendations made by the respondent

will be considered in the development of the annual implementation plans for the

strategy.

Respondent 21

Recommends adding goals about engaging youth. Program

recommendations include art classes, weaving / yarning circles, local

theatre club for children/youth.

As part of the strategy, young people are identified as a priority group for

engagement. By including them this way it allows responses for them to be explored

across all the existing pillars as opposed to defined separately. Therefore, youth

engagement will be part of the function of the existing strategy. The programming

recommendations made by the respondent will be considered in the development of

the annual implementation plans for the strategy.

Respondent 22

No additional comments

Respondent 23

No feedback on the pillar or objectives of the strategy. Program

recommendations include art therapy classes, art play for kids, group art

workshops, artists markets.

Programming suggestions will be considered when developing annual

implementation plans for the strategy

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Attachment 12.8.3