Council’s new Creative Places Strategy sets the vision for the Surf Coast Shire to be a flourishing creative destination by 2031.
The Creative Places Strategy 2023 – 2031 will help pave the way for creatives of all pursuits to be enabled and equipped to enhance the shire’s sense of place and identity. It emphasises the role arts and creatives play in the economy, as community connectors and in enabling community to lead and deliver outcomes.
The strategy is based on the extensive community feedback received as part of the development of the current Council Plan and a targeted survey receiving 114 responses from the arts and creative community. A subsequent public exhibition period of the strategy resulted in 11 community submissions, all of which were positive.
“Whether designers, artists or performers, all add to the vibrancy of our region and make the Surf Coast Shire a unique and exciting place to be,” Cr Gary Allen said.
“Our region is home to a wide array of incredibly talented people. All of our creatives are at the heart of the strategy, which sets the scene for our shire to truly flourish in this space.
“We are already recognised as one of Australia’s top creative hotspots and through our Creative Places Strategy we can take this to a next level.”
The shire’s creative and cultural industries provide significant employment contributions to our local economy and flow-on economic benefits.
The strategy outlines how Council will support emerging and established artists and creatives with opportunities and career pathways.
The Creative Places Strategy 2023 – 2031 can be viewed at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/CreativePlaces. It will be reviewed in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and up-to-date.
You’re invited: Submissions open on Draft Creative Places Strategy
