This was the first time that Council has worked with the arts sector to come up with a vision for the arts and contemporary music. In addition, over a thousand residents were tapped through polls, online forums and public meetings to express what they thought should be introduced to Melbourne.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the result of this extensive process is a courageous Arts Strategy. “The arts make a crucial contribution to the city’s liveability, wellbeing and identity. We needed a strategy to reflect this and take us confidently into the future,” he remarked. “This strategy will sustain the unique qualities that make Melbourne an incubator for creativity. The City of Melbourne plays a significant role in the city’s arts scene and we will continue to do so by providing support, funding, spaces and collaborative opportunities for artists and organisations.”
Councillor Rohan Leppert, Chair of the Arts and Culture portfolio added that Melbourne would not be the city it is today without its active creative community. “The Arts Strategy is not a cultural policy or a broad-brush approach to the arts; it is a strategy focused on our dedication to artists to ensure Melbourne remains Australia’s arts capital. “The Arts Strategy will steer us in the right direction to ensure Melbourne continues to grow in artistic and cultural vibrancy.”
The Arts Strategy 2014–17 outlines council’s commitment to the arts under the themes of Connection, Activation, Spaces, Funding, Recognition and Heritage.
In 2014, the City of Melbourne is spending more than $14 million supporting artists and art events in Melbourne to ensure that the city’s distinctive culture of art-making and community participation thrives into the future. For more information visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/arts.
