{"id":348886,"date":"2024-06-03T15:57:35","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T05:57:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=348886"},"modified":"2024-06-03T19:37:34","modified_gmt":"2024-06-03T09:37:34","slug":"council-outlines-arts-objectives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2024\/06\/03\/council-outlines-arts-objectives\/","title":{"rendered":"Council Outlines Arts Objectives"},"content":{"rendered":"
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FLASHBACK: Facilitator Shelley Pisani and Cr Danita Potter, centre, with some of the arts representatives at an arts strategy workshop in Kingaroy last September<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

June 3, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

South Burnett Regional Council adopted the region\u2019s first Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy at its May general meeting.<\/p>\n

The strategy is a five-year plan which Council hopes will help the sector to grow and engage communities in creative opportunities.<\/p>\n

It was developed after community consultations last year, including a workshop led by specialist facilitator Shelley Pisani.<\/p>\n

The strategy defines Council’s role as a “facilitator” of the sector, responding to community needs and aiding skills development while also managing its art and heritage collections.<\/p>\n

Council owns art galleries in Kingaroy and Wondai, museums in Nanango, Kingaroy and Wondai and a number of historic properties across the region, including Ringsfield House in Nanango and Boondooma Homestead.<\/p>\n

The strategy sees a role for arts, culture and heritage activities in economic development and tourism.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Participating and connecting to our arts, culture and heritage has never been so important,” Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee chair Cr Danita Potter said.<\/p>\n

“This strategy will support initiatives that will not only strengthen our communities but also our region\u2019s economic growth, community resilience and overall wellbeing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mayor Kathy Duff said the region’s identity was “deeply intertwined with the expression of arts, the preservation of heritage, and the celebration of our rich culture and unique narratives”.<\/p>\n

“As Mayor, I am proud to lead a Council committed to championing these aspects that define us,” Mayor Duff said.<\/p>\n

“Our local stories, history, cultural heritage, and creativity are fundamental strengths that continue to attract visitors and enrich the lives of those who call this region home.<\/p>\n

“By recognising and celebrating these assets, we ensure that the South Burnett remains a vibrant and sought-after destination.\u201d<\/p>\n

South Burnett Arts Inc president Dafyd Martindale welcomed the strategy and the recommended creation of a full-time position for a dedicated Arts, Culture And Heritage officer on Council’s staff.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He said it had been “a long time coming”.<\/p>\n

Council’s plan to hold RADF Showcases to promote the important funding scheme was a welcome inclusion, as was the plan to encourage a regional touring circuit.<\/p>\n

However, he was concerned Council had emphasised it would be “facilitating programs and projects based on community-driven priorities, within resource capacity”, suggesting limited funding may available for some of the objectives championed in the document.<\/p>\n