Pittwater Council's Arts Paper - 2013
Arts and Culture in Pittwater - Have your say
On Wednesday 20th of February Pittwater Council held a Picnic in the Village Park at Mona Vale to speak with the community about what kinds of Art and Culture activities they want to see in our natural and built public areas. Music for Youth, a permanent public stage for performances, Theatre in The Park and use of lane-ways to display works of art were some of those suggested to and proposed by Council staff members and attending Councillors.
This community engagement activity is part of work Pittwater Council is currently undertaking to develop an Arts Paper. From their website:
Pittwater Council is developing an Arts Paper. When finalised, the Arts Paper will be the first emerging issues paper in Live, Connect, Participate: Pittwater Council Social Plan 2012 – 2016. The Social Plan is integrated into Council’s Community Strategic Plan, and informs the annual delivery program and budget. The Arts Paper will describe local and national trends for art makers and audiences, and explore priorities and practices at a local level. The aim of the Arts Paper is to shed light on Pittwater’s arts scene, its existing and emerging needs, and the resources and networks required to meet those needs.
The Wheelan Family having a picnic and filling out a survey on Wednesday.
Residents who could not attend Wednesday’s picnic are invited to add their voice in a variety of methods. From Pittwater Council’s Arts Paper page:
Have your say
We need input from the community to inform the Arts Paper. You are invited to share your thoughts about the arts in Pittwater. Whether you write music or listen to it, make art or attend exhibitions, write novels or read them, buy crafts or knit them, we are eager to hear what you think the local priorities are for audiences and makers. Here are the ways to get involved:
Audience survey - Monday 21 January – Sunday 3 March 2013
Makers workshop – for the folks creating music, art, performance: Thursday 28 February 2013, 6 – 8pm, Avalon Annex (formerly Avalon Scout Hall), Dunbar Park, 59a Old Barrenjoey Road. RSVP: Email or call 9970 1157
Mona Vale Library – Writing on the wall: The entry foyer to Mona Vale Library will be transformed into a blank canvas where you can share your vision for the arts in Pittwater through pictures, words and symbols. Monday, 4 February 2013 – Sunday, 3 March 2013. Mona Vale Library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale
Conversations - Pittwater Council staff will be popping up at various events to ask the community about the arts in Pittwater. For information on the Arts Paper email Zoe Johnson or phone (02) 9970 1171.
Process
When finalised, the Arts Paper will be the first emerging issues paper in Live, Connect, Participate: Pittwater Council Social Plan 2012 – 2016. The Social Plan is integrated into Council’s Community Strategic Plan, and informs the annual delivery program and budget. The following steps will be undertaken in developing the Arts Paper.
Asset audit of existing hard and soft infrastructure in Pittwater and surrounding region; A Literature Review of papers, articles, plans and legislation that relates to the arts. This includes: Pittwater Council planning documents; external council plans; state, national and international arts policy documents; legislation; research reports; exhibition and event collateral; Consultation with the community; Targeted interviews with peak bodies for the arts, and with local arts and culture organisations; A draft paper will be formulated, and will be on exhibition for 28 days; Feedback from the exhibition period will be integrated into the final Arts Paper, which will be presented to Council; It is anticipated the paper will be completed in July 2013.
Mr John Black took the opportunity to talk with Mr Mark Ferguson, General Manager of Pittwater Council.
