Page 924 - Week 03 - Thursday, 10 March 2016

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variety of consultation methods to ascertain where artists, arts workers and arts organisations see the Canberra arts ecology.

The first step in the review process was the appointment of an independent reference group tasked with guiding the consultation process. The second step involved consultation with local arts organisations, artists and the public. The consultation involved a range of methodologies in order to garner a wide range of views. Overall, artsACT estimates that over 300 individuals and representative organisations were engaged in the consultation process.

The issues raised during the consultation covered issues pertaining to the future development of arts and culture in Canberra. The community was specifically asked about the 2012 framework to inform the development of the ACT arts policy. The response to the feedback received during consultation was: that the vision of the ACT arts policy framework needs to be more aspirational; that support principles need to be more clearly implemented; and the need for more recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.

Emerging from this consultation, and acknowledging national trends, four core principles were indentified to assist in realising the arts policy vision. They are: participation and access to the arts; great art and great artists; vitality of the Canberra region arts ecology; and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures.

The actions and measures to realise this policy have been outlined in the 2015-16 artsACT strategic plan. The policy will inform the development of the next Cultural Facilities Corporation strategic plan which will cover 2016-20. The artsACT organisation has been actively working to implement the actions identified in the strategic plan. These actions are managed through six projects relating to: cultural infrastructure and facilities; funding and initiatives; learning and development; promoting Canberra arts; community participation and access; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.

These projects are at various stages of development, with the need to prioritise based on sector need and government priorities. While conversations have begun on all of these projects, particular focus has been given to: the future development and management of cultural infrastructure, and facilities in particular, in the light of urban renewal; engaging with the Australian government and the Australian Council for the Arts on the impact of changes to Australian government funding arrangements on the local arts sector; investigating the learning and development needs of the sector; reviewing the community cultural inclusion program to strengthen the role the arts can play in community development, identity and inclusion; and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT about the empowering role arts and culture has within their community and discussion on how the ACT government can better support the development of cultural and artistic practice.

A key method for our continuing conversation with the sector is the CBRarts forums. The first of these forums—creative spaces, creative places—was held in December 2015. The forum was a chance to continue to discuss the future needs for cultural


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