Arts Action Plan 2018-2021

Above: Key to the Heart, Mt Torrens

Above right: Weaving Stories installation, Fabrik

Below right: Gardens of the Heart exhibition, Fabrik

Arts Arts Action Plan 2018 - 2021

Adelaide Hills Council recognises the important role the arts play in social, cultural and economic development. Under the Adelaide Hills Business and Tourism Centre Masterplan, an area of the former woollen mill site in Lobethal will be developed as an Arts and Heritage Hub for the Adelaide Hills. Establishing the Hub is a major investment in supporting the arts and creative industries in the Adelaide Hills, while also boosting tourism in the region. The Arts and Heritage Hub will be developed in stages from 2018 onwards. At the same time, the Council is committed to supporting the arts across the district. The report Adelaide Hills Council’s Role in Supporting the Arts – Considering the Need for Arts Hubs was developed in 2017 with input from community members, arts practitioners and stakeholder bodies. The purpose of the report was to:

Define what ‘the arts’ is for the Council so we have a clear understanding and shared language in this area

Identify and map arts activities in the district area so we have the information required to identify gaps and inform future planning

Identify strategies to support the arts in the district. The Arts Action Plan is a summary of actions arising from that report and it provides the backbone for our support to this important area over the next three years.

Strategic context Adelaide Hills Council’s Strategic Plan Goal 1 People and business prosper Strategy 1.3 We will work towards making the Adelaide Hills the favoured tourism destination in the State. Goal 4 Explore ideas and work with others Strategy 4.4 We will foster creativity in the community and embrace it as an organisation. Adelaide Hills Council’s Community Strategy 2015 – 2020 Goal Area 2 Strategies for Community Wellbeing Creative Communities – Increase the potential for communities to participate in creative arts and cultural activities and develop individual creative talents through community centres, libraries, other community and recreation facilities and outdoor spaces, including the proposed Hills Sculpture Trail.

Delivery and resourcing The Council’s Community and Cultural Development Officer provides leadership and coordination to activities supporting the arts. Funding is allocated in the Long Term Financial Plan for ongoing initiatives and on an annual basis for special projects. Some actions listed in the Arts Action Plan may identify the need for further investment or reprioritisation. These will be considered as part of normal financial planning and budget setting processes.

Arts Arts Action Plan 2018 - 2021

Existing and ongoing initiatives

Initiative Description

Arts and Heritage Hub

A dedicated arts space currently being developed at the old Onkaparinga Woollen Mill site at Lobethal. It will house a gallery and performance space, artist studios, a heritage display and Aboriginal cultural elements. The Hub has a range of specific aims and objectives outlined in its Business Development Framework.

Youth Art Exhibition

An annual exhibition for young artists, established in 2017.

SALA Festival Exhibition

An annual Council run SALA festival exhibition which is free of charge for artists to exhibit, which to date has been held annually at The Summit Community Centre.

Arts Workshops Art classes are regularly offered through Council’s Community Centres. Creative workshops are offered in libraries, particularly for young people during school holidays.

Art Collection Council owns a collection of art works which are displayed throughout Council buildings or are in storage.

Public Art There are over 10 public artworks across the AHC district including those which are part of the Hills Sculpture Trail and the Community Mosaic Couch Trail.

Arts/Cultural Development Grants

Grants for arts activities are available annually through the Community Grants program.

Community Art Projects

Art projects which are community led with Council funding and/or facilitation.

Arts Arts Action Plan 2018 - 2021

Future actions

Action Objective Who When How

1. Develop a policy framework for the arts Define the Council’s role in supporting the arts

CD 2018/19 ROB

2. Review current funding directed to the arts

Ensure the Council is allocating funding effectively and identify needs for Long Term Financial Plan

CD 2018/19 ROB

3. Investigate strategies to collaborate with neighbouring councils, in particular Mt Barker District Council

Optimise outcomes through collaboration

CD 2018/19 ROB

4. Investigate options to build on current arts programs, activities and events

Provide programs, events, activities and facilities that meeting community needs

CD 2018/19 ROB

5. Investigate opportunities to deliver public art projects

Create a sense of place through public art

CD 2018/19 ROB

6. Investigate opportunities to support arts residencies

Support the arts community to build capacity

CD/AHH 2018/19 ROB/EXT

7. Identify opportunities to promote the arts through council communication strategies

Facilitate information sharing and awareness of the arts

CD/Com 2018/19 ROB

8. Investigate strategies to support young and emerging artists

Support the arts community to build capacity

CD 2019/20 ROB

9. Identify and collaborate with organisations specialising in the arts

Optimise outcomes through collaboration

CD 2019/20 ROB

10. Investigate arts tourism opportunities Support the local arts economy CD/AHH/ED 2019/20 ROB

11. Develop strategies to identify and respond to the differing needs of community and professional arts practitioners

Ensuring support is appropriate to both the professional and community arts sectors

CD/ED 2019/20 ROB

12. Maintain a corporate art register Demonstrate commitment to the arts

CD 2019/20 ROB

13. Investigate opportunities to grow the corporate art collection

Demonstrate commitment to the arts

CD/AHH 2019/20 ROB

Arts Arts Action Plan 2018 - 2021

14. Investigate opportunities to support arts mentorships

Support the arts community to build capacity

CD/AHH 2019/20 ROB/EXT

15. Investigate the merit of an artists register

Facilitate information sharing and awareness of the arts

CD/Com/IS 2019/20 ROB

16. Review Council owned spaces that could be made available for arts activities

Provide access to arts facilities CD/Prop 2020/21 ROB

17. Investigate the merit of investing in specialised arts equipment for community use

Provide support and resources for the arts

CD 2020/21 ROB

18. Investigate options to facilitate access to arts facilities in partnership with other stakeholders

Provide access to arts facilities CD 2020/21 ROB

19. Investigate the merit of an additional dedicated arts space in the southern end of the AHC area

Provide dedicated arts facilities CD 2020/21 SOP

CD Community Development AHH Arts & Heritage Hub ED Economic Development Prop Property Services Com Communications IS Information Systems ROB Recurrent operating budget (at existing levels in the LTFP) SOP Special operating project (specific funding allocation) EXT External grant funding