Cultural Plan 2013-2016 final.pdf - Coffs Harbour City Council ...

As adopted by Council on 28 February 2013
Some participants were looking forward to a high quality skate park.
In three years there should be a vibrant community theatre with good relationships between the parties
involved.
One participant reflected: ‘We see public art that’s useful and not always so very safe. Could we have
more art that serves a purpose (park bench, bus shelter), more art and performance art in unexpected
places, and more art that is less safe and that makes us think?”
Question 5:
What should the priorities be for community and Council action?
It was suggested that a representative group of local entertainment stakeholders should be established
to explore better exposure and venue requirements.
Noting the low incomes of many people in the Coffs region, one participant suggested the need for
research to gauge the demand for various types of culture and a typical household’s average monthly
expenditure on culture.
There should be plans to include and encourage emerging digital industries into the cultural policy – as
Coffs is one of the first regions being ‘switched on’ to the NBN.
There needs to be ongoing long-term local council support for affordable creative spaces and coordinated
management of existing community spaces.
Another participant asked “What about an ‘empty spaces’ program, using untenanted commercial
premises, happening in this region to provide studio space, as has happened before in places like
Newcastle?”
Cultural policy needs to be integrated into Council’s overall development planning.
Some participants raised the question of re-activating a cultural advisory committee to Council.
Question 6:
Coffs region?
How could cultural activities add to your enjoyment of the natural beauty of the
Respondents expressed considerable support for an acquisitive sculpture competition, along the lines of
Sculpture By The Sea in Bondi, and sited perhaps along the jetty foreshores.
A “cultural trail’ could run along behind Jetty Beach with information boards and photos from Coffs’ rich
history posted along the route.
One respondent considered the concept of “cultural activities” implies groups or crowds of spectators
(locals or tourists), which will not enhance his own enjoyment of the scenic attractions of the region.
Another suggestion was for Council to work with agencies and institutions and community organisations
involved in natural environments to encourage cross-fertilisation with local artists. This might take the
form of:
Concerts and outdoor theatre performances in natural environments, such as the Botanic Garden,
Muttonbird Island, or Currumbirra promontory, where an amphitheatre could be built.
Poetry/prose/script readings in natural environments (such as the ‘Poets’ Picnic’ on the lawn is an annual
Sydney event in February); and
Visual arts, outdoor exhibitions, and other events
Question 7: Which are the festivals in this region which you most enjoy, and why?
These festivals were singled out:
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