phase 1 engagement update

Thanks to everyone who took part in Phase 1 of the GS Create community and stakeholder engagement program!

Phase 1 included a broad scale survey and five creative Think Tanks held in Mt Barker, Albany, Katanning, Denmark and Jerramungup.

A high level snapshot of some of the Phase 1 outcomes is highlighted here:

176

people completed the survey

Majority of respondents were aged between

45-64

1 in 5 belonged to an arts organisation or group

76%

were female

41%

Of respondents work in the cultural sector

Our cultural identity was described as:

Down to earth, community values
Climate and the natural environment
Creative, diverse local community
Aboriginal cultural heritage
Multicultural layers
A region transforming over time

Approximately 80 people attended a Creative Think Tank

Strengths and opportunities:

Strengthen profile of Aboriginal cultural heritage
Improving cross-region communication and collaboration
Activities and experiences for young people
Need for professional exhibition spaces
Need for career and education pathways

Challenges and considerations:

Funding, grants and business support
The need for a clear vision
Infrastructure limitations - affordable access to creative spaces, tools
Volunteer fatigue
'Joining up' regional marketing and promotional activity
Supporting artists to transition from hobby to commercial levels

NEXT STEPS

Phase 2 of the engagement program will happen in July 2021 and will include:

Meetings and round tables with industry stakeholders and interest groups
Engaging with Traditional Custodians.

When this is complete, a strategic framework will be developed, outlining the vision, strategic objectives, goals and guiding principles for the Strategy. This will be shared with stakeholders before the draft strategy is developed.