

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:
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Down to earth, community values
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Climate and the natural environment
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Creative, diverse local community
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Aboriginal cultural heritage
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Multicultural layers
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A region transforming over time
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Approximately 80 people attended a Creative Think Tank
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Strengths and opportunities:
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Strengthen profile of Aboriginal cultural heritage
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Improving cross-region communication and collaboration
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Activities and experiences for young people
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Need for professional exhibition spaces
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Need for career and education pathways

Challenges and considerations:
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Funding, grants and business support
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The need for a clear vision
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Infrastructure limitations - affordable access to creative spaces, tools
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Volunteer fatigue
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'Joining up' regional marketing and promotional activity
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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:
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Meetings and round tables with industry stakeholders and interest groups
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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.