Ipswich City Council Arts and Cultural Strategy

This Strategy recognises Ipswich’s existing strengths and assets as opportunities for further development. In a rapidly growing city like Ipswich it is vital that we have a plan if we are to harness our arts and cultural assets and create a strong community. Councillor Kylie Stoneman, Chair of the Arts and Community Development Committee Introduction Arts and culture are at the core of the distinctive identity of the world’s great cities. These are surprising, energising and memorable places. A culture of creativity contributes to quality of life by celebrating diversity, improving cross-cultural understanding and building social cohesion. These are vital elements in Ipswich’s next stage of development with so many new residents arriving from other areas within Australia and from many overseas locations. The Arts and Cultural Strategy describes a commitment to realise not only the personal and intrinsic benefits of the arts but also the potential for arts and cultural activities to achieve wider impacts. Stronger neighbourhoods, sustainability of the built environment, public health and lifelong learning are all supported by a vibrant arts and cultural life. The implementation of the Strategy, and its visible presence through programs and precincts, will assist in providing a shared vision and sense of identity for residents. It will support creative and innovative activity, entrepreneurial partnerships and new work. The attractiveness and the human warmth of city streets and public places are much- affected by arts and cultural components. Creativity in the public realm, such as imaginative and stimulating urban design, public art and expressions of community identity through events and celebrations, support distinctive place-making. Articulating this Strategy helps the city and our community partners to leverage their collective resources and perform more effectively around shared goals. It will enable us to achieve our arts and cultural vision in the years ahead and enhance the value of arts and culture to all sections of the community. It acknowledges that this is a journey, a work in progress, and focuses on actions which can be undertaken in the next five years to achieve our community’s vision, and to create a positive future for Ipswich. 7 6