Cultural survey closing soon

Published on 13 November 2018

Public feedback on the development of the City of Launceston's cultural strategy will close soon, with interested community members, artists and cultural practitioners encouraged to have their say on the future direction of arts and culture in Northern Tasmania.

Creative Arts and Cultural Services Director Tracy Puklowski said the strategy aimed to deliver initiatives for a creative, healthy, vibrant Launceston community, which attracts and supports business, entrepreneurship and tourism.

"I firmly believe that the arts, culture and heritage have the power to transform communities, and deliver powerful social, economic, and cultural outcomes," Ms Puklowski said.

"I’m excited about the development of a cultural strategy for Launceston.

"A cultural strategy will help define the identity of Launceston, provide a key element to the city's planning and act as an operational map to deliver outcomes that support the city into the future."

The Council is working with other cultural providers to develop coherent, integrated strategies to best leverage the wealth of Launceston's extraordinary creative talent and diverse cultural, heritage and artistic offerings.

The Cultural Strategy is due for completion and release for public comment in 2019.

Ms Puklowski said that the development of the strategy represented one of the most significant undertakings the Council is progressing.

"There are many tangible benefits that can flow from a cultural strategy, both for the region and for the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery," Ms Puklowski said.

"Through the strategy it's hoped the Council can develop Launceston and the broader Tamar region as a major cultural hub and provide opportunities across the community for cultural expression and development.

"We would also look to position QVMAG as the Council's cultural centrepiece, and to improve the awareness and visibility of QVMAG as a major cultural tourism destination."

Once completed, the strategy will also include approaches to governance and strategic oversight of public art provision and maintenance.

The Your Voice Your Launceston campaign is split into two surveys — one for the general public, and another for people working in the creative industries.

The survey is open until November 26 and can be found at yourvoiceyourlaunceston.com.au