Government organisations and community will collaborate to develop an arts, culture and heritage strategy for the Great Southern region, thanks to a $50,000 investment from the Regional Arts and Culture Investment Program (RACIP).
The strategy will define a vision and direction to connect the region’s people and places, share local stories, preserve heritage and nurture the region’s diverse cultural and creative industries.
The Great Southern Development Commission, local governments, creative groups, community organisations and residents will also work to develop action plans for stakeholder communities, while encouraging collaborative activities and outcomes.
This activity is a pilot of the Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning grant program, a part of the RACIP, which opens to regional local governments on October 6, 2020. More information on the grant program will be available soon.
The RACIP will deliver almost $20 million to regional Western Australia over four years. The program is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries with funding from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“The strategy will support the Great Southern region to nurture its rich and unique history, people, places and heritage.
“The arts and creative industries play a positive role in the social, cultural, and economic growth and vitality of regional communities.
“When it opens later this year, the Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning grant program will assist local governments with cultural plans that will ultimately improve jobs growth, economic diversity and community wellbeing.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The arts play a vital role in making the regions an attractive place to live and work and together with local governments, the State Government is working to build cohesive, liveable, prosperous communities.
“The State Government’s investment in RACIP will create jobs, increase tourism and broaden the region’s economic base.”
As stated by Albany MLA Peter Watson:
“We have a vibrant arts and culture scene in Albany and the Great Southern and it is fantastic to have this funding allocated to help preserve this and enhance it for the future.”
Culture and the Arts Minister’s office – 6552 5400
