The partnerships are between all levels of government and the community and there are 9 already underway: Townsville, Launceston, Western Sydney, Darwin, Hobart, Geelong, Adelaide, Perth and South East Queensland.
City planners recognise the importance of arts and culture to the community and this is reflected in many of the City Deals.
Adelaide
aims to boost Adelaide’s cultural and tourism economy with several key projects:
- the design and construction of the which draws on the First Nations concept of elements that link us to place, earth, land and sky, with spaces for exhibitions and performances.
- cultural and environmental projects throughout Adelaide with new facilities and technology.
Darwin
has an emphasis on showcasing and celebrating First Nations people, through the Larrakia Cultural Centre, which will be a work of art in itself, resembling an ancestral bird in flight hovering over the site protecting Country and people. Other projects include:
- an exhibition space within the Cultural Centre to share Larrakia history and culture, and rooms for language and cultural classes.
- a new Art Gallery at State Square, to be a hub for cultural exchange and a place to showcase Australian and international exhibitions.
- new community and event spaces at State Square that link the city centre to the waterfront.
Geelong
includes an arts and cultural precinct to revitalise the region, with:
- streetscapes which include artworks, gardens and pedestrian-only street lanes to encourage creative community activities.
- a new to stimulate business and cultural tourism.
Hobart
aims to ensure Hobart’s thriving arts and culture scene continues. The main focus is a review of major cultural facilities to inform a long-term vision, along with projects such as:
- the creative industries and performing arts precinct called the Hedberg project, to unite new performance venues such as the University of Tasmania’s new Conservatorium of Music facilities with the heritage listed Theatre Royal, Australia’s oldest working theatre dating back to 1837.
- community-led projects such as the Showcase Moonah project, with pop-up events, interactive workshops, street art and cultural performances.
Launceston
has a focus on a vibrant and innovative city with a culturally welcoming university campus. Cultural highlights include:
- a feature carpet in the University of Tasmania’s Launceston campus library and student experience building, with a design by local Aboriginal artist Caleb Nichols-Mansell to recognise the past, acknowledge the present and welcome the future of Tasmania’s rich and distinctive culture.
- upgrades to the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts, including improved access, inclusion, safety, function and usage, aimed at increasing community arts participation.
Perth
has a focus on the Central Business District and includes:
- a new where creativity, technology and industry meet to inspire innovative thinking
- investment in cultural attractions, including the and the
- community consultation and engagement, feasibility studies and preliminary design work for the
- redevelopment of the into a sustainable community and sporting hub with cricket at its heart and a state-of-the-art museum that honours the rich history and heritage of the Ground.
South East Queensland
has a community focus for one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, including:
- a detailed Business Case for an iconic First Nations Cultural Centre in Brisbane to showcase the unique cultures of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- A $10 million public art initiative that will enhance place-making and promote a more liveable region.
Townsville
aims to establish the city as an events destination, enabling it to host nationally-significant cultural activities and sport. This includes improved entertainment and cultural facilities, such as:
- construction of the new Queensland Country Bank Stadium, completed in early 2020. The stadium is the new home of the North Queensland Cowboys rugby league team, and will host national and international cultural and sporting and events.
- a full detailed Business Case for a new state-of-the-art concert hall in Townsville, to enhance Townsville’s growing reputation as a cultural hub in North Queensland. The Business Case may also look at future planning options for additional stages for an expanded cultural precinct.
