newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie residents are being asked to help set the city’s arts, culture and heritage priorities for the next decade, as council develops a new strategy to guide investment and partnerships.
Consultation is underway on Lake Macquarie City Council’s Creative Futures 2037 Strategy, with residents invited to submit ideas before 25 November.
The strategy will also cover opportunities for the city’s creative industries. According to council, more than 2,700 people and almost 450 businesses in Lake Macquarie are involved in the sector.
Council’s manager of arts, culture and tourism, Jacqui Hemsley, said events and festivals across the city attracted a combined attendance of more than 340,000 over the past year. She said they contributed an estimated $34 million in direct and flow on benefits to the regional economy.
Council also reported more than 540,000 visits to the city’s 10 Lake Mac Libraries branches during the same period.
“Arts, culture and heritage mean many things to many people,” Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said.
“It could be a live music performance at Speers Point Park, a visit to a library or the inclusion of First Nations voices in our events and activities.”
Ms Hemsley said the strategy would consider the broader role of creative activity in the city.
“The Creative Futures 2037 Strategy will explore how arts, culture, heritage and creativity can support social connection, economic development, cultural tourism, liveability and a strong sense of place,” Ms Hemsley said.
“We’re encouraging everyone to have their say, whether they regularly attend cultural events, participate in creative activities, volunteer with local organisations or simply have ideas of their own.”
Residents can share their ideas through council’s Creative Futures 2037 consultation page.
