Make it Count Discussion Paper

Alice Springs Town Council

Developing an Arts and Culture Policy for Alice Springs

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Discussion Paper 5 February 2016

Contents Introduction 3

Purpose

How do I get involved?

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Policy Context 6 Literature Consulted 7 Role of Alice Springs Council 9

Definitions

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Why is Arts and Culture Important?

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About Alice Springs

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Key Findings

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Priority Areas

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Recommendations by Priority Area 20

Proposed Vision

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Proposed Values 32

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Actions Areas for the Arts and Cultural Policy Programs

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Introduction The Alice Springs Town Council has committed to the development of the first Alice Springs Arts and Cultural Policy, which will provide strategic direction in the support and delivery of Alice Springs Town Council Arts and Cultural programs, projects and events into the future.

The development of the Arts and Cultural Policy provides the Alice Springs Town Council the opportunity to have open dialogue with the arts and culture sector, education institutions, local business, local and territory government agencies, Aboriginal organisations and the wider community about what the vision for arts and culture in Alice Springs should be and what the Alice Springs Town Council can do to support that.

The Alice Springs Town Council has provided a set of goals and priorities for the Alice Springs Town Council Arts and Cultural Policy and Program. The first stage in the development of an Arts and Cultural Policy was consultation around these priorities and goals.

Consultation involved a number of methodologies including an online survey, deliberative stakeholder interviews and a public art engagement forum with Elected and Executive Council members and the public art advisory committee. 104 participants were involved in the consultation, which took place from 14 November to 20 December 2015.

The Join the Conversation Consultation Report is available at the following URL: http://arts-policy-alice-springs.com/join-theconversation

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What is the Purpose of the Discussion Paper?

The Discussion Paper aims to invite individual and community discussion around the Action Areas identified below: • PLACES AND SPACES • PARTNERSHIPS • PROMOTE/ADVOCATE • SUPPORT/COORDINATE • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • BEST PRACTICE The paper is informed by: • key findings and analysis of stakeholder input for consideration in the development of the Arts and Cultural Policy; • research on best practice; • additional analysis of sector needs and resources; • existing policies, strategies and commitments at a Local, Territory and National level; and • engagement with the Executive and Elected members around concepts and implementation *Please note: Proceed to Page 33 to see the recommendations categorised into Action Areas or proceed to Page 19 to see the recommendations categorised according to Priority.

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How do I get involved?

EMAIL Please send your comments to: arts.policy.astc@gmail.com JOIN A FORUM Arts Sector Forum (Open to all Arts professionals) Wednesday 17 February 10am – 11.30am Witchetty's Art Space, Araluen Art Centre Public Forum (Open to the wider community) Thursday 18 February 5.30pm – 7pm Andy McNeill Room, Alice Springs Town Council COMPLETE AN ONLINE REVIEW OF THE DISCUSSION PAPER A link to the survey is available at the following URL: http://arts-policy-alice-springs.com/make-itcount PROVIDE A PAPER RESPONSE The Make it Count Discussion Paper is available for download at the following URL: http://arts-policy-alice-springs.com/make-itcount

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Policy Context

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT

• Alice Springs Town Council Strategic Plan 2013-2016 • Alice Springs Town Council Community Consultation Policy • Alice Springs Town Council Recreation Policy • Alice Springs Town Council Facility Hire Policy • Alice Springs Town Council Open Space Revitalisation Policy • Alice Springs Town Council Subdivision Development Guidelines • Alice Springs Town Council Public Art Policy • Alice Springs Town Council Public Art Commissioning Process Operations Manual • Alice Springs Town Council Gifts Policy: Procedures for Consideration of a Possible Gift or Donation of a Work of Art, Craft; or Item of Heritage Significance to the Council

• Most notably the Northern Territory Government are currently developing Arts and Cultural Policy for the Northern Territory • Alice Springs Draft Land Use Plan 2015 (NTG document in development) • Northern Territory Compact Urban Growth Policy • Northern Territory Local Government Act • Northern Territory Government Framing the Future • Northern Territory Government Economic Development Plan • Northern Territory Government Tourism NT Vision 2020: Northern Territory’s Strategy For Growth AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT • National Arts and Culture Accord (Australian Intergovernmental Agreement) • Australia Council for the Arts 2015, Arts Nation: An Overview of Australian Arts, 2015 Edition, Sydney, Australia.

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Literature Consulted

• Morton Consulting Services Pty Ltd, Community Wellbeing Indicators Measures For Local Government. 2013.

• Local Government Association Of Queensland, Arts Queensland, The Local Government Arts And Cultural Reference Group, Community Wellbeing And The Arts.

• Sheree Cairney, Tammy Abbott, Jessica Yamaguchi, Working Paper: The Interplay Wellbeing Framework And Methodology To Assess Wellbeing In Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People In Remote Australia.

Ninti One Limited, 2015.

• Vicki-Ann Ware, Supporting Healthy Communities Through Arts Programs Resource Sheet No. 28. The Closing The Gap Clearinghouse, 2014.

• Kral.I, Plugged In: Remote Australian Indigenous Youth And Digital Culture, Centre For Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, Caepr Working Paper No. 69, 2010.

• Indigenous Art Code, A Code To Promote Fair And Ethical Trade In Works Of Art By Indigenous Artists

• Brecknock Consulting, Ballarat Public Art Master Plan, 2011.

• Ninti One, Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Art Economies Project. CRC Remote Economic Participation, 2015.

• Knack. S, Social Capital And The Quality Of Government: Evidence From The States, American Journal Of Political Science, Vol 46, 2002.

• Bolton. R, Place Prosperity Vs. People Prosperity Revisited: An Old Issue With A New Angle’, Urban Studies, Vol 29, 1992.

• Shire Of Serpentine Jarrahdale, Community Facilities And Service Unit, The Importance Of Community Development In Preserving Social Capital Post Amalgamation, 2008.

• Dick Kimber, Cultural Values Associated With Alice Springs Water, 2011.

• David Carment, History And The Landscape In Central Australia, A Study Of The Material Evidence Of European Culture And Settlement, 1991.

• Janine Ashwell, Perceptions And Attitudes Of International Tourists Towards Aboriginal Tourism, Flinders Business School Faculty Social And Behavioural Science Flinders University, 2014.

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• Material Thinking, Red Ways, Alice Springs CBD Revitalisation Design Options Framework, 2008.

• City of Subiaco, Public Art Developer’s Handbook.

• City Of Subiaco, Strategic Public Art Master Plan 2011- 2030.

• City Of Darwin, Public Art Guidelines, 2015.

• Reconciliation Australia, Lets Talk Sacred Ground, Names and Places, 2015.

• Committee for Geographical Names of Australasia, Guidelines for the Consistent Use of Place Names / Guidelines for the Use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Place Names and Dual Naming Depiction Guidelines, 2009.

• Situations Organisation, THE NEW RULES OF PUBLIC ART. • Professor Ruth Rentschler and the Business School at Deakin University, Stats and Stories: The Impact of the Arts in Regional Australia, 2015.

• National Local Government Cultural Forum, Communiqué 4, 2014.

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• Arts Victoria, Vic Health, Castenet, Making Art with Communities – A Work Guide, 2013.

• Hawkes. J, The Fourth Pillar of Sustainability, Culture’s Essential Role in Public Planning, 2003.

• Regional Australia Standing Council, Framework for Regional Economic Development.

• Julianne Schultz, Sue-Anne Wallace, Pilar Kasat, Sandy Toussaint, Natasha Cica, Alex Kelly, Paula Abood, Mary Delahunty, Rod Ainsworth, Sarah Emery and Caitlin Newton-Broad, Tim Bishop, Neal Price, Liz Thompson, Graeme Gibson, Kim V Goldsmith, Griffith Review 44, A Quarterly of New Writing and Ideas, Cultural Solutions.

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Role of Alice Springs Town Council

• Library Services • Rangers • Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre The Community and Cultural Development Unit have commissioned the current Arts and Cultural Policy development. This unit has five staff in total including the: • Community and Cultural Development Manager • Healthy Communities Coordinator • Community Projects Officer • Community Development Officer • Youth Services Officer COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT

The Alice Spring Town Council was established 1 July 1971 and consists of a Mayor and eight Councillors. Elections are held every four years, with the next scheduled for 2016.

Council currently has 170 staff at the Civic Centre, Library, Depot and Regional Waste Management Facility and about 20 staff including casual, part-time and full-time - at the Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

The vision in the current Alice Springs Town Council Strategic Plan is: “ A vibrant and growing community that embraces its diverse cultural heritage, its unique identity and living environment” The Alice Springs Town Council Executive team has three Directors who oversee the following departments: • Technical Services • Corporate and Community Services • Finance The Corporate and Community Services Department has six Managers who oversee the following units: • Human Resources • Information Technology • Community and Cultural Development 9

The mission statement for the Community and Cultural Development Unit within its Business Plan is: “To improve the lifestyle and health of the Alice Springs Community by developing and supporting initiatives and social infrastructure that engages directly with the community and supports these aims.”

The Community and Cultural Development Unit delivers this mission by: • Establishing community network • Assisting in the development and the implementation of community projects/ events • Working with the community to develop responses to applicable issues • Delivering a comprehensive Community Development Grants Program • Promoting, developing and incubating the evolution of a vibrant local arts and cultural industry • Providing a range of community events to the community • Supporting Community & Youth Development strategies and initiative • Maintaining a Healthy Communities Program • Supporting the development of Seniors events and programs

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The Community and Cultural Development Unit manages the following activities and programs: Public Art Program The Community Cultural Development Unit manages the Public Art Program by: • Maintaining a Public Art Advisory Committee to provide direction in the commissioning of Public Art • Providing an annual budget of $25,000 towards the commissioning of public art • Actively seeking funding for public art from state and commonwealth governments • Negotiating with the Technical Services Director to commit up to 2% of capital works budgets to public art within capital works projects Community Events Program The Community Cultural Development Unit manages an annual program of community activities and events including:

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• Still Got Talent, a talent quest for seniors held through Seniors Month • Mayoral Award, which recognised the contribution to the community made by people living with disability and by people working with people living with disability • The Big Day out in Harmony, a multicultural event that attracts approximately 500 - 600 attendees • The Alice Springs Town Council stall at the Alice Springs Show, which attracts approximately 1500 – 2000 attendees • Night Markets in the Todd Mall every month from August through to November which attract approximately 20,000 -24,000 attendees over the our events • The Alice Springs Town Council’s Christmas Carnival which takes place in the Todd Mall, Todd Street and the Council lawns with a program of buskers and performers, markets stalls, children’s workshops, children’s rides, face painting and competitions. This also includes a display of fireworks and the official Christmas Tree lighting. Approximately 12,000 to 14,000 attend this one night event every year

• Cinema Program on the Council Lawns including human rights films, multicultural films and hosting the launch of the television series 8MMM Community Grants Program The Community Grants Program managed through the Community and Cultural Development Unit strives to work with citizens to identify development opportunities, to build capacity, and to pursue projects that develop social capital.

Grants categories include: • Community Development Grants focusing on development initiatives • Community Assistance Grants supporting broad-based local projects • Araluen Community Access Grants supporting groups in the use of the Araluen Centre’s facilities • Youth Development Grant supporting youth organisations and community groups to develop innovative Youth Development projects and programs • Community Computer Equipment program takes surplus computing equipment and donates this equipment to organisations in need In 2015, $35,000 was distributed through the Community Grants Program.

Healthy Communities Program The Community and Cultural Development Unit also hosts the Healthy Communities Program which consist of: • Community exercise programs such as Aqua Oldies, Old Timers Heartmoves, Lift for Life, Heartmoves, Yoga after Cancer, Falls Prevention, Lift for Life, Youth Fit, Heart Foundation Walking • Events and activities such as Perenti Jui Jitsu Competition, White Ribbon Day and the Live Lighter Launch • Assisting organisations such as Anglicare and the Mental Health Association of Central Australia to develop fitness programs

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Youth Development Program

External Committees

In 2015 the Community and Cultural Development Unit contracted a Youth Services Officer to work with the Youth Action Group to deliver a number of events and initiatives including:

Members of the Community and Cultural Development Unit have representation on the following Council managed committees:

• The National Youth Week Recycled Art Prize, which received 26 entries, and (over the course of a week) had 300 people view the exhibition • The National Youth Week Movie Marathon • Youth Recycled Art Prize • The Phoney Film Festival, the premier of which had 130 people in attendance and was held at the Alice Springs Cinema • The Youth Arts and Music Festival (YAM Fest), featuring an art exhibition and a Battle of the Bands. This event had 400 people in attendance throughout the day • Develop and maintain social media platforms Other activities of the Community and Cultural Development Unit: • Supporting the development of Council owned childcare centres to increase childcare places • Support the management and development of Council owned Heritage sites in the Totem Theatre and the Hartley Street School

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• Public Art Advisory Committee • Tourism, Events and Promotions Committee • Seniors Coordinating Committee Event Planning The Council, through the Community and Cultural Development Unit provides extensive information on event planning which is a great resource to the arts and cultural sector. This can be found at the following URL: http://www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au/events/eventplanning-information Promotions The Council, through the Media and Communications Officer maintains the Alice Springs Town Council Community Calendar as a resource for promotion on the Alice Springs Town Council website. It can also be used as a clash calendar.

Sponsorship Additional to the Community Grants Program and In – Kind Support, the Council, through the Tourism, Events and Promotions Committee provides an application process for sponsorship for cultural events that promote tourism opportunities.

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COUNCIL IN-KIND SUPPORT TO EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Community events and activities are coordinated and delivered through various units in Council, not just the Community and Cultural Development Unit. The Alice Springs Town Council delivers a large amount of in-kind support through the Works Depot (the Depot) to numerous annual and one-off events each year.

In 2015 the Depot provided in-kind support to the amount of $284,125 (industry rates) to 53 annually occurring events.

This consisted of: • $230,000 in-kind provided to 12 events and activities that were coordinated by the Sports and Recreational Officer • $26,150 in-kind provided to 16 events and activities coordinated by the Community and Cultural Development Unit • $17,550 in-kind provided to 9 events and activities by the Depot (this included $7,500 to a senior’s pruning service) • $2,100 in-kind provided to 3 events and activities organised by the Rangers Unit.

• The remaining $3,500 in-kind was provided to 6 events and activities organised by various individuals including the Media Officer and Manager of Works.

and the Executive Assistant to the Mayor.

The above estimations of in-kind support do not record the advice and facilitation services offered by the Community and Cultural Development Unit. In 2015, the Community Projects Officer consulted on or assisted with 34 other events. This estimation did not include events that didn’t require any in-kind support from Council or other smaller Council events that the other members of Community Cultural Development Unit managed or Mayor & CEO’s events and activities.

The Council delivers many events and activities and a huge amount of in-kind support to events and activities each year that contribute to the health and wellbeing of the social and community life of residents living in Alice Springs. These activities are not centralised and are coordinated through numerous Departments and individuals in Council. Most in-kind support is delivered through the Works Depot.

In 2015 the total in-kind provided to 62 one-off events was $38,735.

This consisted of: • $25, 580 in-kind provided to 10 events organised by the Manager of Works.

• $4, 850 in-kind provided to 25 events organised by the Rangers Unit.

• $2,950 in-kind provided to 8 events organised by the Sports and Recreation Officer.

• $2,200 in-kind provided to 10 events organised by the Community and Cultural Development Unit (including the Healthy Communities’ events).

• The remaining $3,155 in-kind was provided to activities organised by various individuals including the Mayor 12

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Definitions

In addition, traditional forms of cultural practice will be considered part of this definition and it must also be noted that traditional cultural practice can develop into contemporary and innovative art practice. Emerging art forms, such as those using new media and new technology, provide further opportunities for engaging Alice Springs diverse communities.

What do we mean by arts and culture?

A town such as Alice Springs, renowned for its cultural and geographic history and diversity, provides opportunities for new and broader definitions of arts and culture.

For this Discussion Paper it is important to establish a definition of ‘arts and culture’. Arts and culture are inextricably linked, but while the arts are expressions of culture, culture is more than the arts alone.

“A society’s values are the basis on which all else is built. These values and the ways they are expressed are a society’s culture. The way a society governs itself cannot be fully democratic without there being clear avenues for the expression of community values…

These processes are culture at work.”

(Hawkes. J, The Fourth Pillar of Sustainability, Culture’s Essential Role in Public Planning, 2003.)

Additional to these, this Discussion paper posits that the Arts and Cultural Policy in development should address a comprehensive range of creative practice and artistic and cultural expression and activity. This will include art forms such as visual arts and crafts, literature, music in all forms, theatre, musical theatre and opera, dance in all forms, other performing arts such as circus, comedy and puppetry, festivals, exhibitions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, media art, multi-arts, design, public art, wearable art and bespoke fashion, community arts and cultural development, emerging and experimental arts, film and/or television, print media and preservation and sharing of knowledge, stories, heritage and collections through cultural institutions such as libraries, museums and archives.

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This Discussion Paper identifies the requirement for flexibility in its identification of arts and cultural practice.

QUESTION: DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS FLEXIBLE DEFINITION OF ARTS AND CULTURE? What do we mean by Public Art? The Alice Springs Public Art Policy states that: “Public art is essentially art for everybody and may be a part of any publicly accessible space. The objective for public art is to express something and/or to stimulate a response.

That response may be emotional, intellectual or sensory such as pleasure, empathy, humour, fascination, excitement, appreciation, understanding, etc.

It can be: • Temporary or permanent (may include durational or performance works) • Inside or Outside • 3 Dimensional or 2 Dimensional • [Something that] Engage[s] one or more of the senses • [Something that] Incorporate[s] elements from any or all of the arts, crafts and design • Integrated as part of an environment or structure such as buildings, paving, street furniture, hand rails, fencing, lighting or other feature • Stand alone • Created by a single artist, a group of artists, A team of appropriate design professionals in collaboration with an artist or in collaboration with members of the community through a community cultural development process • Site specific • Ephemeral”

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The Alice Springs Town Council Public Art Commissioning Manual defines Public Art as: “….art in any media that has been planned and executed with the intention of being staged in the physical public domain, usually outside and accessible to all. Public art is significant within the art world, amongst curators, commissioning bodies and practitioners of public art, to whom it signifies a working practice of site specificity and community involvement and collaboration.

Public art may include any art which is exhibited in a public space including publicly accessible buildings, but often it is not that simple. Rather, the relationship between the content and audience, what the art is saying and to whom, is just as important if not more important than its physical location. Monuments, memorials and civic statuary are perhaps the oldest and most obvious form of officially sanctioned public art, although it could be said that architectural sculpture and even architecture itself is more widespread and fulfills the definition of public art. Increasingly most aspects of the built environment are seen as legitimate candidates for consideration as, or location for, public art, including, street furniture, street lighting, street verges and building walls. Public art is not confined to physical objects; dance, procession, street theatre and even poetry have proponents that specialize in public art. Sculpture intended as public art is often constructed of durable, easily cared-for material, to avoid the worst effects of the elements and vandalism; however, many works are intended to have only a temporary existence and are made of more ephemeral materials.”

Additionally to these definition the Discussion Paper posits the following: Public art is a concept or work created by an artist/s in any medium, permanent, temporary or ephemeral, which enables stimulation of one or more of the senses and is situated in a place of public access.

Permanent public artworks commissioned by the Alice Springs Town Council will be or have been placed on the Council’s public art register.

Temporary public art is artwork that is not designed to last. A temporary or short-lived 14

public artwork may remain anywhere from a few hours up to approximately 12 months.

Temporary works will not be placed on the Council’s public art register.

QUESTION: WOULD YOU LIKE TO COMMENT ON THE CURRENT DEFINITIONS AND THESE ADDITIONS? What do we mean by an artist?

Providing a definition of an artist is problematic as it is not an occupation defined by a professional structure such as an architect or certified accountant.

The Alice Springs Town Council Public Art Policy provides the following definition: “Artist: A person with refined skills in creative interpretation and conceptualisation. A person who is recognised by their professional peers as an artist and/or who has professional training in fine art or contemporary craft. A person who is involved in the creation of art as their primary profession. An artist may or may or may not draw their primary income from the sale/ production of works of art. The artist may be defined as someone other than the architect or professional design team, who contributes design ideas, creative problem solving or works of art to a project.”

The Discussion Paper would like to posit the following additional criteria drawn from the Ballarat Public Art Master Plan.

“An artist can be a person who is able to demonstrate at least one of the following criteria: • has specialist training within their field (not necessarily in academic institutions) and is involved in the creation of art as their profession • with high level interpretive, conceptualising and creative skills that result in the creation of artwork • has demonstrated professional standing through exhibitions, commissions, awards and prizes and is considered

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an artist by his or her peers as demonstrated through representation in public collections and coverage in the media • continues to develop, refine and evolve their practice by engaging with contemporary social issues, contemporary arts movements or processes • Craftspeople and Designers who operate within the above parameters are also artists” QUESTION: WOULD YOU LIKE TO COMMENT ON THIS ADDITIONAL CRITERIA? What do we mean by social capital?

A key priority for all local governments is building and maintaining ‘social capital’ through facilitation of community development outcomes. Thus at the Alice Springs Town Council, the unit responsible for the Arts and Cultural Policy is appropriately named the Community Cultural Development Unit.

“At a local government level, social capital improves community confidence, heightens community participation rates, enhances wellbeing, reduces crime and improves economic prosperity” (Knack. S, Social Capital and the Quality of Government: Evidence from the States, American Journal of Political Science, Vol 46, 2002.)

In places that have a significant land-based economy, such as the Northern Territory and Western Australia, local governments are prioritising this as particularly important as families look for places that have a strong sense of community and investors look for places which are safe, stable, innovative and likely to attract skilled labour and aspirational consumers.

“Social capital then is also tied to the identity of a locality and its associated sense of place” (Bolton, R, Place Prosperity vs. People Prosperity revisited: An old issue with a new angle’, Urban Studies, Vol 29, 1992.).

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Like physical infrastructure, social capital depreciates over time if not maintained.

Please go to Priority 5 in this Paper to see how this translates into proposed initiatives.

What do we mean by community development?

Community development can be defined as the process whereby different people, from different backgrounds, with different and aligned interests come together to resolve issues in a collaborative manner. It can be used to build self-reliant communities, increased ownership of facilities and civic spaces, improve wellbeing and enhance the diversity of the cultural landscape.

Some commonly cited community development outcomes include: • People participating in social activities to overcome social isolation • Individuals developing self-esteem, confidence and assertiveness • Mutual support • Increased participation in political and citizenship activities • Practical outcomes (e.g. a changed bus route) • Additional funding for new services in areas of priority need.

Less commonly recognised benefits include:

• An improved competitive/comparative advantage as a community of choice • More private sector investment • Increased safety and security • More effective institutional structures • Heightened community satisfaction • Improved local government image and effectiveness (Community Facilities and Service Unit, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, The Importance of Community Development in Preserving Social Capital Post Amalgamation, 2008.)

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Why is Arts and Culture important?

Arts and culture is what defines a place and its people. Arts and culture has been recognised around the world as playing a pivotal role in the development of ‘healthy, wealthy and wise’ communities. Communities around the NT are investing in arts and culture as a way to build capacity, promote well being, develop a strong economy and support and respond to the current and future needs of their people.

A healthy cultural life can support the building of an inclusive and sophisticated society, and can promote a culture of innovation, contributing to broader health, educational and economic outcomes. A healthy cultural life is what makes Alice Springs a vibrant place to live in and to visit.

Our cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, is crucial to allowing us to understand and draw on our past as the basis of our current culture as it evolves into the future.

Deakin University academics who compiled Stats and Stories: The Impact of the Arts in Regional Australia found that regional arts activities support the strengthening of community connectedness, social inclusion, civic pride and community identity as well as providing opportunities for regional development and economic regeneration.

While governments do not generate cultural and creative expression, they can play an important support or facilitation role, and can assist in creating an environment which is amenable to a healthy cultural life.

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About Alice Springs

wrote glowing reports about the pastoral opportunities of the Central Australian landscape. For the next twenty years the European population did not rise above thirty people.

Surrounded by a desert that stretches for hundreds of kilometres in all directions, Alice Springs is one of Australia’s most famous outback towns. Alice Springs is located approximately 1524 kilometres from Darwin and approximately 293 kilometres north of the South Australian border. It is 576 metres above sea level and is situated on the Todd River.

Alice Springs occupies an exclusive position in Australia and the world. It lies in the centre of the Australian continent and is considered to be the heart of Australia. This is not just a geographical fact. This is an emotive part of the “global imaginary”. Central Australia is a vast and ancient arid landscape that features stunning mountain ranges, valleys and gorges, dry river systems, deserts, sandy and stony plains and salt pans.

The traditional owners of Alice Springs are the Arrernte people. The cultural leaders who have the authority to talk for this region are descended from the original inhabitants of the Mparntwe (Alice Springs area), Antulye (Undoolya) and Irlpme (Bond Springs) estates.

Archaeological findings indicate that Aboriginal people were settled in Central Australia more than 10,000 years before European settlement.

In other parts of Australia it is estimated that Aboriginal people inhabited the regions up to up to 60,000 years before European settlement.

On the top of Anzac Hill there is interpretive signage that outlines the history of Alice Springs, aptly named “Heritage, Culture and the Arts”. The timeline states that in 1888, Mparntwe was called Stuart after explorer John McDouall Stuart who on his third expedition, 17

In 1914 the first school opened with teacher Ida Standley who is memorialised with the naming of Standley Chasm. In 1915, ‘the Bungalow’, often referred to as the Alice Springs Half-caste Institution or Half-caste Home was officially established with Ida Standley as the appointed matron. The timeline goes on to state that in 1918 amendments to the Aboriginal Ordinance disallowed entry to the township by Aboriginal people.

In 1933 the Governor General proclaims the township is called Alice Springs. In 1937 electricity is first reticulated through the town. In 1938, Albert Namatjira holds his first exhibition and he becomes Australia’s most famous Aboriginal landscape artist and the Royal Flying Doctor Service is established in the same year. During the 60s and 70s there is a severe drought that has a huge impact on the pastoral industry, but tourists flock to Alice Springs and 38,000 tourists visit between 1966 and 1969.

The first mayor is appointed in 1971 and in 1978 the Northern Territory is granted self Government. The Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act is enacted in the same year. In 1984, the Araluen Centre is opened by the Governor General. In 1986 the Todd Mall is closed to vehicles and in 1988 the town suffers extensive flooding. In 1996 the Alice Springs Desert Park opens and between 1997 and 1998 over 230,000 people visit Alice Springs.

Known around the world as one of Australia’s most famous outback towns, Alice is known for the personality of its locals, Indigenous arts and culture, its desert landscapes and unique history. And all of these things are cultural assets.

Given all of the above, it is readily apparent that that culture is one of the most valuable assets of Alice Springs. To make the most of these assets requires coordination and long term planning.

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Key Findings

The Join the Conversation Consultation Report provided baseline data from which the following themes were identified: OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURAL POLICY – Recognising the value of arts and artists was key to the overwhelming support for the development of the Policy.

COMMUNITY/CULTURAL INTEGRATION – Recognising and valuing the Indigenous culture as integral to the fabric of the community and region.

– Recognising and valuing the cultural and linguistic diversity of Alice Springs that has come since settlement.

INCLUSION, ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION – Supporting inclusive opportunities for the whole community to participate and access arts experiences.

HISTORY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

VENUES AND SPACES – Supporting access to cultural infrastructure including multi-use spaces for creating and experiencing a range of art forms.

LOCAL ARTISTS, EVENTS AND FESTIVALS – Valuing and nurturing local artists, events and festivals through good planning and support.

– Valuing local artists, events and festivals through promotions and partnerships.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT – Understanding that the appreciation and connection to place and landscape is an essential and unifying factor in community life.

QUESTION: DO THESE CONSULTATION FINDINGS REFLECT YOUR OWN THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS?

– Recognising and valuing the importance of the cultural heritage and history of Alice Springs.

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Additionally the Alice Springs Town Council has commissioned two addendum documents as part of this Arts and Cultural Policy development consultancy.

Priority Areas

Arts and Cultural Program

The Alice Springs Town Council want the Alice Springs Arts and Cultural Policy and Program (the Policy) to deliver the following goals and priorities: • Increase opportunities for Indigenous Artists to participate in Arts and Cultural activities in public spaces • Increase opportunities for participation in Arts and Cultural activities in public spaces by the Alice Springs community • Invigorate public spaces with ephemeral or permanent artistic expression in the form of public art, music, performance, festival/s • Develop cultural events or projects that focus on the unique character, environment and identity of Alice Springs • Contribute to social capital through interpretation and celebration of the multiple facets of the Alice Springs community • Partner with local arts organisations to deliver arts and cultural outcomes • Develop infrastructure that supports ephemeral art installations • Support Community Arts projects that engage with youth • Seek to partner with Business and Tourism to increase opportunities for the arts and cultural sector and the community • Engage the broader community in the arts • Embed Arts and Culture in local government 19

The Alice Springs Town Council have identified that this component of the Policy will comprise of a document that identifies 3 or more new initiatives across art forms, strengthens partnerships with the arts sector and achieves demonstrable expressions of the unique culture and place in public spaces in Alice Springs.

This program will outline a plan for delivering the council’s policy, over a two year period. This plan will detail specific actions, responsibilities and time frames.

Public Art Master Plan The Alice Springs Town Council have identified that this component of the Arts and Cultural Policy comprises the development of a Public Art Master Plan that provides a cohesive guiding document for the placement and commissioning of Public Art. The Plan will be based on the principle that the purpose of site-specific art in public spaces is to interlace content, meaning and important ideas within public spaces.

This Discussion Paper will explore how the Policy can deliver these goals through the identified Priority areas.

The following Priority Areas outline a number of proposed recommendations that respond to the priority issues identified by the community and key stakeholders.

These recommendations are high level and it is anticipated that actions arising from these recommendations would make reference to the Join the Conversation Consultation Report.

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Recommendations

by Priority Area Priority 1 INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIGENOUS ARTISTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC SPACES Recommendations 1.1. It is recommended that the Council develop local partnerships with existing organisations to deliver Indigenous specific outcomes in public spaces.

1.2. It is recommended that the Council build the capacity of Indigenous arts and cultural organisations to lead and manage programs that activate engagement of Indigenous artists in public activities.

1.3. It is recommended that the Council recognise and support existing and emerging cultural leaders through the creation of a mechanism similar to that of the Youth Action Group and Youth Services Officer position.

1.4. It is recommended that the Council develop a protocol for the commission and acquisition of Indigenous Public Art that references the development of mechanisms that support increased participation by Indigenous artists.

1.5. It is recommended that the Council reference best practice and acknowledge The Indigenous Art Code and the Australia Council for the Arts Indigenous Protocols for Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Writing, Media arts and Music arts in the Arts and Cultural Policy and addendum programs.

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1.6. It is recommended that the Council create a Public Art Master Plan that includes a Strategic Interpretation Plan through which cultural significance and heritage values are formulated into a framework.

1.7. It is recommended that the Council develop local partnerships with existing organisations in Arts and Culture, Education, Health, Tourism, Community and Enterprise, to deliver and promote skills, training and career pathways for Indigenous artists 1.8. It is recommended that the Council continue to encourage representation of Indigenous artists and cultural leaders on the Public Art Advisory Committee.

1.9. It is recommended that Council continue to encourage Aboriginal networks and committees to provide advice and leadership.

1.10. It is recommended that Council develop a Reconciliation Action Plan to identify clear actions with realistic targets that can be taken to improve the relationship between Indigenous people both within the organisation and the wider community.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

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Priority 2 INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION IN ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC SPACES BY THE ALICE SPRINGS COMMUNITY Recommendations 2.1. It is recommended that the Council focus on improving the availability and accuracy of information about what Alice Springs has to offer from the cultural and arts perspective.

If residents and visitors to the city are to fully appreciate the scope and quality of the arts and cultural activities available, they require accurate and up-to-date information that is readily accessible online and in print.

2.2. It is recommended that the Council build strategic alliances and collaborative approaches with existing projects, programs and activities that deliver activities in public spaces that had strong community involvement, were inclusive, outdoors and had good marketing, to strengthen participation and accessibility.

2.3. It is recommended that the Council continue to provide event specific equipment to existing projects, programs and activities.

2.4. It is recommended that the Council target the wider community with promotional material of the Alice Springs Arts and Culture Calendar.

2.5. It is recommended that the Council continue to facilitate increased use of the calendar as a planning tool.

2.6. It is recommended that the Council prioritise local event bookings in public spaces to allow for better planning and promotions of the Alice Springs arts and culture calendar.

2.7. It is recommended that the Council coordinate local arts and cultural event bookings at Council facilities so they do not clash with sporting events in public Council facilities.

2.9. It is recommended that the Public Art Register (existing Alice Springs Public Art Collection) be promoted through various platforms including: Digital • Promotion of the Register as the Alice Springs Public Art Collection on the Alice Springs Town Council website.

• The creation of an online map that outlines a public art trail that is downloadable and accessible.

• The creation of a digital application available on smart phones. See example application sitesandtrails.com.au (under construction) Print • The creation of a printed publication that promotes the Alice Springs Public Art Collection and outlines the permanent public art and design works and hosts interpretation and a map Onsite • The creation and installation of a plaque or similar signage infrastructure instated for every artwork in the public art register. It is also recommended that the details for signage be developed and finalised at the time of the commission contract.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

2.8. It is recommended that an audit of the existing public art collection take towards the creation of a Public Art Register.

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Priority 3 INVIGORATE PUBLIC SPACES WITH EPHEMERAL OR PERMANENT ARTISTIC EXPRESSION IN THE FORM OF PUBLIC ART, MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, FESTIVAL/S Recommendations *Previous recommendation #2.9 also applies to Priority 3.

3.1 It is recommended that the Council investigate the development of a multipurpose facility as appropriate community infrastructure identified in the Join the Conversation Consultation Report, that can host multiple events and activities such as music performances, exhibitions, film festivals, dance, theatre, workshops etc.

3.5 It is recommended that the Public Art Master Plan include a mechanism that supports the integration of public art in all proposed building developments.

3.6 It is recommended that Council support better planning and coordination of arts and cultural events in public spaces so that there are no clashes with sporting events in public Council facilities.

3.2 It is recommended that the Council consider the development of a multi- purpose facility as a tool that creates an accessible and activated hub of activity for social interaction.

3.7 It is recommended that Council strengthen communications with the relevant departments in the Northern Territory Government such as NT Major Events Company and Tourism NT to support existing events that focus on the unique character, environment and identity of Alice Springs.

3.3 It is recommended that the Council develop public art commissions that reflect the Alice Springs’ natural environment and cultural heritage.

QUESTION:

3.4 It is recommended that the Council enhance the cultural vibrancy of the Central Business District through supporting existing activities (such as the pop-up shops) as identified in the Join the Conversation Consultation Report.

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CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

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Priority 4 DEVELOP CULTURAL EVENTS OR PROJECTS THAT FOCUS ON THE UNIQUE CHARACTER, ENVIRONMENT AND IDENTITY OF ALICE SPRINGS Recommendations 4.1 It is recommended that the Council identify events/projects that ‘distinguish Alice Springs from everywhere else’ and ‘celebrate our land, lifestyle and multiculturalism’ (Quotes drawn from the Join the Conversation Consultation Report) 4.2 It is recommended that the Public Art Master Plan includes a Strategic Interpretation Plan through which cultural significance and heritage values are formulated into a framework.

4.3 It is recommended that the Public Art Master Plan include a mechanism that supports the integration of Public Art in all proposed building developments.

4.4 It is recommended that the Council develop public art commissions that reflect the Alice Springs’ natural environment and cultural heritage.

4.5 It is recommended that the Council develop the cultural vibrancy of Alice Springs by recognising the value of existing events and projects that contribute significantly to making Alice Springs a safe, inclusive, culturally rich and vibrant community.

4.6 It is recommended that Council strengthen communications with the relevant departments in the Northern Territory

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Government such as NT Major Events Company and Tourism NT to support existing events that focus on the unique character, environment and identity of Alice Springs.

4.7 It is recommended that Council strengthen existing events and projects instead of developing new events or projects through in-kind strategic support such as expertise, advice and promotions.

4.8 It is recommended that Council select 3-5 existing events and provide these events with strategic support determined through conversation and analysis. [Support could include in-kind and funding support to facilitate high profile, nationally and internationally renowned events. For those events that are currently nationally and internationally renowned but do not have local attendance, it is recommended that Council consider strategies to encourage attendance and participation through partnerships and promotions.

The level of support would be determined through analysis and predefined Council parameters.]

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

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Priority 5 CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIAL CAPITAL THROUGH INTERPRETATION AND CELEBRATION OF THE MULTIPLE FACETS OF THE ALICE SPRINGS COMMUNITY Recommendations The areas relevant to Council in a social capital context are numerous and include (but are not limited to): Community grants, Arts and cultural development, Public and open space, Festivals and celebrations, Community development, Volunteer programs, Community capacity building, Cultural diversity appreciation, Library services, Community safety. Currently the Council contributes in many ways to social capital. In the context of ‘interpretation and celebration’, applicable recommendations follow. *Previous recommendation #4.8 also applies to Priority 5.

5.1 It is recommended that the Arts and Cultural Policy guide how the Council manages, preserves and supports the city’s cultural resources.

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5.2 It is recommended that the Arts and Cultural Policy identifies Alice Springs’ cultural resources as follows: • Landscape • Indigenous arts and culture • Heritage and History • Local Stories • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity • Local arts and cultural artists, events, organisations and groups 5.3 It is recommended that the Public Art Master Plan includes a Strategic Interpretation Plan through which cultural significance and heritage values are formulated into a framework.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

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Priority 6 PARTNER WITH LOCAL ARTS ORGANISATIONS TO DELIVER ARTS AND CULTURAL OUTCOMES Recommendations *Previous recommendations #1.1 and #1.7 also apply to Priority 6.

6.1 It is recommended that Council build capacity in the arts and cultural sector through the development of a professional development program.

6.2 It is recommended that Council conduct an audit of existing arts and cultural organisations, events and facilities and develop a public register of arts and cultural organisations.

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6.3 It is recommended that Council build capacity and networking in the arts and cultural sector by facilitating quarterly meetings for arts and cultural organisations, groups and professionals.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

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Priority 7 DEVELOP INFRASTRUCTURE THAT SUPPORTS EPHEMERAL ART INSTALLATIONS Recommendations *Previous recommendation #3.1 and #3.2 deal primarily with infrastructure and are thus key to Priority 7 and so are repeated below.

3.2 It is recommended that the Council consider the development of a multi-purpose facility as a tool that creates an accessible and activated hub of activity for social interaction.

3.3 It is recommended that the Council investigate the development of a multipurpose facility as appropriate community infrastructure identified in the Join the Conversation Consultation Report, that can host multiple events and activities such as music performances, exhibitions, film festivals, dance, theatre, workshops etc.

7.1 It is recommended that the Council maximize Alice Springs’ sense of place, activating public spaces making arts and culture more visible in the built and natural environment throughout the municipal area.

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7.2 It is recommended that the Council investigate strategies such as: • “open space activation” hosted by the City of Hobart which develop art programs and cultural events in public open spaces relevant to all sections of the community that generate activity and a sense of connection and caring for the environment.

• “artwork platforms” hosted by the City of Hobart which activates public spaces through the installation of ‘platforms’ for the temporary exhibition of artworks.

7.3 It is recommended that the Council continue to support activities and events that take place in the Todd Street Mall to continue the revitalisation of the Mall.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

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Priority 8 SUPPORT COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECTS THAT ENGAGE WITH YOUTH Recommendations 8.1 It is recommended that the Council continue to have the Youth Action Group as a mechanism to support engagement with youth.

8.2 It is recommended that Council conduct an audit of existing arts and cultural organisations, events and projects that engage with youth.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

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Priority 9 SEEK TO PARTNER WITH BUSINESS AND TOURISM TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURAL SECTOR AND THE COMMUNITY Recommendations Tourism is a major employer and key contributor to the Northern Territory economy. The NT’s competitive strength as a leisure destination is in providing visitor experiences that deliver an unique blend of nature and culture. *Previous recommendation #4.7 also applies to Priority 9.

9.1 It is recommended to adopt a more strategic approach to arts and cultural events. This includes gaining an understanding of how the Tourism and Business sector is developing the NT brand and addressing seasonality issues.

9.2 It is recommended that the Council seek to partner with Business and Tourism to develop visitor experiences from the range and quality of activities available, to the delivery of visitor information, to enhance Central Australia’s competitiveness as a global destination.

9.3 It is recommended that the Council develop local partnerships with existing organisations in Arts and Culture, Education, Health, Tourism, Community and Enterprise, to deliver and promote skills, training and career pathways for Indigenous artists.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

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Priority 10 ENGAGE THE BROADER COMMUNITY IN THE ARTS Recommendations 10.1 It is suggested that the recommendations in this Discussion Paper will contribute to increased community engagement.

10.2 It is suggested that the Council could use these recommendations to strengthen communications about cultural planning and development between Council, the arts and culture sector, schools and the community.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS?

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Priority 11 EMBED ARTS AND CULTURE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT 11.1 It is recommended that Council adopt the directions and spirit of this Discussion Paper and ensuing Arts and Cultural Policy.

QUESTION: CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THIS RECOMMENDATION?

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Proposed Vision

‘A vibrant artistic community is an abundant socially rich place

where people want to live and invest.’

The proposed recommendations in this Discussion Paper and the consequent vision for the Alice Springs Arts and Cultural Policy is focused on aspirational change in relation to the positioning of the Alice Springs Town Council’s role in the cultural and creative life of the Alice Springs community.

Alice Springs has a well-deserved reputation as the heart, the soul and the centre for distinctive quality cultural and creative experiences, products and events. Its cultural events draw tourists from across Australia and the world.

Council’s current support for arts and culture acknowledges a vibrant community life rich in creativity. The Arts and Cultural Policy aims to position the Council as a key enabler in Alice Springs growth as a truly creative city for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

The proposed way forward is based on a holistic place-based approach that asserts and enhances Alice Springs as a premier arts

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(online survey)

and cultural destination and builds on the recognition that the growth of the cultural and creative industries provides a real opportunity to strengthen community wellbeing, create a culturally rich sense of place and contribute to economic viability.

To contribute to the development of a vibrant and diverse town, the recommendations in this Discussion Paper seek to support an expanded set of strategies that encourage: • A partnership approach to strengthening the arts and cultural sector.

• A focus on quality and professional development of local artists.

• Connection to the place and heritage of the region, engaging visitors and residents.

• Community engagement and participation in arts and cultural experiences.

• Arts and Cultural activities that promote the distinctive character of the town.

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Proposed Values

PEOPLE AND PLACE Local networks, local skills, local opportunities and local products are key to building the local economy, cultural tourism and building pride.

Activating public places using local knowledges that express the cultural depth of Alice Springs for residents and visitors alike.

DIVERSITY Diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, heritage, age groups, abilities, location and scale of arts practice are what makes Alice Springs great! Arts and cultural experiences must be available to and reflect the full spectrum of culturally and linguistically diverse people who live in Alice Springs.

QUESTION: DO THE PROPOSED VISION AND VALUES REFLECT YOUR OWN THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS?

PARTICIPATION Arts and Cultural activities should be available to the whole community. Access to cultural and arts activity is integral for developing community and individual wellbeing, community cohesion and lifelong learning. Participation is at the centre of every arts and cultural experience whether it is as a maker or an audience member.

QUALITY Quality arts experiences are created through a thriving, innovative and diverse arts community.

Support for the further development of arts and cultural practice in Alice Springs that furthers the existing reputation for quality artwork, artisanship and cultural experiences.

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Action Areas for the Arts and Cultural Policy Programs

There are 46 recommendations in this Discussion Paper. Your feedback is sought to assist in the refinement of the future directions of the Arts and Cultural Policy and programs.

Your feedback will ensure that the results align with community needs.

PLACES AND SPACES 1. It is recommended that the Council create a Public Art Master Plan that includes a Strategic Interpretation Plan through which cultural significance and heritage values are formulated into a framework.

2. It is recommended that an audit of the existing public art collection take towards the creation of a Public Art Register.

3. It is recommended that the Council investigate the development of a multi-purpose facility as appropriate community infrastructure identified in the Join the Conversation Consultation Report, that can host multiple events and activities such as music performances, exhibitions, film festivals, dance, theatre, workshops etc.

4. It is recommended that the Council maximize Alice Springs’ sense of place, activating public spaces making arts and culture more visible in the built and 33

natural environment throughout the municipal area.

5. It is recommended that the Council investigate strategies such as: • “open space activation” hosted by the City of Hobart which develop art programs and cultural events in public open spaces relevant to all sections of the community that generate activity and a sense of connection and caring for the environment.

• “artwork platforms” hosted by the City of Hobart which activates public spaces through the installation of ‘platforms’ for the temporary exhibition of artworks.

6. It is recommended that the Council consider the development of a multipurpose facility as a tool that creates an accessible and activated hub of activity for social interaction.

7. It is recommended that the Council continue to support activities and events that take place in the Todd Street Mall to continue the revitalization of the Mall.

8. It is recommended that the Council develop public art commissions that reflect the Alice Springs’ natural environment and cultural heritage.

9. It is recommended that the Council enhance the cultural vibrancy of the Central Business District through supporting existing activities (such as the pop-up shops) as identified in the Join the Conversation Consultation Report.

10. It is recommended that the Public Art Master Plan include a mechanism that supports the integration of public art in all proposed building developments.

11. It is recommended that the Council identify events/projects that ‘distinguish

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Alice Springs from everywhere else’ and ‘celebrate our land, lifestyle and multiculturalism’ (Quotes drawn from the Join the Conversation Consultation Report) 12. It is recommended that the Council continue to support activities and events that take place in the Todd Street Mall to continue the revitalization of the Mall.

PARTNERSHIPS 13. It is recommended that the Council develop local partnerships with existing organisations to deliver Indigenous specific outcomes in public spaces.

14. It is recommended that the Council develop local partnerships with existing organisations in Arts and Culture, Education, Health, Tourism, Community and Enterprise, to deliver and promote skills, training and career pathways for Indigenous artists.

15. It is recommended to adopt a more strategic approach to arts and cultural events. This includes gaining an understanding of how the Tourism and Business sector is developing the NT brand and addressing seasonality issues.

16. It is recommended that the Council seek to partner with business and tourism to develop visitor experiences from the range and quality of activities available, to the delivery of visitor information, to enhance Central Australia’s competitiveness as a global destination.

17. It is suggested that the Council could use these recommendations to strengthen communications about cultural planning and development between Council, the arts and culture sector, schools and the community.

18. It is recommended that the Council build strategic alliances and collaborative approaches with existing projects, programs and activities that deliver activities in public spaces that had strong 34

community involvement, were inclusive, outdoors and had good marketing, to strengthen participation and accessibility.

PROMOTE/ADVOCATE 19. It is recommended that the Council focus on improving the availability and accuracy of information about what Alice Springs has to offer from the cultural and arts perspective. If residents and visitors to the city are to fully appreciate the scope and quality of the arts and cultural activities available, they require accurate and up-to-date information that is readily accessible online and in print.

20. It is recommended that Council strengthen communications with the relevant departments in the Northern Territory Government such as NT Major Events Company and Tourism NT to support existing events that focus on the unique character, environment and identity of Alice Springs.

21. It is recommended that Council prioritise strengthening existing events above the development of new events through inkind strategic support such as marketing (including coordination of the arts and cultural calendar of events), and expert event planning advice).

22. It is recommended that the Council target the wider community with promotional material of the Alice Springs Arts and Culture Calendar.

23. It is recommended that the Public Art Register (existing Alice Springs Public Art Collection) be promoted through various platforms including: Digital • Promotion of the Register as the Alice Springs Public Art Collection on the Alice Springs Town Council website.

• The creation of an online map that outlines a public art trail that is downloadable and accessible.

• The creation of a digital application

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available on smart phones. See example application sitesandtrails. com.au (under construction)

Print • The creation of a printed publication that promotes the Alice Springs Public Art Collection and outlines the permanent public art and design works and hosts interpretation and a map Onsite • The creation and installation of a plaque or similar signage infrastructure instated for every artwork in the public art register. It is also recommended that the details for signage be developed and finalised at the time of the commission contract.

SUPPORT/COORDINATE 24. It is recommended that Council select 3-5 existing events and provide these events with strategic support determined through conversation and analysis. [Support could include in-kind and funding support to facilitate high profile, nationally and internationally renowned events.

For those events that are currently nationally and internationally renowned but do not have local attendance, it is recommended that Council consider strategies to encourage attendance and participation through partnerships and promotions. The level of support would be determined through analysis and predefined Council parameters.]

25. It is recommended that the Council continue to provide event specific equipment to existing projects, programs and activities.

26. It is recommended that Council support better planning and coordination of arts and cultural events in public spaces so that there are no clashes with sporting events in public Council facilities.

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27. It is recommended that the Council prioritise local event bookings in public spaces to allow for better planning and promotions of the Alice Springs arts and culture calendar.

28. It is recommended that the Council coordinate local arts and cultural event bookings at Council facilities so they do not clash with sporting events in public Council facilities.

29. It is recommended that the Council continue to facilitate increased use of the calendar as a planning tool.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 30. It is recommended that the Council build the capacity of Indigenous arts and cultural organisations to lead and manage programs that activate engagement of Indigenous artists in public activities.

31. It is recommended that the Council recognise and support existing and emerging cultural leaders through the creation of a mechanism similar to that of the Youth Action Group and Youth Services Officer position.

32. It is recommended that Council build capacity in the arts and cultural sector through the development of a professional development program.

33. It is recommended that Council conduct an audit of existing arts and cultural organisations, events and facilities and develop a public register of arts and cultural organisations.

34. It is recommended that Council build capacity and networking in the arts and cultural sector by facilitating quarterly meetings for arts and cultural organisations, groups and professionals

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ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION

BEST PRACTICE

35. It is recommended that the Council continue to encourage Aboriginal networks and committees to provide advice and leadership.

36. It is recommended that the Council continue to encourage representation of Indigenous artists and cultural leaders on the Public Art Advisory Committee.

37. It is recommended that the Council develop a protocol for the commission and acquisition of Indigenous Public Art that references the development of mechanisms that support increased participation by Indigenous artists.

38. It is recommended that the Council continue to have the Youth Action Group as a mechanism to support engagement with youth.

39. It is recommended that Council conduct an audit of existing arts and cultural organisations, events and projects that engage with youth.

40. It is recommended that Council develop a Reconciliation Action Plan to identify clear actions with realistic targets that can be taken to improve the relationship between Indigenous people both within the organisation and the wider community.

41. It is suggested that the recommendations in this Discussion Paper will contribute to increased community engagement.

42. It is recommended that the Council reference best practice and acknowledge The Indigenous Art Code, Australia Council for the Arts Indigenous Protocols for Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Writing, Media arts and Music arts in the Arts and Cultural Policy and addendum programs.

43. It is recommended that the Council develop the cultural vibrancy of Alice Springs by recognising the value of existing events and projects that contribute significantly to making Alice Springs a safe, inclusive, culturally rich and vibrant community.

44. It is recommended that the Arts and Cultural Policy guide how the Council manages, preserves and supports the city’s cultural resources.

45. It is recommended that the Arts and Cultural Policy identifies Alice Springs’ cultural resources from the Join the Conversation Consultation Report as follows: • • • • • •

Landscape Indigenous arts and culture Heritage and History Local Stories Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Local arts and cultural artists, events, organisations and groups

46. It is recommended that Council adopt the directions and spirit of this Discussion Paper and ensuing Arts and Cultural Policy.

QUESTION: DO THE PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS REFLECT YOUR OWN THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS?

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