BY Kerri-Anne Mesner
MARIBYRNONG City Council is putting out a call to the community for feedback on the draft arts and culture strategic plan as stage two of the community consultation period commences.
Council, with independent arts and culture consultant Helen Molnar, introduced stage one of the community consultation period in November 2006 by hosting series of community forums and interviews.
Mayor Michael Clarke, who is council’s spokesman for the public art advisory panel, said: “The aim of the stage one forums was to generate the foundations for the strategic plan, which identifies the role and future provision of arts and culture within the City of Maribyrnong.
“We have taken on board the suggestions from our community and consolidated all of our findings and ideas into the draft. We want the people of Maribyrnong to have a look and continue giving us feedback on their vision for arts and culture in our city.
“The last strategic plan was undertaken in 1997 — plenty has changed in our city since that time, and now we have a new Maribyrnong on our hands. We need a strategic plan that reflects our modern, multicultural municipality,” he said.
“We also have a very rapidly growing arts and culture industry and community in Maribyrnong — we need our current strategic plan to accurately reflect this.”
Cr Clarke said council had worked closely with local arts organisations, as they were a vital component of the city’s activities.
“We have consulted with Footscray Community Arts Centre, Western Edge, Living Museum of the West, Big West and the Snuff Puppets to gain their input,” he said.
“Now, it’s time for our community to have another chance get their thoughts out.”
“Copies of the draft strategic plan are available for viewing at council offices (corner of Hyde and Napier streets, Footscray), council community centres and libraries and on our web site www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au. Have a look and tell us what you think.”
“Arts and culture in Maribyrnong belongs to everyone — it’s up to our community to help us develop the best approach possible,” said Cr Clarke.
All comments regarding stage two of the draft arts and culture strategic plan should be emailed to lisa.arnott@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au by Wednesday 23 May.
