Southern Grampians Shire Council marks a transition from a regional partnership following more than a decade of collaborative work supporting the region’s creative sector.
Southern Grampians Shire Council has decided not to renew its participation in the South West Creative Industries Strategy, a partnership between Regional Arts Victoria and supported by four other southwest councils and regional stakeholders.
Through a pooled resources model, SGSC’s investment has delivered access to specialist creative sector advice, strategic partnerships, regional advocacy, shared intelligence and stronger collective representation of the creative industries in southwest Victoria.
Regional Arts Victoria has provided Southern Grampians Shire Council with a report that captures recent outcomes and sector insights, with 78 local creatives and organisations connected to impactful support, programming, and investment.
In the last 12 months alone, an estimated $126,763 was procured for projects benefitting Southern Grampians creatives, alongside subsidised schools programs, performances and targeted support for small halls. The report also contains recommendations to help Council continue supporting local creative communities and progressing creative sector aspirations.
Southern Grampians creatives and organisations will continue to be able to connect with Regional Arts Victoria through membership, professional advice, insurance options, sector updates and selected programs.
As part of this transition, Regional Arts Victoria is arranging online connection opportunities for community galleries and presenters and will partner with Southern Grampians Shire Council on a professional development and networking program later this year supported by Beyond Bank.
Local creatives are encouraged to follow @RAVsouthwest on Facebook to stay informed about these opportunities and to follow Southern Grampians Shire channels and cultural venue eNews to connect with opportunities through Council.
Regional Arts Victoria CEO, Jo Porter said:
“The South West Creative Industries Strategy has become a benchmark to which other regions refer, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved to date. RAV and our partners remain committed to supporting the sector across Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne and Warrnambool. RAV members in the Southern Grampians will continue to access advice, networks and opportunities.”