Since 2020, Regional Arts Victoria has led the delivery of a collaborative regional strategy designed to uplift the creative industries in southwest Victoria. The initial South West Creative Industries Strategy 2020-2024 laid the groundwork towards creating beneficial and sustainable creative industries in the region.
So far, the Strategy and associated projects have:
- Benefitted the region with $2.1 million in directly leveraged funding and a further $10 million for projects and venues aligning with strategic aims
- Elevated the status, visibility, and influence of SW creative industries at local, state and federal levels, strengthening advocacy and providing structured access to the expertise and attention of state government
- Contributed to the development of arts and culture strategies/frameworks by all 5 local government partners
- Developed the capacity, confidence and connectivity of local creatives
- Facilitated a dedicated resource valued by stakeholders and community
- Developed relationships and partnerships with philanthropic organisations
- Fostered a degree of collaboration across silos
We are pleased to report that we have now completed a draft for the second iteration of the Strategy which refocuses attention on key priorities for the next four years (2025-2029), building on the foundations, learnings and successes of the first Strategy to guide sector support.
At the end of last year, the new draft South West Creative Industries Strategy 2025-2029 was sent out to the public with an invitation to respond via a public feedback survey. The responses represented a vast array of artforms and sector areas from literature, craft and theatre to digital arts and community development, as well as a broad and diverse age range.
From the survey responses we were able to narrow down on the top 10 needs and wants of the southwest community:
- Learning / Development / Education
- Networking / Connection
- Creative Spaces
- Programs for Young People and Families
- Sustainable Funding
- Access / Inclusion / Diversity
- Partnerships / Collaboration
- Promotion / Celebration / Storytelling
- Events & Business Support
- Advocacy
The draft Strategy is due to be formally adopted by the strategic partners and work will continue to create beneficial and sustainable creative industries and help shape the creative identity of the region.
Image: Jacob Paton Lee performing with the All Abilities Choir at Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre. Photograph: Kirsty Renee Hill
Posted 11 March 2025