Our Bayside Arts, Culture and Libraries Strategy 2023-2027 seeks to connect our community to stories, creativity and each other for a lifetime of fulfilment, inspiration, and possibility.
The Strategy was developed in alignment with the Bayside City Council Plan 2021-2025 and the Bayside 2050 Community Vision, and in close consultation with the local community, partners, and stakeholders.
The Bayside Arts, Culture and Libraries Strategy 2023-2027 was adopted by Council at the 21 March 2023 meeting, with Mayor Cr Hanna El Mouallem noting the importance of arts, culture and libraries in developing a vibrant, connected community.
"We would like Bayside to be a place where creativity and lifelong learning are encouraged and celebrated. The integral role arts, culture and libraries play in fostering community wellbeing is evident around the world and this Strategy outlines a direction for our arts, culture and libraries, so we can deliver on our goals over the next four years," Cr El Mouallem said.
The purpose of the Strategy is to ensure that Bayside City Council delivers the highest public value through the development of diverse arts, culture and library infrastructure, services and programs that will meet community needs now and into the future. Council seeks to nurture creativity, promote community wellbeing, and support lifelong learning by increasing community engagement with local arts and culture, and library services.
The Strategy sets a vision and direction for our community. It seeks to deliver on the following goals:
• Our community is connected through a sense of belonging in safe, accessible and inviting cultural spaces for all.
• Our community members' lives are enriched in an environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged and celebrated.
• Our community are curious lifelong learners, who access trusted and relevant information, programs, technologies and opportunities.
Delivering these goals will support the aspirations of the Bayside community to live in an inclusive and liveable place, where all residents can contribute, live rewarding, healthy and connected lives and benefit from a vibrant, creative and engaged community.
Cr Sonja Castelli, Chair of the Arts and Gallery Advisory Committee said this was an important occasion for arts, culture and libraries in Bayside.
"This is a really exciting time for arts, culture and libraries within Bayside. We have a clear direction for the next four years, enabling us to curate programs and services that will enhance the lives of our community," Cr Castelli said.
Implementation of the Strategy will be driven by two Action Plans which will be delivered with and through key internal and external stakeholders. These Action Plans will outline the projects and initiatives that the arts and culture, and libraries teams will deliver to move toward the realisation of the 2050 Community Vision for Bayside. Progress against the Action Plans will be monitored, with annual reports made to Council and the community.
If you'd like to find out more about the consultation process visit Have Your Say.
