Council yesterday endorsed a new Memorandum of Understanding 2025-2028 between South East Arts, Bega Valley Shire Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council and Snowy Monaro Regional Council at its last meeting for the year.
It also agreed to collaboratively develop an annual work program with South East Arts to reflect the shire's arts and cultural development priorities.
Director Community, Environment and Planning, Emily Harrison said SEA actively supports the ongoing development of, and participation in, arts and culture throughout the region, working across a range of mediums including visual arts, theatre, music, dance, screen, creative industries, museums and heritage.
"The MOU with South East Arts has helped us support a thriving arts and culture sector across the shire," Ms Harrison said.
"This new MOU sets out the formal level of cooperation between South East Arts and member councils for the next four-year commitment.
"It outlines each partner's commitment to improve creative arts outcomes, enrich cultural services and programming, grow economic outcomes through the arts sector, and advocate for arts and culture in the region.
"The MOU sets a strong foundation for Council and South East Arts to collaborate on delivering the actions set out in our Arts and Culture Plan 2024/25 – 2029/30, which was adopted by Council in August this year."
Ms Harrison said over the last 10 years, South East Arts has generated $6.5 million in revenue from state and federal government funding, philanthropic support and earned income to support the arts and culture in the region, as well as small contributions from member councils.
"South East Arts works with member councils to support and augment their work in areas which include the arts, tourism, economic development, and community cultural and strategic planning," she said.
"It also provides services to the arts and cultural sector including promotion, information and research, resources and advice, and professional development."
Councillor Helen O'Neil was endorsed as Council's representative on the South East Arts board at the 9 October Council meeting.
