Creating community identity, cohesion and belonging through the Arts

Inverell Shire Council

Inverell Shire Culture and Arts Strategic Plan

For many regional towns across Australia, investing in arts, culture and the creative economy has been linked to increased economic prosperity, visitation, a stronger place identity, and an increased sense of community identity, cohesion and belonging.

Yet, like many other regional councils in Australia, Inverell Shire Council, located in the NSW Northern Tablelands, is facing some vast yet immediate challenges including climate impacts such as drought, loss of young talent to urban centres, unemployment, an ageing population and declining volunteer base.

At the same time, there is an increasing expectation from residents about what Council should provide and fund, as well as increasing focus on Council’s accountability, communication, frugality, consultation, equity and transparency.

In May 2019, Cred Consulting were engaged to work collaboratively with Council, community and stakeholders to develop a Cultural and Arts Strategy that responds to the diverse needs and aspirations of the Inverell Shire community.

Hand painted sign encouraging locals to attend art classes with Munch's 'The Scream' painted on it

Local initiatives to increase uptake and engagement with arts and culture (Source: Cred Consulting)

Services
  • Strategy
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Our approach

Cred worked with Inverell Shire Council to develop a strategic roadmap that recognises the value of arts and culture to their community and maximises their existing strengths and assets, through:

  • Embedding a robust and healthy cultural awareness within our community for the long term;
  • Promoting the Inverell region as a place for creating expression and recreational opportunities;
  • Identifying new sources of growth and prosperity from the cultural economic and access to a wide variety of cultural products and services;
  • Fostering the creative industries and support local artists;
  • Preserving the unique cultural heritage of our shire and enable a shared understanding of the people who live in the region; and
  • Guiding the cultural investment and activity over the next 10 years and inform our planning, programming and funding priorities.
Diagram showing the cultural assets of Inverell

Our research mapped key cultural assets and contributors to Inverell’s cultural strategy (Source: Cred Consulting)

The level of professionalism displayed by Cred Consulting in delivering the Inverell Shire Cultural & Arts Strategy was second to none. From concept to delivery, the team went above and beyond to deliver a strategy that will see the community thrive in this space well into the future. Their ability to engage the community during all levels of consultation was exceptional. The team was incredible to deal with and I would have no hesitation in recommending Cred Consulting for future projects.”

Peter Caddey, Manager Tourism and Marketing, Inverell Shire Council

The outcome

For many regional towns across Australia, investing in arts, culture and the creative economy has been linked to increased economic prosperity, visitation, a stronger place identity, and an increased sense of community identity, cohesion and belonging.  Inverell Shire Council’s cultural and arts strategy provides a 10-year vision for the delivery of Council’s arts and cultural facilities, programs and services, and a framework to grow the Shire’s reputation as a vibrant and creative place to live, work and visit.

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