Project Overview

The Arts and Culture Strategy aims to connect, support and elevate the already vibrant art and culture spaces and groups, further empowering them to continue to grow and create. Council offers strategic support and investment in the arts and culture industries, benefitting the broader community. A culture rich in the arts and respected history is vital for a healthy, connected community. Hepburn Shire has a history of art and storytelling on this country, originally from the Djarra traditional owners, who continue this long history today. More recently we continue this tradition to create and play on Dja Dja Wurrung country. With a large amount of studio-based artists, commercial galleries, several dedicated community art groups facilitating events, live music venues and three local historical museums already in operation, Hepburn Shire is renowned for its creative and inclusive community.

Our Community Vision speaks about an inclusivity, embracing innovation and fostering partnerships. The first step in developing an Arts and Culture Strategy was the creation of a shared vision that this community, creative sector and Council can work toward. The strategy will define key focus areas where Council can play a dynamic and supportive role in strengthening the provision of existing services, programs and facilities so that the creative community can thrive. Measurable objectives in the form of yearly action plans, will be developed to support each key focus area. An implementation plan including strategies, partnerships, activities and resources will be created to act as a roadmap for achieving our shared vision.

Creative community conversations about arts and culture were held across our Shire in mid-2022 in Daylesford, Trentham, Clunes and Creswick and five additional sessions were held online. A second round of on-site pop-up engagements and an online survey were completed in March 2023 and extensive feedback was gathered from traditional owners.

How to Participate

Please read the draft Arts and Culture Strategy (contained in the document library) and complete the short feedback form.

Next Steps

The draft Arts and Culture Strategy is open for public exhibition (closes on 14 April 2024). The draft will be considered for adoption at the June Council meeting.

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Name Samantha Thompson
Phone 0428 037 938
Email sthompson@hepburn.vic.gov.au