Creative Industries Strategy for G21 region project kicks off
A significant collaboration is set to develop the first creative industries strategy for the G21 region with Committee for Geelong and G21 Geelong Region Alliance partnering with local creative and cultural agencies.
With financial contributions from all project partners and a grant from Regional Development Australia-Barwon South West, the strategy will be developed by renowned arts sector strategic consultancy Tony Grybowski & Associates.
A Project Steering Committee has been formed with representatives from the G21 Geelong Region Alliance, the Committee for Geelong, the Geelong Arts Centre, the Geelong Gallery, Creative Geelong Inc, Platform Arts, Back to Back Theatre, the Geelong Regional Library Corporation and Regional Development Victoria.
According to the CEO of the Committee for Geelong and Chair of the Project Steering Committee, Jennifer Cromarty, the strategy could not come at a better time for the region as the sector faces challenges in a post-COVID economy.
“This strategy will provide a framework for the region to respond and adapt to the many impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown on the creative industries and will allow us to focus on growth opportunities spanning local planning, population growth, private investment and infrastructure projects. This project will build on significant thinking and work that has been undertaken across the community including economic development, cultural and tourism plans and leverage the City of Greater Geelong’s UNESCO Creative City of Design designation,” Ms Cromarty said.
This project scoping includes a review and analysis of existing policy and strategy, and relevant activity to creative industry development in the region. This will include a range of stakeholder consultations. This research will inform the development of a Strategic Plan for the Creative Industries in the G21 region. The Creative Industries Strategy for the G21 Region Project Steering Committee will meet regularly throughout the project to monitor and provide advice and support to the project. This project is set to be completed by April-May 2021.
The following quotes may be attributed to relevant Project Steering Committee members:
G21 Geelong Region Alliance – Elaine Carbines, CEO
“Developing a Creative Industries Strategy for our region has been a long held priority for G21’s Arts, Heritage and Culture Pillar and we look forward to working with our partners, key stakeholders and the consultant team to achieve this important work.”
Geelong Gallery – Jason Smith, Director & CEO
“Geelong Gallery is excited to be collaborating on the development of a strategy that focuses on the long-term vitality and ongoing support of our region’s creative practitioners and cultural workers.”
Geelong Arts Centre – Joel McGuinness, CEO
“Geelong Arts Centre is delighted to work in partnership with key stakeholders across the region, to develop a Creative Industries Strategy that will amplify the voices of members of our diverse local creative communities, provide clear future direction, and collective opportunities for growth.”
Geelong Regional Library Corporation – Patti Manolis, CEO
“In keeping with the important role that public libraries play in the cultural fabric of the G21 region, Geelong Regional Library Corporation is delighted to champion this important strategy as we collectively forge new creative, social and economic pathways for recovery from the pandemic and beyond.”
Platform Arts – Ilana Russell, Executive Producer
“Platform Arts is excited to support the development of this strategy, which will be beneficial in identifying and driving opportunities for creative growth, opportunities and development for our region.”
Creative Geelong – Dr Fiona Lee, President
“Creative Geelong is proud to support this important initiative that will enhance the creative capacity of the wider Geelong region.”
Back to Back Theatre – Tim Stitz, Co-CEO & Executive Producer
“Back to Back Theatre is very pleased to support and contribute to the development this vital new creative strategy. Tony Grybowski has recently joined Back to Back Theatre’s Board after acting as interim Executive Director for 4-months in 2020 during our recent executive transition. He has a strong commitment and knowledge of the Geelong region and his extensive experience across the arts and creative sectors, as well as government.”*
*NB: Back to Back Theatre were not involved in the tender selection process.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Cromarty, Project Steering Committee Chair & CEO, Committee for Geelong M: 0413241033 jennifer.cromarty@committeeforgeelong.com.au