City looks to grow arts programs

A successful creative arts strategy has prompted Bunbury City Council to look at its options to further develop in the industry.

The council has accepted a 12-month review into the Creative City Strategy 2015-2020 and could consider a proposal for a Greater Bunbury Regional Arts Advisory Group.

The suggestion comes from arts and culture manager Julian Bowron who in a report to the council says the outcomes of the strategy demonstrate the role Bunbury plays as the “creative hub” of the South West.

“The significant contribution made by the arts and creative industries to tourism, education, community well-being and attraction of skilled professionals can be much better understood when considered in a Greater Bunbury context,” the report said.

“A Greater Bunbury Creative Strategy also has the potential to strengthen the case for greater devolution of regional arts funding.”

The Creative City Strategy 2015-2020 was launched by the council last year and focusses on the level of arts participation around Bunbury.

A review into the strategy identifies a number of successful outcomes including the Re.Discover Street Art Festival and CinefestOz as meeting targets of holding signature art events in the city.

Bunbury’s travelling piano and the new busking policy and sites were also identified as a win in activating open space for creative events.

Mayor Gary Brennan said Bunbury had the facilities, including a regional art gallery, to expand the strategy.

“The wider we spread the geographic interest in our creative city strategy, the better,” he said.

“I know there’s people outside of Bunbury who are really interested in what we’re doing here and want to be involved.”