Alice Springs Town Council
Developing an Arts and Culture Policy for Alice Springs
e n h t o i t n i a Jo ers v n Co
Consultation Report January 2016
Contents Introduction 3
Consultation Process
Key Findings
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Themes And Key Findings By Priority Area 6 PRIORITY 1 6 PRIORITY 2 8 PRIORITY 3 9 PRIORITY 4 10 PRIORITY 5 14 PRIORITY 6 15 PRIORITY 7 16 PRIORITY 8 17 PRIORITY 9 18 PRIORITY 10 19 PRIORITY 11 21
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The consultant conducted 31 interviews with 48 individuals across a broad cross section of stakeholders from the arts and cultural sector, education, tourism, government, Indigenous organisations and local businesses. On the closing date (20 December) the online survey had received 69 responses and four written submissions were received via email.
Introduction
The survey, Join the Conversation, was designed so that respondents would be led through a series of questions that related intrinsically to the Alice Springs Town Council goals and priorities with each area tested through a corresponding set of questions to draw out the key concerns and recommendations.
The Alice Springs Town Council has committed to the development of the first Alice Springs Arts and Cultural Policy, which will provide strategic direction in the support and delivery of Alice Springs Town Council Arts and Cultural programs, projects and events. The development of the Arts and Cultural Policy provides the Alice Springs Town Council the opportunity to have open dialogue with the arts and culture sector, education institutions, local businesses, local and territory government agencies, Aboriginal organisations and the wider community about what the vision for arts and culture in Alice Springs should be and what the Alice Springs Town Council can do to support that vision. The first stage in the development of an Arts and Cultural Policy was a consultation that was built around the set of goals that the Alice Springs Town Council provided for the Arts and Cultural Policy and Program. The consultation involved a number of methodologies including an online survey, deliberative stakeholder interviews and a public art engagement forum with Elected and Executive Council members and the Public Art Advisory Committee. 104 submissions were gathered and 121 individuals were involved in the consultation, which took place between 14 November and 20 December 2015. 3
This report contains the overall findings from the initial consultation process and is the first in a series of documents that will be presented to Alice Springs Town Council as the consultancy and development continues across the next few months. This report is designed to: • provide an overview of the consultation process; • summarise the overall responses and present the findings of the initial consultation; and • provide a synopsis of the overarching themes. The results of this consultation are an important source of information that provide a foundation for the subsequent Make it Count Discussion Paper which will consider: • • • • •
key findings and analysis of stakeholder input for consideration in the development of the Arts and Cultural Policy; research on best practice; additional analysis of sector needs and resources; exploration of existing policies, strategies and commitments at a Local, Territory and National level; and engagement with the Executive and Elected members around specific outcomes that rise from the consultancy and practical implementation.
The Make it Count Discussion Paper is available at the following URL: http://arts-policy-alice-springs.com/make-it-count
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• •
Provide clear and concise information to all sections of the local community Provide a range of different opportunities for all stakeholders and members of the local community, relevant local authorities and other statutory consultees to engage with the policy development and provide comment in order to influence the development of the Policy and Programs
Consultation took place with the identified stakeholders below:
Consultation Process In accordance with Alice Springs Town Council’s Community Consultation Framework, the consultant has employed an inclusive, responsive, focused and informative community engagement methodology to guide the development of the Arts and Culture Policy and addendum programs. The objective of the methodology is to develop an Arts and Cultural Policy that reflects an understanding of the values and aspirations of the Alice Springs community. This report focuses on consultation that took place from 14 November to 20 December 2015 and involved the following activities: • •
Arts Policy Alice Springs Website Call out for submissions to the survey via electronic direct mail (eDM) Arts Policy Alice Springs Facebook Page Public Art Engagement Forum
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The purpose of the initial consultation process was to: •
Raise awareness of the scope or terms of reference of the Arts and Cultural Policy and Programs Invite feedback on the scope of the Arts and Cultural Policy and Programs
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Public Art Advisory Committee
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Alice Springs Town Council Elected members
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Alice Springs Town Council Executive team
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NT Arts Program and Service organisations
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Arts organisations, groups and collectives
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Regional organisations
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Northern Territory Government agencies
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Local Festivals
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Aboriginal arts centres
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Service Delivery and/or member based organisations such as Tangentyere Council, Desart, Multi-Cultural Services of Central Australia and Tourism Central Australia
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Aboriginal Media organisations
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Education institutions
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Individual artists
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Local enterprises
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Alice Springs Community
*Please note that best practice and privacy dictates that the specific stakeholders will not be identified in the report in relation to their specific statements. Consultation will continue with the release of the Join the Conversation Consultation Report and the Make It Count Discussion Paper at the beginning of February 2016. This will involve a community forum and broad public consultations as well an arts sector engagement forum, semi-structured interviews and a further survey that supports online engagement.
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Key Findings
The Join the Conversation Consultation Report provided baseline data from which the following themes were identified: Overwhelming support for the Arts and Cultural Policy •
Recognising the value of arts and artists was key to the overwhelming support for the development of the Policy.
Community/Cultural Integration
Local artists, events and festivals •
Valuing and nurturing local artists, events and festivals through good planning and support.
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Valuing local artists, events and festivals through promotions and partnerships.
Inclusion, Access and Participation
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Recognising and valuing the Indigenous culture as integral to the fabric of the community and region.
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Recognising and valuing the cultural and linguistic diversity of Alice Springs that has come since settlement.
History and Cultural Heritage
Venues and Spaces •
Supporting access to cultural infrastructure including multi-use spaces for creating and experiencing a range of art forms.
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Supporting inclusive opportunities for the whole community to participate and access arts experiences.
Recognising and valuing the importance of the cultural heritage and history of Alice Springs.
Natural Environment •
Understanding that the appreciation and connection to place and landscape is an essential and unifying factor in community life.
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Themes and Key Findings Priority 1 by Priority Area INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES
FOR INDIGENOUS ARTISTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC SPACES Three questions were asked: Responses to Q.1: How do you think opportunities for Indigenous Artists could be increased?
– Pop-up spaces and stages;
*Please note that this report will use both the word Indigenous and Aboriginal interchangeably. •
Overall, inclusion of this priority was seen as very positive and tremendously important. This priority was viewed as vital because of the significance of Aboriginal culture and knowledge and connection to land in this region.
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There were an overwhelming number of responses from a broad stakeholder base that felt concern that racism was institutionalised in Alice Springs.
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Proper respect and acknowledgement of Indigenous people, artists and cultural heritage was seen as fundamental to achieving this priority.
– Indigenous traditional and contemporary performing arts. •
Many respondents referenced marketing. There was a general desire to see more marketing that ‘profiles success stories’, and achieves better communications overall.
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More public art that references the shared history of Alice Springs and the Indigenous connection to the land.
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Greater engagement with peak arts bodies, art centres and other institutions that represent Indigenous artists.
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More cross-cultural, intercultural events and activities. More collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists.
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Indigenous representation in the Alice Springs Town Council. Responses included the suggested recommendation of establishing a position or intern placed in the Community and Cultural Development Unit and/or a position in the Public Art Advisory Committee.
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Many respondents felt that increased participation needed to be address through both government (top-down) and community (ground-up) input and partnerships.
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Positive visibility and participation in • Provide training, mentoring and other public spaces was referenced through development opportunities for Indigenous mechanisms such as: artists. – A regular ‘marketplace’ for Indigenous artists. This was referenced as a supportive • More funding to acknowledge the high cost platform for both independent artists and of service delivery. art centres; • There were numerous references to an – Opportunities for Indigenous artists and ‘Aboriginal Art Museum’, ‘Indigenous Arts musicians to exhibit and perform; and Culture Centre’, ‘National Centre for Indigenous Arts and Culture’, ‘Museum of – Murals that employ Indigenous artists Aboriginal Art’ as ‘long overdue’ in Alice and share Indigenous culture; Springs.
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The following protocols were cited as integral to support the Alice Springs Town Council in creating an ethical and respectful policy and addendum documents: 1. The Indigenous Art Code
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Health Community
*These areas have been ranked according to the data results. Other notable contributions that came from the interview and online survey process included suggested local partnerships with: • ‘Desart’ • ‘Town based Indigenous Art Centres’ • ‘Akeyulerre Central Australian Aboriginal Healing Centre’
In general opportunities that were considered to be long term, sustainable, innovative, ethical, considered, community driven and inclusive processes were prioritised.
• ‘Arrernte cultural leaders who have the authority to talk for country who are descended from the original inhabitants of the Mparntwe, Antulye and Irlpme estates.’
Opportunities that focussed on outcomes such as education, celebration, training and participation were also prioritised.
• ‘CAAMA’
Again reference was made to the need to support existing events and programs and Desert Song, Bush Bands Bash and Desert Mob were referenced.
Responses to Q.3: What partnerships do you think need to be brokered to support this? The overwhelming response to this question via the online survey was ‘local partnerships’ with ‘existing organisations’.
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Education
Enterprise
Infrastructure, funding, training and employment were considered to be key to the success of such opportunities.
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The need for an Alice Springs Town Council Reconciliation Plan was also noted.
Cultural tourism, artistic excellence, multimedia, history/heritage and youth were also referenced as important.
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Arts and culture
Tourism
The responses to this question were diverse in scope but could be grouped into ‘development opportunities’ and ‘showcasing opportunities’ that were developed and driven by Indigenous people and reflected the cultural diversity of the region.
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• 2. Australia Council for the Arts Indigenous Protocols for Visual Arts, Performing Arts, • Writing, Media arts and Music arts •
Responses to Q.2: What kind of opportunities are the most important to support? •
Organisations could be grouped into following areas*:
• ‘Centre of Appropriate Technology’ • ‘The Strehlow Research Centre’ • ‘People from Indigenous families such as the Stuart family, Steven family, Rice family and Furber family.’ A secondary trend felt partnerships needed to be created with the Territory and Federal Government. The Government agencies mentioned can be grouped into the following areas*. •
Indigenous
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Arts and culture (includes references to arts, film, writing, music)
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Research
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Health
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Education
*These areas have been ranked according to the data results.
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Priority 2 INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION IN ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC SPACES BY THE ALICE SPRINGS COMMUNITY Two questions were asked:
• ‘dedication and determination of staff and volunteers’
Responses to Q.4: Since you have been living in Alice Springs, what have been the most successful events, projects or programs to increase opportunities for participation in arts and cultural activities in public spaces?
• ‘high levels of volunteer hours’
Below is a list of events that has been compiled accordingly to popularity:
• ‘large amount of in-kind support from organisations’
1. Events in the mall such as pop-up shops, night markets, StoryWall and Todd Street mall revitalization program. 2. Desert Mob / The Beanie Festival / Alice Desert Festival 3. Bush Bands Bash 4. Wide Open Space (also referred to as WOS and Wide Open Spaces) 5. 24hr Dance Marathon 6. Yipirinya Festival / Mbantua Festival / Watch This Space events were cited but have been compiled here (Shifting Ground, Free BBQ Giveaway, Art Land Culture, Sculptural events at Desert park and Olive Pink) 7. Olive Pink up the Garden Path 8. 8MMM Launch 9. Desert Song 10. Sacred Site Tours (also referred to as Doris’s Tours) Responses to Q.5: Why do you think these events, projects or programs were so successful? The responses to this question have been collated into four broad themes: Strong Community Involvement • ‘driven by committed, resourceful, creative people’
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• ‘run by passionate and empowered grass roots people with an altruistic vision and love for community’ • ‘genuine consultation process over several years’
Inclusive • ‘brings together Indigenous and nonIndigenous communities’ • ‘strong partnerships driven by community engagement’ • ‘representative of the many different cultures that live here’ • ‘reached unsuspecting broader audience’ • ‘open to everybody’ • ‘safe, family friendly and not cost prohibitive’ • ‘accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and age groups’ Outdoors • ‘celebrate the unique landscape we live in’ • ‘organised by local artists with an understanding of place’ • ‘energizes a space that people can fear i.e. the mall at night’ • ‘walking space’ • ‘unique aspects of place and people celebrated’ Good Marketing • ‘well marketed’ • ‘marketed as leisure which helps bring people out of the woodwork’ • ‘very professional looking marketing’
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Priority 3 INVIGORATE PUBLIC SPACES WITH EPHEMERAL OR PERMANENT ARTISTIC EXPRESSION IN THE FORM OF PUBLIC ART, MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, FESTIVAL/S One question was asked:
Enterprise
Responses to Q.6: Since you have been living in Alice Springs, what has taken place that you feel has invigorated public spaces the most successfully?
There were strong responses to the revitalisation of the Mall being largely because of the young creatives who have begun to occupy spaces and start ‘pop-up shops’, ‘pavement cafes and restaurants’/ ‘pop-up coffee carts’.
Responses have been assembled into the following five areas: Permanent Public Art The Aquatic and Leisure Centre, the Perentie sculpture, the Stuart Highway Fence and what was repeatedly referred to as ‘the Mall rejuvenation’ scored highly. During the one-on-one interviews, The Gathering Garden was referenced on numerous occasions. In the online survey, ‘the Council building artwork’ also seems to r efer to The Gathering Garden. There was also reference made to the ‘Library book installation’ and to the public artworks located at the Alice Springs Town Council but responses did not state the titles of the artworks clearly. Further, a number of murals were referred again, their titles not clear but delineated by location instead such as ‘the mural at the back of Coles’, ‘the Ngurratjuta Wall mural’ and ‘the mural at IGA’. Temporary or Ephemeral Public Art Responses that referred to ephemeral or temporary works mostly cited Sculpture and Film events. Sculpture events at the Alice Springs Desert Park and Olive Pink Botanical Gardens were referred. Film or Digital projection references included ‘StoryWall’, ‘Digital projections’ and ‘Cinema in the River’. The other two strong responses in this section were the ‘Sacred Site Tours’, ‘Heritage Walks’ and the performance ‘24hr Dance Marathon’. 9
‘The beauty of the pop-up notion is there are a lot of people here with creative ideas and retail concepts. This is an opportunity to test out the business proposal and see if it’s viable.’ ‘Pop-up galleries especially Mike Gillam’s place really started this trend here, and Watch This Space hosted exhibitions and performances in the empty shops in the Laneway, I can remember Franca [Barraclough] doing tea readings there’ The other strong response that also came under the Enterprise heading was the references to the markets. The ‘Sunday markets’ and the ‘night markets’ were considered invaluable platforms to connect creatives to the rest of the community. Events Some respondents chose events. The most popular were the Street Parade, Alice Desert Festival events in Snow Kenna Park, Anzac Oval and the Alice Springs Youth Centre, Henley on Todd, the Desert Nats and events at Yubu Napa Gallery. Spaces and Infrastructure Some respondents referenced the invigoration of green spaces in Alice Springs, notably the Community Garden in New Eastside and Gosse St in Old Eastside and again ‘the Mall rejuvenation’ was referenced. Others stated that things like bicycle paths and better lighting had resulted in increased usage of public space and particularly the bicycle paths were regarded as very positive.
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Priority 4 DEVELOP CULTURAL EVENTS OR PROJECTS THAT FOCUS ON THE UNIQUE CHARACTER, ENVIRONMENT AND IDENTITY OF ALICE SPRINGS Four questions were asked: Responses to Q.7: Think back over the last few years of community or arts events, festivals or live performances you’ve attended in the local area. Please tell us about your best time out and why you had such a good time?
Responses were collated to form the table below.
Type of event or art form
Event Title
Marketplace Marketplace
Christmas Carnival Night Markets
Indigenous Visual Arts
Desert Mob
Music - Indigenous Music - Classical Music - Jazz Music - Various styles Music - Classical
Bush Bands Bash Darwin Symphony Orchestra James Morrison Desert Music Club Australian Chamber Orchestra
Performing Arts Performing Arts – Live Arts
Cats Meow Cabaret 24hr Dance Marathon
Festival – Equality and Diversity Festival – Music, Art, Performance, Culture Festival – Indigenous Arts and Culture Festival - Indigenous Arts and Culture
Pride Carnival Wide Open Space Yeperenye Festival Mbantua Festival
Awards and Ceremonies
Master’s Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies Wearable Arts Awards
Awards and Ceremonies Why?: (Respondents gave further detail as to the reason they selected the above events / artforms): • ‘Good atmosphere, diverse parts of the community, safe, outdoors’ (Alice Desert Festival) 10
• ‘the setting, the set up, the range of bands etc etc is fabulous - encapsulates many of the extraordinary and unique features that Central Australia has to offer’ (Wide Open Space) • ‘events using landscape as stage/backdrop are often the most memorable’
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• ‘These events all confidently use public space, they are inclusive and mix local performances/artists with people who have come from elsewhere’ • ‘because there is a focus on it being a family event’ (Christmas Carnival) • ‘It feels safe’ (Desert Mob) • ‘great event with many art centres and art galleries doing satellite shows around it to really turn Alice Springs into a creative hub’ (Desert Mob) • ‘a wonderfully inclusive event in Alice Springs and brings a side to town that no other place in Australia has!’ (Bush Bands Bash) • ‘such a moving experience’ (Chamber Orchestra) • ‘apart from the brilliant music the other extraordinary positive was the setting - a temporary stage set up against the backdrop of the ranges and setting sun, band regularly turning to view the glowing light and exclaiming “this is amazing”. What is more amazing is that in my 35 years in Alice I have never witnessed a performance event at this site - close up to the range at sunset’ (James Morrison) • ‘I have been blown away by the diversity, creativity and humour of this wonderful inclusive event’ (Alice Springs Pride Carnival) • ‘relaxed, casual feel’ (Night markets) Responses to Q.8: Please outline three events or projects that currently take place in Alice Springs that you think focus on the unique character of Alice Springs? Respondents were asked to rank these events or projects from 1 – 3. The lists below represent the highest ranked responses in each of these positions. Position 1. I. II. III. IV. 11
Desert Mob Beanie Festival Alice Desert Festival / Wide Open Space (same ranking) Heritage Events
Position 2. I. Desert Mob II. Bush Bands Bash / Alice Desert Festival / Desert Song III. Beanie Festival / Christmas Carnival IV. Library events Position 3. I. II. III. IV. V.
Alice Desert Festival / Beanie Festival Camel Cup River events Events at Olive Pink Henley on Todd
Responses to Q.9: How do you think events such as these contribute to a sense of community, place and identity? Overall the responses to this questions were very positive and indicate that these events are considered to contribute significantly to making Alice Springs a safe, inclusive, culturally rich and vibrant community. These events ‘bring everyone together’; ‘people come together’ ‘through celebration’. They are ‘fun free, accessible, family friendly’ and ‘for community and for tourists’ and ‘present Indigenous and non-Indigenous stories together.’ They ‘profile high quality people and products’ and they ‘reflect local quirkiness – Capital of Quirk’. These events ‘distinguish central Australia from everywhere else’ and celebrate that ‘we are unique, diverse and connected to country’. They ‘celebrate our land, lifestyle and multiculturalism’ and are in ‘iconic locations.’ Responses to Q.10: What resources could be provided to support new or existing events of projects? Most respondents gave numerous avenues of support. These support mechanisms have been divided into two categories, namely hard infrastructure like space, money and equipment and soft infrastructure like expertise, planning and coordination.
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investment’
HARD INFRASTRUCTURE
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Space 61% of respondents indicated that there was a great need to have an inclusive, accessible public space to host activities. There was strong support for a facility that served many functions where diverse happenings could be staged. ‘A public performance stage… this could be a known place that many events could access.’ Respondents noted that an outdoor space was essential and some suggested an amphitheatre style space would be seen as a very positive investment for Alice Springs. Respondents indicated that space was needed for activities such as: • ‘exhibitions’ • ‘youth arts’ • ‘outdoor events’ • ‘festivals’
There are far too many arts groups vying for funding. I would like to see one Alice Springs arts organisation that was brought together under one roof, preferably in one location, such as the now disused former Information Centre’
• ‘Ongoing funding – don’t make organisers waste time begging for funds’ • ‘Greater investment by all levels of the community including local businesses, Government and audiences’ Equipment Those working within the arts sector expressed that access to equipment such as mobile staging, a PA system, sound equipment, outdoor screen, or a digital projector would be useful. Reference was also made to providing a Hot Desk and administrative and marketing facilities such as banners, computers and printers, whilst others suggested exhibition equipment. SOFT INFRASTRUCTURE
• ‘bands’
• ‘workshops’
There were also an overwhelming number of respondents who thought there was a great need for more expertise, strategic planning and better coordination.
Funding
Expertise
• ‘performances’ • ‘annual events like film festivals’
Funding was seen as a key factor, which of course, is not uncommon in many sectors. However some respondents gave consideration to how funding could be better utilised and these responses included: • ‘Resources do exist though three tiers of Government… and the generous contributions of local businesses, however the requirements to obtain their support can be onerous and draining and often established enterprises who re-emerge with the old networks favouring the status quo’ • ‘consideration should be given to how to use resources better and whether there should be an amalgamation of arts organisations’ • ‘small grants that are easy to apply for’ • ‘it would be great to see Local, Territory and Federal Government partnering with their 12
There were a number of respondents who thought that more knowledge and experienced professionals were required. Although about half of these quotes refer to actual positions, which could in some senses be classified as hard infrastructure, they have been allocated to soft infrastructure here because most responses were two-pronged and focussed on an identified skills-gap in the arts sector. The suggested locales for where hypothetical positions could sit suggest a desire for a skills set that benefits the arts sector in its entirety. Many respondents felt that the Alice Springs Town Council Community & Cultural Development manager, was a great asset to the community, but also felt this position/person required additional resources to adequately meet the needs of the sector and that additional specific resources and positions / people could
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be provided for Alice Springs.
• ‘We need long term strategic planning to overcome barriers and encourage inclusion.’
Responses included: • ‘Regional Arts Development Officer’ • ‘theatre and dance producers’ • ‘Professional development opportunities for local artists’ • ‘Qualified and experienced arts management professionals employed by Local or Territory Government’ • ‘More culture staff at Council’ • ‘Hire Baz Luhrmann as an Arts Development consultant’ • ‘Courses at CDU to develop artists’ professional skills in delivering public art’ • ‘We need someone who can bridge the communities, think strategically and then deliver’ Better Planning and Coordination There was a sustained expression for the urgent need of strategic planning from the arts and cultural sector across all online surveys and interviews. At the heart of this expression (which could be termed a plea) was a request to all levels of Government to value the arts as building community, being economic drivers. • ‘Around Australia, the arts is being invested in and valued, but in Alice, we have to fight for everything... it gets exhausting.’
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• ‘We come last when it comes to using facilities. We cannot rely upon Council [facilities] because at any moment it might be subject to other usage. This means we have to release marketing materials without dates and we cannot market our event effectively. This means we cannot carry out any long-term planning. ’ • ‘We have events here that have a National and International reputation but then we get decisions from NTG without any community consultation telling us when their events are on. It is disrespectful to the local constituents.’ • ‘Is there any possibility for Council to begin liaising with NTG about our community events calendar? The decisions about when to put major events on are very top-down and they can be quite debilitating.’ •
There was also a strong expression from respondents that the Alice Springs Council provide ‘positive leadership’ and support the people who are contributing to community by assisting them in relation to arts and cultural programs and events. A suggested way forward was for the Alice Springs Council to select a small number of events (1 to 5) and support them for a sustained duration of time (3 years) so they could become sustainable and not only survive but begin to thrive and leverage that support forward to maximise impact.
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Priority 5 CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIAL CAPITAL THROUGH INTERPRETATION AND CELEBRATION OF THE MULTIPLE FACETS OF THE ALICE SPRINGS COMMUNITY Indigenous Culture
In this statement the “facets” that are referred to are the cultural assets that are in every community. These are the things that have shared value and contribute to the imagination, happiness, social connections and pride of that unique place.
There were two notable contexts that framed these responses:
Cultural assets may be concrete things like McCrossins Mill in Uralla or natural sites like Undoolya Hill. Or they might be intangible things like jokes or memories or special stories about places or people.
The first was the unique cultural heritage that was linked to the landscape and the people living here. Sacred sites were considered great assets that were in need of respect (as were local traditional stories).
Five questions were asked:
The second context referenced the uniqueness of the mix of cultures, the diverse multicultural community of Alice Springs and the Indigenous and non-indigenous communities.
Responses to Q.11: What do you consider to be the most important facets of the Alice Springs community? Three themes emerged from the responses: Landscape 71% of respondents said the landscape or the environment or nature mentioned a specific place in the narrative or vernacular about the region such as ‘the red centre’. There were often references to the uniqueness of living in an isolated and remote place. This was seen as very positive and very much part of the Alice Springs identity. Camping was referenced often as an activity for community and tourists. Stories about places were also referenced. In fact, references to landscape or the environment seem to be the base from which respondents would create a connection to what the respondents considered the other major cultural assets namely Indigenous Culture and Heritage/History.
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51% said Indigenous culture, Aboriginal people, Arrernte culture or used a similar combination of words.
Heritage/ History The history of the original aboriginal inhabitants was referenced often. Respondents noted the importance of sacred sites but also many respondents referenced the shared history of Alice Springs, and the ‘need to tell the whole story’ in such a way that honours and respects all parties. • ‘Both the Indigenous cultural aspects and non-indigenous history equally’ Responses to Q.12: If a friend visits you in Alice Springs - what would you do with them? Where would you take them? What would you buy them? The most popular seven places in the surrounding region: • Macdonnell Ranges • Emily Gap • Ormiston Gorge • Palm Valley • Trephina Gorge • Hermannsburg • Hugh River
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The most popular seven places in Alice Springs: • • • • • • •
Araluen Cultural Precinct Telegraph Station Olive Pink Botanical Gardens Alice Springs Desert Park Anzac Hill Undoolya Hill Ilparpa Claypans
Things to buy: • •
Buy Aboriginal Art Go to the bakery and buy a pastry!
Responses to Q.13: If you could choose your favourite place to be in Alice Springs, where would it be? Does this change in winter or summer? The most popular five places were: • • • • • •
Telegraph Station Olive Pink Botanical Gardens Swimming Pool Undoolya Hill Camping anywhere outdoors under the stars Bike tracks
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Responses to Q.14: What do you feel the Alice Springs community needs to celebrate? These responses have been ranked from 1 -5: 1. Culture / Indigenous Culture 2. Diversity 3. Place (also referred to as the landscape and the environment) 4. Heritage / Arts 5. Stories Responses to Q.15: What resources could be provided to support this to happen? The top seven responses (not ranked) are below: • • • • • • •
Leadership/ Vision/ Strategic support/ Respect from Alice Springs Town Council Space to exhibit or perform Public multipurpose facility / Aboriginal Cultural Centre Professional development programs Funding Marketing support and better promotions Staff to facilitate the full range of local people, events and organisations
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Priority 6 PARTNER WITH LOCAL ARTS ORGANISATIONS TO DELIVER ARTS AND CULTURAL OUTCOMES One question was asked: Responses to Q.16: Of all the arts and culture organisations you’ve known in Alice Springs, list three that you admire the most for making things happen and why? Position 1. V. Araluen Cultural Precinct VI. Desart VII. Red Hot Arts Position 2. V. VI. VII.
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Position 3. VIII.
Watch This Space / Araluen Cultural Precinct
VI.
Tangentyere Artists / Red Hot Arts
VII.
Alice Springs Town Council
VIII. Larapinta Town Camp Art Centre *Please note a very small percentage of respondents stated why, but not sufficient to report.
Desart / Watch This Space (same ranking) Alice Desert Festival Tjampi Weavers / Music NT
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Priority 7 DEVELOP INFRASTRUCTURE THAT SUPPORTS EPHEMERAL ART INSTALLATIONS Two questions were asked:
• ‘confidence to hold events in public spaces a simple outdoor multi-purpose venue.’
Responses to Q.17: What kind of ephemeral art installations do you think will make the most significant contribution to Alice Springs? • Pop-up installations/ performances / music in public spaces • Live music / Live art / Live performances • Outdoors sculpture exhibitions • Walking Trails like the Sacred Sites Tour • Digital Projections • Work about place, history, landscape • Work that is integrated into the environment Responses to Q.18: What do you consider to be the most appropriate and relevant infrastructure to support ephemeral art installations in Alice Springs public spaces? *Ranked by number of statements, grouped into two clear spaces, namely a multipurpose space and Todd Mall. Multipurpose space • ‘performing arts space outdoor multi purpose space... covered stage, 3 phase power, equipment for hire.’ • ‘Multi Arts venue... Arts and Culture needs to be valued as much as sports... extend reach… create infrastructure that makes arts and culture visible and easy to access but also don’t leave out options for live streaming so we can get national and international audiences... build on the successes that are already here!!’ • ‘maybe a stage or place that many different things can take place at?’ • ‘ A shaded in day and starlight in night performance arena in nature or with a natural aspect with a stage and tiered seating which is free for community events to use and for people to gather or play.’ 17
• ‘Well designed, not too cluttered, public open space that is multi-purpose, so it can accommodate ephemeral art without being a dead space at other times.’ • ‘We need a permanent Gathering/ Performance space in the CBD. A flexible day/night venue with a big screen for video and a comfortable shaded, grassy slope for the audience. Needs to be useable all year - for summer and winter, a performance site where kids/anyone can be videoed and viewed live on an electronic screen. In other words a mini Fed Square set up - somewhere everyone can congregate, perform, show movies, hang out.’ • ‘Another public space would be great. Araluen do a marvellous job but another one would be very worthwhile. Maybe a team up with a large institution like Charles Darwin University who could also have an educational input towards such a place. This would go both ways with more visiting artists in residence who could also give back to the Alice Springs and wider community. Many universities have creative arts spaces not only for visual arts but for sound performance and digital media.’ • ‘Decent busking stages around town and on river bank.’ Todd Mall • ‘more pop up spaces in the mall’ • ‘Certainly the Todd Mall would work really well for street theatre’ • ‘ASTC lawns for events/art/craft Flynn church lawns’ • ‘pops ups for all community to gather that can house a lot of different things’ • ‘Mall / Church lawns’ • ‘Some additional supportive market structure for vulnerable Indigenous artists selling traditional art, healing and cultural items in the Mall’
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Priority 8 SUPPORT COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECTS THAT ENGAGE WITH YOUTH This policy will acknowledge that creativity is an essential life skill, supports career development and encourages young creatives to create, participate in and experience the arts in all its forms. The following question was only asked of respondents who were over 25 years of age. Responses to Q.19: Please describe any programs, events, festivals or workshops where you observed that young people were creating and delivering their own work. *These responses have been ranked 1. YAM Festival 2. The Wearable Art Award 3. Drum Atweme 4. Cats Meow Cabaret 5. Duprada Ballet Company 6. Bush Bands Bash 7. Incite Youth Arts 8. SPRUNG Youth Dance Ensemble 9. Desert Divas
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The following question was asked of respondents only under 25 years of age. Responses to Q.20: Please describe your favourite programs, activities, events, festivals or workshops where young people were programming, coordinating, creating and/or attending? *These responses have been ranked • SPRUNG Youth Dance • The Wearable Art Award • YAM Festival • Duprada Ballet Company Responses to Q.21: Why are they your favourites? The responses collected referenced the value of participation for youth and the content of the particular programs. • Youth are in the spotlight’ • ‘Celebrate young peoples creativity’ • ‘Mostly driven by young people’ • ‘Plenty of variety’ • ‘Engaging’
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Priority 9 SEEK TO PARTNER WITH BUSINESS AND TOURISM TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURE SECTOR AND THE COMMUNITY The arts and cultural sector applies creative practice to projects involving other sectors in ways that generate social and economic benefits, as well as arts and cultural outcomes. Two questions were asked: Responses to Q.22: Please describe any specific strategies or partnerships that you think would be beneficial to the arts and culture sector? Most responses in this section were broad and suggested partnerships with the following stakeholders: • • • • • •
Tourism Business Health Education Indigenous Art Centres Araluen Art Centre
• ‘Create a marketing strategy that highlights the strengths of Alice Springs and why it is a special place to visit. It is not just a service delivery town! NT Tourism and Tourism Central Australia with their office in the mall need to actually know what attractions exist and what they offer.’ • ‘There needs to be a marketing strategy explaining the importance of Indigenous art centres and ethically sourced art to make the arts sector more sustainable.’
Other suggestions had more specificity in relation to the strategies / partnerships: • ‘ASTC need to host and promote the success stories.’ • ‘Partner with arts orgs to deliver arts outcomes… broker relationships between arts orgs and tourism.’ • ‘Indigenous Art Code as a core principle of this arts and cultural policy.’ • ‘I think Tourism should partner with major art events such as the Alice Desert Festival and Desert Mob to attract visitors to the region. These are times when the community is very vibrant and will present the town as an attractive place to live and visit.’
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• ‘There needs to be a proactive approach by NT Tourism and the Dept. of Roads and Infrastructure to identify all attractions around Alice Springs and the wider region: these need to be signposted! Most tourists are struggling to find attractions and feel that they have missed out on a lot in and around Alice Springs.’
• ‘It would be beneficial if the NTG did not support the programming of new cultural activities that compete on the calendar with existing ones.’ Responses to Q.23: In your opinion what have been the most successful partnerships between the arts and culture sector and business or tourism that you have experienced since living in Alice Springs? Many respondents did not provide a response to this question. Some of the responses that were provided are outlined below: • ‘Maruku and Virgin Australia have been able to foster a relationship in which tourists flying to Uluru can book their activities with Maruku online. Why doesn’t something like this exist for Alice Springs?’
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• ‘The development of the north mall which included significant public art was a result of solid collaboration and consultation between the ASTC and Susan Dugdale Architects. This example should be a guiding principle of how to coordinate and integrate artists form the beginning of a major infrastructure project.’
• ‘Barkly Regional Arts is a great model for the arts sector. They have broad ranging partnerships and relationships with many different sectors’
• ‘Sitzler bringing the Darwin Orchestra here.’
• ‘Airport’
• ‘Indigenous Art Centres and Philanthropic Foundations’ • ‘CAAMA Radio’
Priority 10 ENGAGE THE BROADER COMMUNITY IN THE ARTS Two questions were asked:
Content
Responses to Q.24: What kind of programs do you think could develop the knowledge and appreciation of audiences? Selected responses have been grouped under three areas below: Marketing • ‘Better advertising. Recently there have been events on that I didn’t know about until the last minute’ • ‘ASTC need to tell the success stories!!’ • ‘Info hub website sponsored and maintained by ASTC’ • ‘We need more ability to do our marketing… If we could plan we could market better. We could use the (ASTC) clash calendar but it all becomes irrelevant as we get pushed to the side if Red Centre Nats is comings or if a sporting event suddenly appears’ • ‘Council actively promoting the arts and building respect and understanding with Arrernte people’ • ‘RHA newsletter is great but I think we need demographic specific marketing’ • ‘multi media marketing initiatives’ • ‘features in the advocate’ 20
• ‘Free street events, festivals or performances’ • ‘Arts trails, National Campaigns, More outdoor activities, More pop ups’ • ‘Having documentaries about our cultural activities and events that explain the background and processes’ • ‘Engaging school kids with public art events ie. grow the audience’ • ‘Get kids engaging on joint culture projects (not just Indigenous) - everyone has a cultural background - there needs to be more conversations about why we live in Alice and what is our individual backgrounds - mutual respect for everyone starting with acknowledgement that we all live on Arrernte country’ • ‘Music and theatre pop-ups’ • ‘Music recitals (groups used to perform at sunset over a glass of champagne at Honeymoon Gap and other terrific places), art trails’ • ‘Live arts -unexpected happening in unusual places’ • ‘environmentally integrated (perhaps smartphone based?) educational sound installations’
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Araluen Cultural Precinct • ‘Araluen has a huge responsibility to run public programs. They need young people in those doors’ • ‘Araluen needs to be the people’s palace. It’s the best place in town’ • ‘Increase Access grants to Araluen’ • ‘Reduced costs where possible or sponsored tickets to major shows at Araluen’ • ‘public programs from Araluen’ • ‘As I said previously educating them about art: many state galleries offer public lectures for their exhibitions and membership based activities’ Responses to Q.25: What kind of role do venues and spaces have in developing an appreciation of the arts to the wider community? • ‘Venues and spaces need to be accessible for artists to use so that they can present their works. Without this, audiences from he community will be limited in their appreciation of the arts.’ • ‘Need an attitude shift from ASTC. We need help with the events that the community already has. We don’t need ASTC putting on events that compete with events that has come from community.’ • ‘Critical - they need to be accessible, welcoming, program diverse work etc.’ • ‘Very important one. Facilities need to be of a high standard, regularly cleaned and maintained. Most tourists - especially international - expect this and are shocked / dismayed when they encounter third world conditions.’ • ‘A massive influence to the wider community.’
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• ‘Significant. We really need a permanent outdoor performance space in this town. We live in one of the few places where there could be outdoor events all year round - i.e. at night in summer and during the day in winter. Yet there is no permanent well-designed, well sited (i.e. with a backdrop of the ranges or river) outdoor amphitheatre in this town.’ • ‘An open air amphitheatre in natural setting would be great, e.g. in old quarry on Ragonesi Rd’ • ‘A very important role - the theatre at Araluen has been a huge asset to the community in this way. However it would be good to have equivalent public spaces where people engage with art and culture because they want to go to the space anyway (for any reason, night markets, get the kids an ice cream, have a stroll, etc.) rather than because they’ve bought a ticket for a specific event.’ • ‘Araluen needs to focus more on local artists and projects, while remaining the key venue for interstate and international acts. • ‘I think it is very important that hotels, such as Lasseter’s and Double Tree Hilton etc. purchase art from ethical sources and stop promoting non-ethical business in town. There needs to be a better understanding from their side too.’ • ‘Needs to be accessible and well priced or free - be fun and well set up. E.g. epilogue rooftop is good & intimate. Totem theatre could do with more funds.’ • ‘Venues are invaluable but they also divide those who can and have from those who cannot.’ • ‘Accessible, useable, inclusive public gathering and meeting spaces are invaluable. Like Telegraph Station.’
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Priority 11 EMBED ARTS AND CULTURE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT Support The top three reasons given by local government for supporting arts and culture are- • ‘Support arts development, bring in artists (1) a vibrant community, for Alice residencies, Council to increase (2) social cohesion, and “supporting the arts” wording and programs (3) cultural identity. in their mission statement, marketing, (Arts and Culture in Western Australian Local operations and strategic plans’ Government report, 2015). • ‘Alice Springs has the opportunity to grow its impact and renown as a social and cultural Local Governments throughout Australia are hub in the middle of Australia. It should beginning to realise the power of arts and do so by fostering events like the Alice culture. But not many have policies or plans in Prize and acknowledging its international place to support arts and culture. importance.’ The development of this policy will enable this • ‘That the ASTC actively supports local artists priority to take place. and promotes them (across government approach).’ Three questions were asked: Responses to Q.26: Write three words that best describe what you want from the ASTC Arts and Cultural Policy? *These responses have been ranked. Position 1. I. Inclusive II. Accessible III. Visionary Position 2. I. Cohesive I. Leadership - Respect II. Arts Development
• ‘We need to keep seeing an increase in arts, it’s one of our biggest commodities and needs to be nurtured. There has been a constant and steady increase in sales from my business’s viewpoint in the last five years and I can see it continuing to grow. We have confidence in both our business and Alice Springs being able to grow and develop over the next few years.’ Partnerships •
Play a brokering role.’
• ‘Events and orgs exist already that ASTC could partner with to deliver rather than deliver themselves. Seems crazy that there is this double dipping and funds get used without thought.’
Position 3. II. Partnerships III. Value IV. Investment Responses to Q.27: What final statements would best describe what you want from the ASTC Arts and Cultural Policy? Three clear areas have been identified from the respondents, namely support, partnerships and inclusivity.
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• ‘Strategic plan to develop quality and excellence in art supporting dedicated artists.’
• ‘Relationship building with current organisations and work together as a team towards a common goal.’ • ‘We need ASTC to build a bridge and support what is happening in the community.’ • ‘They need to facilitate the planning. They need to invest in aboriginal professional development programs and interns.’
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Inclusivity • ‘I want the policy to be inclusive and cohesive and include all cultures and all age groups. I want it to be consistent and strategic and not ad hoc. I want it to tell our story.’ • ‘A policy that affects all of councils actions especially regarding learning about and respecting our unique cultural heritage’ • ‘The policy should reflect where we are, show respect for everyone and respond to our communities needs.’ • ‘Recognition of the diverse cultural and historical contributions made by all inhabitants of the Alice, past and present, and the welcoming and celebration of future cultural collaboration.’ • ‘To support a vibrant artistic community, which is an abundant socially rich place where people want to live and invest.’
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Responses to Q.28: What question/s haven’t been asked that you would like to be asked in developing an Arts and Cultural Policy for Alice Springs? There is an overwhelming expression from respondents that this clear leadership role that Alice Springs Town Council is taking in developing this policy be championed by the Alice Spring Town Council to ensure it is not disregarded. Selected responses below: • ‘How will you deliver these goals? • ‘Please make sure it gets implemented & not overlooked’ • ‘How do we bring the community together? How do we tell our story? How do we create national campaigns that work with what is unique here which is art land and culture. We desperately need a strategic vision!!!’ • ‘There needs to be a question of how to create a stronger working together environment. At this point it is left up to the various providers to work together, however, they are often not even aware of the other’s existence.’
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