Boroondara Arts Plan
Welcome
The Boroondara Arts Plan provides the guiding themes and objectives for all arts and cultural activities delivered by Council across the municipality. This plan will enhance Council’s arts investment and delivery of inspiring and inclusive activities and programs in the community’s parks, streets and venues.
Arts and cultural activity is integral to building and maintaining a rich and connected community. It contributes to neighbourhood character, enhances the development of civic spaces and parks, and is a key factor in the developing concept of local cultural tourism.
The Boroondara Arts Plan features a balance of innovative program and service initiatives with the exciting challenge of ensuring community access and ongoing development of its major arts facilities: Hawthorn Arts Centre, Kew Court House and Town Hall Gallery. It is structured to deliver actions that support the benefits of active, inclusive arts programs as an important contributing factor for individual and community wellbeing, cultural awareness and the creative life of the Boroondara community.
The City of Boroondara is proud of it’s arts offering provided for the enjoyment of local residents, communities and visitors to our municipality.
Boroondara Arts Plan 1 Introduction and background
‘It’s the lifeblood of the community … individual expression of the cultural identity of wherever you’re from.’
Survey respondent
2 “It’s a gorgeous venue, Kew Court House.”
Survey respondent
Boroondara has a long history and reputation as a The development of the Town Hall Gallery exhibition community of people with ideas and vision, providing program and the Town Hall Gallery Collection, Council’s a creative contribution to Melbourne’s progress important visual record and artistic interpretation of and prosperity. our communities, has expanded to include additional opportunities for local artists through the Community During the life of the Boroondara Arts and Culture Project Wall and gallery shop. Strategy 2008-13, the City’s cultural profile was greatly enhanced by the revitalisation of key public buildings of This foundation provides a fertile ground for the historical significance as new flagship centres of cultural development of innovative and inclusive programming that life. This visionary focus affirmed Council’s recognition characterises the new Boroondara Arts Plan. The Plan of the arts as a key investment factor in the growth of its offers participatory activities that both draw the community thriving community. Council’s major achievements of this into our cultural centres and conducts creative activities in infrastructure program have been the establishment of the different locations around the City. Hawthorn Arts Centre, expanded Town Hall Gallery and the Kew Court House. The themes and actions informing the Boroondara Arts Plan highlight the important role of local government Council’s vision for its arts facilities over the past five years in the creative life of the community, directly informed has been complemented by the strategic development of by consultation with Boroondara’s residents. Our role arts and cultural activity throughout the City. This period is evolving from provision to partnerships, recognising has witnessed the further development of community the importance of local networks and connections in festivals and new events through the Creative Communities the meaningful development of sustainable arts activity. stream of the Boroondara Community Strengthening These features ensure individual and collective wellbeing Grants Program of annual and operational triennial grants, and a sense of inclusion are authentic outcomes of the the evolution of a vibrant outdoor summer cinema and Boroondara Arts Plan. music program and community participation in a diverse, engaging range of community cultural activities.
Boroondara Arts Plan 3 Our Boroondara
Boroondara is named from an Aboriginal word meaning “where the ground is thickly shaded”.
The City of Boroondara boundary commences five The three largest ancestries in the City are English, kilometres east of Melbourne’s CBD and includes the Australian and Irish, representing 70.6% compared to suburbs of Ashburton, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Camberwell, 62.1% in Greater Melbourne. Nevertheless, Boroondara is Canterbury, Deepdene, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Kew increasingly diverse. The 2011 Census revealed that 28.2% and Kew East, and parts of Glen Iris, Surrey Hills and Mont of the population was born overseas, with the majority born Albert. Boroondara is named from an Aboriginal word in non-English speaking countries. The majority of migrant meaning “where the ground is thickly shaded”. settlers to Boroondara arrive via the skilled migration stream, and in 2011, almost one in three of newly arrived In 2015, Boroondara’s forecast population is 174,719 and migrants were 18 to 44 year olds born in China and India. is expected to grow to 191,754 by the year 2031. This makes the City one of the most populous local government In 2011, the City of Boroondara had the second highest areas in Victoria. Close to one third of residents are aged 50 Socio-economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Relative years and over and Boroondara has the largest population Socio-economic Disadvantage score of all Victorian LGAs. of people aged 85 years and over of all metropolitan Additionally, a higher proportion of Boroondara residents Melbourne Local Government Areas (LGA). held formal qualifications (Bachelor or higher degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or Vocational qualifications) Over 30% of Boroondara residents are aged 0 to 24 years. when compared to Greater Melbourne. This is accredited to the tendency for the area to often be promoted as an education hub with 57 secondary, primary It is clear from the research that the municipality is made and special education schools, including 13 combined up of residents and ratepayers who have a high level of primary and secondary schools located within Boroondara. education combined with a high levels of SEIFA. This Swinburne University, Swinburne TAFE, and a University demonstrates that the Boroondara municipality is filled of Melbourne campus are also located in the City. with engaged and educated residents and rate payers.
4 Boroondara Arts Plan 5 Defining the benefits of the Arts for the community
According to community consultation conducted The Boroondara Arts Plan is designed to strategically throughout 2014, arts and cultural activity in the life of position arts activity for these optimum benefits and the Boroondara community is an important feature, with collaborative opportunities with long standing community 57% of respondents attending an arts or cultural event at development partners and new, lateral possibilities. least monthly. People responded that they participate in arts and cultural activity for a variety of reasons including entertainment, for new experiences, to experience something different or something with which they identify - or as a passion: ‘it’s part of who I am’.
Participation in creative activities is integral to building and maintaining a rich and connected community. It contributes to cultural identity and awareness, neighbourhood character, enhances the development of civic spaces and parks, and is the key factor in the developing concept of local cultural tourism. The Boroondara Arts Plan builds on the empirical evidence of the benefits of an active, inclusive arts life as an important factor for these strategic concepts, for individual and community wellbeing and the reduction of social isolation. Participation in creative activities is Participation in arts activities helps to address growing integral to building social issues such as ageing, discrimination, depression, sexuality and isolation. These issues, not bound by socio- and maintaining a economic boundaries, are all issues experienced by and rich and connected directly relevant to the Boroondara community. community.
6 Profile of the Arts in Boroondara
Council supports community creativity and cohesion by providing a range of arts experiences.
Council supports community creativity and cohesion by providing a range of arts experiences which are described below. Firstly, the three cultural facilities for the City of Boroondara are an affirmation of Council’s support for the arts at a local level. Two of the City’s exceptional heritage facilities, Hawthorn Town Hall and Kew Courthouse and Police Station, were redeveloped during the Boroondara Arts and Cultural Plan 2008-13. This vision provided an arts and cultural focus to develop arts, community, heritage, civic and social activities for the community. The Hawthorn Arts Centre and Kew Court House now provide key cultural and artistic community hubs.
Boroondara Arts Plan 7 8 Hawthorn Arts Centre
The grand Victorian building has been transformed into contemporary arts spaces designed for performing and visual arts and supporting the creative life of Boroondara.
The vision for the former Hawthorn Town Hall Precinct was for it to become a major arts and civic centre for the City of Boroondara, with a focus on strengthening Council’s cultural programming capacity.
Opening in October 2013, the Hawthorn Arts Centre has now fulfilled that vision as the City’s major arts, community and cultural centre. The grand Victorian building has been transformed into contemporary arts spaces designed for performing and visual arts and supporting the creative life of Boroondara. It presents an annual arts program, community workshops, theatre performances and events. It also has an important role as a civic and social function venue.
After its successful community launch in November 2013, the Centre has been experiencing a steady growth in attendance and usage numbers. The Centre is regularly being used to present community events by local arts and performing groups. Council’s support for community arts initiatives via the Cultural Facilities Community Access Grants has increased the delivery of creative activities by local groups, for local people. As a multiple purpose venue, the Hawthorn Arts Centre is the ideal venue to accommodate diverse requirements of venue hirers, from large community and corporate events to small meeting rooms and workshop spaces.
Boroondara Arts Plan 9 Town Hall Gallery
Located in Hawthorn Arts Centre, the Town Hall Gallery is the public gallery space for the City of Boroondara. Spanning three gallery spaces, the Town Hall Gallery features a diverse range of contemporary and innovative curated exhibitions, public programs and exhibits drawn from the Town Hall Gallery Collection, showcasing six to eight major exhibitions per year.
A member of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV), the Gallery supports local, national and international artists at varying stages of their careers. Town Hall Gallery also offers a space for local artists and community groups to exhibit professionally on the Community Project Wall, presenting 12 exhibitions per year in this space. The inclusion of a gallery shop, The Emporium, offers local artisans and craft makers the opportunity to sell their products to a broad audience. Since reopening its expanded spaces, the Town Hall Gallery’s activities are gaining popular and critical momentum in the community.
10 Since reopening its expanded spaces, the Town Hall Gallery’s activities are gaining popular and critical momentum in the community.
Boroondara Arts Plan 11 Town Hall Gallery Collection
The Town Hall Gallery Collection is Boroondara’s evolving narrative of local arts and culture, capturing ideas and moments in time, both small and great. According to its Acquisitions Policy, the Town Hall Gallery Collection represents art works about Boroondara, by Boroondara artists or artists with a focus on Boroondara’s features, events and culture. The Collection reminds its viewers of where Boroondara has come from, and inspires the community for what is ahead.
The Town Hall Gallery Collection has a long collecting history. Works in the collection date back to the late 19th century. Its humble beginnings commenced with donations, then bequests from local dignitaries and the addition of The Town Hall the former Camberwell, Kew and Hawthorn municipal Gallery Collection collections. Named the Town Hall Gallery Collection in is Boroondara’s 2007, this change reflected the importance of the public evolving narrative gallery and its professional custodianship of the City’s of local arts and collection. culture, capturing The Town Hall Gallery Collection is divided into four ideas and moments components; Art Collection, History Collection, Local in time, both small Government Collection and Public Art Collection. Each and great. collection has its own unique focus to interpret the cultural heritage of the area. The Collection combines items from the past municipalities, while actively acquiring new works to maintain the legacy of cultural heritage within Boroondara.
12 Hawthorn Arts Centre Artist Studios
Located on the upper levels of the Hawthorn Arts Centre, The Artist Studios the six Artist Studio spaces are available for creative allow for creative practitioners to rent on yearly lease agreements. One practice to flourish studio space is allocated for artist in residence programs in conjunction with the Town Hall Gallery exhibition within the Hawthorn program, which allows for the community to engage with Arts Centre and artists on a more personal level. The Artist Studios allow for expand its profile creative practice to flourish within the Hawthorn Arts Centre as a cultural hub. and expand its profile as a cultural hub.
Boroondara Arts Plan 13 10
Kew Court House
The Kew Court House is an intimate performing arts venue featuring an 80 seat black box theatre space showcasing eclectic performances.
Since its reopening as a small cultural centre in 2011, programs to date have included emerging theatre, jazz and classical music recitals. Reaching its fourth year of operation, the Kew Court House is beginning to form an identity amongst the Melbourne independent arts scene and has developed strong relationships with Boroondara’s emerging artists and organisations.
Programs held at the Court House have attracted a diverse Boroondara audience from university students to young families and seniors. The Kew Court House is a venue for hire for community and corporate events with spaces that can be used for performances, rehearsals, exhibitions and meetings.
14 Boroondara Arts Plan 15 Over the summer period, Arts and Culture produces Outdoor Festivals an engaging and diverse program of outdoor cinematic and Events and musical events. With a local focus, these events present classic and contemporary offerings alongside artistic endeavours produced by the Boroondara creative community. These accessible community events are delivered in the leafy surrounds of local parks and gardens in Boroondara and are an opportunity for neighbours to come together for a great night or day out.
Through Council’s Community Strengthening operational grants, support is provided to a range of local festivals across the City. The Festival program provides residents with the opportunity to celebrate the unique features of their neighbourhood.
16 Arts and Culture produces community cultural development Community Cultural projects that use the arts as means to build and strengthen Development Projects community capacity by providing projects for participation, engagement and cultural awareness. Community cultural development projects build health and wellbeing, using projects designed to reduce risk, enhance resilience and promote particular issues. Development of participatory arts activities need to reflect the life of the community, both familiar and surprising, offering engagement and the opportunity to participate in creative activities.
Having the dual effect of creating ‘bridging’ and ‘bonding’ social capital, community cultural development projects effectively create links between individuals within communities and, links between diverse sets of communities. It is this process of engagement and active participation in these projects that positively impacts on challenges such as resilience and risk-reduction practices, notably for young people. It is in the context of such programs that participants enhance their productivity as individuals within their family, the community and society.
Boroondara Arts Plan 17 Boroondara Eisteddfod
The Boroondara Eisteddfod was established in 1991 by the then City of Camberwell, and today has a stated mission ‘to encourage participation and excellence in the performing arts’.
The Eisteddfod is a unique partnership between the City of Boroondara and the Boroondara community. The Eisteddfod is guided by the Boroondara Eisteddfod Advisory Committee, a team of dedicated volunteers and patrons, benefactors and sponsors.
The Boroondara Eisteddfod has been a major stepping stone in the careers of many young artists and fosters the development of the arts in youth. Importantly, the Eisteddfod provides a supportive and encouraging environment in which young musicians and singers are offered both a valuable performance experience and the opportunity to share with their peers the positive benefits of participating in the arts.
18 Boroondara Arts Plan 19 20 Boroondara Arts Plan 21 Policy Context
The Boroondara Arts Plan reflects the Council Plan Strong and engaged communities 2013-17 by supporting Council’s vision, mission and values. Strategy 7 We will provide services, programs and facilities for Council’s vision is for Boroondara to continue to be the community to participate in a broad range of arts “a vibrant and inclusive community with an outstanding and cultural activities quality of life”. The Boroondara Arts Plan supports this vision through the delivery of services and programs Community outcome outlined in its six themes: Innovative cultural programs and events for all members of the community. — Presentation — Participation and Accessibility The following Council Plan 2013-17 themes are also — Venue Management related to the Boroondara Arts Plan: — Support and Development — Communication — Sustainable environment, through delivering activities — Advocacy. and events that engage sustainably with parks, gardens and the natural environment. These themes have been determined through the — Enhanced amenity, through delivering activities and community consultation process conducted to events that promote protection and enhancement support the development of the Plan. of the natural and built environment. — Quality facilities and assets, through continued The Boroondara Arts Plan is directly relevant to improvement of access and engagement with the Theme One of the Council Plan 2013-17: City’s cultural facilities. — Responsible management, through effective management of the cultural facilities including Hawthorn Arts Centre, Kew Court House and Town Hall Gallery and continued best-practice approach to arts development, communication and advocacy for Boroondara residents. 22 The Boroondara Arts Plan will adhere to the values outlined in the Council Plan 2013-17 of integrity, collaboration, accountability, innovation and respect.
The Boroondara Arts Plan also reflects themes and actions outlined in the following strategies and plans:
— Boroondara – Our City Our Future 2008-28 — Creating an Age-friendly Boroondara Strategy 2014-19 — Cultural Diversity Plan 2014-18 — Early Years and Young People Strategy 2015-18 — Economic Development Strategy 2009-16 — Library Services Plan 2015-19 — Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-17 — Sports and Recreation Strategy 2015-20 — Urban Biodiversity Strategy 2013-23
Importantly, the Boroondara Arts Plan is relevant to Theme One in the 2013-17 Boroondara Public Health and Wellbeing Plan - “Resilient, safe, and inclusive community” with the strategic objective to “increase social connections for people across all ages, gender, income, cultural backgrounds and abilities”.
Boroondara Arts Plan 23 Community Consultation Plan Overview
Consultation with the Boroondara community was sought — More programming focusing on younger audiences to deepen understanding of the desires and experiences (from children and families through to teenagers of those who participate or wish to participate in arts and and adults aged under 50) cultural activities on all levels. A range of collection methods — A more diverse range of programming, including more were used to gather feedback from the community to experimental and contemporary arts, and events and inform the development of the Boroondara Arts Plan. activities reflecting the cultural diversity within the City. A total of 629 responses were received. — More street art and public sculpture.
Community consultation comprised of interview surveys The arts were seen to be a medium for community at a range of community events, followed by an online self-expression, and an opportunity for bringing together survey focusing on the commitments in the previous Arts the community and specific niche or cultural groups. and Culture Strategy 2008-13. The survey was distributed Culture tended to be seen as an overarching construct broadly across the municipality and community workshop that includes the arts (and is potentially reflected in the consultations were also held. arts) but is not limited to it; the arts is seen as one possible expression of culture, as well as a possible influencer Feedback was sought from the community on the current of culture. and future role of Council in: The perceived benefit of the arts to the community included: — Creative participation and engagement levels — Identifying ways to strengthen and improve how arts — enjoyment and culture is delivered across the municipality. — bringing the community together, and fostering social contact and good mental health The consultation articulated the following priorities: — providing people with a new perspective / way of thinking — More participative activities and events (rather than — education a focus on delivering art forms for the community to — providing people with skills which in turn promotes passively consume) self-esteem.
24 Survey respondents were asked to indicate which arts and The actions informing the Boroondara Arts Plan aim to cultural events they were interested in. Overall, film and live address this community feedback by diversifying future music were the most popular (63% and 59% respectively), programs: followed by art exhibitions and live theatre (both 49%). Only 1% of survey respondents indicated that they were not “It would be great to give emerging artists who might be a interested in arts and cultural events and activities. bit different a chance to exhibit.” Festival interview
While there was a perception that Council puts The 2014 consultation highlighted respondents’ support considerable effort into delivering a range of arts and of arts and culture in Boroondara is important as a means cultural programming, many required clarification on of providing valuable benefits to the community. Council’s role in supporting the arts. “It’s the lifeblood of the community… “I would love to see opportunities for adults to play and to individual expression of the cultural identity of wherever find what they can do, because when you get to a certain you’re from.” Survey response age and your partner dies and your best friend’s dead, you stop working and your children leave home, there are so The consultation also found that there was a broad range many people out there – predominantly women – who are of interest in multiple art forms across the community, empty, and once they have an opportunity [to engage with indicating that diversity in arts and cultural programming art and craft] their lives actually fruit again.” Survey response is required.
There was also feedback that the current arts programming Community members, both those who responded to across Boroondara would benefit from greater reflection the surveys and those who attended the community and inclusion of the diversity of cultural groups in the City. consultation, responded that support of arts and culture in Boroondara is important as it provides numerous benefits “We need more representation of the cultural diversity to the community. in Boroondara.” Festival interview
Boroondara Arts Plan 25 Vision Boroondara is the home for vibrant and engaging arts experiences for all residents in order to enrich the lives of the Boroondara community.
26 Council’s vision for arts and culture will be achieved through the themes below which provide the structure of the Boroondara Arts Plan, supported by an annual Action Plan. It is structured to deliver actions that support the benefits of active, inclusive arts programs as an important contributing factor for individual and community wellbeing, cultural awareness and the creative life of the Boroondara community.
Boroondara Arts Plan 27 17
Themes and Objectives
Feedback from the Boroondara community throughout the consultation period highlighted a number of key areas that are important to them. They are seeking access to spaces and information and the continued support of festivals and local arts organisations. Whilst a desire to experience high quality arts as an audience member is high, they also want to more actively participate in the arts.
As well as these themes stemming from the consultation, Council has also identified the importance of responsible management of our arts and cultural facilities and its role in advocating as local government on the positive impact the arts can have in the community.
As a result, the following six themes and supporting objectives have been identified as key drivers for Council during the life of the Boroondara Arts Plan.
28 Theme 1
Presentation
Objective 1.1 Presentation addresses Council’s arts and culture program will be the development and accessible, broad reaching and respond to the needs of our audiences. presentation of Council’s Objective 1.2 curated arts programs Council’s artistic presentation will be of exceptional quality that builds the reputation in its cultural venues, of our cultural facilities. outdoor spaces and Objectives 1.3 Council’s programs delivered outside of the non-traditional venues. cultural venues will bring people together to foster a sense of connectedness and community spirit.
Objective 1.4 Council’s arts program will provide opportunities for local artists.
Boroondara Arts Plan 29 Theme 2
Participation and Accessibility
Objective 2.1 Participation and Accessibility The Boroondara community will engage informs Council’s plan to actively with the arts as a means of creative expression. support the community to Objective 2.2 achieve their arts participation Council will be a conduit for information for the community to support them in their arts goals, whether that is through participation goals.
Council-run activities or Objective 2.3 Council will offer valuable and meaningful assisting the community to support to artists and arts groups to assist self-organise through access to with building a creative community. information, spaces, grants and Objective 2.4 Council’s arts facilities will be a hive of other resources. creative activity through the provision of accessible and affordable spaces for the community.
30 Theme 3
Venue Management
Objective 3.1 Venue Management guides Council’s cultural facilities will operate with and informs the effective the highest standard of arts and cultural facility management system compliance. management of Council’s Objective 3.2 cultural facilities including Council’s cultural facilities will be effectively maintained to ensure they remain active Hawthorn Arts Centre, and vibrant community venues for the Kew Court House and generations to come. Objective 3.3 Town Hall Gallery. Sound business strategies will underpin the management of Council’s cultural facilities to maximise return on ratepayers’ investment.
Boroondara Arts Plan 31 Theme 4
Support and Development
Objective 4.1 Support and Development The Boroondara community will have focuses on community access to opportunities to connect with the arts in ways that will enrich their lives. cultural development and Objective 4.2 education programs, as well Council will use the arts to foster as supporting artists in the community resilience and harmony. Objective 4.3 Boroondara community. Council will support local community artists, arts groups and local artistic practice.
32 Theme 5
Communication
Objective 5.1 Communication is key to the Effective and responsive marketing will promotion of Council’s venues ensure that the Boroondara community is aware of the opportunities available to and programs and drives the them to participate in arts activities. marketing and promotions Objective 5.2 Council will be at the forefront of social planning and delivery to the and digital media use as a means of arts Boroondara community. marketing.
Boroondara Arts Plan 33 Theme 6
Advocacy
Objective 6.1 Advocacy will drive our Council will provide support and advice for vision for effective and creative industries at a local level. relevant support for local Objective 6.2 Arts and Culture will be a partner in the creative industries. development of community development initiatives with a focus including creative solutions.
34 Implementation Supporting documents and Evaluation
The Boroondara Arts Plan is supported by an associated To read the Boroondara Arts Plan in full, along with Action Plan. Annual actions from the Arts Plan will be the associated Action Plan and Consultation Summary, determined in line with the resources available. Progress please contact Arts and Culture on 03 9278 4770. with the actions of the Boroondara Arts Plan will be monitored and reviewed by an annual assessment of its achievements and outcomes throughout the life of the Plan. The progress and outcomes of collaborative projects and partnerships to be developed in response to the Plan will be documented and will comprise part of the annual review cycle. Key actions delivered will be reported via Council’s Annual Report.
Boroondara Arts Plan 35 36
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For further information please contact City of Boroondara Private Bag 1 Camberwell 3124 9278 4444 www.boroondara.vic.gov.au