Western Australia’s first ever roadmap for holistic cultural infrastructure planning and investment in the State has been released.
The WA Cultural Infrastructure Framework 2030+ outlines the principles for how considered planning of cultural infrastructure can drive participation in arts, culture and creative activities for all Western Australians, showcasing WA to the world.
Cultural infrastructure refers to physical infrastructure such as venues, collections and digital technology, but also includes the staff, volunteers and digital networks required to operate these spaces.
The framework was developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, a review of cultural planning practices and sustainable development goals from around the world. It also considered State planning frameworks and policy priorities such as Diversify WA.
It forms part of the Cultural Infrastructure Toolkit – a suite of resources that will assist decision makers to assess the cultural infrastructure needs and opportunities to support the State’s growing population and economy.
The investment guidelines identify outcomes for investing in cultural infrastructure, and can be used as a tool for robust, evidence-based assessment of cultural infrastructure proposals.
An interactive Cultural Infrastructure Map has also been developed to display the State’s existing cultural infrastructure.
These resources will enable a holistic approach for all stakeholders, including State, local and Federal governments, the creative and cultural sector, private investors and the community.
The Cultural Infrastructure Toolkit is available now on the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ website at https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/culture-and-the-arts/cultural-infrastructure-toolkit
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“Our arts, cultural and creative industries are central to the future development of the State. They create jobs, attract tourists, are essential to our social fabric and sense of identity, and they promote Western Australia to the world.
“This framework underpins the Government’s ambitions through Diversify WA and sets out what we need to do to place culture at the centre of our State’s development.
“Importantly, it will support WA’s economic and social recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Not only is this the first ever Cultural Infrastructure Framework for WA – it is also the first in the world to have such a significant focus on First Nations peoples.
“As well as having a key focus on the maintenance and celebration of WA Aboriginal art, culture and heritage, an intended outcome of the framework is to improve accessibility and increase participation in creativity and culture.
“Improving access and participation is particularly important for people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage, young people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, people facing socio-economic disadvantage, and people living in outer metropolitan, regional and remote WA.
“I’d like to thank the key stakeholders for their vital role in the extensive consultation process. This includes stakeholders across all regions of WA in the arts, cultural and creative industries, Aboriginal community leaders, public sector agencies, local governments, and planners, developers and architects.
“I want everyone in this great State to benefit from our cultural infrastructure by engaging with it every day. Well-planned cultural infrastructure makes it easier for the creative industries to flourish – industries we know create far-reaching positive social, economic and cultural outcomes for communities.”
