2018-05-08 S&O Committee - Attachment 1 to Item 3 - Draft Noosa Cultural Plan

Our current cultural context
Noosa Shire in 2018 has a diverse cultural and creative sector, both professional and community oriented. Our
arts, culture and heritage reflect the distinct identity of Noosa and there is a strong alignment between local
community values and arts practice with the local environment frequently inspiring arts practice. Participation
in cultural activities is high, particularly in visual arts and craft activities and attendance at local events and
festivals.

While it is difficult to obtain accurate data on the number of people engaged in the local arts, culture and
heritage sectors, research undertaken by the Australia Council combined with local data and anecdotal evidence
suggests that our community engages highly in the arts, even though individuals might not recognise it as such.

73% believe the arts make for a richer and more meaningful life
44% participate in a creative activity
69% attend live events
82% engage with the arts online
97% listen to music
78% read
(Connecting Australians: Results of the 2016 National Arts Participation Survey)

The cultural sector is represented by a broad range of stakeholders: individuals, government agencies,
community and industry organisations, and commercial businesses who actively pursue and deliver cultural
facilities, program, services and products. People within the local cultural sector are collaborative and supportive
and will readily work together to produce an activity or event.

Local arts, cultural and heritage organisations are numerous with over 70 distributed across the Shire as
identified through a 2017 audit. These organisations produce numerous events and activities throughout the
year and foster a rich creative community life.



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