Meeting papers

     The social dividend:
     The value of culture to                                                                                                    Key drivers for the level of value placed on arts and culture in the Noosa community are:



     the Noosa community                                                                                                        Preservation of identity
                                                                                                                                Noosa’s culture reflects its rich history, indigenous
                                                                                                                                                                                               creative practice. By supporting and promoting the
                                                                                                                                                                                               arts, Noosa cultivates a thriving creative ecosystem that
                                                                                                                                heritage and vibrant community spirit. By preserving           enriches the lives of both residents and visitors.
                                                                                                                                and celebrating heritage, Noosa maintains a strong
     Vibrant and healthy communities require a co-operative blend of human, economic and environmental attributes.              sense of identity and pride among its residents, helping       Creative Industries
     Integral to this are cultural and creative elements which add character, substance and meaning to a community,             to foster a cohesive community, a strong sense of              Creative Industries refers to the range of economic
     often defining what makes it unique. Cultural values shape the customs, traditions and social structures within            belonging and connection to place.                             activities that are concerned with the generation of
     a community. They serve as a foundation for an individual’s sense of place and play a crucial role in influencing                                                                         both goods, services, and cultural events derived
     attitudes, perceptions, and interactions amongst people.                                                                   Tourism and economic benefit                                   from artistic, artisan, and creative processes. Creative
                                                                                                                                Noosa’s cultural infrastructure and events are drawcards       Industries are grown, maintained, advanced, and
     For Noosa, a flourishing cultural sector has individual and collective benefits in social, economic and environmental      for tourists wishing to experience the region’s unique         guided by best practices, clear progressive career
     terms. Access to arts and culture increase the positive liveability and quality of life within the region, both tangibly   qualities. Cultural tourism is a growing industry that         pathways, and sustainable work forces. These
     through architecture, civic design, community venues, galleries, theatres, museums, public art and performances            stimulates the local economy, supports businesses and          industries are underpinned by highly specialised
     and intangibly through a myriad of qualitative facets including a shared sense of place, community and values.             generates revenue for the community.                           training and skill sets. The Creative Industries




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Noosa Council Cultural Plan 2025 – 2030
                                                                                                                                                                                               serve both arts and cultural sectors as well as
     Research undertaken by CRED Consulting in 2024 concluded that access to arts and culture is important to Noosa             Cultural exchange and understanding                            provide essential services across other economic,
     residents for the opportunity to connect the community, support wellbeing, address loneliness and value the past.          Cultural activities and events in Noosa provide                environmental, and community sectors.
     There was also a strong appreciation of the value of arts and cultural events to the tourism industry that Noosa           opportunities for the community to share, engage,
     economically relies upon.                                                                                                  learn and experience; providing opportunities to grow          Access to cultural and artistic experiences
                                                                                                                                mutual respect and appreciation amongst residents              contributes to overall quality of life. By supporting arts
                                                                                                                                and celebrate difference. These social opportunities           and cultural practice, Noosa can provide residents
                                                                                                                                are critical to promoting and supporting an inclusive          with opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and
                                                                                                                                and tolerant society.                                          personal development, enriching their lives beyond
                                                                                                                                                                                               economic measures.
                                                                                                                                Community engagement
                                                                                                                                Participation in cultural activities fosters a sense of        Preservation of heritage
                                                                                                                                belonging and social cohesion within the Noosa                 Noosa’s cultural heritage is preserved through efforts
                                                                                                                                community. Whether through attending cultural events,          to protect and maintain historical sites, tangible
                                                                                                                                volunteering or joining community groups, residents            materials and recorded stories. By safeguarding its
                                                                                                                                have opportunities to connect with one another                 heritage, Noosa ensures that future generations can
                                                                                                                                and build meaningful relationships. This sense of              appreciate and learn from the region’s past. This
                                                                                                                                community strengthens social bonds and enhances                preservation effort helps to instil a sense of continuity
                                                                                                                                overall quality of life. With an ageing population and         and connection to history.
                                                                                                                                consequent increase in loneliness and isolation, the
                                                                                                                                opportunity to partake in cultural experiences is an           Economic vitality
                                                                                                                                important contributor to broad community health.               Culture is not only integral to the identity of the Noosa
                                                                                                                                                                                               region but also serves as a driving force behind its
                                                                                                                                Artistic expression                                            economic vitality, social cohesion and overall quality of
                                                                                                                                The arts play a crucial role in Noosa’s cultural               life for residents. By valuing and investing in its cultural
                                                                                                                                landscape, both through reinforcing Noosa’s cultural           assets, Noosa will continue to thrive as a dynamic and
      Performance at The J Theatre.
                                                                                                                                uniqueness and providing opportunities to experience           inclusive community.

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