2020-07-07 S&O Agenda - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - Noosa Cultural Plan 2019-2023

                                                                              Sport and Active Recreation Plan




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 through many avenues – as artist,
audience, consumer or participator.

The local cultural sector fosters a rich creative community life. A broad range of stakeholders: individuals,
government agencies, community and industry organisations, and commercial businesses actively pursue
and deliver cultural facilities, program, events, services and products. Noosa people are collaborative and
supportive and will readily work together to produce an activity or event.

Cultural events regularly feature on the annual calendar, most notably Noosa Alive (formerly Noosa Long
Weekend), Cooroy Fusion, Booin Gari, Floating Land, Noosa Food and Wine Festival, Noosa International
Film Festival, Peregian Originals and Noosa Open Studios.

Education in the cultural sector is supported locally with state and private schools offering a varying range
of cultural content and the local university campuses of University of the Sunshine Coast and Central
Queensland University offering arts or creative industry related courses. Within the broader Sunshine
Coast region accredited training is available through university, TAFE and private providers.

Council cultural services such as Libraries, Noosa Regional Gallery and Community Development provide a
range of creative professional and skills development opportunities. Many local organisations, businesses
and creative practitioners offer short-courses and workshops in a wide diversity of disciplines and
mediums.

The arts sector is represented by several advocacy and networking groups, including Sunshine Coast
Creative Alliance and Create Noosa while the Heritage sector is represented through Council’s Heritage
Reference Group. Cultural and community members are strong advocates for culture and actively
participate in consultation regarding cultural matters.

In summary, the Noosa region is not starting from a zero base. It already has the existing elements of a
strong arts, culture and heritage foundation from which to build upon to deliver a healthy cultural future.



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