Launceston Council releases Cultural Strategy for the City

The City of Launceston's newly adopted Cultural Strategy will strengthen community pride and a sense of belonging, by leveraging Launceston's rich cultural assets.

The Cultural Strategy is an initiative under the Launceston City Deal, a partnership between the Tasmanian Government, Australian Government and the City of Launceston, that is aiming to achieve the vision of Launceston being one of the most innovative and liveable regional cities in Australia.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said it was extremely important that Launceston has a Cultural Strategy in place and explained "this strategy lays out a path forward for Launceston to maximise its unique cultural opportunities, and to identify what strengths and weaknesses we currently have in this space.

 "It also has a key role to play in positioning Launceston as a welcoming place that recognises and celebrates the benefits of cultural diversity."

 The document articulates five strategic directions for the Council:

• Value and Respect Aboriginal Culture

• Realise the potential of our cultural places and assets

• Foster creative practice

• Reveal our cultural stories, and

• Build and extend partnerships

Mayor van Zetten advised "even without direct intent, the Council already operates in the cultural realm. Its planning decisions, where it directs its resources, almost every decision it makes has an impact on the culture of the City.

"This strategy will enable the Council to act consciously and with greater purpose in the cultural space – acknowledging its importance alongside economic, social and environmental policy areas."

Tasmanian Minister for State Growth Michael Ferguson added “this strategy celebrates and builds on Launceston’s massively rich treasure chest. We've been a state and national leader throughout our history in medicine, architecture, engineering, science, agriculture, mining and commerce. Sometimes we forget, but we must value our culture and use it as a way to build an even brighter future with more opportunities for our young people.

“This is another example of a Launceston City Deal commitment being realised as we continue to make Launceston one of the best and most liveable regional cities in the world.”

General Manager of Creative Arts and Cultural Services, Tracy Puklowski said the Strategy sets Launceston on a bold and ambitious course for the future and notes "It establishes a clear Vision for Launceston to be a dynamic place where people live meaningful and culturally vital lives, filled with rich experiences and fuelled by curiosity, and to be a welcoming place which builds a better future by celebrating the rich cultural diversity of its people and by recognising the stories of its past.

"The impact of COVID on our community has brought the importance of shared expressions and celebrations of culture to the fore as a means of healing and reconnecting.

"To this end, the Cultural Strategy is placed to deliver even greater benefit to Launceston and its people than originally imagined or anticipated."

Puklowski said that work will now start on developing an Implementation Framework with a Cultural Advisory Committee to be established to provide the Council with strategic advice and informed feedback on cultural development matters.

Image courtesy of City of Launceston