Council is proud to introduce its Cultural Activation Strategy, which is set to guide the strategic direction for cultural activity and support in the Camden area over the next four years.

Endorsed at last night’s Ordinary Meeting, it identifies four key pillars which detail how Council will foster innovation, curate high quality cultural experiences, support cultural development and enterprise and showcase cultural talent within Camden.

They include:

1. Cultural Activation, which talks to the role Council will play to support cultural activity in Camden. This will include the development of a program of activations, local production of temporary and permanent public art, and provision of spaces for creative enterprises;
2. Cultural Development, which will seek to support emerging communities, arts and cultural groups and existing arts and cultural practitioners is essential. Support will include a program of professional development that builds skills and sector capacity and networking opportunities to assist our creative community realise their aspirations;
3. Cultural Destination, which will look to develop and promote Camden as a key destination for a diverse range of cultural tourism experiences from heritage to contemporary. This will include locally made cultural product, workshops and programs, exhibitions, and services; and
4. Cultural Advocacy, which will deliver Council’s vision for culture through collaboration and partnerships with community, business, education and the arts and cultural sector.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said Camden’s definition of cultural activation was the means of engaging the community with culture in everyday life.

“This includes delivering opportunities for connection through high quality events, programs and activations which are vibrant and culturally diverse,” Cr Fedeli said.

“In preparing the strategy, it was publicly exhibited from 20 October to 16 November 2021 and Council received seven submissions. These submissions about the desire for increased entertainment options; the value of history and heritage; local cultural production; and the creation of exciting public spaces.

“I’m so pleased to have this strategy endorsed and ready to blossom. Whether it’s the delivery of public art; the development of Camden’s cultural infrastructure; supporting the creative community; or even developing new way to promote Camden’s cultural assets, this strategy will be so crucial for us moving forward.”

For more information, and to read the strategy, visit camden.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Cultural Activation Strategy’.