Goal

In late 2019, MidCoast Council set out to deliver its first Cultural Plan – a foundational document to help build on the region’s strengths and better support arts and culture across the region.

Solution

In partnership with Left Bank Co, JOC Consulting worked with Council to develop this important document to guide the MidCoast’s cultural future. 

In a newly amalgamated Council that brings together the unique landscape and cultural heritage of three diverse regions, we recognised the importance of developing a strategic vision which holistically encompasses the diverse  arts, heritage and lifestyle factors of the wide ranging community; as well as driving the growing tourism sector in the industry. 

The program consisted of three key stages:

1. Research and Mapping to establish a foundational understanding of the current cultural identity of the region, and the current provision of cultural facilities. 
2. Stakeholder and Community Engagement to identify community and stakeholder needs and opportunities.
3. Reporting and Final Cultural Plan the comprehensive reporting process included the delivery of:
   1. A Community Engagement Report
   2. A Public Art Policy
   3. A MidCoast Cultural Plan Options Paper
   4. MidCoast Cultural Plan

Outcome

The final Cultural Plan, recognises the opportunities for culture to help address some of the region’s most urgent opportunities and risks, including: attracting and retaining  young people to the area; creating viable industries and employment opportunities that complements the large tourism industry and building a creative sector that effectively responds to  seasonal pressures associated with tourism in coastal towns.