Creative people with a vision for a vibrant creative Tairāwhiti need to get involved in the Arts and Culture Strategy Gisborne District Council is developing.  Council has a major influence on the landscape and environment of Tairāwhiti. District planning and urban design can reflect the uniqueness of the region; the rich heritage of the people; and create a backdrop a thriving arts community that locals can be proud of. As a as funder and steward of the Tairāwhiti Museum, theatres and art in public places Council has a key role supporting and promoting arts, culture and heritage.

“Through better planning there is an opportunity to integrate art, culture and heritage with Council activities. With everyone working off the same page great things can be achieved,” says Council strategy advisor Pania Ruakere.

“A temporary steering group has been established to guide the process to develop an Arts and Culture Strategy. To ensure that the process is inclusive and encourages forward thinking we want to talk to people in a workshop setting. If all goes to plan these could occur in June/July, 2010.”

The aim of the Arts and Culture Strategy is to bring together all Council activity involving arts, culture and heritage. Working with the community and Tangata Whenua the uniqueness of this region will be captured to inform Council decision making and planning.

A workshop specifically for Maori stakeholders will be organised to ensure an indigenous perspective is captured. If you have any queries you can contact Pania on 867 2049 ext 5686 or email pania.ruakere@gdc.govt.nz otherwise keep an eye out for further information about workshops through this newsletter.

This post is tagged Art & Culture strategy, GDC, Gisborne District Council