Arts, culture, and heritage are essential for a thriving, connected society. They play a critical role in helping to shape environments that people want to live, work and invest in. They contribute to economic development, but their deeper value lies in how they foster learning, empathy, understanding, identity and cultural diversity. They help communities express who they are, where they come from and what they aspire to be.
Mid Canterbury is home to a bustling creative community, including many organisations and dedicated volunteers, that work across a wide range of arts, culture and heritage activities and we recognise the immense value that they bring to our district.
At the same time many of council’s activities are linked to these areas. From every exhibition on display in Rokowhiria to the maintenance of our war memorials. From organising a live music event in the domain to the cultural narrative presented in Te Whare Whakatere.
This Arts, Culture, and Heritage Strategy is a practical tool that helps Council and the community work together across the sector in a more intentional and coordinated way. In the strategy we celebrate the strength of arts, culture and heritage in the district, and find opportunities for uplifting local identity and sustainable growth even further.
In May 2024, Council voted to develop an Arts, Culture and Heritage strategy for the district. Developing the strategy will help to identify challenges and opportunities present across our arts, culture and heritage sectors, and provide an opportunity to establish a shared vision for future decisions for the cultural sector in the district.
We believe, that with your involvement, a successful strategy could encourage more collaboration, showcase the unique aspects of our community, help ensure that available resources are being fully utilised, and protect our cultural and heritage assets for future generations.
Working together in genuine partnership to align effort, resources, and leadership across the arts, culture and heritage sector
Goal one means we aim to strengthen coordination, communication and collaboration within the sector, and with external partners, to improve connectivity, knowledge sharing, efficiency, and reduce duplication and fragmentation.
Grow and support creative learning and knowledge‑sharing of arts, culture and heritage in the community, and strengthen the capability, leadership and sustainability of the organisations and people involved in the sector.
Goal two means we will build skills, knowledge and leadership across the sector by supporting creative learning, strengthening understanding of Kā Toi Māori and mana whenua narratives, improving governance and organisational capability, and growing and retaining volunteers.
Improve access to arts, culture and heritage opportunities by reducing barriers to participation, making better use of existing venues, resources and spaces across the district.
Goal three means we will make it easier for people to take part in arts, culture and heritage activities, promote the spaces and opportunities available, support a wide range of activities across the district, and help more under‑represented groups to get involved.
Celebrate the diverse cultures, stories, and creativity that shape our place and people
Goal four means we will celebrate and share the district’s identity and heritage (including mana whenua stories), recognise and support the people and groups who contribute to arts and culture, raise the profile of arts, culture and heritage across the district, and use these activities to attract visitors and support the local economy.
Maintain and sustainably manage the spaces, resources, and support systems needed for arts, culture, and heritage to thrive.
Goal five means we will aim to look after and make the most of our arts, culture and heritage facilities and services, plan for their long‑term sustainability, encourage people to use and value them, and make sure future investments are well planned, evidence‑based and affordable.
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Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 03-307 7700 |
|---|---|
| info@adc.govt.nz | |
| Website | www.ashburtondc.govt.nz |
| In writing | 2 Baring Square East, Ashburton 7700 |
