Huon Valley Arts & Heritage Strategy March 25 2013

On Friday 15th March, in the shadow of the historic grandstand at the Huonville Recreation Oval, the Huon Valley Council launched the Huon Valley Arts & Heritage Strategy 2012–2017.

Created in partnership between Poco People and the very amazing Amanda Cromer from MADE Tasmania, the strategy was developed over a seven month period to present an opportunity for Huon Valley Council to review the services and programs it previously supported and to develop a more considered and visionary approach to arts and heritage.

The Huon Valley is Australia’s southern-most – and Tasmania’s second largest – municipal area covering about 5,200 square kilometres across a diverse and captivating landscape. Set against the backdrop of the South West Wilderness Area, it has several townships with distinct characteristics. The Huon Valley is comprised of a diverse community, created by people who have lived there for generations and newer residents who have moved there to take advantage of the environment, the rural lifestyle, and the small-scale agricultural and creative business opportunities.

Hosting one of the many community consultation workshops. We also spent some time talking to people at the Huon Show and various other arts and heritage events in the Huon Valley.

Community consultation and research formed the basis for developing the Huon Valley Arts & Heritage Strategy and Action Plan 2012–2017, with open workshops held in each of the five major townships. A total of 63 people attended these workshops, with a focus on creating a relevant definition of arts and heritage, understanding the different ways in which Huon Valley people value the experience and practice of arts and heritage, and identifying a vision for the future of arts and heritage in the region.

Promotional posters for the workshops and surveys.

Using best-practice models we designed and distributed a hard-copy and online survey to consult with the community, groups of particular focus and key stakeholders. The survey was available for over one month and received a fantastic response. Out of approximately 15,000 residents in the Huon Valley area, 165 people responded to the survey, which compares favourably with a concurrent Hobart City Council Arts & Culture survey which received 192 responses from a significantly larger population.

Prepping the surveys for distribution throughout the region.

Research consisted of paper-based and online data, discussion with recognised authorities on the topics and the region, and face-to-face meetings with key interest groups, stakeholders and cultural leaders. National best-practice models, cultural strategies and communities were investigated. This research fed into the development of a discussion paper, which held key recommendations that fed into a further consultation process that informed the final Huon Valley Arts & Heritage Strategy and Action Plan 2012–2017.

The discussion paper and strategy (available for download below).

Download the Huon Valley Arts & Heritage Discussion Paper
Download the Huon Valley Strategy & Action Plan 2012–2017

It was a privilege to work together with such an engaged community, to witness their passion for the arts and their preservation and celebration of the local way of life.