A new strategy to drive creativity in Greater Bendigo has been officially launched

A new arts and creative industries strategy, Greater CREATIVE Bendigo, has been officially launched to foster and drive creativity in the region and promote the importance of the creative industries in supporting the local economy, jobs and investment.

Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said Greater CREATIVE Bendigo strategy was deliberately broad and ambitious after extensive feedback from the community.

“Greater CREATIVE Bendigo champions every part of creativity in our community and seeks to support future opportunities that allow everyone to engage with culture and creativity,” Cr O’Rourke said.

Cr Matt Emond, who has been involved in the strategy’s development, said Greater Bendigo had a very strong reputation for arts and culture and the evolving nature of creative industries.

“The strategy covers a whole host of categories from traditional arts, art galleries, theatres, design, fashion and museums to films, publishing and the digital age,” Cr Emond said.

“We want to build on Greater Bendigo’s history of creativity and invention and attract and retain talented people who can bring innovation and vibrancy to the region and position us strongly for a changing global economy driven by creativity.” 

In 2013, creative industries contributed $22.7bn to the Victorian economy¹. The cultural and creative industries category in the Bendigo region makes up 13.3 per cent of all employment².

Some of the key areas in the strategy include:

Activate public spaces in the city centre, suburban activity centre and rural communities Holding regular networking events, mentoring and grant opportunities Establishing a creative industries website and advisory group Elevating opportunities to promote the unique contribution our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and creatives make to the industry Submitting  an application for the City of Greater Bendigo to be designated a UNESCO Creative City in the category of Gastronomy

¹Creative Industries Discussion Paper: Creative Victoria, 2015.

²Australian Bureau of Statistics, Customised report, 2018