Chip In to Burnie's Cultural Precinct Evolution

Published on 18 August 2023

The Burnie Cultural Precinct is undergoing a remarkable transformation, fuelled by an $18 million funding infusion from the Federal Government. With construction of the cutting-edge facilities already in progress, the Burnie Cultural Precinct is well on its way to becoming a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible hub for all members of the community.

A new campaign initiative by Burnie City Council encourages local residents to "Chip In" ideas to inform the brand evolution and contribute towards the narrative that shapes the precinct's future. At the heart of the campaign are a series of casual gatherings accompanied by complimentary hot chips. These events are scheduled for Saturday September 16th at Burnie Netball Courts (Howe Street Burnie) coinciding with Saturdays netball roster - and Sunday September 17th from 11am - 1pm at the Burnie Waterfront (next to the sea creatures). Questions will cover topics such as favourite types of art, defining Burnie's uniqueness, and envisioning the future of the city. By participating, community members will play an integral role in shaping the Burnie Cultural Precinct's identity and ensuring it resonates with the people it serves.

Collecting memories - Burnie's Stories

We will show you objects from the 1950s where cards needed to be used to clock in and out to work, and a fun competition where the best Shirly Temple won a prize. We want to collect your memories. Burnie's memories - and showcase them as part of the display. Creating a layered history that will bring connection from past to present. Do you you have a connection? A story to tell? 

Teeny Brumby, Burnie City Council Mayor, emphasizes this collaborative spirit, stating “Burnie is a City that has arts and culture at its heart.  Our new Centre will bring people together through arts and cultural activity, but we want it to be somewhere that we can draw more of our community into.  We see this Cultural Centre building a stronger, more connected community. It will be an integrated and innovative centre with performance spaces, art and history spaces, gathering places, meeting spaces and working places – all within one inclusive and accessible site. We are asking our community to help us find the voice behind the centre. To find the theme of its personality, and how it all comes together with our future of making a better Burnie.”

Megan Perkins, Creative Director for the project’s Branding and Visual Identity, underscores the value of community-driven input: "This is a unique opportunity for Burnie locals to contribute their ideas to help us frame the branding, visual identity, and signage for the precinct transformation, and ensure the collective wisdom of the community is at the centre of the new look, aligning with their aspirations and reflecting the special character of Burnie and its people."

The campaign encourages submissions, offering participants the opportunity to contribute online at their convenience. Those preferring face-to-face conversation can chip in, share ideas and enjoy complimentary hot chips at the pop-up events, and workshops will deliver important brainstorming opportunities for community leaders to contribute.

Mark Viner, Burnie Arts Executive Manager highlights “The precinct aspires to make art accessible to everyone, our aim is to empower every individual to envision Burnie's cultural landscape anew. We believe in art's ability to resonate with everyone and transcend boundaries."

The 'Chip In' campaign invites Burnie's residents to co-create the personality for their city's cultural core.

Join us in shaping a precinct that mirrors Burnie's distinct character, values, and aspirations.

Submissions open until September 22.