More than 100 members of Ipswich’s diverse creative community are energised for new opportunities after the city’s second Creators of Ipswich Summit.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said council was committed to working with creatives to build a dynamic creative economy.
“This month’s summit had a fresh approach that focused on connecting, with multiple workshops and breakout rooms and facilitators from across Ipswich and South-East Queensland,” Cr Fechner said.
“It was fantastic to see creatives really lean into the process. There were many offshoot conversations happening that have inspired individual and community-driven opportunities for the future.
“Ipswich’s population growth has also have seen an influx of creatives who have amazing skills but are still navigating the local arts scene.
“This summit was an incredible opportunity for them to become engaged in Ipswich’s vibrant creative community.”
Council’s Arts and Cultural Strategy 2018-2023 encompasses all creative disciplines and branches including performing, visual, screen, digital and literary arts as well as cultural heritage collections.
In collaboration with our local arts and cultural sector, council will focus resources and actions to the following goals:
- Embracing and celebrating our cultural heritage and diversity.
- Activating and engaging the whole of our city.
- Supporting and increasing engagement with our creative community.
- Building creative capacity among our young people.
- Listening and providing leadership for the cultural development of our community.
To learn more about council’s Arts and Cultural Strategy 2018-2023, click here.
Councillor Fechner said following the summit, council would continue to support the arts community in developing its capacity to upskill, connect and build sustainable creative careers.
“We want Ipswich to be a fertile environment where people feel they can have a full creative career,” Cr Fechner said.
“A series of creative business workshops are planned for this calendar year, and a youth development program is in the works. Sound the Horn is also happening in July as part of SPARK Ipswich festival.”
Councillor Fechner said the summit keynote speaker Natano Fa’anana was an inspiring example of an Ipswich creative who has built an international and nationally acclaimed career as a director and performer.
“Natano Fa’anana drove home the message that it is important to seize opportunities – find a way to be creative and be active,” Cr Fechner said.
“This year’s summit was a huge success in creating new opportunities through connecting Ipswich creatives.”
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