“Culture” is all about the ways we live our lives – our beliefs, our language, our food, traditions and dress – the rituals and reality of daily life. In local government cultural programs often includes those related to the arts, but also history and heritage as well as libraries.
“Heritage” in the broadest sense is that which is inherited, so it is about what we value and want to preserve and/or hand on to others. It includes such things as the heritage of Butchulla, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultural landscapes and buildings, material objects and images.
“The Arts” are some of the ways we express and communicate feelings, ideas and beliefs through different creative forms. The focus for regional arts programs is not only on high quality professional arts events and activities but generating opportunities for access and participation across the community.
Arts and culture includes but is not limited to visual art, craft and design, public art, music, dance, theatre, media arts, digital and screen-based arts, events, festivals, community cultural development and preservation of knowledge, stories, heritage and collections.
The types of programs, venues and activities that Fraser Coast Council operates to support arts and culture include:
The role of local government is to facilitate, support and advocate for arts, cultural, heritage and creative industries, but also empower the creative community and let creative people to do what they do best. It is also about looking across the various plans and visions for the region and ensuring that arts, heritage and culture are considered and opportunities maximised.
Through our Arts & Cultural Strategy we want to recognise and support what is already happening, build capacity and resilience, make innovation easier and attract new creative businesses to the region. This will enhance the experience of living and visiting the region, continuing to strengthen Fraser Coast’s profile and reputation.
Fraser Coast Regional Council acknowledges to the east, the Butchulla (Badtjala) and to the west, the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) People, their connection to Country (land, sea and sky) and recognises the many places of cultural, spiritual, social and economic significance in the community. We pay respects to their Elders - past, present and emerging.
Fraser Coast Regional Council also acknowledges other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who reside in the Fraser Coast Region.
