In Maribyrnong, the arts sector contributes $639 million into the local economy each year, and access to arts and culture strengthens social cohesion, fosters inclusion, and enhances wellbeing. This is why it is important to have a robust strategy in place to support it – and our community – into the future.

The draft Creativity Strategy 2030 seeks to leverage arts and culture to support social cohesion and boost economic growth and urban revitalisation.

It aims to address barriers to participation in arts and cultural activities, including accessibility, so our community can continue to enjoy more things like live music, performing arts, and festivals - your top voted arts and cultural activities for the future - and to support the creative community and our creative values.

The arts and culture sector already provides 2,800 jobs in the City of Maribyrnong, and through proper planning and working with the community, it is anticipated a finalised Strategy could guide investment and opportunities that could add more than 3,000 additional jobs in years to come.

You can download the draft Strategy, or a summary flyer, from the Document Library on this page.

Share comments with us by midnight Sunday 23 February 2025.

In August 2024, we asked our community for:

• your thoughts about the importance of arts, culture and creativity, and
• your favourite arts experiences in the west.

From 211 responses via the online survey and ideas wall (below) we heard:

From conversations with 447 community members and artists via Creative Conversations held at Braybrook Community Hub, Footscray Library and the Drill Hall, we heard:

To understand in more detail what our community told us during phase one, download the full Engagement Summary Report.