Hornsby Shire – the Bushland Shire – is home to many artistic people and Council is looking to encourage, promote and extend the creative offer of the region.
In August 2008, Council adopted the Hornsby Shire Cultural Plan 2008–2010. The Plan aims to increase the capacity of the local community to engage in all art forms.
By supporting performance venues, exhibition spaces and the creative community, Council aspires to foster communication between the creative community and the greater Hornsby Shire audience.
The first program to be delivered as a result of the adoption of the Cultural Plan is the Spring into Arts November Showcase.
To ensure participation and ownership of local arts by the Hornsby community, Council will form an Arts Reference Committee.
This committee will be made up of volunteers from the community who will advance the arts and cultural debate in Hornsby Shire while advising Council on the delivery of its arts programming.
Next year, Council will launch an annual $20,000 Arts Grant and an annual $5,000 Arts Prize. It is anticipated that these programs will increase arts activities throughout the Shire.
Council is looking forward to working with the local creative community to enhance the vibrancy of the Shire through arts and culture. Councils do not make culture, but they can support it.
