LGSA Cultural Policy Response to Agenda 21 for culture
Published on May 21, 2009
The summary is:
Local Governments in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, have not adopted Agenda 21 for culture at an organisational level. Although Agenda 21 it is beginning to be referenced in local policy and planning, it remains largely remote from NSW Local Government. However, Agenda 21 for culture does provide significant conceptual support for those working in the arts in Local Government. When the work that NSW councils are doing in the arts is examined, it strongly relates to the Agenda 21 for culture articles, especially the ‘Undertakings’.
Local Governments in NSW are working to gain recognition and influence and to grow support for cultural development, by promoting the intrinsic value of culture alongside instrumental values, which are often social in nature.
The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW are working to advance understanding of Local Government work in the arts. Two current policy principles advocated by the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW are, that government policy: • Finds value in the process of arts endeavours at the local level, not just in the end product
• Recognises that everyone’s cultural tastes and affinities are as valid as anyone else’s – as long as human and other rights are not being infringed
Assuming it’s all accepted, it should appear on the Agenda 21 for culture website. Agenda 21 for culture project.
If you’d like a copy in the meantime, drop me an email.
Chris
