Community partnerships scoping study information

Information relating to the Community Partnerships scoping study report in 2006.

At its 1 June 2006 meeting, the Council considered the Scoping study report, presented by Anne Dunn, chair of the Scoping Study Reference Group.

The Council unanimously endorsed all 16 recommendations and recognised that the most innovative element of the report was the proposal for the Australia Council to develop and adopt a Creative Communities Strategy.

Scoping Study timeline & reports

• February 2006. The Scoping Study Reference Group, chaired by Anne Dunn, released its Future directions paper.
• March 2006. The Scoping Study Reference Group issued its preliminary Creative communities strategy, following feedback from the sector on the Future directions paper.
• April 2006. Scoping study update released.

Both the Creative communities strategy and Scoping study update - April 2006 should be read in conjunction with the Future Directions Paper.

There are a number of background papers which have informed the Future directions paper:

• Cultural development and the arts in everyday life discussion paper and Supplementary report by Deborah Mills
• Directions and opportunities discussion paper by Jane Jose

A summary of the submissions received is also available.

Reference group

The Australia Council commissioned a scoping study to propose directions for the support and development of creative communities. This study was overseen by a reference group.

The reference group undertook the following activities:

1. Called for submissions in December 2005 and released three discussion papers.

2. Held public consultations in all states and territories in February - April 2006.

Terms of reference

The aim of the scoping study was to propose to the Australia Council directions for the support and development of creative communities, and in particular to:

1. Define the goals and objectives of supporting art in and with communities.
2. Provide a broad assessment of current achievements, gaps and challenges.
3. Identify the emerging trends and needs for creative communities.
4. Develop a policy framework for creative communities.\
5. Consider the role of the Australia Council in supporting and developing creative communities:
   a. within Community Partnerships, including grants programs
   b. with and between the boards and committees of the Council
   c. with Key Organisations and CCD infrastructure.
6. Consider potential partnerships with the spheres of governments, and major non-government organisations.
7. Propose possible sustainable, strategies and actions.
8. Consider ongoing mechanisms for communication and relationships between the Australia Council and the sector.

Note: The Scoping Study Reference Group adopted a working term of 'creative communities' to encapsulate the broad spectrum of arts and cultural development activity in and with communities across Australia.