ARTS INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK - A FIVE YEAR PLAN - CITY OF MELBOURNE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ARTS INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK a five year plan
A creative city We encourage and enable participation in artistic expression and support experimentation to inspire innovation and a sense of wonder. We celebrate our rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture and protect and respond to our city’s heritage. melbourne.vic.gov.au/arts
CONTENTS
Introduction 4 Public art 21
Definitions 5 Identified needs and goals 22
Purpose of the maif 6 Delivery of the maif 24
Creative cities are competitive cities: Strategic opportunities 24
the benefits of investing in arts infrastructure 8
Partnerships and advocacy 26
Economic benefits 8
Repurposing existing infrastructure 26
Community wellbeing and health 9
Transition of Creative Spaces 27
Placemaking and urban renewal 10
Public art 27
City of Melbourne’s role in the
eco-system of the creative city 11 Implementation mechanisms 28
Melbourne’s demographics, Arts infrastructure planning – best practice 30
arts participation and attendance 12
Adopting best practice 30
Demographic overview 12
Case study 1: community infrastructure levy –
Participation in the arts 13 Greater London 30
Attendance at an arts venue or event 13 Case study 2: incentive zoning – New York City 30
Identifying the City of Melbourne’s Case study 3: artists’ mixed use space – Boston 31
arts infrastructure needs 14
Case study 4: voluntary planning agreement –
Current arts infrastructure 14 City of Sydney 31
Consultation 15 Conclusion 32
Mapping of arts infrastructure 16 Appendix 1 34
Creative spaces 20
City of Melbourne Arts Infrastructure Framework
November 2016
Disclaimer
This report is provided for information and it does not purport to be complete. While care has been taken to ensure the content in the report is accurate, we cannot
guarantee it is without flaw of any kind. There may be errors and omissions or it may not be wholly appropriate for your particular purposes. In addition, the publication
is a snapshot in time based on historic information which is liable to change. The City of Melbourne accepts no responsibility and disclaims all liability for any error, loss or
other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information contained in this report.
To find out how you can participate in the decision-making process for City of Melbourne’s current and
future initiatives, visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate
INTRODUCTION
Arts infrastructure in the City of
Melbourne helps shape the city’s
The research and consultation
undertaken in developing the MAIF has
The provision of
identity, supports its economy and identified five key goals for Melbourne’s (adequate) cultural
fosters community wellbeing. It arts infrastructure in the next five years.
infrastructure is
does this by supporting a diverse
range of creative practitioners 1. To secure commitment for the
essential to the
through the provision of spaces delivery of three arts hubs that creation of truly
and opportunities needed to create include mid-sized performance
spaces and community arts spaces.
sustainable
work, reach audiences and markets,
and maximise the community’s
communities. Spaces
participation in the arts.
2. To significantly increase the
number of creative spaces
for culture and the
The purpose of the City of Melbourne within the municipality. arts play a vital role in
Arts Infrastructure Framework (MAIF) social and economic
3. Advocate to create and incorporate
is to provide strategic direction on
the delivery of arts infrastructure live/work spaces within the city. regeneration …culture
by the City of Melbourne and its and arts buildings and
4. Advocate to support the provision of
external partners.
more affordable housing for artists, activities contribute to
The MAIF is a high-level document as per the city’s housing strategy. a ‘sense of place’, as
that will drive change across the City
of Melbourne. In the short term it will 5. To ensure the integration of
well as inspiring
assist the coordination and delivery of embedded public art projects in new learning, and
the essentials of the city’s Arts Strategy
2014–17 and Council Plan 2013–17
public and private developments.
supporting skills and
Creative City priorities; underpin the The MAIF’s scope, identified from personal development.
10-year capital works plan for Arts City of Melbourne’s Council Plan,
Melbourne; and provide a foundation the Arts Strategy 2014–17 and Elson, M.J. The community infrastructure
for future Council planning in relation levy, Arts Council England, 2012
community consultation, focuses on
to arts infrastructure. It is a strategic arts infrastructure that is accessible
document designed to support the for community members to encourage
City of Melbourne’s advocacy with and support participation, and that
external stakeholders including the which addresses the needs of new and
Federal and State governments and emerging artists, creative practitioners
the private sector where infrastructure and organisations.
driven by these stakeholders impacts
Council’s responsibilities. A detailed
implementation plan will be developed
in 2016–17 (Annual Plan Action 2.1.1).
4 melbourne.vic.gov/arts
DEFINITIONS
Artist is used generically and includes Creative industry includes literature and Live music refers to contemporary
all creative practitioners unless print media, performing arts, design, bands and groups that predominantly
otherwise qualified, for example broadcasting, electronic or digital use amplification in rehearsal and
“visual artist”. media, gaming and film, music; visual performance. Live music venues are
arts and crafts, museums; and fashion. defined as a space that presents music
Arts hub is a collection of co-located Generally, creative industries refer to at least twice a week. This definition
spaces specifically for artists and for-profit creative practices. aligns to that used by Music Victoria.
creative practitioners to create, perform,
exhibit and engage with community. Creative practitioner includes all artists
and arts practices such as actors,
Arts infrastructure is a building, place dancers, directors, musicians, visual
or virtual space, the primary purpose artists, craftspeople, photographers
of which is to house or support the and curators. It also refers to the
making and/or presentation of an commercial arts including gamers,
artistic product and as such includes, TV and filmmakers, writers, designers,
for example, theatres, concert halls, and architects.
galleries, and groups of artist studios. It
includes co-working spaces and office Creative spaces refers to artist studios,
space where the specific tenancy mix rehearsal and workshop spaces, as
is creative industry practitioners such well as office and co-work initiatives
as writers, publishers, and designers. including spaces suitable for activities
It also refers to public art and the not appropriate to residential areas
infrastructure to support arts activities such as larger sculpture work or band
in the public realm (parks, streets and rehearsals. This is distinct from the
civic spaces) such as digital technology City of Melbourne Creative Spaces
and screens or lighting and provision of Program that negotiates and manages
power for outdoor performance spaces. the working and presentation spaces
for artists (e.g. River Studios and the
Arts, unless otherwise qualified for Guild) and oversees the Creative Spaces
example “performing arts”, refers website.
collectively to the various branches of
the creative industries.
Arts Infrastructure Framework 5
PURPOSE OF THE MAIF
Council Plan 2013–17 identified Council’s CIDF is designed to make The challenges facing the delivery of
that a strategic approach to visible the City of Melbourne’s future arts infrastructure that the MAIF seeks
planning and implementing arts priorities for community infrastructure to address are:
infrastructure is needed for the development. A strategic approach
to the development and repurposing • providing arts infrastructure that is
City of Melbourne to fully deliver flexible and able to accommodate
of infrastructure specifically for the
its Creative City goal and Arts arts and creative sector was not the diversity of current and future
Strategy. Action 2.1.1 states: Develop articulated in the CIDF. The diversity arts practice
a Cultural Infrastructure Framework and specialist needs of space for use
• increased costs associated
that maps existing cultural by creative practitioners, as well as
with funding operations and
infrastructure and recommends a lack of regulatory requirements to
programming of current and future
future strategies for growth, drive arts infrastructure provision, were
arts facilities
including funding and partnership contributing factors to its absence.
models. • accounting for the general lifecycle
The MAIF links arts infrastructure costs associated with buildings
The MAIF responds to this action. delivery to development planning as well as the sustainability
Its purpose is to provide a strategic for the first time. The introduction of of resourcing, operations and
framework for the delivery of arts new planning mechanisms to fund programming
infrastructure by the City of Melbourne infrastructure, increased investment
from Council in urban renewal precincts, • the ongoing maintenance of new
and its external partners.
and a focus from State Government on public art commissions and existing
the economic and wellbeing benefits legacy work, along with the ongoing
This Framework is designed to sit
of the arts sector (demonstrated programming and maintenance
alongside the Community Infrastructure
through its Creative State Strategy) now of media based work in the public
Development Framework 2014
presents an opportunity to strategically realm
(CIDF) and the Open Space Strategy
2012, identifying gaps, needs and align the MAIF with the next five years • the state regulatory environment
opportunities to support Melbourne’s of the State Government’s and Council’s which can support or complicate the
tenet as a ‘creative city’. Community priorities. development of arts infrastructure.
infrastructure refers to “…public
places and spaces that accommodate The MAIF undertakes a mapping of
community facilities and services that existing arts infrastructure in the City
support individuals, families and groups of Melbourne and inner Melbourne to
to meet their social needs, maximise identify gaps, needs, demands and
their potential and enhance community opportunities for the development of
wellbeing”1. new arts infrastructure and repurposing
of underutilised spaces.
1 City of Melbourne 2014, Community Infrastructure Development Framework.
6 melbourne.vic.gov/arts
MAIF’s strategic alignment The document is further informed The alignment of the above strategies,
by the following Council strategies combined with external planning
The MAIF has a strong alignment and plans: reforms impacting the City of
to Creative Victoria’s Creative State Melbourne and opportunities for
Strategy and other State Government • City of Melbourne Music Strategy influence in urban renewal areas,
initiatives linked with planning and 2014–17 presents a holistic platform from
development; it also directly aligns to which to launch the MAIF.
• City of Melbourne Public Art
key Council strategies.
Framework 2014–17
The MAIF reflects Council Plan 2013–17, • City of Melbourne Heritage
in particular, Goal 2: A creative city Strategy 2013
where Council has committed to
delivering three priorities of direct • Community Infrastructure
relevance. They are: Development Framework 2014
• Open Space Strategy 2012
• to develop sustainable cultural
physical infrastructure and • Draft Future Melbourne Refresh
programming 2026
• increase access to, and participation • Tourism Action Plan 2015–18
in, creative expression and arts and
cultural experiences, including music • Homes for People Housing Strategy
2014–2018
• to support emerging artists.
• Melbourne Planning Scheme
• Melbourne for all People 2014–17
The Council Plan proposes: • Arden-Macaulay Structure Plan 2012
“Artists are supported to present and • Southbank Structure Plan 2010
work locally (and) artistic enterprises
choose to base themselves in the • City North Structure Plan 2012
municipality.” • West Melbourne Structure Plan (in
preparation)
Sitting alongside the City of Melbourne’s
Arts Strategy, the MAIF directly • Queen Victoria Market Precinct
addresses the following commitments: Master Plan
• we will support artists to present • Fishermans Bend Strategic
work in the public realm Planning Framework (review
currently underway by the Victorian
• we will lead and partner in the Government in partnership with the
delivery of significant arts projects City of Melbourne).
• we will support and enable
affordable, secure and appropriate
working spaces for artists
• we will support and promote
affordable and appropriate
presentation spaces
• we will facilitate and advocate
for affordable living/work spaces
for artists.
Arts Infrastructure Framework 7
CREATIVE CITIES ARE COMPETITIVE CITIES
The benefits of and accommodation Victorian businesses. As
the basis of innovation,
investing in arts and food services creativity can drive
infrastructure ($28 billion). productivity, economic
growth and job creation.
Even when we capture Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2014 The more innovative a
business, the more likely it is
the opportunity costs Local and international studies have
to export, create jobs, train
demonstrated that a city’s arts and
of alternate uses of culture sector brings both direct and employees and turn a higher
government funding, indirect economic benefits to a city. profit.’
A 2013 KPMG study identified that the
the economy is still Victorian arts and culture sector added The City of Melbourne has
better off with the a direct value of $6.1 billion to the commissioned RMIT to survey the
economic value of Council’s investment
economy, employing the equivalent of
funding allocated to 68,000 full time workers3. in the arts. Their analysis involves an
arts and culture. Indirect economic benefits from the arts
‘economic impact assessment’ and
captures both the direct and indirect
The Economic Impact of Victorian Arts & and culture sector included 400,000 impact of Council’s investment.
Cultural Sector, 2013 (KPMG) domestic and international cultural Economic impact assessment is a
tourists (defined as those who attend spending-measure technique of
Creative cities are characterised three of more cultural attractions during economic value that looks at actual
by their diverse, sophisticated and their visit) choosing Melbourne and spending by organisations, audiences
internationally focused creative Victoria in 20114. and performers, and its effects on the
industries. They nurture and support a economy.
broad ecosystem of artistic and creative Inner Melbourne (Melbourne, Port
practice from the commercial, the Phillip, Stonnington and Yarra Local Research by RMIT has demonstrated
subsidised and the community sectors. Government areas) hosts 71,570 that:
The link between creative cities, creative industry practitioners5.
community wellbeing and economic Fifty-five per cent (39,195) of these ‘that recipients of funding
sustainability has been established workers are located in the City of employ people locally,
through numerous studies2. Melbourne boundary. purchase goods and services
from within the community
Economic benefits The Melbourne Census of Land Use
and Employment (CLUE) shows that and unlike most industries,
the largest employment sector in the leverage significant amounts
Australian cultural municipality is professional services of event related spending
industries generate at 77,966. However, at almost a third
of this, arts and recreational services
by their audiences that
pump vital revenue into
over $50 billion (23,362) is significant and more than restaurants, retail stores and
in economic activity retail trade (19,833) and construction
(5,391)6.
other local businesses.
The study sends a
or $35 billion in Gross message that support
Value Added (GVA). Accessible and affordable arts
infrastructure supports creative for the arts does not
This was higher than industry practitioners to remain in the come at the expense of
economic development
the GVA for City of Melbourne and inner suburbs,
contributing to the economic and and employment, and that
agriculture, forestry cultural activity of the city. other industries may not
and fishing ($29 As Creative Victoria’s Creative State
be able to claim the same
level of indirect spending—
billion); electricity, Strategy 2016–20 clearly asserts:
related payments made by
gas, water and waste ‘Creativity is an under-
consumers to third parties
services ($27 billion); utilised resource for
in connection with a core
purchase—that the arts can.7’
2 Gridley, H., Astbury, J., Sharples, J. & Aguirre, C. 2011. Benefits of group singing for community mental health and wellbeing, VicHealth
3 KPMG, 2013. The Economic Impact of Victorian Arts and Cultural Sector.
4 KPMG, 2013. The Economic Impact of Victorian Arts and Cultural Sector.
5 SGS, 2016. Transitioning Creative Spaces to an independent organisation
6 City of Melbourne 2015 Employment per industry for blocks, Census of Land Use and Employment
https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Economy/Employment-per-industry-for-blocks-2015/7wkk-qh7y accessed 27 July 2016
7 Boymal, J., Coate, B., de Silva, A., Elkins, M. & Ozmen, M. 2016. The Economic Value of the City of Melbourne’s Arts Program
8 melbourne.vic.gov/arts
Community wellbeing their communicative
power, enhance individual
Art and wellbeing
and health engagement with the A 2015 analysis by the Australia Council
found “that engagement with the arts
world in ways that have
The health benefits both personal and public
is associated with a significant positive
increase in life satisfaction”9.
of participating in benefits. These effects are
instrumental in that they
the arts are well can open people to life and
Their Arts Nation research included a
wellbeing valuation approach. This is a
documented—from create the fabric of shared method used by economists to estimate
supporting individual values and meanings that the relative worth of a non-monetary
quality, such as wellbeing, by calculating
improves the public sphere.
mental wellbeing Collective artistic activity the amount of money required to
by providing an has the potential to provide
produce the same increase in life
satisfaction. Applying this approach
opportunity for a forum for voice, affect
social change, or promote a
identified a wellbeing increase, which
people to gain new community’s unique cultural
was the equivalent of $4,349 per
person, per annum. Applied to the
skills, confidence identity. proportion of persons aged 15 years and
and self-esteem, ‘Participation builds
over who engage in the arts this figure
extrapolates to an overall societal value
to building social social cohesion and of approximately $66 billion per year.
connection and connectedness, thereby
Arts Council England research supports
reducing isolation. Through
reducing isolation by building a collective identity,
the premise that participation in the
arts leads to higher life satisfaction.
participating in an event and cultural facilities This research mapped moment-to-
activity with others also build community moment happiness through an iPhone
strength. Community and application. The data contained “more
while engaging in a cultural events provide a than one million observations of tens
creative process. range of socially inclusive of thousands of individuals.” It showed
activities that contribute that respondents reported significantly
Arts and Health: VicHealth’s Active Arts
to overall community higher levels of happiness when
Strategy 2014–17 attending theatre, dance or concerts;
well-being.8’
singing and performing; or, engaging
Significance of community Outcomes of improved health and in hobbies or arts and crafts other than
participation in arts and wellbeing through the arts are also either drinking alcohol or watching
cultural activities articulated in Council’s Melbourne for television10.
All People strategy (Deliverable 4.3d)
An individual’s participation in arts Given that residents of Melbourne
and the Resilient Melbourne strategy
and cultural activities is significant participate in the arts and attend
(community-based resilience) – two
to community and social cohesion. arts events at a greater rate than
key documents that underpin Council’s
Community Indicators Victoria used the other Australians11, as a group, we
commitment to community health
following rationale for including arts and can reasonably deduce, Melburnians
and wellbeing. This rationale further
cultural participation in its community are happier. To continue to increase
supports the need for targeted arts
wellbeing indicators: Melbourne’s liveability and the social
infrastructure that provides creative
wellbeing of community, ongoing
practitioners with a space to engage
investment in the arts, supported by
‘Most types of arts with participants, connect with each
accessible arts infrastructure, must be
involvement have a social other and provide a leadership role in
a priority.
dimension that is an community wellbeing.
important basis for building
social capital and community
identity. The arts, through
8 Community Indicators Victoria (CIV) is a collaborative project within the Place, Health and Liveability Research Program at the
McCaughey VicHealth Centre, within the School of Population & Global Health, at the University of Melbourne
9 Australia Council for the Arts, 2015. Arts Nation: An Overview of Australian Arts.
10 Arts Council England, 2015. Cultural Activities, Artforms and Wellbeing.
11 ABS Participation in Selected Cultural Activities, Cat. No. 4921.0: Customised Report 2015
Arts Infrastructure Framework 9
Liveability Placemaking and Identity: Creating a
Distinctive Place
In determining “liveability” the major urban renewal
indices: Economist Intelligence Unit Over the last decade the idea of the
(EIU) Global Liveability Ranking; the
Mercer Quality of Living Survey; and
Creative placemaking “global city” has emerged as the
key descriptor of a high functioning,
Monocle Quality of Life Survey, all animates public economically secure and liveable
have culture as a key factor. Melbourne
features highly in all three surveys and
and private spaces, metropolis. In defining a global city
further, there is a focus on culture:
for the last five years has been ranked rejuvenates structures
first in the EIU survey. and streetscapes, ‘…with the cultural economy
The need for arts and culture as improves local positioned not merely as
an adjunct to larger more
a foundation of the city is also
highlighted by Future Melbourne
business viability important sectors, but as
2008, and the draft Future Melbourne and public safety, a field that makes its own
contribution to growth,
2026 community consultation
recommendations, in which the
and brings diverse development and vitality of
priority for a ‘creative city’ remains. people together to the metropolis12.’
This demonstrates the impact arts and
culture has on the city’s community
celebrate, inspire, and As outlined in the City’s Arts Strategy,
and the commitment of residents to be inspired. “Melbourne’s celebrated and diverse
the creative industries and associated arts scene generates an abundance
infrastructure. Creative Placemaking, National Endowment of positive publicity and is vital to
for the Arts, 2010 Melbourne’s brand.” Furthermore, the
importance of place on a human level is
highly significant. Creative practitioners
need an interconnected environment:
a space to produce work; places to
share work and find a response to
their work; as well as forums to share
ideas, respond to work of others and
joint collaborations all contributing to
Melbourne’s distinct identity.
10 melbourne.vic.gov/artsCITY OF MELBOURNE’S ROLE IN THE
ECO-SYSTEM OF THE CREATIVE CITY
The City of Melbourne is committed
to supporting artists and audiences
Council plays a critical role in
Melbourne’s creative eco-system,
Even world cities –
to participate in the city’s life. This is providing support to private and with their superficial
articulated through the ‘creative city’
goal, Council Plan 2013–17, and the Arts
state-owned institutions through
strategic partnerships, marketing and
resemblances – remain
Strategy. As the city continues to grow promotion; direct financial support to distinct. The reason
and embrace innovation and a ‘smart
city’ approach, the role of creative
Melbourne’s creative practitioners and
industries through funding initiatives;
why? Culture. What
practitioners contributing to the and the direct delivery of programs makes them different
development of these ideas is critical. that support, engage and advance
Melbourne’s creative practitioners,
to one another is
The scope and interrelationship of such as Creative Spaces, public art culture. While world
arts on offer in the City of Melbourne
is extensive, even for a capital city
commissioning and festivals.
cities are plugged into
area within a metropolis in excess of Each year, through the Arts Melbourne global circuits of ideas
4.5 million people. In the area of the branch, Council contributes more than
performing arts it extends from multiple $3.5 million in arts grants funding for arts and knowledge, it is
entertainment stadia such as Rod and culture activities delivered within their local culture (and
Laver or AAMI – capable of holding the municipality. In 2015–16, the branch
over 30,000 patrons for a Taylor Swift supported more than 3000 artists and cultural producers)
concert – through to main-stage venues produced more than 500 activities. The which transform
of between 1500 to 2000 patrons year before (2014–15), 91.4 per cent of
presenting opera or ‘Broadway’ style residents, workers, visitors and students external influences
musicals. The aforementioned venues agreed that Melbourne is an “artistic and into something
are complemented by the extensive cultural city.”13
‘fringe’ theatre scene and small venues unique.
focussed on new Australian work such In 2016–17, City of Melbourne is
The World Cities Cultural Report, 2013
as La Mama or Forty Five Downstairs. committing $108.48 million to its
infrastructure program. Council’s
In the visual arts sector, Melbourne annual investment in capital works
hosts the National Gallery of Victoria and infrastructure programs presents
(NGV) – arguably home to the most a unique opportunity to embed arts
important collection in Australia – and infrastructure, whether this be creative
several smaller but highly regarded spaces or public art, into appropriate
public galleries such as Australia Centre Council initiatives. In doing this, Council
for Contemporary Art and the Ian Potter ensures that the City of Melbourne acts
Museum of Art at Melbourne University. as a catalyst for growth and innovation
There are also 25 commercial galleries and adds value and increased
and artist run initiatives. sustainability to the plethora of creative
activity and industry in Melbourne.
In 2013–14 the NGV ran Melbourne
Now, the largest and most ambitious
exhibition in its history. More than 300
local artists, architects, designers and
creative practitioners participated in
this landmark exhibition. Without an
arts ecosystem of considerable depth, it
would not have been possible to choose
the final 300 to make this exhibition
possible.
12 Hutton, T. A., 2016 Cities and the Cultural Economy.
13 City of Melbourne, 2015, Annual Report 2014–15
Arts Infrastructure Framework 11MELBOURNE’S DEMOGRAPHICS,
ARTS PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE
Melbourne has one of the most active Greater Melbourne
and engaged populations in the country
for participation and attendance in The greater Melbourne metropolitan
the arts14. The high participation rate is region’s population is also increasing. In
strengthened by a resident population 2011, the population was reported to be
that includes 60 per cent of people 4,196,400 and by 2031 it is expected to
between the ages of 20–39 (double the increase to 5,982,80017.
national average), the age demographic
most likely to participate and engage As Melbourne’s population increases,
with the arts. infrastructure also needs to increase.
As a capital city, the City of Melbourne
The demographic overview below is home to some of the major key
demonstrates the current and institutions that support the arts and
forecasted growth of the population culture sector. To maintain the position
within the municipality, as well as of a creative city and to ensure creative
participation in arts activities impacting practitioners and community can create
the use and demand on Melbourne’s and participate in arts experiences,
arts infrastructure. Council needs to invest in and advocate
for further arts infrastructure to support
Demographic community access and participation.
overview
100 k
The City of Melbourne
80 k
The residential population of Melbourne
is estimated to be approximately
137,000 by the end of 2016 and is 60 k
predicted to rise to approximately
237,000 over the next 15 years15. The 40 k
‘daily’ population, which includes
residents, workers, students and visitors,
is estimated at 891,000 (2016) and 20 k
anticipated to rise to over 1.2 million
people by 2030. 0
0–4 5–14 15–24 25–34 35–44 45–54 55–64 65–74 75–84 85 AND
ABOVE
The demographic profile of the resident
2016 2026 2036
population differs markedly from the
demographic profile of Australia as FIGURE 1 – forecast number of residents by age group (2016 to 2036)
a whole. Nearly 60 per cent of the
population is aged between 20 and
39, which is over twice the Australia-
wide average (28 per cent) of people in
this age group. In generational terms,
this means about half the Melbourne
population is Gen Y16, while half the
workers, students and visitors that
come into the city each day are also
aged between 20 and 39. This cohort is
expected to continue to increase in the
next 20 years (Figure 1).
14 ABS Participation in Selected Cultural Activities, Cat. No. 4921.0: Customised Report 2015
15 City of Melbourne’s Forecast Population (Geografia). Accessed 12 July 2016. http://melbournepopulation.geografia.com.au/
16 The generation born in the 1980’s and early 90’s. They are children of the baby boomer generation and grew up with the internet,
mobile phones and social media.
17 Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, State Government of Victoria, 2015. Victoria in Future: Population and
Household Projections to 2051.
12 melbourne.vic.gov/artsParticipation in Attendance at an arts As people aged between 25 and 34
will continue to make up the greatest
the arts venue or event proportion of residents in Melbourne by
2036 (27 per cent) and, as one of the
The Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Bureau of Statistics data20 most culturally active age groups, their
commissioned on behalf of the Australia indicates that 59 per cent of Australians participation in arts activities supports
Council for the Arts, regularly undertakes attended at least one ‘arts venue or the development of community
a survey of the participation of event’ in 2013–14. accessible arts infrastructure.
Australians in selected cultural activities.
Their recent report indicates that 27 Across Victoria and Melbourne:
per cent (or 4.9 million people) of the
18.5 million persons aged 15 years and • Eighty-one per cent of inner
over living in Australia participated in Melbourne residents reported
at least one selected cultural activity attending an arts venue or event in
during the 12 months (2013–14) before 2013–14, significantly higher than
the survey was undertaken18. In the that identified by the ABS data21.
City of Melbourne, participation was • Creative Victoria22 report that:
greater than the national average with
37 per cent of the population reporting – 3.7 million (87 per cent)
participation in at least one selected Victorians attend cultural venues
cultural
100 activity (Figure 2). For young or events
people aged between 20 to 35 years,
– 877,000 (21 per cent) of
the percentage was higher again, with
80 Victorians work in culture or
60 per cent of Melburnians reportedly
leisure activities
engaging in a cultural activity.
60 – 95 per cent of young people
The City of Melbourne also tracks 60%
attend cultural venues or events
participation in activities supported by
40
Council. Nearly half (49.6 per cent) of – 59 per cent of Victorians aged
35%
survey respondents reported engaging 60 and over attend cultural
in
20selected Council arts and cultural 28% venues and events.
activities for the first time in 2014–1519. • More than 1.6 million people
0 purchased tickets to attend
15–24 YEARS 25–34 YEARS MELBURNIANS AGED
Arts Melbourne supported events
20–35 YEARS
in 2015–16.
100
80
60
40
37%
20 27%
0
NATIONALLY MELBURNIANS
FIGURE 2 – Percentage of Australians who participated in at least one
cultural activity between 2013–14
18 ABS Participation in Selected Cultural Activities, Cat. No. 4921.0: Customised Report 2015
19 City of Melbourne, 2015. Annual Report 2014–15.
20 ABS Participation in Selected Cultural Activities, Cat. No. 4921.0: Customised Report 2015
21 ABS Participation in Selected Cultural Activities, Cat. No. 4921.0: Customised Report 2015
22 Creative Victoria, 2012, A Statistical Overview: Arts and culture in Victoria
Arts Infrastructure Framework 13IDENTIFYING THE CITY OF MELBOURNE’S
ARTS INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS
In order to understand the current state
and establish priorities for the future
Current Arts Public art infrastructure is located
throughout the city on a permanent
of Melbourne’s arts infrastructure, the Infrastructure and temporary basis. All public art
following methodological approach was situated in the city’s public realm is
undertaken: In order to establish gaps in existing managed and maintained by Council’s
arts infrastructure, current arts facilities art and heritage collection. The Arts
• desktop analysis of current arts in the municipality and its environs (10 Melbourne branch manages Council’s
infrastructure and relevant studies23 kilometre radius) have been researched, art and heritage collection and
identified and mapped, including musical instruments (Melbourne Town
• mapping of current theatres,
facilities that are: Hall Grand Organ and Federation
galleries and live music spaces24,
Bells), however these pieces of arts
both commercial and public, to • Council-owned infrastructure are outside the scope of
identify infrastructure gaps
• publicly owned, but not by Council this MAIF.
• recent City of Melbourne
stakeholder consultation including • commercial As well as specific arts facilities, the
the Arts Melbourne Creative City of Melbourne owns and manages a
• managed by educational institutions
Conventions and Future Melbourne number of community hubs and libraries
2026’s preliminary analysis25 • managed by trusts and not-for profit that support the co-location of artists.
organisations These include arts-based activities such
• analysis of data from the Creative as sound recording studios, maker’s
Spaces website • privately-owned. spaces and practice rooms at both the
• desktop analysis of Council policies These facility types are further analysed Library at the Dock and Kathleen Syme
and strategies as listed on page six. throughout this chapter. Library and Community Centre.
The following chapter provides an The City of Melbourne currently owns Surrounding municipalities have been
overview of key findings related to the three dedicated arts buildings: ArtPlay included in the literature review and
scope of the MAIF. (children’s cultural centre); Signal mapping to ensure the gap analysis
(young people’s cultural centre); and offers a balanced assessment that
The MAIF has a specific focus on arts the North Melbourne Town Hall (Arts acknowledges the City of Melbourne
infrastructure that: House). All three are repurposed old/ as part of a greater metropolis of inner
heritage buildings. A fourth building, the suburbs that, collectively for many
• is accessible for community Melburnians, form its heart.
Meat Market, is owned by the Victorian
members to encourage and support
government and managed by the City
arts participation
as a venue-for-hire.
• addresses the needs of new
and emerging artists, creative The Creative Spaces program currently
practitioners and organisations. leases two buildings on a commercial
basis: River Studios in West Melbourne
This scope excludes the infrastructure and The Guild in Southbank. Seven artist
needs of the commercial theatre and studios are also located at Council’s
concert sector and the large state Boyd Community Hub.
funded facilities such as the Arts Centre
or NGV.
The analysis has led to the identification
of nine high-level arts infrastructure
needs and five goals through these
identified needs can be advanced in the
next five years.
23 (a) City of Moreland Needs Analysis of Performing Arts Facilities within the Brunswick Civic and Cultural Precinct, 2012; (b) Planning
Sydney’s Cultural Facilities 2011, Sweet Reason Pty Ltd. (c) City of Vancouver Cultural Facilities Priorities Plan: Final Report, May 2008,
Artscape (d) Cultural Infrastructure Directions, Dept. of Culture and the Arts , WA. (e) Cultural Infrastructure: An Integral Component of
Canadian Communities, Creative City Network Canada
24 Mapping based on available data
25 Draft Future Melbourne 2026 Synthesis Report, Global Research, 2016
14 melbourne.vic.gov/artsConsultation Another identified need was increasing
public access to the arts and more
• there are exciting opportunities for
short-term inhabitations of space,
affordable ways to participate in the but there is a lack of long-term
Future Melbourne arts through community arts hubs. space and opportunity
These would be purpose-designed
A preliminary review of Future • artists living in the city, as well as
spaces that allow for individuals and
Melbourne 2026 responses by Global creating and presenting work, make
community groups to develop their
Research supports the mapping, data an exciting creative city.
own creative practice in much the same
and analysis regarding needs and gaps
way as ArtPlay and Signal enable and There are various national and
of arts infrastructure:
promote creative expression for children international templates for the provision
and young adults. of live/work spaces for artists that could
‘A large number of people be used as the basis for developing a
felt the need to create more Creative Conventions model for Melbourne and its particular
venues – both permanent regulatory circumstances. CLUE data
and temporary, within the In 2015, Arts Melbourne undertook demonstrates the potential availability
Melbourne CBD. One thread a series of consultations under the of spaces. There is 57,749 square metres,
of conversations expressed banner of Creative Conventions. in 144 locations, of vacant storage/
the need to create a new This consultation series included warehouse space in the municipality,
roundtable discussions on the themes of some of which could be adapted to
space to encourage local
affordability, accessibility, infrastructure studio or rehearsal space. There is also
theatre and playwrights
and creativity with key industry 165,772 square metres of vacant office/
to present their work… stakeholders and a public forum entitled administration space in 508 locations,
A few people felt that The Future of Art in Melbourne. which has the potential to make suitable
reinvigorating disused and co-working and office space for creative
abandoned city sites would The key findings from this consultation practitioners and organisations.
help create more spaces were:
for artists to exhibit or This Future Melbourne and Creative
• the rising cost of space in Melbourne Conventions consultation has led to the
perform work.
is squeezing the arts and there is a identification of the first four needs.
danger that creative practitioners
‘Some identified Melbourne will be pushed out of the City
as the music capital of Identified need 1
entirely
Australia and that music
should be supported
• mixed-use planning is crucial and Arts spaces that enable the
so is mixed-used space – i.e. hybrid community to engage with and
within the city to ensure it live/work/present spaces
continues to flourish. There participate in their own creative
were suggestions of how • more space may be achieved practice.
this could happen, including through changing rules and
a music writer’s festival; regulations rather than building new Identified need 2
infrastructure
providing cheap space for
performers including an • accessing underutilised buildings, Hybrid spaces for artists including
‘all ages’ venue; and more whether owned by the City of live/work spaces.
music events.26’ Melbourne or the public or private
sectors, could fuel much arts and Identified need 3
The researchers identified three community activity
strong themes that came through the Advocate for affordable housing.
• planning levers need to be
comments:
developed in order to have more
• a desire for the arts to thrive in diverse building stock for future Identified need 4
Melbourne creative uses and developers need
to be encouraged (or required) to Affordable co-working office /
• lack of affordable space is driving make contributions to support arts incubator spaces for creative
artists out infrastructure industry practitioners.
• that providing inexpensive space • space is a crucial asset for enabling
for artists would deliver direct and creativity and lack of affordability is
indirect benefits for artists and the a threat to creativity
community.
26 Global Research, 2016, Draft Future Melbourne 2026 Synthesis Report.
Arts Infrastructure Framework 15Mapping of arts infrastructure
Based on mapping data available, the geographical analysis of arts
infrastructure focused on facilities in three specific areas of the arts –
theatre, galleries and live music. The mapping included suburbs
surrounding the City of Melbourne (Map 1) and identified:
161
galleries
289
live music venues
90 theatres
22 other*
* includes stadiums, museums, libraries,
town halls, etc.
Other creative industries such
as architecture and design firms,
publishing houses and game developers
have not been mapped.
These sectors are extensive but do not
generally require a purpose-specific
space or particular infrastructure beyond
a conventional office. The potential
growth of business, arts and community
accelerators and incubators as
co-working spaces addresses this need.
Data is not available for the number
and location of individual artists’ or
writers’ studios beyond the Creative
Spaces website which displays current
vacancies only.
MAP 1 – Arts infrastructure as combined art forms (galleries, live music and theatres)
16 melbourne.vic.gov/artsTheatres
Council’s 2015 CLUE data shows there The CLUE data and mapping shows:
are 367,700 seats identified as theatre/
concert/stadium in the City of Melbourne. • 376,000 seats in theatres, concert
As a point of comparison, there are 156,711 halls and stadiums in Melbourne
indoor café/restaurant/bistro seats.
• three theatre venues – located in
the central city, Southbank and
Removing stadium venues (MCG,
Parkville – that seat between 200
Docklands, Rod Laver etc., venues
to 300 patrons
infrequently used for theatre rehearsals
or performances) from consideration of • 27 venues seat less than 200 people
this mapping, there are around 32,000 contributing less than one per cent
theatre and concert hall seats within the of the CLUE total
municipality27.
• 18 of these 27 venues are for
audiences of 100 people or less.
A needs analysis of the theatre sector
identified that 200–300 seats is the
preferred venue size for performance
and rehearsals28. As the mapping data
indicates, such spaces are in short
supply. New and emerging artists and
organisations are further disadvantaged
in accessing these spaces due to the
cost of hire.
Three key areas of the municipality
that would support an increase in
the number of theatre spaces are
Arden, Docklands and Lorimer. With
these areas planned for increased
residential development, community
and artist-accessible rehearsal and
performance spaces are recommended
to be included in future infrastructure
planning.
The identified issues of new and
emerging theatre sector are
representative of their counterparts
across the performing arts sector. With
this in mind, performance spaces should
be flexible in design to accommodate
the needs of small music and dance
ensembles as well as theatre companies.
Identified need 5
The creation of performance and
MAP 2 – This map identifies 75 locations housing 90 theatre spaces. These include cabaret rehearsal spaces suitable for artists
venues and stadiums, but exclude concert halls (e.g. Melbourne Recital Centre and Hamer working in the small to medium
Hall). In some instances there are multiple theatres in the one building e.g. Theatres Building performing arts sector.
at Arts Centre Melbourne.
27 City of Melbourne, 2015, Census of Land Use and Employment
28 City of Moreland Needs Analysis of Performing Arts Facilities within the Brunswick Civic and Cultural Precinct, 2012
Arts Infrastructure Framework 17Galleries
The mapping (Map 3) and survey of
current gallery exhibitions shows:
• 161 galleries in and around the
City of Melbourne
• 79 per cent (127) are commercial
galleries. Commercial galleries focus
on work that sells and generally
represent a stable of established
and/or mid-career artists29
• A number of major public and
private collections including
the National Gallery of Victoria
(NGV), the Australian Centre for
Contemporary Art (ACCA), Ian
Potter Gallery, and RMIT Gallery.
The mapping identifies that most
galleries are commercial spaces
representing mid-career and established
artists. These galleries understandably
exhibit work most likely to sell.
The commercial impetus of these
galleries restricts the opportunity for
early career artists, and artists working
in more exploratory and challenging
forms, to exhibit in these spaces.
This leads to increased difficulties
for emerging artists to obtain
representation by commercial galleries.
It is through ‘artist-run initiatives’
like West Space and Blindside, and
not-for-profit gallery spaces, that
artists working in more cutting-edge,
experimental forms find exhibiting their
work more accessible and affordable.
Identified need 6
Artist-run or not-for-profit gallery
spaces and initiatives that focus
on programming work that is
diverse, challenging, experimental,
exploratory, and primarily by
young or emerging artists.
MAP 3 – The map locates 161 galleries including public galleries such as the NGV, commercial
galleries and ‘artist run initiatives’ such as West Space.
29 Art Guide Australia
18 melbourne.vic.gov/artsLive music • While it is likely that young bands are The Music Victoria list, however, is
able to find a pub venue to play to mainly commercial spaces and not
According to Creative State, “Melbourne small audiences, it is more difficult to exhaustive. There are non-commercial
hosts 62,000 live music concerts each access a suitable larger venue recording studios in the City of
year and Victoria has three times more Melbourne, such as the studios at the
live music performances than the • There is a gap in the availability
City’s Library at the Dock and Kathleen
national average.” The mapping (Map 4) of medium sized (500–800 seats)
Syme Library and Community Centre.
identifies 289 live music venues in and dedicated music spaces.
around the City of Melbourne. These Consultation with Music Victoria There are 28 spaces listed on the
venues are predominantly utilised by revealed: Creative Spaces site offering facilities
contemporary / popular music bands for music rehearsal. Most of these are
(including rock, jazz, folk etc.) that • There is a lack of affordable multipurpose spaces and not dedicated
require amplification. rehearsal and recording space in music rehearsal spaces – size, suitability
Melbourne; and costs vary substantially. Although
A breakdown of the mapping and analysis practice rooms are available at the
of Melbourne Music Week data shows: • The CBD presents problems with aforementioned City of Melbourne
loading and unloading of equipment; library and community hubs, they are
• Most venues are pubs and bars that and inappropriate for a group of musicians
present live music several nights a to access, being too small and situated
• Of the nine rehearsal and 17
week. In the estimation of Council’s in a library environment.
recording studios listed on the Music
Melbourne Music Week only 15
Victoria website, none are in the City
are dedicated music venues, that Most live music venues in the city are
of Melbourne.
is, venues presenting music six or pubs and bars that present music only
seven nights a week two or three nights a week. There are
far fewer dedicated music venues and
even less that support the touring
circuit for artists unable to fill major
stadiums. A versatile empty space
that can accommodate a medium
sized audience (500–800 people) is
required to allow new and emerging
musicians affordable access to rehearsal
and performance venues, as well as
providing an opportunity for community
members to participate in live music
activities and events. These venues may
include suitable recording facilities, or
be specifically focussed on performance
and rehearsal spaces and recording
needs met through the implementation
of Identified Need 1.
Identified need 7
Live music venues that can
accommodate between 500 and
800 patrons.
MAP 4 – The map locates 289 live music venues including venues from small bars that have
live music to the major concert halls such as Hamer Hall.
Arts Infrastructure Framework 19Creative Spaces Analysis of this website data
demonstrated:
Creative spaces need to include spaces
suitable for a range of activities,
Adaptive re-use of buildings is a including those inappropriate to
• the demand for live/work space is residential areas such as larger scale
sustainable practice that the City of
high (1091 searches; 2 spaces). This sculptural work or band rehearsals.
Melbourne actively promotes. This
corresponds to the feedback from
is exampled by the Creative Spaces
the Creative Conventions roundtable Identified need 8
program which initiated River Studios in
West Melbourne – a vacant warehouse • there continues to be significant
on the edge of the Maribyrnong River. unmet demand for visual arts and Increasing the number of studio,
Located at 41–59 Sims Street, this dance studio space. workshop and rehearsal spaces
building was refurbished by Creative (creative spaces) available.
Spaces program as 57 artist studios and This is evidenced by an analysis of
now houses 75 artists. 2014–15 data that identified:
This 3000m2 space provided a new Unmet demand for studio space:
model of development for the City
• 1880 searches for visual art studio
of Melbourne, leasing the building
space in City of Melbourne
commercially to provide affordable
workspace for artists. River Studios • 33 spaces listed.
is a partnership between the City of
Melbourne, Creative Victoria and the Unmet demand for dance studio space:
owner of the building. Each party
• 1298 searches for dance studios in
contributed $100,000 towards the
City of Melbourne
building’s refurbishment, which included
a lift for disability access. • 9 spaces listed.
This operating model has proved to be Unmet demand for creative office
extremely successful, however waiting space:
lists for the Creative Spaces program
venues indicates demand for these • 3508 searches for office space in
spaces is high. In July 2016: City of Melbourne
• 79 office spaces listed.
• Boyd has five studios and there
are 84 artists on the waiting list. Unmet demand for activities that are
A studio has not become vacant not suited to residential areas such as
at Boyd for over 12 months. larger scale sculptural work or band
practice:
• River Studios has 50 studios
and there are 30 artists on the • 2574 searches for warehouse space
waiting list.
• 45 spaces listed.
The Creative Spaces website (managed
by the Creative Spaces program) allows Continuing unmet demand for gallery
individuals to list spaces available for space in particular by unrepresented
lease specifically for artists and creative artists seeking space to stage an
practitioners. It is able to demonstrate exhibition of their own work:
the housing needs of artists by tracking
the number of artist spaces available • 1752 searches
against the number of searches for a • 22 spaces listed.
particular type of space.
The Creative Spaces website data also
demonstrates a high unmet demand
for community halls (856 searches and
five spaces listed) reflecting creative
practitioner demand for larger, hall like
spaces for rehearsals and performance.
This data supports the Identified Needs
1, 5 and 7.
20 melbourne.vic.gov/artsPublic art
Public art is by its nature highly visible.
It sits in the public realm, impacting how
people experience the city. Everyone
has an opinion about public art. To help
inform the vision, direction and platform
of public art in the municipality, Council
has adopted the Public Art Framework
2014–17.
CLUE data identifies more than 260
public art ‘assets’ across the City of
Melbourne30. Assets are identified
as public artwork, fountains and
monuments. The Public Art Framework
identifies the need to extend the
community’s engagement and interface
with public art, and proposes new and
innovative ways in which this can be
achieved.
Council already contributes one per
cent of appropriate capital works
projects to public art. As the city’s
growth continues, public art can
provide accessible arts infrastructure
and present practical opportunities
for emerging artists and creative
practitioners. It also presents
opportunities for exploration of digital
placemaking and for Council to take a
leadership role in working with external
partners to embed public art into new
urban growth areas and developments.
Public art can be included from the
initial design stage of major Council
and developer capital works and
infrastructure projects. As the rapid
growth of the city has triggered
significant investment in public
infrastructure (e.g. Southbank Boulevard
and University Square), public art
allows the stories of Melbourne to
be told through the public realm.
Implementation of any public art
through these means must also align to
the Public Art Framework 2014–17.
Identified need 9
Embed public art in Council and
developer capital works and
infrastructure projects.
30 City of Melbourne, 2015, Census of Land Use and Employment Melbourne Public Artwork. Accessed 28 July 2016.
source: https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Assets-Infrastructure/Melbourne-Public-Artwork/6fzs-45an
Arts Infrastructure Framework 21Identified needs and Key goals Location of identified needs
goals To guide the implementation of these Of the identified needs and associated
identified needs, the following key goals some can be applied in
Identified needs goals will indicate and measure the community hubs and multi-purpose
success of the MAIF in the next five infrastructure (e.g. rehearsal spaces
In light of the gaps identified, the years. Goals are identified in order of for small to medium performing
following high-level needs have been priority to align with current planning arts sector). Some have unique
determined: timelines and funding mechanisms. infrastructure requirements with
The goals are: site-specific outputs (e.g. live music
performance spaces). Whilst others
1. Arts spaces that enable Priorities 1–4: Creation and can be distributed across a broad
the community to engage presentation spaces range of current, new or re-purposed
with and participate in their
infrastructure (e.g. live work spaces).
own creative practice.
1. To secure commitment for
Table 1 identifies the potential link
the delivery of three arts hubs
2. Hybrid spaces for artists between these needs and infrastructure
that can include mid-sized
including live/work spaces. types.
performance and rehearsal spaces,
community arts spaces and/or live
3. Advocacy for affordable
music.
housing so artists, along with
others on lower incomes,
2. To significantly increase the
are able to live in the city.
number of creative spaces within
the municipality.
4. Affordable co-working office
spaces for creative industry
3. Advocate to create and
practitioners (writers, publishers,
incorporate live/work spaces
designers, architects, etc.).
within the city.
5. The creation of performance
4. Advocate to support the provision
and rehearsal spaces suitable for
of more affordable housing for
artists working in the small to
artists, as per the City’s Housing
medium performing arts sector.
Strategy.
6. Artist-run or not-for-profit Priority 5: Embedded Public Art
gallery spaces and initiatives
5. To ensure the integration of
that focus on programming
embedded public art projects
visual art work that is diverse,
in new public and private
challenging, experimental,
developments.
exploratory and primarily by
young or emerging artists.
7. Live music venues that can
accommodate between
500 and 800 patrons.
8. Studio, workshop and rehearsal
spaces (creative spaces) including
spaces suitable for activities not
appropriate to residential areas
such as larger scale sculpture
work or band rehearsals.
9. Embedding public art in Council
and developer capital works
and infrastructure projects.
22 melbourne.vic.gov/artsYou can also read
