ARTS INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK - A FIVE YEAR PLAN - CITY OF MELBOURNE
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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/arts
CITY 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 11
MELBOURNE’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/arts
Participation 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 13
IDENTIFYING 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/arts
Consultation 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 15
Mapping 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/arts
Theatres 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 17
Galleries 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/arts
Live 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 19
Creative 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/arts
Public 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 21
Identified 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/arts
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