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We asked all the candidates for the Mayoral and Council elections this question:

 QUESTION

If you were able to either improve or introduce three Arts or Cultural projects to enhance the social fabric of living in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder – what would they be?
Here are the responses we received (in alphabetical order).

Matthew Eggleston

1. Adding to and improving street art by way of commissioning new sculpture and artwork to enhance and beautify the City,
2. Support Council sponsorship of events at the Goldfields Arts Centre and the Sound Shell,
3. Encourage a Community Arts and Culture Trust Fund to promote the Arts, support the Goldfields Arts Centre and other performing venues, including festivals, and assisting local groups to develop talent and build capacity to put on more shows in Kalgoorlie – Boulder.
4. Look at ways to increase funding to the Arts and Culture Goldfields Association.

Lisa Malicky

1.  A big music festival J I know most country towns like Bunbury and Busselton have them so I don’t see why we don’t.
2. I would like to see more funding to arts groups in Kalgoorlie- Boulder so we can have more community entertainment
3. I think it would be cool to have mini-entertainment shows in places like St Barbara’s Square on Saturday morning

There are so many possibilities

Robert Northcoat

• Goldfields Arts Centre, We need some certainty beyond the She`ll be Right comments from the Administration. As a Community the loss of the infrastructure would be tragic. While no decision or commitment is forth coming there is fallout, uncertainty over long term operations which have and will impact further on bringing shows and entertainment to the Region. I’m sick of the brinkmanship. I’m after a solid, binding commitment by Council to the Centre’s operation and support. I don’t want to see another Mining Hall of Fame debacle.
• Silky Pear Bush Fleadh. An Iconic festival event for the Goldfields proposed by Sean Doran. Something that we don’t currently have. It was proposed two years ago but knocked back. I would like to revisit it.
• Public Art. Everyone likes the idea, but it just doesn’t get off the ground. I’m not sure what form it should take but there is an opportunity for some creative input as well as being inclusive both in form and culturally. It’s time for the City to move on from its urban art focus of “Roundabouts and Palm Trees” to  something a bit more exciting.

I’m keen on Burt Street and Boulder being the Art and Culture precinct and I do feel that this will finally get a boost just from the level of support from all of the candidates contesting both the Council seats and the Mayoral position.

I think most people would realise that I’m not afraid to roll my sleeves up and do some hard work when it comes to the issues and interests around the City.  K-B is a great place but it can be better.

Brendon Slattery

1.  Reinvigorating a young professionals club in Kal for social catch ups. A young professional network such as lawyers/doctors/nurses/allied health professionals, police etc…would build a stronger sense of community to those who may initially be here for a short stay, but with more support and interests tying them to the region, it would encourage professionals to stay and get involved in the community.
2.  An outdoor cinema and a local short film festival/competition with different categories. The idea would be to have themes and categories based on the Goldfields, such an interesting place steeped in history and diversity should have a great deal to offer by way of inspiration.
3.  A stronger focus on making Kalgoorlie a ‘venue’ for entertainment. More bands, acts, music etc…some ideas are for small regional competitions to stimulate interest over the year and then have a festival show case. Small events at small venues throughout the year with local artists would build interest and create an opportunity for a grander finale.
4.  Re-invigorating the annual Kalgoorlie-Boulder Fair. Incorporating more local artists and talent. Less focus on commercial rides and show bags to a greater focus on showcasing local arts and culture.
5.  AND lastly there should be a brain storm of local artists and talent, a sort of artistic brains trust to come up with ideas for promoting Kalgoorlie as not just a place for digging stuff out of the ground, but enriching the town with what the local talent have to offer.