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).
Ray Cianter
To quote directly from my ballot summary:
“Ensure that the collection of work by iconic local artist Pantjiti Mary McLean remains in the City and is not lost to Perth.”
Council needs to be part of the solution to keep the GAC open, and maintain it into the future.
I would not be so presumptuous as to state what specific cultural projects the City should adopt without first consulting widely with the community.
To me, a more fundamental question is how to successfully integrate the arts into the operations of Council; rather than just being an ‘add-on’?
An active, challenging and vibrant art scene needs to be part of the cultural, social and economic fabric of this community’s life; and has the potential to make an invaluable, and positive contribution to our society.
On a purely personal bent, I would like to see thought-provoking street theatre; art house films screened at the GAC on a regular basis (it’s done at the Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs); and a vibrant jazz and blues live music scene
Nola Wolski
I see the celebration of our arts and cultural background and heritage integral in letting the world know who we are. In answer to the questions, my three priorities are:
- Inclusion of indigenous art in the public arena. Currently there is an absolute lack of public art in our town of this nature. Whether in the form of street signs, banners, bus-stop or bin painting, we need to increase this presence to show them as an integral part of our community.
- Ensure we have the venues and ability to continue to attract world class acts and performances to our city, and to formally make this part of the City’s strategic plan.
- More development of existing festivals. Existing festivals such as the Spring festival, Heart of Gold Arts Festival, and community fair have high attendances. These attendances are a demonstration of the communities need and desire for these events. The City needs to do all it can to facilitate and assist these events
Ron Yuryevich
Kalgoorie-Boulder is already recognised as a great sporting community and greater arts and cultural vibrancy is important to attract and retain residents to Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
I am proud that I introduced the funding for now named artgo organisation some four years ago to ensure the community can develop the arts and culture of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
1. I believe we need a week of focus for the arts and culture of the Goldfields which should include lunch time concerts in the Boulder town hall, visiting bands, and a headliner act for a Saturday night show
2. Build on the workshop series conducted for residents to ensure budding arts and culture is supported by a reasonable budget to support visiting artists.
3. Develop Burt Street into an Arts and Culture centre.
