Making the Link: Developing Partnerships Across the Western Region: AimWest: arts alliance of local government in Melbourne’s west
The purpose of this presentation is to share the learning and partnership approach that supported the development of the Western Region Cultural Development Network (now AimWest), the Interlock Project and Western Region Arts Network (WRAN).
AimWest has existed for over four years and was conceived in recognition that Melbourne’s west, while rich in artistic activity, was without a coordinated approach to the development of the arts across the region. The network comprises of arts and culture officers from the municipalities of Brimbank, Hobson Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham.
Through initial research undertaken by AimWest it had been identified there was a need to develop effective ways to build links between the arts sectors, the community, arts facilities, business and tourism. Initial findings suggested that a regional arts network would contribute to a sense of place, whilst assisting in the development of an identity for the arts community and artists living and working in the west. The seed of the Interlock Project was planted.
In 2005 AimWest successfully received funding for the Interlock Project from Arts Victoria’s Community Liaison Officers and Professionals in Residence program, to engage a Community Liaison Officer. The project was also established to develop a sustainable network across the region (WRAN: Western Region Arts Network), support ongoing local partnerships and increase professional opportunities for artists and arts organisations in Melbourne’s Western region.
Questions we will be leading with in this presentation include:
- What are the opportunities and constraints in working in partnership across six municipalities?
- What benefits can networks create to support opportunities for the arts community?
Lisa Arnott is a professional artist and cultural community development practitioner and is currently Cultural Planner at Maribyrnong City Council. Lisa was the Coordinator of the Interlock Project which supported the development of the Western Region Arts Network. Lisa originates from Scotland where she managed a variety of arts and cultural organisations and projects including Studio 11, Craigmillar Community Arts, the Workers Education Association and Scottish Education for Action and Development.
Dean Michael is the Arts & Culture Co-ordinator for Brimbank City Council and was the Interlock Project manager on behalf of AimWest (then known as the Western Region Cultural Development Network). Dean has also worked for organisations including Arts Access, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and VicHealth. In “a previous life”, Dean was a theatre maker and performer, working mostly in the community arts sector including producing self-devised work.