Bayside Arts, Culture and Libraries Strategy 2023-2027

Arts, Culture and Library services in Bayside provide residents the opportunity to establish connection within the community, which has a positive effect on physical health and mental and emotional wellbeing. Through this goal, we aim to nurture a sense of belonging, and an improved quality of life by supporting individuals to establish an overall feeling of self-worth, wonder and purpose when they visit and engage with our spaces.

We will improve accessibility and create safe spaces that provide our community with the opportunity to develop greater independence, social connectedness, and intergenerational interactions. We aim to create cultural spaces that allow diverse and changing populations to continue to establish their identity, which can foster improved learning and health, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with others.

Creativity stimulates the human mind and helps people understand the world, serve a purpose, and develop a sense of self-identity. 71 per cent of all survey respondents during our community consultation had engaged in an art or cultural activity over the past three years, showing there is a need for dedicated spaces and environments that stimulate imaginative thinking and new knowledge creation.

We aspire to champion innovation in Bayside through engaging community members in problem-solving, documenting and reacting to societal change, and discovering new opportunities for artistic growth and prosperity. Through establishing a creative and innovative network of people and places, our community can meaningfully engage with the world around them and experience enjoyment and enrichment in their lives.

Education and knowledge creation are powerful agents of change, and are proven to increase health, enhance livelihoods, and create more stable communities. We strive to support residents to access relevant, accurate and engaging information through using our libraries, attending gallery exhibitions, and participating in public programs and events. It is recognised that informed and engaged residents have higher levels of productivity, health, and civic engagement, which is why we aim to offer learning opportunities that allow residents to expand their knowledge, increase their independence, and overall sense of wellbeing. With an ageing population in Bayside, it is imperative that residents are active in increasing brain health, discovering new interests, and keeping up to date with emerging technologies. By activating Bayside’s cultural and community programs and collections, residents can engage in lifelong learning, whilst being involved in pursuits that contribute to feelings of competency, self-fulfilment, and personal development.