The development of contemporary art and the infrastructure that has grown up around it has been built on artist directed initiatives and innovation. This has been the case in the past, and has been particularly important in Australia in the last 25years; and it will continue to be the case in the future.
Governmental instrumentalities can play a major part in facilitating this development, and many have done so. The work of Richard Florida has proposed a demonstratable link between a rich urban cultural life and economic benefit, and this has motivated some regional governments to adopt more creative concepts of development beyond the conventional business model.
The recently released Central Coast Regional Strategy invites comment. While many issues are addressed, water supply of course being a headliner, the plan identifies Gosford as being the Regional City for the Central Coast and the amenities that a regional city requires.
(see link)
The opportunity to comment on the strategy is an opportunity to argue for the central place of arts and culture in the developing Gosford Regional City. While planning is possible without aesthetic vision, good planning is not. Culture has always been the heart of a community and the city; it is what gives the social conglomerate an honourable and compassionate identity.
What defines a city is its cultural assets. Sydney is an idea, and a destination, because it has a concentration of iconic cultural assets. MCA, AGNSW, Artspace, Sydney Opera House, Australian Centre for Photography, Australian Museum, Museum of Sydney, State and Mitchell Libraries, many Artist Run Initiatives etc. all within walking distance, and at a public transport hub.
This is not to say that Gosford should, or could, model itself on a major city of four million people. But it does indicate the essential role that cultural resources play in creating a city.
Shopping centres, supermarkets, sports clubs, businesses, car yards, professional services etc. can be found – and often the same ones are – in every urban and suburban centre. We go to Sydney for its cultural assets. Can we develop more of our own?
The conventional market model does not seem to be working. Gosford CBD has become a rabbit warren of empty retail and business spaces. The Laycock Theatre and the Regional Gallery cannot be moved, but there are many other art and culture amenities, as yet underdeveloped, that could be given a place in the heart of the city.
Many people feel estranged from the political decision making apparatus, but visit the website and make a comment. It just might help, and it might make a difference before it is too late.
(Who put that stadium THERE!)
Neil Berecry-Brown
