Arts and Heritage Levy delivers cultural vitality
Find out how your Arts and Heritage Levy helped preserve, develop and support our region's arts and cultural heritage.
Photo by Nic Morley
The Sunshine Coast’s fusion of rich and varied heritage, coupled with its thriving arts scene, make it a vibrant melting pot of culture.
This fact was underpinned by the initiatives, programs and projects outlined in the Sunshine Coast Arts and Heritage Levy Annual Report 2023-24 at Sunshine Coast Council’s Ordinary Meeting today (21 November).
Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said strong audience numbers, business development, sector growth and First Nations collaborations were just some of the highlights in the report.
“Programs funded by the Levy help to preserve, develop and support arts and cultural heritage across the region,” Cr Bunnag said.
“Whether you’re a practitioner, audience member or consumer, the Levy provides numerous opportunities for current and future communities to engage with arts and cultural heritage on the Sunshine Coast.
Heritage Program Highlights
“The 2023-24 Heritage program served to conserve, promote and share the stories and history of the people and places of the Sunshine Coast.
“Highlights of the heritage program included a series of free community heritage events celebrating First Nations Peoples and culture, sporting history and built heritage.
“The program also provided funding programs to support local museums and research groups, as well as professional development training and assistance.”
First Nations Family Fun Day at Bankfoot House - people dancing in the grounds
Grassroots to Glory exhibition at Landsborough Museum - visitors looking at the exhibits
Landsborough Street Festival - crowds outside the museum
Bankfoot House exhibition - three ladies looking at items in the glass cases
Celebrating 155 years of Bankfoot House. Image shows the front of Bankfoot House with attendees on the verandah
Bankfoot House - a room full of people listening to a Cobb and Co heritage talk
Arts Program Highlights
Fellow Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the Arts program highlights included a successful artist-in-residence program, a number of First Nations-led creative programs and the Creative Industries Investment Program, which provides grants and professional development for established arts and cultural initiatives that support the development of our region's arts ecology.
“The support and leadership of volunteers was vital to the success of the levy-funded programs.
“We acknowledge and thank the countless volunteers, whether they be industry advisors, partners and mentors, or those giving their time in our museums or galleries.
“Council demonstrates its commitment to supporting arts and cultural heritage outcomes through the collection of the Levy, recognises the important role that both sectors and industries play in shaping and influencing our sense of community, belonging, cultural vitality and identity in a time of unprecedented growth and change.”
INARI_Politics of Snails - projections on the walls of the Old Lock Up, Maroochydore
Lady taking a photo in art gallery with white walls - Image by Cooper Brady Photography
Project 24, artist Zartisha Davis. Image Cooper Brady Photography - Artwork laid out with a hand touching it
About the Levy
In 2023-24 the Arts and Heritage Levy, paid by all rateable properties as part of the annual rates payment, was increased by $2 to $18.
The Arts Program directed $4 to achieve the vision and goals of the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023-2038, and the $14 Heritage Program delivers the outcomes of the Sunshine Coast Heritage Plan 2021-2031.
View the full Sunshine Coast Arts and Heritage Levy Annual Report 2023-24