Conference Background

‘Expanding Cultures’ conference was initiated by the City of Stonnington, who recognised the need for local government workers in arts and culture to share experiences and expertise. The Inner Metropolitan Arts and Culture Managers' Group agreed to be involved in organising the conference. A sub-committee from that group was appointed to steer the conference. Eight Inner City Councils (Stonnington, Yarra, Melbourne, Moreland, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, Boroondara and Port Phillip) agreed to contribute financially towards the conference, and planning began in earnest in mid-2006..

The conference themes were identified as being the most significant issues for the eight host councils, in the area of arts and culture.

‘Expanding Cultures’ builds on momentum and issues explored at previous conferences hosted in Victoria, the 2004 Fourth Pillar of Sustainability and the 2002 Art of Dissent hosted by the Cultural Development Network, and the Arts and Community: New Century New Connections conference that led to the establishment of the Cultural Development Network in 1999.

The organising committee seeks to encourage interest in an ongoing program of conferences hosted by similar groupings of councils. A regular bi-annual conference could build significant momentum by the presentation of leading ideas, exemplary projects and academic papers related to themes selected by host councils.