An exploration of the role of the arts in vibrant, sustainable rural communities
We commissioned the book as a record of the Art Resides Here project, undertaken with the generous support of the H & L Hecht Trust in 2018/19. Unfortunately, bushfires and COVID delayed publication.
The project was designed to increase awareness and understanding of the role of the arts in rural communities. It involved groups in five Victorian communities, including Rupanyup, reflecting on their engagement with arts and cultural projects, sharing their experiences at a national arts conference, and now with a broader national audience, through this book. It is written using the voices and imagery of the people we spoke with, including local identities. Each chapter sends a powerful message of grit, determination and love for their community.
The examples and insights in this book confirm and showcase what we knew: the arts make a significant contribution to the cultural life of rural, communities, plus generate significant economic and health and well-being benefits, increase educational engagement, connect communities, and create a sense of place, identity and community pride. The arts truly play a vital role but it takes hard work from committed local leaders who know what their community needs, trust and often financial support from local businesses and philanthropic partners.