CTIG pARTnerships Conference Overview: 11.11.2010
The Cultural Tourism Industry Group (CTIG) inaugural pARTnerships conference on cultural tourism in regional Victoria was held in Bendigo 14-15 October 2010. The conference provided the opportunity to learn, share experiences and explore how partnerships between local government, tourism businesses and arts organisations result in success stories.
“SmART Tourism” – Sheila Hollingworth documented the CTIG pARTnerships Conference through cartoons.
The keynote speaker, social analyst David Chalke, set a number of challenges for cultural organisations. He commented that Australians are interested in cultural activities but require encouragement to participate. He also added that arts organisations needed to stop talking to the converted and effectively market themselves to new audiences.
Regional arts organisations shared their experiences of successful cultural events. Karen Quinlan outlined the impact of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s The Golden Age of Couture exhibition coming to Bendigo Art Gallery – the exhibition being a turning point in the profile of the gallery and playing a significant role in attracting tourists to Bendigo. Greg Pritchard explained how rock climbing and wheat silos created the basis for an arts festival, Nati Frinj Festival at Natimuk. Jacinda O’Sullivan gave insight into the longevity of Australia’s only regional disability arts festival, Awakenings. Cr Ron Webb talked about the continuing energy and innovation of the Wangaratta Jazz Festival.
A highlight of the conference was a discussion with all delegates through the world café. Issues and ideas were debated. Sheila Hollingworth recorded the event with her cartoons.
For information about the Cultural Tourism Industry Group, visit their website.
