The City of Adelaide Strategic Plan 2024-2028 committed to the development of a Cultural Policy in that will be applicable to all areas of Council and its subsidiaries.

It is proposed that this Policy will operate over a ten-year timeframe and will be supported by strategies and action plans developed in alignment with the annual Business Plan and Budget process.

The Cultural Policy will reflect Council’s leadership role and responsibilities as the governing body for the Capital City of South Australia, and its commitments to sustainable development as part of Adelaide’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City and City of Music.

Essential to the success of the Cultural Policy is its alignment with Federal and State Government policy directions and fostering strategic partnerships with governments, the private and not-for-profit sectors, and community groups.

A commitment in the City of Adelaide’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan is that our community will be vibrant, connected and inclusive. Council’s objective is to:

• Support our community to thrive
• Create fun, lively and interesting experiences
• Celebrate and honour our community and cultures.

This Cultural Policy will assist Council to achieve its ambition for the City of Adelaide to be an interesting and engaging place to live, learn and visit, with an inclusive, equitable and welcoming community where people feel a sense of belonging.

The Cultural Policy will reinforce the City of Adelaide’s reputation as a creative city that values culture and enhances everyday life.

Why does the City of Adelaide need a Cultural Policy?

The City of Adelaide currently does not have a Cultural Policy, and the existing Arts and Cultural Strategy (2017-2023) is due for review. This presents an opportunity for the Council to collaborate with the community on a new Cultural Policy for 2025 – 2036 that will:

• Align with the City's Strategic Plan 2024-2028, fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.
• Reflect community needs, incorporating feedback and representing the City of Adelaide’s diverse cultural identity.
• Drive economic growth by supporting the creative economy and tourism, enhancing Adelaide's UNESCO Creative City status.
• Guide future planning by integrating culture into city development decisions through 2036.

What is Culture?

The right to participate in the cultural life of the community is a fundamental and universal human right. Culture enriches our lives, fostering creativity, and celebrating our identity. It encompasses our way of life, values, traditions, and beliefs, as well as the arts, heritage, and creative industries. Culture is expressed through various forms such as art, architecture, festivals, food, language, literature, and music.

The City of Adelaide’s Cultural Policy defines culture as including:

• The city’s arts, creative, and heritage sectors
• The cultural practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• The diverse identities and experiences shaped by migration and history
• Contemporary cultural practices that reflect contemporary Adelaide and its communities.

How does Culture contribute to our city?

A city's culture shapes its identity, fostering belonging through traditions, festivals, and landmarks. Cultural activities bring communities together, promoting connection and tolerance in shared spaces. Access to cultural venues enhances quality of life and wellbeing by providing leisure, learning opportunities, and social interaction. Cultural investments revitalise neighbourhoods and attract creative talent, driving innovation and economic growth. The cultural industries, including tourism and arts, significantly contribute to the economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses.