The City of Port Phillip has a long and proud history as a creative hub in Melbourne.

For years, it has supported productions, exhibitions and performances in all shapes and styles. Above all, it has served as a home for artists and audiences alike.

But the environment for creative industries is changing. Increasing financial pressures and shifting audience behaviours are making the landscape more challenging than ever.

The draft responds to these pressures by outlining how we will support and grow our city’s creative industries, arts, festivals and events now and for years to come.

Our previous strategy, the Creative and Prosperous City Strategy, has now run its course. Our new strategy is designed to take creativity in our City to new heights moving forward.

Developing the new plan

This strategy comes at a time when federal and state funding for creative industries is decreasing while local arts organisations and practitioners are under increasing pressure.

We need to navigate diverse priorities to find a balance that ensures we recognise the art and creative community’s diverse needs, interests and identities.

Creative Port Phillip responds to this moment by clearly positioning Council as one important part of the broader creative ecosystem – playing the roles of producer, promoter and partner.

The Creative Port Phillip Strategy is focussed around three key objectives:

  • A creative ecosystem that thrives and grows

    Port Phillip supports a thriving creative ecosystem where artists, cultural workers and organisations can build sustainable careers. Clear pathways, strong partnerships within the sector and beyond, and reduced barriers enable creative practice to grow, adapt and contribute to community life and the local economy.

  • Creativity in everyday life

    Creativity is woven into everyday life across Port Phillip. Streets, public spaces, neighbourhoods and digital environments are places for cultural expression, turning daily experiences into opportunities for connection, pride and participation. Audiences are aware of opportunities to access creative content and actively participate in them, shaping and sustaining cultural life.

  • A culturally connected and inclusive community

    Cultural life in Port Phillip reflects and celebrates the diversity of our community. Creativity strengthens wellbeing and belonging by supporting access, inclusion, intergenerational connection and multicultural expression, ensuring everyone can participate in and benefit from creative life.

How to have your say