Enabling Culture to Thrive in Oakville: Oakville's Strategic Directions for CultureCulture transforms towns and cities. Culture makes lives richer. Moreover, the cultural sector has the power to attract tourism, revitalize downtowns, attract businesses and create jobs.
Having a decisive plan for the future of culture in Oakville and a complete picture of our current position will enhance our ability to see that plan through - responsibly, comprehensively and with solid business planning for sustainability in place.
On October 5, 2009, Oakville Town Council approved the town's first municipal cultural plan, Enabling Culture to Thrive in Oakville: Oakville's Strategic Directions for Culture.
The plan is the culmination of two years of consultation, research and community collaboration. It follows the the best practices and standards of municipal cultural planning as set forth by Ontario's Municipal Cultural Planning Partnership, of which Oakville is a member.
The specific objectives of this plan are to define a guiding vision for culture for the Town of Oakville, to establish a town mandate for culture appropriate to that vision, and to develop strategic directions for the future.
The cultural plan is a living document used by the town to develop an integrated approach that connects and builds on the many forms of culture at exist in Oakville. It will change and adapt to cultural opportunities and to the needs of the community and sets the stage for culture to thrive in Oakville.
The town will hold its first annual cultural forum in January 2010. The forum will be an opportunity for the community to review cultural achievements in 2009, and discuss new challenges and opportunities.
Commitment to Culture
To be a community where culture inspires, engages and thrives.
Strategic Directions for the Future:
- Enhance places and spaces
- Develop cooperative programs
- Build community capacity
- Clarify and strengthen the town's role in culture
- Strengthen culture through town plans and policies
- Create partnership structures
- Leverage Investment in culture
