City of Parramatta Draft Cultural Strategy (Creative Parramatta)

The public exhibition for the Draft Cultural Strategy (Creative Parramatta) has now concluded. Submissions were welcome until 5pm on Monday 14 April 2025. Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback to help refine the strategy and support arts and cultural experiences across our city.

Submissions are now being reviewed, with a report being prepared for a future Council Meeting incorporating any public comment, at which point Council will be requested to adopt a final Cultural Strategy. The Cultural Strategy (Creative Parramatta) will become effective once it is adopted by Council.

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Following the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 10 March 2025, Council has endorsed the City of Parramatta Draft Cultural Strategy (Creative Parramatta) for public exhibition. The strategy, which aims to position Parramatta as a global cultural destination, will be on public exhibition for community feedback until Monday 14 April 2025. This is an opportunity for the community to have their say and help shape a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich future for the city.

Help Shape Parramatta’s Draft Cultural Strategy (Creative Parramatta) Future

We’re developing the next stage of the Cultural Strategy for the City of Parramatta, and we want your input. Following extensive community engagement in Stage one, we’ve drafted a vision to support artsand cultural experiences across the city. Now, in Stage two, we’re inviting feedback on the draft strategy to ensure it reflects the community’s aspirations.

This comprehensive strategy outlines our vision for enhancing the city's cultural landscape over the next decade, focusing on arts, cultural production, and community engagement. We invite all community members, cultural practitioners, and stakeholders to review the draft and share their valuable feedback. Your insights and suggestions are crucial in shaping a vibrant and inclusive cultural future for Parramatta. By participating in this public exhibition, you have the opportunity to influence key priorities, such as First Nations recognition, access to cultural practices, and the development of cultural infrastructure. Together, we can ensure that Parramatta continues to thrive as a dynamic cultural hub.

Whether you are an artist, a cultural enthusiast, or a resident passionate about Parramatta's cultural growth, your voice matters. Share your thoughts and help shape Parramatta’s cultural future.

What you told us

During Stage one consultation, the community shared valuable insights on Parramatta’s cultural identity, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Key themes included:

• First Nations Recognition - Dharug and First Nations culture is foundational to Parramatta’s identity.
• Parramatta’s Unique Identity - Parramatta’s history, heritage, and multicultural stories shape its distinct cultural identity.
• Valued Places - The Parramatta River, natural landscapes, and heritage sites enrich the city’s cultural significance.
• Local Talent and Growth - Supporting local creatives and fostering collaborations is key to cultural growth and new audiences.
• Infrastructure Gaps - Affordable, fit-for-purpose creative spaces are urgently needed alongside new cultural infrastructure.
• Literature Strength - Parramatta has strong literary potential for festivals, writers, and residencies.
• Call for Collaboration - Greater coordination required between Council, creatives, and cultural organisations.
• Youth Engagement - Young people want more arts and cultural opportunities in Parramatta.

Your feedback will help refine the draft Cultural Strategy to ensure it reflects the community’s aspirations for a thriving cultural city. You can download a copy of the draft strategy here.

Our Strategic Context

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