As a group broadly representative of the arts community of Burnie, we have been inundated with messages of concern and outrage since being notified of the decision by the Burnie City Council to close a number of their cultural venues (some permanently and some indefinitely) and cease management of events.
Our first major action was to hold a public meeting to hear the voices of the community. This took place at Europa Cafe on the 8th of May. It was extremely well attended. The unified voice was strong - people are incensed by council’s decision(s) and feel disrespected about the lack of consultation. Much of what has been built over many years regarding Burnie’s branding as the ‘City of Makers’ is now considered at risk.
From this meeting a group called Burnie Arts Bounce Back was formed.
Burnie Arts Bounce Back delivered a petition containing 1165 signatures to the Burnie City Council on the 24th May. Council responded to the petition at their monthly meeting on June 22nd. See page 119 of the Minutes which can be accessed here (go to the 22nd June, 2021 meeting)
A Go Fund Me campaign has also been established to assist with the process of amplifying the community voice around this issue. Burnie Arts Council will administer the campaign on behalf of the Burnie Arts Bounce Back group. Our first action with the Go Fund Me monies was to place an advertisement in the Advocate championing the strength of community concern about council’s decision (see below).
Please make contact via the email burnieartsbounceback@gmail.com if you have any comment, contribution or personal story of impact relating to the decision(s).
MEDIA
The Advocate 3rd May - ‘Council Slashes Services’
The Advocate 4th May - ‘Myopic Cultural Closures’
The Advocate 9th May - ‘Unheard Voices Galvanise’
The Advocate 12th May - ‘Petition Launched Against Burnie Gallery Closure’
The Advocate 13th May - ‘Supporters Flock to Council Petition’
The Advocate 24th May - Arts Group forms Human Chain for Petition Delivery
The Advocate 26th May - Mayor Defends Arts Cuts
The Advocate 27th May - Volunteers stunned by Closure of Creative Paper Tas & Visitor Info Centre
The Advocate 5th June - ‘Loss of Gallery Felt as a Major Blow’
The Advocate 19th June - Closure of Creative Paper Tasmania - New Chapter for Darren Simpson
The Advocate 23rd June - Council Rejects Petitions Calling for Reversal of Cost Cutting Decisions
ABC News
Martyn Agatyn 7AD/7BU Radio Interview 10th May (fixed dates for online replay)
Mike O’Loughin ‘Tasmania Talks’ Radio Interview 14th May (fixed dates for online replay)
Ruth Forrest, Member of the Legislative Council Independent Member for Murchison, met with Mayor Kons and Simon Overland 13th May. Summary here.
People Power!