This project looks at creative and performing arts activities across the Barkly to understand the role of the arts in community and regional development. Planning and partnership building for this project has been undertaken over the past six years and has involved many phases of discussion and consultations with artists, elders, partner organisations, and community arts workers.
The research team were involved in two major activities explained below.
Mapping the arts sector in the Barkly region:
The first research activity involves mapping the current arts sector in the Barkly Region. To do this the research team gathered information about the kinds of activities that Barkly artists and creative workers are involved in and how they are being supported by other people, organisations, and networks in the region. The team will implemented a survey with 120 individual artists and creatives, and interviewed key people from 36 arts and non-arts organisations involved in arts delivery in the region.
Case studies of Arts programs:
The research team conducted three in-depth case studies to provide a clearer picture of how the arts sector can work in the Barkly region. The case studies were (1) Barkly Regional Arts, (2) The Desert Harmony Festival, and (3) Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre (Ali Curung)