CULTURAL SERVICES COMMITTEE 3 · 2016-11-13 · 22 Agenda – Cultural Services Committee 16...

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Agenda – Cultural Services Committee 16 November 2016 #5261057

CULTURAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

16 NOVEMBER 20163

CAIRNS TROPICAL MARDI GRAS 2016 SUPPORT

Roz Pappalardo | 10/25/2-05 | #5261229

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that Council:

1. Recognises the success and value of Cairns Tropical Mardi Gras events across the city.

2. Recognises the success and social value of installing the Rainbow Crossing on the Cairns Esplanade.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This report provides an overview of the success and community value of Cairns Tropical Mardi Gras. Events included a full Fair Day program at Tanks Arts Centre of diverse professional entertainment and engagement activities.

This year the Tropical Mardi Gras Fair Day at Tanks Arts Centre was in its 9th year on Tanks site. This event is a well-loved, with approximately 1,000 attendees during the course of the day, enjoying a diverse range of entertainment; from a locally produced fashion parade, to local and national music performances, to the traditional and popular dog show and educational stalls featuring community, health and social advice.

The Tropical Gaze Exhibition at Tanks Arts Centre is locally curated and features artwork from local artists across the LGBT community. The exhibition was well received and visited by over 4,000 people.

The Rainbow Crossing, a collaborative installation by Council’s Cultural Services, Cairns Works District Maintenance and Traffic Management on Cairns Esplanade was a visible and extremely popular addition to the overall week of celebrations, again bringing Cairns into line with national celebrations of this important week.

BACKGROUND:

Cairns Tropical Pride was founded in 2007 and incorporated in 2011, with the aim of promoting social inclusion, well–being and equality for the LGBT community in Far North Qld. The recent rebrand to Tropical Mardi Gras Festival brought the event in line with Australian and International branding, which has worked in favour for the events in our region, increasing visibility and attendance across all events under Tropical Mardi Gras’ banner.

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COMMENT:

It is recommended that Council notes the success of the Tropical Mardi Gras Festival and associated events across the city.

A survey conducted by the organising committee reported;

Tropical Mardi Gras Fair Day was the most popular of the program of Tropical Mardi Gras events. Community response supports condensing Tropical Mardi Gras into a celebration of the many sub groups at Fair Day (e.g. Boyzout, LGBTI Alliance, Cairns Queer Film Club, Women’s only groups) at the one event.The same sex marriage forum was a very successful component of Tropical Mardi Gras Fair Day providing an opportunity for the LGBTI community to discuss issues in a safe and open format.The Wild Barra fashion parade and Drag shows in Tank 5 were amongst the most popular activities of the Tropical Mardi Gras Fair Day, supporting local artists from culturally and sexually diverse backgrounds.

It should be noted that Cairns Regional Council is the first Council in Queensland, including Brisbane to endorse the event with a Rainbow Crossing.

The crossing was laid to show Council’s support for Tropical Mardi Gras, our LGBT community and the tropical paradise in which we live. It became a focal point in the city for the duration of the festival receiving extremely positive feedback from festival attendees and the general public.

Tropical Mardi Gras posted a photograph of the Rainbow Crossing on their facebook page and over eight days it was viewed by 24 000 people. Sydney Mardi Gras were so impressed by Cairns Regional Council’s support they shared the picture on their facebook page.

The Rainbow Crossing was made with aluminium sheets with printed vinyl graphics and non-slip laminate placed over the top. As it is a solid piece it will be able to be used again next year.

OPTIONS:

Option 1: That Council notes the success of Tropical Mardi Gras Festival and events associated and social value of installing the Rainbow Crossing on the Cairns Esplanade

Option 2: That Council requests further information.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Council Finance and the Local Economy:

Council committed funding in the form of a Local Community Event grant and an Arts & Culture In-kind grant for the use of the Tanks Arts Centre. Council also incurred minor additional costs associated with the event. The following table summarises the costs to Council for the event.

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$Operating ExpensesCommunity Event Grant 15,000Arts & Culture In-Kind Grant 5,000Materials and Services 2,655Internal Charges - Set up and Dismantle 2,327

TOTAL EXPENSES 24,982

Community and Cultural Heritage

Supporting Tropical Mardi Gras Festival Cairns shows community inclusivity to a diverse range of social groups and needs. Improved accessibility to community arts organisations and infrastructure increases mainstream awareness of diverse community needs.

Corporate and Operational Plans:

Linkages to Council’s Operations can be identified in:1.0 Community

1.4 An inclusive community which is motivated and involved in a range of social, cultural, recreation and learning activities

2.0 Economy2.5 An attractive place to live, work and visit through the encouragement of investment, development and employment.

Policy:

Council’s support of this inclusive event is consistent with Councils Arts & Culture General Policy.

ATTACHMENTS:

See attached pictures and survey conducted by Tropical Mardi Gras committee. DM reference # 5265662

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Roz PappalardoArtistic Director

Stephen FosterManager Cultural Services

Linda KirchnerGeneral Manager Community, Sport and Cultural Services

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CULTURAL SERVICES COMMITTEE 3 · 2016-11-13 · 22 Agenda – Cultural Services Committee 16...

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