The Generations Project
The Generations project commenced in 2006 to explore links between engagement in community based arts activities and active civic engagement. There is growing literature that supports the link between creative or ‘artistic’ activity and improved health and well-being, but the links between creative communities and civic engagement are less well documented. The Generations project was conceptualised to contribute to research on this topic through a significant research component. It was thought that demonstration of this link could have significant effects on the development of public policy and the targeting of resources to community-based arts projects. The research proejct was carried out by Dr Martin Mulligan with researcher Pia Smith at Globalism Research Centre (RMIT) over the three years of the project.
In preparation for the project, each of the five participating councils worked with the Cultural Development Network to identify issues of serious concern for their municipalities. Five community projects addressing these local issues got underway in 2006 in councils across Australia; Charters Towers Regional Council (Queensland); City of Liverpool (New South Wales); Rural City of Wangaratta (Victoria); City of Greater Geelong (Victoria); and Latrobe City (Victoria). The projects completed their formal engagement with Generations in late 2009.
The Concept and Early Beginnings of the Generations Project
Transcript of interview: Researcher Pia Smith speaks with Judy Spokes, Co-ordinator of the Generations Project 2004-2005
The work of the five councils and the communities was celebrated within a national conference held in Melbourne in September 2009. Key findings of the research are expected to be released early in 2010.
Preliminary findings and an extensive literature review presented by researchers Martin Mulligan and Pia Smith from RMIT at this conference, appear in this article.
Art, Governance and the Turn to Community: Putting Art at the Heart of Local Government
Dr. Martin Mulligan and Pia Smith, RMIT University
This keynote presentation by Kathy Keele, CEO, Australia Council, at the ReGenerating Conference, presents the Australia Council's perspective on the Generations project.
Excellence in Civic Engagement
Article about the Generations project by Rob O'Brien from
Municipality: Inside Local Government magazine
Countrywide media, July 2009, pp. 26-27.
Councils put value on community art
The Generations Project was a test of the view that truly sustainable communities need the addition of fourth dimension, or pillar, of cultural vitality to the accepted triple bottom line indicators of a viable economy, a healthy environment and good social policies.
