House of World Cultures

HOWC

What is HoWC? 3 - 10

Guiding Principles 11 - 12

Why is it important? 13 - 14

Investment 15 - 16

Pylons at the Piers Festival 2013, photo by DWV Photography.

From the Artists 17 - 18

Around the World 19 - 20

References 21 - 22

Navigation

What is HOWCIntroduction

The House of World Cultures (HoWC) will offer a unique opportunity to activate Victoria’s living cultural heritage. By creating a world renowned symbolic and creative place where all cultures are welcome to express, share, participate, celebrate and learn. We will ensure a strong cultural legacy for the State of Victoria.

The HoWC mission is to facilitate a deep sense of community identity and social cohesion by celebrating cultural diversity and providing opportunities for collaborative cultural expression.

The House of World Cultures vision is to be recognised internationally as Victoria’s iconic home for the celebration of cultural diversity.

A House of World Cultures in Victoria would be a leading light in contemporary art and current developments in world cultures, where exploration is encouraged, a dialogue is created and intercultural collaborations are initiated. Emphasising the vital role of culture for the progress of society at large.

Drawing inspiration from international benchmarks including New York’s Piers 54 and 57 and New Zealand’s Te Papa, the HoWC will function as both a programmable multi-disciplinary arts and community space incubating new work and facilitating social cohesion and cultural exchange.

The concept has also been inspired by a series of successful Piers Festivals that celebrated diversity and were attended by thousands of local residents and Victoria’s culturally diverse communities.

The HoWC will provide an opportunity to politically and symbolically recognise the cultural value of the community. It would promote Victoria as the creative State and as the leader in social cohesion and community harmony. It will deliver a broad range of activities and events to artists and visitors to enjoy, reflect and learn - extending its program to communities in metropolitan and regional Victoria.

It is about our future.

3 4Fina Po (Flower), Traces of Transformation as part of Mapping Melbourne 2014, photo by Windu Kuntoro

Above: Mikelangelo and Gnarnayarrahe Waitairie as Black Elvis, Piers Festival 2015, photo by DWV Photography

What is HOWC

The HoWC provides the State with the opportunity to align with, promote and celebrate the UNESCO Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expression. The HoWC is shaped by the guiding principles of cultural vitality, creative aspiration, social equity and global harmony - building on the foundations of partnership, respect and human rights.

The HoWC feasibility study, commissioned by Multicultural Arts Victoria, indicated that there are currently no symbolic places for the celebration of cultural diversity that will meet the goals proposed for the HoWC. Princes Pier on the Port Melbourne waterfront is the preferred option for this initiative. Rich with heritage, the Pier has played a key role in major historical events that have shaped Australia as a nation. These events have held extraordinary significance for the wider global community and are central in forging our nation’s identity.

The development of a House of World Cultures aligns with a range of Victorian Government policies, priorities and programs as well as relevant national and international policies.

As Victoria moves towards a more culturally diverse population, consideration of the impact this increasing diversity will have on the community and its wellbeing is paramount.

5 6Asanti Dance Theatre, Piers Festival 2014, photo by DWV Photography

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What is HOWC3D Simulation

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The House of World Cultures has the capacity to regenerate and repurpose existing facilities into contemporary use. The unique concept of the architectural use of shipping containers on Princes Pier as venues for pop up events carries notable symbolism as the first port of arrival of large numbers of Victorian immigrants.

The HoWC will accommodate arts and cultural activities encompassing the widest range of forms including visual arts, literature, performing arts, film, discussions and digital media. The diverse cultures of Victoria will be represented throughout these activities and events. Both professional and community events are at the core of the HoWC.

The concept for activation considers a year round program of events, experiences and food and beverage opportunities that would be presented in seasonal offerings. The proposed activities and events include cultural celebrations, creative arts, cultural incubators, authentic food and craft offerings, exhibitions, a school of world

cultures, health and wellbeing activities and international engagement.

The HoWC is a great opportunity to capitalise on the significant investment made in restoring the Princes Pier. It will be a sympathetic, functional, accessible and culturally significant offer that is respectful of its heritage and recognises its past in realising the future in an evocative and imaginative way. The HoWC will involve many stakeholders in the delivery of an exciting program of events and activities that encourage community access and engagement, and promotes cultural tourism - creating significant social and economic impact for Victoria.

Design Concept by ITN Architects.

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What is HOWC

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A retail strategy based on A Taste of the World vision would represent the different cultures across Victoria. Under initial plans, one or more containers and/or stalls would be available for creative enterprise. The stalls would operate during identified festivals and other monthly events. Noting that critical mass is important for these events.

In order to create a destination for Port Melbourne and to bring a sense of fun and exploration to Princes Pier, there is opportunity to also investigate the use of a large tent (minimum 500 people standing) to house flexible retail elements. Similar examples world wide include the Dutch Spiegeltent. A demountable structure such as this would be of particular value in winter months where it would provide shelter from the cold, wind and rain. There is also potential for additional stall structures to be located around the outside edges with internal seating and a central stage for performances.

The House of World Cultures would provide a sustainable and innovative use of space that will boost Victoria’s creative economy and tourism.

The House of World Cultures would contribute enormously to the State’s growth and unique character.

Design Concept by ITN Architects.

Guiding Principles

Cultural Vitality•A Taste of the World - creating unique cultural experiences • Renewing cultural expressions • Shaping new cultural narratives through sharing different

perspectives

Creative Aspiration• Inspire innovation and celebration that explores cultural

identity• Giving voice and creative opportunity to all cultures• Growing dynamic Australian creative cultural content

Social Equity• Affirming that arts and cultural diversity defines our community• Strengthening the creative ecology to ensure access for all • Facilitating creative social enterprise that builds resilience,

sustainability and economic opportunities• Transformative leadership

Global Harmony• Build capacity across communities, thinking globally• Encouraging discourse on contemporary issues of our time • Embracing identity and cultural knowledge• Enhancing cultural diplomacy and cultural tourism

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Why is it importantBenefits

The importance of the creative industries as a platform for positive and non-threatening cultural expression underpins the House of World Cultures.

Multicultural Arts Victoria’s long history strongly demonstrates how arts and cultural interactions bring change, acceptance and respect.

The HoWC will provide tangible cultural, social and economic benefits.

The HoWC strategy, A Taste of the World will focus on:

• Diversity and vibrancy• Generosity and sharing• Authenticity and rituals• Stories and learning

The HoWC will transform hearts, minds and lives. It will grow Victoria’s creative industries by educating, fostering and nurturing an appreciation of diverse cultural expressions and will celebrate Victoria’s uniqueness. It will ensure the State is at the forefront of social cohesion and cultural democracy and will provide important international links to global communities.

The HoWC will be recognised internationally as an iconic symbol of cultural diversity - contributing to the social and economic growth of Victoria’s multicultural population.

The HoWC will provide a platform for the growing population to participate in the creative industries and it will expand the cultural tourism infrastructure within Victoria.

HoWC will enhance Victoria’s reputation as the creative capital and leader in diversity.

13 14Above: Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture, Piers Festival 2013, photo by DWV PhotographyManasis School of Greek Dance and Culture, Piers Festival 2012, photo by Peter Glenane

Investment

Multicultural Arts Victoria has made a significant investment in developing House of World Cultures.

By investing in cultural diversity the HoWC aims to address two key problems:

• The lack of equitable cultural participation is not reflective of the Victorian community

• The lack of understanding and visibility of a multi-lingual, multi-faith changing population is challenging social cohesion

The HoWC invests in the cultural diversity of a contemporary Victoria, providing opportunity for grass roots engagement of cultural groups and artists to produce and participate in creative opportunities. The HoWC will enhance the profile of Victoria’s diverse communities whilst honouring and respecting the cultural heritage, customs and beliefs of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The HoWC will provide opportunities for understanding and visibility of a changing, multicultural population.

The delivery and long term operations of the HoWC at Princes Pier is a feasible project with capital and recurrent financial commitment from State Government, as well as revenue streams secured from Government agencies, commercial operations and the private sector. The State Government of Victoria and other agencies would need to invest $18,780,000 of capital costs and approximately $2,200,000 per annum in recurrent funding for MAV to manage the activation program. Other options investigated to date include the St Kilda Triangle, the Tote in Collingwood and the Meat Market in North Melbourne.

The HoWC will enable new program delivery and events that have not been readily available to the community in such a capacity before. It will significantly contribute to the cultural infrastructure of Victoria.

The HoWC will provide a home for cultural activities as well as a base for outreach programs to be implemented throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria and internationally.

15 16Fireworks at the Piers Festival 2012, photo by Peter GlenaneHouse of World Cultures Announcement, Princes Pier 2014, photo by DWV Photography

In developing the HoWC, Multicultural Arts Victoria held stakeholder workshops and community consultations that resulted in considerable positive feedback from Australian artists from culturally diverse backgrounds. Artists were enthusiastic about the HoWC as a cultural incubator of talent. They believed it would be transformational for artists, audiences and the wider community.

What they said:

“A place for creative development and incubation”

“ A place to learn, share, support and thrive”

“HoWC is a place of discovery”

“The HoWC will directly support artists by providing professional opportunities and exposure to the wider community”

“A special place to consume world art”

“The HoWC will enhance creative enterprise development and will encourage and assist artists to showcase their talents”

“Intergenerational and intercultural engagement is important”

“The HoWC would be a great place for younger people from multicultural groups to come together to explore and express their feelings on identity and to realise their aspirations”

“HoWC is a place where everyone feels welcome in a safe and respectful environment”

“The HoWC gives valuable opportunities for greater public visibility of our culture”

“Sharing culture, stories and knowledge is critical in a two way learning environment”

“A HoWC is a place to explore links and commonalities in cultural diversity”

“Opportunity for community engagement and education”

“A place that promotes a sense of belonging”

From the artists

17 18Nakarin Jaikla, body art, Traces of Transformation, Mapping Melbourne 2014, photo by Windu Kuntoro

around the worldAspirational Benchmarks

Pier 54 played an important role as Hudson River Park’s primary event space and has since been in the redevelopment process. The vision for Pier 54/55 is to create a new park built on a platform over the Hudson River that would float above the water. The space will include an amphitheatre as well as other performance areas and cultural spaces.

Haus der Kulturen or the House of Cultures was opened in 1989 in Berlin with the intention of bringing diverse societal groups in the immigrant-rich metropolis of Berlin into conversation. Its success lies in the flexibility of its space and ability to present a wide range of programs covering all forms of creative expression in an iconic building that forms a destination in itself.

haus der kulturen berlin

Pier 54 55 new york

around the worldAspirational Benchmarks

Te Papa is the National Museum of New Zealand and was developed in 1998. The museum acts as a forum for change and helps people form ideas about the world through experiencing and sharing different perspectives. It provides a strong benchmark in relation to bringing together communities and representing the original people of the land and all others that have come to New Zealand.

The vision is to create approximately 300,000 square feet of innovative cultural, recreational and public market activities, all located within a restored historic structure. Several acres of public open space on the Pier 57 rooftop and along the waterfront will also be created. The ground floor will be a retail mall where the shipping containers will be installed, with the idea that the low-cost booths will create a home for tenants who might not otherwise be able to lease traditional retail space, and create a unique

Pier 57 New York

te papa new zealand

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References

2016, House of World Cultures Feasibility Study Princes Pier, prepared by Root Projects Australia and Creative Economy

2015, House of World Cultures Preliminary Retail Strategy (Draft), prepared by Village Well and Essential Economics

2015, House of World Cultures/Princes Pier/Indicative Order of Cost - Cost Plan no. 1a, prepared by WT Partnership

2015, House of World Cultures - A Sustainable Strategic Future PowerPoint Presentation to Multicultural Arts Victoria presented by Helene George, Creative Economy, September 2015

2014-2015, Multicultural Arts Victoria Annual Report, prepared by Multicultural Arts Victoria

2014, House of World Cultures Pier Pavilion/Architectural Concept, prepared by ITN architects

2014, Princes Pier - Operator Request for Proposal (RFP), a submission made by Multicultural Arts Victoria to the Victorian Department of State Development, Business and Innovation

2012, Annual Piers Festival Reports (2012 - 2015), prepared by Multicultural Arts Victoria for the Victorian Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship

21 22Righteous Youth Forum 2014, photo by James Henry

Cover and back cover: Sounds of Polynesia, Piers Festival 2014, photo by DWV Photography

Design by Tamara Bouzo

Multicultural Arts Victoriawww.multiculturalarts.com.au

+613 9188 3681