Celebrating our city: What’s in store for 2022–23
We’ve been busy planning our place experience and marketing program for the year ahead, and working alongside local businesses and property owners to bring more visitors and activity to the City Centre. In August we released our Place Experience & Marketing Action Plan for the 2022–23 financial year and it includes some exciting activations to look forward to.
Along with the events and activities you know and love, we’re evolving the identity of the City Renewal Precinct to be known for premium experiences, unexpected joys, optimism, and all tribes coming together.
There is a range of activities planned to bring life and energy to our public spaces. For the kids, you can expect to see school holiday activities in Glebe Park. The young-at-heart can enjoy picnics, late-night parades and the return of Dancing in the Streets. Our furry friends are also catered for with Paws Parties in Haig Park. Our Second Space program will grow to activate more vacant spaces, and STORYBOX is drawing attention to local creativity and institutions.
Expressions of interest for the Placemaking Grants recently closed and we’ve received many innovative ideas to support placemaking projects in Canberra’s City Centre. The new boardwalk at Acton Waterfront recently opened and we have lots in store to draw people to Woolley Street as it nears completion.
Jen Ramsay, Executive Branch Manager Place Experience and Communications, said “this year’s program will encourage locals to visit more, stay longer, and enjoy the premium retail and entertainment offerings available in our City Centre.”
The Authority’s activations generate excitement and interest, while facilitating new and diverse economic investment in the precinct. They attract locals and tourists to our City Centre, particularly those less than a three-hour drive away, which supports economic outcomes. In 2021-22 these activations increased footfall and were recognised positively by visitors to the City Centre.
Festivals in Dickson, Braddon and the City Centre showcase the emerging identity of these places, and contribute to the attraction of workers, residents and visitors. These generate economic and social outcomes by increasing place visitation and giving people reasons to stay longer.
In addition to bringing you activations and entertainment, we’ll continue bringing love to our public spaces. Our plan includes cleaning, wayfinding, planting, decorative lighting, city dressing (including planters, banners and flags), and public safety interventions. These are important foundations for our work, and make sure our City Centre continues to be a high-quality place that people want to visit.
Delivery of our activations and place management is primarily undertaken by Dionysus, a local cultural programming provider that has been re-contracted by the Authority as our place management services provider. Kristi Clark, Place Manager City Centre, said Dionysus was delighted to continue working with the Authority.
“Dionysus is honoured to be part of collaboratively shaping our city for all Canberrans to feel a sense of belonging and joy in our urban spaces. Our mission is to create people-led programs while introducing innovative projects that put Canberra on the map as a world-class capital of art and design.”
The Place Experience and Marketing Action Plan responds to our 2025 Strategic Plan and aligns with the City Precinct Renewal Program. The package is supported by retail campaigns and promotion to drive visitation and further develop the City Centre’s identity.
We’re looking forward to sharing incredible places and experiences you this year, and for years to come. See you there!
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
