Place Activation

We’re painting a new picture of Maitland and the canvas is the streets, laneways, parks and gateways that exist between the historic structures of our city.

Place activation creates a sense of place, encourages social connections, improves safety and brings life to the streets. It will be expressed in diverse ways through art, food, play, performance and renewal activities. Activation projects bring energy to the streets, create new community connections and build the story of a place.

Initiatives will be guided by the Maitland Place Activation Strategy. Find out more about previous place activations here.

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Soap Box - Expression of Interest

THE LOCATION 
Shaded by a large tree, the space outside Maitland City Library will be transformed into a multi-use small scale performance meeting space and eating area. Currently used as an unofficial carpark, its proximity to the library and nearby shops makes it an ideal location for projects focusing on the Place Activation pillar ‘Repurpose’.

THE PROJECT
The concept for the space is to recreate the ‘Soap Box’ traditions of Hyde Park London and The Domain Sydney. The space could also function as a recreation area with seating and tables for people to share ideas, do live readings and practice performances. The completed space can have a contemporary design and integrate itself into its surroundings and the cultural identity of the city.

Proposals with innovative and imaginative designs that incorporate the soap box concept are encouraged. Consideration should be taken to create an inviting space that is accessible to the whole community and to allow multiple uses. This project will add to the physical identity of Maitland City Library and the surrounding area. It should reflect contemporary values and uses of public space adding to the vibrancy of the city.

Download the EOI HERE

  • Expressions of Interest (EOI) open 2 December 2019 for the activity.
  • Submissions will be open until midnight 19 January 2020.
  • Budget: $15,000 to $20,000 (plus GST if applicable) depending on the complexity of the project.

Submit your Expression of Interest

Vibrant City Creative Opportunities 2019/2020

Over the next 12 months Maitland City Council will be seeking expressions of interest from artists and makers on a range of creative opportunities. These projects will transform the selected spaces from underused or empty walkways to places that can be used by people for performance, leisure or to create intrigue and enjoyment. This booklet is an outline of planned projects and contains information on the submission process.

View below or download here.

 

Street Eats

Street Eats is all about opening the city's doors to unique, and very tasty, street food vendors. So far there has been a number of get togethers where there are a mix of trucks and flavours to sample in some of the best places around town. It's a great reason to get the family out of the house or to catch up with friends with a picnic and a bite to eat. Street Eats Get Together events are shared through the MyMaitland website. 

Mobile food vendors can find out how they can be part of Street Eats Maitland here.

Create Maitland

Maitland is embarking on an urban renewal pilot project called Create Maitland to activate vacant properties in key commercial sites by offering short term tenures for creatives. Council is now an affiliate member of Renew Australia. You can find out more about this initiative by reading the FAQ's.

For a pilot project to occur formal commitment is needed from property owners to provide access to a suitable and available property.  To achieve this, a prospectus of interested creatives and makers looking for a space and details of their offering has been compiled. 

You can view the prospectus here.

For more information please contact City Economy Officer Caroline Booth by calling 02 4934 9868 Caroline.Booth@maitland.nsw.gov.au

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Maitland City Buskers' Code of Conduct

Maitland City Council encourages busking at The Levee, recognising that street performance adds to the atmosphere of the City and helps to activate public spaces. Council does not issue busking permits, but welcomes buskers to perform who are prepared to comply with the Maitland City Buskers Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct clarifies the standards that are expected of buskers and assists Council to manage public space and the interests of the community.

Grants & Funding

Maitland City Council funds initiatives to activate Maitland's public places. 

My Place and Creative Streets Grants are currently under review. If you require more information on Place Activation grants please email Place.Activation@maitland.nsw.gov.au

 

Resources for Creatives

Budgeting and project management

Budgets tell a story of how the money will be spend to deliver your project, on such necessities such as materials, artist and contractor fees and other associated costs. If you are unsure of how to create a concise budget, or need more information to be able to successfully deliver your project the below list of organisations can provide resources and support.