The Conference themes will reflect the goals of artbeat: Regional Arts and Culture Strategy 2010-2014:
• Stronger communities: use arts and culture to build stronger regional communities – socially, culturally, economically and environmentally.
• Participation: provide opportunities for a diverse range of people in regional communities to participate in arts and culture in ways that are meaningful and enjoyable for them.
• Arts and cultural practice: support artists, arts and cultural workers, organisations and regional communities in the development, presentation, delivery and distribution of high quality arts and cultural products, processes and services.
• Skills, knowledge and networks: develop skills, knowledge and networks in regional communities to support creative practice and the delivery of arts and cultural programs and activities.
• Creative spaces and places: support the development of spaces and places that contribute to vibrant arts and cultural life in regional communities.
The timing of the Conference in October 2011 will complement the annual CRUSH festival in the Bundaberg region, which is a month-long celebration of what it means to live and create artwork in regional areas.