Draft Jetty Memorial Theatre Strategic Plan 2022-2026 - now adopted 14 October 2021
Consultation has concluded
Council adopted the updated Jetty Memorial Theatre's (JMT) Strategic Plan 2022-2026 on the 14 October 2021 following community feedback
The Draft Strategic Plan has been developed to outline the strategic direction and guide ongoing operations for the theatre over the next five years with an aim to meet community and audience expectations, guide the theatre’s business plan and provide a blueprint for continued sustainability.
The Draft Plan includes goals, prioritised actions and activities for service enhancements and capital improvements in order to meet anticipated increasing service requirements, industry trends, all with the aim to deliver on the JMT’s vision and mission.
The Jetty Memorial Theatre is a key cultural facility of Coffs Harbour City Council, delivering three core services; a central venue for the delivery of performing arts in the region, delivery of local community and commercial touring performances, and provision of an annual season program.
The key objectives of the Draft Plan are to:
- Increase the overall utilisation of the JMT.
- Increase the attendance at all events, activities and performances.
- Increase the revenue from services offered including technical, ticketing and bar/kiosk.
Council sought broader community consultation, accordingly the Draft Strategic Plan was placed on public exhibition, closing on the 25 July 2021.
Following feedback, Council resolved to adopt the Strategic Plan on the 14 October 2021, refer https://infocouncil.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/Open/2021/10/CO_20211014_AGN_2248_AT.htm#PDF2_ReportName_11155
Background Information
The Jetty Memorial Theatre Strategic Plan 2013-2018 was completed in 2012 and set the strategic direction for the theatre over the five-year period outlining the vision, values, goals, strategies and key performance indicators.
The Issues and Options Paper for Performing Arts Spaces (Indoor and Outdoor) provided a number of recommendations including undertaking a strategic plan update of the Jetty Memorial Theatre.
Hawkridge Entertainment Services were engaged to update the JMT Strategic Plan. The Draft Strategic Plan was developed through consultation with key stakeholders, analysis of past financial and attendance records, review of external data to identify trends and patterns, and an analysis of an online survey. It aims to provide:
- Clear direction for staff and the community on the JMT strategic priorities;
- The actions and activities required to achieve stated goals;
- The basis for resource planning and funding applications; and
- Alignment with Council’s related plans and strategies.
The core offering for the JMT is a yearly program of performances/shows that is selected and programmed by JMT leadership. It is one of the only venues in Coffs Harbour to offer a regular series of performing arts-based shows/performances and the only to be professionally programmed. The JMT also offers a regular series of movie screenings, community arts organisations performances/shows and some commercial hiring. In addition to the fees charged for hiring the venue, the JMT generates revenue through the activities in the theatre including offering a bar/kiosk, ticketing, marketing and technical service.
These activities contribute to Council’s overall commitment in providing performing arts services to the community. Maintaining the theatre, thereby enabling both community and commercial touring performances and provision of an annual season program, are important outcomes for the community. This promotes both local and visitor connection, experience and appreciation for the performing arts industry, and a key attraction and contributor to the local cultural and tourism economies.
The existing services are well regarded and the venue is well supported by the local community. A recent survey of patrons showed that over 90% of patrons agreed with the statement that the JMT makes a contribution to their life that went beyond the cost of a ticket.
Key dates are provided including public exhibition closing on the 25 July 2021, with the strategic plan targeted for completion between August to October 2021.
Related projects include:
- Final Report – Performing Arts Spaces (Indoor and Outdoor) – Issues and Options Discussion Paper;
- Community Facilities (includes Cultural Facilities) Planning
This project aligns with Council's Creative Coffs - Cultural Strategic Plan 2017-2022, "Our community has told us that quality community and cultural facilities, precincts and spaces make essential contributions to our region and lifestyle. Council believes it has a vital role to play in providing and promoting cultural and community spaces (both physical and online) for community and visitors".
