Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley is inviting people from across the city's creative and cultural sectors and the public to respond and contribute to the development of the strategy.

The discussion paper, Let's get creative about Victoria's future, was launched last week to find ways to create new jobs, nurture creative talent and strengthen Victoria’s creative culture.

With a strong festival calendar in Ballarat, Mr Foley said there were many opportunities in the city.

He said Ballarat's railway precinct was one place that had potential to contribute to creative and cultural industries.

One success story is the Clunes Booktown Festival. The idea to bring some activity to the community transformed the goldmining town, with 15,000 visitors to the annual event. 

“Victoria’s creative and cultural industries lie at the heart of what makes our state a great place to live and visit, and they make a sizeable – and growing – contribution to our economy," Mr Foley said.

“This strategy is an opportunity to reimagine the role the creative and cultural industries play in our lives, our communities and our state – and ensure that all Victorians reap the cultural, social and economic benefits they bring."

The discussion paper explores a range of themes, including how industries build audiences and markets, cultivate skills and innovation and harness the opportunities of digital technology.

A taskforce has been appointed, and is supported by an expert reference group, to provide independent advice and oversee the development of the strategy.

A series of public forums will be held across the state for people to contribute their ideas on Victoria’s creative future.

A public forum will be held at the Ballarat Mechanics Institute on Monday, June 22 between 6pm and 8pm. For more information, including how to register, go to strategy.creative.vic.gov.au.