Looking for Wollongong’s coolest place

A postcard campaign is under way in Wollongong which is part of an Australian Research Council Linkage Project called ‘Cultural Asset Mapping for Regional Australia’ (CAMRA).

Wollongong City Council and the University of Wollongong are participants in the CAMRA project.

CAMRA will provide an understanding of how a region’s capacity for creativity and innovation can ensure its quality of life and its economic viability.

The campaign encourages the public to participate in one of three events in a cultural mapping process. Researchers will be asking people:

• Where is cool Wollongong?

• Where is creative Wollongong?

• What do you know about what's happening and creative in Wollongong?

Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Cultural Environmental Research at UOW’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Professor Chris Gibson, said people would answer in words -- as they are recorded on tape -- and they will also be drawing on maps as they tell their answers.

“As part of the research exercise, we will then be combining their answers in a 3D digital map of 'Cool and creative Wollongong',” Professor Gibson said. “From this, we can build a better picture of the creative industries in Wollongong – from a grass-roots perspective – and what places and activities people think make Wollongong an interesting place to live.”

The first of the three cultural mapping events is a public stall at Viva La Gong festival being held this Saturday 7 November, McCabe Park, Wollongong.

People who come along and answer the questions, and draw on a map, will go into the draw to win one of three very cool and creative prizes.

The public can also participate by visiting the project’s website http://culturemap.org.au/ to post comments.

The postcard has been finalised and is now being sent to areas such as cafés, libraries and community centres.

For further information contact Professor Chris Gibson on (02) 4221 3448 or 0438 233 166 (m).

Last reviewed: 6 November, 2009