3. Celebrating diversity

As a creative city, Melbourne will celebrate its diversity. Melbourne will build communities in which difference is valued and respect and tolerance are paramount. Melbourne will find connections with one another through our differences as well as our similarities. Our diversity will drive innovation and prosperity.

The depth and diversity of Melbourne's cultural life is one of our city’s greatest strengths. Our cultural life includes:

Indigenous culture, both traditional and contemporary
a rich ethnic diversity that brings all cultures together with confidence, but that also protects unique cultural traditions and customs
significant groups of people at different life-stages, including children, young people and older people
communities formed by geographic area, spirituality, sexuality, gender, politics, sport, recreation, arts, entertainment or other allegiances, that ‘cross-pollinate’ with ease.

Diversity is fundamental to our Municipality's economic vibrancy. Melbourne's diverse culture will continue to flourish as new communities make Melbourne their home. As a creative city, we will embrace and celebrate diversity, creating opportunities for all individuals and cultures to connect and work together.

In the future, we will continue working to engage socially and economically marginalised and under-represented groups through cultural and community development.

Goals	Indicators	Outcomes
Valuing cultural diversity, Diversity, tolerance, respect, equity, harmony and inclusiveness are promoted and supported.	Our municipality's views on how cultural diversity is exhibited in Melbourne Current: 2007 - 93.2 per cent of Melburnians 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that cultural diversity is a good thing for a society ¹	Diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness are inherent in city life; widespread community and cultural engagement enhances city life for all.
Melbourne's uniqueness Consensus on how we understand, appreciate and communicate Melbourne's uniqueness and identity.	Perceptions of satisfaction with Melbourne's cultural life and diversity Current: indicator to be developed	The city community is integrated, strong and collaborative.
Vibrant Indigenous art and culture Indigenous history, heritage and contemporary culture are celebrated and enjoyed.	The number of events which promote Indigenous art Current: indicator to be developed Public awareness of Indigenous history of Melbourne Number and value of grants to local Indigenous artists in the municipality Current: indicator to be developed	Indigenous culture, local and Australian designers, artists and local products, particularly those from south-eastern Australia, are supported, promoted and exhibited in the municipality.

Goals

Indicators

Outcomes

Valuing cultural diversity,

Diversity, tolerance, respect, equity, harmony and inclusiveness are promoted and supported.

Our municipality's views on how cultural diversity is exhibited in Melbourne
Current: 2007 - 93.2 per cent of Melburnians 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that cultural diversity is a good thing for a society ¹

Diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness are inherent in city life; widespread community and cultural engagement enhances city life for all.

Melbourne's uniqueness

Consensus on how we understand, appreciate and communicate Melbourne's uniqueness and identity.

Perceptions of satisfaction with Melbourne's cultural life and diversity

Current: indicator to be developed

The city community is integrated, strong and collaborative.

Vibrant Indigenous art and culture

Indigenous history, heritage and contemporary culture are celebrated and enjoyed.

The number of events which promote Indigenous art

Current: indicator to be developed Public awareness of Indigenous history of Melbourne

Number and value of grants to local Indigenous artists in the municipality

Current: indicator to be developed

Indigenous culture, local and Australian designers, artists and local products, particularly those from south-eastern Australia, are supported, promoted and exhibited in the municipality.