The role of creative practice in mine closure and transition
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Authors: Bush, K; Hess, J; Gibson, P; Sabrinskas, S Open access courtesy of:
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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_11
Cite As:
Bush, K, Hess, J, Gibson, P & Sabrinskas, S 2026, 'The role of creative practice in mine closure and transition', in AB Fourie, G Boggs, J Heyes & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2026: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-14, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_11
Abstract:
Mine closure, rehabilitation and community transitions are complex processes involving the input of a broad range of stakeholders, often over many decades. Creative practices and their economies can play a leading role in transitions such as these where effective communication, collaboration, innovation and imagination are essential to meet the often-competing priorities of communities, governments and corporate mine operators. In the Latrobe Valley, Australia, 3 brown coal mines are undergoing a staggered closure that in many ways is pioneering a new way to approach post-mining transition in this country. This paper explores the diverse ways in which creative practices are engaging directly with the Latrobe Valley’s post-mining transition by reviewing the work of a group of local artists, producers and designers called Open Cut Collective. The group has worked collaboratively with mine operators, government agencies, research institutions and community advocacy groups across different types of media (including visual art, podcasts, films, events, educational experiences and more) to meaningfully engage communities in understanding and participating in their post-mining futures during key phases of decision-making. This paper provides an overview of key projects led by Open Cut Collective in the Latrobe Valley and argues for a greater role for creative practices and creative economies in contexts of mine closure, rehabilitation and post-mining community transitions occurring in Australia and beyond.
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