$5.2 Million Roadmap to Boost Regional Arts and Culture

The Minns Labor Government is delivering Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, backed by a $5.2 million investment, to boost regional creativity and vibrancy.

Regional creativity is already a powerhouse for NSW, employing 52,520 people and contributing over $6.2 billion in cultural tourism spend.

The first of its kind, the plan came from extensive consultation with communities from Lismore to Bega, Wollongong to Wagga Wagga, the Hunter to Broken Hill, and beyond.

Across the state, regional communities emphasised the role of arts and culture in bringing people together, of keeping young people in their communities, and as an important way to support those struggling with disasters ranging between drought, flood and fire.

An investment of almost $3.2 million will build partnerships, strengthen investment, activate networks, and expand creative opportunities:

• $1 million for a Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Fund, supporting co-funded initiatives with arts and cultural organisations, councils, universities, philanthropists and business.
• $500,000 to increase support for regional touring programs, with a focus on activity that contributes to skill development for arts practitioners and the growth of new audiences.
• $400,000 over two years to work with First Nations creative and cultural communities to explore opportunities to bring arts and cultural practitioners together.
• $250,000 to fund 16 paid internship positions delivered by regional art and cultural organisations to build skills and career pathways.
• $250,000 to support the employment of producer and touring brokerage roles in regional NSW to develop and deliver touring programs that support the Regional Touring Fund.
• $250,000 to establish a Local Government pilot program to encourage place-based philanthropy in regional NSW for arts and cultural activity.
• $200,000 to deliver an Arts and Cultural Tourism Program for NSW First Nations practitioners and communities.
• $200,000 for new creative and community hubs through the Creative Heritage Rail program.
• $100,000 to invest in capacity building for regional touring framework organisations, starting with Music in the Regions.
• $50,000 for regional community bands to support youth participation and engagement.

A $2 million investment to deliver the Regional Night-Time Economy Program pilot will support 10 regional town business collectives to develop their local economies from the day into the night.

Additionally, in recognition of the importance of the Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) network, establish the RADO sustainability fund to restore funding levels, ensuring the stability of the network and providing a safety net for RADOs going through the process of restructure and revitalisation.

This builds on the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to regional NSW, including $14 million in 2024-25, through the Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

Read Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries here.

“Regional artists, creative organisations and cultural festivals play a critical role in their local communities – culture brings people together and boosts local economies," says Minister for the Arts John Graham.

“From artists in small towns to cultural festivals that define their communities, this Plan gives regional creatives better support, and the opportunities they deserve - strengthening the creative life of regional NSW for generations to come.

“That is why we’re investing in regional artists and cultural organisations to do what they do best – tell local stories, bring communities together, and contribute to the economic life of the regions.”

Regional Plan Working Group says “Regional NSW represents nearly 40 per cent of the state’s population and is rich with creative talent, distinctive cultural traditions and stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated.

“This Regional Plan is an exciting step forward in a decade-long process of investment, research and co-design, prompted by the NSW Government’s Creative Communities policy.

“The Plan recognises the strength, diversity and cultural vitality of regional NSW, with actions that will carefully address the needs and strengths of communities large and small, across a range of artforms and sectors.

“It will support artists, creative groups and community cultural organisations to hum with activity, connection and pride, and will help bring regional stories to life where culture thrives.”