The NSW government says communities across regional NSW, including the Lismore electorate, are to benefit from a comprehensive plan to support arts and, culture, and grow cultural tourism.
The government says it’s invested $5 million in funding for various arts industry traineeships, council pilot programs and event support via its Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, the first ever plan of its own.
State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says the plan well help better promote creative and cultural experiences at venues, galleries and festivals in the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions.
Regional communities consulted as part of the plan’s creation reportedly 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 bushfire.
Six priorities for regional arts boost
The government’s media release about the funding last week outlined the investment as being allocated via six priorities:
Priority one: Champion Regional First Nations Arts and Culture
Investment: $400,000 over two years to work with First Nations creative and cultural communities to exploreopportunities to bring arts and cultural practitioners together.
Priority two: Strengthen Regional Partnerships and Networks
Investment: $1 million for a Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Fund, supporting co-funded initiatives with arts and cultural organisations, councils, universities, philanthropists and business; $250,000 to establish a Local Government pilot program to encourage place-based philanthropy in regional NSW for arts and cultural activity; $2 million investment to deliver the Regional Night-Time Economy Program pilot, which the government says will support ten 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.
Priority three: Unlock Regional Creative Spaces
Investment: $200,000 for new creative and community hubs through the Creative Heritage Rail program.
Priority four: Open Doors to Regional Creative Careers
Investment: $250,000 to fund sixteen paid internship positions delivered by regional art and cultural organisations to build skills and career pathways; $50,000 for regional community bands to support youth participation and engagement.
Priority five: Showcase Regional Storytelling and Creative Innovation
Investment: $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; $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; $100,000 to invest in capacity building for regional touring framework organisations, starting with Music in the Regions.
Priority six: Amplify Statewide Arts and Cultural Tourism
Investment: $200,000 to deliver an Arts and Cultural Tourism Program for NSW First Nations practitioners and communities.
Read Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries here.
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