Communities across regional New South Wales will gain access to fresh support for arts and culture aimed at strengthening creative activity and encouraging cultural tourism. The NSW Government has put forward Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, backed by a $5.2 million investment, to build on the creativity already present in towns and cities beyond Sydney.
Regional arts and culture contribute to local economies and community life, employing tens of thousands of people and attracting visitor spending. The plan reflects feedback gathered from residents and creative practitioners in places ranging from Lismore to Broken Hill and Wollongong to the Hunter, where people spoke about the role of cultural activity in connecting communities, engaging young people and offering support through challenging times including drought and flood.
Almost $3.2 million of the funding will go towards initiatives designed to strengthen partnerships, encourage collaboration and broaden creative opportunities. This includes a Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Fund to back co‑funded projects with arts organisations, councils, universities and business, and increased support for regional touring programs that are expected to help artists develop their craft and reach new audiences. Part of the investment will support internship positions with local cultural organisations, create roles to develop and deliver touring activity, and roll out a pilot program to stimulate place‑based philanthropy in regional areas. There are also dedicated funds aimed at First Nations practitioners to support cultural tourism, new creative hubs through the Creative Heritage Rail program, and capacity building for organisations involved in touring frameworks. A small allocation will go to regional community bands to encourage youth participation in music.
Alongside this, a separate $2 million pilot will help regional business groups develop their local economies beyond daytime activity through the Regional Night‑Time Economy Program. The plan also includes measures to provide stability for the Regional Arts Development Organisation network by restoring funding levels and offering a safety net for groups undergoing change. These efforts are framed as part of the government’s wider commitment to regional NSW, which includes $14 million in arts and cultural funding for 2024‑25.
Minister for the Arts John Graham said regional artists and creative organisations play an important part in community life and local economies. He pointed to the role of culture in bringing people together and expressed confidence that the plan will provide further backing and opportunities for regional creatives and festivals.
Members of the Regional Plan Working Group highlighted that almost 40 per cent of the state’s population lives outside the metropolitan area and emphasised the depth of talent and cultural traditions across regional NSW. They noted that the plan reflects years of investment, research and co‑design and is tailored to support artists, creative groups and community cultural organisations in ways that match local needs across different art forms.
The Heartland plan sets out priorities that include championing First Nations arts and culture, strengthening regional partnerships, unlocking creative spaces, developing creative career pathways, expanding access to arts and culture and driving arts and cultural tourism. These priorities aim to address the specific opportunities and hurdles faced in regional settings, with an emphasis on building sustainable creative activity that resonates with local communities and visitors alike.
Communities and practitioners will be watching how these initiatives take shape over the coming months, as the plan moves from consultation into action.
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