STA are excited to share Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, the first strategy of its kind, celebrating the cultural strength of regional NSW and boosting creative growth across the state.
Create NSW launched the plan today with a live stream from Tamworth. Minister for the Arts John Graham spoke so passionately about how much arts and culture means to people living in Regional NSW and the plan speaks to the huge impact of the Creative Sector in our regional communities.
Creativity in our regions is a strong force. It employs more than 52,000 people. It contributes 6 billion dollars to cultural tourism. It brings communities together and it tells unique stories about the places in our towns. Minister John Graham
The plan is importantly backed up with real support with $5 million dollars in investment . Heartland also introduces two new funding programs now open for applications:
Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program
Regional NSW Community Bands Program
Minister John Graham also announced secure funding for the Regional Arts Network across NSW, including STA and we are couldn’t be more thrilled. We will certainly share more when we have details.
Another important element in today’s launch is that the Minister John Graham and former Shadow Minister for the Arts Kevin Anderson (Member for Tamworth) are both big supporters of the plan. In this time of political divide bipartisan agreement is a rare and wonderful win for everyone.
Image credit: Connect weaving with Jodie Munday, Connect@Gunning. Photo: Southern Tablelands Arts
& Warren Mason performing at Tin Camp Studio, Lightning Ridge place-based music venue, Outback Arts, 2024. Photo: Outback Outloud Rainy King.
Heartland: a plan for regional NSW arts, culture and creative industries 2026–2035
A plan to bridge gaps, support creative collaborations and activate local support for the arts.
In particular I want to recognise that our Regional Arts Development Organisations play a big role in building and maintaining those connections. That’s why the strategy provides funding security to those Organisations. A safety net to make sure that funding isn’t cut or withdrawn all together from them. It recognises that without those org regional communities would struggle with arts and culture. They’re absolutely irreplaceable. Minister John Graham
The Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program, Supports organisations to deliver programs that strengthen the arts, culture and creative industries sector in regional NSW. Up to $15ok Closes 31 Mar at 2pm.
The Regional Community Bands Program supports the work of community bands in regional NSW through an annual program providing small grants to support their activities. Up to $2.5k. Closes 19 May 2pm
STA are thrilled to be included in the plan as a case study with the extraordinary Connect@Gunning Station that we operate as a region wide arts and cultural hub. So proud to have our work acknowledged at this level. 😊
CONNECT@GUNNING
STATION
Arts and Cultural Hub at Gunning Station. FIND OUT MORE.
The live stream of the launch at Tamworth Regional Art Gallery was recorded and we invite you to enjoy the event on demand (best with a cuppa and a big smile). WATCH NOW.
The Hon. John GRAHAM, MLC is Special Minister of State, Minister for Transport, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy. Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands where we create, live & work.
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