Southern Tablelands Arts (STA) is proud to announce it has secured 4-Year Multi-Year Funding through Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program—an outstanding endorsement of STA’s enduring impact and leadership in regional arts.

STA is one of 82 organisations across New South Wales selected to share in nearly the $17 million investment by the state government, a testament to the strength, relevance, and value of the work we do across STA Region. 

“This outcome is a powerful acknowledgment of the vital role Southern Tablelands Arts plays in enriching lives and communities through the arts,” said STA Executive Director Rose Marin. “To be entrusted with multi-year investment is both a privilege and a responsibility—one we embrace with energy, passion, and deep commitment to the artists and communities we serve.”

Spanning the council areas of Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, and Yass Valley, STA’s regional impact has grown steadily, building creative capacity, delivering diverse programs, and forging meaningful partnerships that connect people through culture.

“This multi-year support provides us with the stability to plan long-term, respond flexibly to community needs, and deepen our impact,” Rose said. “It means more opportunities for regional artists, more access for audiences, and more visibility for the unique stories of our region.”

While STA celebrates this achievement, the organisation remains acutely aware of the ongoing pressures facing the broader arts sector. This highly competitive funding round attracted 158 applications, with 82 organisations receiving support and 76 organisations missing out entirely.

“We’re incredibly grateful to be among the successful funding recipients,” Rose added. “But we work in a small and highly productive sector that collaborates and supports each other. Many fabulous arts orgs in NSW continue to face uncertainty about the future. A strong, resilient, and well-supported arts sector is essential to the cultural, social, and economic wellbeing of regional NSW. Continued and increased investment is crucial to sustaining this momentum.”