A new State Government plan to strengthen arts and culture across regional NSW is expected to deliver benefits for communities across the Hunter. The $5.2 million Heartland strategy aims to boost cultural tourism, support artists and create new creative industry jobs.
The plan follows extensive consultation across the state, with regional communities emphasising the role arts and cultural activity play in economic growth, wellbeing and keeping young people in their local areas. The Hunter’s creative sector is already a major contributor to NSW’s cultural economy.
Nearly $3.2 million will go towards expanding touring opportunities, supporting producer and broker roles, growing partnerships and funding paid internships through regional arts organisations. Dedicated funding will also support First Nations creative practitioners, cultural tourism programs and new community arts hubs, including those linked to heritage rail.
A further $2 million for a Regional Night-Time Economy pilot will help 10 regional towns strengthen activity after dark, aiming to improve local business, visitation and community events. The plan also includes a sustainability fund to support Regional Arts Development Organisations as they navigate restructures and long-term planning.
The government says the investment builds on the ongoing Arts and Cultural Funding Program, which provided $14 million to regional NSW in the 2024–25 budget.
