Heartland: a plan for regional NSW arts, culture and creative industries 2026–2035

Raise the profile and economic potential of regional NSW First Nations arts and cultural practitioners and Aboriginal-led organisations, through self-determined processes guided by Closing the Gap Priority Reforms.

Strengthen capacity and investment in regional arts and culture, improve connections between regional cultural and creative networks, and nurture new partnership and philanthropic models.

Collaborate across NSW Government, local councils, universities and vocational education providers, promoting more creative spaces and hubs in regional NSW.

Develop new career pathway opportunities for creative workers, volunteers and young people in regional NSW, supporting workforce retention and critical skills development.

Expand access to arts and culture in regional NSW incentivising and supporting cross-regional, national and international touring. Raise the profile of regional arts and cultural production and programming across the state through improved coordination.

Drive arts and cultural tourism development initiatives to attract new audiences, foster partnerships and build a sustainable regional ecosystem.

Manager of the Museum of the Riverina, member of the NSW Creative Communities Council and former Executive Director of Eastern Riverina Arts, Tim leads projects that break down barriers, activate precincts and stimulate the creative industries across regional NSW.

Recorder player and senior lecturer at the University of New England specialising in performance, ensemble leadership and studio pedagogy. Alana performs both early music and contemporary experimental works with live electronics and fixed media, commissioning Australian electroacoustic works from sound designers and composers. Alana is a 2024–25 Regional Arts Fund Project Grants recipient.

Executive Director of South Coast Arts, Louise is a cultural leader with over 30 years’ experience in community development across Southwest Sydney and the Illawarra. Louise brings deep Local Government experience, grassroots community practice, and exceptional skills in partnership building and consultation, all devoted to creating conditions where regional creativity flourishes.

Executive Director of West Darling Arts Inc, Catherine is a passionate advocate dedicated to strengthening connections between arts, culture, and tourism to enrich communities in far north west of NSW, Catherine brings extensive leadership experience across arts, culture, and education to her role as Director at Destination Country and Outback NSW.

A proud Kamilaroi Yinnar (woman) and Founder and Managing Director of 2 Rivers, Lorrayne is a hands-on executive leader, bringing decades of experience to Aboriginal and regional communities. Holding CEO and board positions for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations, Lorrayne is a skilled facilitator and mentor, dedicated to driving social and economic advancement through culturally grounded, community-led development.

Executive Director of Arts Northern Rivers, Jane and her team led the delivery of the Northern Rivers Creative Sector Recovery Forum, delivering vital support for independent artists in the region. With a background in major festivals and placemaking, Jane has held key roles at NORPA, BlakDance, APAM and Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.

Co-founder and Executive Director of Crimson Rosella Creative Adventures, Andrew has held executive roles in not-for-profit arts organisations and senior management positions with South East Arts, the Australian War Memorial, and NFSA. He has led large scale, high impact projects transforming regional arts, including Giiyong Festival and Headland Writers Festival.

Inspired by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Palace Hotel’s Cameo in the film, Esther, Managing Director of the Palace Hotel and Broken Heel Festival in Broken Hill, launched the annual five-day drag festival in 2015 to celebrate the film’s legacy and promote LGBTIQA+ culture celebrating drag, divas, disco, comedy and live music.

Previous Executive Director of Orana Arts for 14 years, Cuban-born and bilingual, Alicia brought a lifetime of multicultural experience and connection to multicultural and First Nations communities in the Central West Orana region. As Executive Director she recently sat on the multicultural committee of Dubbo Regional Council.

Executive Director of Arts Upper Hunter, John brings extensive experience across music, film, television, museums, and community development. He has worked at the Powerhouse Museum and London’s Natural History Museum, and co-coordinated Dungog Community College. His multidisciplinary practice is grounded in connecting creative opportunities with community needs.

Executive Director of Arts Mid North Coast, Olivia champions inclusive, innovative programs and initiatives that reflect the Mid North Coast’s vibrancy and diversity, ensuring it remains a driving force in regional arts development. Olivia has a background in music production and music management and has managed festivals, major public art projects and arts programs that engage and celebrate regional communities.

Executive Director of Outback Arts in the Far West region of New South Wales, A proud Wiradjuri woman, Jamie-Lee has significantly contributed to regional and remote arts and cultural development and has served on multiple advisory boards, including the Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance and the Create NSW Artform Advisory Board.

Executive Director of Arts OutWest and an experienced regional arts leader, Kylie developed festivals, produced new works and mentored theatre makers. Kylie also lectured in event management and theatre production at Charles Sturt University and was formerly Creative Producer at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.