What we do
At the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, our vision is to drive social and economic prosperity in NSW by championing sustainable industry growth, fostering opportunities for partnerships and collaboration, and creating vibrant, safe and inclusive communities.
Collaborating with our stakeholders, we:
- drive visitation, participation and attendance for diverse events and experiences
- enable dynamic precincts, venues and creative industries
- create connection between people and their communities
- provide inspiring, safe and accessible experiences and facilities for individuals and groups.
By celebrating and investing in NSW’s uniqueness, we are securing a thriving and prosperous future.
Our people and policies
Our work across NSW
The Underneath, Callum Morton, Gadigal Metro Station, Sydney. Photo: Sydney Metro.
Create NSW’s partnership with Sydney Metro has led to 22 permanent artworks across the City and Southwest Metro lines, transforming transit environments into culturally rich spaces and contributing to Sydney’s profile as a global city.
Destination NSW
The Vibrancy Reforms are a cross-government legislative and policy reform initiative, led by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. The reforms are reducing regulatory barriers and streamlining approval processes to help venues open and diversify, and unique local precincts to grow and thrive.
Sydney Film Festival Opening Night 2019
The IP in Motion Fund was launched in 2025 to incentivise producers to option intellectual property (IP) from NSW creators from underrepresented groups. The program has seen strong interest, reflecting the appetite for inclusive storytelling.
Kita Alexander performing as support for Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour, photo by Charlie Hardy.
Named in honour of the late Australian artist manager Michael McMartin, Michael’s Rule is an industry-led initiative designed to increase opportunities for local talent by encouraging international touring artists to feature Australian artists as support acts.
The music festival sector has faced mounting pressures in recent times, threatening the viability of festivals across the state. In response, the NSW Government brought forward the Statutory Review of the Music Festivals Act 2019, led by Hospitality and Racing.
In February 2024, L&GNSW commenced a campaign to deploy inspectors to major regional hubs and satellite towns across NSW. The team discussed the changes and incentives under the Vibrancy Reforms and provided support around some of the challenges that directly affect the area.
Measuring our impact - latest data insights
Information access, reporting and resources
Department
Create NSW is responsible for furthering the NSW Government’s vision for NSW to be known for its bold and exciting arts and culture that engages the community and reflects the state’s rich diversity. We invest in the success and future of arts, screen and culture in NSW through infrastructure and funding programs.
Liquor & Gaming NSW regulates the liquor, gaming, wagering, casino and registered clubs sectors, partnering with industry to support business while ensuring vibrant, safe and responsible hospitality environments across NSW.
The Office of Racing provides racing policy advice, manages legislation and government relationships across the three racing codes – thoroughbred (horses), greyhound and harness – to support effective oversight, economic viability and safe, responsible racing in NSW.
The Office of Responsible Gambling leads the development of responsible gambling strategy and policy, while managing the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) and grants, and delivers research, education and support to reduce gambling harm across NSW.
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is committed to building safe, vibrant and diverse 24-hour economies state-wide; enhancing flexible day and night trading conditions; and strengthening NSW’s appeal as a global destination.
As NSW’s screen agency, Screen NSW supports industry through a vast range of initiatives and promotes NSW as a premier screen destination.
Sound NSW is a dedicated office within the NSW Government committed to the growth, development and promotion of contemporary music in NSW.
Wider portfolio
Founded in 1872, the Art Gallery of NSW is committed to making art a vital part of everyday life. We serve the widest possible audience as a centre of excellence for the collection, preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of Australian and international art. We are a forum for scholarship, art education and the exchange of ideas.
The nation’s first museum, the Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM holds more than 22 million objects and specimens in its collection, and pursues a mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.
Destination NSW is the lead agency for the visitor economy in the NSW Government. Its principal purpose is to achieve economic and social benefits for the people of NSW through the development of tourism and securing major events.
The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission was established in 2018 under the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 as the independent regulator of the greyhound racing industry in NSW. The Commission’s role is to control, supervise and regulate greyhound racing in NSW.
Museums of History NSW brings together historic houses, museums and the State Archives to share the stories that shape NSW. Through programs and collections, we connect people with the past and deepen understanding of our history. We also manage government records for the NSW public sector.
The NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) is an independent agency established under the Casino Control Act 1992. Our regulatory objective is to ensure NSW casinos meet community expectations by operating in a safe, responsible and compliant manner through increased regulatory oversight.
The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) is an independent statutory decision-maker established under the Gaming and Liquor Administration Act 2007. ILGA determines complex licensing and gaming applications, and disciplinary matters under liquor and gaming legislation.
The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) is the state’s high performance sports organisation, supporting NSW athletes to become world’s best.
The Office of Sport is the lead NSW Government agency for sport and active recreation. It supports all people, communities and organisations across NSW to enjoy and realise the benefits of participating in sport and active recreation through providing leadership, policies, programs, funding and infrastructure.
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology. The museum, comprising Powerhouse Parramatta (opening 2026), Castle Hill, Ultimo and Sydney Observatory, is custodian to 500,000+ objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia.
The State Library of NSW is Australia’s longest continuously operating library, with a history dating back to 1826. It collects and preserves materials that document our place in the world and makes them accessible to the people of NSW and beyond. Governed by the Library Council of NSW, the Library supports research, debate, conversation, inspiration, learning and enjoyment for all.
State Records NSW is the NSW Government’s records management authority. Our core role is to support transparent and accountable government by ensuring that government records are properly created, managed and made accessible to the public.
The Sydney Opera House is a World Heritage-listed masterpiece of human creative genius that belongs to all Australians. It is Australia’s number one tourist destination and its busiest performing art centre.
Venues NSW manages important public precincts in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. Its story began when the SCG was established in 1851. It operates NSW's major venues, including Accor, Allianz and CommBank stadiums, and hosts world's the biggest sports and concert artists.