New England’s arts and culture scene is set for a boost, with three grants announced to strengthen local galleries and programs.
Armidale’s New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) has received $80,000 to help deliver its 30 annual exhibitions, alongside education programs, public events, and festivals.
Tamworth Regional Council secured two grants totaling $183,925, with regional museums receiving $98,925 and another $85,000 for the Country has always been Cool! section of the gallery.
The Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation also received $200,000, which will be delivered in partnership with Arts North West in the New England region.
Create NSW announced the state-wide $15.4 million funding boost through the inaugural Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP) two-year funding round on 28 August.
NERAM plans ahead
NERAM Director Rachael Parsons said the funding was vital in supporting the museum’s core operations, with 40 per cent of its annual budget coming from Create NSW, together with Armidale Regional Council.
“We have some ambitious and exciting programs planned for delivery over the next two years with the support of Create NSW funding,” Ms Parsons said.
“A major highlight will be a retrospective exhibition of Walcha-based artist Angus Nivison, accompanied by a mentorship program where Nivison, an established and acclaimed painter, will guide selected emerging regional artists.
“We’re also thrilled to be bringing back the Experimenta New Media Art Triennial, Emergence, along with a dynamic suite of other projects that will continue to inspire, challenge, and engage our community.”
Tamworth museums and galleries set to benefit
Director of the Tamworth Regional Gallery & Museums, Bridget Guthrie, said the funds would go towards their museums and help fund engagement and programs.
“We’ve also been successful for our gallery program ‘Country has always been Cool!’.
“The gallery did have funding before; we were a full-year recipient, but now we’ve gone onto the two-year cycle, so we’re very relieved, actually, because this small amount of money that is provided by Create NSW just makes such an impact.”
Supporting Aboriginal artists
Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance (NSW) CEO Lorrayne Fishenden said the funding boost would support statewide initiatives benefitting Aboriginal artists and cultural workers in regional remote NSW.
“Artists and cultural workers from the New England region will have the opportunity to participate in many of these programs through workshops, residencies, showcasing, or professional development activities,” she said.
“Importantly, the funding enables us to keep these programs accessible and culturally safe while building sustainable pathways for regional Aboriginal artists.
“This funding also secures the jobs for our workers, who are all based in the Tamworth and Inverell LGAs.”
She said the funding secured for the 2025–2026 period would help deliver a suite of programs.
This includes Arise, which will give Aboriginal artists professional development and a platform to showcase their work; We Weave Together, the state’s only weaving residency, will bring makers together for a unique creative gathering; Lighting Up Culture, which will highlight regional cultural practices; and the BLAK View Writers Program, which will nurture critical Aboriginal writers and amplify their voices and stories.
“This investment provides stability to our organisation and ensures that we can continue to deliver meaningful outcomes that strengthen culture, create opportunities, and amplify the voices of Aboriginal artists across NSW, including in New England,” Ms Fishenden said.
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