Posted inArts, Feature, Tamworth

From the Highlands to the Plains: Arts North West opens Tamworth office and launches new website

Photo supplied by Arts North West.

Arts North West (ANW) has expanded its regional presence with the opening of a new office in Tamworth and the launch of a redesigned website, providing new ways for artists, creatives and communities across the New England North West to connect with the organisation.

The Tamworth office is Arts North West’s second location, complementing its long-established headquarters in Glen Innes and improving access to services across the region. The new website also provides a central hub for information about programs, funding opportunities, professional development and other support.

The office has been established to better service artists, organisations and communities across the western and southern parts of the region. As the Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) for the New England North West, Arts North West works across the Armidale Regional, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth Regional, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha local government areas, supporting artists, strengthening creative industries, delivering professional development and coordinating arts and cultural initiatives.

The additional office provides a local base for meetings, project development and community engagement, while reducing staff travel and improving the organisation’s ability to support artists across the region.

Arts North West Executive Director Lauren Mackley said the expansion reflected the organisation’s commitment to ensuring communities across the region had access to arts services.

“The opening of our Tamworth office is an exciting step forward for Arts North West and the creative communities we support. Having a permanent presence in both the Highlands and the Plains means we can work more closely with artists, councils and communities, building stronger relationships and making our services more accessible than ever before.” she said.

“Launching our new website on the same day symbolises exactly who we are—creating opportunities to connect, whether that is through our physical spaces or online. Together, these two initiatives make it easier for creatives across the region to engage with Arts North West and access the support they need.”

Tamworth Regional Council Executive Manager Creative Communities and Experiences Peter Ross said the new office strengthened the long-standing partnership between council and Arts North West.

“Tamworth has long been a gathering place for regional arts activity, hosting workshops, professional development, exhibitions and major cultural events. Establishing an Arts North West office here strengthens that role while making it easier for artists and communities to connect with the organisation.”

“This has been a vision shared between Council and Arts North West for many years, and we’re delighted to see it come to life. The office will strengthen creative collaboration across the region and further position Tamworth as a regional arts and cultural hub.”

Arts North West will celebrate the opening with a community open day from 1pm on Thursday, 30 July 2026. Artists, community members, partners and supporters are invited to tour the new office, meet the Arts North West team, explore the new website and find out more about upcoming programs and opportunities.

Location

214 Peel Street
Tamworth NSW 2340(Behind the Tamworth Powerstation Museum and the Tamworth Community Centre on Darling Street.)

The event is free and open to anyone with an interest in arts, culture and creativity.


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